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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
a, of course these two need to meet
Eventually it soothes back down to it's pleasant background music of picked strings and bamboo flutes. Hm. He doesn't like that. ]
I would beware allowing yourself to relax too completely. You never know what may lurk in the shadows.
[ Despite his attempt to be himself, the music is still peaceful and calm, showing he's relaxed. ]
Affogato no omg
So fine, alright, if people don't want calm and happy relaxed A.B.A., she has no issue going back to anxious unhinged A.B.A. It's only her default state of being, it's not like it's difficult to flip that switch. Pulling herself back up onto her feet, she stands bent at an angle and lets her arms hang lifelessly.]
I couldn't agree more. To let down one's guard...is detrimental to survival. [Despite everything, butterflies and flower petals still swirl around here.] So tell me... Does my lurker crave execution?
hehehehe
Goodness! Calm yourself. Were I have been want to strike, I would not have strolled up to you and so boldly declared my intent! I was merely passing advice that the Grove is - despite it's seeming idyllic nature at the moment - not a safe place to entirely let down ones guard.
[ He really needs to try not to be himself sometimes, honestly, one of these days he absolutely will die. ]
no subject
...Later.]
I am what makes this Grove unsafe. Perhaps it is you who let your guard down.
no subject
I have been here for a while yet, darling, and have seen things far scarier than you. Though I do not doubt your ... prowess, whatever it may be, it is not you that makes this Grove dangerous.
[ Listen he may have told the truth to Ain that his spiciness level decreased, but it doesn't mean it's gone away entirely. ]
no subject
It's...fine! She just needs to keep hissing back.]
Insolent, ill-mannered little man! Judging by appearance alone is a quick way to die. You are beginning to aggravate me, and I promise you, I've killed for far less.
no subject
[ Ugh, no, he needs to stop this. He's trying to be BETTER, a good boy. He closes his eyes and places the edge of the closed fan against his face with a hard sigh, screwing his expression up. Bares his teeth. His voice is strained like he's forcing the words out. ]
I mean no ill-will, merely to explain the monsters that prowl these woods and, from time to time, attack the Grove on their foul Lords will.
no subject
[No...]
I am well aware of the Beasts that lurk in this area, there is never a moment when I'm not on guard. I am more than capable of ending their lives, just as I am capable of ending yours.
[Of course, the "beast" she's most familiar with is the...Behemoth, and she turned out to be fine. ...She got a glimpse of Moder once! That one looked pretty deadly! Right???]
no subject
I am not looking to pick a fight, you childish churlish pest.
[ Oh, screw it. She provoked it. He brandishes his fan like a weapon, pointing it to her, his sneer as elegant as it can be while showing his disgust. ]
But if you desire it, far be it from me to deny you!
no subject
I think... it would be best if we avoid such conflicts for now. May I ask what happened?
no subject
What about...a big rock? Not really something she can swing, but at least it's not alive. It'll have to do. A.B.A. wastes no time grabbing the nearest rock with any heft to it, and despite her frail frame, she seems to have no issue holding it over her head. She stands with it defensively, if only because she really has no idea what the proper rock bludgeoning form of attack is. It looks like she's winging it.]
Boorish, vile creature!! Extermination!! Your life ends here!!
[But before anything can happen, there's suddenly......a flower? What manner of madness is this now? A.B.A.'s panicked brain scrambles for answers, and it finds relief when she sees it belongs to Lily.
Like....a very small amount of relief.
She's still in her no-flight-only-fight mode, so her "answer" comes in the form of grit teeth and a wild stare, heavy breathing and a low growl is the only sound they'll hear. Despite all of this, though, those big eyes hold more than just her intense rage. They're filled with fear. A lot of it. Make no mistake, she isn't doing this because she wants to. She's doing it because she feels like she doesn't have a choice in the matter.]
no subject
This toad- [ The word is spit out like something vile from his mouth ] -threatened me upon my attempt to warn about the dangers that lurk, and that she should take care. She seemed to have construed that as ME being the danger and despite my attempts to defuse, refused to shut her mouth! I was merely rising to defend myself!
