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buttrinthum2023-09-01 08:21 am
TDM#5
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: morning glory and gladiolus. Time spent too close to the morning glory flowers invokes a state of intense obsession. Obsession over an event, a person, or things/objects are all possible, but the victim’s drive to be involved with their obsession is intense and all-consuming. Be careful, not all obsessions are peaceful ones. Pollen from the gladiolus flowers will find their strength increased tenfold. It might make day-to-day interactions a little difficult especially when gripping a pen or a cup winds up in a broken utensil or shattered mug. Of course, no amount of strength can affect the labyrinth walls, however…
CW: mood altering substances
It is time. Everyone knows it, and there is no denying it. It is time for the dragons to leave. No effort to keep the dragons from leaving will work, the dragons themselves inexplicably compelled to leave. It’s both a happy and a sad time for the pairs who have helped raise these dragons, but even the parents know somehow that it is time.
Dreamers and their dragons have one last night on Starlight Cliff before the dragon’s departure. It’s a simple gathering, put together by those who cared for the dragons and those who favored them. Picnic fare and simple decorations with glowing lanterns and soft blankets decorate the grassy flat portion of the cliffs. As the dragons leave, they leave a gift— one each for their adoptive parents. Gold dragons leave behind an item that reminds their parents of a loved one, red dragons leave behind an item that reminds their parents of their childhood, and blue dragons leave behind an item that reminds their parents of the wish they made when they found their way here.
It’s important to note that all are welcome to this celebration and departure. Some dragon parents have commissioned the townsfolk to create gift pouches for attendees. Each pouch has several packages of colored dust that when thrown into the air creates shimmering lights and effects similar to fireworks. However, if misused, like when thrown on others it can cause hair color changes, temporary sparks glittering from fingertips that can cause things to smolder, or even dye clothes that will all then affect the mood of the wearer. Red can cause tempers to flare, blue can create a morose mood, green will inflict an amorous feeling, and yellow will induce generosity. Luckily, washing off the dust will remove all of these effects immediately. Maybe throwing a glass of water on someone might help?
[ In the interest of fairness, each character who helped raise a dragon will get only ONE gift from them, even if they have helped raise more than one. In the case of multiple colors, it is up to player choice which gift they receive.
Items received from the dragons must be mundane in nature; magically powered or mystical items are not allowed. Weapons are allowed if they are likewise mundane and could have been received based on the 50 shard reward.
Dragon parents who received a magical tattoo will find that their tattoo persists even after the dragons' departure. ]
CW: spiders, tentacles
It happens in the middle of the night, a rumbling and tearing of earth that ricochets shaking throughout the land. Nothing is damaged, but even the air is awash with a new scent like something old has reappeared. Those who investigate the origin of the disturbance will find a small portion of the island has risen up out of the sea. It's land damp, still dripping with saltwater and half covered in seaweed, at first glance there’s little remarkable about this new piece of land. That is until wandering past craggy rock and slick ground lands the most daring explorers right in front of a large cave entrance.
The environment inside changes almost immediately. Gray crumbling stone gives way to more surfaces giving way to shiny dark obsidian the deeper inside you go. It’s hard to see, the lighting nearly pitch black past the entrance. As the cave twists and turns, something ahead seems to glow. As pools of salt water in the grotto appear, so too does the glow increase. Water that shimmers like a starry night blots a patchy, swampy chamber, crystals of deep watery hues jut from the walls and ground, reflecting glowing light that seems to zigzag across plant life that grows from every corner. Pools of dark tar-like substances are a hazard, creating a mess and potentially trapping explorers who aren’t watching their footing. Webbing that looks crystalized decorates the darkest corners, and those who wander too close might disturb crystalline spiders that will defend their nests with a vengeance.
The deeper the explorers get, the more dangerous the cave seems to become, like it is a trial that must be passed in order to see what is in its deepest reaches. Mist and fog hide deeper pools that house mysterious creatures who will reach out with large suckered tentacles in an attempt to pull in stray creatures no matter their size, almost as if they’re looking to sate a driven hunger. Those who make it past these creatures will find traps laid out that when sprung will loop adventurers into rope and twine cages, netting, and loops. Unfortunately, these traps only seem to be able to be cut by the sharp edges of crystal growing in the cave. Hopefully, travelers have considered picking some up on their way…
But those who are sensitive to magic and will might sense an urge to press forward, guided by an unseen force to see their exploration through until they come across a spiraling staircase to the exit. Just watch out for that slick stone, which could send you all the way back down to the bottom, luckily any falls will be softened by glittering moss surrounding the base of the staircase.
CW: potential death, emetophobia, body horror
Past the Mystic Grotto, beyond the carved exit and dangerously thin path that stretches along a cliffside that drops straight down into the waters below, is a small outcropping suspiciously connected to the Labyrinth itself. Those who look closer will notice that the outcropping is home to an entrance into the labyrinth. Unfortunately, thorough investigation reveals that this older, more run-down section of the labyrinth does not connect to the one that is more familiar, almost as if it was cut off purposefully. Those who want to get to this portion of the labyrinth only have one option, and they will need to tread along the cliff path carefully, Falling from this path will only end in death.
