EVENT & TDM 020

[sticksandbonesmods]

BITTER WINDS HOWLING

WAKES AND AWAKENINGS

Are you one to find yourself plagued with nightmares? Do you dream at all? Well, worry not, because tonight you find yourself in a somewhat alarming peace. You’re asleep. You’re aware of this. Yet, you feel incredibly lucid, all the same.

You hear the sound of water, like you’re under the ocean waves. You don’t see anything, but it’s almost as if you can feel others around you, despite not touching anything at all. They’re your… family? No. Friends? No. You don’t seem to be able to find a word to describe them. They’re important to you! …You think. Who are they, again?

You think they’re trying to speak to you, but all you can hear is the sound of gentle currents and air bubbles. Or maybe this is what they’re saying to you? You don’t know. Dreams are weird, aren’t they? But then they sing. It’s the prettiest sound you’ve heard. It’s the most haunting sound you’ve heard. It encourages you to move, at last. You didn’t realize you could. There’s a light that filters through the surface of the water…

…and you wake up. You feel strangely refreshed, like that’s the best sleep you’ve gotten in ages! You also feel… distantly sad, like you’ve just remembered something horrible that happened a long time ago.

It’s probably nothing.

For the rest of the month, you find sleep comes easy, and dreams are soothing. How uncharacteristically nice! Maybe don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

A BITTER ARRIVAL

You wake up to bitter cold. It's dark, the winds howling and whipping through the air, snow battering anything not sturdy enough to stand tall against it... and even the trees seem like one more push could knock them over. This isn't a forest you know, yet it seems like home. If you're not prepared for the cold, the warm lights of a small town will guide you, call to you, and your heart yearns for warmth. As you stumble through the heavy snow and harsh winds, something heavy hangs from your neck and the winds begin to form words with your own voice- SACRIFICE... END THIS WINTER WITH SACRIFICE.

As more voices join the wretched wails, your eyes feel heavier. You're almost to the town, though. Is it one of the houses that you wind up knocking on? Or do you manage to get to the inn, big and tall and radiating more warmth than anything you've ever felt? Regardless, you are no longer alone, but the cold still aches and clings, and something with your voice still calls it's omens outside. Only when you melt the heavy snowflake-shaped amulet hanging around your neck in the fires does the cold abate and the foreign copy of your voice fall silent.

A COLD RECEPTION

In the forest of the lost, the worst winter you've ever seen has finally set in full. The lake and river are both frozen over completely, and even the most hardy of beasts have hidden away from the cruel blizzard. The sky is dark, the winds are sharp and the freezing temperatures permeate most buildings, creeping in like a thief ready to steal the breath from your lungs if you aren't careful. Even fires seem to bend to this cold, save for the ever-burning, ever-blinding light of the fireplace in the inn- though she's long since gone, it seems one woman's faith still protects those in the Grove. Shadows haunt the clearing and amongst the winds and even the deafest ears can hear the voices howling alongside the storm, always demanding the same thing: a sacrifice.

When shadows flicker across the window, that is when you know you aren't alone. Ghastly wraiths of frost and ragged sleet fly through the air, and it's hard to tell if they are commanding the winter winds or if they are working in tandem. Regardless, the cold seems to be enhanced by their presence and if they catch you alone outside, they curse you with a frost so deep it pierces the heart and spreads. To some, it may be familiar, like turning to ice from within. To others it may be entirely new. But it spreads slowly and with agony while the wraiths make their demand once more and then vanish. Thankfully, a bit of kindness can melt the ice, but the winter wraiths are always willing to inflict the curse again...

... But you are not powerless. So long as you don't go alone, so long as you have a weapon, you can fend these things off, for a time. But they will be back.

They must have their sacrifice, after all.

BEACONS

Not everyone can fight though. Not everyone should. The only peace that can be found is in the sleep that follows that odd dream... but eventually the large shadow woman known as the Trader, Ydalir, makes her way through the snow to find you. With a warm furry blanket and a cup of tea, she gives you a small kit.

"Build these lanterns and hang them in the window. Be a light in the dark, loves." Is what she says.

The lanterns consist of wood, paper and a little cup for a candle. They can be in any shape and color, and when you hang them in the window the candle sparks into light. As frost clings on the other side of the window and the snow shrouds the outside world and veils what lies beyond, you can see other lights. Other lanterns, shining brightly. It may not be much, but it is still a sign. A reminder. You are not alone in this blizzard.

Spark Notes

summary

wakes and awakenings will bring you into a strange dream of being with many being, important ones, and a haunting song. Despite the melancholy feeling, it also brings a month of restful sleep no matter what.

a bitter arrival is how our new arrivals find themselves: lost in the woods in the middle of a terrible blizzard with only the faint lights of the Grove to guide you to safety. While you wear the snowflake amulet, the winter wraiths can use a mimicry of your voice to make their demands and curse you with a lingering freeze- only melting the amulets in a fire will set you free and silence the copy of your voice in the cacophony.

a cold reception shows just how bad the winter's gotten, with impenetrable ice freezing both the lake and the river solid. the wraiths curse whoever they see with turning to ice from within, but a genuine act of kindness or love will save their victims. the wraiths can be fought, but only with a companion or two, and definitely not with your bare hands. ... they will return though, again and again.

beacons grants perhaps a bit of hope in this dark winter- ydalir brings people supplies as best she can since the cold doesn't affect her shadowy body and there is nothing for the wraith to freeze, and she also brings a gift- a lantern to craft and hang in the window to show the others in town that you're all still here, cutting through the darkness.

out of character

Welcome to the first TDM of 2025! Regular AC resumes this month and as you can see, we're changing things up a little. TDMers are welcome and encouraged to reach out on our plotting post linked below. We're so excited to start the new year with everyone, and may the horrors stay in writing... because they are resuming now.

updates

❖ AFFOGATO COOKIE has used a magical artifact as a sacrifice. This has resulted in the blizzard lessening but still being present and the wraiths being banished from the grove, but still haunting the forest. There are further effects but they will come in to play during a player plot. ... Get your sacrifices in still though.
❖ MAYOI'S prayer to Ourania the day of the fight with Suri invoked a blessing: an aurora shines through the sky, and anyone in it's lights will be gradually healed and soothed.

submissions

❖ Questions
❖ January Plotting (Open to TDMers)
❖ Sacrifices (Plot relevant, open to all)
❖ Past Life Plotting (Closed to Game Members)
❖ Investigations

code

Comments

QUESTIONS

[sticksandbonesmods]

[charlastan]

Question for characters with fire powers/fire magic! Will the blizzard impact their powers at all, particularly if they generate their own fire?

And follow up question that's a little more Stan-specific - typically I play him as immune to cold/heat with his CRAU blood magic. Should that be nerfed for this event? And if so would it be a 100% nerf or just for horrible wraith curses (if, for example, a dumbass went outside alone because he doesn't freeze?)

INVESTIGATIONS

[sticksandbonesmods]

Please use the following form for investigations:

Character(s):
Location:
Action: What are they looking for? What are they doing?

<b>Character(s):</b> <b>Location:</b> <b>Action:</b> What are they looking for? What are they doing?

Baby's first investigation

[quirkynote]

Character(s): A.B.A, Beat, and PV is in the background for emotional support
Location: The Northern part of the Grove
Action: PV has gotten A.B.A all curious about left behind notes, and has suggested she take Beat to track some scents up north to see what they can find. Honestly, she's not sure what to expect, A.B.A doesn't even know if she buys the idea of there being a past version of her. Joke's on her, I updated her past info as soon as the new post went up. Hopefully doing this before things go to shit.

Nicholas D. Wolfwood | Trigun Stampede | Current Player

[lupusxylem]

[Note: Wolfwood has dragon blessings now! So in all threads he will appear different, with a black tail and jagged black horns to match. The right horn is broken off (the same side he lost his leg), and he now has patches of scales included that dot where the tail/horns meet his body, along his hands and forearms, and dotted on his cheeks and sideburns. Between the gaps of the cracks/scales on his tail and horns is an electric blue the same color of his serum.]

A) Wakes and Awakenings | The Inn | OPEN

[His whole life, Wolfwood has been the type who hasn't generally had the luxury of being a light sleeper. It isn't that he doesn't sleep heavily- anyone who has been anywhere near this man when he's asleep knows he's dead once he's really out- it's just that he's never been relaxed or comfortable enough to allow himself to drift into that kind of sleep. Being an assassin will do that to you. It's better, here, when he has people he loves to sleep with to help mitigate that feeling, but...you know. It's the Grove. He always feels like he's in some sort of mortal fucking peril.