[ He glares around the staff with the air of a cat being held back only by something in the way, bristling and baring his teeth. Though that rock is uhm. Hm. Surely he can dodge, he has dodged before, he is graceful and lithe. Yet she holds it like she knows how to brain someone with it.
He takes a step or two back. Just in case. He can still cast from a distance, after all. ]
no subject
yes, that sounds about right. she exhales, and moves her staff back to her side. )
A.B.A, he is no threat. I believe he truly meant to warn you, after his experiences in the woods prior- he was trapped within for a month alongside my husband, you see.
( yes, her voice is steady and even soothing, but... girl. girl. )
The people here mean you no harm. I promise. When the dangers come calling, you will know.
( and then, affogato... ... she feels that perhaps, what she has for him would be better private, for both his and a.b.a's sake. )
no subject
Someone who isn't Paracelsus, even.]
His words do nothing but deceive! I was in no danger, his warning was deemed unnecessary. No...instead, it reeked of a thinly veiled threat. I gave him every opportunity to flee, and yet he chose to draw his weapon against me.
[But FINE. As a show of some manner of peace, A.B.A. tosses her rock over her shoulder. It lands with a very concerning "THUD," embedding slightly into the soil.]
He is not to be trusted...
no subject
[ He tosses said fan down at her feet so she can inspect it herself. Indeed it's... simply a hand fan. When opened, it plays the holders current mood in music. It's a lovely little thing. The motif will be familiar to Lily: the Cacao Kingdom. He's drawn it on himself. Not as elegantly as Cacao would but.
He huffs, aggrieved, and tucks his hands into his sleeves and turns his head away. Haughty. ]
But what use of words upon a toad who croaks?
[ He is not hiding behind White Lily, even if it may LOOK like he is. That is simply absurd. She's merely in his way. ]
no subject
( white lily observes for a moment- listens, and listens well- and then gently brushes a.b.a's hair back. )
He's right. It's a folding fan- it is used for refreshing oneself. ...And this one plays music. That's unusual- Ydalir's enchantment? I think you may be too wound up right now, though. Will you please step back for a bit to calm down? I will return to you soon, I promise.
( and then she glances to affogato. ... )
I'd like to speak to you as well, if that is alright.
no subject
...
...But the more she looks at it, the less deadly it appears. Now frustrated with herself, A.B.A. begins to growl again, but is thankfully cut off by Lily's touch before it can become anything more. She very greedily takes the other woman's hand and holds it closer to her as she toys with her hair, before letting it slip out of her fingers when Lily finishes.]
...if you promise.
[All of her instincts scream against it, but she turns her back to them, going over to another tree before sitting herself down at its base and hiding her face in her knees.]
no subject
[ That's the only reply Lily gets, though it's obvious he's sufficiently cowed by the request. Only when A.B.A. moves away does Affogato move, scuttling over to take his fan back because that's HIS before moving away again.
With his back turned towards them both, he pauses, expression melting into something he doesn't want them to see. His voice remains clipped, however, angry still. ]
For what it is worth, I apologize... If you wish to speak with me, I will be in the therapy building. Tend to her first.
[ Then he'll stalk off, back straight and head tilted up like he won this, even if he feels kind of small. ]
no subject
( she's going to take a moment to breathe as he leaves, and to give a.b.a time to recollect herself as well. she's not like pure vanilla, a calm and warm mediator. she's too clumsy, too destructive, cold and unable to connect with other cookies...
...
but that's not what these people need. and needs must.
a.b.a first, they agree. she goes to seek her out. )
A.B.A? Are you alright to talk right now?
no subject
There must be some level of trust, because she doesn't flinch when Lily speaks to her. At the same time, she can't bring herself to look at her either...]
......yes.
[Nothing fancy. No thrown in, extravagant words to make herself feel smarter. Just "yes."]