sticksandbones | EVENT & TDM 012

EVENT & TDM 012

IT'S GONNA BE MAY

WAKE UP

You open your eyes, and with a jolt, find yourself within the clearing of a miniscule town surrounded by trees and thick, black fog. Despite the ominous backdrop, nature seems to be thriving — it’s a pleasantly chill spring day, as far as anyone can tell, and everything is vibrant and blooming… even some of the animals. At some point, a friendly old dog with red fur approaches, carrying a basket in his jaws. Inside are blackberries and apples other fruits. Did he find this himself? Or did someone give them to him to bring to new arrivals? Regardless, he very clearly hopes that you’ll share.

A giant golden brown turtle sits by a tent, napping in the sunlight. Two statues sit in the courtyard by an old well — a haloed woman marked as the Goddess of the Sun, Beiwe, and a gentle woman looking adoringly at her counterpart, marked as the Goddess of the Moon, Ourania. If you pay your respects, the air feels gentle and warm in the day, and like a fresh cool breeze at night.

As you explore more, perhaps the bloomed animals will approach — a mossy squirrel, or a frog who happens to also be a lilypad. It’s charming, almost. Whimsical and kind.

Shame that the wall of fog looms ever on, watching. Waiting.

SHINING, SHIMMERING, SPLENDID

cw: hallucinations, compulsions, near-death experiences

For a while, spring seems gentle, almost. Peaceful. The previous month may have been full of jokes, but things are actually safe. Of course, that can’t last forever. Every night, a purple, shimmering mist floods the town. It does not breach the doors and windows, even if left open, but looking at it is… enticing.

Should you give in, the mist is cool and gentle, swaying around you like smoke. The longer you stay in, the more your eyes feel blissfully heavy. Soon, you find yourself surrounded by loved ones, in a place that brings you joy — a childhood home, a vacation spot, some place warm and safe and dear to your heart. Everyone is playing and having so much fun. Join them! Join them!

Of course, by the time you do jump into the fun, you’ll find yourself awakened with a start, just about to fall into danger. Perhaps you climbed a tree and were about to leap to the ground from too high up. Or maybe you stuck your head in the river and your lungs were about to empty. Regardless, the happy dream shatters with imminent danger, and perhaps you’d better hope that someone else is nearby to help you. … Especially since with each night you give in, the more enticing the mist is the next night.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

At some point, the mist is forcibly dissipated and instead the moon shines brightly, almost like a spotlight. Investigation will reveal an absurdly large capybara that seems more like a vehicle than an animal, even with the jasmine flowers hanging off of it, siting down with the ‘door’ accessible to anyone willing to climb in.

“Come with me, and I will bring you to a night of festivities.” is all that it says when asked. And it knows that you will — you’re all curious as kittens, after all. Once the last person takes a fuzzy seat within the capybara, it slowly stands up and begins walking through the woods, and for the first time, everything seems peaceful. Normal, even. Why, there’s not even a monster or misshapen, grabby tree! Just a moonlit forest, and fireflies in the distance.

Eventually it brings you to a small but beautiful cabin, crouching down to let everyone out again. Outside is a layer of marble surrounded by pillars decorated with sheer fabrics and an abundance of lilies and calendula, jasmine and marigolds, hydrangeas and gladiolus. A buffet table has also been spread out, and within the cabin are changing rooms with a multitude of ornate gowns and suits, alongside sitting rooms and other potential necessities — though you get the feeling that you should still be on your best behavior here.

Gentle music plays from an unknown source. The capybara is resting, until it’s time to leave come sunrise. For one night, everything is at peace. You may as well enjoy it, and dance to your heart’s content.

SPARK NOTES

CLICK TO EXPAND!

WAKE UP

Welcome to Aldric's Grove! The fog wall is a little creepy, but worry not: A dog has brought you a snack, and the plant-bearing wildlife are pretty friendly. If you've been here for a while, no worry: You, too, are getting a basket of treats from the dog.

SHINING, SHIMMERING, SPLENDID

A purple mist fills the Grove at night, and stepping into it makes you experience a euphoric dream... shortly before you wake up because you nearly walked into death. Be careful, because the mists are addicting, and you may not have an easy time avoiding their temptation the following nights.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

For one night, the mists clear up and peace settles over the forest. A giant capybara gleefully takes everyone to the site of a grand dance, where the clothing and food are all free, and the music swells with joy. Dance your hearts out until dawn breaks, and then the capybara will take you back home.

