buttrinthum | TDM #8

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TDM #8

Arrival / Enchanted Garden

Whether it be sleep or death, you feel your eyes close, and as your body begins to let go, you see a barn owl that is flying through the darkness, soon sweeping you across the clouded sky. You feel yourself mouth the words, “I wish, I wish..” and utter your deepest and darkest desire.

When you regain consciousness, you’ll find you are in an unfamiliar place with no recognition of how you arrived here. You have the clothes on your back, but nothing else. No weapons and if you had a particular superpower, you’ll notice it is missing. All you have is a satchel with a piece of bread, a vial of water, and a potion. The potion could be red, blue or golden. There are no instructions about these potions other than two words: Drink Me.

Will you drink it or not?

There is a parchment, handwritten, and it simply gives you a welcoming:

“Welcome to my Labyrinth. Per our agreement, you have consented to live your life here for an undetermined amount of time. In exchange, I will grant you the wish that you desire the most.”

You’re in a garden, surrounded by flowers and plants– most of which you cannot identify. However, there are a few that you can make out: purple carnations and generous fields of shamrocks. You’ll soon find out that being around the purple carnations can cause someone to act impulsively, following every whim of their heart to the point of almost being erratic. It might almost feel as though they’re having a hard time keeping track of which way is up and which way is down the way their whims change on a dime. This can cause quite a confusing first interaction, but the fields of shamrocks are no less confusing considering laying about in or spending time walking through these fields will cause the dreamer to feel lighter than air. Literally. Be careful! It’s almost like interacting with the world as though you’re lacking gravity. Jumps are higher, staying on the ground seems a little difficult, (but don't worry you won't float away), and generally being easy to push around are all something you should keep an eye on. Luckily, 30 minutes away from the shamrocks will make the effect go away.

Flower Magic and the Plantening

Though it’s not exactly celebrated every year, and sometimes it’s done more subtly depending on the whims of the land, the locals (Gelfling and Goblin alike) always prepare for the spring. This year the locals can pull out all the stops for the changing of the seasons thanks to a genial past few months (give or, uh, take haha) . As the cold weather starts to warm and the snow drifts thaw and melt away, new life is already growing. It’s the signal that the locals need to prepare for the planting season of their gardens and crops as well as prepare for the magical cleansing meant to bring in good luck and positive magical energies.

Planting gardens and planning for vegetables and herbs of all kinds has a special twist to it, or this wouldn’t be Somnius. It’s a group effort, and not a soul will be allowed to skip participation. So long as the grumpiest plant at least one seed, their participation counts. But it all must be done with flower crowns made by locals and dreamers alike. The locals are happy to teach Dreamers how to weave the crowns together and dust in little bits of magic to make them glow pleasantly once perched atop someone’s head.

Just… one little thing? These flower crowns will enhance emotions, or feelings just a little or a lot. It all depends upon the flower the crown is made of.

Flower Choices
Amaryllis: The wearer becomes extremely boastful and confident, even when (or perhaps, especially when) they have nothing to show for it.
Bittersweet: Good luck lying until the crown is removed! The dreamer will feel compelled not only to speak, but to speak only the brutal and honest truth.
Columbine: The world just became 500% funnier. That random Gelfling sneeze? Adorable and hilarious. The way that Goblin’s hair looks? Absolutely hysterical. The dreamer will be unable to stop giggling until the effects wear off.
Fennel: It’s time to show your appreciation for everyone. The dreamer wearing this will feel extremely complimentary, and will not hesitate to tell anybody the things they like about them.
Rose: Love is in the air, but… have you… always felt this way about your friend, or is something strange happening? The dreamer who wears this crown will find themselves absolutely enamored with the next person they meet.
Tansy: Everything just seems to be striking a nerve with you today. The dreamer will find themselves gripped with an intense bout of anger, and they won’t hesitate to show it. Better tell that Gelfling that just bumped into you who you really are.

Only after you have a flower crown can you then participate in the real labor of spring: planting. Hoeing, watering, fertilizing, it’s all hard work but it’ll be worth it by the time everything starts to grow. Food tastes better when you grow it yourself. Try not to play around too much, but a little horsing around never hurt anyone.

Cleansing for a New Year

It’s not only the fields and flower gardens that need tending to with the turn of the seasons, and the locals are making a party of it. The morning hours are reserved for changing out of “seasonal” decorations and other tidying, while the afternoon and evening hours are reserved for celebration and commerce.

