sticksandbones | Event & TDM 003

Entry tags:

Event & TDM 003

I AM THE WILD

WAKE UP

You open your eyes.

~~It feels like you’ve been here before, like you’re finally home.~~ Today, the sun shines brightly, brilliantly, on the open forest clearing making up Aldric’s Grove. Vines wrap around old buildings, overgrowth covers ruins of what once were homes and shops, and weeds poke up through the cracks of foundations. Before you stands an inn, a well, and one hundred beautiful flowers peppered throughout the clearing. Be not fooled by their beauty, wanderer; should you stray too close, the flowers are happy to bite.

Fret not, however; should you seek escape from the carnivorous foliage, the inn is plenty safe from attacks. Perhaps you ought to get acquainted with others like you, lounging in the lobby with nowhere to go. Perhaps you should find yourself a room, a place to stay. After all, room and board is completely free of charge! Should you dig through the bedside table of your new room, you’ll find only one thing within: A Polaroid photograph of yourself from years ago. You were younger, then — or, if age doesn’t define you, you were different. Still, you remember posing for this photograph… don’t you?

If the photo is too much for you, a trip to the river might offer respite. The oppressive fog wrapping around the grove and obscuring much of the distant forest some miles out won’t let you wander too far. Luckily, there’s a stretch of river perfect for a round of fishing, playing in, or simply relaxing by. Mushrooms grow along the banks and on the trees, but remember to say “thank you” to the forest if you take them. You wouldn’t like the consequences otherwise.

HEY

cw: madness, hallucinations

You might have had luck avoiding the gnashing fangs of the flowers thus far, but they begin to get restless and aggressive the longer they go without feeding. They can’t quite uproot themselves and chase you down, but they will stretch their stalks as far as they can, unfurl their petals and try to wrap sharp leaves around your legs and anything else within reach. If you aren’t careful, their fangs will pierce your flesh, and they will drink from you until they drain you dry. Shout for help if they latch on. Surely someone will come to your aid.

…just try not to look at them much. The flowers take passive abilities of anyone they feed from, and that means they possess powers of their own. Stare for a moment too long, and you’ll begin to see your nightmares brought to life, feel a crawling down your back like one million insect feet, a grappling at your ankles as something tries to drag you under the metaphorical tides. Black tendrils sweep over your eyes, they grip the facades of buildings, they tear your friends to shreds and eat them whole. Focus. Focus on that voice telling you to snap out of it, on the people around you waving their hands in front of your eyes. It isn’t real. Blink, shake your head, and clear your thoughts.

Or don’t. “Give in,” a sultry voice murmurs, “Let me consume you.”

IT'S ALRIGHT

cw: auditory hallucinations, animal butchery

From the fenced-off, locked-up manor to the northwest of the Grove, a spill of magic begins to leak out from boarded-up windows. It’s gradual at first before it suddenly bursts, and that’s when everything starts to go haywire. The Manor’s heart aches, friend. Something in that house is oh-so-miserable with no way out… and it intends to make you feel its pain.

Every regret you’ve ever had — every word left unspoken, every lie you’ve told, everything you believe you’ve done wrong — those feelings are brought to the surface and magnified. No matter where you look, what you do, or how much you try to distract yourself, those emotions will always bubble to the surface.

You might think wandering into the forest will help you flee from yourself for a time, but as soon as you cross the threshold, the path back to the clearing closes behind you in a rustle of leaves. The only way out is forward, it seems, but the forest won’t play fair. The path will shift unexpectedly, blocking your route, forcing you to backtrack, but never quite allowing escape. All the while, voices fill your mind, chasing after you no matter where you go. They are the murmurs of those you have wronged, the murmurs of a conscience slighted.

Seeking out a companion in the labyrinth will quell them, for a time. Should your heart weigh too heavy, confessing to your labyrinth-partner what you’re grappling with will absolve you of your guilt and leave you feeling clear-headed enough to escape. At that point, the forest, too, seems content to let you solve the maze without interference.

Should you escape fairly, without harming the labyrinth, you’ll be rewarded: A freshly-hunted game animal from your homeland is dropped at your feet just as you step back into the clearing. Enjoy it, for you will not have the opportunity to get another. The forest only allows one round per person.

