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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
02 omg hello here is your mandatory bothered by the time cookie tag
She slips easily behind the tree alongside Isabeau, though in truth she's... not much better at hiding. All the bright colors and the golden blade she's floating around on will do that, though at least she lands next to him and flips said blade upright so that it doesn't stick out. (It looks like... half a pair of giant scissors?)]
Oh my, what a gentleman. [She is, at least, speaking in a quiet murmur. For now.] Is one of them close?
perfectly acceptable thank you time cookie
Which he is peeking enough to see, even if the comment about being a gentleman gets him almost laughing. Too much noise though. Can't do that. So he just passes her a smile, before nodding his head a bit ahead. Where a wandering moss frog seems to be standing out like a sore thumb. ]
Seems like it. Hasn't noticed us yet though, so we might be able to get by with staying here for a bit.
no subject
[With her standing on the forest floor beside Isabeau, her height (or lack thereof) is painfully obvious despite the top hat adding a bit - she's about the same height as Siffrin. Regardless, she seems confident enough, turning her perpetual smile up at him in a way that totally isn't unnerving at all.]
And you are new to the Grove, are you not? Shall I help you escape somewhere safer? Waiting is so boring, after all.
no subject
[ Not that a mossy frog would be doing that... but you get it! Ah, so many smalls he has met today, which granted is a given at his tall height. But fortunately Isabeau is an expert at tilting his head down when he talks, perks of having almost everyone in his party on the shorter side. Though, her confidence is pretty nice to hear! Even if he's probably still going to be a bit worried. ]
I am, that obvious huh? [ Which is said with a chuckle, looking out, before curiously back at her again. ] Oh, well, if you know somewhere safer- feel free to lead the way!
no subject
[Timekeeper's quiet laugh sounds like rushing sand against glass.]
These monsters do not much venture into town, you are relatively safe there so long as you stay hidden from their little friends. Judging by your looks... I take it you can run a fair distance within a few minutes?
no subject
[ Very hushed quiet words. But right, he nods along, arms coming to a cross. ]
And.. which little friends are those? [ Still, not venturing into town is pretty luck all things considered? ] I sure can! My long strides can take me a good distance alone, so I'll be able to keep up.
no subject
[Her smile widens. Let's see if this man can run like a cookie, hmm?]
Good. Then let's abscond, starting now.
[The whole forest around them seems to stutter oddly for a second, and then...
Time freezes. Falling leaves hang in the air, birdsong and the sound of wind fall silent, it is all unnaturally still - except for the two of them. The giant frog, too, is frozen, not so much as breathing.
Timekeeper hops back aboard her half-scissors, and is off like a shot, leading the way back towards town. It's up to Isabeau to follow - she won't be looking back.]
no subject
[ Acting as the monsters' eyes is a whole other ordeal, oh boy. He nods at the call when to begin, even if he hesitates at the feeling of it all. It's so weird to see and his step almost stumbles. The sight of everything around him being frozen and it strikes just a bubbling sense of dread.
Given well, the last time he encountered time being frozen as a thing was the whole big deal back home and he's just suddenly a lot more cautious here. But she hasn't used it on him, and is leading the way back so, he'll do his best to keep up.
As... kept up as a man can stay compared to a cookie shooting off on half-scissors like a flying arrow. ]
no subject
When it's been only a handful of minutes, the freeze framed world flickers around them, and time resumes. Timekeeper slows, breathing out a short huff, then turns as she stops to see if he kept up. They're within sight of where the trees break now, the forest giving way to the town's clearing just ahead.]
no subject
He keeps at a steady pace, have to make use of his long legs to keep up those long strides after all! But he also doesn't miss the way she seems to slow, and there's a concerned look sent her way. ]
--You doing alright?
no subject
[It's still frustrating, the way she can only hold the Grove's time in her grip for a few short minutes before it writhes free. But she's not admitting that weakness to a new face just yet.]
To that monster, it will be as if we jumped to here in the blink of an eye. We may proceed back to town at our leisure.
[As if to disprove that assumption, one of the fairies flits up over Timekeeper's left shoulder, very much in her literal blind spot. That... might not be good.]
no subject
[ It's clear genuine concern, based on the still worried glance but if she says she's fine then he won't push. He nods along with some of that curiosity. ]
That was some kinda Time.... [ The words start to trail, staring blankly at the fairy now fluttering about her. UH OH. ] ..Fairy?
no subject
...Ah, so you are the type who is too kind for your own good. I know a few Cookies you would get along with - hm? I am not a-?
[And that's when the fairy raises the alarm, the rattling screech sounding almost directly in her ear. She flinches, jolting away from it in the air as her smile twists into a furious grin.]
Witches!
no subject
Though, Cookies...? Not that he lingers long, what with the rattling screech and raising up his fists in a defensive stance as if the little fairy is about to attack then and now. ]
Hey hey, we're not the bad guys here!!
[ But he will punch said little creature if it causes more issues for them. ]
no subject
I don't think they much care about that.
[Timekeeper rights her top hat, shaking herself. Really, did it have to scream right in her ear? It's still ringing. She certainly isn't about to try stopping time again with that going on in her head. But, they're not far from town now, and all they have to do is make it somewhere that toad won't follow.
Which... she won't even bother explaining to Isabeau. It's obvious enough, surely? With only an annoyed huff, she takes off again, bolting for where the trees break.]
no subject
--Right, well, guess that means we have no choice!
[ No choice to run, that is. And fortunately they seem to share that same thought, as she takes off again, and he is turning on his feet to run right on after. Hey nice meeting you little fellas but they got a town to get to and a toad to very much avoid. ]
welp guess who rolled a 3 to escape frog
A thick tongue rockets past Isa as the mossy frog crashes through the trees, catching Timekeeper square on the hip. She gives a thoroughly undignified "agh!" as she's yanked backwards, still holding onto the Embroider but rapidly being reeled in towards the beast's gaping maw.]
bad rolls all around with my 6
until that rope-like tongue shot out past him that makes him jump with a surprised yelp. But not that doomed of a fate as it seems to latch onto her instead, seeing her yanked and he tries to take hold of her. ]
Wait-!
[ And just barely misses. Crab it!! With one fist, he pounds it against his open palm with the other as he turns around right after. Offering a boost of defense to himself and her with his Craft use. ] Come on!!!
[ Don't worry Timekeeper, he isn't leaving you to become frog food!! He's coming over to offer this moss frog a good 'ole punch in the face! ]
no subject
The whole ordeal of a sudden painful pointy object propping its mouth open has very thoroughly distracted the frog, as it flails an arm ineffectually at the offending half-scissor. Isa's attack should land with full force.]
no subject
Here, grab on!
[ If he brings up his leg to jab right against that froggy mouth to pry it open wider, he may just be able to take hold of her and yeet her with enough force forward to escape a possibly sticky froggy jaw prison. But in the meantime, he's definitely keeping that frog preoccupied with no room to rest. ]
no subject
Well! That thing has no respect for fashion.
[Yeah, he looks like he has beating up the monster covered, she's going to just float here shaking the frog spit off her clothes for a moment, giving an extra bit of care to the top hat she somehow managed not to lose.]