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sticksandbones2024-06-04 01:17 pm
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2024-06-04 01:17 pm
Entry tags:
- !event,
- !npc: zahliya,
- arknights: gnosis,
- arknights: mizuki,
- arknights: passenger,
- arknights: sesa,
- arknights: silverash,
- cookie run: affogato cookie,
- cookie run: clotted cream cookie,
- cookie run: dark cacao cookie,
- cookie run: pure vanilla cookie,
- cookie run: sparkling cookie,
- cookie run: white lily cookie,
- elsword: ain,
- elsword: harque ebalon,
- gravity falls: dipper pines,
- original: felicity morais,
- original: kiera canorus,
- original: luca aurelius,
- the owl house: hunter,
- the world ends with you: beat,
- trigun: livio,
- trigun: vash,
- trigun: wolfwood,
- trigun: zazie the beast
EVENT 013
LET'S GO TO THE BEACH, BEACH
EVERY DAY IS SUN-DAY
Summer arrives in the Grove as one might expect: With bright sunlight and sweltering temperatures, not to mention the humidity. It’s hot, it’s sticky, and not even the river feels cold enough to cool anyone down. In times like this, the local moose monster thinks to herself: “I could assist. I could open a permanent path to the seaside for the Children of Man, one that does not require those silly glasses. Children of Man love the sea.” Unfortunately, no one can tell Moder no, and so she groups all of you up and leads you into the woods, parting the fog wall with her own magic as she carves a path forward. It’s a three-day-long journey that feels as though only three hours have passed by the time she stops walking. At the top of the cliffside to the northeast of Aldric’s Grove, the Forest Guardian uses her gargantuan hooves to uproot a redwood, knocking it into the sand below to serve as a broad bridge. This, she binds with vines so that it doesn’t spin and throw anyone to the ground fifty feet down, and then carefully ushers each of you across.
As the last of you steps down the bridge and Moder follows after, there’s a rumble in the earth, and the few of you on the log get scooped by two large handibles as Moder suddenly launches herself off of it and to the ground below just in time for said log to creak, splinter, and suddenly snap back to a standing position up on the cliff face, as if it wasn’t uprooted in the first place. Time, they say, fixes all things, but usually not fallen redwood pines.
Suddenly, the fog wall grows darker on the cliffside, obscuring even the true paths to those that can see them — though anyone stuck on the other side will be able to get down here just fine due to it only being a one-sided blockade. A blockade meant to keep all of you, Moder included, out of the Grove and trapped on the beach. A childish-but-familiar (to most of you) voice can be heard yelling, but it’s distant, as if the Fallen Sun doesn’t want to get much closer: “IF YOU WANT TO BE ON THE BEACH NEXT TO THE NASTIES IN THE SEA THEN BE MY GUEST!! STAY THERE AND ROT FOREVER WHILE YOU’RE AT IT!!” And then there’s a chorus of grumbling and “ew” and “gross” before the Fallen Sun stops talking and disappears from the area entirely.
Welcome to the seaside, Aldric’s Grove. It seems you’ll be here for quite some time while Moder tries to fix what just happened.
As the last of you steps down the bridge and Moder follows after, there’s a rumble in the earth, and the few of you on the log get scooped by two large handibles as Moder suddenly launches herself off of it and to the ground below just in time for said log to creak, splinter, and suddenly snap back to a standing position up on the cliff face, as if it wasn’t uprooted in the first place. Time, they say, fixes all things, but usually not fallen redwood pines.
Suddenly, the fog wall grows darker on the cliffside, obscuring even the true paths to those that can see them — though anyone stuck on the other side will be able to get down here just fine due to it only being a one-sided blockade. A blockade meant to keep all of you, Moder included, out of the Grove and trapped on the beach. A childish-but-familiar (to most of you) voice can be heard yelling, but it’s distant, as if the Fallen Sun doesn’t want to get much closer: “IF YOU WANT TO BE ON THE BEACH NEXT TO THE NASTIES IN THE SEA THEN BE MY GUEST!! STAY THERE AND ROT FOREVER WHILE YOU’RE AT IT!!” And then there’s a chorus of grumbling and “ew” and “gross” before the Fallen Sun stops talking and disappears from the area entirely.
Welcome to the seaside, Aldric’s Grove. It seems you’ll be here for quite some time while Moder tries to fix what just happened.
RESTING BEACH FACE
The golden sands and crystalline blue waters of the sea welcome you in the meantime. While Heimr and Ydalir are also stuck here with you, they will, at least, be able to provide the usual amenities — Heimr has brought everyone beach fits, including swimwear and either a boho or surfer style casual outfit, and Ydalir can use her mirror to grab items you might want from your houses or inn rooms to play with. She supposes she can grab you your normal wardrobes, too, even though that’s not really in the spirit of beach.