Weirdly though, even with this cold...that isn't true this morning. Wolfwood doesn't do this, he'd swear, but if you're visiting the Inn this morning you'll find him sitting at the end of one of the couches, unnaturally still. If you try to call out he won't answer, and this is because he's dead asleep. Maybe he came here to sit in front of the fire for some respite, maybe it's for another reason...but regardless, he's eeping, arms folded and knees apart like he was previously just sitting there.]

B) A Bitter Arrival | Vash's House | OPEN

[The house Vash purchased is a bit of a walk from the Grove proper, so while Wolfwood doesn't typically expect visitors, it's common enough that people wander by this way if they're the type to do regular patrols or something. Maybe you're new and fucking lost. Maybe you're Ain, who Wolfwood has been regularly bringing over lately (even moreso because it's so god damn cold). Whoever you are at this point and time, if you wind up on the porch Wolfwood will crack the door to the tune of a black husky nose appearing in the doorjamb to say hello.]

...Oi. Getcher ass in here before you freeze to death.

C) A Cold Reception | Anywhere in the Grove | OPEN

[When the wraiths make their first appearance, Wolfwood feels an unsettling sense of deja vu. The cold itself is bitter and unforgivable, and he can only liken this kind of cold to one other instance...

Well. You'll catch Wolfwood getting ahead of the curve.

Only problem is, well. The last month has been low combat, lower energy...and because of that, he'd left his Punisher in the church. So, when he rushes through the wind and snow to go retrieve it, he finds that the gun has been completely encrusted over with ice. Ice at least an inch thick on all sides covers each peak of the cross, long icicles coming from the ends telling him that he'd be here a while trying to chisel the ice free. He'd be better off taking it to the Inn to let the fire melt it off, but he doesn't have that kind of time.]

Christ.

[Cursing under his breath, he grabs his pistol from the holster at his belt because at this point, it's really all he has. Are normal bullets even going to do anything to the wraiths? Well.

Wolfwood, never one to just sit around with his thumb up his ass, isn't going to wait for someone else to try it first. He kicks the door open from the church (no reason for this, he's going to have to fix that later) and swings around to take aim at the nearest one, the wind nearly knocking him over as it rips his words from his mouth and sweeps them away the second he starts firing.]

Eat shit!!

[OOC: OOC Plotting here!]

B) because he was summoned-

[eidxiety]

[For once, Ain has his jacket actually on and zipped up. His hood can't fit over his head anymore due to his horn-halo, so he's holding it up to his ears with his hands. He doesn't really have a choice. His ears are cold. :( ]

I'm watching the snow fall...

[You can do that from inside!!

Anyway, Dachie is bolting into the house to go play with Angelina. Hiiii hi hi hi—]

Sesa | Arknights | Current Player

[sesa]

A) Baby it's Fucking Cold Outside | The Bathhouse | OPEN

[Sesa hates the cold.

He HATES it. Last year he was miserable and grumpy all winter, and this winter...it is worse. Saints above it is so much worse than it's ever been, to the point where he can't even work in his shop right now because of how bad it is at retaining heat. All that the steel and metal does is serve to make the air around him colder, so no. No thank you, he is trying to be warm.

For this reason, Sesa feels like he frequents the bathhouse far more regularly than anyone else here, but like...can you blame him? He's not built for this cold, he craves the warm desert sands...so anyone seeking him out today is going to either find him actively in the water all the way up to his neck with his eyes closed like a sunbathing crocodile, or after he's already finished his soak, sitting on a bench in the locker room with a towel around his neck as he works up the nerve to go back home.]

B) He made it home (to the cafe) | The Magic Lamp | OPEN

[In the cafe, Sesa has sequestered himself underneath the kotatsu he bought some time ago and has decided lives here for the time being as it's both nice for him and the customers to have something warm to sit under. He doesn't mind that others use it, so long as they're respectful and don't spill things on it. At least it's nice and warm in here, despite it all...

His little Seaborn pup has no such respect for the kotatsu. It's sitting right on top of the table portion, tail wagging slowly as Sesa feeds it little pieces of Luqaimat. Can Seaborn have this? He has no idea, but he seems to be enjoying it, so.

He'll glance up if he sees anybody pass by.]

Mm? Did you want some? Elliot has plenty more prepared this morning.

[It would get him up from here, at any rate.]

C) [Explosion noises] | The Grove (away from the buildings) | OPEN

[If you weren't already aware of the wraiths in the Grove, the sound of a grenade launcher going off is going to make sure you are now.

Sesa...as most people know who know him well, is not predisposed to violence. He does not like fighting. He uses a weapon in battle that allows him to take pot-shots from a distance for a reason. He isn't going to be the first to suggest he throw himself into the fray when there are others much stronger and more capable to do it.

...but knowing that this cold has been brought about by these creatures, and having the thought that if they were gone, maybe this ceaseless snow would abate?

Yeah. Sesa has pulled out his trusty gun, all of its recent modifications and all on glorious display as he fires off pills in the direction of those wraiths, not so much "killing" them as he is "straight up exploding" them.

He'll learn eventually that they'll come back and he's wasted his monthly ammo supply for probably no reason, but in his mind, it's worth its weight in gold right now.]

[OOC: OOC plotting here!]

give me A

[forwander]

[You know who else doesn't want to go the fuck outside? It's Elliot! Both he and Little Elliot do not want this, fuck the snow. He may not like Sargon but at least Sargon didn't have SNOW!!!

He, too, is in the bathhouse up to his chin, with all of his hair pooling around him and acting as its own animal. It's like looking at a siren rising up through the water. One wrong move and someone nearby will get tangled in it, but luckily it's just them.

Of course, Elliot sits close to Sesa, so Sesa might be caught in it. Oops.]

Do you think Gnosis and Enciodes are having nice times...?

[No actually spoilers Gnosis is going to get the flu because beats him up, but Elliot doesn't know that.]

Sparkling Cookie | Cookie Run Kingdom | Current Player

[charmpagne]

A) Wakes and Awakenings | Closed to the Cookie House

[At some point during one of the coldest mornings the Grove has seen so far, the residents at the Cookie house will hear a soft knocking at the door that nearly gets swept away by the raging winds. If it isn't answered (and assuming the door is unlocked), Sparkling will carefully let himself in while trying not to get snow all over the floors, shaking as he keeps his wings tucked tightly around himself as a sort of makeshift poncho. He's emerged from his residence at the Inn in an effort to reach out to his fellow Earthbread companions, mainly to check and see how everyone is faring in this cold...

But also, he has a tray of hot chocolate to deliver that he handmade himself, one for everyone living here. If you see one with an extra pump of whipped cream with little sprinkles on it for Clotted Cream, no you don't.]

H-hah...ah...hello? Pardon me for barging in...is anyone awake?

B) Beacons | The Clinic | OPEN

[Sparkling, not being a fighter...really much in any sense of the word, isn't going to try to strike out into the bitter cold to do any combat. Instead, he's actually staying to help at the Clinic today, having brewed up a few (non-alcoholic) cocktails for anyone who wanders in, injured, frostbitten, or otherwise just cold. He'll usher you to have a seat on one of the open beds nearby, making his way over to a table where he has a few glasses prepared.]

Give me just a moment. These drinks are healing...sip slowly. It should warm you up from the inside.

[And when he says healing, he means that literally. They won't take care of grievous open wounds or anything like that- a real healer would need to be called, in that case- but they'll revitalize and take care of any amount of minor injuries you might have incurred while outside.]

[OOC: Ooc plotting here!]

A

[quirkynote]

[A.B.A is certainly not a former Earthbread citizen, but she does live at Cookie House. Whether or not Sparkling is aware that she's the new attic creature Pure Vanilla brought in, who knows. Either way, she greets him much like anyone else who doesn't know how to handle guests.

By hanging off the stairs in the strangest way possible and staring right into his very soul.]

If I had been a second faster, you would be dead right now.

["Hello."]



...is that chocolate?

Elysium | Arknights | Current Player, New Character

[reydelostests]

A) A Bitter Arrival | The Grove | Open

[If there's one thing Elysium prides himself on, it's his navigational prowess. He's never lost. He doesn't get lost. And, if he finds himself in an uncharted environment, then it's simply his job to chart it. He's done it in the midst of full-blown Catastrophes, so a little blizzard shouldn't be an issue.

But oh, dear Lord, it's so cold.

His coat is NOT enough to beat out this kind of bone-deep chill as a figure slowly cuts his way through snow up to his shins, trying desperately to see ahead through the blanket of white impeding his vision. This is...not the landship, it's not even anywhere near water...it was alarming enough just waking up flat on his back in the snow and freezing, but the real question is...]

W-where is everyone? Thorns? Doctor?

[He stumbles and nearly eats shit, but manages to catch himself just as lights appear in the distance. He hasn't paid much attention yet to the pendant around his neck, other than to idly comment to himself that it's pretty and decide that's worthy of keeping it on, so there's no reason to think it's like...causing anything.

