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sticksandbones2024-09-06 11:16 am
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2024-09-06 11:16 am
EVENT & TDM 016
A CREEPING FURY SETTING IN
WAKE UP
You don’t recall how you got here. Hell, you’re barely sure “why” you’re here in the first place. But the fact is, by the time you come to your senses, you’re already standing in line out in front of a tent with a big sign on it: FREE STUFF! FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!
Others who have been here longer are aware of you, of course. They watched you ambling around on autopilot for two hours before the sign went up, and then you suddenly hopped into the queue (and maybe even cut in line! the horror!) before the brain fog cleared. Where are you? Why are you in line? Do you even want free stuff? All of these questions can only be answered when you see what the free stuff is.
…it’s random junk. Random magical junk, mind, but when a woman made of solid shadows hands you a wand that apparently summons a small amount of pigeons “per day, until it breaks”, you take it. Or, perhaps, the item was a crystal ball that only shows you made-up scenes from a book. Or it’s a hand-fan that blows only warm air, or a pen that writes all of your letters backwards despite the fact you yourself aren’t doing that… anything quirky and stupid is within the realm of possibility, and Ydalir is trying so hard to get rid of her failed magical experiments. Please. Please take these. Her tent is overstocked and she needs to start anew.
And to those of you who are new here, she’ll offer a friendly greeting and wave, and ask you how your head is feeling after that strange wandering session earlier. Don’t feel pressured to answer; the line needs to keep moving, after all.
Others who have been here longer are aware of you, of course. They watched you ambling around on autopilot for two hours before the sign went up, and then you suddenly hopped into the queue (and maybe even cut in line! the horror!) before the brain fog cleared. Where are you? Why are you in line? Do you even want free stuff? All of these questions can only be answered when you see what the free stuff is.
…it’s random junk. Random magical junk, mind, but when a woman made of solid shadows hands you a wand that apparently summons a small amount of pigeons “per day, until it breaks”, you take it. Or, perhaps, the item was a crystal ball that only shows you made-up scenes from a book. Or it’s a hand-fan that blows only warm air, or a pen that writes all of your letters backwards despite the fact you yourself aren’t doing that… anything quirky and stupid is within the realm of possibility, and Ydalir is trying so hard to get rid of her failed magical experiments. Please. Please take these. Her tent is overstocked and she needs to start anew.
And to those of you who are new here, she’ll offer a friendly greeting and wave, and ask you how your head is feeling after that strange wandering session earlier. Don’t feel pressured to answer; the line needs to keep moving, after all.
HOUNDS ON YOUR HEELS
At some point as the summer fades into autumn, something in the air changes. The surrounding woods and its foggy walls have felt tenser than usual, like something is waiting for you to slip and fall into jaws just waiting to snap shut around your flesh — but nothing happens. Not initially, at least. But keen eyes will soon see a plethora of fairies, long sleeves dangling over razor-sharp claws like a praying mantis’s arms, hair tied back in loose buns, all wearing masks with a single watchful eye painted upon them. As your gazes meet, they giggle and disperse.
And then there are more. And as more gather, watching the paths you take, the houses and buildings erected, the way you move through the gardens, they begin to screech like cicadas. Like alarms.
It could be the lumbering, moss-covered frog that leaps towards you from the lake, large enough to match a car. It could be the wood and stone-crusted bear, spears and arrows collected in its haunches like decoration and not the injuries they clearly are, standing taller than anything you’ve ever seen. It could be the long, winding dragon with lichen dripping off of it, coiling through the trees. Regardless, the fairies are calling to your location and one of them is going to answer.
They chase with an almost single-minded perseverance, with claws and sticky tongues and fangs — stealth is the key, so long as the fairies don’t rat you out again. Though they can be fought, they cannot die in a way that matters — just as easily as flesh tears, it will stitch itself back together and hold a grudge.
Every broken twig is a signal to your location. Every brush of wind in the trees and the grass could be the monsters stalking after you.
It’s time to play: Hide and Seek.
And then there are more. And as more gather, watching the paths you take, the houses and buildings erected, the way you move through the gardens, they begin to screech like cicadas. Like alarms.
It could be the lumbering, moss-covered frog that leaps towards you from the lake, large enough to match a car. It could be the wood and stone-crusted bear, spears and arrows collected in its haunches like decoration and not the injuries they clearly are, standing taller than anything you’ve ever seen. It could be the long, winding dragon with lichen dripping off of it, coiling through the trees. Regardless, the fairies are calling to your location and one of them is going to answer.
