TDM #9

[labyrinevents]

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.

Comments

[magusrobin]

"It's understandable. There was a lot going on." [Nodding, taking in the forest as they walked. Even here, there was a distinct lack of Neighbors - well, unless the three sisters had counted. She wasn't sure if that was due to this being Avalon-esque, or her lack of the Sight. Trying not to worry about it too much - this was a dream after all - and simply enjoying the walk.] "I'm glad you're able to recover, at least."

[Eyes widening as they reached the cityscape. She waved to the jogger as they passed.] "I haven't seen a city like this. The closest I've been to is London." [And some smaller areas in Japan, but still...]

[justdontgiveame]

"So am I-- I'd hate to think something like that bested me."

[Puck laughed at her reaction good naturedly.] "Well, it's not all of the city, I guess it's just enough to remind me of home. But I'll take it over nothing."

[The city was still covered by night, but it seemed to carry its own energy to it. It was empty save for the jogger, but it felt very lived in. Like it could populate at any given moment if they were in reality itself. As it was, it just felt awake and familiar, even if Puck and Chise themselves weren't awake at the moment.]

"Hm. If this is a dream then everything should be working in spite of it being emptier than normal. We could get a nice view of the skyline from here, but I'd have to carry you."

[magusrobin]

"A glimpse is better than nothing." [She agreed - though the selfish part of her knew she would want more than a glimpse. Any amount of time felt too short...]

[Chise seemed to consider Puck's offer, but genuine curiosity shown in her eyes. Nodding after a moment.] "I'd like to see it." [And, even though she would blush a small amount in embarrassment, she was used to being carried. It was normally just Elias who did the carrying... but she tried not to think too much about that. It only served to feed the bittersweet feeling in her chest - wishing he was here, or at least if she could allow him to see this place too...]

[justdontgiveame]

"That's a wise way of phrasing it!"

[Puck grinned when she accepted it, noted the blush, and just attributed it nerves.] "Ah-- Don't worry! I've carried others before, I won't drop you or anything. It's also much faster to fly up than it is to walk stairs" [He offered one of his hands.] "Shall we then?"

((She's so conflicted XD))

[magusrobin]

"That's a relief. And very true..." [Even though her body was feeling fine now, with how Puck talked, she was pretty sure she didn't want to walk up all those steps.]

[Accepting his hand, she nodded somewhat shyly, unsure of what to expect.]

((XD))

[justdontgiveame]

[Puck pulled Chise close and simply picked her up the way he'd grab anyone else. Holding her around the waist with both of his arms, facing outward so she could see as they went, he lifted into the air and took his time climbing up. The lights of the city stretched with them for a bit as they traveled but evened out as they reached the halfway point. Puck hovered for a few minutes.] "See? We'll stay here for a few minutes and then finish going upwards. How are you feeling?"

(I mean, Elias picks her up bridal style XD So that's why she's like "oh" when Puck suggested it XD)

[magusrobin]

[Chise closed her eyes initially as they flew upwards, her posture relaxing though - she knew Puck wouldn't drop her, at least. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she turned to address him.]

"I'm good. Better than that, but... believe it or not, this isn't my first time flying. Though the last time was in a dream." [Then, she let out a small laugh.] "I guess this is in a dream too." [She turned back to look at the city, lights reflecting in her gaze. Her voice came out in a soft whisper.] "They're like lots of little stars..."

(that's fair!)

[justdontgiveame]

"Aren't they?" [Puck agreed before he climbed further, the lights changing position as he went. Once they were at the skyline properly, he floated to a nearby office building and landed on the roof. Once he was sure Chise's feet were on the floor, Puck let her go.]

"There-- one of the better views in the city. It looks much different from up here, but they both have their charms." [If the halfway point was seeing a lot of stars, then the higher version was akin to a blanket made out of them. Puck sat on the edge of the building, one leg idly hanging over it casually.] "I prefer this one honestly."

[magusrobin]

[She cautiously made her way over to the edge, not quite dangling over it, but sitting back a fair distance.] "Heights... still make me nervous sometimes. But this? It's beautiful up here." [Leaning back so she could look up at the stars.] "Mind if I ask why it's your preferred view?" [She could maybe speculate but... some part of her wanted to hear his reasoning.]

[justdontgiveame]

[Puck looked back at Chise and then moved until he was back away from the edge to sit in the same area with a grin.] "You can see more of it." [He answered simply with a shrug.] "It's comfortable, I guess, and helps me keep a better perspective."

[magusrobin]

[She hummed thoughtfully.] "True. I like your answer though - it's simplistic, but says a lot about your character as well." [Giving him a smile, before her gaze settled on the view above them.] "A field of stars can either seem incredibly humbling or filled with immense loneliness, depending on the perspective." [She spoke from some experience, though her voice was soft.] "Thank you for bringing me to see it."

[justdontgiveame]

[That caught Puck's attention and he nodded in understanding.] "Perspectives are like that with almost everything, I've found." [After Chise thanked him he smiled gently.] "You're welcome." [Puck laid back and folded his hands under his head casually, asking at seemingly random-] "Do you like pizza?" [With a glance towards her.]

