buttrinthum | TDM #9

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TDM #9

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 in scrawling, jagged lettering that seems a bit... ominous:

“Welcome to my LABYRINTH where your wish, you wish you wish youwishyouwish– Your CONTRACT is SEALED.”

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: Larkspur and Anemone You’ll soon find out that being around the Larkspur makes you almost overwhelmingly tired, to the point you might even feel sluggish and in desperate need of a comfy place to rest. Why not lie down right in the garden? Or better yet, find someone to snuggle up with and sleep your worries away. The only truly strange part? You don’t seem to dream. At all. Straying too close to the Anemones, meanwhile, grants an entirely different effect. One second you’ll be walking through the garden and then suddenly you’re twenty feet away and facing the wrong direction. Even worse, whatever those flowers have done to you will sometimes make it so you “glitch” through solid objects – your leg might suddenly be lodged in the ground despite it being perfectly solid a moment before, or your arm could be shoved halfway into a wall that… actually, was that wall even there before? Nevermind that. The effects only last for a few minutes at worst, so at least you’re not stuck there forever, right?

Liminal Spaces and Worn Out Faces

Thanks to the combined efforts of dreamers and dragons, Vaeros is asleep. No one knows for how long. The locals aren’t particularly pleased with this turn of events and the village is a mess, but at least the moon is high in the sky again and everything is back to normal… relatively speaking. Things start to change... morph into something more dreamy, more surreal. It's subtle at first but after a few days…

The aftermath of the overgrowth, animal attacks, and the overall chaos of Vaeros' tantrum has left the village a little worse for wear. While most of the damages are cosmetic and could be fixed by the local's efforts alone, maybe a little help would be appreciated? If nothing else, it might help alleviate a little bit of the tension still lingering in the air after the events at the castle.

That, and the locals seem to be acting kind of strange. Leaving them to their own devices might not be the best idea. The Gelfling you are aiding in repairing a half-broken wall has been hammering for what seems like hours and when you look to see what they're doing, they haven't actually made any progress - they're just hitting the same spot over and over again, potentially making the hole even bigger. Did the goblin you just passed have a completely blank face for a moment? Others might walk into things, off of things (Starlight Cliff might be a hazard zone), or suddenly and inexplicably become aggressive toward dreamers, grabbing anything they can get their hands on (kitchenware, vegetables, a goose??) to use as a weapon. It's a very bizarre scene and the villagers don't seem to notice there is anything wrong with the people around them.

It’s not just the locals either. The animals have been acting equally strange. There's a wolf inside the clothing shop trying on suits, a goat standing (or trying to stand) on its hind legs, bleating out random words like a town crier while jingling a bell around its neck to get everyone's attention. Where you should find the local baker, suddenly they're replaced with a deer holding a paddle in its mouth to stir up a batch of brownies.

To top it all off, there's an eerie sense of deja vu no matter where you go or what you do. Didn't you just help that goblin with the wheelbarrow an hour ago? So why is it halfway across town again? You could have sworn you had to go and grab groceries, but your pantry is full like someone already had.

Up is Down, In is Out

Days pass and the oddities continue to make themselves more and more apparent. The sidewalks seem uneven and wobbly at times, threatening to toss people walking across them to the ground or even fling them into the air with a sudden violent ripple. Walking through the forest sees the leaves of the trees melting into green goo that sticks to your clothes, your hair, and your skin - potentially staining them green and leaving you in dire need of a bath. You can always wash off in the lake, of course, but even that is not free of the strangeness occurring in Visium. The water of Lake Omen has turned to lava, at least in color; although there is no heat radiating from it when one approaches. That, and the locals are still fishing in it without issue, save the fact that they keep pulling up fish with tophats on.

Speaking of fish - they're raining from the sky now (tophats or not) in all sorts of different colors, shapes, and sizes. Good news! They're still edible. Bad news, they're probably trying to sell you something.

If you do decide to try the fish or any other meal in town, especially those served by the locals, you'll find that it doesn't taste like much of anything and most certainly doesn't fill you up, at least not at first. Everything is bland and unappealing until left in the presence of dreamers - and the more you share the meal with, the faster the taste returns.

Dream Within a Dream Within a Dream Within a Dream Within

Even with Vaeros asleep, only a small portion of the labyrinth is still accessible. Those that attempt to explore will find sections made up of pillows and cushions, and no matter what time of day it is elsewhere, this portion of the labyrinth seems to be stuck in perpetual twilight. Explorers will also immediately feel drowsy, then lulled to sleep by the quiet singing whispered through the air like a lullaby. Anyone brave enough to try and rescue those poor souls from their impromptu naps would be wise to plug their noses and cover their ears with earmuffs to block out the sound.