Umbrellas, lounge chairs, and a volleyball net are all set up on the coast here, giving you ample room to both play and relax. The palm trees will drop the occasional coconut for you to eat or, say, throw at the person next to you, but one should exercise caution: Some coconuts are actually crabs that will pinch you if they’re picked up or thrown at mach speed into the nearest person. Under the brush crawl mango mice, and jellybeans float happily within the tidepools. Go far enough toward the cove to the west, near the cliff face where the Cosmic Serpent slumbers far out into the sea, and you may get accosted by the mobster lobsters. You’re in the wrong neighbourhood, kid, why don’tcha skedaddle?
Far in the distance, over the vast ocean, is a layer of white mist over the sea. Or, perhaps it’s another fog wall…? It’s difficult to tell from here, but the mist never dissipates and always lingers. Should you bravely swim out to it, you cannot pass through it nor see past it, though unlike the black fog back home, it doesn’t hurt to touch. It merely forces you back.
Enjoy the sun and soak up some vitamin D. While escape still isn’t possible, at least this place is peaceful.
Umbrellas, lounge chairs, and a volleyball net are all set up on the coast here, giving you ample room to both play and relax. The palm trees will drop the occasional coconut for you to eat or, say, throw at the person next to you, but one should exercise caution: Some coconuts are actually crabs that will pinch you if they’re picked up or thrown at mach speed into the nearest person. Under the brush crawl mango mice, and jellybeans float happily within the tidepools. Go far enough toward the cove to the west, near the cliff face where the Cosmic Serpent slumbers far out into the sea, and you may get accosted by the mobster lobsters. You’re in the wrong neighbourhood, kid, why don’tcha skedaddle?
Far in the distance, over the vast ocean, is a layer of white mist over the sea. Or, perhaps it’s another fog wall…? It’s difficult to tell from here, but the mist never dissipates and always lingers. Should you bravely swim out to it, you cannot pass through it nor see past it, though unlike the black fog back home, it doesn’t hurt to touch. It merely forces you back.
Enjoy the sun and soak up some vitamin D. While escape still isn’t possible, at least this place is peaceful.
THAT’S A-MORAY
…well, kind of.
The thing about Aldric’s Grove and the outlying seaside is that nothing is ever peaceful and cute for too long, and nothing ever goes exactly the way you want it to. To the east, riding the line between sand and sea, is a long, tunnelling cave that dips into the earth. It’s full of glowing corals and crystals and fish that should, theoretically, not be able to float through the air like it’s water — but stranger things have happened here, so surely the fruit sharks aren’t the real danger. No, the real danger is that every high tide, that cave floods completely, leaving no room for air or for escape. Luckily, high tide only tends to come at night…
…but during all hours of the day, something far in the distance sings songs. It’s a chorus, beautiful and hypnotizing, and if one were to look out toward stones that jut from the distant sea, they’ll spot them: a choir of gorgeous sirens resting upon the jagged rocks. They’re so, so happy to sing with you, should you stray closer — but getting too close means getting grabbed and dragged under. The sirens do not care if you drown on the way to a sandbar far from the Grove itself, but should you survive, you might want to scream for help. Their dinnertime is in a few hours, you see.
Somewhere far, far away from the shore, you can hear something roaring, too. Something large. Something imposing… something you should probably ignore.
The thing about Aldric’s Grove and the outlying seaside is that nothing is ever peaceful and cute for too long, and nothing ever goes exactly the way you want it to. To the east, riding the line between sand and sea, is a long, tunnelling cave that dips into the earth. It’s full of glowing corals and crystals and fish that should, theoretically, not be able to float through the air like it’s water — but stranger things have happened here, so surely the fruit sharks aren’t the real danger. No, the real danger is that every high tide, that cave floods completely, leaving no room for air or for escape. Luckily, high tide only tends to come at night…
…but during all hours of the day, something far in the distance sings songs. It’s a chorus, beautiful and hypnotizing, and if one were to look out toward stones that jut from the distant sea, they’ll spot them: a choir of gorgeous sirens resting upon the jagged rocks. They’re so, so happy to sing with you, should you stray closer — but getting too close means getting grabbed and dragged under. The sirens do not care if you drown on the way to a sandbar far from the Grove itself, but should you survive, you might want to scream for help. Their dinnertime is in a few hours, you see.
Somewhere far, far away from the shore, you can hear something roaring, too. Something large. Something imposing… something you should probably ignore.
