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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
[ Not that he's making a jab at poor Siffrin's memory or anything!! It's just definitely strange to hear something like that about Mirabelle. But there's no sign of doubt, just soft concern and worry. Especially if both Siffrin and him remember the same thing.
His gaze drops to their hands, squeezing them just slightly, worry creasing his brows at that and it just.. it catches him entirely off-guard followed by the feeling of his heart completely sinking. Two months?? ]
--By yourself? Here???
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Not...entirely by myself. Loop's been here the whole time.
[At least they all got to meet Loop this timeline. It's definitely an easier starting point than just going in with, "So I have this friend with a star for a head..."
(Not that they're entirely sure "friend" is the right word anyway, but that's a concern for a later time.)]
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That is at least something. Which by the way I still have so many questions about.
[ Loop is so mysterious. More so for future Isabeau after his encounter with them via bear wrestling. Though as far as he can tell, Loop seems to be a friend of Sif's? So it really is better than nothing but. There's no clearing that look of concern and worry. Sorry bud, Isa feels to be in the right to fret here a little considering everything. ]
Still... we all said we'd journey together a bit longer, and then you ended up here without us. [ It feels... awful to hear. As if they went and just abandoned them. Even if, logically, he knows that is not in their control, they didn't have any say in it. ] ..But, I know, I shouldn't worry too much, right? Since we're here now.
[ Isabeau says, while still worrying. ]
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He squeezes Isabeau's hands, bouncing a little in his rush to interject.]
O-Odile's here now, too! And Mira was here for a while. I haven't seen her for a while, though, so I've been worried...
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Even if the little bouncing Siffrin is doing is every bit crabbing cute. Oh Change help him. Doing his best here not to look stupidly fond at them. Just for a moment, because that last bit does have him suddenly distracted. ]
Huh.. It isn't like her to at least check in with everyone else. Maybe she got really busy with something?
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[It's been some crazy whiplash going from that worry to joy at seeing Odile to stressing about Odile's safety to joy at seeing Isabeau to...now that he's thinking about it, fresh new stress over whether they've left Bonnie all alone???
Eugh. Can things be straightforward and easy for once? Siffrin's smile falters and he bites his lip, absently gripping Isabeau's fingers maybe a little too tight.]
Yeah... I don't know how to get back home from here, but...maybe the Universe or the Change God or whatever did something and she didn't have a chance to say anything?
[Like they knew Bonnie would need a babysitter if everyone else was gonna be here? This is naively optimistic thinking, but he can't think of the alternatives in a place like this.]
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On one hand, it's probably a good thing if she did get sent back. [ Because he is starting to realize that so far Siffrin has yet to mention Bonnie being here. Which is.. probably a good thing? But also very worrying. So, if Mirabelle did somehow return back... at least that means they aren't alone now.
(That has to be a good thing.) ] ... It'll be okay, Sif. Whatever happens next, we'll take it on together. Mira and Bonbon'll just hold the fort for us until we can find our way back too!
dw ate this tag TWICE i can't believe this
[They really, really want to believe that. But at least one of then us good at being optimistic and comforting and all that. Even with as awkward as Siffrin is about it, Isabeau still holds their hands so gently.
...Stars, now they're hyper-aware of just how long they've been standing here like this in public. Is it weird? Are they coming across as super clingy?? Should they let go, or would that give Isa the wrong impression and have him avoiding contact again???
Siffrin has no answers to these questions, so their ultimate solution is to just...do nothing. And let Isabeau continue manhandling them as long as he likes. Congrats, these hands are yours now to do with as you please.]
...So what'd you get from the Trader?
sacrificed to dw...
But as he does, he watches Siffrin closely, for any sign that it may be overwhelming. Which he wouldn't be upset if it was! That would be okay! But quiet silence fills, Isabeau starting to swing their hands just a little as something playful and silly. To help smooth the stress a little. ]
From the...? Oh!! [ Well, he could say, but isn't it more fun to show? So, gently he will release one of those hands, you may have it back, Sif. But Isabeau ponders for a moment, then very slowly, gingerly, he adjusts the one set they're still holding to properly hold his hand. While, giving him a look that very much says, "Is this okay? Is this too much?"
...right!! The item!! With his own free hand, he pulls out a music box from his pockets to hold it out. ] Cute, isn't it? I think the Trader said something about how it'll add a spring to my step if I play it?
SACRIFICED TO THE VOID
Stars, they're a mess.]
...Have you tried playing it yet?
[As much as they appreciate the thoughtfulness, they're pretending not to notice that clear silent check-in. No need for a quiet secondary conversation, haha! They are engaged in the present moment like a normal person and not at all overthinking some fucking hand-holding!]
where it belongs
..Right. Music box. His own cheeks burn a little with color, as if just catching on he may have been staring a little. Ahem. ] Nope, not yet! Got kinda caught up in the moment, haha...
[ What with Siffrin calling his name and running to him with all the brightness of a sun. He forces himself to look away, glancing to the music box that rests quietly in the palm of his hand, before peeking back at them. ] What do you think? Should I try now?
no subject
I don't know. Does your step need some pep?
[Isabeau seems like he's in a pretty good mood already (can't imagine why, gosh). But it probably wouldn't hurt? And a super peppy Isa could be funny to see.
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Hah! Probably not, I'm already in a good mood because you're here.
[ ... ] Because it's good to see you! And you're safe!
