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

[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!

[She nods along, finding that there's some truth in that. Her last name, after all, is representative of Viper Manor and of her father. It also implies to her that it is very possible she could be one of those who come from 'long ago' according to Gumshoe's world and people.]

I'm afraid that I do not know what that is.

[She says it so earnestly, her expression and its curiosity transparent enough.]

I am not certain El Nido has such things. Although even if it did, I suspect I would not be any the wiser to it.

You don't? But then how do you get anything done?!

[He shudders and starts rubbing his arms more.]

Detectives are people who investigate things, to solve crimes and other mysteries. We catch bad guys!

I...

[Well. Riddel doesn't really do anything. She's never been required to. She's never been expected to. She can't even pretend otherwise. If she could, she doubts she would. One could likely see through anything false she might say.]

Oh, I see. [Detective, hm?] The dragoons handle that under Daddy's command, I think. I do not think there is much like it done back home, however.

Dragoons... Are those like dragons? [His eyes light up with excitement.]

Whoa!! If you got dragons solving your crimes, that blows us right out of the water, pal!!

Not... It is not like that.

[Riddel issues a quiet laugh as she shakes her head.]

Although El Nido does have dragons. The people of the islands have many stories about the dragon gods and their various isles. The dragoons are a military and governmental collective. They provide law and order to El Nido and her people. I am aware that they perform investigative duties as well, though the details are not something I am informed about.

Oh, I see... [He sounds a little disappointed at the lack of dragon cops.]

So it's all people making up a whole force to take care of that stuff. Sounds kinda like police to me. Guess we're not too far off th... th-th-th-....

[Suddenly his shivering intensifies, and he rubs his arms while kneeling down near the fireplace.]

[She can't contribute to the comparison. She's not certain what 'police' are, but if they're like the dragoons, then she can't really argue it either. Nor would she. Watching him begin to crumble down, she's revisiting exactly how they've come to be here in the here and now.]

Oh, that's right—

[He had to give up his entire coat. She only gave up her hairpiece. Maybe eventually they'll get those things back.]

Perhaps I can find something here... At least we have the fireplace. Let us start that first. Hopefully no one will mind if we borrow this place for a little. I am certain they will understand.

[Not only that, but there's the tear on his sleeve... underneath, his skin was only knicked, but it's still enough. He just feels an overhwelming cold while getting as close as he can to the fireplace.]

R-right. Th-th-the fireplace! N-n-nice... and warm! [His teeth are chattering!] Jeez! Wh-why's it... even c-c-colder... than ou-outside...!

Hm...

[Riddel takes a moment to look him over, though it's not terribly close. She makes note of the sleeve, but it doesn't exactly register to her first off. She's certain she spent more time trying to quickly rush off in her mermaid style dress (and likely giving him concern that she didn't just hike up the skirts to move quicker) than she did watching him.

Her attention moves from him and onto the fireplace. Maybe he's too cold to do it himself. She knows enough about them, though it's always been her attendant who's handled such affairs. As a result, she's fumbling just a touch as she tries poking and prodding at the wood with the poker that's leaning up against it.]

Perhaps it is because we are no longer running. You may not have felt it before. The mind can be distracted when the situation is dire, I think. I think it would be called adrenaline?

[Looking back over to him, she offers a sympathetic glance. She doesn't really know or understand why she isn't experiencing the same thing. Maybe because she's more covered? Would that really make a great difference, though?]

Are you hurt anywhere? I may be able to help.

A-adremaline... Yeah. Th-that's a thing. I- I did feel pretty... a-a-adrenalined for a bit there...

[Something like that. He frowns as he rubs at his arms, trying to think back to the battle. Hoping the angel isn't still lurking outside.]

I ain't h-hurt or nothing! Sh-shd swung at me, but... I- I think she just kn-knicked me.

[He rolls up his sleeve to look at the small, insignificant cut below his elbow.]

S-see, I ain't even bleeding! B-b-but... Still so cold...

[Riddel nears him just enough to get a good look at the injury he's sustained. It doesn't look particularly bad in the slightest. It seems strange that something so simple would end up affecting him in such a way. But she's hardly a medic. It's not as if she would even know.]

I thought it might have been worse. This hardly looks like anything.

[There's likely more to that statue than what appearances presented. But maybe she can heal it. It's just a small little thing. It seems like no amount of her concentration, however, can actually bring about any of her healing ability. At least, none from where she would ordinarily be able to retrieve it.

Puzzling. Not... that she's tried to use any of it since her arrival.]

Perhaps I can find something here to help with it. [With some care, she settles a hand atop where the injury lingers.] Does it hurt when I do that?

[He tries to be patient when it gets to work. It's difficult, though, as he keeps on shivering. And part of him feels so empty that he doesn't even want to try anything.

As she presses on his cut, he shakes his head.]

N-no, not really. It really d-don't hurt at all. Th-that's what makes this f-feel so w-weird...

[He tries to inch himself closer towards the fire.]

Wh-why... s-still... s-so... f-f-freezing...? Like she... g-gave me... h-her cold...

[Riddel helps him a little more near the fire, careful to stay right beside him. Given what she's seen so far, she doubts that simply wrapping bandaging around it will do much of anything. She's running out of ideas, however. She can't use magic either.]

I wish I had an answer for you... I am not wholly certain what we ought to do. Is the fire even helping at all?

[Because it doesn't seem like it. At least, not yet, anyway.]

I... I dunno. [He shakes his head uncertainly.]

N-need... more. M-more... warmth...

[He stares into the fire.]

Wh-what if I... g-go in...? Maybe it- it'll b-be warmer!! Y-yeah, let's just h-hop into it, it- it'll be fine!

No!

[Her response is nigh immediate. She carefully curls her arm about his, though she suspects that if he really wanted to, she wouldn't be able to stop him. It doesn't take a deep assessment for her to suspect that his strength greatly exceeds hers.]

I mean, that is a terrible idea. You will only hurt yourself more. You know what fire is capable of.

[She assumes he does. Has this cold simply made him lose sense? If so, that's just another issue she has no idea how to work with. It's not like she can just bind him and wait this out.]

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