He's cold :( Where is Thorns :(( aaa :(((]

If-! If this is some sort of prank...w-well executed, I will give you this one, b-bu-but it isn't funny! If I...drank too much o-or sleepwalked out here, y-you didn't have to leave me outside! Come on...

[One wonders why he's even attempting to talk in wind that's howling this loudly, but that's just it. Elysium isn't raising his voice, because he doesn't have to. The words he speaks are projected regardless, and even if you're sitting indoors, they will come to you as clearly as if he were talking to you on the phone.

Weird!]

B) A Cold Reception (Because Elysium is now here we all groan in unison) | The Magic Lamp | Open

[After having some time to become acquainted with the place, and realizing that he is not in fact the only Operator here, Elysium.............is hungry.

Like. What do you MEAN he doesn't have to pay for anything? (You do. You literally do it's just not your typical "money") There are so many goodies on this menu that he wants to get one of everything, but he decides to be normal and just order a spiced hot chocolate with a piece of baklava to start. Okay, so maybe he's not where he's supposed to be (not being at work is more than a little concerning, not for how much trouble he'll be in for shirking his duties, but for like...how important those duties ARE, like trust him he's legitimately concerned about that), and maybe there's some sort of ominous presence here out to kill them all, but!! Isn't that how it is on Terra? The ominous presence is just not sentient, and it's instead in the form of a widespread plague that's got the world in an iron-clad grip, including Elysium himself despite his attempts to brush it off as nothing.

You know, normal things.

Anyway he is eating his baklava and enjoying it, and if you happen to sit nearby he'll turn and beam at you.]

Much nicer in here than out there in the cold, eh? My coat simply isn't made for this weather...would be more bearable if I had something warm to keep under it.

B but wildcardy lmao

[sailingfor]

[Thorns knew he was last On A Boat. When he arrived here, he wasn't near the ocean (but he knows just from that creeping, crawling feeling he gets from them that there are Seaborn somewhere around him trying to tap into his brain) (please leave). There is an ocean, he walked to it, but no ships in sight other than one that looks like it was docked hundreds of years ago. If Juana and Weedy were here, they could fix it together... alas, he hasn't seen either of them.

Either way, he walks back to the Grove, fending off Wraiths the entire time in that blunt, no-nonsense way he does. His right arm where the Compass had fused to it is frozen solid, the metal so cold it's burning his skin where it connects. Try as he might, he can't get the alchemical components to obey him... so he presses on.

Somehow, he passes by the cafe initially and winds up in the lab. Gnosis promptly kicks him out (fair) (but rude), and so he wanders for a bit longer... avoids Flamebringer... says hi to Sesa in the bath house... winds up at the cafe. And before he notices Elysium, he notices— is that fucking Passenger— okay.

Then comes the impressively loud voice of his partner, and ah, yes, that's familiar to him. They haven't seen each other in several months, and their only communication has been with the devices that Elysium modified to travel long distances... Thorns just hopes that the Liberi doesn't see him creeping up behind him, or think to try to call again while he's doing so.

If Elysium is too occupied with his food and doesn't notice, Thorns will wrap his (fucking freezing) right arm around Elysium's neck and hold him in an (only somewhat gentle) chokehold. And then grind his fist into the top of his head.

Get rekt idiot.]

Clive Rosfield | Final Fantasy XVI | Current Player, New Character

[aneikonic]

A Bitter Arrival

[ It's bad enough waking up in an unknown land in the midst of a brutal Winter, with the wind and cold clawing deep that even summoning Ifrit's (and then the Phoenix's) fire doesn't seem to help any, but now the wind is hissing in his voice to give a sacrifice to end it. ]

Not likely.

[ The words are growled out between clenched teeth as he trugs his way towards the lights, arm raised to shield his face from the wind whipping past - and to keep it closer to the hilt of his sword if need be. Even if he wants to cast the weapon aside, as the cold has turned the metal of it into a bitter brand. Even through the sheathe he can feel it leeching heat.

He also wants to cast aside the heavy amulet around his neck, but he knows better than to simply toss it without finding some way to break the hold it has on him, as he can feel it dragging and weighing him down. Eikons knows what it is, but it's aspected with Ice, as if the snowflake shape of it didn't give it away. Is this some sort of Afterlife? Or did his Wish with Ultima's powers go so horribly awry-

No, he can't think that. He shakes those thoughts aside and focuses on the lights, eyes squinting as he makes out figures. Specters? Akashic? People who actually live in this frozen world? He hesitates but a particularly strong gust of wind that almost unsteadies him makes him call out. ]

Ho there!

A Cold Reception

[ Once he's learned a bit about this world - and has melted that amulet and become free of it's grasp - he sets out on a mission. Because if he's arrived here from Origin, then maybe... just maybe...

Joshua...

Unfortunately setting off alone seems to be the worst idea he's had yet (and honestly, that's saying a lot), as he's almost instantly beset by those frozen wraiths. It's nothing he hasn't faced before, and he draws his sword and moves into a battle stance, summoning Phoenix's flames. Only to watch them gutter and flicker and dim drastically, and he feels shockingly ill. ]

All right.

[ He lets the flames die and summons electricity to his hand instead, the purple blue dancing up his arm as it forms a spear. And though he casts it into the sky and it strikes true with a resounding thundering roll as it hits the ground, the Wraiths don't seem too affected. Indeed, when one rushes him and brushes past him as he dodges at the last second, he feels a painful chill raise up that side. A quick glance shows him rime creeping upwards, as his arm grows stiff under it. A lot like Shiva's freeze. ]

... Shit.

[ Not good. He's going to need help. ]

Reception

[goldenambition]

Behind ya, mate!

[A voice calls out, giving Clive a chance to dodge before a arrow goes flying past him to bury into the wraith.

Not enough to kill it, but looks like someone has his back covered at least!]

Whippoorwill | OC | Current Player, New Character

[goldenambition]

A Bitter Arrival

((At a Glance description here!))

[It's cold. Will's body remembers cold. Cold that both pushes you to wake but whispers to slip deeper into sleep. Killing cold. Street cold. He whimpers in his sleep, tail curling tighter around his fetal-posed form. Of course he was back to this- every warm night and sunny day between a dream of a dream. There would be no Jay to come and pick him up and wash his hair and gently spoon soft oats into his mouth so he could manage some liquid without spitting it back up again instantly.

Winter was here. She would have what she was owed. Over 20 years late but She was nothing if not willing to wait.

Will growls softly to himself, eyes cracking open, lashes crackling from frozen tears.]

Nah... nah ya don', you right bitch.

[Uncurling hurts, his fur freezing in sharp spikes. But he manages, eventually, to get to his feet. He is not dressed lightly but his leathers are not made for weather like this. With a whisper he tries to form a flame in one hand... only to have it sputter out almost instantly. He was not a powerful mage, but even he should be able to do this much.

Magical storm, his nose tells him. A curse, most likely, though his nose is too chilled and deadened by the wind to say for sure. Either way, he was on his own.]

Jus' one foot in front of the other, old boy. You've managed worse. Get shelther, get warm... then figure out why you're inna wood instead of bed. Easy 'nuff for sure, for sure.

[He chatters to himself as he walks, occasionally giving into old habits and moving to an a more beastual fingertips-to-the-earth lope. It's fine, no one here to judge him for it!

Well, unless you are.

Either way, as he travels eventually the voices start. His fur bristles and his ears pin back in terror... more so as his own howls join them.]

Ooooh nonono, we ain' fucking about with that!! Whipper is not for spooks!!

[And any shame about going on all fours is lost as he makes a break for it, tail a bottle brush of fear, and a beastly yeowl escaping his lungs as he charges into the village, throwing himself full tilt at the first door he sees]

Open, open! Sanctuary, I beg!

[Up to you if you feel safe letting a cat.... dog... man thing in your house with clear weapons- blades on the hips, and a massive crossbow on his back]

A Bitter Arrival || OC || New Player

[byanmilia]

Hope I can step in here. Here's Amilia's About w/ a TDLR

[ Amilia was already inside the inn, attempting to warm by the fire. The new town was cruel and bitter, ice seeming to threaten freezing even her heart and soul. The wind's forsaken chorus of voices seem to die down to a whimper in the hope of the fireplace... Sacrifice ! Had she imagined her own voice along with it? What wanted a sacrifice? Where had she truly ended up? She just noticed the weight of the necklace, her body feeling heavy under it's weight. But her fingers barely managed to touch the surface when— ]

[ BANG! ]

[ The pink girl had jumped from her seat, tears forming. Perhaps whatever cursed through the wind was here to TAKE the life it wanted—? And then she heard it. The voice begging for sanctuary. Tears still clung to her eyelashes, but her shoulders loosened. It didn't sound like a monster. Unless... it was a trick? She quickly ran to the inn door before any other guest could. Her still-numb fingers through her pink gloves awkwardly grasping the handle to crack it open. Her small foot pressed against the door as if it could do anything to keep something from barging in.]