Twists and turns will eventually lead to the main chamber of this section, wildly overgrown with greenery and inhabited by fireflies of different shapes and sizes all with a pleasant, soothing glow. Most important is the tall stone fountain, still somehow functional despite the apparent overgrowth and decay. Perhaps it is because the fountain is encased in something clear and glass-like, preventing anyone from actually touching or entering the pool of water. From each of the 5 spouts different colors of water pour down into the main pool to converge in an almost oil slick like appearance where the colors blend and mix together in places. Next to the fountain, a stone and wood contraption sits, levers still intact. Should a visitor decide to investigate the device, they’ll find that it is magically enchanted. Any attempt to harm the device will result in the character being blown back with force, enough to shove them off their feet or send them airborne into the walls of the room.
Pulling the lever, however, activates a groaning sound, and the exposed gears of the machine clamber into life as the sound of something opening and clattering echoes through what must be an empty stone chamber. Eventually, a small potion bottle filled with one of five colors (Purple, Brown, Teal, Chartreuse, Navy) rolls out of the ground and toward the operator’s feet. The colors seem misty inside, sparkly but dull, almost as if their mixture is incorrect or incomplete somehow. Upon opening the bottles, the scent that wafts out is foul: overly sweet but spoiled. But perhaps this is the way these potions are meant to be? Those brave (or stupid) enough to drink the potions they receive will struggle with stomach cramps moments later, others might feel the need to regurgitate the potion forcefully. Characters’ sight may blur and they may feel dizzy or ill at ease, but should they hold the potion down one of several things may occur.
⚗️ Teal potion drinkers will find themselves crying, unable to stop no matter how hard they try. Their tears will not stop flowing, and the fireflies in the area seem oddly attracted to the tears that drop from their eyes. It makes catching these creatures easy, but also an annoying hindrance to anyone who is subjected to crying their eyes out.
⚗️ Navy potion drinkers will find themselves feeling lighter than air. Though the effect is slow in the beginning, the longer they are in this part of the blocked-off labyrinth, the more they are affected. At first, it’s like walking on the moon, then they slowly find they have a harder time landing… until they wind up floating up slowly, up and up and up. But instead of winding up in the heavens, or seeing anything useful of the main labyrinth, they find themselves mysteriously floating back toward the garden. Once there they find they stop moving but will need to hold hands with others who are affected in order to land safely onto the ground again.
⚗️ Purple potion drinkers will find themselves consumed by hiccups that cause bubbles to float out of their mouths. These bubbles, when popped by anyone other than the owner, will release a secret said in the character’s voice.
⚗️ Brown potion drinkers will grow the sickest initially, but will also feel better the fastest. However, they may find that as they walk, mushrooms and other fungi grow in the wake of their steps, the kinds varied and assorted and not at all safe to eat or touch. It might be best for those who didn't drink this potion to avoid eating, touching, or spreading this fungal growth.
⚗️ Chartreuse potion drinkers will find that much like some species of frog they have become incredibly sticky. Not only do they stick to other characters, but their skin will stick to anything they touch. It’s best to be careful when under this effect unless you want to become a living katamari ball!
Perhaps it might be best to investigate what this fountain actually is and leave it alone for now, instead? By the time afflicted and nonafflicted explorers make their way back to the mouth of the grotto, they will find the effects of the potions drunk by characters have weakened to nothing.
[ Anyone who tries to take a potion with them will find the potions mysteriously absent the moment they leave the fountain chamber, their containers dry and void of any liquid that may have been inside. ]
On the morning of the 1st, some dreamers will receive a message from an unknown user.
What is it that you are most thankful for?
They will feel compelled to respond with a truthful answer, as if their brains had gone into a trance, and before they know it, their response will be there for everyone to see. It cannot be deleted or changed. The user will not respond personally, but you get the sense they are definitely reading.
[ This is an additional network option for characters to interact with. Feel free to add a network prompt into any of your top levels. If you do not want to interact with this prompt, simply assume your character did not get the message. All threads are public unless actively privated by characters. We generally encourage threadjacking and engagement, so feel free to mention if threadjacking is fine with you so that others are aware. Note that the NPC will not be actively responding. ]
Welcome to the labyrinthum TDM! All events are game canon. New characters (invited or not) and old characters alike are welcome to play in it. Existing characters can start their own logs or network posts for the event if they wish to.
New and Old characters are welcome to top level on the TDM. Please state in the header if you are a new or old player! Also, new characters may link their top levels under the new character comment so they are easier to find. Thanks for your cooperation!
New 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.
You can find more information about the game here. Any questions regarding the TDM can go under the comment below.
Jillian Holtzmann | Ghostbusters: Answer the Call
She shot up from a laying position, hair even more of a mess than usual. She looked around, frowning a bit.
"I have...been sent on a trip," she said, slowly getting to her feet. "Abby, I swear to Science if you put LSD in my coffee..."
Her foot brushed the backpack, and she looked down at it, then rummaged through it. She held up the potion, turning it in her hand.
