buttrinthum | TDM #1

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TDM #1

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: poinsettias and mistletoe. You’ll soon find out that being around the poinsettias give you an odd sense of joy no matter how confusing the situation may seem and the mistletoe, which is left over from the holiday season, gives you the desire to kiss or hold hands with the nearest person to you. It looks like there are plenty of others who are just now waking up from their dream-state as well.. why not go ahead and say hello?

Somnius / Snow Angels

With the influx of new life, the humble town a barkeep tells you is called Somnius seems to come alive as well, with new faces to join that of the resident fairies, goblins and other townfolk. There’s bustling energy to the land that the townfolk will tell you wasn’t quite there before, and some suspect that the presence of the new arrivals might be powering the world around them in some way - but that’s a question to be answered on another day. The quaint town of Somnius needs a little bit of care, that rustic feel to the mushroom houses, old shops and weathered castles too evident at first glance, but it’s not a bad place to live, as the locals will tell you. It almost seems like everything will be okay…

But of course, things are never so simple.

Whether you have been wandering around to get your bearings, talking to the locals or exploring your new humble (very humble) abode, you can expect to find mysterious ice sculptures - fashioned in the shape of snow angels, with blades in their hands - appearing in random places around the town. There are some that manifest in the middle of the street, some that sit quietly at the edge of an inn, and even some that appear right beside your bed, staring at you as you wake up. It’s unclear how these sculptures even got here, but close proximity to them will conjure up feelings of unrest, like you should not step any closer.

It’s smart to trust your gut in these situations. Step too close to a snow angel and it will come to life, moving with the grace of flowing water. They make a vague request and will spare only those able to heed it.

“Cold … so cold … Even the days of Visium are so cold. Have you any warmth to spare us?”

Some angels will accept an article of clothing as warmth. Others are greedy and keep demanding more, wanting to take everything that you have on your body. Heed their requests and they will spare you. Resist even just a little, and that’s when they draw their swords.

It’s not too easy to defeat an angel with brute force given that they reform themselves immediately. Running away or blasting them with fire could do the trick. Be careful not to get cut by their blades, however…

Characters who get cut by their blades will experience an inconsolable sense of chill and emptiness, right down to their bones. They will find themselves desiring ‘warmth’ from others in different ways - whether through physical contact, or affectionate words and gestures. There might be the few who go feverish in their desire for warmth. For those characters – the open fireplace is looking like a very tantalizing place to sit in right now (Yes, sit in, not by). They might even feel compelled to pull a friend in with them. That can’t be good for anyone…

The effects will only subside if the condition of receiving ‘warmth’ is met. This can be in the literal sense (physical warmth and intimacy) or figurative (feelings of love, acceptance and happiness).

Bonfire

When night falls, the temperatures only drop further, which does no favours for the poor souls who had to give up their clothing. The locals want to welcome the new arrivals and give everyone an opportunity to unwind from a busy and chaotic day of being hunted by snow sculptures. That’s why they’ve set up a gathering in the middle of town square. Food and alcohol is being generously supplied by The Cask & Anvil, and marketplace vendors have set up pop up stands to try and cajole the new arrivals into purchasing some fancy new clothes or a pretty gemstone they claim will ward off danger (claims not verified).

At the center of it all is a large bonfire that’s warming up the square. Everyone is encouraged to warm themselves by it after a long day, eat, and make merry. In fact, there’s a certain sense of enchantment to the crackling fire that seems to draw even the shiest wallflower in, pushing them to sit with others and make conversation. As the night goes on, the newly arrived dreamers will find themselves settling easily into the warm and bustling mood, any stresses and anxieties melting away. With time, they’ll start to find themselves without a filter, more than happy to talk about themselves and the life they had led prior to coming to Visium. In fact, they will feel compelled to share a story from their past - one that might be joyous, comedic, thrilling, or tragic. Whatever sorts of feelings come attached to their story, it will be one of emotional significance.

In the back of their minds, they might get the sense someone else is listening.

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. Please comment here to request an outcome for your character's labyrinth exploration and a moderator will get to you shortly. (The longest a character can stay in the Labyrinth is 3 days.)

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

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Well obviously, sir!