They chase with an almost single-minded perseverance, with claws and sticky tongues and fangs — stealth is the key, so long as the fairies don’t rat you out again. Though they can be fought, they cannot die in a way that matters — just as easily as flesh tears, it will stitch itself back together and hold a grudge.
Every broken twig is a signal to your location. Every brush of wind in the trees and the grass could be the monsters stalking after you.
It’s time to play: Hide and Seek.
‘TIL THERE’S NOTHING LEFT
cw: supernatural parasitism & energy/life-force draining
… And where do those captured go, when all is said and done? None of the Seekers actually kill them after all — they may carry their unfortunate victims within their mouths if they are large enough to do so, but as soon as one is captured, they leave.
Though it’s risky to try and track them through the woods, those who try or stay awake during their capture will find themselves taken down a winding path in the fog. One can also bribe a fairy or two to help — or at least not rat you out. A shiny object or food — berries, honey, the fresh-killed heart of that songbird on the branch, all work fine to win its favor for a time. Eventually, they’ll find themselves up a path to a gargantuan tree covered in glowing boils — it’s something that manages to dwarf even the whale-sized moose that may wander by wordlessly, impassive to your plights as moose are wont to do.
Sickly motes of light waft through the air and gently-glowing flowers bloom all around the land, moss glistens against the bark and dirt and perhaps if this place was not so warped by evil, it could have been beautiful once. Coiled around the tree is a vine where the captured are tied to, and they will feel…
Tired. Compliant. Don’t you wish to sleep? The tree needs you. Don’t struggle. Don’t resist. Sleep, and dream no more…
Keen eyes will see the skeletons of former victims further up the vines. As the tree feeds on its captives’ life force, fairies and the Seekers stand guard, only going out to fetch more victims. Do you make the attempt? Or will you come back with reinforcements?
… And where do those captured go, when all is said and done? None of the Seekers actually kill them after all — they may carry their unfortunate victims within their mouths if they are large enough to do so, but as soon as one is captured, they leave.
Though it’s risky to try and track them through the woods, those who try or stay awake during their capture will find themselves taken down a winding path in the fog. One can also bribe a fairy or two to help — or at least not rat you out. A shiny object or food — berries, honey, the fresh-killed heart of that songbird on the branch, all work fine to win its favor for a time. Eventually, they’ll find themselves up a path to a gargantuan tree covered in glowing boils — it’s something that manages to dwarf even the whale-sized moose that may wander by wordlessly, impassive to your plights as moose are wont to do.
Sickly motes of light waft through the air and gently-glowing flowers bloom all around the land, moss glistens against the bark and dirt and perhaps if this place was not so warped by evil, it could have been beautiful once. Coiled around the tree is a vine where the captured are tied to, and they will feel…
Tired. Compliant. Don’t you wish to sleep? The tree needs you. Don’t struggle. Don’t resist. Sleep, and dream no more…
Keen eyes will see the skeletons of former victims further up the vines. As the tree feeds on its captives’ life force, fairies and the Seekers stand guard, only going out to fetch more victims. Do you make the attempt? Or will you come back with reinforcements?
DON’T LOOK BACK
… But regardless of the hostility from the forest, the game must come to an end eventually. And in return for surviving, upon whatever throne he sits upon, the Black Sun offers the world a bit of power as the victims recover — those who perish to the monsters will awaken within their beds, unable to remember anything for a total 24 hours and with floral growths blooming around their scars — but after the initial panic, those who can will confirm that there is no Corruption in these wounds. They may fade, or they may not. Those who survive the month will only carry whatever injuries and weariness they gained over time.
Come morning light, the area of the river will give off a bright glow. Investigation will yield a lot of pain in the eyes, like looking directly at the sun, but eventually it dies down and residents of the Grove can properly have a look at the river again. Those that do may find themselves pleasantly surprised. While clouds shield the skies most of the time, over the river there is a gentle, warm sunlight and blue skies. The abundance of riverside foliage has grown, with new species available for those who can recognize such things — and the water, crisp and clearer than ever, holds more types of fish and amphibians as well. Besides the apple tree — Sinann’s gift for freedom long ago, and Moder’s blackberry bush — new is fruit available. The apple tree is flanked by a peach tree and an orange tree, while the other side of the riverbank houses… …A durian tree.
Some Guardians are grateful. Callan is Callan.
Perhaps best of all though is that Sinann itself has grown in size and in power: in fact, as you approach, it floats above the water to give a greeting.
