buttrinthum | TDM #1

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!tdm

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[There's a scruffy detective nearby, who is watching the scene play out with concern. He does feel for the snow angel and wants to help her feel warm! But he does also find himself feeling worried for the woman the snow angel has confronted. So he steps up to talk to them.]

I don't think that'll help warm her up, pal. We're gonna need something more than that! I can lend out my coat here if that'll help...? [He says as he starts taking off his trenchcoat to present as an offering.]

[Riddel starts at the sound of his voice. For just a moment, the surprise in her features are present before they eventually fade into something softer and slightly abashed. He begins to remove his trench coat and she looks apologetic.

If she had more to offer, then he wouldn't have needed to give anything at all.]

I did not wish to give her nothing. [She explains, a gentleness in her voice as she eyes the angel, who seems to be considerably more appreciative of Gumshoe's coat.] Thank you for your assistance. I am certain your coat will do far more good.

[She sounds so nice that it's easily endearing. Gumshoe smiles warmly.]

I get it. You wanted to find some way to help, and- that was your only option! It's the thought that counts. Right, pal?

[He poses that question to the snow angel, who now has his trenchcoat draped over her shoulders.

But she remains cold as ice - and demanding more.]

More?! But... that's the best I can give ya!

['Pal.' Sounds like something Karsh would say. She's almost certain he's used that language before when speaking to some of the other dragoons. The familiarity is comforting. Riddel's smile turns less sheepish and more genuine.

The snow angel is requesting more, however, and neither of them really have much they can provide. At least, not without putting themselves at risk. For Riddel, that's unthinkable.]

Surely we can come to a reasonable agreement.

[But can they? She's a diplomatic sort, probably too delicate for something beyond that. She's looking Gumshoe over for some moments, taking in his variety of wear. His... tie, perhaps? It's just a small little thing, but, is it not better than nothing?]

Try this—

[She motions to the tie he has lingering about his neck, beneath the collar of his shirt.]

Huh?!

[There's a brief moment of panic where he thinks this lady has volunteered his shirt as tribute! But as his eyes flit down, he feels some relief as he realizes her true target.]

Oh, my tie? But that... [He doubts that will provide any extra warmth at all. But he stops himself from voicing that. After all, he has to do something to please this sword-wielding angel. And maybe if they convince her that it's warm, it'll actually work? He's sure that's some kind of psychology!]

...That should do it! Yeah, this necktie of mine? It sure is warm and toasty! Here, pal, see for yourself!

[With that, Gumshoe gets to work on undoing his necktie! ...Or trying, because it looks like he managed to tie it in a really tight nod for once! He grunts for a few moments while struggling with it to mo avail, before turning sheepishly towards his new ally.]

...Ummmm.... Actually, could you lend me a hand with this...?

[Riddel wouldn't say she's necessarily good at misleading anyone. She's a woman who has always worn her emotions right on her sleeve. It is very likely that she has never had to make decisions like that because those around her have done so in her stead. But it sounds like regardless of whatever she's had in mind, it falls right in line with what Gumshoe intends.

She looks between the angel and Gumshoe, as if she's trying to gauge reaction from the former. Naturally, a statue is relatively blank, and thus she can't actually determine if this idea will appeal to her at all. When she's addressed, her attention returns to him and she watches him toy with the tie nestled about him.]

Oh—

[She can't remember anyone in El Nido wearing anything like it, so when she lifts her hands to attempt assisting him, it's done with a fair amount of hesitance. Tilting her head as she's attempting to get a better look at his tie, she eventually figures out by way of fingertips how he's wearing it.]

Is... this a customary wear for you?

[The angel does seem to be waiting while they prepare this next garment. Gumshoe looks on nervously as he lets the stranger work on his tie. Normally whenever he has trouble with a necktie, he can turn to whoever's nearby and get them to take care of it! But she doesn't look like she has the best idea of how to go about it. And her question really cements the surprising idea, that she doesn't seem to be familiar with neckties at all.

He raises a confused eyebrow, with a hint of a laugh as he replies.]

I... I guess you could call it that? It's normal for most people in my line of work to wear some kind of tie. Most people in the force, or with office jobs, or any kinda job where they gotta look all formal and fancy! [He keeps his eyes focused down towards her tie as she gets to work.] You... just gotta get the knot undone... then it'll come right off, simple as pie!

Oh, I see. It's a knot.

[How intriguing. What's the purpose? She'd ask it and she nearly does, but it's already evident that he's not exactly expected her to be quite so open. Or perhaps he just expects that his traditions are rather commonplace. Maybe El Nido is the outlier here.

Although to be fair, Riddel has been so protected and sheltered from the world outside of the dragoons that it stands to reason she doesn't necessarily know much not relating to it. And only what she's been allowed to hear.]

I think I have got it.

[With a very careful tug, she manages to carefully loosen his tie for him with the same small smile.]

There—is that better?

[It's not really supposed to be that much of a knot, but Gumshoe's bad enough at his own ties that if often ends up being one. He grows relieved as he feels it loosen! And he nods quickly.]