[ And because he very much likes Siffrin's company obviously which goes without saying but. RIGHT. MUSIC BOX. ] Should I try it? I should just try it. Sorry, gonna have to let go of your hand for a second but, you're.. free to hold it again? If you want to? But if you don't, that's okay too!
[ Just in case! Okay, a gentle squeeze first, before he lets go to start cranking the music box. Gotta get it to play somehow! Which starts up a lovely tune. Pretty! ]
no subject
They're a little sad to let go, but it'd be insanely neurotic to fuss about it, so Siffrin restrains themself and just nods, hands disappearing back under their cloak while Isa messes with the music box. Which...acts like a normal music box, as far as Siffrin can tell?]
...Pretty. So it just...plays music?
[Huh. Less than he expected, but not bad for something free. He shrugs.]
I mean, I just got a regular rubber duck, so I think you still came out on top.
no subject
[ Which is also a nice bonus! His gaze drops back to the music box as he talks, the item still playing softly along, even as Isabeau turns it a little over as if it might spell it out for him. ]
I wonder what the whole thing about "spring in my step" was about then? [ Unless.. ] ..Oh! You think maybe it means I can jump really really high??
[ This is partly a joke, and yet Isabeau is already taking some steps back to give some room for a proper jump - in which is then flowers start to blossom after his steps. ]
no subject
[Probably because he never tried taking a bath with it. He barely brushes his hair, you expected him to bathe??
Siffrin steps back, fully ready to watch Isabeau attempt a super jump, and then–
Ah. Neat.]
...Ha. Spring in your step. That's pretty good.
[He nods and gives the Trader a thumbs up.]
no subject
Outside a bath, I can't really see any use with one.
[ But flowers! Pretty flowers! Isabeau looks at it with pure curiosity and giddiness cause wow?? That's pretty cool?? But hearing that in Siffrin's voice-- ]
HAH! A pun in disguise all along! Sneaky.
[ He's a little distracted by the music box, tapping his foot with a small hum. He hadn't realized it at first, but he does feel something. A little pep in his step, a little urge to step out and - oh! Dance! He feels like dancing. ]
...Huh. [ Just a simple "huh", does not elaborate. So eloquent, Isa. ]
no subject
"Huh"?
[Yeah that is certainly not elaboration!! Siffrin's brows knit together in concern and he steps closer again, halfway to reaching out. You good, bro? There's no evil harmful side-effects, right?? He might attempt to murder the Trader if that were the case!]
no subject
skips at that. To see Siffrin reach out to him. And of course he wants to quickly dispell that worry, because it isn't as if it's something bad! It's really silly, actually. But he still gingerly takes one of those hands back into his own. Though, when he does, that urge is so much stronger and it comes with a light pull, before turning them both in a half twirl.
But he doesn't want to spook Siffrin and just full now on dance without warning or even offering a gentlemanly request! So he doesn't do more than that, even as he beams and looks like he can hardly stay still. ]
--Sorry!! I just, really feel like dancing??? It's weird!
no subject
Flowers and dancing? That's pretty en pointe.
[He should get bonus points for punning in Vaugardian.]
no subject
HAHAHA!!! YES! En pointe. [ Definitely getting bonus points! ] Already out-punning the Trader! To be expected from the pun expert.
[ Better is Siffrin didn't seem to mind. Despite the surprise, they don't seem to hate it, and now he really really wants to. Would he be okay with it? Would he humor him? Or would it maybe be a bit too much? Well, he'd have to do it more properly, right? With a maybe bit dramatic bow, cupping that hand more in his. ]
Ahem. Mx. Siffarooni, would you honor me with a dance?
no subject
Please, Mx. Siffarooni is my parent, call me Sif.
[It feels dangerous even alluding to parents, to a family and home and life he doesn't really have. He doesn't want to risk questions he can't answer without revealing the full extent of his mess. Intellectually, he knows his friends have stood by him through worse, but there's still this awful feeling regardless that they'd be turned off if they knew too much, if they knew how he's missing so many of the things that define one as a person.
But he's happy to see Isabeau, and to be touched so casually, so he leans into the manic, masochistic thrill of it all. He can hold Isa's hand and pretend he knows how to dance, just like he pretends to be human.]
no subject
[ It does invite a lot of questions, because family after all isn't something Siffrin has talked about nor so much as mentioned. Which makes him all the more curious. Something to dip his toes into but.
First, he'll slip that music box back in his pocket as it softly plays. Freeing up his other hand to gingerly slide them both into position with Isabeau taking the lead. Marveling how small Siffrin's hands are in his own, the way it seems like they take delight in this simple contact. Or maybe that's just him hoping that's the case. ]
You know, with how quick and light on your feet you are in battle, it almost looks like you're dancing! Have you danced a lot before?
[ A couple of simple steps, twirling Siffrin lightly in the next motion, watching them with a curious smile. Doing his best not to get too flustered by the way his heart is already drumming against his chest. Be cool, Isa. Be cool! ]
no subject
Does fighting count?
[That's kinda dancing. And like, dance-fighting is a thing, right? Capoeira exists.]
no subject
Heh! I guess in a way, it sorta does? Fighting is pretty dance-y. But I meant actual dancing! Like at festivals, parties, maybe the fancy schmancy dancing!
[ Isabeau takes a moment to raise their linked hands, just to twirl Siffrin in a light spin before bringing him close together. Yeah, all this dancing is really helping with that sudden dancing urges, which is good to know! Not doomed to a fate of only dancing. The enchantment really isn't all that bad after all. ]
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