EVENT & TDM 024

[sticksandbonesmods]

MONSTER MASH

WAKE UP

Where were you last? Do you remember falling asleep, thinking you’d wake up in your own home, your own bed?

When you open your eyes, the room you’re in doesn’t feel like your own. In fact, you’re almost certain you didn’t fall asleep here. You’re given only a short few moments to get your bearings before the door to that room opens, the doorknob jiggling as whoever is on the other side is unlocking it. Is it a library study room you’ve found yourself in, or an inn room that doesn’t belong to you? A home that isn’t yours? A business after-hours?

An unfortunate few of you may find yourself face-to-face with the real owners of these rooms, homes, and businesses — and surely they’re just as confused as you are. The lucky ones might instead find themselves being “rescued” from their sleeping states by a heavily scarred man with dreadlocks and an impossibly sunny demeanour.

“Mornin’, sunshine! Up and at ‘em!” he’ll say, hands on his hips and the door held open in a way that says he expects you to simply come follow him, whoever he is. “You ain’t where you’re supposed to be, but I’ll bail you out before the person who owns this place knocks your teeth out for trespassin’. It’ll be our little secret, ‘kay?”

TRANSPOREMATION

cw: body horror, monster transformations, fungal parasitism

As usual, Aldric’s Grove is something of a hot mess, and that’s especially true lately. Aside from random people popping into existence in various buildings, there’s a bit of a fungus problem lately. A wee little problem with cute little mushrooms. …a major, unignorable, horrendous problem with some very large, purplish-coloured mushrooms, fruiting on still-living trees and the forest floor. They look quite similar to meadow mushrooms, but far, far less harmless. While eating one won’t poison anybody too badly — aside from an episode of horrible stomach pain — stepping on them or touching them at all will cause them to shower you in a spray of spores, all of which suddenly curve around and cling onto you as if they have a mind of their own. Any attempt to remove them, to wash them off, to brush them away from your skin and clothes, only makes the spores cling more stubbornly. Soon, they’ve started to root under your skin, unable to be pulled out.

The resulting transformation is, for what little it’s worth, extremely swift. Perhaps you feel it, perhaps you don’t, but the spores leave you fundamentally changed no matter what.

Your bones lengthen and rearrange, grinding together underneath your muscle tissue. Snapping, creaking, where new joints form over the breaks. Wings rip through your back in a spray of blood and torn flesh, the wounds healing themselves over a short second later. You drop to the ground as your back legs become something foreign and new, toes bursting free of your shoes, claws digging into the soil as you writhe on the ground. Your spine elongates, the muscles in your neck tense and relax as it gets too long. The spores are deciding what to do with you, it seems, as extra eyes rapidly appear and disappear over your body alongside feathers and scales. Within the span of sixty seconds, it seems the mushrooms have come to a decision on what you should be, and the transformations it inflicts on you rapidfire begin evening out.

Whether that leaves you something wolflike, catlike, ghostly, chimeric, or otherwise… that seems to be up to the spores. Regardless, you’re no longer in your own skin. At least you’re still “you”, and at least you haven’t lost much more than your old form… right?

…

Well, not to worry. Try your luck stepping on the mushrooms again! This time, they might be kind enough to revert you back to normal… assuming they don’t turn you into a different type of creature instead.

TIME TREKS ON

For the foreseeable future, many people are “stuck” outside their normal bodies. It doesn’t mean that life in the Grove stops, however, as people flit from building to building — assuming their monster forms didn’t bar them off from entering most of them anyhow — and their daily routines continue. From the Church of the Golden Sun in the north of Aldric’s Grove emanates a lovely, warm light, inviting all who are loyal to the Goddesses within its halls and barring the Corrupted or those loyal to the Fallen Sun from entry. Describing it as a “church” may not entirely be accurate; instead of an altar, there sits a throne that automatically prevents anyone who isn’t the Goddess of the Sun from sitting on it (despite the fact she isn’t currently there). Instead of pews, the first room is a large combat arena, golden weapons hung up on the walls that are free to use if you need to spar. Thankfully, the doors are large enough to accommodate most monsters, though the halls in the back may not be sizeable enough for anyone over eight feet tall.

