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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
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. ]
no subject
Maybe. But deliberately not thinking about something is hard. Paradoxically, it just keeps home at the front of his mind, fully conscious of just how of reach it all is. He's never sure if that's preferable to the hollow nothingness of when he isn't thinking about it at all, lacking even the awareness of why there's nothing there, occasionally blessed with small fragments of memories that slip through the Wishcraft.
He's trying not to think about it now. Not in hopes of remembering anything, but just so as to not ruin a happy moment.]
Nope! Not my kinda scene. Can you even imagine me at a fancy party?
[But he laughs as Isabeau twirls him, relishing the moment of closeness. Don't make it weird, don't be weird...]
no subject
One step at a time. Focus right here, Isa. Cradling the little Traveler just a bit closer as he peers at them with a fond smile. ]
Haha, probably not! But... parties like that are always a good excuse to wear new clothes! Nice party clothes! And, even if it's only one time, I think.. it'd be nice to see?
[ Is he being too obvious? He's probably being very obvious. The point being, it would be nice to design some comfortably fancy clothes for a party! A little goal to aim for! Outside normal regular comfy clothes too, of course. But like.. a treat? And oh crab, speaking of clothes, he'll have all these.. colors to work with?? All of that to start to familiar himself with and wheeeew. It's gonna be a lot but... something to pass the time, which is good. So much to learn. ]
no subject
But he just nods at Isabeau's point, attempting to step along at least somewhat on rhythm at the same time.]
I'd like to see what you put together, too.
[That's obviously what Isa meant, right? The clothing designer cannot help but imagine nice outfits for such an occasion.]
no subject
[ Buuut... gently, he cups those hands in his just to bring a little closer, voice softer. Quieter. Shy in the way that's so apparent in the way his shoulders hunch a little, blush settling on his cheeks. ]
Um. Would you... maybe.. wear it too..? [ And quickly - ] Assuming it fit a style you'd like, of course!! I wouldn't want you to wear something you didn't like and uh.
[ Is he rambling? Yeah, he's rambling. What is breathing again? ]
no subject
[He probably should have expected this given...well, everything, but it somehow still comes as a surprise. He's himself, after all, and it's hard to imagine himself in that sort of scene. It almost feels like he'd spoil it.
But he's certainly not opposed. He'd wanted to wear clothes Isabeau had made from the moment Isa mentioned his aspirations. Maybe it'd been more about what else that implied – that they'd still be together to do that – but still.]
Yeah, of course. I'd love to.
[He feels so warm. It's almost overwhelming.]
no subject
Not that he can't still try to something that still fits. A mixture of simple and fancy? Or maybe there's more to what Siffrin might like. Oh but- ]
Really?? You'd love to?
[ Yes, that's what they said, but he has to say it again! To make it feel more real! In his excitement he spins them both, running through his thoughts. ]
Later then! Still got plans to make something outside the fancy for you! [ A hum of thought, looking up for a moment. ] Hmm, maybe I can get some ideas while we're here in the meantime... Oh I'll need to get a notebook first for my notes and drafts. Though, I should probably try to settle in here before all of that.
[ There's housing to think of? See more of the area and so forth, meet with the rest and meet new people too... One step at a time, get your bearings, Isa. ]
no subject
You're pretty quick to get comfortable here. I didn't want to settle in originally. I didn't even want to make friends.
[Because the others weren't here. How could he give up on home just like that, right after they'd all promised to stay together? He was gearing up to charge into the woods and solo the final boss to try to get back to them.
But then Mira showed up, and then Odile and Isa. Which means maybe Bonnie could end up here eventually, and their sister. And they could find Mira again, and then it wouldn't matter where they were at all. That'd be home enough for him. It's a selfish thought, knowing the others all have homes and lives and family and whatnot outside the group, but still.]
no subject
[ Slowly, gently, he guides them a little close, shifting one hand to hold theirs a little off to the side. His other hand letting go to carefully touch at his side, very lightly. Watching them as he does just in case it's too much to dance in a position like this. ]
...I want to get quickly settled so I can be able to support you and M'dame. Which isn't to say I wasn't a little nervous when I came to! But it helps having you both already here. And you're more or less settled, so I want to be able to quickly catch up!
[He needs to be better. Isabeau needs to be okay so that he can be depended on. Especially with most of his family here. Not all of them but, he needs to stay strong for them.]
no subject
(No wonder he's latched onto them so hard. He'll probably never manage that feat of friendship again.)
Lost in their own head, they're just letting Isabeau maneuver them as he pleases and thus not prepared for the sudden side touch, even careful as it is. They stiffen instinctively despite themself. Then, face flushing a little, they drop a hand to hold Isa's in place before he can jerk away. They're good, they're good, please don't get gunshy about this again– ]
There's not a lot of support needed, honestly. At least not for the day-to-day stuff.
[Yeah he's just powering through in an attempt to just skip the potential awkwardness.]
I mean, living arrangements are free, and you can pay for things with random junk you scrounge up from the riverbanks.
[Crazy, right? He can afford pastries without issue. They can all have their own rooms instead of always camping or bunking together to save money.
...That's actually a little depressing, now that he thinks about it.]
no subject
Crab, he's so cute. Don't worry don't worry, he won't freak! Gently securing his grip just a bit, awkward who? He doesn't see it! Just continues on smoothly with the conversation.]
That's good to know at least then! Wasn't too sure what to expect of this place yet. And free living arrangements is a bonus! I'm sure M'dame is thrilled to have her own room. Though.. guess that means we won't have to share one ourselves, huh? That's too bad.
[ Paying for things with junk is an awfully interesting and funny way to go about doing but hey! If it works, it works! He won't judge. If anything, Isabeau just laughs at that, guiding them in another small spin. Sorry flowers, sorry sorry. ]
no subject
We never got to do that sleepover.
[Not for real, at least. Not in a way both of them can remember. Siffrin just spent a hundred nights in bed with a fake that recited the same lines over and over again.]
no subject
You're right! Our big incredible sleepover! [ A small fidget of their hands, glancing shyly down and then peeking back. ] Would you still wanna?
It could just be for one night, so I'm not in your hair for too long - but it also. Doesn't have to just be for one night! Could be as many nights as you want. Whenever you want company.
[ As an open invitation for them. ]
no subject
Sure. Should we invite Odile? I mean, I don't wanna leave her out but she also likes having her own bed and all...
[Ah. Another thought occurs to them.]
...Or Loop? They don't really like being indoors, but...
no subject
...M'dame? OH! Yes!! [ He absolutely did NOT forget her. (Odile voice: UH HUH.) ] We could ask and see if she'd join! But she really does like having her own bed...
[ Nodding along. Loop too, huh? He doesn't know them too well, but Isabeau is always friendly enough to take the opportunity to. ]
Yeah, um, if you think they won't mind..?
no subject
Loop is...kinda weird. They'll probably say no if we ask, but I'm sure they'd be upset if they weren't asked at all.
[They wouldn't admit it or show it, they'd almost certainly laugh at the very idea, but Siffrin knows them like he knows himself. For obvious reasons.]
no subject
[ It makes sense. The feeling of loneliness for not even being considered... it doesn't feel good. Isabeau can certainly remember moments like that growing up. He looks up for a moment, considering, before nodding as he turns to guide them in a half circle. ]
Then we'll ask M'dame and Loop both! See what their responses are and go from there. Even if we get turned down the first time, there's always asking again another time. They could warm up to the idea! [ Maybe. Maybe Isabeau can use puppy eyes to try and convince them. It probably won't work but by Change he'll Try. ]