I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU

The residents of Aldric’s Grove have had a rough time here, but not everything has to be bad. On the night of the new moon, the Shopkeeper leaves his store for the night, and alongside the Trader — who normally sits outside the inn by her stall and her giant turtle — he constructs a bonfire some distance from the carnivorous plants. Nearby to it are tables with a feast set upon them, free for everyone to enjoy. There’s music playing from… somewhere. Don’t think about it too hard. The wispy, sentient shadows that comprise the Shopkeeper and Trader are happy to dance with you, too, if you ask.

Enjoy your night, friends. You’ve made it to the end of the month, and you deserve a break.

SPARK NOTES

CLICK TO EXPAND!

WAKE UP

Welcome to Aldric's Grove! Watch out for the carnivorous flowers. There's a photograph of you in the inn, by the way. Don't worry about it.

HEY

The carnivorous flowers are now causing visual hallucinations and madness. Try not to look at them too long. Maybe buddy up for the time being, to make sure that the forest's whispering voice doesn't drag you too far down.

IT'S ALRIGHT

A flood of magic hits the Grove. Characters will be subject to reliving and re-experiencing all of their regrets, and should they wander into the forest to escape, they'll be made to play in the forest's maze game. The forest won't play fair, but seems to relent when you confess to a companion what's on your mind. And hey, that makes your heart weigh less heavy, too. At the end of the line, you'll get a reward of fresh meat as long as you didn't try to cheat!

I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU

The Shopkeeper and Trader are throwing a lighthearted bonfire party. Dance the night away and eat your heart out!

OOC

Welcome to the third TDM & Event Log of Sticks and Bones! This log is game canon. The prompts are meant for all players, current and future, so have fun! Our applications operate on a rolling basis, so applications are open with no end date unless we suddenly cap players. If there are any questions, please direct them to the "questions" header below.

UPDATES

❖ For those who enter the inn in the morning, a breakfast spread of scrambled eggs, bacon, smoked fish, roasted tomatoes on the vine and assorted fruits wait for you.
❖ Several patches of the murderous flowers seem to have been electrocuted, lit on fire or cut.

TDM TOPLEVELS!

TDMS

❖ Shalem (Arknights)
❖ Toge Inumaki (Jujutsu Kaisen)
❖ Jade Leech (Twisted Wonderland)
❖ BB (Fate/ Grand Order
❖ Akki (Original)
❖ Nikaidou Eisuke (Tsurune)
❖ Arthur Pendragon (Saber) (Fate/ Grand Order)

(CODE)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

... Could you? It's been too long and- it's... all I'm permitted...

P-Permitted...

[ WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?!?!??! ]

Can I come closer....? I am going to put my hand out and... Cast a spell c-callled prestidigitation It makes it so I can make things clean.

[ She learned the spell because after Sylas's death... She... Wanted to be connected that way, he use to run around the towns they visited and randomly cast the spell all over, making it clean... Bc thats normal to do for him I guess. ]

( it means what it means! and it means that the girl doesn't have a lot going for her. but she listens quietly and nods.

seems she's not especially talkative. )

[ Caoimhe puts her hand out, and verbally sings a gentle tune. When the song is sung, the winds around her bellow warmly toward the other. Picking up parts of her dress and taking with it anything that seemed to make it unclean. There is a faint smell of the ocean as the winds carry away, like an ocean scented candle. It will not, mend the dress. This would include any areas of her body that was dirtied by mud/flowers or etc. ]

T-There...

( the ocean...

she misses the ocean. the tatters don't fix, and yet somehow, it feels like her dress has returned to it's former glory. if she hadn't lived in this dress for centuries now, she might be enchanted- but as it's cleaned, it at least feels more comfortable. she gives a shaky yet relieved smile. )

Thank you.

[ Caoimhe finally relaxes slightly. A softness overcoming her, seeing the gentle dress upon the other seem cleaner... There is much she wants to ask, but even she is hesitant. Not when she knows, the forest takes from others regardless of peoples needs. What things has it taken from her? ]

Yes, of course... Um, are you also - just awoken? There are others who have as well, would you like to go back towards the inn?

... No. I've always been here, in the Grove. But I don't think I should stay long. The Forest would miss me terribly.

( she wants to, though. )

... Is that, normal..?

[ It almost sounds like she is returning to her... Mother, or something. ]

Um.. Could I ask you another question question... About your legs, are you alright? Are you able to walk comfortably?

