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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.
Lake Omen
As she's just taking a moment to enjoy the quiet, though, she's a bit surprised when it's interrupted by the approach of someone who looks to be about her age, maybe a bit younger. ]
A sea monster? [ She sounds more curious than anything, and she takes a moment to think, trying to recall seeing anyone of that description. ] No, I'm sorry, I don't think I have. Are they a friend of yours?
no subject
Yeah. His name's Luca. Keep an eye out. Oh, or, keep an eye out for a human kid with brown curly hair, and, y'know, no tail...
no subject
My name's Willow. What's yours?
no subject
He wipes away any look that might betray that subtle disconcertion, bringing a smile to his face easily, turning on the charm like flipping a switch. He reaches out to shake her hand. ]
Alberto Scorfano. Piacere.
[ And should she take him up on his handshake... she'll get Girolamo'd. He'll shake her hand to each side, yank her arm a couple times, and then step back with a showy break, palm out, like that's guaranteed to be impressive.
If this is a town full of non-humans... He's gonna make this catch on. How will they know if it's a human thing or not? He's gonna be like the human expert here — but actually this time.
Or so he's gassing himself up...]no subject
Yeah, um...it's...nice to meet you, Alberto.
[ She's tempted to ask about the handshake, but...yeah. ]
Do you want some help looking for your friend?
no subject
Sure~ Let's search the shores first. If he's not on the surface, then I'll check underwater. You, uh— [ He glances at her, giving her the once-over. ] ...don't have to help with that part. I mean, unless you happen to be a terrific swimmer. Are you?
no subject
Uh...I wouldn't say I'm a terrific swimmer? I'm okay.
So does that mean you're a sea monster too?
no subject
Leave the swimming to me, then. I already checked basically the whole city over there. And that maze when I first got here. No one had seen him. So I'm thinking he probably went straight to the water because he was freaking out. Whiiich is fair. I mean, I'm still freaking out, I'm just great at hiding it~
[ First of all, no, you're not, Alberto. You've been running around like a crazy person for hours. Second of all: this is not the time to brag about your own emotional composure?! Which is a lie anyway?! Who is this kid...?! ]
no subject
Maybe it's better not to think about it. For now, they should focus on finding his friend first. Although she can't help worrying a bit over what he says. ]
Yeah, it's a lot to take in. It's understandable that anyone would be freaking out about it, and sometimes it's easier to just let it all out instead of keeping it bottled in.
[ Says the girl who absolutely kept it all in when she first arrived. ]
no subject
...Alberto doesn't really like wondering. He's spent a lot of time wondering in his life. And frankly, given the circumstances, this is really not the time to wonder. He decides not to beat around the bush — buuut somehow still makes sure the ball is in his court. So, either this kid is just abrasive and strange, as he abruptly flips the question on her despite his own evasiveness just a moment ago... ooor Willow's advice about not bottling things up resonated incredibly well. ]
...Sooo, are you human or what?
no subject
Glancing back at him, she smiles and shakes her head, and when she answers her tone is light, trying her best to show that it wasn't really a big deal. ]
Nope. I'm a witch, actually. [ She looks in his direction again with a curious expression. ] Do you have any of those where you come from?
no subject
[ Flatly. No context. He knows about ghosts... He doesn't know about witches. Never heard of 'em. Which, at least, is a clean slate? No prejudices or preconceptions. ]
Do you have sea monsters where you come from? Or humans?
[ Another awkward glance at the word "humans," resolving to show his hand after all, depending on her answer. It's the first time in his life (barring, like, the past week or two) that he may not have to worry about being outed by humans, ergo potentially the first time in his life he may not have to worry about, y'know, being murdered, so that's so far a plus. This girl doesn't seem... murder-y... So he's inclined to trust her, knowing how few humans he saw otherwise in this place — in fact, he's not sure he's even met any humans here yet! But depending on how much knowledge she has about humans or sea monsters, he figures he'll go from there. Maybe they're both blank slates! ]
no subject
We have both, yeah. Although humans technically live in a different realm than where I come from, but the realms are connected. One of my best friends is actually a human.
