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

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.

I can't say I've actually heard of a genie before, but it sounds like he is a magical being? [She guesses at least that much. She's not sure what else genie might be. Though she is, perhaps surprised, that a magical being's name is just that. Though she has met many an animal who just called itself by such things like Robin, Bear, or Finch.] Aladdin? [She sees Jasmine's smile and her own widens, leading in.] Many felicitations and congratulations! I hope someday to meet your beloved.

Well, we are here together, to say the least. Perhaps there is more than what is beyond the labyrinth. In my venture, I found a room filled with adorable puppies and dogs.

Very magical. [And that's still a huge understatement.]

Thank you! If I knew how to get back, I'd extend an invitation to the wedding.

You found puppies in that thing? Aw, I thought the rooms were just inconveniences. [Turning her head, she says more quietly:] Or maybe I just happened to find the stupidest one.

I would be delighted in attending... I... well, you are welcome to mine as well if we are indeed able to attend one another's worlds. [Aurora presses her lips together.] Though, several things have to happen first before my wedding can occur. [Mostly her waking up.]

I did! They were like none I've ever seen before, but simply adorable. They were short and seemed more to waddle than anything.

You're engaged, too? [She beams.] A congratulations to you! We'll at least both have to wait until we're out of here, but... [Oh no, how would they even find each other? Are they even from the same continent? The same time period? ~~(The answer to all of these is no but screw it, one of them has a genie.)~~] We'll just have to figure out how to write to each other before we go back.

I hope we can see them here in the village; I do love puppies. They're not... trapped in the labyrinth, are they?

[Aurora inclined her head in thanks and then couldn't maintain the charade of content.]

Ah... betrothed, yes. [Aurora's face fell, staring into her mug.] I've never met him, is the thing. Our first introduction was supposed to be my birthday... [And then everything went wrong.] I have not a wit on his temperament or appearance, whether he is a kind man or not. I... do not want to marry him, but our marriage will unite to kingdoms.

But even so, I do hope we can live together. Once my curse is lifted I would love to write to you.

They certainly seemed well-fed and quite content. I think perhaps it was just their den.

It's an arranged marriage? [Her face drops - well doesn't that sound familiar. Still, as stubborn as she was with her own suitors, she knows that kingdom partnerships are fickle things, and that a viewing of the bethrothed is in order before such an arrangement should be secured.] ... In that case, I hope he is as good a match for you as his kingdom is for yours.

[She doesn't follow up on the writing or the puppy den - the topic of unchosen fiancés automatically takes priority here.]

Since my birth. [She sighs, her shoulders dropping.] And one I cannot... refuse. Not when the prosperity of my kingdom depends on it. [She had never MET her kingdom, she had never met a single person within it, but that did not mean she wanted to see harm come to the people. Now that she was their princess, she had to see to their care. Even if she weren't their princess, why would she want to see a kingdom come to ruin and war?]

But yes, it is important to hope for the best. Though I wonder if I'll be under the curse again when I return.

[She nods in understanding.] I hope not. How can you even meet him while you're asleep, let alone be married? You'll have enough to contend with once you return.

But if you are... do you know what can break the curse?

I do. As my Aunt Merryweather was the one to alter the curse, she's the one who decide how it was broken. My curse can be broken with true love's first kiss.

I suppose my aunts can't be the ones to do it since they have been giving me kisses of love and affection my entire life.

"True love"'s kiss? I suppose not with a description like that. [It's a curiously romantic solution... however, based on what Aurora says...] But, wouldn't you need to know your true love in order for them to kiss you?

I would... yes... [AND BOY ARE HER AUNTS GOING TO KEY IN ON THAT ONE.] I suppose they were hoping either the curse wouldn't come to fruition, or that Prince Phillip and I would meet and fall instantly in love.

Well, love at first sight isn't impossible... [She's technically living proof of that!] ... but if I were them, evading the curse sounds more reliable a hope.

How would he even know where to find you, anyway?

[Aurora is ALSO living proof of that as well. Funny how much they have in common.] No, love at first sight... isn't impossible... [She gave a soft wistful sigh. Her mind drifted to the peasant boy. She had been so excited about letting him meet her aunts... She didn't even get to tell him why she wouldn't be at the cottage. She shook her head, not letting the sorrow of that day linger.] We were evading the curse, that's why my life in the woods.

They didn't expect it to come to fruition, I don't know... where they intend to let my body rest.

She sucks in her lip for a moment - when said like that, it really does feel like she's going to be dead. Even with Merryweather altering it, it's such a morbid thought and makes her worry Aurora's return will have a bleak conclusion. Especially with a fiancé she's never met, who isn't even in a position to love her, let alone know how to find her and give the true love's kiss...

Hold on - that sigh she gives reminds her of one she had after her and Aladdin's first date. She wonders...]

You sound as if you yourself have loved someone before.

Oh... yes... [She blushed and pressed a hand to her cheek. She smiled at the thought of him.] He's very handsome, playful, and gentle. He's a peasant boy who found me in the woods. We fell... instantly for one another. He serenaded me and we danced for hours. I invited him to come and meet my aunts, to celebrate my birthday with us, so that everything could be properly done. But then I found out about my birthright and... my betrothal.

I didn't even get his name nor he mine. I don't think I shall ever see him again, I'm afraid...

[Hmmmm, handsome, playful, gentle, serenading...

She naturally gets a very bright smile on her face; she can't help it. It's just as she thought.

Almost too much as she thought, in certain ways. She looks down and runs her fingers over her robe.]

It's difficult to say, when you're trapped in sleep... but, sometimes fate has a way of leading you to someone.

I once met a peasant boy not unlike yours. He got me out of trouble when I ran away from home and was new to the marketplace, but he... we just clicked immediately. He understood me more than anyone else in my life. Then the guards caught and arrested him, apparently because they thought he kidnapped me... I thought I had sentenced him to death.

Now we're engaged. I never would have dreamed it could happen, but life is very magical sometimes.

If he comes here... [She trails off. She's not sure what she would do. She doesn't know if she would abandon the betrothal for the sake of a chance here in this place. Or if the weight and duty of the crown would still be heavy upon her head and she would have to deny herself that relationship for the sake of her people and a treaty... even while here.]

Well, it is a very big if. [She offers with honesty, sighing softly. After all, she must wake up after a dream.]

Still, I'm glad you were able to choose the man you love, Jasmine.

It is. And with the way we were brought here, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I only hope that once you return, your true love will find you. Whether that's your bethrothed, or your peasant boy, or someone else entirely.

[She puts a gentle hand on Aurora's shoulder and gives another smile - only this one is less giddy and more comforting.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TDM #1

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And this seems a good spot to end the thread, if you like <3