Within that church, the kilns in the back are fired up, pottery baking while animal spirits resembling lions and dogs mix paint with their paws. It’s difficult, being a little guy — help a critter out? You can paint a selection of finished pottery when you’re done, which they’d tell you if they could speak to you. If they bring you a flower-shaped plate or a vase in the shape of a tulip and a paintbrush, will you figure out what they mean? If you don’t, that’s not a problem, as they’ll nudge you toward the pottery wheels and get you clay to work with. When you make your own thing, they think you’ll be more willing to paint with them. Hope you brought your art hands, assuming you have any at all after those mushrooms got you.

In the opposite wing from the pottery room, the kitchen is going strong, the smells of freshly baked bread wafting down the hall. Here is where Ydalir is, the shadowy woman wearing silks who normally casts magic and sells items, who turns to you and extends a flour-covered palm. Come here! Let’s bake something together — it’s the least she feels she can do, since she can’t exactly eliminate the fungus problem. There’s a host of food sitting in the dining room nearby already, with Heimr and Renard setting the table, Heimr nitpicking the setup while Renard focuses too hard on decorating with garlands and candelabras.

If you can’t fit into the dining room for any reason, one of the three will bring you food. They’d hate to see you go hungry, after all.

IT NEVER ENDS

While the Guardians themselves are immune to the transformations — Moder is, in fact, eating the mushrooms when no one is nearby to get spore’d — it doesn’t mean they’re not enjoying the fact that some of you can now spend more time with them in ways you couldn’t before.

Those of you with wings or flight abilities are invited by Aurora and the newly-resurrected bone dragon Sehul to come flying. Though Sehul won’t land in the Grove (too many buildings too close together for a hundred-foot dragon to feel comfortable, you see), they’ll land on the seaside, and even invite you to race them there. They do have something of a body mass advantage, but when they eventually win, they’ll fairly concede that it doesn’t really count. Aurora, meanwhile, wants desperately to teach you to do a midair flip.

Those of you who find yourselves suddenly aquatic will be literally accosted by Callan, who swims up into the river for once only to wrap his tentacles around you and drag you off toward the lake with a watery laugh. He expects you to do the same to him in return, but the Guardian’s extreme strength might make it difficult. Worry not, because if no one comes to your rescue, Sinann will chide him until he lets go, and show you the nest the baby Seaborn have built at the deepest point in the river. You’re welcome to live with them for a while, if you want. Their pastime is singing, and they’d love to sing with you.

And to the folks with a sudden craving for plants, Moder will gladly show you where the best snacks are — her favourite trees to reach into, the best flowers to eat, a fragrant patch of wild herbs. She’s happy to stroll through the forest with you, calmer than her peers are. If you need a ride on her mossy back, she’ll accommodate, so long as you don’t mind her telling old tales of a world long gone.

The final Guardian, Zahliya, doesn’t seem too keen on playtime, and will simply perch in various locations throughout the Grove to keep watch, as he normally does. Gifts of food given his way are rejected for the time being. He has a job to do; why don’t you go play with everyone?

It’s a beautiful, sunny day. This world isn’t often peaceful and playful. You should take advantage of it before something horrible happens… you and everyone else here know the good mood can’t last too long.

Spark Notes

summary

WAKE UP: Welcome to the Grove! You've found yourself in someone else's home/business/room it seems. Good luck explaining this one, but maybe Renard will be in time to bail you out?
TRANSPOREMATION: The mushrooms in the woods will spray you with spore clouds if you're not careful, and then transform you into something else. After a potentially-painful transformation, you'll find yourself in a new, more monsterlike body for a while.
TIME TREKS ON: Despite the monster mash, Beiwe's church is going strong, providing an opportunity to get creative or cook some dinner. Ydalir, Heimr, and Renard are all happy to see you and invite you to a home-cooked meal. They'd probably appreciate help with the dining room decor, too.
IT NEVER ENDS: Despite the transformations, it seems like the Guardians are all super pumped to spend time with you guys in their own domains. Many of them will invite you and your friends to hang out, some more politely than others. It's peaceful for once, so why not take them up on that?

