buttrinthum | TDM#5

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TDM#5

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: 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…

Draconic Departure

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. ]

Mystic Grotto

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.

Mystery Revealed

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. ]

Suspicious Message #3

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. ]

OOC

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TDM Try Outs Only

[ By now, Webby has pretty much gotten the handle of when newcomers arrive. Being super friendly by nature, she always wants to go out and help them out. After all, a kind smile in a new place can do wonders!

Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem to realize that most newcomers probably wouldn’t be comforted by a small yelling child that suddenly pops out of bushes, flower patches, trees, etc. ]

HI, I’M WEBBY! Are you new here? Are you sad, confused, and or frightened?

Mystic Grotto

[ Yay, exploration! Yay, killer crystal spiders! Yay, dangerous tentacles from the void! This is such a fun day! As she cheerfully hums and makes her way through the trials and tribulations, she pauses when she spots someone ahead… because they’re about to accidentally activate a trap!

Being trained to spot these things and having gone through a number of them in her life, she can spot these sorts of things miles away. Now it’s her duty to help others avoid them! But how best to do that? ]

DON’T MOVE A SINGLE SOLITARY MUSCLE!

[ Why, by shouting at them and clinging to their leg in an effort to make sure they don’t move. You don’t mind, right? ]

Sorry, I meant, “please” DON’T MOVE A SINGLE SOLITARY MUSCLE.

Message – un;webby

I’m REALLY thankful that Huey, Dewey, and Louie got rid of all of their available babysitters so Uncle Donald had no choice to ask Uncle Scrooge to do it! If not for that bit of trouble-making, I’d never have met them, Scrooge wouldn’t have rediscovered his love of adventuring, and I’d have never left the mansion to join in on the fun!

Wildcard
[ Make your own prompt! Feel free to plot with me at melcat33 at plurk/discord! ]

[Locke froze, not because of the yelling (though that was definitely a part of it), but because there was suddenly a tiny duck girl clinging to his leg. He put aside the fact that a duck girl was talking to him (because how different was it from a talking moogle, really?(, and instead tried to focus on her words, managing a wry grin.]

Okay, y'got me. Why should I not move a single, solitary muscle? [A blink, then a concerned frown.] Are you all alone down here?

[He was just fine exploring caves all on his own, but he had no idea how skilled she was. These places were dangerous!]

Yes I am, but that's not relevant.

[ Some would argue that is VERY relevant, but anyway - ]

You were about to activate a trap with your very next step. I didn't want to see you maimed or dead, or both! So, if you promise to stay still, I'll do my best to disable it.

... Also, hi, I'm Webby!

[ Introductions are always important! ]

That's totally relevant! Caves can be dangerous. Even non-mystical ones. [He peered at her, curiously.] Ahh... forgive me for asking, and you don't have to answer, but... are you either a lot older than you looked, or very experienced in this?

[When she mentioned about the trap, he looked down at his feet, bringing the lamp a little closer. Where... ah! There it was. A flagstone that was slightly off-size and a fraction higher than the others! Locke took one very careful step backwards, then re-centered himself, smiling down at the girl.]

Hey, thanks! You've got good eyes there. And my name's Locke. Nice to meet you!

That depends on how old you think I look. Different species from different worlds could have different aging ranges... but I have been adventuring for a while, so it's probably the latter.

[ Only now does she finally begin to climb off. It only gets weirder as she takes out a sword from a scabbard on her hip, and uses it to try and wedge/carve one of the crystals out from the cave's sides. ]

I've been trained my whole life to spot out these kinds of things, along with most forms of combat, weaponry, languages, and - Oh, this is pretty, up close!

[Locke chuckled at that answer.] Well, I must admit, I'm not very well versed in guessing the ages of ducks. You could be older than I am, for all I know. I'm twenty-five, by the way. Am I close, or very far off?

[He watched her work on the crystals, taking in what she was saying.] So you're an adventurer, then? So am I. I've been at this for near-about ten years, now. [He paused. It sounded so long, when he said it like that, but it didn't feel that long. Then again, sometimes it felt even longer. He shrugged, and pulled out his dagger, offering it to her.] Here. You can borrow this for a little bit. It'll be easier to dig the crystals out with this, than that long sword.

I'm twelve, so, yes, very far off.

[ And oh how she lights up when given the dagger! She gives an impressed whistle, gently running her fingers over it. ]

Oooh, this is a nice one! Great craftsmanship! This'll do the trick!

[ She returns her sword to its scabbard, and carves out a few crystals until she's satisfied. Of course, she returns to the dagger to the owner when she's finished. ]

Thank you! We already make a great team!

[ new friend??? New Friend!!! ]

[ Alberto can appreciate high-energy kids, even can enjoy yelling kids — after all, like likes like.