[ It isn't the first time she has seen magical prosthetics. The Fairy Oliver, whoms goat she had apparently taken with her. Had his arms taken from him due to a fae bubble cutting short amidst a unfortunate accident. As such, he created arms to replace what ones he lost. ]

For me, yes. You shouldn't have to worry though.

( the forest's most beloved cannot leave it. who would it play with then, when the members of the grove refuse to play along? who would tend to the grass and trees and flowers?

nene is quiet before she smiles. it's

incredibly fake. )

They were a gift. To complain would be rude.

[ Doubt, she knows what it means to smile wearily through the pains of of a weight that is unspoken. ]

....

[ Theres an awkward bit of silence, but then Caoimhe moves to reach into her bag. Fingers are deft, and her hands push into the entrance of it attempting to look for something. When she grips what she was looking for, Caoimhe pulls it out. A broom. ]

Here.

[ Caoimhe offers the item to her. ]

When you wish to use it, you must say the word: UP.

[ The word UP, is in draconic. She follows after with a word of move, a word of stay put, and last one of come. ]

It is fun to ride, I enjoyed riding it everywhere myself. It should help you, if you ever wish to move anywhere fast. [ Rather, if you are ever in pain walking. ]

--Ah...?

( caoimhe holds out the broom and nene can only stare for a moment-

truthfully, the broom won't help with the pain of the attachement, the dull ache of a loss that never healed properly. it won't stop the forest from pulling at her and tugging in whichever way it pleases, but

it's still so kind of her.

she can't accept it. )

I- I... th- the woods are- I can't. It's selfish- it... wants to be the only one to help me...

[ Caoimhe watches as the other seems to be scared. So scared.... 'What is there to be scared over?' Is what she wishes to ask, but the fear in the others voice tells Caoimhe a certain tale. That even if she could speak her truth, she would not be able to. ]

That is impossible. The forest must know this, because it is the forest after all.

[ She places the broom to hang from her back. Then digs inside the bag for another item, which she hides for a moment. ]

The forest drinks from the rivers and borrows from it help. The Trees bathe in the suns rays, and borrows from it help. When an animal comes to die, it feeds upon what is left there to rot away... The forest should know better. Then to think it is the only one who can help someone.

[ Caoimhe looks up at the trees, wonders if they are listening to her. ]

I am sure even now, the forest needs help and it is why I intend to try my best to do so. We all need each other after all.

[ Her eyes come back down to look at Nene. Walking a bit closer and with her other hand still hiding the item. Caoimhe offers a free hand to them. ]

May I have your hand?

( caoimhe doesn't get past "the forest needs help" before nene grabs her arms, desperate and wide-eyed- )

You can't! Don't be like me! It doesn't want help, it wants to devour everything in sight!

( it's earnest and wild and almost frenzied.

it is the truth. )

[ Ah I see... The shop keeper... He misses you. Caoimhe wishes to say, but she does not want to burden the poor girl with the responsibility of others feelings. When it is clear, that she is struggling. Despite the stilled voiced Caoimhe carries when she speaks, her own hands are trembling. ]

Thank you for letting me know, we will have to stop it then - from eating too much. Otherwise, it will make more people unhappy. I am sorry it's not realizing - how much it is hurting you.

[ Caoimhe is shaken by the others hands - such small hands. ]

I think you need this, more then I do right now. I have many friends, [ Elsword, Rennuid, and now Mizuki. ] I am not alone - and I want you to know you aren't either.

[ She places the wishbone she found, and identified. Into the others hand, holding it within her owns so that none can really see - but hopefully Nene knows. Without speaking, Caoimhe casts magic and sends to her a spell within her mind. ]

( I think it will... Make something good happen, and protect you from something bad. )

( she almost wants to cry. the grove is so kind. it's so, so kind and she can't handle it. she can't accept it, either, lest she be punished later- despite add's wishes and insistence, she truly can't stay, after all...

and then it will strike.

but then she takes a good look at the charm, and frowns, confused. )

... We made these for you and you alone. This isn't... something I can take back.

[ It doesnt seem to process with her, as to whether or not something made for others can be given back or not. Caoimhe shakes her head, and leaves it within her hand. ]

Then perhaps... It was always meant to return to its owner. Cycles often work this way, I do not need this now. I feel it would be better within your own hands. I-If you would?