He... hello?

[ Her voice faltered, her eyes watered, but her face still scrunched up to glare at a possible foe— which seemed to be none. He certainly didn't look like a monster... He had animalistic features, but this was not uncommon in the world that Amilia remembers. Brown eyes glanced back towards the lobby, as if to get permission to let the new patron in. Regardless, just like someone had for her a moment ago, she opened the inn's door wider. Her body still scrunched up to the door, shielding her at least a bit from the biting winds. And perhaps this new visitor as well, she barely had an idea who she was letting in. Her eyes widened on the weapons. However, her brain ran through the possible reasons he would carry. She certainly didn't want to shut him out in the cold. Amilia had felt the storm and she could never wish it on her worst enemy. ]

It's... it's a inn... Are you not from here either? Or... well, new here?

[Her voice is barely above a whisper, competing with the howl of the winter storm.]

Danny Fenton | Danny Phantom | Current player, new character

[the_halfa_it]

A Bitter Arrival

[When Danny had woken up back home, he'd assumed the Grove had been just a weird dream. Wasn't like he had any shortage of those, after all. He'd told his friends about it, they'd laughed, Sam had said "Of course you would dream about meeting some kind of super nerd with a constellation birthmark," and Tucker had teased him about his "imaginary constellation boyfriend" for a week. Business as usual.

Needless to say, he wasn't expecting to find himself back here. Not that he recognizes it at first, with how utterly buried everything is in snow.

There is a scrawny teenage boy in the woods, very suddenly hugging his arms around him because that thin red jacket he's wearing is absolutely not cutting it.]

What the heck? When did it get so cold? ...And why am I actually feeling it? And... okay, I was definitely not in the woods just now.

[He can see lights in the distance though, and squinting at them through the snow, starts trudging towards town.

It doesn't take long for things to get weirder. There's absolutely definitely some kind of cursed artifact around his neck, and he's had enough experience with those to not want to fuck with it, but he can't get it off. And then the creepy voices start, as he gets to the town proper. Which, honestly, he's too cold and tired to want to deal with by this point, so all anyone sees is a violently shivering teenager stumbling into town, snarking back at... the air, apparently.]

Okay, using my own v-voice is at least a little original, but "woooooo, sacrifice?" C-cliche. I b-bet none of you are turning visible bec-cause I'd ki... kick...

[Whoops, there he goes, flumphing forward into the snow. Well, he almost made it to the inn. And he's certainly not kicking any wraith butts in that condition.]


A Cold Reception

[Danny never fully warms up, not really. He's gotten rid of that stupid snowflake pendant in the inn's fire, he's huddled around said fire, people have brought him hot soup, the whole shebang, and he still feels like an ice cube. But at this point he figures something is messing with his core, and obviously the howling ghost wind things outside are the most likely culprits, and fighting something would let him use up as much of his own internal ice energy as possible, right? Plus, like, those ghosts are making everyone miserable and he's a ghost fighting expert, he can't just do nothing.

So he sneaks off to fight them on his own, like a genius.

This is how you get a glowing white haired kid in a hazmat suit flying around trying to shoot the wraiths with energy beams. Even Danny realizes that trying to shoot ice ghosts with ice beams probably won't work very well, so he's attacking them with neon green ectoplasmic blasts - and probably missing enough for collateral damage to be a problem.

If you're lucky, you might poke your head outside to see what the commotion is just in time to see one of the wraiths reach for Danny. His hands glow blue and he sweeps them upwards, instantly forming a dome of ice over himself - which the wraith completely ignores and reaches straight through, grabbing him with a chilling claw.

Danny barely even has time to gasp as a chill shoots through his core unlike any he's felt before - not even when he'd had too much of the cold built up inside him and nearly frozen himself into a second death. It sweeps through him in seconds, the constant chill he'd been feeling magnifying rampantly, and it's a good thing he's already on the ground as his chest starts to go numb and his arms are suddenly so stiff he can barely move them, let alone throw more powers around.]

H-hey, hands to yourself!

[He swipes at the wraith, which flutters away, seemingly satisfied with its work. Danny pushes against his ice dome, but he can't muster the energy to dismiss it - or rather, summoning his ice powers again suddenly feels dangerous. His core is straining, and he suddenly really hopes he can stay in ghost form, because he's not sure his human form can take this much cold at all.]

Oh great, what now? I gotta get out of here before I turn into a popsicle!

[He tries to go intangible. Ow. Nope. He tries banging his increasingly stiff and numb fist against the ice, crystals already forming over his jumpsuit. Also ow. There... there's gotta be someone out there, right...?]

Cold reception

[ghostharasser]

[Looks like Danny’s in a bit of a pickle. Luckily someone was out in the woods and heard all the commotion. He doesn’t get there fast enough to properly chase off the wraith, but once he sees someones just tracked in an eye dome, dipper pulls out his shut gun, flips the switch so it transforms into its rifle mode, and then proceeds to wail on the ice to try and free whoever might be trapped.]

Hang on, man! I’m gonna get you out of there!

A Bitter Arrival || OC || New Player & Character

[byanmilia]

Amilia's About, with a TDLR!

[ Cold seeped through her bones, her hand reaching for her thin and cheap blanket— but only felt the wet chill of ice when her eyes shot open. Her breath was heavy, losing heat with every exhale. Part of Amilia could barely believe this wasn't a dream, but every part of her body knew better. Confusion and cold jump started her body, there was no grogginess to shake off. She was already in flight mode when her boots crunched frantically through the snow. ]

But... where?

[ Her memory was hazy, she couldn't remember falling asleep. She couldn't remember what the last thing she was doing at all, actually. Maybe it was the gravity of the situation— she could only follow her instinct, begging her to move her feet in a direction. Save yourself, her blood seemed to burn with the words. Seeing some lights in the distance, her gloved hands wrapped as if in prayer to any god that would listen. Please be real. Please make it. And then the wind howled. Her body felt heavier as a chorus of voice sang for a sacrifice— her own voice right among them. ]

[ Hands grasped around her mouth, her body quickly crouching to curling into herself. It was no use. Her voice still sang among them. It wasn't coming from her. Her brain frantically wondered if she was mishearing, her ears trying to focus on her own voice. It was futile. The voices competed, chaotically twirling together like dancers of a ballet— perfectly in seek but vying for the audience's attention. She had to keep moving. The adrenaline must have left her, her body felt tired and heavy as she stood to lazily chug through the snow. Her hands curled together back in some prayer. ]

[ As she finally reached a door, canopied by the warm light through the windows, she felt she had no choice. Her hand weakly knocked thrice. That was no good, but lead had drilled themselves into her appendages. She tightened her hands together, decided to her use her side. With a heave, she threw her small body against the door for a louder thud. ]

Please...

[ Surely that was loud enough. Now she can just wait, right? Her body crouched again, balling herself up. She was tired... perhaps she could just... rest her eyes a bit. Conserve energy and warmth. And drown out the voices howling in the wind. ]

[quirkynote]

[A.B.A's main concern throughout this winter nightmare has been the Grove's new collection of dragon babies. Seeing as the Inn is the warmest place right now, it only makes sense to keep them there, and thus she's been sure to visit frequently. Watching over them, guarding them, freaking out when something slams on the door.

That's certainly not a knock, and with the attacks going on, A.B.A gets defensive. A potential ambush may be scary, but she'll...she'll just have to be scarier. Cautiously, she peeks out the door, expecting the worst.]

Know this, any wrong move will be your last. Don't think for one second I won't kill you at this very door-

[No one is there.

Confused, A.B.A looks around every which way, until finally she looks down. Well this is about the worst attack she's ever seen. This person is already dead!]

Oh...I see you've done the difficult part for me. Very well.

[With surprisingly little effort, A.B.A grabs the scruff of whoever the heck this is's shirt and drags them into the warmth. If they haven't succumbed to the weather, they can rest and heal.

...If they're already dead, then A.B.A gets free blood. She wins either way.]

hunter 🐦 the owl house 🐦 current player / returning character

[grimtalker]

1. inn
[anyone who met hunter last year might remember him with hair messier and longer than this near-buzzcut. he also seems like far less of a spitfire, keeping to himself a bit, not looking for excuses to talk down at everyone he passes.

he spends most of the day in the common area of the inn, since the fireplace is the only flame that stays alive. despite how long he's sat here, there's no sign of food or drink near him, nothing to pass the time. the only thing he seems to have with him is the blanket from up in his room, wrapped tightly around his shoulders as he stares out of a window, entranced by the voices of the wraiths...]