OOC

Happy May! This is a reminder that TDMs are game canon. Enjoy your dreams, enjoy your prom night, enjoy the capybara. OOC Plotting Lives Here if you'd like to plot anything out!

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I.Arrival

[It's an entirely different sort of place that he ends up in than what he expected. Of course, he'd known no good would come of pressing Mizora for more rewards but Gale has always spoken before he thinks. The promise of freedom, even with the maddening stipulation of another 6 months, was more than enough for him.

That her so-called "gift" had come with the same diabolic portal that had cursed him with his devilish features had only made him more certain he'd be punished instead. Oh but the fresh air, cool and soothing on his skin after the stifling humidity of the fleshy depths of the colony is a welcome relief. That he is not in the hells but another plane entirely is confusing. Perhaps the portal was altered in some way by Illithid interference? Even more strange then that he has at least one of his small companions with him and Us is quick to chirp an assurance that it would not leave its friend.

Wyll is quick to his feet once he wakes, on alert and awaiting some manner of shade to come staggering from the mists beyond. It seems far too like the curse that laid over the shadowlands for him to expect anything less. The village itself seems well protected though, something he suspects has to do with a cleric or some other divine intervention. So when he finds the statues he can't help a small smile, though his brow creases in confusion at the unfamiliar names upon the stone. Wyll bows graciously before them all the same.]

My ladies~ [Then he straightens, sighs, and looks down at the odd little creature beside him.] I fear we are quite far from home now, little one. It would be best if you can ensure others see you as a ca- heh kitty.

II. The Mists

[He can feel how very distant his magic seems here. Much as he despises relying so heavily on Mizora her gifts certainly help him keep his awareness heightened. Far beyond what a normal human could do. He has seen enough of the town now to have some small idea of how things work and how odd they seem. Some facets of this place seem to belong to the Shadowfell while others sound more like a matter of the Feywild. But the oddities in the natural world around them make him wish once more that he had Halsin here to ask after. The man has so much experience both with curses that warp the lands affected by them and in general simply due to his natural longevity as an elf.

Between his experience with things from other planes, Us' ability to sense the minds of others, and his own Fiendish Resistance -nevermind the lingering blessings from both Isobel and the pixie- he's quite certain he's the best equipped to deal with whatever threats await them. Even if the mist this night is soft and sweet and alluring. It reminds him of the silken tone Mizora uses when offering something particularly tempting. Beautiful and treacherous. Which is why Wyll has taken it upon himself to patrol the main areas of town, urging people to return to their homes. Especially if they are behaving as though charmed in some way.

His devilish form is still new enough that he has not stopped to think about how unsettling it might be for one to see a man with a glowing red eye and large swooping horns emerge from the mist, glowing scarlet rapier in hand.

At least the sweet little silver tabby at his heels likely makes him a little less threatening.

Hopefully.]

III. Dance

[It's far too easy and convenient and Wyll is on edge the entire night. Such a beautiful setting but it's also eerily perfect. He knows more than enough of the fey to give the banquet tables a wide berth. Oh but the dance floor and the music and his heart aches to join in. To set worries aside and enjoy the evening. It's been years since he attended a gala but the dancing had always been his favorite part.

Much as he tries to stalk around the edges of the clearing, patrolling in tight loops around the space, his steps falter occasionally. He finds he keeps picking up the rhythm of the music in his steps or gazing wistfully at the dance floor. He is too aware of the consequences of taking food from the fey to let that slide but eventually, he can be found inside, tentatively stripping off his filthy armor, the stink of the illithid colony that's clung to his clothes finally, finally able to be replaced with something sweeter. Softer. A gentle touch of scented oil, jasmine and vetiver, before he allows himself to dress in something far more appropriate.

It's infinitely more glamorous than anything he's worn in nearly a decade but the splendor of it fits over him like a familiar jacket. It's all too easy for him to stride back out to the dance floor, confidence in every stride, even if the dances he sees from others are largely unknown to him. After only a moment's hesitation, though, he approaches the first person he finds without a partner, one hand offered out as he bows deeply before them. There's a smile on his face, though soft and subdued, a flicker of uncertainty in his one scarlet eye. But he's made his offer and if the proof of how hellstouched he truly is will scare off his potential partner then he will simply have to suffer the consequences.]

Tell me, are you familiar with La Allemande?

