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

Dion Lesage | Final Fantasy 16 | Current Player, New Character

[bajamutblast]

i. All The Monsters — Just Outside The Grove Proper

[He wakes in a pile of half-melted snow, damp to the smalls and chilled to the bone. Armor rustles and clatters as he forces himself upward, squinting as the sun glances off the whitened landscape and straight into his eyes. He cannot recall, for the life of him, where snow still fell.

He also cannot recall how he still lives.

His lance, thankfully, doesn't seem to be far from him. He reaches for it, attempts to grip it tight, and finds himself lamenting how weak he feels. Nevertheless, he steels himself just enough to use the weapon to push himself to his feet. He sways uneasily, and his head pounds incessantly, but it's all signs that he yet lives.]

Is this your doing, Phoenix? [He speaks to no one in particular, but instead stares at the sky. Something doesn't feel right. It may be dulled by the snowy weather, but it's alive all the same. Part of him thinks to question it, to ponder his strange circumstances. Instead he sets to hobbling toward the town proper. He might not know where he is, but such things are easily fixed. And if he seems in the slightest of rushes? Well, he does have a battle to get back to.]

ii. In Your Dreams — The Watchtower Bar

[One way or another, Dion gets his answers. That doesn't mean he's happy about them. And while much of this world feels foreign and strange, there's something to be said about the familiarity of the tavern. He resigns himself to a back corner, goblet in hand. The wine flows easily here, though Dion can't say that he truly appreciates it.]

I do not deserve this mercy. [His words can be heard between sips. It's... hard to say if he's referring to the wine or something else.] If I was meant to atone, then why arrive here.

[If he's spotted, all mumbling quickly goes away. Instead he straightens up, hands shifting to fold against the table. He clears his throat, before offering:] Apologies. My grief is not your burden to shoulder.


iii. Can Be Me (Can Be Me) — Nebulously in the Grove

[One minute, Dion jabs idly at the Nethersea Brand, trying to make himself useful. In the next, he finds himself swallowed by it. He hasn't the chance to fight before —

The world shifts.

He finds himself back in the yawning streets of the Crystalline Dominion. It's night, the stars are out, and it is by all means peaceful. For just a moment, he wonders if it's all been a dream. Perhaps he'll wake up in his bed, his father still alive. He might not deserve a second chance, but he'll take it all the same.


And then in the next, the world seems to come undone. Above him, a draconic beast swoops through the sky. It levels out, only to fire a terrifying set of beams upon the unassuming city. It's a scene he knows all too well.

And he also knows he's not alone.]

Move. Now.

[Whoever you are, he's shoving you out of the street as fast as he can.]

iv. Look At All These Broken Things — WILDCARD

[[You know what to do. Also please forgive me I am still learning his voice and I am also very small.]]

ii

[aneikonic]

[ Luca's bar is Clive's second favorite place to be and not merely because of Luca, though the other is a wonderful perk now that Clive is fully aware of the flirting and isn't fumbling the returns. But because it reminds him of the Hideaway.

Even more so maybe when he steps in and spots Dion.

For a moment he simply stares at him, bewildered. It's not a ghost, as far as he's aware, and he most certainly hasn't stepped into a brand, so not a memory. Besides, he doesn't think he's seen Dion drown his sorrows like that. So the other just... showed up.

If Joshua doesn't know, he will soon as Clive touches the little feather at his chest to alert his brother that he's summoning him. Then simply walks over to the other, his eyebrow arching a little. ]

Didn't think you'd be a heavy drinker.

[bajamutblast]

[In Dion's defense, this is his first goblet. Despite the fact that he might long for the bottom of a cask, he knows that's a step too far. Not only would it drag his already disgraced image further into the mud, but he also doesn't deserve the tender mercy of such a release.

Nevertheless, he does ponder a second drink as he realizes he's being watched. He doesn't dare turn to give them attention, at least not right away. Logically he knows that he is but a stranger in this land. Nevertheless, he's grown far too used to the hateful stares of those who have suffered at his hand. He knows better than to cast a desperate look their way.

Yet while he anticipates words — angry and vile words — he does not expect those in particular. Nor does he expect the familiar timbre of Clive Rosfield's voice. He fights the urge to whip his head around, forcing a more gentle, relaxed turn as he regards the other man.]

Heavy? Not so. [He shakes his head, before his gaze falls to the floor.] I would not debase myself in such a way. And certainly not in an unfamiliar land with unfamiliar faces.

[He pauses, just for a moment.]

Mostly unfamiliar faces, that is to say. I did not expect to come across you of all people, Ifrit.

[aneikonic]

Hm.

[ Give him a second Dion as he orders his own mug, then moves to take it and himself over properly to sit at the table with him, setting his mug down carefully. ]

Clive. Please. We brought down a God together, I think we can use first names.

[ He raises his mug a little and takes a few swallows, leaning back in his chair before answering. ]

And I didn't expect to see you. As you probably already know, this isn't Valisthea. Nor are we anywhere in our own world, really. How much have you learned since your arrival?