2. town
[... the thing is, hunter is well aware that his voice isn't just his. he heard the other golden guards in belos' mindscape. what other choice does he have but to believe it's the same as their predecessor's? as haunted as he's been lately by the memory of the brothers, and not knowing that other people hear the voices... it's almost inevitable that he's eventually convinced to wander outside.

whether you find him standing in the cold and dark, unarmed, in nothing warmer than a sweater and pajama pants, or a frantic little red bird finds you and tugs your hair or sleeve in hunter's direction, the wraiths are quickly closing in.]

the inn

[beckonsbliss]

( it's... concerning, seeing a boy so young look so frail and haunted. she's not sure who he is, or where they are, or what he's experienced. eventually as he sits at the fire though, tingyun joins him, a small roll cake and a fork on a plate being slid over while she gives him a gentle smile. )

I know it's not much, but... I thought maybe something sweet and fresh would help cut through the cold a little. Please, try some.

Link | Legend of Zelda BOTW/TOTK | Current Player - New Character

[songofthewild]

[Arrival.]

[Link did not arrive in clothing meant for this kind of weather. It is a goddamn miracle he did not die out there, traipsing through the snow in leather strapped sandals, a toga wrap tunic and his fetching little battle skirt. Link is, if nothing else, resilient, though, and its pure adrenaline and determination that carries him forward towards the lights.]

[So, it is out of no where that you might catch it in the corner of your eye. The form of a very cold blond-haired guy with pointy ears sprinting in the snow towards you.]

[He is rapidly approaching your location. What will you do?]


[Arrival Pt 2: tears of the kitchen.]

[Through either his efforts, or the efforts of some kind person willing to help a guy out, Link has made it to the Inn. It's honestly a pretty cozy place! And much bigger than the Inns he's used to staying in around Hyrule. He gets warm in front of the fire long enough to deal with that cursed pendent, dries out his clothes, and takes a quick rest.]

[That done, he tackles the next important task: He's starving. Luckily there is a kitchen and he is not shy about making himself at home.]

[Wordlessly, Link wanders in, unconcerned with whether someone else was already there using it, and begins scavenging around, looking for ingredients. Hm... a tasty meat and seafood fry would really hit the spot right now...]

[Wait ...what kind of cooking pot is this? This is weird. Link makes a noise of ...concern as he tries to figure out how to light the fire. He will turn to whoever's in the kitchen to try and get your attention. The fuck is electricity.]

[start_again]

[There's always something weird going on here. Odd noises from the forest lured Siffrin outside to see what's happening this time, decently comfortable despite the weather thanks to the enchantment on his cloak. He ventures a ways away from home towards the treeline before pauses, squinting into the snow. Visibility isn't great out here, and he's only working with one eye on top of that. Is that...?

He doesn't know what'd he thought the shape in the woods was originally, but a questionably-dressed stranger sprinting at him probably wasn't it. Siffrin balks as the stranger closes the distance fast, sinking back into a defensive stance and drawing his knife.]

Thorns | Arknights | Current Player, New Character

[sailingfor]

[[OOC honking for my fellow Arknights: hi this man is an entire spoiler for Exodus from the Pale Sea. Scream if you don't want spoilers, otherwise I'm playing him from his current canonpoint!

also if you hover over the highlighted text it'll have translations for the spanish okbye]]

i. dreams, awakenings, & reasons to immediately want to leave

[Hey, do you know what's super jarring? Waking up from a dream where he's underwater, when his ass was just on a pirate ship! And also that part where he has a fairly negative relationship with underwater creatures singing to him, no matter how "nice" the dream felt. It leaves him waking up with a bad taste in his mouth, thinking more about his upbringing and the consequences of it rather than how well-rested he feels. Like, yeah, great night's sleep let's talk about that whole underwater singing thing. Eugh.

Feeling... worse, actually, Thorns decides to — what else — completely distance himself from his emotions and get up to grab some coffee from the inn kitchen. He wouldn't claim to be much of a coffee drinker, but the sooner he feels awake and alert, the better.

Although, if you pass by him in the kitchen as he's leaving with the mug, he suddenly seems in a rush to leave. Out into the storm he goes, not wearing a coat, still carrying a mug of extremely hot coffee. Whether you do or don't try to stop him, he's completely ignored you, carving a path out toward the frozen river.

Still with that mug in his hand, he draws a sword, and then... tries to crack the ice with it.

????????]

ii. the beach in winter is not all that beachy

[Perhaps you thought to yourself "gee, you know, the seaside is often warmer than the mainland, I'll head over there to warm up". Perhaps you were here before Thorns arrived, or arrived at the same time as he did — regardless, he's beelining immediately for the shipwreck off the docks. That is, to his keen eye, a very old ship — and luckily not his own, though he still feels the need to double-check. Just in case.

He's muttering under his breath as he climbs onto the deck.]

Si se puede reparar, podríamos zarpar y salir de aquí. [Hm.] La cubierta es completamente inestable, sin embargo...

[Naturally, the longer you spend in one place, the more likely you are to be accosted by wraiths... so be careful if you choose to explore with him.]

iii. wildcard

[you know the drill]

i

[sesa]

[Sesa has popped into the Inn looking for some sugar he can borrow. It's. Um. Don't tell Passenger but he maybe got overzealous feeding Oolong sugar cubes and now they've run out at the cafe. Nobody will notice if he takes just a little bit, right? It's just so they can make it through the rest of the day, it's fine.

As he's rummaging through the pantry, he sees a shape pass by him in a hurry. It prompts him to look over, only just long enough to get a good enough look to realize that it's someone he recognizes.]

Eh? Ehh??

[Sesa drops everything, closing the cabinet doors as he pivots on his heel, but by the time he turns around Thorns has already left the building.]

Wait!

[He hurries out into the snow after him, gritting his teeth and pulling his coat tighter around himself as he follows Thorns' footprints all the way up to the river. The very frozen river that he's...trying to break into?

???]

Hey, Thorns!

chung seiker (dius aer) | old player, returning character

[shineprism]

i. a bitter return

( how long has it been? how long has he been resting within the confines of the shrine by the river? he remembers a cabin, and then a wretched shriek and claws- he remembers fighting for his life and fleeing from the lake in a frenzy. and now, now it's... so cold.

his body aches. it may never fully heal, but that delightful dog spirit can only do so much. and he's been gone for too long. so he trudges on in the snow, bracing himself on his weapon now and then to catch his breath. eventually though, there's a slam on the nearest door. )

Please, I seek shelter from the storm!

( please let this poor wet doggy in. he's sooooo small and cold. )

ii. strange new world

( ...

how long was he gone, indeed?

elsword's house is gone and there is no sign of his friends. already he failed them with his missing memories, with his staying while they went forward in the war, with so much. was he not there to help them when he was needed? he feels

empty.

the storm howls outside, and chung cannot bring himself to move from the fireplace. only the strange dream from earlier has granted him any peaceful sleep... vaikal drapes itself across his shoulders sadly, and only distantly he hears someone speaking- )

Ah- I'm sorry. I was... lost in thought. Could you repeat that?

iii. a cold reception

( welp.

if there's one thing the young king can do, it's kill monsters, at least. which is why at some point if you were fighting alone, you will quickly find you're not as alone as you think. but when one's weapon is a giant bow that is also a canon, well, distance is required. rapid shots echo through the air, and wraiths get pushed back before falling to the onslaught- )

Are you hurt?

iv. wildcard.

( uwu )

i. and also ain is upset.

[eidxiety]

[Ain is at the bunnkery (he lives there). He hears a very familiar voice, and his heart leaps into this throat, and he races downstairs so fast that Dachie actually wakes up and yelps after him like hi hello where going.

He gets downstairs, whips open the front door of the bakery, and just.

This is not his. >:(

...

Ain closes the door. Bye.]

Timekeeper Cookie | Cookie Run | Current player

[ephemeralflow]

I.

[In spite of the bitter cold and howling wraiths, Timekeeper seems to be in rather a good mood this month. Amazing what some good sleep will do when you've dismissed it as unnecessary for eons I mean what. She is wearing that suit she got for the holidays, thank you - an ensemble in golds and blacks with a hint of deep blue and copper accents, sporting cogwheel shaped buttons and long coattails. This one has a proper jacket rather than the vest over a ruffled shirt she was wearing previously, better suited for the weather, though the ruffles of a deep blue shirt can still be seen at her neck and the cuffs of the sleeves. The matching top hat is especially fancy, black with a blue band and her goggles strapped on same as before - but there seem to be giant cogwheel halves sticking up from either side of it? And pointy bits out the back? No, wait - those are her horns. There's gaps in the brim for them to poke through. Even she's gotten a dragon blessing, huh? Though it's pretty subtle if you don't clock the horns for what they are or look her straight in the eye.

