sticksandbones | EVENT & TDM 022

EVENT & TDM 022

WAKE UP

Being out in the woods is, for some people, an ordinary day. You may or may not be one of those people — you almost certainly don’t remember going camping, do you? — and yet you emerge from a tent and think to yourself, hm, that’s quite odd! Where is the nearest civilization anyhow? If you’re brave enough, perhaps you set out to seek it, walking toward where you think you hear noise in the far distance. It sounds a bit like cheering. A party? A bonfire? You can’t be certain, not at first.

As you step onto the worn trail, something nearly clocks you right in the head. A nimble dodge to the left and a quick glance at the ground tells you that it’s some kind of tree branch made of… flesh? It’s certainly flesh-textured, though the colour is a deep blue that glows white. It seems to be rapidly rotting into the ground, and as you look up… a giant, several hundred foot tree of a similar eldritch makeup is falling apart before your eyes. Your walk back to civilization will be full of dodging probably-dead flesh tree bits.

Should you make it in one piece, the source of the noise becomes obvious: the people making up this small town are cheering and yelling about something else of eldritch makeup. It seems that some of the creatures who have lived in this civilization’s river for the last year, the Seaborn, have decided to evolve to be capable of flight. Some residents of this town seem extremely enthusiastic with this. Some are wary. Some simply don’t care.

You? Well, that’s for you to decide.

Welcome to the eldritch horror fae woods, dear friend. Enjoy your stay.

A SNAKE IN THE GRASS

While the black fog returns, some paths are left clear, or at least not as impacted as other areas of the woods. Mist fades in and out, and even if you aren’t one for nature, surely exploration can sing its siren song when the size of the town is too small and all the faces look the same. Paths line themselves with daffodils and chamomile flowers, with arctic poppies and clearings of wildflowers- foxglove and lavender especially prominent. They’re lovely, all of them, and bloom far more rapidly than anything else should be this early into spring, this late into winter, but they do.

But something creeps beneath the flowers, and something large digs through the earth, leaving upturned grooves in the dirt and grass, trails of flattened mud and roots with only bushes of camelia on the outskirts left behind. It’s quiet in the forest, not even birds singing. It makes the hiss of tongues all the more noticeable.

If you’re lucky, you might see a purple and grey stone shift in the distance, gone just as quickly as it was there. If you aren’t, you don’t see its much smaller, flower-patterned counterpart strike from the shadows. Snakes are working their way into the Grove, hiding in bushes and under steps, anywhere they can lurk and strike the unsuspecting, and their bite is venomous.

One bite brings excruciating pain, bone-deep cold, an increased frailty of the body and hallucinations. A second bite brings a deep, nightmare-filled sleep. A third bite brings death. All of them scar with a black sun over the bites, a mark of divine wrath — the Fallen Sun sends his regards, and his hate.

Those who perish to the snake bite will awaken in their bed in a few days, feeling nauseous and weakened, but…

'NEATH SERPENT'S GAZE

… This simply isn’t tenable. Between the paranoia and the snake’s stealth, it’s hard to feel safe outside of your home, and maybe inside, despite the fact that once again your homes offer refuge from the forest’s attacks—they hadn’t once upon a red, hot summer, after all. How did they face this last time? It was a flower, wasn’t it? And the new flowers in the forest seem special, if only because of their strong growth compared to the rest of the forest.

But if you go into the woods, two large stone snakes wait, ready to protect the natural gardens. Breaking them does little but slow them down for a time, and their bite is both larger and their venom stronger—the true version, the one that crippled a household in seconds. The severity of the symptoms are worse, murderously so, but survivable if it’s not the third bite.

They block the way, ambush would-be travelers, coil around the flower patches, and will not be stopped. Does this confirm that the flowers could help? Or are they simply protective of their master’s property? Is it play?

Regardless, they wait and watch.

CITIES & BONES

When all the violence of the month ends, and thank goodness for that, you decide to head to bed. For once, you might sleep well — there are no threats of snakes making you wonder if you or your friends might die tomorrow, and the Grove as a whole feels much safer. It’s as if someone or something is guarding over it — different from the Guardian Deities and the Goddesses as a whole.