[ She is hopeful at least, wishing that something could come out of this. Caoimhe has no power in these woods - though she never had power back then.Within her own realm... It merely was that here, she had even less power. The inability to change anything, to make things better for her or those here... IT crippled her - it felt as if they were in limbo within these walls. Jailed or meant to suffer the consequences of some evil force they could not fend off... In her mind from what she understands, if she could pardon this item to this girl. Who seemed... Worse off then her. Then maybe, it could help in some way. Such intention of that alone, was what Caoimhe mustered from her own will. ]

It was not.

( rather than tired, she sounds... frustrated. gritting her teeth, trying to not snap because no one listens to what she has to say- add didn't, elsword probably won't, and caoimhe isn't either. she knows it's because they want to help- but she's not someone who can be helped. )

Even if I could take it back, it can only be used by the winners of the first game.

[ The rising sound of anger begins to bellow within the thresholds of this strange girls voice. Akin to the receding of ocean waves before an impending tempest. This girl within the forest had been found in tattered clothing, with a weak and gentle voice, and a mystery veiled about her that Caoimhe knew nothing of.

To her, Caoimhe, she saw a young girl needing help. In this forest and strange Grove, speaking as if she were a woman trapped by a over arching power that did not let her go. Caoimhe knew of relationships like this, the Tuatha de often would free women bounded by them. Especially within the Kingdom of North West. A place where Elves were often kidnapped and sold to slave trade.

Everyone within here seemed to need help. It was a simple concept, understood by her at least that much. Deviating from this standard, meant there were complexities needing to be found. Mysteries to unfold. In this moment, as the others voice becomes stronger. When moments before it had been weak, and uncertain - afraid even. Caoimhe is gladden.

To see that this person was still able to have strength, still able to find a part of herself despite coming off as someone who did not belong to, them self. That she was 'owned' by the forest in some way. It makes Caoimhe glad, it makes her not lose hope - and she feels that even - yes her, can be saved.

Caoimhe does not say her quiet thoughts out loud. ]

... I.. Do you mean..? The magic I detect within this - is attuned to certain people they were made for?

[ It is not unheard of, magic items sworn to an attunement to one person. Unable to be used otherwise. It just means the magic item is powerful, more powerful than she originally thought. ]

How... Why were you, able to know we won and then.. Made the item for us?

[ Its a simple question, by her dejections from the way the other speaks. Caoimhe presumes that 'we' is the forest. That perhaps, in some ways, she, works along side the forest. ]

Ah... Your name.. What is your name?

[ Caoimhe wonders... A bit... Thinking still the place like the Fae Wilds - should she give her true name? She knows even here, there are stories of names being taken. Even at home there are legends and myths of the Fae taking names if you give them. ]

Y-You can call me, Emer..

[ It was strange... To use potentially her mothers own name. The Primodial of Winds and Skyies, ensnared by the Beast quelling his powers from destroying all planes. Though, she is not sure if Emer is her mother - she has a hunch that when Beithir spoke to her, before she arrived here... That ... There was much to be revealed regarding the truth of her origins, then she ever could understand.

A part of her wondered too... Did this girl, already know her name? She sits on her knees. With hands now on her lap, covering the wishing bone artifact she had intended to give back to her. ]

Of course I knew you won. I was there, watching. I am the forest's hands, after all- if you were to win or lose, I needed to know so I could prepare accordingly.

( hidden in the canopy, under the veil of the underbrush, darting through shadows unbidden- she saw it all. )

... I am Nene. And if that's what you wish.

[ Strange... To respect her wishes - despite possibly knowing her name. Caoimhe looks to the other wish such perplexity. ]

Why... Are you the forest hands...?

I am the forest's entirely. ... And it's not like it can braid things and tie things together on it's own, sooooo...

( well. it could. but it doesn't want to. )

[ Caoimhe sits silently looking the other over quietly. ]

Is there anything that I can do for you, in this moment?

No. Just stay safe.

I will try... But you stay safe too, alright?

No one in this forest is safer than I.

(

she says, covered in bruises. )

Event & TDM 003

hi sheep

me pulling out a gun

our first reapp had to come back with a bang!

GOD

Re: GOD

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)