[magusrobin]

"Pi...zza?" [She said the word curiously, unfamiliar as it was to her. She assumed it was a food but...] "What's it like?" [If she could hear a description, maybe she could figure out if Silky had made something similar...]

[justdontgiveame]

[Puck nodded as she repeated the term.] "It's like a cooked sandwich, that's missing its top. You stretch dough into a circle, then top it with sauce-- usually tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings like meats or vegetables before it's cooked in an oven. It's usually cut into triangles, and you're meant to eat it with your hands." [He shrugged and sat up.] "But you can eat it with a fork and knife if you want."

[magusrobin]

"Huh..." [Letting a small sound slip as she thought. Certainly, Silky had topped many different foods with such ingredients, and yet...] "I don't think I've ever tasted it before. It does sound delicious though. I assume pizza might be a favorite of yours, since you brought it up?"

[justdontgiveame]

"Is it so obvious?" [Puck joked as he widened his eyes in mock surprise.] "But yes, it's one of them. Since we're here, I thought you might like to try it." [It's not quite the same as being in Manhattan itself, but for a dream, it was close enough.]

[magusrobin]

"Not so much obvious as... just an educated guess." [Giving him a sheepish expression. But she had been able to tell - it was something he was interested in, after all.] "Is that possible? To eat in a dream?" [She wasn't sure how this normally worked, after all, but she did seem intrigued by the thought.]

[justdontgiveame]

"I've done it at least once!" [Puck answered brightly. Which was true, but sometimes it took some extra work.] "I don't see why it wouldn't work here." [He stood up and stretched.] "What are some of your favorite vegetables?"

[magusrobin]

“I’ll be glad it works then.” [She smiled, eager to try something new.] “As for my favorite vegetables… I’m not overly picky.” Read: will eat pretty much anything “But, ones that are familiar from the garden back home… tomatoes, turnips, English pumpkins… do any of those normally go on pizza? Silky does mix in other types ever now and then, but it depends on the season.”

[justdontgiveame]

"Tomatoes are often used for the sauce, but I can't say I've heard of the others being used." [Puck shrugged and gestured towards the ground. Dream logic kicked in as an entire picnic set up just snapped into place. An open pizza box rested on top of the blanket, holding a vegetable pizza with turnips and English pumpkin on it, in smaller bite sized pieces. Steam drifted from the pizza and with a clatter some plates and silverware landed next to the box. Puck nodded as he looked over everything.] "Glad that's still working, it saves us a trip."

((This pizza is going to be great XD and Chise won't know any different))

[magusrobin]

[Chise didn't seem overly surprised as the setup appeared - beyond this being a dream, she was used to such things happening by circumstance. Still, she looked curiously at the pizza, taking a sniff. It was exactly what she had mentioned, small chunks of turnip and pumpkin on top.]

"It's certainly convenient." [She motioned towards the blanket.] "Shall we sit?"

((yes good))

[justdontgiveame]

"Of course." [Puck would sit down only after Chise. Once they were both seated, he served her a piece and handed off some of the silverware just in case.] "There you are-- and it really is!"

[Puck then served himself, but would eat with his hands.]

(TY for giving me a situation to use this icon XD))

[magusrobin]

[Chise uttered a small "thanks" as Puck served her a piece. She took a long moment staring at it, stuck between using the utensils he had offered or using her hands. She watched him, unsure, before settling on the former, cutting the slice into small bits and taking a bite.]

"It's quite good!" [She smiled, though it might have been because she was used to the flavors despite the dish being new. Politely, she took a few more small bites.] "So, when did you first discover pizza? That... might have sounded odd, but I find there were so many dishes I hadn't eaten before moving to London."

((XD))

[justdontgiveame]

"This specific type? Roughly fifteen years ago when I came to Manhattan." [Puck answered after eating some more, amused that Chise was enjoying it.] "But I've known of it in some form before then. And no, I've been asked stranger things. Most places have some kind of menu in general for their area. It comes with being populated." [He shrugged.] "Or just with beings existing, I suppose. What were some of the new dishes you tried?"

((Chise trying not to be like "I would have been one year old" XD))

[magusrobin]

"Fifteen years..." [She tried not to think how long ago that would have been. Taking another polite bite.] "Have you noticed many changes to it in that time? It sounds like a long time... but then I remember that mages are alive for much longer too..."

"And too many to describe. But I've had... many forms of breakfast. Pancakes with bacon on top, tea and finger sandwiches and biscuits, muffins, soups and pies made from tomatoes... oh, Christmas pudding too! It was spring, so not the holiday, but Silky aged the pudding while I was asleep for a few weeks, so it was kind of a coming home present. There's also a variety of foods at the College, but that's more buffet style."

"Does... that mean you haven't been back to Avalon in fifteen years?" [Her question came out small, hesitant, worried for him. Wondering if she should have asked it at all - yet she wouldn't take it back. Clearly, if he dreamed of this place, she could see how fond he might be of it.]