Holly and pine wreaths and garlands are taken down, animals are finally let out from their cozy barns to graze on the new shoots of grass peeking from the chilled soil, homes are being aired out and well traveled roads need to be reblessed. Everyone seems to be doing their part in some way, but it’s still a lot of work to be done by the time things are in full swing for spring! Those dreamers who live to clean will really be living this month. Just make sure to sweep OUT the bad energy. Never in.

The locals encourage (and some even insist) that the ones they share space with pick up a broom, shovel or just get their hands dirty and start working. Animals need feeding and tending to and barn hands are in high demand! Whether it be chickens, ducks, cows, or sheep, the animals need their feed and also need their spaces to be cleaned, too. No one said this was glamorous work, but hey! Maybe you’ll manage to come away with some animal products from a particularly grateful farmer.

Salting the roads not only helps keep still receding ice from being as slick but it also brings in good luck and good energies. Be careful to spread the salt given out through the streets, but don’t spill any in the dirt or where things grow. Salted earth or plants will doom Dreamers with bad luck if they make this grave mistake! The effect will last for a week or so, so it’s best avoided.

When the warmest part of the day hits, that’s when the working gloves come off. The centermost part of town has been turned into a festival area complete with a may pole, potluck pot the size of a small boulder the size of a large boulder, tables of roasted food, and a variety of drinks. There are also a few games, including cheese rolling in which dreamers can either roll cheese or be turned into cheese to be rolled (maybe that’s just a joke? Hmm). Lively music played by one of the ~~least terrible~~ most popular goblin bands fills the air.

Contributing to the potluck pot will give participants a little joyful boost, there’s a little more pep in their step, a little less fatigue from working all day, and some may find that their dirtied clothes are woven into clean, springy attire for the celebration that lasts well into the night to wear at the Night Bazaar.

Nightlife Bazaar

cw: spiders

Coming along with the other festivities is a convention of sorts, for all things magical! Witches and all kinds of magical practitioners are here to show off their skills and sell their wares to anyone interested - locals and Dreamers alike. Take a look around, there might be something that catches your eye that a hag or so will be willing to part with…for a decent price.. Be warned though, not every witch and warlock at this bazaar are totally honest. Phonies will try to peddle basic goods and magical objects for far more than they’re worth. Keep your wits about you, Dreamers, otherwise not only will you lose your shards and come away with nothing but junk, but you may find some items that are more trouble than they’re worth.

Just a FEW of the Booths...

Fortune Telling: A hag that is DEFINITELY not three kobolds in a trenchcoat is offering fortune telling services (tarot, palm reading, crystal ball, etc. Go nuts). Dreamers get their fortunes told! Can be about love, luck, other stuff.
Brooms: Want to take a ride on a broomstick? Well, look no further! A dandy young witch is offering (insert pun about brooms/horse here) rides for anyone looking for a fun time soaring through the moonlight! Pay a fee and get a ride for you and maybe another person, if they’re bold enough to hang on tight… The moon is looking lovely tonight, so why not take a spin over the treetops? Just don’t try and go too far - these cleaning utensils are magicked to fly back to their “pens” after a certain amount of time. Also if you crash it, you cash it. So don’t.
Brews and Tonics: That shifty-looking wizard there is offering up “brews” for an outrageous price, so clearly they must be potent, right? He seems very eager for people to try and even offers up a couple of sample sippers. Looking for teeth whitening? He’s got that. A growth potion for you shortstacks? Obviously, it’s right here. Can’t get senpai to notice you? Well, he’s got a brew that’ll make them never take their eyes off you! And with a smile as wide and toothy as his, surely nothing will go wrong, right? [[Note: They will ALL go wrong. How, is up to the player!]]
Familiar Petting Zoo: Careful, some of them do bite, but that’s only the more exotic ones. Black cats of all shapes and sizes, corvids that will tell you to shove it if you ask them about Lenore, and toads that may or may not have hypnotic powers if you stare into their unblinking eyes a little too long - all manner of fun and interesting creatures are here to pet and play with for a small fee. Just do try not to poke and prod at them too much, will you? They only have a meager amount of fortitude and tend to, ahem…combust if under enough pressure. But not into flames! Goodness, what do you take us for?! No, Dreamers will find that once a familiar combusts, their hands and clothes will be stained with a glow-in-the-dark “secretion” that might cause them to sparkle under the moonlight. ....It also attracts spiders. En masse.