And the sea monsters we have are a bit different than... [ "Than you" is what she was going to say, but he hasn't confirmed that he is one, and while she suspects she doesn't want to upset him in case she is wrong. ] Well, they don't turn into humans or witches or anything when they come on land. I've never actually seen one myself, but they're usually really peaceful creatures unless they're provoked, like if their young are being threatened.
no subject
Heh. Y'know, one of my best friends is a human, too! And her dad. He's my boss. We live together — in the human town, obviously. Since sea folk live, uh, undersea, haha. Well— most do, hah~
[ He gives her a knowing grin, humor crinkling the corners of his eyes. That kind of answers that, at least?! But he does wave a hand lightly at her to add a second thought. ]
But s'basically the same where I'm from, though. Sea monsters there are pretty peaceful, too, unless, hah, yeah, the humans threaten their young — heh, for instance, my friend Luca's mom? She's terrifying. His parents followed us to the human town and everything when we ran away! He gets his crazy side from her, ha.
[ "When we ran away," just dropping that so casually, um...? ]
no subject
But she doesn't get a chance to respond as he continues, and she can't help a small frown. ]
Ran away?
[ Yeah, she definitely picked up on that. ]
no subject
[ The conversation snags there and he looks at her more wide-eyed as he realizes it must have struck a chord or misstepped socially somehow. He skips a beat, processing, before he just goes right back into autopilot and smooths over it, laughter laced through his voice as natural and lighthearted as can be... despite his actual words... ]
It was fun. Heh, I mean, we almost died like a million times, ha, but it was worth it, haha~ Living in the human world is great. We love it there. Have you ever been to a human town — y'know, where you're from?
[ He doesn't say it with a braggish tone, for once, genuinely curious and excited to talk about human stuff, seemingly. He's tickled to meet another non-human kid besides Luca. He's never given much thought to the possibility of different planes of existence, so hearing there's a human realm her world is connected to, he's not sure what to expect — this place he's found himself in here already is so different from Portorosso, the only other place he's ever been... Who knows what else is out there? ]
no subject
I have, actually. I ended up staying with Luz - that's my human friend - and her mom while a few of us were stuck in a human town. It wasn't so bad, actually.
no subject
[ "It wasn't so bad, actually" does not translate to "isn't it the best," Alberto... But he seems so delighted to meet a non-human girl who likes humans, too. Maybe not as much as Alberto seems to like humans, but the way his eyes and smile light up shows his intrigue in Willow's experiences all the same. ]
What was it like where you guys lived? Did you play ball in the piazza with all the human kids? Oh, or did you get a human-y job? What's your friend's mamma do for a job?
[ He has such a limited scope, in general, but all he can imagine is his own experience, because, uh... h-he's never been anywhere else. Going off what he's got, here. ]
no subject
It was pretty quiet where we were staying, actually. We didn't...really meet a lot of other humans our age. We were a bit busy for a little bit. [ Plus their differences were a bit more obviously noticeable, so they had to be careful when they went into town. ] We didn't really get jobs while we were there, either. [ Though maybe they should have, even if just for those few months. That probably would have helped Camila a bit more, she realizes. ] Luz's mom is a veterinarian, which is a doctor for animals.
no subject
Who's "we?" Did you run away with your friends, too? Were you guys gonna get in trouble for hanging out with humans?
[ Not a hint of worry or concern or sympathy or anything like that, not even considering the idea that that might be a bold or even upsetting question for some people. If she says yes, he's clearly on board with that, too... ]
no subject
Yeah, there was a small group of us. We weren't getting in trouble for being around humans, though. We'd actually been trying to escape something bad in our home, and ended up getting stuck in the Human World.
no subject
[ There's a heavy pause, Alberto's brow knotting slightly as his gaze darkens and drifts aside uneasily. "Escape something bad..." Willow's words don't sit well with him, either. He's not sure how to respond. A part of him is curious, but— who wants to talk about bad stuff? Well, maybe she does. He leaves the conversation open for her to go on or not, no prying or distracting, just listening now. ]
no subject
Yeah...but we were able to get back home eventually. I had actually just been back home before coming here.
[ She tries to say it lightly, but it was difficult thinking that they had just made it home before she'd been whisked away again. ]
no subject
[ He's trying to be considerate, venturing a glance and a guess, but his natural curiosity is still hard to switch off. ]
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(no subject)