buttrinthum | TDM #10

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TDM #10

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. 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: Sunflowers and Hibiscus. You’ll soon find out that being around the Sunflower makes it difficult to pass through the already disorienting garden, even with the light guiding you. Where patches of them grow, even if only waist-high, you cannot pass through them, over them, or even destroy them to get them out of your way. In each grouping that blocks your path, there is one that has a key-shaped opening in the middle of the flower. Maybe the key is nearby? (Spoiler: it's probably under a rock nearby that you forgot to check!) The hibiscus offers an entirely different effect - inhaling the pollen grants you the temporary ability to shoot fireballs out of your hands. But be careful, those fireballs are difficult to control and seem to bounce in random directions no matter how hard you try to aim (cannot be used to destroy the sunflowers). The effect ends once you step out of the garden.

It's Dangerous to go Alone! Take This.

Somnius is once again recovering from a devastating blow. Buildings need to be restored to their former glory and the emotional turmoil of the previous weeks surely needs to be alleviated. What better way to lighten the mood than a little fun for the whole family? A new arcade has appeared in town, beckoning residents with its stone doors set wide open.

With multiple levels, a variety of games and even a snackbar, Appl3 Pi Arcade is sure to be a hit!

Of course, as with everything that ever happens in Somnius, the arcades appearance is not without some complications. For one, playing the games inside might see characters teleported into the machine itself, perfectly pixelated to fit the game they're in. Hope you weren't about to fight the final boss, because now you might be fighting for your life! The good news is, if you die in the game... you don't die in real life and are just popped back out into the arcade again.

Strange things happen outside the arcade too. Walking down the road you might suddenly see a healthbar pop up above someone's head. Are you supposed to fight them? Are they going to fight you? Best to be cautious and reach for any trusty weapons you have just in case. Weapons that have become pixelated and can be pulled seemingly out of nowhere like some kind of hammerspace. They are also prone to breaking and shattering into glimmering pixel pieces (your normal weapons are still intact, don't worry).

Boxes and pots around Somnius are somehow more breakable than usual, smashed open with a single swing of those pixel weapons and producing gold coins! What a shame gold coins aren't the currency here. But if you don't want to destroy more things around Somnius, why not try fishing instead? That seems safe - if not suddenly more difficult with the fishing minigame that popped up in front of you. Quick! Keep the fish icon in the green bar or you'll lose it!

All things considered? It's all relatively harmless fun up until-

But Enough Talk, Have At You!

Vaeros wakes up. For those new to town, this means nothing. For those that were here for the castle raid? They can rest assured that they're in for a surprise. The Overlord of Visium has finally awoken from his Hyalily induced coma and he is furious. A shout echoes from the castle:

"Did you think you had won, dear Dreamers? Did you think you had bested me? Go, play your games, but know that there is only one winner here, and it is me."

A wave of magical energy sweeps through the town, shaking it to the very core. Miraculously, the destroyed buildings and any remnants of the forest onslaught are gone and returned to their usual state. Perhaps Vaeros shouting was just another tantrum, an empty threat?

Not quite.

The town has been restored, but the locals? They are nowhere to be seen - cowering in their homes and fleeing to the sanctity of the Church of the Moon in hopes of staying out of sight of Vaeros and Dreamers both. The once tame video game effects are now far more intense - monsters from within those games are now rampaging through the town. They seem to shift through buildings, but if they run face first into a Dreamer, they will find them very corporeal and very deadly.

Not only that, but the lines are starting to blur between reality and fiction again, the healthbar above your head flickering in and out, the monsters turning from pixel beasts to real, live animals that roam Somnius - both feral and not. One second you are walking through town, and the next you are stepping onto a platform that starts to break under your weight, demanding you jump to the next platform before you plummet into an odd, multicolored abyss.

And strangest of all is that music coming from the labyrinth, growing louder when you approach and fading out when you move away.

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.