((OOC: Hello! Feel free to toss another option at me or hit me up via DW or on disco @ Mimicuy to plot out something else. Mr Hero Prince would love to save anyone and everyone from danger so if you need a daring rescue he's your man.))

[Luca has no idea what (perhaps literal) hells this man has been through. He has no way of knowing how unfamiliar this sight may be to him, or how he might have even longed for something so simple and elegant. Yet despite being thoroughly unfamiliar with both this man and his journey, there is one thing he is certain of.

He is new. Out of place as Luca had felt a few months prior. And so he doesn't so much as bad an eyelash as he's approached. Though a scrutinizing gaze is offered, there's no distaste on his face at what he sees. His home is a land of humans who bear the features of their beloved gods. He's used to strange appearances. And even if that weren't true, he's hardly one to judge. Even through the collar of his chosen outfit, a few deep red feathers might be spotted.

The only thing that does prompt him to react is the mention of that particular dance. His lip curls, before he gives a shrug.]

Unfortunately I am. I trust you will be able to keep up?

[Despite himself Wyll smiles, a grin flashing across his features for a brief moment before settling for something softer. He huffs out a surprised breath and a chuckle then inclines his head towards Luca.]

Is there another you would prefer? I must admit I am a bit out of practice but I'm sure I can shake the rust off swiftly.

[Regardless of what they may decide on Wyll takes Luca's hand, bowing over it once more and following up with the more polite option he probably should have led with.]

My name is Wyll, though some know me better as The Blade of Frontiers. [The title he speaks with a flourish and a fierce smile.]

[A few memories of being young, clumsy and flustered fill his mind, but he swiftly shakes his head.]

There is no need. I just was not expecting something so... familiar.

[He's already shaking off the childhood memories of dancing with stuffy nobles. Agreeable as he is, Wyll has already proven to be a far cry from the familiar. Despite the familiarity of the dance, he's already confident Luca was already confident that it would be a comfortable change of pace.]

Blade of Frontiers. Sounds like quite the heroic title. [A wry smile is offered as Luca bows in kind.] Luca Aurelius. Bartender of Forests, if it pleases you.

One I do my best to live up to. [And the sheepish slant to his smile makes it clear that for however proudly he claims it he is still a modest man at heart.]

Bartender, hmm? And a far more enchanting one than the most recent I've met. [A brief grimace at the memory of Thisobald Thorm's grotesque form. But he dismisses it with a shake of his head, instead taking Luca's hand to lead him to the dance floor proper.]

It seems we are one of the few who know such precise steps. I fear we may have to stay rather a lot closer than the dance is intended for just due to how little room there seems to be. [Not inappropriately so, of course, but the grand sweep turns and steps, where there is meant to be a good meter or more between them, is asking too much of the small floor and the crowd, none of whom seem to be holding to any form of proper dance etiquette. Not even a simple waltz.]

[There's a certain level of charm that Wyll exudes. A few years prior, and Luca might have been utterly smitten with him. Even now, the honeyed words he offers serve to splash the faintest bit of color across his cheeks, though for a mercy it doesn't send him stammering about like a young teen.]

You did not tell me you were also well versed in flattery. [His brows lift playfully.] But yes. There is a bar not far from the clinic. It's open most always — if I am not there, there are others who man the station.

[Luca also passes glance over the assembled denizens of the grove. He, too, has noticed the lack of form in their movements. Luca, however, finds their free motions to be a welcome sight.

He doesn't vocalize this to Wyll, though. Rather, he gives a shrug.]

I am perfectly capable of adapting. Surely you are as well?

Well then.... Should you flee and leave me with naught but a sweet memory and displaced footwear I shall know where to find you.

[Wyll's smile flashes to a wide grin for a moment, thinking himself quite clever, before he clears his throat. Taking the appropriate starting position and bowing to Luca with a flourish. Adapting is what he does~]

Oh, you're that sort of romantic, are you?

[Though his tone verges on the dry, Luca's amusement is still obvious. It dances behind his eyes, and flutters at the edges of his lips, which try so hard to remain in their thin little line.

He bows in kind before taking his first steps. It's been awhile since he's danced, and longer still since he's moved like this. Nevertheless, the muscles in his lithe form haven't forgotten, and he finds himself going through the motions with little struggle.]