[ Says the teenager who's been stomping all over them in an effort to stop having a good time! Ebenholz is dressed in finary equal to Sommnus, but he's managed to cover it in pollen in his anger. The two goat ears on his head are pinned back and brisling and he whirls to point a finger at Sommnus. You! You could (hypothetically) be responsible for this! ]

If this isn't the most sloppy, disgusting, and putridly overbearing use of arts I've ever seen, I'll eat my wand. Spells that compel the mind have long been banned! They rely too much on casting upon the body in ways that can be detrimental. Not to mention the obvious ethical issues, unstudied long term effects... at least use it within music, where it has been studied!

[ Where is the manager, he would like to speak to a manager. ]

Neither do I. [She pulls out her own note.] I was just dreaming and saw an owl, and then was wishing for...

[Her eyes suddenly flash in realisation and she scowls.] It was a trick. They used magic to trick us into deals in exchange for wishes.

You don't think it's...some shitty afterlife-type deal?

[He can't imagine any reason for someone to kidnap him inches from death and save his life to make a contract to grant his wishes, honestly. The idea of the contract being some kind of afterlife thing to him would at least make sense.

Even so, he certainly remembers the process of dying. If she doesn't, then maybe he's wrong. More important is the other part of what she says. He doesn't have the first clue what the fuck firebending is, but he can guess, and his hand goes to his waist where ... of course, his Evoker is gone. He wouldn't try to summon Castor in front of other people anyway, but the idea of being relieved of that burden -- he would've liked to check later on. Without it, there's no way for him to be sure.]

Weird. You'd think if they want us to do stuff for 'em, they'd wanna use our power.

I never said you didn't! [She holds up her hands to establish space between them.]

Warmth isn't a bad idea. I just meant that we don't know what we're up against in here and should be discreet.

Then consider this a way for me to prove that I'll be useful. It'll only benefit you, if this goes well.

[ This is a bold angle to take, but he's betting that logic might work more than the emotional approach with this guy. Yamato holds onto Camu's arm with one hand, and awkwardly lets his other hand over the affected area. It seems like he's discovering how this works for the first time, and letting the newfound power within him guide his movements.

After a moment of trying to figure it all out, he waves his hand over Camu's cut, unperturbed by the man's impatience – and he watches as the cut begin to close up.

He can't help but grin at his own work. ]

Heh, see? I'm not so bad at this.

[Jasmine steps back to give him space, but his words make her more wary of their surroundings. He's right; who knows what these are like, and they could be more dangerous than they let on. Still, the poinsettias continue their influence, and she stiffens her stance as she smiles confidently at her injured companion.]

Fine. We'll look for one together. But I am going to help you walk, and you will let me know when you need to rest, and if you push it, I will go on my own to send help. We can't be the only ones here, someone's bound to know something, and I won't let you risk your own life while I'm with you.

[Her tone is insistent but also calm. Even when she's nervous about his state, she's trying to reassure.]

[ if it wasn't awkward enough meeting eyes in a situation like this, it isn't any less so when he's turned right over. while he's positive this was a testament to the stranger's own capability and fine-tuned reaction time, he can't say he's especially impressed by the aftermath. even more so at his words. his immediate reaction is to lift an arm, pressing his hand against the man's chest; attempting to create enough space so he can see what's happening.

he in no way shies away at the prospect of appearing absolutely irritated. the only thing that curbs this even slightly is the fact that they just barely evaded a sword. ] That's my line. You didn't need to help me.

[ that said, when the snow angel recovers and is readying its blade once more. in a quick effort to separate himself, which he decides is the best course of action for the two of them, he lifts a leg and presses his knee against the man's body. ... sorry kakashi. ]

Not chosen to... [Only to her aunts, who aren't even directly related to her. She doesn't want to pry, yet she feels so strangely open under the bonfire's warmth.]

So... your aunts are your sole companions? No other family?

[ why does this only further prove his point...

why is every world so shitty. ]

Do you think such a world even deserves saving?
I just feel like that proves that no matter what we do, it's already too messed up to change. But, well. We'll see what this world is all about. I don't doubt it will end up any less hateful.

Inherited powers?

I don't think they could get worse.

Oh yes. Genie is... [Oh goodness, how does one describe him?] Well, he is a genie, of course, once an incredibly powerful one. Then he met Aladdin and... [That name sure produces a whole new smile altogether.] I suppose he is the reason we're about to be married. I owe him a lot.

[Her face shifts to another excited grin at the wish.] That sounds wonderful! I've travelled a little beyond Agrabah, but there are still so many new places to see, more than I have imagined.

