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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.
no subject
Girl-uncle! Hahahaha! That's great! She would love that... but I think the word you're looking for is Aunt... but the amazing thing is, the family is even BIGGER than that! Those are just all the people who live in the mansion! Scrooge has more relatives all across the globe!
[ More miming! More energy! Where does all this sunshine come from? ]
Fethry Duck works in an underwater lab! Gladstone Gander has been super-lucky all his life! Fergus and Downy McDuck live in a cursed castle with mystical fog! Oh, I could go on and on forever about all of them! I've dedicated my life to knowing everything and anything about Scrooge McDuck! I'm obsessed with him!
no subject
Man, you guys must have the biggest family ever. I don't even have any uncles or cousins or, uh— aunts. [ He commits the word to memory with a little nod, thanking her for the new word. ] But maybe I have cool nephews or something out there that I never even knew about!
[ He... doesn't have any siblings. And he's fourteen. These gaps in his knowledge are a little strange, seemingly kind of guessing at these family dynamics, but it's also a little charming how hopeful his imagination is...? ]
no subject
Oh my gosh - I've been prattling on and on about my family, I haven't even given you a chance to say anything about yourself! I'm soooo sorry!
[ With her hands clasped together and the sad look on her face, she does seem to be very apologetic about this social faux pa! ]
The floor is yours - I wanna hear every single last detail about you! Leave nothing about!
no subject
Uhh— Me? Every last detail...?
[ No one's ever asked him to do that. He just volunteered information to Luca, but even that was ultimately like pulling teeth, and half of it wasn't even true. He's so much more action-driven... He hardly talked to Giulia alone, and even then it was about Luca, so she knew even less than Luca himself. And Massimo sure didn't ask him anything. Apart from that— well, his dad. But his dad knew everything about Alberto already! He's never been tasked with describing himself or his life before. But, you know — he's about it. He loves talking, and talking about himself, and bragging. He just... has no idea where to even begin. He gives a funny puff of a laugh, meeting her eye with a lopsided smirk, and picks up the pace again, opening his arms showily as they set off walking again. ]
Sure~ I'll tell you everything. Whaddya wanna know?
no subject
She slows her walking just a bit so now they can walk side by side, instead of her epic mime-show. ]
Hm... the first question, that's a toughie... I've never really talked to a Sea Monster before. But I've heard so many things about them, who knows which ones are true?
[ Eventually, she decides to go with what would be the most exciting! ]
Have you ever attacked and sunk any ships that wade into your territory?
[ And yes, she is still asking that in a cheerful manner! ]
no subject
[ The sudden "well," like there's some instance that might be debatable, is concerning. Kid looks cute and normal (well, by human standards — maybe not so much by duck standards) as he is now, but who knows what he looks like underwater... He fails to elaborate on his possible epiphany, simply rules it out and leaves her to wonder... ]
Honestly, most sea folk won't go anywhere near the surface — let alone try to sink any boats or attack any land monsters. That's what the humans do to us. Or— they used to. Some of them. Not all of them are like that.
[ #notallhumans ]
Next question~
[ He moves on so abruptly, like he didn't just drop a bomb on her in any way, like that answer wouldn't spawn more questions... He even snaps his fingers and points at her as he segues! 'Next question,' psssh... He likes being interviewed — he's already into this. ]
no subject
Instead, oof, the humans seemed pretty rough in his world! The ones she's gotten to know here seem pretty nice, but then again, the main difference between humans and the folk of her world just seem to be lack of fur and feathers. Perhaps it's really the same with sea monsters and scales?
But if he wants to move on, move on they shall - webby can be very agreeable. ]
Do you know any mermaids? I've always wanted to meet one. Or are they just another category of sea-monster-ness?
no subject
[ Oh my god, this guy… flat tone, flat face. The most anticlimactic answers. He feels like his life has been exciting — at least for the past month! But in his first sort of “getting-to-know-you~, getting-to-know-all-about-you~“ exchange, he’s starting to feel a little bashful inwardly to have such boring answers twice in a row… Especially compared to all the wild and exciting things she had to share! He feels like he has something to prove now…! ]
no subject
What about other sea monsters you know? What do you guys do together in the ocean? I imagine it's better, down where it's wetter, under the sea!
haaaaaaa. disney. :P
Hah. Wrong. I know that much for a fact. Everything good is above the surface~
[ He gestures vaguely around them, smirking. ]
Believe me: Life undersea seems really boring. I mean, life on land can be boring, too, don't get me wrong — but at least on land you can jump off stuff if you're bored. Y'know, gravity~? Undersea, you just— I dunno what— blow bubbles, I guess? Hah!