But not like that.

Not when they pop out of a frickin' tree, right in his face. How could she even tell he's new, anyway? Surely not the way he's walking around with his mouth agape and his eyes as wide as can be, walking barefoot in stunned little circles as he gawks at everything in town... He was content to just take it all in on his own and figure it out as he went along — because it's not like that plan has ever gone wrong before — but he figured eventually he'd ask someone, y'know, some questions... when he thought of some... But when Webby shouts at him, the only question he can manage is a frightened scream back, reeling away clumsily. ]

A-Aaaah! Mah, che fai!?

[ He clutches his hand to his chest melodramatically, over-animated in his movements and expression, staring at her incredulously; but after the shock settles slightly, he's not quite as buttered up as she'd probably hoped, and just starts waving his hands emphatically at her as he talks, his voice loud and exasperated. ]

What the shell, you nearly scared the scales off me! Dai, popping out of trees like that, Girl...—! Bird—? Girl-Bird!

[ Hey. How should he know what to call her? Girl-Bird seems as good a guess as any, from where he's standing. ]

[ She now hangs upside down from the tree branch via one leg - her skirt staying upwards by virtue of Disney Logic - and isn't offended by the nickname. It's what she is, after all.

Still, she doesn't seem to realize how much of a heart attack she gave him since she continues to smile and chat with a pleasant air. ]

Aw, but I was just so excited to meet you, I couldn't contain myself! I love meeting new people and making new friends! You're a whole new adventure unto yourself!

[ ...Meeting Alberto is an adventure unto itself, this is typically true. But she's caught him on, ahem, an off day — w-waking up in some magical maze-y nightmare world hasn't exactly put him on his best game. But normally he knows he's a delight, totally agreed, so he waits for some clever quip to fall out of his mouth. But nothing comes. She just hangs there, he just stands there, listening to her chatter excitedly but not exactly sharing in it just yet. He stares her down, face flabbergasted and frozen still, taking this moment to recollect himself and inspect the girl-bird at hand... But, even with the very touching and not-at-all-intense-for-a-stranger things she has to say, Alberto still finds himself a little— distracted... ]

...Hey, can ya— [ He lets out a couple sharp, short little whistles ] Y'know, real quick?

[ He flips his hand around in a little spiral as he whistles, waving it at her face and her feet, trying to "politely" indicate for her to get herself upright somehow...? There's something that makes this experience, which is already A Lot, just a lot more A Lot, when half the conversation is happening upside-down, hanging by one leg, with high potential of a child plummeting headfirst out of a tree...

...like that isn't something he'd totally do himself on a normal day. Stressing people out like this with all that vim and vigor...! Alberto Scorfano, meet your match. ]

Sure I can!

[ And she does just what he says... by letting out a couple sharp, short little whistles.

This not snark. She genuinely thought that's what he meant. ]

Dewey's been teaching me how to whistle back home, and he says I have musical talent. I really miss being able to do that with him... well, I miss just about everything from back home, but we all do, and that's not helpful.

[ Shrug! No biggie! ]

What's your name? Are you human? The human to... anything else ratio here is suuuper unbalanced, if you ask me.

[ Alberto's face is contorted with shocked confusion — he really can't tell if she's sassing him, but he's inclined to believe she's not, the more she goes on... It's a bit endearing, after a second, and he almost starts to give a lopsided smile, amused... But then she says that.

"We all do."

That's helpful to know — but it's not helpful to hear, no. Thinly concealed worry makes his face fall again, frowning slightly with his focus split. His gaze drifts away as she asks more questions of him, but he snaps back to meet her eye when she mentions the human-to-'not human' ratio. He gives her another curious once-over... then throws his head back, puffing his chest a bit as he places a hand on his hip. Confident, comfortable, contrapposto — as much nonchalance as he can muster. Like none of this is bothering him at all. He's toootally fine with this whole situation. No biggie, indeed! ]

Alberto Scorfano. Not human, actually. Guess I'm joining the club. Piacere.

[ He reaches out his hand for a handshake, hoping this may be the inspiration she needs to get out of the tree, but... somehow, he's not holding his breath... ]

You're not?

[ Hearing that, she will take his hand... to yank him in closer, using her other hand to ruffle his hair and touch all over his face. ]

Oh, my gosh! That's great! Then what are you? A space alien? Some kind of shapeshifter? I'm not feeling any feathers or scales, so you're still definitely something new!

[ Also, ignore any creaking noises that tree branch is making. Surely it's nothing. ]

Webby Vanderquack | Ducktales 2017 | Current

Mystic Grotto

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tdm try outs c:

:D

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Mystic Grotto

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Try Outs

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