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buttrinthum2024-04-30 10:34 pm
TDM #9
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:
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
no subject
[She offered with a smile. And then she had to wonder if she had been listening to Elias’ lecture prep a bit too much… At his inquiry, however, it was the first time she truly hesitated. She fell silent, working something over in her mind, mostly unreadable except for the small glimpses of thought reflected in her eyes.]
…I was studying magic. Or how best to use it, without overuse, since there are some consequences if I do… I know most of the Dreamers I’ve met here are familiar with the concept but… it seems like there are differences between where they come from and mine.
no subject
Oh! Magic? That's really exciting. Definitely not something we had in my reality. [ Everything fantastical that happens there has a solid foundation in cognitive psience, which is definitely not magic. Obviously. ] Can I ask, ah... what kind of magic? Like, with a wand, or...
[ He mimes a little pulling a rabbit out of a hat motion, possibly because he realizes how stupid it's going to sound before he says it. ]
no subject
no subject
[ The very idea of the kind of magic she's describing is something out of a fantasy movie he'd never have time to see back home, and he finds it endearing for that reason.
But he'll allow her to shift the topic, as much as he never feels like he knows what to say about himself. It's only fair, since he asks it of others, but still. ]
Well, let's see. You already know that I'm a counselor, and I worked for a high school in Tokyo before this... and I'm very boring and can't do magic! What else is there? I love to cook, though I haven't gotten a chance to do much of it lately. Oh, there's someone else from my reality here! How about you?
no subject
As long as you really don't mind.
[Chise listened to his explanation with polite attentiveness, picking out a few things of interest.] I'm sure you are more interesting than you give yourself credit for - but it can be difficult to see our qualities for ourselves. Sometimes, it takes others to remind us... or to warn us of them... [Her expression changed, gaze traveling to the ground.] So you have someone else you know here? I'm... somewhat envious, if I admit it. [Unless it was someone he didn't get along with? She thought what else she could say about herself.] I'm not that great at talking about myself but... I enjoy making potpourri. And, aside from my studies, I generally help my teacher with medicinal orders back home.
no subject
Yes, although we didn't actually know one another back in our reality. He was a local celebrity, so I knew of him from afar, but he had no reason to know who I was. It's been interesting to come together here, of all places.
[ And that is exactly as much as he wants to say about Akechi, thank you!!! ]
Hm... If it isn't too much trouble, could you tell me... Who is the person you would most like to see here, in Somnius?
[ Very quickly, he waves a hand and tacks on: ]
Not that I'm saying we can, or should, manifest anyone! I'm merely curious about how the bonds we share with those back in our realities translate to this place, or if they do.
no subject
[They hadn’t known each other then. That was the equivalent of, say, one of the teachers in the College that she didn’t have for lecture showing up here suddenly. She wasn’t entirely sure how to respond to that… and, getting the feeling he didn’t really want to talk more on it, she focused on his other question. It didn’t take long for her to answer - after all, it was the blunt truth.]
Elias. My… teacher, among other things. He’s the first one to call me family in a long time. Though I promised myself I would figure out how to be less dependent on him in the future, I can’t help but wish he was here. I feel like he’d have a lot to say about the situation we are in and… truthfully, I worry about how he is back home. I don’t know the circumstances of how we are brought here - if I’m simply asleep or if I was whisked away - but… I don’t want him to feel like I’ve left him behind. And I know he would fret if I fell into another coma… Though my first instinct shouldn’t be to turn to him for help when I’m in need; here, at least, it should be to survive long enough to get back to him. [He was, after all, the place where she belonged.] Simply put, I miss him.
I… hope that’s sufficient enough of an answer. Do you have someone you would want here, Dr. Maruki?
no subject
He sounds like a wonderful influence in your life. I'm not sure if I should say that I hope he'll arrive, but if it would make things easier on both of you, perhaps I do.
[ Noted. :)
The question in return isn't one he particularly wants to answer, but he can't brush past it in good conscience. ]
As for me… I'm in much the same position that you are, but on the opposite end. A former student of mine would surely be able to figure this place out and put a stop to it, but I wouldn't want to put him in that position. Like you, I do miss him.
[ But more importantly… ]
Ah, sorry to back up, but I couldn't help but catch that – another coma?
no subject
[She picked up on that small amount of hesitance in thought, but didn’t remark on it. After all, the feeling behind his words was genuine too.]