OOC

Welcome to the labyrinthum TDM! Characters will arrive depowered and with only their clothing, and will be given a satchel with a crystal pendant, a communication device, some water and bread and a magic potion. If they drink the potion, they will manifest an elemental, healing or animal transformation ability.

With the exception of Castle Vaeros, characters are free to go as they please, so feel free to place them in any of the locations available on the map. Yes, this includes the Labyrinth - though characters will not be able to clear the maze.

You can find more information about the game here. Any questions regarding the TDM can go under the comment below.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Rare was it that humans were bold enough to approach him out of the blue- at least in his world anyway. Oblivious to his long absence, he remembered that those here had no fear of him. It was a curious thing that gave the young Fae endless amusement.

And this instance was little exception, and of course he did like to reward such boldness. So he leaned down slightly to have a proper word.]

Is there something I can help you with, child of man?

[Oh man. Sunny is way out of his league here, he knows very well; still, he just can't shake how beautiful this man - not a human, certainly - is. He really didn't have much planned after that nervous wave, and at the question, his brain goes totally blank, leaving him stammering wordlessly as blush continues to warm his cheeks.

[A few anxious moments pass where he doesn't say a thing, but eventually, he snaps out of his daze long enough to grab one of the stray flowers up from off the ground. He extends it toward Malleus, hand trembling slightly.

[With his free hand, he points to his crown.]

Have...you made one?

[He thought little of the other mentally stalling for a moment. He typically found humans to be quite quick in all things they did, speaking included. He could not blame them given their short lives, but he would welcome the more leisurely pace of conversation all the same.]

Ah, I have not. I am ill-suited for such delicate tasks. You see, I am something quite large that has merely taken a small form.

[He paused thoughtfully, nuking something over. This place has changed him, so perhaps the usual rules did not apply. Perhaps this would be an interesting experience.

Or he’ll still find a way to butcher the task and make a mess of things anyway.]

Though, perhaps weakened as I am, the experience shall be different this time.

Something...large? [A half-finished question, but Sunny is a boy of few words in most circumstances.

[At Malleus' concession, he scoots over a few inches to make room for the other to sit. A wide array of various flowers are still situated all around him. He only went for the roses himself, but there are plenty of others.]

[He gracefully sat himself down next to the human, and inspected the flowers briefly before similarly choosing the roses. He was rather fond of the briars, and specifically only took roses that had not been dethorned.

The implied question though, that was difficult to think about. He need not answer, as most would surely fear him if they knew what he was. But a question was asked and as a fae he struggled not to answer. Perhaps they could make a “trade” of sorts! Yes, he rather liked that.]

I shall tell you under one condition: you must promise that you will not fear me. Do I have your word?

[It's a hard ask. Sunny is afraid of many things, not the least of which is his own shadow. But Somnius' flower magic is strong, and Sunny is thoroughly enamored. He'd do pretty much anything Malleus asked at this point...

[So, he nods, swallowing down a nervous lump in his throat.]

[He was pleased by that answer. It was a trade then!

Though now he that he could have asked for more. Yes, he could have struck a bargain in exchange for friendship! Alas, the trade was made, and he would respect the terms.]

I am of the Fae- more specifically, I am a dragon.

[Sunny's eyes go slightly wide, his mouth falling open in hushed amazement - not fear, for whatever it's worth! It seems he is thus far able to keep his promise.

[A real dragon. And Sunny believes him 100%. It just makes sense in a world like this. He can't believe he's actually getting to meet one (and such a handsome one at that...).]

That's...amazing...

[Well, for what it’s worth, when flirting with a big magical fae lizard, flattery is a good way to start.

Because he just brightens up, clearly delighted! He’s even sporting a big, bright, incredibly unsettling smile full of teeth. His surrogate dad back home says they’re cute though, so clearly nothing to worry about.]

You are bold for thinking such, but I find such boldness to be a respectable trait.

There are few that do not fear me, so such admiration is a welcome change.

[He’s preening, basically.]

[The teeth are...a little unsettling, but the roses on Sunny's head are doing a lot of the heavy lifting there. Normally, he probably would be afraid by now, but when he looks at Malleus, all he feels is pure adoration. It's enough that he has to lay a soft hand on his own chest, fingers pulsing with his own heartbeat.]

You...don't seem scary. You...[You're beautiful.] You're nice...

[It's rare that anyone would call Sunny bold, by the way. Almost makes him feel a bit like preening himself...]

[Finally! Someone has noticed! He has been working very hard on behaving! He hasn’t even broken his phone yet!]