OVERFLOW POST

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ꕥ Arrival/Enchanted Garden

[ Everything feels too calm, too quiet when she wakes. There is grass beneath her and she wonders if she fell asleep while watching her daughter play. The odd dream seems like a distant memory until she sits up to take in her surroundings, to notice that she's in a place she isn't familiar with. Has she truly woken up, or is this perhaps something else? ]

A'Zimi? [ Getting to her feet, Li Susu takes stock of the satchel and it's contents. She reads the ominous note and fear clenches her heart. Not for herself, but for Zimi, who may have just been left alone on the bank of a river. While her daughter is smart and more than capable of looking after herself, Li Susu can't help but worry - and hope that perhaps they came here together.

It's what drives her to not linger here but venture into the garden and bothering everyone she comes across. ]

Excuse me, have you seen a young girl with dark brown hair?

[ Or perhaps spot her while she's having trouble with the sunflowers blocking her path forward. ]

ꕥ Take This

[ There are many things in this world that are strange to Li Susu, and the arcade is one of them. While she does look into the machines, she doesn't stop to play them. It's when she's wandering about outside that a health bar appears above her head. She notices it happening to other people as well. ]

What is this?

[ While she doesn't move to protect herself, it doesn't mean she can't defend herself if attacked. Please feel free to fight or explain it to her, both are options. ]

ꕥ Have at you!

[ Only when the monsters appear does Li Susu look more on guard and ready to fight. A green pixelated sword appears in her hand and she rushes to save someone who is about to be attacked by a larger monster. With the sword, she blocks the incoming attack and holds it back to prevent injury to herself and the individual she just saved. ]

Get to safety!

[ She does appear to know what she's doing if the person wants to follow her instructions, though perhaps they have other plans. Li Susu manages to push the monster back, dealing a large wound to it, but that only seems to make it angrier. ]

ꕥ Wildcard

[ Want something different? Go ahead and wildcard me! ]

[She's both intrigued and annoyed that more new people keep popping up again when she's just trying to rest in the gardens, but there's nothing she can really do about it, except huff and pout. It doesn't get her anywhere but it makes her feel better for a little bit.

She ignores most of the newcomers, not bothering to help. She lays out on the grass, blonde hair fanned around her, when Li Susu comes by and blocks her light. And starts talking to her.

Oona opens one eye, squinting up at the other woman, before she makes a soft 'tch' noise and sits up]

Many girls, many with brown hair. You are looking for, ehh... [Damn, what's the word] special one? If not picky, just grab one. [She makes a vague gesture toward the rest of the garden. Yeah just go and kidnap a brownhaired kid, who cares, this is Normal And Fine]

[ She hadn't expected to see someone just laying out in the grass, enjoying themselves, but the look of surprise fades after a moment. Only to reappear when the woman suggests kidnapping a young girl. ]

I'm looking for my daughter, I'm not interested in kidnapping a random girl.

[ Is this a demon? How many other beings would suggest just snatching someone? ]

Her name is Tantai Zimi.

[Her expression softens immediately after she mentions it's a daughter she's looking for-- her own, specifically, and not some random one.]

Ah. Understand now. [She sits up fully and straightens to give Li Susu her full attention, expression losing its arrogance and instead becoming sympathetic]

I am... sorry. [She says the word like it's foreign and like she's not sure she's going to pronounce it correctly. She speaks slow and deliberate, not wanting to be misunderstood] Have not seen any children, none with that name. Are some children, here, but I do not think they are the one you are looking for.

It is... It is likely she is not here. [She glances away] I am sorry.

[ izutsumi cocks her head at her, ears twitching. ]

That's not very specific. Can't you tell me more than that?

[ Li Susu blinks in surprise at the ears for a second, but the fact that the other is willing to help her overrides any other concerns. ]

A'Zimi was wearing red and black, and stands about this tall.

[ She demonstrates how tall Zimi is in comparison to her own height, which is hardly above her waist - so the child is still fairly young. ]

[ izutsumi doesn't pay attention to people, but she has good senses when it comes to appearances. ]

Nope. No one like that is here.