[Gnosis can't help but think to himself "oh boy, it's that time of month where new people show up" when he sees a stranger staring at the statues of the Gods. He's looking at Wyll from across the way, holding quite the handful of objects — a hammer, a notebook, a few sheets of metal... He's a man on a mission, and he thinks to himself that he's going to say hi after he runs back to the lab to drop these things off...

...but if Us is still a brain when he looks at them? Yeah hey he's immediately coming over. He's a scientist, he Must know more.]

I take it you and your companion are new here?

[How do you politely ask someone if it's typical to have a brain for a pet, asking for a friend—]

[Us is just as startled as Wyll to be in a new place, though it is far less concerned about it. It's back with Friend! But as soon as Gnosis gets close enough for Us to sense his presence it scuttles around to hide behind Wyll, obediently shifting the perception around itself so that it looks, instead, like a large silver tabby. Gnosis will not hear it, due to the telepathic nature of its communication but it whisper-squeaks a warning to Wyll.

He's already turning to face Gnosis when he speaks, a smile on his face though there is caution in his stance.]

Good day, ah- yes I'm afraid we are. A touch confused as well, I must admit.

[Gnosis does a double-take at what he swears to God was a brain a second ago. Lack of sleep, probably... he's been known to not sleep for multiple days on end, scientist he is, and he pushes up his glasses with a thumb and rubs his eyes briefly.

Okay. Just hallucinating walking organs hanging around people now. That's cool.]

That isn't surprising. This place is Aldric's Grove. It's a bit of a long story, but you'll find most people here are from different worlds, and all of us were pulled in by some sort of ritual I have only minimal understanding of. We're all trapped here for the forseeable future.

[Gnosis it's Too early in the day for bad news, man.]

A ritual?

[Wyll's hand comes up to press his knuckles thoughtfully to his lips for a moment, heavy brow furrowing further beneath the weight of horns. He visibly startles after a moment, glancing down in surprise at his...... cat. Us, anxiously pointing out that this man might have seen. But it's something he isn't going to broach if Gnosis himself doesn't first.

And just like that he's back to the topic at hand.]

Hm... Perhaps this "ritual" interrupted- Well I believe I was between planes when I arrived here instead of where I'd anticipated. [So far, though, this place is a damn sight better than Avernus. A low bar if ever there was one.] And this plane? Are we... in the Feywild? It seems distinctly too dark for that.

[Gnosis has been sufficiently gaslit about Us. Better to assume he's hallucinating for his own comfort anyway.]

I'm positive there are immensely better planes in this universe to be, but no. Aldric's Grove isn't part of any "Feywild". [He gestures with his, er, full hands here, toward the fog wall off in the distance.] That fog keeps us trapped here, but it keeps most of the monsters out as well. A small boon, I would say.

[He shakes his head, the feathers that are part of his hair fluffing up a little. Gnosis honest-to-god both loves and hates this place. It's better than his home world, but that means nothing when your home world is constant wars and human rights issues.]

I can give you the grand tour and a better explanation, if you'd like. You'll have to forgive me if we stop off at my lab first.

[He is carrying a heavy load.]

[It's as Wyll is patrolling that he runs into someone else doing the same, down to and including a pet- this being a wolf-dog puppy made of... cookies and cream cake(???). The puppy spots the 'cat' and starts to bark excitedly]

Oreo, tchtch, focus-

[The other man pulls out a treat bag to get the puppy's attention back on him instead of the other animal]

Apologies, it is still very young.

[The rush of movement and sound when he's so on edge has Wyll rounding on them, blade drawn. But he has the presence of mind not to immediately strike out. At least partially because he's not entirely sure what he's actually looking at.

Us, however, has crouched low and while he has no idea what it might look like from the others' perspective all five of its tentacles are arched over its back, violet energy crackling around where they point at the dog directly.]

Us, no! [The command is enough to stop it from releasing the synaptic discharge it has charged but not enough to stand down. Wyll is quick to approach, even though he knows it will not help the......d-dog? Calm itself. If it means putting himself between Us and this poor stranger, however....]

[Cacao, not realizing the creature has powers, doesn't look concerned outside making sure Oreo doesn't chase or hurt the 'cat'. Oreo barks again as the 'cat' maintains it's aggressive stance, but stays next to Cacao, tail wagging. it too has no idea of the danger]

Your cat is quite bold.

Edited 2024-05-09 22:07 (UTC)

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EVENT & TDM 012

Wyll Ravengard | Baldur's Gate 3 | Newbie

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I.

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II

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