[ To Yuji, at least, nothing feels that different. He always wants to be around Megumi, wants to make sure he’s safe and protected, so this draw to him feels familiar. It’s a relief to know his friend is here in the first place, to recognise that they’re going to be able to take care of each other in this strange place just as much as they had been doing in the Game before.

They probably have a lot to talk about on that front too.

For now, he just smiles, letting Megumi touch him and nodding his head, tilting into the touch absently. ]

Your senses? What do you mean?

[ Which… Makes Yuji focus a little, because he realises that he does feel a little different. Frowning, he clenches his fists and lifts it to try and summon that familiar flow of cursed energy and… There’s nothing. ]

Fushiguro… Do you have your cursed energy?

[ it's odd how these are words he may have aspired for "kamui" to be like. when kamui wasn't an actual individual, but merely a concept in his mind. someone easygoing, unflappable and persevering. someone capable of inspiring others. unfortunately, these words don't necessarily reach him now. at least not in the way it may have at one point.

if only he were capable of thinking in a similar manner, but all he's filled with is anger, the desire for vengeance, and his boundless hate. but, just these thoughts alone annoy him, and he decides to put a stop to them. his head all of a sudden feeling muddled. ]

Your words reminded me of Kam— someone. [ he admits this, before he knows it. but, he's quick to move on, not desiring to place any more stock into this line of thinking, instead: ] You mentioned "ancient monster gods."

Is that normally who you fight against?

Demanding is a start, and I'd like to see them try and ignore it. They clearly want something from us, and will want to get it somehow, and when they try that's when I can get some answers. [Or yes, she can fight so it's not out of the question. ~~Or perhaps she has been spoiled by Saturday morning cartoon villains who just explain all of their goals to her as soon as she asks.~~]

Why? Do you have a better idea?

I... probably not.

[Maybe if he had his spells, but if he tries to beat the snow angels physically like Kate, Seimei probably won't be able to do nearly as much. Even armed, he doesn't have that much strength. But it does feel wrong not to try to help.

He does as she says, searching the area for a makeshift weapon--and what he comes up with is just a stone about the size of a golf ball. He does throw it with pretty good accuracy, managing to aim around Kate to hit his mark. The problem is that without energy behind it, the rock is just a rock.]

Are you sure you're all right? It doesn't appear to feel pain.

[... Afterlife?

That- she didn't remember dying. But then, the last thing she remembered was running from Zuko, running into a forest full of spirits. Spirits that hated her. She knew her own mind wasn't reliable, not anymore. How confident was she in her memory?

No. No, that sort of thinking would drive her back to madness. And she does catch that hand going to his waist- reaching for a weapon, perhaps. A weapon that wasn't there.]

If you mean to keep prisoners, you don't want them armed.

[She sounds like she's speaking from experience.]

[Jasmine has also not touched her potion, which is really a shame because it's one meant to transform her into a tiger.

Which might have made encountering another big feline far less terrifying.

She tries to make her reaction dignified, but she still lets out a sharp cry and most certainly calls attention to her presence. Immediately afraid of getting attacked by what's most certainly some forest beast, she's already searching for escape points to run when it suddenly utters words to her. Well that gives her pause.]

You... you can talk?

[She knows a talking cat. She still acted human, though, so this is a new one for her. Yet, if he's not from around here, then maybe he is a prisoner here as well. So, hesitantly, she answers with a gentle nod.]

I'm sorry, I don't know where we were taken to.

_{[ Kuja has a "gears turning" expression for a good minute, trying to remember what the hell a "robot" is. He swears he's heard the word before. Did Cloud say it? He thinks Cloud said it. ]}

Well... Goody for those robots. They'll probably be getting into all sorts of trouble in no time.

_{[ People that aren't supposed to have souls getting let loose with a fresh one generally get neck deep real fast, in his experience. All part of the learning process. ]}

I have an idea. I saw an owl, at least. It was clearly more than just any old bird.

[ While it's true that Megumi always wants to be within Yuuji's general vicinity, feeling at ease within his presence and anxious when he cannot find him, he's always been uncomfortable with touch. It was the same when Tsumiki would try to rest against him, or when his friend would lean in far too close in his usual excited fashion. He likes his space and feels awkward when that imaginary line is crossed. That's why the air around them feels odd, that the desire is there without the associated nerves.