[ The answer doesn't ease her worry any. Zimi is a smart child, the daughter of two immortal beings, but it was her first trip to Mohe River. ]

You wouldn't happen to know the way back, would you?

[ izutsumi gives her a flat look. ]

There is no way back. Don't you know that?

[ She blinks in response to that answer. Somewhat in disbelief, because if there was a way in, then there must surely be a way back. ]

I don't. What do you mean there's no way back?

Didn't you pay attention to anything?

Look around you. Does this look the least bit familiar? Is there a path for you to return to?

What is there to pay attention to? A mysterious note, suspicious items, and flowers that block my path?

[ The pendant and phone don't mean anything to her, she doesn't even know how to use the phone. ]

They aren't more important than finding my daughter.

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purrsonality - 2024-07-05 00:08 (UTC) - Expand

[ Oh- and here she was about to have fun and someone's jumped in to 'save' her! Go figure.

it's fine. She can let someone else play hero for a bit. It might be fun to keep up the charade for a while. She's not huge on acting, but there's a hint of amusement in her seemingly flat tone. ]

Oh no, a monster. Thank you for saving me-

[ She doesn't really move, never turning to look at her rescuer. If Li Susu's got a moment to figure things out she might catch the dull glaze over those jade green eyes, staring off into nothing. ]

[ All Li Susu had seen was a monster about to attack someone without a weapon. She wouldn't have called the other defenseless, not knowing if the young woman had any magical ability. Yet also couldn't stand aside and do nothing.

Li Susu does glance back at Toph and takes notice of the other's eyes, the flat but amused tone conflicts with her words. ]

Are you alright?

[ Perhaps the question is unneeded, but it would be hard for her to regret helping someone. ]

[ It's alright. If things get really dangerous, Toph's ready to step in. She was playing up the whole 'in need of rescue' thing just for the scene! ]

I'm fine, thanks to you, o, brave hero~

[ Kindof playfully joking tone, she waves a hand across her face to let the wind blow her fringe along. Not even hiding the smile on her lips. ]

You probably shouldn't take your attention off that, though.

[ The monster's coming back for more! ]

[ Li Susu will be pleasantly surprised to see Toph earth and metalbend, if it comes to that. There is a small tilt of her head at the young woman playing up the scene. ]

I'm glad to hear it, young civilian.

[ Her own tone takes on a hint of playfulness, going along with it. ]

Ah, right! Where did these monsters come from?

[ Even though she doesn't have any of her abilities or godly strength, Li Susu is still an expert with the sword. While she can't just instantly kill this monster, she's not about to lose to it. ]

[ Oh no she's being attacked, whatever will they dooOoOoOoooooOo~

It's subtle, but Toph's foot twists across the ground slightly, shifting the ground beneath the monster's foot to throw it just a little off balance with a small, simple movement. Hopefully without being noticed.

It's not a lot, but it'll make the fight a bit easier occasionally. ]

How should I know?! I didn't exactly see them arrive.

[ Normally that's a joke about being blind, but she means it quite literally this time. Some of them just kindof, were suddenly there! ]

{He enters the garden out of waning hope that he finds her. He has drawn her portrait too many times to count and only a few of his creations hang from his treehouse's walls. Yes, Li Susu, you have been missed. Terribly.

Her voice feels like a trap, at first, and he hesitates, touching his ears to make sure they are working properly. Then he sees her and even if this is a mere illusion, he throws himself into it, running to her.}

Li Susu! {Tantai Jin's voice breaks and there are tears in his eyes, ready to spill over. His act as the Devil God has been forgotten. Just for now. Just for...here. When they return, he must take up that mantle again.}

[ Even five hundred years is not long enough for Li Susu to forget his voice, and hearing it now causes her to turn towards it. Her heartbeat races at the sight of him rushing to her, feet frozen in place. She doesn't forget what she was doing, but for just a moment, all her thoughts are filled with him.