“Thank you once more for your help.”
Come morning light, the area of the river will give off a bright glow. Investigation will yield a lot of pain in the eyes, like looking directly at the sun, but eventually it dies down and residents of the Grove can properly have a look at the river again. Those that do may find themselves pleasantly surprised. While clouds shield the skies most of the time, over the river there is a gentle, warm sunlight and blue skies. The abundance of riverside foliage has grown, with new species available for those who can recognize such things — and the water, crisp and clearer than ever, holds more types of fish and amphibians as well. Besides the apple tree — Sinann’s gift for freedom long ago, and Moder’s blackberry bush — new is fruit available. The apple tree is flanked by a peach tree and an orange tree, while the other side of the riverbank houses… …A durian tree.
Some Guardians are grateful. Callan is Callan.
Perhaps best of all though is that Sinann itself has grown in size and in power: in fact, as you approach, it floats above the water to give a greeting.
“Thank you once more for your help.”
SPARK NOTES
CLICK TO EXPAND!
WAKE UP
Welcome to Aldric's Grove! New and old residents alike are being gifted free, joke magic items from Ydalir's tent while she does her autumn cleaning. Please take these, she's desperate.
HOUNDS ON YOUR HEELS
Little insect-faeries watch your every move. Suddenly, from the barrier, you're being attacked by various monsters trying to capture you and drag you off. Better run. Better hide.
‘TIL THERE’S NOTHING LEFT
If you're caught, you'll be dragged to become food for a large tree that drains your life force directly. If you aren't rescued in time, you'll die slowly and peacefully.
DON’T LOOK BACK
Those of you who die will come back the next day with temporary amnesia lasting 24 hours. It'll clear up after, and all of your memories will come back as if with magic. But, in the end, you've won the game, and that means ample rewards: More fruit trees, and the River Guardian growing more powerful after all this time.
OOC
Welcome to September's TDM! Reminder that all TDMs are game canon. OOC Plotting Lives Here if you'd like to plot anything out! We have several toplevel comments below for randomizing any result you want this month, including the magic items from Ydalir if you're having a hard time making something up.
UPDATES
❖ None yet!
SUBMISSIONS
no subject
And he turns his smile onto her, a bright beam of joy, now that he's recovering from his weariness. He doesn't find her odd, or her words and attitude off-putting. ]
Ah! Were you the one that cared for the Greenhouse? Please, allow me to give you my full thanks! You took such well care of everything, and things are so neatly laid out! I was indeed overcome with joy and relief! They are healthy still because of you!
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What is going on here?
She doesn't understand. On paper, this is exactly the sort of reaction she was hoping for. She did good??? And he confirmed as such???? But he's so...genuine about it, so.....sunny?? It's not even obnoxious, like SOME people she knows, it's just...so very normal.
It makes her uncomfortable, and A.B.A.'s natural need to come off as intimidating is quickly tossed aside as she starts to take cover from behind the entrance, now peaking in as if preparing herself in case she needs to run off. Nobody can be THIS nice, something...something must be wrong. ...right?]
.....Y-yes.
[Can't just abandon the conversation, though. Even though it was mostly Flamebringer's idea. ...and he probably did most of the work. But hey! She still wants her part of the credit.]
I was able to bring out their full potential, nothing was wasted.
no subject
So I saw! You bundled up quite a bit. Though, I must admit, I do not recall there being so much of these particular plants. By their full potential, do you mean you brought them outside into the rain?
[ He recalls, before he went truffle hunting for a month, there was rain that was enlarging the crops. It reached some parts of the forest, where the canopy opened to allow it in. Moving over to his Staff he picks it up, the eye on it swiveling to direct it's attention to the stockpile of dried plants. ]
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...
...hngh...
[A.B.A. stops, she can't do this. Not right now. Something else is bothering her, and it's not just PV's ray of sunshine. Narrowing her eyes, she forces her nerves to ease themselves as she marches into the Greenhouse and up to the fluffy sheep man. Without asking or waiting for permission, she grabs for....his staff.
Okay, maybe grab isn't the right word, it's more like she cups her hand around the flower, moving it around to get an idea of what she's looking at here. At the very least, she isn't rough about it, and she certainly doesn't pull it out of his grip. Just studying, looking, trying to understand.
This doesn't...feel fair. Is it alive? She doesn't see a mouth, but it definitely emotes. Not a key, that's for sure.]