Anyway, her usual patronage of the cafe has resumed, and she can frequently be bumped into there, stalking Dipper having tea or a snack. If you find yourself staring at the surprise time cryptid steampunk fashion show once she removes her winter coat, she absolutely notices and stares right back, unnervingly, her perpetual smile widening in amusement.

Or, perhaps a weird little cogwheel void creature floats over to your table, hovers over your food for a second... then abruptly sucks it all into itself. Dishes included. Welp.]

II.

["Don't go outside alone" is something Timekeeper had figured out readily, able to watch quite a bit of the Grove from the higher levels of her clock tower as she is. Well, she has that covered handily!

...So, you might find her on her way here or there alone. Granted, she has Continuum Cog and Sidereal with her, that counts, right?

Well, it seems to work for her so far. That, and the wraiths that do try to descend upon her never seem to last long in the face of a well-placed giant scissor half and perhaps a bit of the scissor Craft that Loop taught her.

She won't go out of her way to help most others, of course. But, well. There are plenty of fools around here who happen to show up in her path anyway, aren't there? Perhaps, if you were struggling with the wraiths after you, you find them suddenly blown away by something large and sharp slicing through the air, a metallic scent lingering in its wake.]

My, this cold certainly seems to get to so many of you! Do me a favor and don't bend to the Forest's whims so easily, hmm?

III.
[Wildcard me!]

I

[ghostharasser]

[Hi, TK. Dipper knows you are here all the time for reasons totally not related to him. Hope you enjoyed watching him mess with that one guy over paying his tab.]

[He walks over with her usual order.]

Nice to see you out and about.

tingyun | honkai: star rail | old player, new character

[beckonsbliss]

i. to give a warm welcome

( tingyun has been in this strange town for a few days now, cold and bitter and furious behind that friendly smile- she's been robbed of herself over and over and over again and those wisps had the audacity to use her voice, but her fire feels so weak and she doesn't trust herself to know her limits like this.

so she waits, in the inn. there's no contact from the astral express or her fellow guest, no signs of madam yukong or anyone else. that's probably for the best, but she can't help but feel that something greater than herself has once again chosen to do her harm... so she must bide her time.

until then? the inn has no keeper. so she can be seen tending to the fire, preparing cups of tea and coffee and hot chocolate for the people gathering in the lobby for warmth, always with a warm smile. there's so much to do... )

From the looks of it, despite being a hub of the town, it's gone rather neglected... Perhaps some redecorating would be nice? Hm... Oh! Hello, there. May I offer a warm drink? Come, sit by the fire!

ii. lantern lights

( the shadow woman brings supplies, furs, and kits. something to do. something to beckon more people to safety. tingyun puts on slow-cooking stews, asks for clay pots and steamers, readies blankets and kettles by the fireplace- she's no matron of the inn, but at the same time someone has to be. and she sits curled up in her own tails, assembling a lantern. )

... I feel like a little girl again... but hopefully, it will do something...

iii. wildcard.

( i'll be honest folks i have skipped a bit because i am fixated on this woman so i do not know all of the game plot! haha... ha... be patient with me i'm sorry )

ii

[aneikonic]

If it guides at least one person to safety, it will have done enough.

[ Forgive the intrusion, Tingyun, Clive approaching quietly so as to hopefully not disturb her too much. He has a bowl of the stew she made, and he gives her a soft half smile as he settles down nearby to eat and watch. ]

Tingyun.

[ Sorry that's his way of greeting people. Just. Their name. And uh... sorry he butchers it, it's too foreign for his mouth. But he gives it the good ol' Eikon try. ]

dys | i was a teenage exocolonist | current player

[dysappear]

arrival.

[Holy shit, it's cold. Dys has never felt such cold before. The Stratospheric had always been kept at a comfortable temperature, and even Quiet season on Vertumna had never gotten this cold. The snow looks wrong, too – like snow snow, like something he's only ever seen in holovids. It's not as pretty as spark snow, and it melts so much faster, leaving a wetness wherever it touches his clothes that just chills him faster. He's so not dressed for this weather either, in a sleeveless shirt and a lot of metal that's freezing against his skin.

There's no time to puzzle over what's going on, though. Even if this isn't a climate he's used to, Dys isn't stupid. Cold like this could kill him. For the first time in his life, probably, he's rushing towards what looks like civilization. Unfamiliar buildings? Not alien, but not the colony either? Whatever, he can figure that out later. Dys bangs urgently on the door of the first building he comes across, huddling into himself against the cold.]


network.

[It's like a weird cross between a real book and the holonet, other peoples' writing filling the pages as if by magic. Weird, but...well. Maybe a little cool. Social media sounds slightly more appealing on actual paper, somehow.

Not that he's particularly inclined to use it regardless. But he has questions and he's not very inclined to interacting with people either, so magic book it is. His handwriting is a little jagged but decent enough for a kid from a largely post-paper society.]

Is this Earth?

[It looks like it, but that should be impossible.]


wildcard.

((Hit me with a starter of your own! Feel free to poke me on plurk @ tinybro or on discord @ orbynit if you wannna plan anything specific!))

network

[forwander]

[New handwriting... never a good sign. RIP this guy.]

I do not know what this is, but it is not "Earth". We call it Aldric's Grove. It seems to be wholly removed from time and space.

I believe we do have some Earth-dwellers here, however.

Baizhu | Genshin Impact | Current Player

[finalprint]

[Arrival.]

[It truly is a bitter cold unlike anything. Winters in Liyue aren't quite so harsh, even in the mountains, and Baizhu was far from dressed for it himself. To say nothing of his constitution, which he is certain he would be hearing more about if Changsheng herself were not possibly worse off than he is.]

[As it stands, he has the snake wrapped up in his coat for warmth as he treks through the snow.]

It wouldn't do for us to drop here, would it, Changsheng?

[The sound from the coat is faint and miserable, and his own soft chuckle is weaker than it ought to be.]

[The voices start slow and quiet, causing him to pause and looks around. He's known stories and legends about spirits and adepti all his life, so to be watched in such a strange woods feels out of a story, and yet. Ah, of course there could be other reasons for this, he thinks to himself, as the voices get louder, as his own starts to drown out everything else. Perhaps he is on the verge of hypothermia, and he's begun to hallucinate. Perhaps-]

[He's suddenly on his knees, winded and weak. He can't feel the cold any longer. A wretched pain laces through his diaphragm and he sees for the briefest moments, an ugly red splatter the pure white of the snow.]

[How anti-climactic, he thinks, before everything goes dark.]


[Network.]

[Baizhu survived his arrival, through some miracle or kindness of another. And so, he's had a day to rest to recover. Changsheng remains curled up in bed, still thawing. She's quite unhappy and has not yet fully woken up. He takes this moment to access the little journal he's been given.]

Greetings, everyone.

It seems smart to introduce myself. My name is Baizhu and I am a doctor from Liyue. I have recently found myself in this strange place and would like to ask after the state of medical supplies. I am in need of a few specific medicinal herbs.

I realize this may be a difficult ask given the state of this winter, but I would appreciate help all the same. Thank you.

network

[dysappear]

Do you even know if the herbs you want exist around here?

[In this area, if not in this world altogether.]

Temeraire | Temeraire

[principiamathematica]

( 1. arrival )
[ There's a dragon in the Grove.

There's really no mistaking it. He has all the features one might expect from a dragon. A mostly lizard-like body, broad wings, scales, claws, horns... the whole package, really. His hide is a pure, glossy black, save for where the edges of his wings are dotted with opalescent blue and pearlescent grey, or where his scales are grey with scarring. He's more long than he is broad or tall, like a western dragon reimagined with the aesthetics of an eastern dragon, but he's quite large despite that. He could... possibly... squeeze his way through someone's front door with a great deal of contortion and wiggling, so long as that someone doesn't mind having him take up a not inconsiderable amount of their living room afterwards.

And yet, once the dragon shakes the snow off his head and wings and gets a good look at himself in comparison to the buildings around him, he lets out an offended huff. ]

Oh! Whyever am I so small?

( 2. arrival, cont. )
[ Temeraire still isn't sure why he's so small, but he is certain that he doesn't like it. What he likes even less is that he has no idea where Laurence is. His immediate inclination is to tear off into the blizzard after him, but the winds are strong enough to blow him off course immediately, and he finds that he's getting turned around before he even leaves the village proper.

No, he realizes. He must be reasonable about it. Laurence is no fool. If Temeraire woke up here, then surely Laurence did as well. And if Laurence woke up here he would know to seek shelter, and he would know what Temeraire would know to seek shelter, and he would know that Temeraire would know both of things things—so! Temeraire must seek shelter.