At night, dreamers dream. They will be visited by the same melody heard in the labyrinth, though it is distant. They will also hear a woman telling them to spend more time together, to bond and create things together in order to soothe the effects of Vaeros' magic growing wild in his dreams. Dreamers will also have the ability to visit other's dreams, meeting in a dreamy light liminal space that will not feel so real when they awaken.

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

Eilonwy had seen weird things before, sure. Of course she had, it came with the territory of Llyr and Prydain both, but raining fish that were singing was new even for her. She looked over to Luz, eyes widening at Stringbean's change in size.

"It's.. I can't say that it isn't. I can say that alcohol has never caused this." That was the only drug Eilonwy had experience with but she'd never once hallucinated after having some. To be fair, the amounts she had were very small. Nowhere near enough to actually get drunk on. As the song finished and things looked to be taking a break, Eilonwy rubbed her forehead.

"Should I find us some cloaks for this rain?" she joked.

It was taking some time for even Luz to get used to the raining fish, and the fact that they could sing.

What was life even.

"I don't think I could drink anything that would cause me to see these things, but I'm inclined to believe that the right mushroom might give you some fish with top hats."

Alcohol would continue to be something Luz was sure she wasn't terribly interested in. It just tasted gross to her.

"Is it made of rainbows? I feel like it might be made of rainbows. With the way this days is going, I wouldn't be surprised."

The song was nothing Eilonwy recognized and she didn't understand why it only had the one lyric. What in the world.

"Oh, yes- some mushrooms can be very toxic!"

Eilonwy wasn't a big fan of wine either, but would have to drink a small bit at a gathering as custom. She preferred milk over anything.

"It's been very odd, hasn't it? I've never seen things this weird before--" And this was having dealt with the witch sisters in Prydain. Eilonwy felt a headache trying to start and rubbed at her temples. "Do you think they'll mind if we bow out of this concert?"

Oh, Luz loved that song, but had no idea where the fish had learned it. Far be it from Luz to besmirch a dance classic.

"They can make you see a LOT of things, according to what the internet tells me. Something about the Psilocybin in it that makes people trip. The toxic mushrooms I'm sure just kill you."

Honestly Luz would probably like cocktails, but she was in no rush to seek them out.

"I guess this is what happens when there's not an equilibrium force in Somnius to keep things balanced? Things just get sorta...wonky. Might be better if we take shelter somewhere."

It was very catchy, all things considered.

"Some of them are slower acting, but yes, the result is the same."

She looked around and nodded. "One of the houses would probably be the safest. Mine or yours? Or somewhere else?"

Luz loved dance music, and wished she honestly had more access to music here.

"Don't know enough to say for sure. I'd probably be inclined not to eat things I see on the floor."

Good question. "I wouldn't mind seeing your place again."

"No, that's a very smart way of dealing with things!" Eilonwy confirmed with a smile. Some more music would be very nice, the more she thought about it.

She nodded. "Of course! I can make us some tea and food, and I've done some decorating!"

"That means I'll just have to look up and ask about all this local stuff, but at least then I'll be able to let other people know about them too."

Which would be fine, so long as Vaeros didn't start changing things on a whim.

"Decorating, you say? This I have to see! Assuming nothing weird is going to happen when we go there."

Hopefully he didn't. Maybe he wouldn't for the time being, but Eilonwy had some doubt. She pushed it aside for the time being and would examine it later.

"I haven't noticed any fish falling out of the sky, but some of the books are being odd. I've put them away for the time being, and everything else seems normal. It's just some drawings for clothing designs and I've been working on a very nice blanket for my main room. I'd thought about getting some plants but after last month it doesn't seem like a good idea."

Eilonwy watched the fish for another moment and then looked back to Luz. "Ready?"

One catastrophe at a time, please. They had more than enough to go around.

"You know, that might sounds a little boring for some kids, but I think I'd honestly like to see all of that. The plant thing is...probably a good idea to be hesitant about unless you either have someone you live with who can pear them down or find someone who can when things gets all crazy like this. It's honestly a super nice addition to your home."

Luz grinned, already doing a stretch. "Oh, I so am."

Absolutely.

"I have some other friends who like plants, but I'll keep it an idea for the time being."

Eilonwy would lead the way to her cottage, making small talk as they went. Once they arrived, she unlocked the door and held it open for Luz. "Please, come in."

The cottage is a mix of utilitarian and cozy, and looks like it's kept clean. Her bed is under one of the windows, in a corner of the main room. On it is a work in progress blanket with a series of yarns laid out in specific colors. In her kitchen, a kettle is resting and waiting to be used for hot water or tea as needed. Her clothes are neatly hung up, and her swords rest near the foot of her bed, sheathed.

"Good luck!"

Luz was glad to continue in stride, casually mentioning some of the animals she'd turned into.

"Oh, and I accidentally turned into a snake with Webby, SUPER weird. Being cold blooded is definitely more of an adjustment than you'd think. I'll have to try it again..."