How many times has she dreamed of him only to have woken up in a world where he was no longer there? Even if this is a dream, Li Susu can't tear her watery gaze away from him. ]

Tantai Jin? [ When he's close enough to her, Li Susu lifts a hand to brush fingertips over his cheek gently - as though to ensure herself that he's real beneath her touch. ] Is this real?

{He comes to her as fast as his feet can carry him. Her reaction is all he needs to know she has experienced...the inevitable. She has lost him. He turns his face against her hand, his eyes closing briefly as he gathers his emotions.

This is his wife. She's here.}

I'm real. {He is gentle as he wraps his arms around her, his voice soft and warm. He loves her more than life itself.} You're safe with me. He's...

{Referring to the Devil God, of course.}

quiet. I don't know why, but I have been able to live peacefully in this land.

[ It doesn't matter that five hundred years passed, that time has passed and her heart filled with love for their daughter. None of that takes away from the pain and joy of seeing him again, feeling his warmth beneath her touch.

Tantai Jin is here in front of her. Her husband.

His arms come around her and Li Susu has no desire to fight it, only to look up at his face. It's only because of his words that the thought of the Devil God even crosses her mind. ]

As you should be able to.

[ Those words are fierce, protective. Protective of him.

Her thumb brushes across his cheek lovingly, her gaze taking in his face as if she may not see it for another five hundred years. ]

I have so much I want to say to you. Things I didn't say, and only wanted to say when I saw you again.

{Her belief in him is all he needs. A genuine, sweet smile crosses his lips and he touches his forehead to hers. His wish to Vaeros is simple: he wants more time with Li Susu - the other half of his heart and soul.

And here she is. He looks around them to make sure they are safe before gently taking hold of her hand. Behind him, a certain tiger demon makes himself known, stepping forward with a deep, happy purr.}

Have you found your potion? {Tantai Jin nuzzles her hand and returns her gaze, silently reassuring her that he is real. She isn't dreaming.}

You were calling for someone... Zimi? Who is that?

[ Li Susu knows his heart, understands why he played the role of the Devil God. She had her own part and even if it hurt them both, they played it to the end. Every day she has the same wish; to be with her husband and daughter.

One half of that came true. Perhaps the other will, as well. Li Susu only spares the tiger a short glance before returning her gaze to Tantai Jin, but does offer the creature a gentle pet to the head.

A shake of her head at his first question. ] A'Zimi is more important.

[ The contents of the satchel can't compare to Zimi and Jin being in her arms. A smile blossoms on her face at his question, there's a hint of that mischievous nature of hers within it. ] Tantai Zimi, our daughter.

{He knows she will do what is right and he doesn't mind dying so she can live. She is the best part of the world and since Li Susu loves the world, he does too. The Devil God could never understand that and, in comparison, his hatred and blood lust are weak.

The tiger demon closes his pale blue eyes and bows his head under her hand. He is as gentle as a kitten with her.}

Oh? {His curiosity increases and he peers at her, trying to read her expression. He knows that mischief! Who is A'Zimi? Isn't that a woman's name?

And then she reveals...something impossible. Something wonderful. Tantai Jin freezes, gaping. A...daughter? They have a daughter? So Li Susu had been...

While they fought? He pulls her into a desperate embrace.}

I didn't know! I had...no idea. I didn't hurt you, did I? {He then takes a breath and continues, softly:} Tell me about her. Tell me everything.

[ She had tried to die with him, but he wasn't willing to let that happen. With the Devil God gone, the world didn't need a god, yet he couldn't allow Li Susu to leave it.

That gentleness earns the tiger demon an ear scratch, entirely unworried that it might cause her harm - not with Tantai Jin here.

While she shares the news, Li Susu watches his face - ready to reassure him if need be. Both hands frame his face at his worry. ]

I was fine, Tantai Jin. [ Even though she took the lightning punishment, Zimi turned out wonderful. ] She's nine this year; she's bright and curious, and so beautiful.

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devilgod - 2024-07-05 07:52 (UTC) - Expand

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TDM #10

Li Susu | Till the End of the Moon | New Player

Arrival!

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( arrival )

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Have at you!

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SCREAMS - Arrival

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