out of character

Happy May! Here is your usual reminder that TDM threads are game canon. Per our plotting post (linked below) please keep in mind our rules for the monster transformations, and have fun!

updates

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

submissions

❖ NPCs List
❖ Questions
❖ May Plotting
❖ Past Life Plotting (Closed to Game Members)
❖ Investigations
❖ TDM NPC Contact

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Comments

[outofsynth]

But you said...

[It's rude to argue with a stranger. That much slips out anyway. His confusion is still easily visible.

As for Wolfwood, while they haven't officially met he's seen him around and heard his name about a few times.]

I don't think that's his fault. He was already calling himself that. It's not like we have any control over what we turn into.

[eidxiety]

Ummm... you don't know how to use a sewing machine, though.

[He knows Wolfwood doesn't. This is why Ain is the seamster and Wolfwood is the guy who gets victimized (clothed).

But the shop itself is a mess and has been ever since Ain has been overworking to clothe everybody — stray clippings of string all over the floors, scrap fabric cut up in random locations, broken sewing needles and pins, a fallen-over pack of buttons and a disorganized drawer of zippers... it's getting out of hand.]

Maybe... can you help clean up a little around here? I haven't had time.

[eidxiety]

Haha, unlike you, I've always been tall~.

[Ain clocks that strange effect Ryan's voice has, but ultimately doesn't say anything because he's not sure if he hallucinated it or not. As an angel he's already resistant to mental effects. As a deer... no idea, but it doesn't seem to have done much besides.

The inseam is very weird, two different measurements from thigh to knee to knee to ankle, then another from thigh to floor, and Ain has drawn out the rough shape of Ryan's leg to account for it in his notes. He's not prone to forgetting, but juuuust in case. Waist, hip, chest... He's making good, quick progress here, having Ryan spin around as necessary.]

So you'll want something pretty open for the upper body, and something easy to remove around your talons for the lower... do you like flare-leg? And how do you feel about halter tops?

[eidxiety]

[Ain is putting two and two together...]

Is Mr. Clown your dad?! [this is wholly unhelpful thanks bud] Uh— haha, sorry, Shadow Milk?

[He is learning so much about cookies today. But he shakes his head; he owes another explanation.]

I prefer to give people nicknames, rather than use real names. Haha, I've never been too fond of it. I do know everyone's names, but isn't it more fun to give people other names? [Well, sure, that would be true if Ain's nicknames weren't downright offensive at times.] I call my partners by their names, though, most of the time.

And I can carry people! But probably only one or two, depending on how big they are~.

[sailingfor]

You could call it that, probably.

[Wiggle wiggle... eventually, he does manage to pull himself free from the soil, leaving him standing — if it can be called that — on churned, sunken earth. He imagines the grass will regrow quickly enough.]

I'll be fine. I've had far worse than this. It's frustrating to move around, though.

[sailingfor]

I missed you too.

[Sigh... it seems like they don't have many moments together. Not like they used to, ever since Thorns boarded the ship and set sail, and Elysium had to head back to the landship. Here, he would've thought they'd get more time... a bit of a shame that the Forest keeps dragging Elysium off.

He, much shorter now that Elysium is taurian in shape, squashes his face into his partner's chest.]

[alphacraft]

Her neck retracts a bit now that she's satisfied she hasn't harmed him.

"I apologize. I seem to be a bit... territorial in this shape." Her feathers shift a bit before settling flat again. It's embarrassing, not being in better control of herself.

"It was not intentional, I assure you."

[sailingfor]

I would not be.

[Please come get him :( ]

[alphacraft]

[ She doesn't understand the reaction, but she's sure she's correct. She would be frowning if she could. Something is very, very wrong, and she doesn't know what it is or how she can help. Maybe...