Y-yeah! Much, much better! Thanks, pal. This should do the trick! [He smiles gently at her, before placing his hands on the tie and now taking it completely off of him.

Then, he holds it out towards the snow angel.]

Here ya go, other pal! One super-definitely-warm necktie, on the house!

[Quite a bit friendly, isn't he? It's a heartening thing to see in a place that to her is incredibly foreign. Perhaps he's one of the locals, though she feels like she would have known already if he was or not. She watches him offer over his tie to the angel in question.

She takes it, as she likely would have taken anything. It's not a very impressive thing, Riddel knows, but thought should account for something. After all, it'd be in poor form to expect innocent people to offer the clothes off of their backs.]

I hope that will be enough. I should think you to be warmer than both of us.

[Although if Riddel is cold, she certainly hasn't acted as though she is. Perhaps because her first and foremost priority hasn't been about chilling weather, but rather about her own place in this world and what that means.]

If you will excuse us, we should see if some of your friends also need assistance. We may be able to get other items for them if so.

[Not their own, of course, but maybe the same place lodgings are might offer something in exchange for... some kind of bartering system. Riddel doesn't have anything to trade, but she doesn't mind doing a little work to leave a solid and positive impression.]

[He tries to be a friendly guy! Sure, he's also nervous because of that sword the angel's holding onto there and might be sweating if it wasn't so cold, but he also takes it at face value. She must be really cold and need warmth, even if she's going about it in a scary way. And then there's the non-snowy woman, who just seems very nice and gentle, giving him extra reason to remain calm so that he can help her stay calm too!]

Yeah... You really lucked out there, pal! [He says to the snow angel reassuringly, while being tries to put on the necktie.] With all that there, you'll be so warm, I bet you'll become a sand angel in no time!

[He grins at his joke... and then shivers, rubbing at his arms.]

N-now like the lady said, we'll go... look into all that! You can stay here, or go into one of those nice warm places nearby to get even more warm... [He's hoping he can get his trenchcoat back eventually, but he's accepted that he might have to give it up for now.

So he turns to head off. Only to hear a chilly voice murmur a demand for more.]

[Sand angel joke goes right over Riddel's head, which isn't too much of a surprise. Before coming to this world, she's never even seen snow or heard of it. To her, it looks almost more like... a really bright volcanic ash that could have come from Mount Pyre.

When it seems as if they have a means of diplomatic escape, the words don't even miss her. Lifting a hand, Riddel draws a lock of dark hair behind her ear and she wonders what exactly to say in response. When diplomacy doesn't work, what else can one do? Karsh and the others would have an answer, she's certain.

She looks over to Gumshoe, raising an eyebrow.

Then she carefully folds her hands together as she turns to face the statue in question.]

I must apologise, but we have nothing more that we can offer. You must not put others at risk for the sake of yourself. If you would grant us the opportunity to get something from the locals, we would be able to assist, but you have exhausted all we could provide.

[He had almost thought that they were free for a moment there. But things weren't so easy, apparently. He does look back at his ally with a concerned frown. It's ridiculous that she's trying to get more out of them, after everything they've given up! Why can't they just out of there already...

As the woman gently refutes the snow angel's request, Gumshoe backs her up.]

That's right, pal! See? We, we've given you all that we can without freezing ourselves. J-just give us some more time to get you more supplies, or we can bring you indoors somewhere. Simple as that! B-but, we really must be going...

[The angel is still for a moment, looking somewha odd with the trenchcoat draped over its shoulders and not fully covering its wings, as well as the necktie sloppily placed around its neck.

Then, the angel raises its sword, pointed right at the two of them. And Gumshoe's eyes widen with alarm.]

...Okay, so... run. Run as fast as you can, pal!!

Oh!

[This is not exactly how she's imagined her first forays into this situation would be like. Combat is hardly an unheard of thing back home, but Riddel is not experienced in it and is so gentle in nature that it would be difficult to imagine her in such a role. Not incapable, but perhaps so soft of heart that battle does not suit her.

She hears Gumshoe plainly.

Run. Run? Run!

With one hand in the skirts of her mermaid style dress, Riddel wastes little time in trying to pick up her pace. She wouldn't call it running, per se, but it must be as close to it as she can be.

She casts a look over her shoulder just to make sure he's coming with her. Because if he's not, she's going to have to go back for him.]

[He watches as she sets off! But she's not moving as fast as he expected. It must be hard to run in a dress... Gumshoe was actually debating whether or not to run as well, but with the chances that she could end up getting caught by the angel, he stays behind for now to draw the enemy's attention. He unleashes some surprisingly fancy footwork while narrowly staying a step ahead of the slashes that the angel takes with the sword! He really has to figure out a way to really deal with this...

Eventually, he notices the woman coming back, and he quickly tries to signal to her.]

What're you doing, pal? Keep running! I'll be okay!!

[She doesn't feel convinced by him, but it is pretty impressive to see him still staying on his feet. Riddel clutches at her dress just a tough tighter, trying to pick up the pace. She'd consider a wardrobe change later, likely one that would never come to pass, but it's just too unlike her.]

I am not just going to leave you!