SHIP HAPPENS
If one traverses the aforementioned cave before high tide rolls in, making it to the other side and crossing the threshold will spit one out on the docks, where there are cabanas for you to live in temporarily. Or permanently, if you really want to leave the forest behind. The pier boasts numerous empty stalls from a civilization long-gone; off by one of those piers is an old ship in a state of disrepair, and though it looks like it could function in the future, where would you even go if you fixed it?
The two merchants have their own spaces here — past the line of cabanas is an old, run-down building that looks like it was meant to be a seaside souvenir shop before the world as you once knew it ended, and this is where Heimr chooses to set up a temporary General Store. He’ll need some help cleaning all the old junk and coconut crabs out, if you feel like giving him a hand. Fatherly love points will be given to any and all who help, and once finished, a friendly spirit in the form of a dragonfruit dragon will help keep things stocked, as Plum does back at the Grove. Ydalir’s tent lies right outside of the temporary General Store, although her giant tortoise spends a great deal of time wandering off to go play in the shallows.
Each cabana is equipped with a small kitchen, a small living space including a pull-out couch and a bed suitable for two, and a bathroom with a standing shower and sink. There’s an outdoor seating area and firepit next to each, too. Sadly, there are only ten of these, so some sharing may be required, unless you want to sleep outside.
Happy summer, everybody. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
The two merchants have their own spaces here — past the line of cabanas is an old, run-down building that looks like it was meant to be a seaside souvenir shop before the world as you once knew it ended, and this is where Heimr chooses to set up a temporary General Store. He’ll need some help cleaning all the old junk and coconut crabs out, if you feel like giving him a hand. Fatherly love points will be given to any and all who help, and once finished, a friendly spirit in the form of a dragonfruit dragon will help keep things stocked, as Plum does back at the Grove. Ydalir’s tent lies right outside of the temporary General Store, although her giant tortoise spends a great deal of time wandering off to go play in the shallows.
Each cabana is equipped with a small kitchen, a small living space including a pull-out couch and a bed suitable for two, and a bathroom with a standing shower and sink. There’s an outdoor seating area and firepit next to each, too. Sadly, there are only ten of these, so some sharing may be required, unless you want to sleep outside.
Happy summer, everybody. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
SPARK NOTES
CLICK TO EXPAND!
EVERY DAY IS SUN-DAY
Moder has led everyone to the beach for a day out. Unfortunately, "a day out" is actually going to be "an entire month out that you didn't ask for" thanks to the Fallen Sun. Oops.
RESTING BEACH FACE
While everyone is stuck on the beach, at least the usual amenities are available. Watch out for the coconut crabs, who are actually coconuts, and the mobster lobsters who want nothing more than to pinch your ankles until you get off of their turf. Enjoy volleyball and lounging under the sun in the meantime, though.
THAT’S A-MORAY
The cave floods during high-tide, the sirens want you to come out and sing with them and drown, and something roars in the distance. The ocean is full of untold horrors for your viewing pleasures.
SHIP HAPPENS
The docks is where most of the actual living will happen. Heimr needs help cleaning out an old souvenir shop to make into a General Store, an old ship on the pier might be able to be repaired, and there are ten total cabanas between all of you. Better find a roommate!
OOC
Friends it is summer, please use sunscreen IRL if you go to any beaches that may or may not contain sirens. For the event specifically, OOC Plotting Lives Here if you'd like to plot anything out!
UPDATES
❖ None yet!
in the surf!
A mermaid cookie...? Oh, but I shouldn't assume we're all cookies...
no subject
Until he looks again, just as she's saying the word "cookie". He's lucky that he's spent so many years perfecting his calm and unbothered expression, because the moment he realizes, his breath catches in his throat.
Right. This isn't Dark Enchantress Cookie. This is White Lily Cookie. Right...? ]
Ah... Pardon me, but did you say "cookies"?
no subject
Oh- um, yes, I did...
( oh no, she must sound so strange. even if it's the truth... the human transformation is already so much, but as she speaks the realization that she may have to... to explain? justify her existence? she's not sure yet, but it sinks in heavily.
it will get worse when she realizes what the actual problem is. )
no subject
So, in lieu of a polite approach, he puts on his best smile and sits upright as best he can. ]
Do not worry, you are correct in your assumption. I, myself, am a Cookie, albeit one that has gone through some... additional changes in form. Please forgive my inability to stand in a more proper greeting. I am Clotted Cream Cookie, Consul of the Crème Republic.
no subject
Oh! Pure Vanilla Cookie mentioned he and a few others seem to have been cursed... I am White Lily Cookie. Please, don't worry about it- your new body has it's own needs, yes? Stay in the surf, it must be much more comfortable.