[bajamutblast]

[While Clive takes his order, Dion takes the time to finish his own goblet off. He glances toward the door, having half of a mind to sneak out while he still can. Something in his mind stops him, a faint needling sensation that he simply cannot ignore. Instead, he watches the other Dominant from a distance, face unreadable.

That expression wavers the moment Clive sits. It isn't his presence that rattles Dion, though, but rather what the man has to say. His eyes narrow in the slightest, but he keeps silent as the other man continues. Only once the silence between them touches on the slightest bit uncomfortable does he let out a low exhale.]

Too much, and yet not enough. [The corner of his mouth twitches downward.] You said we felled a god. Am I to believe your mission was successful, then?

[The last he recalled, he had managed to take Ultima by surprise. It was an optimistic sign, perhaps, but Dion had long since seen his hope dashed against the Sanbrequois stones. He would need far more to believe that the beast had been felled.]

[aneikonic]

[ And Clive merely watches Dion in return, silent as he let's the other decide what he wants to do, to say. He drinks as the silence stretches. They may not have had time to really get to know the other, not like Dion and Joshua have, but he's seen Dion vulnerable, questioning himself. He's borne Joshua and Clive to the end, and gave them the edge they needed.

So he's willing to give Dion the time he needs here, without pushing him.

When Dion finally finds his words, Clive inclines his head and sets his mug back down. ]

It was. Ultima is no more. Whatever comes next for our world will be painful, but our people are free. As for this world... Forgive me for not saying anything just yet. I'm waiting for someone. I'm sure you'll find his words must easier to take than mine.

[kingincognito]

[ When Joshua felt his brother's summons, he wasn't sure what to expect. The fact that he can trace Clive to Luca's bar is hardly surprising, though. His brother seems to enjoy spending time there, after all. Especially these days.

But what he sees when he walks through the door isn't anything he could have expected. Joshua pauses in the doorway, eyes slowly widening with the realization of the situation dawning on him.

"Do I address a ghost?", Dion had asked him, once. Now he's the one left wondering.

But Clive wouldn't have called him here for a ghost. ]

Dion!

[ The prince may be sitting, but that does nothing to stop Joshua from all but skipping across the floor to scoop up the other man in a tight hug. Sorry, Dion. At least it only lasts a few seconds, and Joshua is pulling away again, beaming like the midday sun. ]

You're alive...! When did you--?

ii

[goldenambition]

[ after the Inn, the bar is the place Will hangs around the most. So it's impossible to not notice a new scent when he walks in. A newcomer! He should greet him, make a good first impression.

But something tickles his nose that makes him pause. A familiarity in the man's magical scent. Similar to how a sibling of someone he knew would smell familiar even without meeting them. But not physical. Pranic.

Or he should say aetherial, shouldn't he? He's rather intimate with Clive's strange tangled unending aether, so of course he would recognize a portion of it when he smelled it. This man is from Clive and Joshua's world. And likely tangled somehow in their strange history.

A familiar emotion rolls through him. If he was the type to self reflect in any meaningful way he'd call it something akin to... melancholy and dread. A sensation of inevitably. But he never has been that kind of man and he won't start now. So he just sighs softly through his nose. It is what it is. No reason to not be friendly, as always. So when he approuches he is all smiles and wagging tail]

Oh come now, mate. The wine isn't THAT bad!

[bajamutblast]

[Where Will seems to be all eagerness and energy, a fair level of suspicion seems to cloud Dion's face. His eyes narrow as they scrape over the other man's form, taking in the odd traits that the man seems to possess. To Dion's credit, he isn't alarmed, at least not outwardly. He's been in the Grove just long enough to spot a number of people with what he might call strange features.

That doesn't mean he isn't suspicious, though. Storm had been waylaid by enough Beastmen to leave him on edge. Yes, Will's more open and energetic demeanor at least seems to bode well, but without any further information, Dion's suspicion fails to be quelled.]

You assume I was referring to the wine? For what reason? [He glances sidelong at the bartender, hoping that they haven't been overheard. It wouldn't do for him to insult the proprietor.] Further, my business is my own, and unless you feel have reason to interrupt, I suggest you move along.

[goldenambition]

[ Will's tail stops wagging, but his friendly expresson barely twitches. He raises his hands in peace]

A joke, a joke! I would never insult master Luca's spirits like that-

[ he lifts a hand to the side of his mouth, as if to tell a secret]

-especially if I want to keep drinking them, heh!

As for my reasons, well... you see a stately looking newcomer looking so down in his cups, a bloke can' help but check on 'em.

[bajamutblast]

[Schooled in propriety as Dion is, the urge to roll his eyes is barely more than a pinprick. Already, a picture of the man before him has begun to paint itself. So far, it doesn't look so good.]

Is this how all folk of this town are? Warm and concerned for thy neighbor?

[It's a near foreign concept for Joshua. Save for the Rosfields and those associated with them, very few in the Twins have felt any inkling of concern for those around them. Sanbreque was the prime example of that.