[ He thinks he's making a cheeky joke, but really he's revealing so much information about himself between the lines. Most concerning being that apparently when he's bored he just launches himself off cliffs or something, it sounds like...? No wonder he complimented her on falling out of the tree...! ]
no shame, baby, none at all
I guess I never really thought of it that way before... I always assumed there were a bunch of hidden cities and civilizations under there, but maybe they all left because it was so boring.
[ Oh, there's an idea...! ]
You know! If you're still new to land-stuff, I can show you and teach you a bunch of things! And I love jumping off stuff! I used to jump off the roofs here, but people got really worried and made me stop.
[ No concern to be found here! These are two chaotic forces and by golly all the adults just got half a dozen new gray hairs by this interaction alone. ]
no subject
[ He seems quite smug about it, smirking again and raising a brow at her. He does nod in her direction, raising both his brows in explanation as he clarifies something very important — to him at least: ]
But, for the record, I'm not new to land-stuff. Not to brag, but I'm probably the only sea monster in the whole world who's from the surface? Plus I'm basically a human-ing expert, so.
[ He sucks his teeth, like he's proving some point. Need he say more...? ]
Don't know how much good it'll do me here, but there's that.
[ He gives a little shrug as they keep walking. Probably the most self-effacing thing he's said yet, jeez... ]
no subject
There's a flicker of an idea that maybe, possibly, he could be lying - but Webby's inherent trust in folks and sheer positive nature makes sure that flicker dies in less than a second. ]
Well, considering this place is composed of mostly human and human-looking like species, you should fit in perfectly! I wouldn't have thought you were a sea-monster if you hadn't told me.
no subject
[ He can't help but feel a little pride in being told he's convincingly human, but... from a duck. In a town full of non-humans, by his standards, if not by hers. So he's still got a couple grains of salt to take, here. But he shrugs it off, stepping forward with a little more pep. ]
My dad taught me a lot about human-ing, but, I mean, you gotta live and learn, right? So I've basically taught myself all about human-ing, and now I bet I'm even better at it than my dad~
[ It occurs to him, maybe, with this place being so full of goblins and gelflings, and apparently ducks, maybe human-ing isn't the skill he should be bragging about. So with a blip of a nervous glance Webby's way, he backtracks and covers himself. ]
But, y'know, I'm just great at getting by on my own in general, so. I'm sure this place'll be a breeze, too...~
[ Sooomething in his tone betrays his tremulous confidence in that claim... After all, he can't pass himself off as a gelfling or goblin as well as he can pass himself off as a human — nor can he pass himself off as a duck... Evolution equipped him for one thing, and suddenly there are several other things he never even knew existed thrown in the mix...! He's gonna cope one way or another, man — even if it's just by blind confidence and forced nonchalance... It's gotten him this far, right? So far he's never even been murdered once! ]
no subject
You don't have to, you know? Everyone here is really, SUPER nice. Why, I feel like I make a new friend every day! And everyone's offering to teach me all kinds of stuff. No matter what kind of help you need, there's always someone more than eager to reach out!
[ She beams, as that's one of her favorite parts about being in this place. There are actually quite a few jerks, but Webby's constant cheer just makes her oblivious about it. Not to mention that same cheer makes those very same jerks wind up caring about her in the first place... be careful, Alberto, or you'll wind up joining the Webby Cult. ]
And that's why I do the same! Whenever newbies show up, I'm there to show them around and talk to them and be their friend! ... If they'd like to be friends.
1/2
2/2
...Hah. Well— I'll be your friend, then! Show me around, ha~
[ Well, that was easy. Already made a friend and he's been here, like... a few hours? ]
no subject
Great! I'm gunna show you EVERYTHING, New Friend!
[ Dawww... and then she BOLTS, dragging him along. Yep, that's how she makes and treats friends. Too late to back out now, Alberto. ]
no subject