I have worked to learn more of humans to better understand them. Fae can be dangerous to your kind, you see. We are long lived with many rules, and a variety of dispositions.

But I am more lenient than most. I am a prince, and I must understand all in my nation, both Fae and Human alike.

[And he's a prince? Sunny's heart thuds hard in his chest. Oh man...]

I've never met a prince...

What...are your rules? [He wants to know everything.]

I have adapted to human customs enough that you need not worry about such things.

[He paused to think for a moment. This was a land filled with Fae of all sorts, this human would do well to be armed with knowledge.]

Though I suppose such would be good to know.

[Now where to start? Ah, introductions would be a good place.]

The first ‘rule’ is less a rule, and more of a warning. It is unwise to give a Fae your true name, for there are magics that can use such to control you. In fact, I believe such a spell is how we have all need taken here.

Keep in mind, Fae do not take well to lies, for we rarely lie ourselves, so you must not offer them a falsehood in place of your name. To offer a nickname, or an abbreviation of your name will keep you safe.

[A nickname, or an abbreviation..."Sun" maybe, or...just "S". But Sunny has a better idea, he thinks. This wouldn't be a lie - it could certainly be considered his own name, in that it's the name of the version of himself that he wishes he could be...

[Confident. Calm. Not afraid of a single thing. That's...]

Omori.

[And he holds out his hand (nervously) for a shake.]

Malleus Draconia.

[And he mimics the gesture- not incredibly familiar with it so he was awkwardly stilted with it, but clearly delighted to be participating in this normal mundane human greeting! Look at him. A master of human customs!]

It is a pleasure, Omori.

Would you like to hear more of our rules?

["Omori," huh...?]

["Malleus Draconia". He'll be writing that name in his sketchbook later tonight. Their hands touch, and a little shiver goes through him - he can't help it! He's a man in love...

[At Malleus's offer, he nods, clearly ready to listen.]

[The touch goes past his notice, he was still fascinated by handshakes and the like.]

Among the most important are the rules of hospitality. One must always be a gracious guest, and a gracious host. However do not eat Fae food, it is likely enchanted.

Though many Fae are incapable of lying outright and are compelled to answer that which is asked. If you ask and the answer is indirect, you may assume it is enchanted.

[Then he looks so very pleased with himself as he continues.]

You need not worry about food I make, as I have learned how to make food fit for humans.

[It’s an omelette. The only thing he can make is an omelette.]

[Sunny listens intently - completely enthralled, even - and by the end, he's blinking in surprise. Enchanted food...]

I...think I ate some.

[Last month when Somnius became a Wonderland...]

It made two of me.

[Because Omori - the "real"(?) Omori-- Well, whoever that Omori was that Sunny met - he's only an extension of Sunny (right?). Surely his separate form was just a strange effect of what now sounds like Fae food. Sunny tries not to think too hard about it - this is all just a dream, after all.]

[That gets quite a laugh out of him. That was actually quite a clever bit of mischief if he did say so himself.]

Yes, yes that does indeed sound like a Fae enchantment!

[His mirth wuickly subsides and he goes on to elaborate.]

You are fortunate that is all it did. While the intention may not be malevolent, Fae are not often considerate of a human’s perspective when planning their games and tricks.

To put someone to sleep for a few decade is a harmless prank to us Fae, but could be disastrous for one of your kind, for example.

But, should you find yourself in trouble, do not hesitate to invoke my name. Most will know better than to invoke my ire.

[That’s right. Malleus isn’t just one of the Fae. He’s a Fae prince. And he’s offering to help protect Sunny…?]

Th-thank you.

[Well, less a prince and more a dragon. Other Fae tended to be mindful when they could fit in his mouth. Not that he thought much about the why. He was feared. That was enough.]

It is the least I can do. I must be one to meditate such things after all.

[Even if that means threatening to eat one party. Don’t worry about it.]

[You’re right. Sunny would be remiss not to recall that Malleus is a dragon. Has his heart beat until now?]

It’s nice of you.

[aaaand he’s preening again. Why yes. It is nice of him isn’t it?]

You would do well to share this advice with your fellow humans as well, Omori.

You may be bold enough to speak with me, but such is not the case for all here. Such advice may be better heeded coming from one of their own.

[Is he being given a quest right now...?

[Sunny nods, perhaps a bit too eager. Malleus is entrusting him with something...]

I will.

[Maybe...he'll post a list of rules on the network or something...? If he can work up the courage...]

TDM #8

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