( if anything, she will sit down to join him. ... and since she's no longer a cookie, her now frail health is probably much more apparent. the woman's skin and bones, it feels like, and dark circles stain her eyes. )
The Crème Republic... It sounds familiar but I'm afraid I can't recall...
no subject
White Lily Cookie! It is a pleasure to meet you, finally. I have heard much and more about you.
[ He does as asked, remaining comfortably in the surf, though he does look at her with some concern. She is clearly very delicate, both in constitution and skin tone... Should she be out in the sun? Felicity had said that the sun will burn skin if they aren't careful. ]
The Crème Republic lies across the sea from Crispia, and it has not been around nearly as long as the kingdoms there. [ He cannot say "it was formed largely by refugees escaping the Vanilla Kingdom during the Dark Flour War", can he? ] Perhaps you've met someone from there before?
no subject
( girl why are you so surprised? you are, as the kids say, a big deal. but with how long it's been, and no legacy like the others... )
I see... I don't remember a country at sea save- but there was the small town I left for Beast Yeast from. You must be the first, then. What can you tell me about it?
no subject
[ He's done his research! He had to, with what he was planning. BUT ANYWAY-- ]
Of course. It is comprised of Cookies of both sweet and salty dough, and a good amount of the former are descendents of the Vanilla Kingdom, myself included. I hail from House Custard, and from House Scone. Our Republic is also from where all paladins hail. Ser Madeleine Cookie is quite popular, and has quite the presence even outside of the Republic, to my knowledge.
no subject
( white lily listens, though. it is out of genuine interest, especially at first, but... descendants of the vanilla kingdom...? it doesn't take long for her to realize why they would be displaced to begin with. she can't help but cover her mouth with her hand once it sets in. )
I see. ... It is wonderful that the two have found unity, and... that those from the Vanilla Kingdom found a home again. Madeleine Cookie is an unfamiliar name, I'll admit. But it's good that you're all continuing to thrive.
( girl you have no idea- )
no subject
We are doing the best that we can. The Crème Republic still has its problems, but it is my goal to ensure that our Republic is as united as it can be. And, as Consul, if you ever find your way there in your travels, you are more than welcome to visit as long as you like.
[ He did not speak a word of Dark Enchantress Cookie's identity to anyone there, so it's fine! ]
no subject
( she says it with such a sudden firmness, it might be jarring... before she settles again to that normal soft tone. )
I would like that, though. I am... unsure if I will be able to resume traveling, however. I have recently inherited a great role, and it is not one I can step away from, I think. Has Pure Vanilla told you of Beast Yeast yet?
no subject
Unfortunately, that is a disgrace we have very recently uncovered... But, now that it is exposed to the light, I am hoping that we can weed out the remaining roots.
[ They will, if he has anything to say about it. ]
I have heard some reports, though I have not been party to any direct expeditions, as my presence has been needed in the Republic. But surely you would not be locked to a single location for the rest of your existence...? That would be a troubling life, indeed.
[ says the man that has only recently left his home for the first time ]
no subject
Upon my resurrection, I also inherited his duty shortly after. And... as he was also the Fairies' ruler... ... It would be heinous of me to leave behind what he devoted his life to, and to leave them without their Guardian.
( long story short: sometimes you are brought back to life and immediately have to take over your dead boyfriend's throne and life duty. it happens. surely he understands. perhaps it's cruel to the light of freedom, but they must see it done.
the surf coming in and out helps ground her. for her, this was only a few days ago at best, after all. )
no subject
[ That seems... almost cruel. But it is also necessary, from his understanding. Should that seal ever fail, the Beasts will be set free, and alongside Dark Enchantress Cookie...
He has full faith in the Magic Candies that the Republic has created, but what if they aren't enough in that event?
It's quite the serious turn in conversation, and Clotted Cream lets it hang in the air for a moment as the surf washes in and out over them. But this is no place for such serious conversation. He lightly clears his throat, sitting upright on-- well, on the legs that are part of his shrimp-like lower half. It allows him to present himself better. ]
Well, in this place, that responsibility does not weigh on your shoulders. I do hope that you are able to enjoy yourself. Admittedly, it has taken me a while to begin to get into that same mindset... But, until we are able to return home, there is little that we can do otherwise.
no subject
( ... is not one that comes easily, or without work. a lot of work. white lily cookie dares not speculate too much, however- she barely knows the young man, after all, beyond the fact that he is now one of pure vanilla's, and that is enough.
she doesn't hide her curiosity in how she watches him move, though. sorry. )
... So, ah- is... there anything you like about this world?