For the next several days after the snakes disappear, your dreams are strange, as if you’re receiving a vision from another world. A modern city, so different from Aldric’s Grove that you’re not entirely convinced it lies in this dimension, blinks in neon lights behind your eyelids. Between the cacophonous sounds of motorized vehicles rushing by, the din of people talking in a language you don’t understand, and the distant electrical humming from the street lights, perceptive dreamers might hear something else:

The soft clacking of dry bones.

Spark Notes

summary

Wake up: You were apparently camping. You don't recall this. As you head out toward the sound of civilization, bits of giant blue flesh-tree nearly hit you in the head. You'll have to dodge the remaining flesh tree bits as it crumbles while you walk back to town.

A Snake In The Grass: Flowers spring up far too early in the season, and the fog wall returns. Purple and grey-coloured stone snakes begin to attack from the bushes and flowers where they're hidden. One bite brings cold and frailty, a second bite brings nightmares, and a third bite brings death. All bites scar with a mark of the Black Sun.

'Neath Serpent's Gaze: You've heard of a flower that can cure the poison, but to get there, you have to face two far larger stone snakes who are guarding over nature here. Whether they want to play or simply kill isn't clear. You're in danger of death either way.

Cities & Bones: While you sleep after the snakes disappear, you'll have strange dreams that feel like visions and feel watched by something safe and kindly. While your dreams are absorbed in that of a cityscape that feels almost too real, you can sometimes hear the clattering of bones.

out of character

Welcome to March's TDM and Event! Spring is springing and we've got a lot of really cool events coming up in the next few months. The magic system should debut this month as well, which we're very excited about. It is a slow process but the rewards should be well worth it.

updates

Any potential updates, such as characters damaging something important or whatever else, will be put here.

submissions

❖ Questions
❖ March Plotting
❖ Past Life Plotting (Closed to Game Members)
❖ Investigations

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[ Oh, is that warmth he hears? Joshua's expression brightens, and he can't help but laugh. It's a soft, delighted, warm sound, not at all teasing or at Dion's expense. Hearing Dion this happy is just so... endearing. He can't help himself.

Let alone the way Dion says his name, with so much fondness. Ah... Maybe Clive had been right. Maybe Dion does truly care for him. But for now, he'll cherish this moment. He's content with this. ]

The Phoenix is a protector. If I did not do my duty to see you safely recovered, Dion Lesage, then what kind of Phoenix would I be?

[ His voice, too, is laden with warmth and fondness. His eyes, as well, as he looks to Dion. Hopefully, the flutters in his heart don't translate to his expression. ]

Finish your meal. Then, we will see whether or not your legs are sturdy enough for assisting me in changing the bedsheets.

[ While Joshua is out, Oscar starts gathering his things back up. He picks up his glove and tucks it into his pocket, then starts to fix the bandages around his throat as best he can. He'll have to ask Joshua where he can find some more. He angles himself slightly away from Dipper as he works, more out of habit than any desire to avoid him.

In the meantime he listens as Dipper babbles, letting the words wash over him and filing the names away for later. Despite being 'on the nose', the names quickly dissolve into being just... really unusual. Shadow Milk is actually almost normal, though still nothing like anything he recognizes.

But then Oscar hears a name he does recognize. Oscar freezes, hands hovering over his bandages. He thinks for a second that he must be hearing things. But then why would Dipper also fall silent?

Oscar turns, eyes wide and shoulders stiff. ]

How do you—?

[ Before Dipper has a chance to field that question, though, Joshua is moving back into the room with a tray containing a cup of steaming liquid, as well as some crackers. You know, just in case. ]

Well, I have excellent news. Someone was already boiling water for tea, so all we need to do is wait--

[ But he interrupts his words as he turns to look up, noting the... odd expression on Oscar's face. He pauses, standing in the entryway, eyebrows lifting. ]

Ah... My apologies. Am I interrupting something?

Right! Sorry...

[He might have told him to stay put, but given the guy's on crutches? Min-Gi still feels like a jerk for knocking him down and just leaving him there. He scrambles to help him when prompted, hoping he'll be okay when he's back on his feet.]

Yeah, they're pretty scary. I haven't seen the fog before though.

I don't-

[ Know why the bell is what he goes to say, only for his ears to pick up on the music as he follows Will.

He stops in his tracks and blinks.