There is at least one advantage to his new, smaller size: he thinks he might be able to fit inside one of these homes. He recalls that humans will often knock at doors, when the homes don't have doormen or bells, so he resolves to do just that. So he shuffles over to the nearest building, lifts one of his claws, and raps sharply on the front door. Though he tries to be gentle the door ends up rattling in its frame like he's trying to beat it down. It holds, however, and when someone finally answers the door they will find themselves face-to-face with a dragon, who greets them in the King's English with a polite: ]

Pardon me. I hate to intrude, but might I seek shelter from the storm?

( 3. beacons )
[ Temeraire eventually finds his way to the Inn, and he now sits neatly coiled in a corner near the fireplace. He's very conscious of the amount of room he's taking up in the common room, but he can't get himself much smaller. No one seems to mind very much anyway, given the current emergency, but he's already resolved to find proper lodgings for himself elsewhere as soon as possible.

But for now, he's been given a puzzle. The kit doesn't seem like it would be too hard to assemble, but... he nudges the pieces around with a claw, despondent. Even though he's much smaller now, he still doesn't quite have the dexterity to work with such delicate materials. The ruff spread between the horns on his head droops as he contemplates the seemingly insurmountable task before him. Eventually, he becomes conscious of someone staring (or at least, that's what he thinks is happening) and he corrects his posture and sits up straight. ]

Oh, it's not that I'm upset with the gift! Constructing the lanterns seems like an interesting challenge, and the completed ones are all very lovely—

[ In fact, he casts an appraising eye towards the ones currently hung in the inn window. ]

—but I worry about how to build mine without tearing the paper, or breaking the wood, or crushing the candle.

3

[dysappear]

[Staring is definitely happening, and Dys does have enough self-awareness to feel embarrassed at being caught doing so, but...I mean, it's a dragon. Not like the alien mantis-dragon thing Cal had been keeping as a secret pet, but a real one like from the holonovels he read as a kid. If it'd been a person he was caught staring at, he'd have just muttered an apology and bailed from the interaction, but...dragon. The repressed childish whimsy wins out over his antisocial nature in the end, it seems. And it probably helps that it's not a human – that's a huge bonus in his book.]

...I could lend a hand, if you want.

[Like, in the literal sense. He's trying to play it cool and not, like...fanboy.]

Shiki Misaki | NEO: The World Ends With You | Testing

[nyantan]

Arrival;

[Shiki hadn't the foggiest what was going on, how she got here, where she was, anything, but if there was one thing she did know, it was that she had to survive. She hadn't gone through all the things she'd gone through, endured all she'd endured, just to perish now in this strange land! Stubbornly did her feet continue to trudge through the snow, following the softly glimmering lights and the tug of her heart towards a place she knew yet didn't know, nostalgia choking her-- or maybe that was just the necklace hanging heavy around her neck.

Her instincts beeline her to the inn, throwing the doors open as her nearly frost bitten limbs threatened mutiny against moving any further in the freezing snow. She only manages to make it as far as the fire in the lobby before she collapses in a heap, shivering pathetically as the amulet began to sloooowly drip drop and melt away from the emanating heat.]

C-c-cold... ssssoo c-cold....

Beacons;

[It had been a long time since Shiki had to fight anything, three whole years in fact, and she didn't have access to her psychs now to try and do so even if she wanted to. So, it's relieving that at least there's something she can do, with these lantern kits the strange woman had given her and some others, and being the crafty person she is, she's very much up for the task. Vigilantly does she go about hanging them in windows, though any lantern done by her has a little cat face drawn on it, for the fun of it.]

I wonder if I can alter the fur that woman gave me to make myself a warmer jacket...

[She's mumbling to herself as she sets another lantern in a window. Sometimes, the good listener in life you need is yourself.]

I have my travel sewing kit, but I dunno if that'd be enough for such a thick fabric... might break the needle.

[mumble mumble]

I didn't make this 'fit for this kinda weather...

arrival

[leggierissimo]

[ Well! It isn't every day that a familiar face stumbles into the inn. Particularly not one that Joshua ever expected to see here. From his invisible perch in the inn foyer - he's been watching all the new arrivals for fun and profit, mostly fun - he narrows his eyes. After it had only been him and Beat for the majority of a year, he'd thought the stream from Shibuya had ended. Apparently, he'd thought wrong.

There are plenty here that he's sure would help her, of course, but... Well. She's his responsibility. Anyone that comes here from Shibuya is. And she looks halfway to frozen, to boot. It certainly wasn't winter when he came here, and it looks to be no different for Shiki, considering what she's wearing.

Distracted by the cold as she is, she may not notice Joshua's admittedly silent approach, but surely she will notice the blanket being draped over her back. ]

Outside by yourself on a night like this? I didn't think you were the type, Shiki Misaki.

Shoka Sakurane | NEO: The World Ends With You | Testing.... 2!

[kittygirl]

Wakes and Awakenings;

[Shoka didn't often dream, and when she did, they weren't exactly... happy. She had tended to live her life in a vague melancholy for the longest time, and it started from sunrise to sundown as she lived four years of the same old same old, day after day, doing her job and wishing for something to spice things up in her life.

Which it certainly recently had, but that's neither here nor there.

The point is, it had been a long long time since she woke up feeling good, but it's not long before the sadness crashes over her like a wave, causing her shoulders to slump and her head to hang down, bangs obscuring her face.

Shoka didn't really want to go back to sleep, she decides.

Donning her cat eared hoodie and drawing the hood over her head, she trots her way down to the lobby of the inn, sitting down by the fire and drawing her legs to her chest, resting her chin on her knees as she listened to the crackling sounds of the flames. It was weird... being here. In this unfamiliar place, when she'd already made peace with dying. What was she supposed to do now? Things were so boring. They didn't even have the internet here!

She heaves a sigh, though her ears perk when she hears the creaking of floorboards that indicated the approach of another, even at this late hour. Frowning, she turns her head to look, rather displeased at being disturbed.]

What?

[Or maybe she doesn't hear you at all. Go ahead, startle her, see what happens.]

A Cold Reception;

[hu·bris
/ˈ(h)yo͞obrəs/
noun
excessive pride or self-confidence.

This was the word of the hour as Shoka made her way outside, overly confident in her ability to handle herself despite the wraiths that prowled the outdoors. Psshh, surely she could make it to the building across the way just fine! And if anything happened, she had her psychs to protect her. So tip toe along did she go, a series of cute little kitty cat paw prints imprinted in the shoe marks in the snow behind her. She was nothing if not committed to her aesthetic, thank you.

...But she barely has time to react before one inflicts her with its curse, having snuck up behind her through the gust of cold winter air, and the deep-seated freeze burrows into her heart and worms its way through her veins like some sort of coursing illness. She grasps at her chest and gasps out a shaky breath, nearly falling to her knees as the pain throbbed within her.]

Shit.

[Okay, okay. Don't panic. Uh. Just gotta keep moving...]

a cold reception

[kingincognito]

[ Thankfully, Shoka isn't the only one out here tonight. Joshua had been on his way back to the inn from the clinic, but through the wind-whipped snow falling, it isn't difficult to see the form of someone in trouble. Who would be out in weather like this, unless it was absolutely necessary?

Well. Him, of course. But his trip had been necessary. Maybe hers is, too. And if he's the only one out aside from her...

She looks to be struggling and in pain, though, which means something might be around. Joshua draws his sword, flame lighting in his palm, moving in front of her as he skims the surroundings. More wraiths? ]

Stay behind me!

Min-Gi Park | New Player, New Character

[outofsynth]

A BITTER ARRIVAL

[This isn't the first time that Min-Gi's woken up in a strange new place surrounded by snow and ice, but it's definitely the worst. He's alone, for starters. Besides the turtle, but it doesn't seem like he's getting much help there.

Honestly? He's not sure about approaching the lights of the town, but it's that or freeze to death. Or wait for whatever's imitating his voice to catch up to him. The lights are the only option that don't seem to have an inevitable outcome. Thankfully, the town doesn't seem immediately dangerous. Especially since between the snow and the voice that seems to have followed him here waiting outside isn't exactly an option.

When he stumbles into the inn, shivering and covered by a thick layer of snow, he has a whispered message for whoever happens to be nearest.]

I need to hide...

[That also feels like a strangely familiar situation, but this time there's no one here to be convincing for him. He jumps as he hears his voice outside again, this time sounding eerily close to the door.]

Please?

BEACONS

[Not everyone can fight, and Min-Gi definitely should not. It's a relief to be given a task that he can do since there's no way he's attempting to take on the wraiths head on. He's been avoiding them when possible, and fleeing when it isn't. It's a strategy that's worked for him so far, but it does make him feel pretty useless.

The kit changes that. Not only does it give him something to do that doesn't involve more than likely getting himself killed, but it makes the blanket and tea she gives him in addition feel less like a trap. He's not bad at it either. It takes him some time to unpack everything and assess exactly where everything is supposed to go, but once he starts building his lanterns are neat and sturdy.]