She takes a few steps back and flattens herself to the ground as much as she can. That's how you calm a dog down, isn't it? She tries to speak gently. ]

It's alright. I don't know how much you understand right now, but I won't speak of you to anyone without your permission. You don't need to be afraid.

[chickenchoicejudy]

Yeah. I know.

[Of course he chooses to. He even awkwardly pushes himself down onto what should be his knees but are probably his ankles (he's been trying not to think about it) so he can really lean over. His hair dangles down around his face, and if it were any closer it might tickle Min's face.

He doesn't do that, but he does reach down and carefully brush a stray strand of hair off of Min's face, so it floats in the water with the rest.]

I know hearing me say that I'm not freaking out won't help - you know, because I've never been worried ever - buuuut~ I've been looking around town? Nobody's really freaking out at all. They're all just chill as creatures, ALL of them. So...maybe it's okay to not be freaking out?

[lovelyredthread]

Yep! He's the best dad ever.

[ biased as hell. He loves his dad SO much. But he also knows more sides to him than unhinged clown man. ]

Do you ever get them back? I could try giving you one!

[ He's never tried it before. Never really had a reason to. Most people in the garden were way older than him and he didn't tend to hang out with them much. It'd be like giving nicknames to extended family. ]

I don't think I'd be hard to carry... Master never let me fly above the trees.

[charlastan]

[Alright, so maybe she can still see him. But...she's not attacking. He moves a paw and peeks at her warily. This immediately makes the larger flames on his back die down, as they travel back to his eyes.

She's not moving to chase him. She's not honking at him anymore. She's just...laying low. Waiting.

You don't need to be afraid.

He's not sure about that. It feels like he does, because fear lets you keep yourself safe. If you're ready for the worst it won't hit you as hard. But...she's not attacking. Maybe she's got reinforcements somewhere, but he can probably just keep an ear open for that.

So, hesitantly and without taking his eyes off of her, he moves his other paw, face completely unhidden. He doesn't move closer though. Instead he starts licking at his sore paw. Some harmless ashes flake into the grass, but after a moment or two he rubs one of his eyes on it and it ignites. He seems aware enough that leaving it that way will burn the whole grove down though, so he breathes on it to blow it out, leaving it smoldering just like the rest of his body.]

[outofsynth]

It's a relief when she reins in her neck. She is still huge, but with her wings folded in and her neck not stretched out so far it's a lot less intimidating. Min still keeps himself at a distance and he's overly aware of his own heartbeat, but he's not freaking out.

"You live there?" he asks, incredulous. That nest looks way too small for a swan her size even when she isn't making herself look even bigger.

[alphacraft]

[ She would smile if she could, seeing his paw catch fire again. It's so strange. He doesn't seem to have succumbed entirely to animal instincts, but they do seem to have overpowered him. ]

That's better than using your teeth, now, isn't it? I'm sure you're very confused, but it's important to take care of yourself.

[outofsynth]

Not everyone likes it though.

[He's not exactly trying to be argumentative. It's just hard for Min-Gi to let things sit when he thinks they should be some other way. He doesn't protest when Ryan reaches down to brush the hair off his face though. It's kind of nice to have Ryan taking care of him while he floats gently in the water. Knowing that he's still here for him even when they're separated by being two different kinds of siren.]

You're really okay that I do?

[Ryan's been nothing but supportive of Min and his restrictions while he's in the water, but that doesn't mean that Min-Gi doesn't know that this must be hard on him too. He's the one that has to put in all the effort to come out here. He has the control, but also pressure. Min doesn't want his enjoyment of his new form to come at the cost of Ryan's happiness.]

[alphacraft]

She twists to look back at it, revealing just a hint of... fur, concealed by the nest and the feathered front of her body. She's even bigger than she seems.

"For now. It's comfortable enough, and it's better than destroying my home just trying to get to the stairs."

[outofsynth]

Min does a poor job of trying to hide that he's glimpsed the fur, but despite his anxious expression he doesn't back off any further. She's been nice apart from the initial jump scare. Everyone has been nice. He's doing his best to be nice in return.