...Who are you?
no subject
Vanilla manages an amused noise and gently hands the staff over to her entirely, should she wish to check the entire thing out. ]
It cannot answer you, I'm afraid. It is me, and it is not. It is quite complicated. It is tied into my soul, and I use it to see. It is alive and it can feel basic emotions, but it does not Think. It is confused right now, but only by your handling of it, not your question.
[ Because it cannot think, a question of who it is does not get deciphered by it. It is. ]
no subject
That makes...sense.
But even if it isn't sentient, and even if it isn't even really a person, A.B.A. gives it a final, gentle stroke against its petals before handing it back to its rightful owner. She isn't sure she can handle touching it for much longer.]
...it was the one known as Flamebringer, it was his decision to move the plants outside. I had very little to do with the planning, I merely carried them and transferred them to the soil.
no subject
As she explains it was Flamebringers idea, he smiles and shakes his head gently. ]
Oh, my friend, it matters not who planned it. You joined your hands with his to help. Thanks to your efforts these plants thrived, and now may be used to aid those who need healing or relief from pains. Do not belittle your efforts or think less of them. There are no words in which to thank you enough with.
no subject
...Well, she supposes what she did can be seen as a friendly act, so she can give him that. She's still not sure if she feels the same, though. It's not like that Sparkling bat where she can just put him in her pocket. It's easier to befriend things when they're smaller, small things can't hurt you.]
It would've been wasteful to let them miss out on their chance to grow, I only did what was logical.
[And, again, to make Paracelsus proud. Thanks Lily for putting that into her head, she's never going to let it go-]
You were gone for quite some time, that's...irresponsible when you have so many in your care.
[She means the plants, it's not like he's actually taking care of anyone here, right?? Right???????]
no subject
Of course.
[ The scolding makes him laugh a little and he has the good graces to look properly chagrin. And of course he's taking care of people, he's taking care of everyone. All his children. ]
Ah, I beg forgiveness. I was not meaning to be gone for so long. It was supposed to only be a jaunt with a friend for mushrooms, but the creature that terrorizes this place decided to change our plans. I can assure you, it shall not happen again.
[ Maybe. ]
no subject
Hrm...
[A part of her wants to call out his carelessness, but from what she's heard about this monster so far, it's not that simple. It's powerful, it has to be, only something absurdly powerful would be able to keep her from her husband after all. He's probably lucky to be alive.]
Truly a lamb looking to slaughter.
[That is...that is not the saying.]
Were you at least able to retrieve any mushrooms?
no subject
Does he know that saying is incorrect? Not at all! He has never heard "lamb to the slaughter" after all, and even if he had, who is he to judge anothers turn of phrase? After all, he uses Crumbs as a swear and has heard others damn others back to the Oven. ]
Oh, no! I do not wish to slaughter anyone! But I will be working to stop this creature from continuing to torment us.
[ Forever a pacifist. Conflict blah blah talking blah. He gestures for her to join him more as he moves to begin cataloguing the plants they bundled, leaning the Staff against the wall so he can use both hands. ]
Yes, though unfortunately we had to eat them to survive. Thankfully a departed friend of ours warned us all about the blue glowing mushrooms. Ah, if you come across said mushrooms, do not eat them. You will gain a painful stomach ache.
no subject
Only that she's pretty sure she can kill him if he tries to pull anything.
Speaking of, time to remind him how very powerful she is, least he get any ideas.]
Do not be fooled, my potential is far greater than any human's. [Or in this case, human animal hybrid...] I'm certain I could eat a dozen of those mushrooms and feel nothing.
[Do not...do not fucking do that.]
no subject
Oh. Ahaha. He gets it. All right.
His expression is serious as he seems to contemplate her and her words, before nodding. ]
As we are all from various worlds and have various things we deal with, I do not doubt your claims. Yet, should a dozen prove too much, do come see me. I am a healer by trade, and I can ease any ills you may come across. And ah! Forgive my rudeness! My name is Pure Vanilla Cookie, and it is quite the pleasure to have met you, my friend.
no subject
Your abilities are of no use to me, my body heals itself automatically. As I said, my potential is superior—
[A pause.]
.......cookie?
[Like....like White Lily? Suddenly, a lot of things start clicking into place. The café meeting was chaotic, so forgive her for only realizing it now, but this sheep is...familiar. How ridiculous of her, he's the only sheep here, he.....announced himself as Lily's husband, didn't he?
So...does that mean...?]
....does this mean you were also created by someone else? Are you...an artificial life form?
no subject
His silence is loud and his expression distant. ]
An artificial life form...? Yes, I suppose you can say that. Though some of us can be "born" by taking ones own dough and reshaping and rebaking it, it is not a common occurrence, and often fails due to us not having what our original creators had.