It seems like we both have similar wants then - while Elias would surely know more than I do, I don’t want him to have to experience that. Plus… I’m not sure what arriving here would actually do to him…
[She blinked then, his question sinking in, as her gaze slid to the snack bowel - something more to focus on, as she didn’t take anything.]
Ah… when I overexert myself, my body takes it very seriously as consequence. It’s… not something I think we have to worry about here for now. After all, I don’t have my magic. But… sometimes I just need more time to recover after using it too much. So I sleep for a long while.
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His expression melts into one of pure, sympathetic concern. ]
I'm sorry, Hatori-san. That must be difficult to deal with. I'm not the most physically hardy guy myself, so I can empathize somewhat, but...
[ INTRIGUING. GO ON. ]
It's your magic that taxes you? Were you trying to learn to work around that at your school?
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A-ah, no need to apologize. It's... not easy, and it's not like I enjoy living with my body like this but... it's also the reason why I was found. So I can at least be grateful for the good it has brought me.
[After all, Elias had promised that - one day, she would have to see it as a small fortune gifted to her. Even if there were hardships associated with it.]
As for my schooling... I guess you could say that. We were trying several things - effectively stopping my magic, or at least dampening the negative effects that it can cause - all so we can find a permanent solution. But... it's still a work in progress. [She wasn't sure how much more she could actually say...]
no subject
[ the gears are t u r n i n g ]
Having no special abilities myself, I've only heard this secondhand from others, but from what I understand, arriving in Somnius robs you of your powers. Do you find your life easier now without them?
((Apologies for the delay))
[His question took a bit longer for her to think through. Mostly because the answer still was something she was figuring out.]
I'm... not quite sure. I don't think 'easier' would be the word I would use - though it is useful to not have the negative drawbacks that my body does. But... I also can't use magic, so there's not much I can do either. And I keep wondering... is there some sort of kickback to not having access to my magic either? Since it's a unique situation...
[She had to debate that. Her body naturally absorbing and creating magic on an overwhelming basis. To suddenly have that be blocked... plus her curses... plus... did she have someplace to belong here? That last thought caused her to frown slightly. Yet... it didn't feel like the right time to bring that up.]
I guess there's no easy answer. Though... it's jarring to end up here, even if you didn't have anything to be taken away in terms of ability - I'm quite used to suddenly ending up in random places, but I imagine it's still off-putting.
no subject
I have to say, Hatori-san, your maturity about topics like these is incredible. I appreciate you sharing your insights with me.
[ He weighs his options for a moment longer, weighs everything intriguing that he's heard about Chise during this conversation, and decides it's worth a shot. ]
If you don't mind me saying this... I can tell there's always a lot churning in your mind. That's something I can certainly relate to. Is there any chance you might be interested in attending counseling outside of dreams, so we can continue working through conundrums like these?
no subject
[Chise took a few moments to think over his offer, before answering with a smile.]
Is it that obvious...? You aren't wrong though. And... I suppose there's no harm in having someone to talk to about all of this. [His comment on her thoughts being 'relatable' certainly had her curious... but she could tell she wouldn't get much out of him in that regard.]
[Instead, she stood up, giving him a polite bow. There was an inkling, in the back of her mind, that this was where her part of the waking began.] I do appreciate you taking the time to talk with me though, here and beyond.
no subject
Maruki stands as well, bows in return. ]
I'll always have time, Hatori-san. That's my promise to you.
[ He peeks behind her with a curious smile and gestures to the door. ]
I've found that the easiest way for you to return to the "waking" world [ air quotes and everything, piss off Vaeros ] is simply to head right outside that door. I can't guarantee what it will look like for you, but...
[ Hopefully, it's whatever she needs to wake in a calm, steady state. ]
I'll see you soon, regardless.
(Want to wrap on next reply? ^_^ this was fun!)
I think this might be the most 'normal' way I've left a dream...
[Her gaze softened as she gave one final bow.]
I look forward to future meetings then. Try to have a good rest, Dr. Maruki.
[Walking out the door wasn't difficult. Nothing impeded her (from what she could tell). And when she closed the door behind her...
Emerald eyes opened to the sight of her cottage ceiling.]
YUSSSS i love chise thank you for this gift ;v;
It's one of the kindest things someone has said to him – not only in this room, in these dreams, but in recent memory from any reality he's inhabited.
He raises a hand as he watches Chise leave, the shimmering edges of his own cognitive Shujin steadily growing blindingly bright until he wakes. ]