Luz couldn't help staring at the place in wonder. It had such a relaxed, sweet feel to it, like it radiated coziness with hints of the world Eilonwy came from. The swords were a nice touch too.

"Wow, this is a nice place! And the blankets' sure coming along!"

"I could imagine, but I think you can manage it!"

Once they were in, Eilonwy closed the door after them and smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, it suits me well enough, I think. Make yourself comfortable, I'll get water going for tea."

There were some chairs to sit on, most with pillows, Eilonwy headed into the kitchen and got the fire going.

"It didn't help that I was poisoned at the time! I wonder why it helped changing into a snake be much easier?"

Luz smiled, and decided to sit in what looked like the second comfiest chair, sitting crosslegged and looking around.

"Do you live here alone?"

"Maybe because you were thinking of both?"

With the fire started, Eilonwy headed back into the main room and took a seat near Luz while she waited.

"Yes, is it that obvious? It took a while to get used to it, but now it doesn't bother me as much. There are still chores to be done and other things to do." Eilonwy smiled. "I also visit friends."

"No, I was hallucinating when I was poisoned, and while Webby was trying to get an antidote, I started wondering if this was what I needed to feel like to be a snake and then I just WAS. It was so strange!"

Luz gave Eilonwy a nod when she came back.

"I thought you'd have adults here all swarming to make sure they took care of you. Not that you need that! I just figured kids as young as us tend to have people sort of swoop down and be parents. But you actually keep house a lot nicer than a lot of adults I know."

"That is strange, but I'm glad you're better."

Eilonwy laughed a little. "I've had several check that I'm okay, but none offering to keep house for me." She looked around the cottage and nodded. "Thank you, it's much easier for me to clean a bit each day than to wait until it seems like it needs more work. " It was still a lot of work per day, but Eilonwy was used to it.

"Look, if I could explain all the weird things about me, I'm sure it would save my mom several gray hairs."

She was trying for a joke, but suddenly thinking of her mom did make Luz look a little sad, so she tried to recover.

"I would probably lose my head a little to try and keep a whole place clean! That's why me, Willow, Hunter and now Amity take turns cleaning parts of the house. For what it;s worth, yours looks pretty great!"

Eilonwy just followed Luz's lead and focused on the next part of what had been said, but did laugh softly at the joke.

"Oh, it did take me a while to get used to it! But it's good that you all take turns, that must make it easier." She smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, I think I do well enough." As the water boiled and the kettle started to whistle, Eilonwy headed back into the kitchen to get things ready.

Luz was at least comfortable enough to make small jokes about her mom. She could accept by now that by certain standards, she was something of a handful.

"I'll bet! And yes, it does. Luckily, we both have a pretty agreeable idea of keeping things neat. I think you have the harder set up, since no one else lives here."

Honestly, they all had a tendency to crowd a few more things than needed, but they still cleaned up after themselves.

With the tea brewing in each cup, Eilonwy picked them up and headed back into the main room slowly. "Sometimes I wonder about having someone to live with, but I've gotten used to it. This also isn't as large as the castle in Llyr." Slightly less work, but it was still work.

The cups were sat down onto the table, one in front of Luz, one where Eilonwy had been sitting before she headed back into the kitchen and made short work of making a plate with bread, cheese, and some fruits. The plate was put onto the table between both of them as she sat back down. "There we are-- Do you want honey for your tea?"

"That is true. I've thought about getting us a castle, just so we have more room, but that's also so much more space to clean. So I settled for giving us a spare room in case we have company over!"

Luz clapped her hands eagerly when she saw the bread/cheese and fruit spread.

"Aw, that's looks great! And yes, honey please. I'd wish for cream, but then I might have to hit the bathroom later."

No thank you.

"A castle's very different, yes! It can seem like you're always cleaning it."

Eilonwy grabbed the honey from the kitchen and sat it on the table near everything else. "There you are-- I remember you mentioning that before about cream."

With everything ready, Eilonwy sat down and had a drink of her tea as she sat back in the chair.

"Exactly, and who has time for that? Things are constantly shifting and changing in Somnius, I can't make the time for cleaning cobblestone or whatever!"

Besides, castles made her think of Belos, and she wasn't eager to visit that kind of dwelling anytime soon.

"Yeah. I do miss it, but making tea sweet will at least be enough. It'll have to do."

She is happy to have Eilonwy's company more than anything anyway.

"So. What's new?"

Eilonwy laughed. "It does take a lot of time, and really you can leave it alone for at least a few days."

She added some honey to her own tea once Luz was done and stirred it in as she spoke.

"I've been thinking about getting back into walking the forest more often. Not right this moment because things are.." Eilonwy trailed off and had a sip of her tea. "Well, with fish raining from the sky and trees looking like they're melting, I'm sure I can wait. But in the meantime it'd be nice to try more cooking, I think. What about yourself?"

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