It's an orchestrion? ]

Hm...

Think nothing of it. It is a duty I am deeply familiar with. And, in a matter of speaking, you are helping someone I care for anyway.

[Not going to elaborate on that, though. Especially since he's currently plunging his lance into the head of another snake.]

[Is Dion imagining things? As he meets Joshua's gaze, holds it boldly, he swears he sees something there. It feels like a mirror of the way he surely stares at Joshua himself. It gives him the faintest glimmer of hope, that perhaps attempting to court him won't backfire terribly, or result in him being laughed from the room.

More importantly, it all but beckons him to try and capitalize on it. It would be so easy, romantic even, to lean forward and steal a kiss. But he's already resolved to speak with Clive first, and won't dare stumble with that crucial first step.

Wooing him with words on the other hand? That can't exactly be ruled out.]

And yet you are far more than just the Phoenix. You are Joshua Rosfield, the very man who pulled me from the brink. By your hand you saved not just my own world, but the world at large.

[He isn't sure what flusters him more — his own words, or the way Joshua's voice sounds. He tries not to dwell on the thought in any specific direction, though, instead tipping his head to finish his soup.]

You needn't worry about that. It will pass.

[He's repeating himself, partially because of the fog within his head, and partially because he's trying desperately to believe it. He wonders if it's punishment, in the same way the Phoenix has left him to suffer annoying bruises for his hasty actions. A faint grumbling from said Beast, as well as a faint flicker of flame from the area around the wound, tells him all that he needs to know.]

Damn it all.

[Fine, then. He starts marching toward town, and the damn clinic.]

Mmm...

[Aventurine doesn't get more than that noise of acknowledgement. He's staring down at the card now in play. He knows what the logical bet is. The deck is still full, there are far more chances for the card to be lower than higher. It would be a foolish risk to go high.

Something in him still wants to, though.]

Low. [He says it before he can surrender to that damnable instinct.] Interested though I may be in keeping on, we agreed to only three, did we not? It would make me dishonorable, to go against our deal.

[Woah. They really are out today, aren't they? He hadn't spotted this one either. Min's not sure how he feels about continuing on with his mission with so many snakes seemingly about, but he'd said he'd help. It's better to stay out a little longer while he has help than come back when he might not.

He sets about looking for the cleavers, being careful not to step too close while he's still trying to identify them.]

You mean Lily?

[ ... oh. If Dion is trying to woo him with words, it's certainly... working? Not that Joshua knows that's what he's doing, of course, but the way that Dion says them brings warmth to his ears, and then to his cheeks.

Ah. Damn it all. He lifts his mug, trying to hide the flush on his face with it. He'd been trying not to be obvious. ]

I... I am glad that I could help you that much, Dion. Truly, I would have it no other way. But you, too, have done so much. To have come to our rescue not once, but twice...

[ And to their uncle's aid, as well. He truly owes Dion so much. They both do. ]

Ah, no. Though I have heard much of her prowess.

[Should he talk about it? It's bad enough he waxes so poetic to himself. To rope a stranger into it all would be ridiculous.

And yet... here he goes.]

Joshua also assists at the clinic. He has been tending to some of my wounds from prior to my arrival. His talent knows no bounds, but he often tends to push himself. Thus, the more we can supply to him directly, the less likely he is to rely on the abilities that might harm himself.

[It is... next to impossible to miss the way Joshua's cheeks seem to warm. The very sight sends Dion's pulse into a frantic pound. Even for all his own attraction, he would have thought a return of those feelings to be an impossibility. This reaction alone calls that all into question.

Of course, it could just as easily be the heat of the soup. That thought sobers Dion, and just as quickly as his heart had leapt, he feels it sink. He's letting his own emotions play tricks on him, that's all.]

It all feels so small in comparison. Though I suppose you must think the same in reverse. It is... strange how our minds try so desperately to diminish our accomplishments.

[Min's no more convinced the second time he says it as the first. He's trying to come up with the best way to sway him when Luca starts marching back himself, momentarily leaving Min-Gi behind. He's quick to hurry after him, though, not wanting him to make his own way there unattended.]

Wait! I should come with you.

[There’s palpable amusement in his expression at Luca’s words, and Aventurine rolls his shoulders into a sort of casual half-shrug.]