When he speaks, his voice seems to have at least lost its critical edge.]

You need not worry for me. Long have I shouldered these burdens. I am well acclimated to their weight.

[goldenambition]

[ some of the too chipper tone drops]

Not all. But more than probably should be.

As for burdens- young bucks should be careful carrying too much or they'll curve their backs.

[bajamutblast]

Young... bucks?

[His lips press into a thin line as a spark of irritation flashes through him.]

You know naught of my path. Do not attempt to trivialize me based off of anything so paltry as age.

i

[ichoosefight]

[ Steph is near enough to hear movement and a strange voice, and it doesn't take her long to find the source. She wasn't exactly expecting to find someone in armor, but he clearly isn't doing well. She rushes forward, but is careful to stop just out of range of that weapon. ]

Hey- are you hurt?

[bajamutblast]

[Steph is right to be wary. At her approaching footsteps, Dion shifts backward. He brandishes the lance, directing it toward her. Thankfully, he's merciful enough not to shove it clean in her face or toward her throat. On edge though he may be, it's defensive more than outright aggressive.

Said spear does slightly lower at her question. At first glance she doesn't appear to be a threat. It will take more to convince Dion fully, but for now he doesn't seem keen on skewering her?]

I am fine. [The cloth of his attire is stained red, mind you. Never mind the blood crusted to his temple.] You need not worry for me. Carry on about your business.

[ichoosefight]

[ She glances at the different blood spot, the parts of his body he's clearly favoring, then back to his face. ]

...Sure. None of that blood is yours, you totally just rubbed it on your head by accident. Why not. Do you know you're limping through a forest full of monsters?

[bajamutblast]

[Irritation briefly floods him, the woman's stubbornness rubbing all the raw spots within. Quick as it rises up, however, Dion finds himself distracted by something less. He turns his head, glancing around as if expecting to see said monsters right away.]

I have faced monsters. [He speaks without looking at her.] If the risk is as you say, all the more reason for you to lead yourself to a safer locale.

[ichoosefight]

I'm not the one limping. Look, you're heading for town, right? If you're not actively bleeding out, I can still help you get there.

[bajamutblast]

[Dion is silent for a moment as he regards the woman anew. He is... unused to such kindness. Save for Kihel and her ministrations, there are few back home who would look upon him and offer mercy.]

I do not deserve it. [It's spoken under his breath, and punctuated by a sigh. Louder now, he says:] If you are sure that town was already your destination, then we can journey together.

[It's as close to acceptance as he's going to get.]

ii

[lilyberation]

( it's not often that lily wanders the town- but staying in the clinic has her feeling a little stircrazy, now that she doesn't have everyone she loves under the same roof as her. it's lonely, it's small, and the wake of wreckage from her pride haunts her despite the repairs being done.

she doesn't mean to pry, and dion may find himself startled by the almost-black ram horns on her head, the way silvery flowers wind around them. but she seems a gentle enough woman otherwise, if not very tired. )

... No, it isn't. But sometimes that can be easier, if you'd like someone to listen. I might understand more than you realize.

[bajamutblast]

[Startled he is indeed. He sees only her horns at first glance, and finds himself instinctively reaching backward. His lance is set against the wall, still within arms reach and perfect for skewering what he assumes to be an orc. No sooner than his fingers glance the metal, however, does he seem to come to his senses.]

I would not burden a lady fair with my woes. [He shakes his head, gaze shifting back to his goblet.] Kind though your offer is...

[lilyberation]

( the alarm doesn't faze her- but then, compared to till's justified aggression, he's being remarkably composed. she just smiles a bit. )

I won't pry further, but... I do have some unsolicited advice.

... If you do not allow kindnesses into your life, while trying to make up for things you've done- you will quickly lose will.

Now then, I don't think I've seen you before?

[bajamutblast]

[Long since schooled by the politicking of Empire, Dion doesn't visibly react to her words. Still, they do stir faintly within his chest, an uncomfortable sensation that he has to resist the urge to shift away from, lest he invoke suspicion.]

You are right in two regards. Foremost of which being that it was indeed unsolicited. [He takes a sip from his goblet, before setting it aside.]

And second being that I am indeed new here.

[lilyberation]

I won't apologize.

( not when she is so very sure: he's like her, on their trip to hell and all. and she's not... very good to herself. it's not something she wants to see in others. )

I am sorry that of all places, you're here, though. The people are good, mostly, but the circumstances...

... I am White Lily Cookie. "Lily" suffices just fine, though.

[bajamutblast]

Nor did I ask you to.

[He's only been here a day, but it's swiftly becoming clear that everyone in this place is a stubborn lot. Moreover, everyone seems to care, regardless of their own well-being or someone else's pushing.]

I admit I know little of the circumstances, but it is hardly worse than the place I have come from.

[With that out of the way, Dion gives a bow at the waist, arm folded inward.]

It is a pleasure, lady Lily. You may call me Dion.