Do you need one? I think I have enough material left to make extra.

[And he probably should, regardless on if he's taken up on his offer or not. It seems as though they could use as many lanterns as they can get. Besides, it's quite cozy sitting by the fire at the inn. Min could happily do this for a while.]

WILDCARD

ooc: If you have other ideas I'm open to them! My plurk is thlayli, or I can be reached through PM.

Beacons-adjacent

[chickenchoicejudy]

[Man, Ryan never fully appreciated what a miracle it was that the train kept him and Min-Gi together from the start. Not until now anyway, when he woke up stranded in the worst snow he's ever seen, alone. And he's been all over Canada! He's seen storms, but nothing anywhere close to this.

There's no time to mull that over though, because he doesn't want to freeze to death and apparently his voice is whipping through the window chanting something about sacrifices and nope! Nope! He'd like to wake up from whatever this fuck this is!

He's frozen down to his bones and definitely not in warm enough gear for this weather, but he trudges through the thick snow to civilization anyway. It's the only place to go, but it feels right. It's probably warm there, and he's so cold that's honestly all he can think about. ...Well, that and a memory of him and Min-Gi ribbing each other over who is truly the worst Canadian. That keeps him warm in other ways.

When he reaches the inn and opens the door, the wind is so strong it whips in around him, bringing some stray snow into the doorway as he stumbles in. He's not sure anyone else is here, but he yells anyway.]

Min! Min-Gi?! Are you--

[Oh, it is warmer in here though. Ryan curls in on himself and shivers.]

W-Woah. Fuck, it's cold out there......

"hani" | hiraeth: the end of the journey | new character

[journeytoyomi]

((character is referred to with they/them pronouns! i'm going yolo with my prompts based on the current event. if your character is spiritually sensitive, you may be able to tell that in present day, hani is a minor god in human guise. both their age and gender are ambiguous, but definitely Adult Coded in appearance in both prompts))

far past;

[hani and their husband owned the local sake brewery. it wasn't a particularly large business, but it did well enough, and the product was popular and rather tasty, done the very traditional way. while their husband was another town over getting the shipment of rice for their stores, you may find them at the front door, milling about like a lady waiting anxiously for their husband at sea, sweeping the front of the shop for the sake of something to do... or perhaps you'd like to buy some sake? chat a little? pls occupy their poor little mind while Husband Gone]


current day;

[hello, i am Normal Person Not A God. just an unassuming lil pal staring out the window, watching as the shade's of Grove's past meandered as though days far gone by were here once more, or that those thought left behind were here to join them. to them, it was merely an amusing entertainment; perhaps to you, not so much. if you approach, they cock their head at you with a smile, eyes flickering towards the door near the window they were perched at.]

You weren't planning on going out there, were you?

[they won't stop you if you are, but they are curious about if you're planning on doing this incredibly bad idea.]

they cannot meet (current day)

[eidxiety]

[God senses blaring, alarm bells ringing— help whose god are you—]

Aww, haha, I was. [He was going to go see the apparitions of his friends What Does It Matter To You.] Don't tell me you're worried~.

Ciel (Chevalier) | Elsword | current player, new character

[eschatons]

i. wakings/arrival

[Sometimes you wake up in a bed (that's odd, it's been a while since he's slept in a bed) and also you're in a secondary location. And your entire party is missing. How do fifteen people go missing?! More alarmingly than that is the fact that his literal soul connection with Lu is... not severed entirely, but it's distant. Faint, like there are solid steel walls between them keeping them separate.

The fact that he had pleasant dreams after being separated from her is the least bit uncomfortable, too.

His limbs feeling heavy and cumbersome, Ciel drags himself out of bed and gets ready for the day. Time to go find Lu, he thinks. And everyone else, but mostly Lu. He has his priorities, alright?

Unfortunately, priorities often get waylaid. The first thing he hears when he steps outside is something asking for a sacrifice, which, uh, thanks but no thanks. You'll probably find this man, who is armed to the teeth with a cross-gun and two smaller gunblades, try to avoid the wraiths on principle, at least until it's too late and he's forced to flip that cross-gun off his back and unload into the nearest one.

It feels strangely heavy today. Not a good sign. Is he tired? The way he slumps over against the nearest wall says he might be.

If you're looking this way, Ciel tries to appear put together, shooting you a loose two-fingered salute. Hey. If you saw that explosion it's all good now. Cross-guns are quite heavy.]

ii. stress baking to cope with the bees

[Anyway, turns out the necklace was the problem with his limbs being heavy. Lu is nowhere to be found, and neither is the rest of his party... well okay technically there are others from the party but 2/3 of them are not From His Party if that makes any sense, and the other one literally started crying when he spotted Ciel... but the point is that no one else is here. Not Lu, who's arguably the most important.

When stressed, what do you do? Do you go to the therapy office? Do you vent? Target practice? No! You bake!

So, you walk into the inn kitchen and it's full of the most adorable baked goods ever. Cupcake bears, tiny cheesecake ghosts, cookies cut into the likeness of various animals and frosted accordingly, rainbow doughnuts...

Ciel is covered in flour (some is even in his hair) and if you come in, he asks:]

Wanna try one? I'm testing new recipes.

[He's also testing the limits of the kitchen counterspace.]

iii. wildcard

[for your needs.]

im double dipping wolfie tags

[journeytoyomi]

[hani, for someone that doesn't need to eat, sure does love to do so anyways! so when the sweet smells of baking waft through the inn, hani meanders to the kitchen to see what the fuss was about. and good thing, too!]

Really?

[oh they couldn't possibly-- no they are absolutely picking up a bear cupcake.]

What kind of animal is this? [:0!]

Shadow Milk Cookie | Cookie Run: Kingdom | Returning player

[jesterlies]

[If you notice me trying to hammer out his voice no you don't. I'm nervous don't fucking look at me. BIG SPOILERS FOR BEAST-YEAST CHAPTER 7-8 ALSO. JIC.]

[Arrival: TMW you find a clown in the woods. Nightmare scenario.]

[Do you know what's wild? Stumbling across a fucking half-dead looking clown laying on the forest floor. He's singed, his clothing's a mess. His hair is ...uh. Writhing. Hair probably shouldn't do that. It also probably shouldn't have eyes. Eyes that suddenly snap open before you get too close.]

[Abruptly, the clown, too, snaps awake and suddenly pushes himself up from the ground.]

...What?

[He says to the ground with a wide, deeply bewildered expression. His hair continues to writhe. Then suddenly it goes rigid.]

Hahahaha ...WHAT!?


[Netbook post.]

[It's very possible you heard an incredibly loud screaming meltdown at some point in the woods. Don't worry about that. Shadow Milk is totally good and not at all a wreck and he is definitely not bitter and angry over what happened in his domain with Pure Vanilla Cookie. He's so fucking cool right now, he's totally still in control, even if the shitty god here cut his claws and took his fangs EVERYTHING IS UNDER CONTROL.]

[Time to make this everyone's problem now and be as insufferable as possible.]

[Opening the netbook on this day greets you with a burst of bright glitter and blue neon writing.]



What a QUAINT little place this is! As hilarious as it's been watching a bunch of fools get constantly trapped by that sentient taffy spreading all over the place, I'm starting to get

So what's the skinny here, folks? What's the HOT GOS? Who's making eyes at the milkman while the husband's away? Who's got their sticky hands in the charity jar? Give me aaaaall the scandal! It doesn't have to be true! In fact! Make it all up! Just make it INTERESTING. I'm really begging here, because if I don't get SOME kind of entertainment soon I'm gonna start making it myself.

Let me give you a little spoiler here, dear audience. YOU REALLY DON'T WANT THAT,


[Goofs and Gaffs.]

[You are out minding your own business when suddenly you come across a box. It's a nice looking box! Maybe a gift box! It's addressed to you! How peculiar! Of course the minute you open the box a shitty clown doll on a spring bursts out of the box with a whole pile of confetti.]

[This is accompanied by a roar of laughter from behind. Floating some distance away is the shitty jester that shares the dolls likeness.]

Ooooooh, you should have seen your FACE! Priiiiiiiiceless!

arrival

[purevanillacookie]

[ He knows what it is that calls him into the woods, though he tries to deny it. That feeling of... completeness. His other half. The thick river of deceit he had been seeping deep into before he was pulled here.

It's familiar and he hates it. Tells himself he's going in to kill it once and for all. Suffer it not to cause troubles here in the grove

Not even the loud what that echoes can stop him, as he steps into the clearing Shadow Milk has found himself in. But it's the sight of the Master of Deceit himself that finally makes him falter, and he stares.

Feels a familiar headache building. ]

You're here.