"One pill makes you larger, aaaaand one pill makes you small..." she said, in a sing-song voice. Which, perhaps surprisingly, wasn't terrible.
Mystic Grotto
It's a Mystical Cave. An actual, factual, utterly redonkulus mystical cave. Which means she's going to go explore it. Without instruments, without scientific equipment, without rope - just a notebook and a pencil.
This is not her smartest idea ever. She is absolutely going to require some help.
Sooner, rather than later, if that tentacle slowly snaking towards her has anything to say about it...
The Chartreuse Potion
The potion she ultimately comes out with is consumed without hesitation. There is no science without risk, not if you're doing it right. And she is fascinated, delighted, and utterly chuffed with the result.
You might see her actually crawling up onto a wall, the onto the ceiling.
"Spider Holtzmann! Hah! This is great!"
She stands up, on the ceiling, throws out her arms - and may stick a hand to your face, as you're passing by.
"Uh, I assure you this not how I usually say hello."
the potion
Erwin jerks to a halt when someone waves a hand in his face, and leaps backwards. He was not expecting Spider Holtzmann, not at all! But she sounds friendly enough, and he cranes his neck to look up at her.
"I'm guessing you usually say hello from the ground?"
no subject
"It's so discombobulating, it's just the coolest," she adds, turning in a slow circle.
no subject
"You ate or drank something strange here, didn't you?" He stays where he is, watching her enjoy herself on the ceiling. Her enthusiasm reminds him a lot of Hange, and he's already partial to this newcomer.
no subject
"Yep!" he says "Always drink the strange potion!" She grins down - up? - down - at him. "Also, bit of a buzz from it, I think. Or it could be the blood rushing to my head."
no subject
"Which colour did you try?" This whole thing is weird, but he's enjoying her company, and settles down to sit and lean against the cave wall. It's just easier on his neck this way.
no subject
She tries standing on one foot, just to see if the connection holds. It does, tenuously.
"So this is totally what a gecko feels like. Cool."
no subject
"You paint a vivid picture." He hoists himself to his feet, and offers his left hand up to her. "I'm Erwin Smith. It's a pleasure to meet you, even under these strange circumstances."
no subject
She shakes from upside down, which feels rather weird indeed.
"And my dude, it's always strange circumstances."
no subject
Erwin doesn't know any other Erwins either, so he'll take the comment about his name in stride.
"What should I call you? Or would you prefer Gecko Lady?"
no subject
"New York, New York, baby - the city so weird they named it twice. And Holtzmann. Jillian Holtzmann. Doctor."
no subject
"A pleasure to meet you, Dr. Holtzmann." He smiles back up at her. "I'm not surprised you're a doctor. You remind me very much of someone I know from home."
Grotto
Watch out!
[ In the same moment, he unholsters his gun and levels it with a steady hand, firing just one bullet from the round to sever the tentacle halfway down from the tip. Something underneath the waters groans and the tentacle dips underneath the inky surface. ]
no subject
[So when she turns around, she's talking significantly louder than usual.]
Oh hey. Thanks for that. Wow, that was SUPER LOUD.
no subject
Sorry. I don't make a habit of shooting, but it was about to grab you. Are you okay?
[ Other than well, the loudness. ]
no subject
Is this some kind of polymer? How did they handle the integration with nerve function? Oh, how does it avoid chafing where the prostheses meets the biological components? Is it battery powered? Does it have a vibrate function? It should have a vibrate function, everybody would love that. Where's the hatch? Is it shielded against EM interference?
[Priorities, she has them.]
I am IN TEARS lmao
[ He's not fast enough to keep her from grabbing his arm, startled by the loudness and the suddenness of it all. He laughs a little, honestly amused by the enthusiasm? ]
batteries? What's EM interference?
[ he pulls a little, his fingers wiggling a bit more or less just like a real hand would, all the way down to even being fashioned with bits that replicate the look of fingernails. ]
It's a little complicated. The port's further up my arm, but maybe this isn't the place to talk about this??
Glad you enjoyed!
Arright - but later, I'mma look into that. You've got a cool hand, dude.
Chartreuse Potion
"...not the usual circumstances to be saying hello," he agreed in a very confused tone. Then, finally his brain caught up to the ridiculousness of it all. "Are you okay!? How did you get UP there!? What's keeping you up there?"
no subject
"But if I had to guess, I'd guess that the the thingy I drank altered my internal electrical field, combining with the natural elements that make up this world to give me effective control of my own polarity. I just gotta figure out how to control it."
Arrival
He comes across a strange woman and overhears her singing.
"Interesting tune. Did you write it or was it something already popular where you are from?"
no subject
She looks around them, and gives him a bit of a look, too.
"So, am I just high off my butt, or is this place actually real?"
no subject
Musicians in his time were barely able to make a living. Was it different in other worlds?
He gave a bit of a chuckle. "Oh, this place is real alright. It also comes with some real dangers."
no subject
"Huh, ok - aaaanyhoo, dangers? Are they fun, explorable dangers?"