Maybe it's nothing? Maybe he's just extremely relieved he knows where Yuuji is. Still, he can't get those lips off his mind, or how easily the other boy had leaned into his touch - the trust he had.

Don't think about it. Push it down. Megumi looks away, keeping his eyes on the path. ]

I tried to summon the dog before, but I couldn't. All of it's gone. How are you fairing?

[ It's not too strange to be mistaken for someone else, but everything else that she's telling him? It doesn't make much sense to him. ]

You can hear colours ...? You aren't pulling a prank, are you?

[ A prank to confuse him for no reason. Megumi glances at the way that rune blinks slowly, and while that could easily be set up as well, he's more inclined to believe her given how much is possible where he comes from. ]

Traditions have their place, [ He doesn't care about them. ] but trapping two people and pressuring them into a kiss would just make things awkward between them later.

[ That's just his opinion, though, as someone who would certainly feel awkward after being pressured into kissing someone he doesn't particularly know or like that way. Speaking of feeling pressured, that urge is still there. He has the option of continuing to ignore it by throwing himself into more distractions, or ... figuring out what, exactly, is going on, and if he's the only affected one. The more he thinks about it, the more sense it makes to figure things out. ]

Do you feel anything strange in the air?

[ oh...

so such a world could exist? at this stage he can't even say he's particularly bitter. is he relieved? is he simply in disbelief? does he think whatever marui describes as likely temporary and fleeting? he isn't sure. he also isn't quite certain on why he asked, but he decides it didn't matter.

if that's the reality he described, then. ] It is. [ or he thinks it is. ] What other delicious things did you eat? [ a pause, as much as he felt like he was willing to talk, thanks to the bonfire, he finds, he also wanted to inquire. ]

[ when she leans in, he finds himself instinctively turning his head. his eyes (rightfully) not meeting hers and instead focused off on the distance. if she's staring, he does his best to pretend its simply not happening. he isn't sure why, but there really must be something off about his body today.

while he doesn't feel like his vitals are under any actual distress, he just...

feels all wrong. especially, as he seems to be thinking that having her close was kind of nice. almost like he wanted it. even her words of approval, whether genuine or not, seems to drive a certain emotion in him. emotion? he sighs. maybe it's been a longer day than he expected. he didn't pull away, despite him purposely not meeting her eyes. then suddenly, he does happen to accidentally meet her gaze.

.... and oddly enough, it does make him feel a bit warmer just looking into her eyes. though, he isn't sure if it's because of its piercing color, or something else entirely. hence, he says the only thing that's natural in such a situation. ] What? Why are you looking at me like that?

You'd be the first one. [ despite the bitter nature of his words, it's once again tempered against the fact that he doesn't seem all too angry about it. instead, he does seem to comprehend she doesn't mean harm. he considered himself quite an intuitive being, and somehow... he feels like she was at least trustworthy. if not a bit strange. he isn't used to those speaking to him in a non-professional setting. aside from the commandant, that is.

but, even that train of thought came with its own drawbacks, and so he decides to ignore the feeling. though, he does operate under the assumption, she wasn't ill-intentioned. which, for all intents and purposes, does further soften his attitude. ... just a bit. ]

You better not take those words back. [ but, he seems willing enough. his eyes look down to both her hands, and maybe something really is wrong with his body. his systems have to be off for him to suddenly be feeling so hot. he feels his heat touch his features briefly, before he looks away. ]

I expect you'll take responsibility for your actions. [ since you held his hand back, that is.

but, well, as ashamed as he is, he does seem curious to explore, as well. or is the right word— restless? ]

[ he isn't at all turned off by that boldness. instead, he feels that level of audaciousness was probably fit for the battlefield. but, whether he could deliver or not was an entirely different story altogether. but, it looks like, he isn't met in disappointment in the least.

even as an construct, his body mimicked that of a human quite well, including all the vital fluid that may have been leaking. he isn't sure how evident his not being a human is, but he doesn't seem at all perturbed at the prospect of sharing that with a stranger, nor does it change the fact that his mysterious power seems to work on him in a similar way. ] So it seems.

But, don't get too cocky. [ he says this as he places a hand against yamato's mouth. ] ... I also wouldn't trust just anything next time. [ even if he.... nudged him to do it, but listen!!

there are no guarantees in life. that's all he's saying, but maybe he is a bit grateful. ]

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TDM #1

garden

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don't be, i love it

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Enchanted Garden

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