"Yeah. I guess you don't want to ruin your regular house..."

That would be bad. He's been refraining from saying anything, but he has been worried that Ryan's talons may be wrecking their bedding back at the inn.

[charlastan]

[Even as a gigantic fiery hellhound, Stan gives her a Look that is so like his human self. He huffs a dramatic sigh and pointedly adjusts his head so he's not looking directly at her, exasperated that he's being told what to do. Yeah, yeah, self care, whatever.

But at least he's not barking! At least a look like that seems a little more like his actual self!]

[wolfetracks]

Fallen God. As a man who was never very faithful, I ain't too pleased myself.

( she doesn't have to wait long, since he automatically reaches into his breast pocket and procures a notepad that fits decently in his hand- his handwriting is actually really great, so despite the notepad being fairly small, it's more than legible.

it goes over things from the last family meeting, alongside his own studies from the archives, specifically focusing on an 'everett', 'clara' and 'sidney'. he has his own connections drawn and linked together with roman numerals if they cross pages.

he's also a giant nerd. enjoy your recap episode, meryl. )

There's a lot of avenue to cover, so I might not have everything.

I

[menophesto]

[ Mephisto knows that look all too well, really. Mostly because he sees it when he looks in the mirror himself. A sort of listless sort of loss, unsure what to do with yourself. If even someone much older than him is like that, surely there's absolutely no hope, right? ]

...Извинения. Did not mean to stare. You are Miss White Lily Cookie, da?

[notsonewbie]

I was talking about flora. Obviously there's a difference.

[Meryl. Meryl that's not helping.

Anyway, she wrinkles at his "defense" of Wolfwood.]

Trust me, you can make fun of him. He deserves it. I'm pretty sure he even picked the name Wolfwood. It's just so... edgy.

[notsonewbie]

[She snatches the notepad from him, wrinkling her nose at the mention of "gods" and other things, but otherwise says nothing. She quickly flips through the pages, skimming the words as she takes in the informaion. There are definitely names she doesn' recognize or see the importance of — that will come in time — but there's still good data here nonetheless.]

These notes aren't too bad. [She taps her foot a few times.] I could probably do better, but these are passable enough. It'll keep people informed, if nothing else.

[She glances up at him.]

What were your three most important takeaways?

[chickenchoicejudy]

That's the thing! You were already tall, you didn't need to get any taller! I could've used an inch or two.

[The tone is still teasing. Sure he thinks he looks like he's back in high school, but it's not like he's trying to woo Ain or anything, so it's fine. Ain might notice when they've back to being themself though that Ryan tends to have a little heel on his boots.

When he turns his wings flutter just feeling just that slight bit of air, but he does his best to still them so Ain can measure properly.]

Oh! Halter tops are cool! My oldest sister wore them a lot and and I always kind of wondered, you know? So yeah, go for it! Wings would fit perfect in something like that.

[He's never totally understood why they were "girl shirts". Kimberly was almost as flat as he is, so it's not like it was a boob thing the way bras are, but god forbid a guy show off his back.]

Are you thinking like, full bell bottoms? 'Cause of the weird feet?

[chickenchoicejudy]

[Ryan sincerely isn't thinking about it that way at all. In fact, he tilts his head a little, hair swishing over Min in the process.]

Yeah, of course! Why wouldn't I be? I mean, if you were freaking out that would be okay too and I'd try to help but...I dunno. It's nice to see you all carefree out here?

[He doesn't want Min to feel like it wouldn't be okay if he was stressed out, but it's one of the things he loves most about Min-Gi - those special moments where he lets his guard down and silences the anxiety and lets himself feel really free.

Which would be a fine internal sentiment, but the warm glow between him has him blurting out one more thought, gently pulling it from his brain and out of his mouth:]

It's a good look on you, Min.

[outofsynth]

No? Flora's just the fancy scientific word.

[They're the same thing, Meryl. Obviously.]

I don't think I know him well enough to make fun of him.