[She only pauses long enough to say so before she picks back up. Her eyes are scouting, searching, trying to find a place to hide. An alcove? A little hidden crevice somewhere in this place that she doesn't know nearly well enough. Maybe they can dip into a little area that the statue can't just follow them in.

Oh. There's a shop door. She lifts her other hand and attempts to point at it.]

Here!

[Her hand catches onto the handle and in her haste, she struggles to get it open the first couple of times. On the third, the handle turns and she draws it open, trying to wave Gumshoe in, so they can slam the door on the angel for a moment's reprieve.]

[He hears her response, and it is very touching! Even if it makes it harder to protect her. He tries to focus on continuing to evade the angel's strikes, until he heard her call out again.

Looking over, he sees it. An open door. Shelter! Beautiful shelter!]

H-hold on, pal!!

[Now it's a matter of getting in through that door without bringing their other 'friend' with them! After pulling back from the blade slashing at his sleeve, Gumshoe tries his newfound power. Shifting the ground beneath him, the angel is tripped up long enough for Gumshoe to make a run for it.]

Gangway!!

[And so he'll come rushing through the doorway!!]

[If she weren't just a touch quicker, Gumshoe could barrel his way right into her. Fortunately, nothing like that actually happens. He manages to come right in, a bit like the rush of a wild animal. Honestly, to be expected when they are practically cornered beasts trying to escape the maws of something potentially terrifying.

But once he's in, Riddel quickly shuts the door, looking around for anything that they can use to just barricade it. She'd love to think that statues can't open doors, but it was entirely capable of lifting a sword. She's not inclined to underestimate them any further.]

Erm.

[With her back planted to the door, she spies a pretty modest bookshelf. She's quick to tug on it and to no surprise at all, it's too heavy for her to move on her own.]

When you can, do you think you could help me?

[But he has moments plenty to catch his breath. Hopefully.]

[He takes just a moment to catch his breath. That's all he can afford! Then he looks towards her, looking like he's still on an adrenaline high, and he nods firmly.]

I can!! Right now, pal!

[With that, he hurries over to grab onto one end of the bookshelf, and he grunts as he tries pulling it along to block the door! Gumshoe really doesn't want to take any chances with this angel...!]

[She lets him do the harder part of the tugging and pulling, moving to the opposite side and trying to help push. It is probably one of the hardest things she's ever had to personally do. They manage to shift the bookcase right in front of the door right about the time a resounding thump slams against it.

Most likely the angel making an abrupt first contact, likely expecting no resistance. The bookshelf, however, holds it right in place. How long that'll last, Riddel can't say. Perhaps the statue will eventually tire of all of this, however, and leave the two of them in peace.

One can hope.

Loosing a sigh, Riddel takes a moment to try and tend to how she must look after all of that. A shame she gave it her hairpiece. She'll have to see if the locals might fashion something for her in its likeness.]

Thank you. I am very sorry about all of that. I did not expect such a thing would turn out as it did. I was unprepared.

[Right in the nick of time! Once the shelf is in place, Gumshoe lets out a deep breath and wipes an arm across his head. Now, they truly have some time to relax. And plan their next move.]

Hey, no need to be sorry, pal. She seemed like she needed some help, and... we both tried to help her. I think we're all pretty much unprepared when it comes to situations like this.

[He rubs at his head uncertainly.]

I'm just glad we made it through that in one piece. Now let's keep it that way, shall we? [A light smile.] By the way, while we got a moment, letm me introduce myself. My name is Dck Gumshoe, pal!

I had truly thought we had given her enough.

[The frown she wears is sympathetic and thoughtful, as if she cannot completely bring herself to hold any sort of displeasure towards the statue. It could be naivety. It could simply be her very sheltered world view. Or it could simply be that Riddel truly wishes to see the good in others, even where some may think there is none.

She offers a very polite dip of the head as she carefully clasps her hands together.]

Dick Gumshoe... [She echoes with consideration.] What a peculiar name. [It sounds a bit like a title, honestly. So many of El Nido's residents only have one name, after all.] I am Riddel. I am very grateful for all of your assistance.

I know, right? The trenchcoat should have been more than enough. Why's a person made of snow so cold anyway... A lot of that just didn't make sense.

[He rubs at his head uncertainly and leans against a wall near the fireplace while trying to relax a bit. Even so, he still feels cold, not really paying mind to a cut on his sleeve.]

Really? Is it a good kind of peculiar? [He asks, somewhat insecure.] Riddel, huh? That's a nice name. Like a puzzle! [Smiling, he waves off her apology.] Hey don't mention it, I'm glad to lend a hand where I can.

I...

[She wonders how to put it. It's more than a little evident that no one in this world she's met is anything like the people back home. For all of her lack of world view, Riddel understands that she must continue to speak and reflect carefully. Perhaps it's just the need to hold onto habits, something familiar and secure for her.]

I thought it, perhaps, might be a title. Most of the people I know do not have two names.

Oh yeah? Well it's pretty commmon where I come from! I think most last names used to start off as being like titles long ago, but over time it all changed so that it just reflects the family you're part of.

[A sheepish smile.]

But I guess my name can sound like a title for my job too. Cause I am a detective, pal!

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