[ Homunculi attempting to make homunculi. It's obvious why it fails often. Despite his eyes being closed, his head tilts as if he's looking at his hand, palm up and open, thoughtful. ]
We are rolled dough, filled with jam, and sprinkled with life powder. Icing makes up our features, our hair, our clothes. Creations of the very first Witches. The Wizards and Witches who followed in their footsteps. The Cookies of the Wizards created to serve.
[ The Cookies of the Witches created to be consumed. ]
no subject
[Although A.B.A. listens, she unfortunately doesn't seem to care much about the details. The materials used to create him—to create Lily, to create the others—matters very little in the end. All that matters is that he said yes.
Her posture relaxes, even if she's still a little guarded. Lily looks like a human, so it was easier to trust her. Pure Vanilla somehow became an animal...? She chews on her finger, but there's a tiny piece of her that seems...hopeful.]
I only ask because we're...the same... I, too, am an artificial life form... A homunculus... I found out about you [General "you," the cookies.] through your beloved wife. White Lily... I like her...
The materials used to create us may differ, but in the end, we are the same.
no subject
I am glad you do, White Lily Cookie is a saint amongst us all.
[ Though his expression does sober a little as he takes in the weight of her words, and he silently studies her for a moment or two. She looks completely human. Even Cookies - as much as the legend goes that they were created in the First Witch's image of her friends - are clearly not. A perfect recreation? To what end? Or is her creator to her like theirs are to them. Larger than life and she is only an approximation of their image.
His smile softens and he puts his hand on his chest gently, over his heart. ]
Are you enjoying your life, my friend?
[ Maybe an odd question, but an important one. He hopes she is. He hopes she was made with love and compassion from her creator, with care and a desire to see her thrive. ]
no subject
My life is truly one of my greatest treasures. I know and embrace its worth.
[This woman lists herself as one of her likes, okay-]
no subject
I am so very glad, my friend. And I hope, despite this world being as it is, that you continue to find joy in your life. Your existence is a marvelous blessing, and my own life is richer to have met you.
[ His words are spoken with a sincerity that somehow manages to not sound fake, or condescending. They're soft and mild, and the actual happiness on his face is plain. ]
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Hyuhuhmn~ As long as I have my darling Paracelsus by my side, life will always be-
no subject
[Ah-]
...
[She catches herself, and suddenly that weird haughtiness disappears. Just like that. Whoops, accidentally made herself sad. Her eyes avoid his now as she droops alongside her mood.
Change the subject. Act like that never happened.]
...you wanted to show me something...?
[She's referring to his earlier beckoning.]
no subject
Change the subject. ]
Mm, since your hands helped aid in their growth and harvest, I thought it fitting if you aided them further into their new purpose. Would you care to help me turn some of these plants into remedies?
[ And, just to ask. ]
Would it hurt still to speak of him to me? To tell me about him?
no subject
Plus she's familiar with alchemy, making herbal remedies sounds like something she'd enjoy. To be honest, she hasn't felt very useful lately, not since transferring the plants outside. This should be...nice.]
My heart may ache, but speaking of my dear husband is the only comfort I have anymore... He was everything to me... Every time I encounter or hear of a couple misplaced here...together...it fills me with joy to know you won't feel this emptiness...this hollow feeling...
White Lily has told me I should focus my efforts...to make Paracelsus proud... I want him to be proud, I long to hear him say it more than ever now... So thank you for letting me assist you.
no subject
His ear twists towards her to listen, and his expression is soft. ]
I wish no one to be dragged here, so I can only hope we are able to return you to his side soon, my friend. For I do understand the pain you are feeling. Though I have them now by my side, there was a very long time where I was torn away from them.
[ So many years without them, he understands her grief personally. And she's about to find out him and White Lily are very alike, as he smiles towards her softly. ]
He would be. I know he would be. You may think your efforts small compared to others, but even tiny pebbles will change the course of a river. Little things add up, my friend. Who could not be proud of you?
no subject
Then maybe people would take her threats seriously-]
I'm not...sure...? I can't recall a time when anyone was proud of me... You sound as though it comes to easily...
[But hey! A mortar! That will surely take her mind off of...that. Her wrist turns quickly, the pestle spinning smoothly, her movements almost mechanical. It's hard to tell at a glance, but the amount of strength she so effortless puts into it finds the herbs ground fairly quickly.]
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