We did indeed, though I wouldn’t fault you for the interest. It’s how a vice gets formed, after all.

[This time, he’s rather quick on the flip, clearly not wanting to draw out the suspense too much. The card reveals itself to be the two of hearts, and Aventurine can’t help but grin as if he had been the one to draw the winning hand.]

And with that, we’ve made a victor out of you, my friend. Quite the auspicious card to end on, too! Assuming you know the meaning behind the deck, of course.

[ Joshua busies himself for just a moment with a mouthful of soup, as if doing so will make the warmth in his cheeks dissipate. But the amount of soup in his mug is little more than half a mouthful now. Not much of a distraction left.

But Dion's words ring true, and he sighs, lowering the mug for the moment. ]

It is, isn't it? But that speaks to your nature, Dion. You, too, have a kind heart. I have seen it.

[ In the way that he cares so much for Kihel. For... his important person back at home.

Joshua hesitates, then parts his lips to speak again. But the words die on his tongue before he can ask, so he chooses not to. Not now. Dion still deserves time, and he just awakened from a three day coma, for the Founder's sake. ]

... that I have saved you as well as your world... I could not be happier to hear it.

[He nods to show he's listening, but after Dion had needed to kill two snakes in quick succession he's reluctant to look up except to compare plants to the drawing White Lily had given him.]

I don't think I've met anyone else who works there yet, but there was an explosion not so long ago so they've been really short on supplies.

Haah? Why would I want to be infected with something?

[Lol lmao-]

If you go out there by yourself and get yourself killed, they're all gonna think it's my fault for letting you. You're just a kid.

[ He brushes himself off, giving himself a moment to make sure he's alright and that his leg prosthetics are still attached probably before speaking. ] Hm. Not the brightest person, are you?

[ He waves his free hand around in the air in a circle, and just like that the mist disperses. ]

Someone new shows up and there's a "mysterious" fog, surely you can do the math there.

[Wow, he hates that.]

I'm new. I've only been here a few times so far. It's not that weird to think it might be something I hadn't seen yet.

[Honestly, Till really doesn't know whether to take the apology as genuine or not. Bakugo is a direct mirror, and difficult for him to read because of that. One minute he's spouting venom, then next he's trying to help him. Does he feel remorse? Why?

But...as if he's able to sense that Bakugo doesn't want a response, he chooses to hold his tongue and say nothing. Though, it's hard to say if it's for lack of having anything to say, or something else entirely.]

"Want" to be. Are you implying any sort of infection is desired?? [ Why won't this dumbass just take the hint and leave?? ]

Do you hear yourself right now? Do you think anyone is going to fault you for not being out here with these pests going around? Use your head for once, okay? You did your best to convince me to come with you, or "I tried to tell him to come inside, but he simply would not listen", or, better yet, realize no one is even gonna notice!

[Likewise, Dion has little more to distract himself with than a mouthful of soup and a few more hunks of bread. He does away with the soup first, then takes a bite of the bread. He chews thoughtfully as he considers those words. He has his doubts, but Joshua Rosfield was no liar. And if a man with as pure of a heart as his could believe Dion a good person, perhaps it was best to believe it.]

Would it be too much to ask you to keep reminding me of such? I suspect that the more I hear it, the more I will begin to believe it.

[And maybe he just really likes the sound of it when it's Joshua's voice. Or Joshua's voice in general. Greagor, save him.

It isn't lost on him, the way Joshua seems to hesitate. His brows draw together, head canting in the slightest. He takes another bite of his bread, wondering if it's too much to pry, before setting his mind to it.]

Does something ail you? You seemed as if you wished to speak.

An explosion? [The fear is evident within his eyes for just the briefest of moments, before ebbing once more. If it had happened in Dion's time, he would have heard the noise itself. Something so calamitous would not be lost on him.]

That much I can understand. That makes it all the more important to ensure you finish your task.

[Which... speaking of. He nods to a patch of flowers.]

This looks to be like what you are after, and it seems to be safe.

[Haha well that's fucking concerning!!

When Karte suddenly goes still in his grip, Till goes still too. He doesn't know what Karte going still and hissing like that means, but it can't be anything good.]

What!? What is it now-??

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EVENT & TDM 022

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