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 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.]

[For a moment, it's like he's hypnotized, entranced by the crackling of the flames. It seems more appealing that any basic logic or reason.]

B-but...!

[His objection dies out, as does the fire burning in his eyes, as he feels her holding onto his arm.]

Wait. Y-you... You feel pretty warm, p-p-pal...

[For just a moment, Riddel pauses. It seems like such an obvious statement. She had to give up less to the angel. She isn't the one who was hurt. She doesn't have a full picture of the situation, but given that the only real difference is his injury, she has to deduce that's responsible for the drastic change in temperature for him. And the bizarre behaviour he's exhibiting.]

Of course I am. I was not hurt the way you were.

[Maybe he just needs her to be a voice of reason. She can do that.]

I think it is just better that you stay here with me. The fire is all nice and well, but I would rather you did not put yourself in additional danger.

R-right. [He tries to calm down. To just focus on her presence. Looking away from the fire, he can find some comfort in the warmth of her closeness. The cold still gnaws at him, but it's like he can really see the light now.]

I dunno wh-what came over me. [His teeth still chatter a bit. He looks towards her face.]

C-can you just... stay close t-ti=o me please, pal?

I doubt it was really fully you.

[It seems as though there is so much more at play. As Riddel eyes the fire, she feels no closer to the answers. That seems as though it's always the way of things. Left with questions. Unsure of where to turn for answers, and sometimes even when knowing, the answers simply aren't given.

At his question, he regains her attention and she nods.]

Yes, of course. It would be unkind of me if I were to leave you to your own devices now. Besides, we do not even know if that angel still waits outside.

[He nods softly, now coming up closer to her to try to keep warm.]

You g-got a point there. It doesn't look l-like she's tried to g-get in here or anything... b-but we should stick together for now just in case.

[For a woman who is accustomed to people not being near her (for a multitude of reasons), she's only a little apprehensive the more he nears her. If it's helping, however, she can handle it.]

I was not planning to go anywhere. Although eventually it might be nice to see if we can get our things back later. I think we can wait. Are you beginning to feel better? You sound better. Perhaps the fireplace is helping a bit.

[Because she's just not arrogant enough to assume that it has anything to do with her.]

[He'll try to get as close as he can. He just feels desperate for the closeness! It does seem like it's helping.]

It- it doesn't feel as bad, yeah. Th-the fireplace... I don't think it's h-helping as much as y-you. ...I- I mean it, pal. Y-you really do feel warm!

[She leaves a touch atop his arm, turning her attention back onto the fireplace and the flickering of the flames. The back and forth. As unpredictable as the situations here, it seems.]

I am certainly less dangerous than a fireplace, for certain. Perhaps we can just sit like this for some time. You may just need time to recover. We have that.

[He just soaks in that touch like it's an IV drip of warmth, while trying to relax on the floor.]

Y-yeah, I don't get anywhere to be. It d-does feel now like it's... j-just a matter of time. [He pauses and smiles softly.] Thanks, pal.

[Neither of them have a place to be. Well, not a place that likely won't involve being chased down by an angel sculpture desperate for more articles of clothing that they can't afford to give.

When he thanks her, she shakes her head modestly.]

You have nothing you need to thank me for. You can also... just call me 'Riddel.' If that would be all right. If you need anything else, simply tell me.

TDM #1

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