TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE

[erkumods]

TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE

00. Arrival This time, you come out of the water, the Nameless Island's own inherent energy drawing people in. It's like being suspended between realities and abruptly pushed from behind through a rift in dimensions. It may make you sick, or that might be the motion of the ocean, lifting you to the surface and carrying you to shore. Waterlogged and covered in sand, new arrivals will be greeted by robots who welcome them with towels and bracelet devices. The A5 card is already loaded up. Feel free to explore the Island, though there isn’t much to see. Most of the buildings are abandoned and in dire need of repair, and beyond the city lingers a thick fog that obscures much of the wilderness from view. Wander too far into this fog, and you will find yourself mysteriously looping back to where you began, your memories of what you were doing and how you got there erased. With that in mind, it may be wise to stake your claim on a rundown apartment, a tent on the beach, or a bed in the “comfortable” new barracks. Your inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● I. The Dragon's Matchmaking Welcome to the Island, cherub dragons! The auspicious actions of your fellow Islanders have foreseen the reintroduction of dragons to the world. Unlike the hulking, possessive creatures of ancient lore (and recent hot springs), these well-meaning little critters love to help. Their small size and roly-poly frames make them unsuited to laborious tasks, but they will be the perfect companion to any residents who endeavor to pick up a small item, wish for their lunch to be delivered to an absolute stranger, or need a fire started from a tiny, flaming sneeze in their drafty homes. If a cherub dragon sees an Islander they perceive in need of their assistance, they will zip right in and refuse to scram until they’ve done the job! No visible struggles? No problem! The little dragons also love to play matchmaker. Persistent dragons will gleefully nudge together Islanders they believe will have chemistry, and sometimes they aren’t wrong! Of course, even if sparks fail to fly, the dragons’ trilling songs are known to kindle romantic feelings between strangers and long-time lovers alike. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● II. Ruins While the Islanders have been enjoying their autumn relaxation, the ‘bots of Erku have been hard at work clearing the surrounding forests of dangers for their guests’ safe habitation. If you are of deft hand with monster slaying, forestry, or even just hauling debris and weed picking, the robots will gladly exchange credits for help with reconstructing the recently unearthed mountain temple grounds from the rubble that remains there. Just follow the path of gently glowing mushrooms to the site of the temple ruins. Beware of lurking creatures, grabby plants, and falling rocks! The temple ruins are tall and breathtaking, despite the eerie chill of the fog that lingers just beyond. Or is it the fog that sends a shiver up your spine? After all, this place was very spiritually important to the original inhabitants of the Island, the robots say to anyone curious enough to ask. Although their own programming does not include religious worship, the Augur believes the restoration of this place to be vital to the continued augmentation of Eros energy. When questioned about the strange shadows that seem to slip from tree to tree, or the unsettling feeling of ghostly hands that seem to nudge volunteers deeper into the grounds, the robots respond with nothing but bafflement. Their sensors detect no unknown organic presence afoot. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● III. Ritual Islanders who chase those mysterious shadows may find themselves particularly drawn to a structure that lay deeper within the ruins, beyond where the robots have made the most progress. Three sets of crumbling, moss-covered stairs join to form a central platform, which - despite the overcast skies - seems to emit a soft glow. Those who step onto the platform may begin to hear a quiet, compelling voice, which urges them to be free of their inhibitions and to offer their energy to the spirits to be multiplied hundredfold. Visions of naked bodies in the throes of carnal worship dance before the eyes. Those who are especially spiritually sensitive - or perhaps, just lucky - may feel as if possessed by a consciousness that is not their own, and that consciousness is filled with a burning sexual desire. Leaving the platform is an option if alone, but the intense and overwhelming urge to seek companionship will persist until an Auspicious Act is completed. Those who are fortunate to be joined by company within the temple will feel compelled to worship right then and there, no matter the risk of being seen. Within the walls of the temple, Eros energy is enhanced such that any erotic act - big or small - will be enough to break the spell. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● N A V I G A T I O N

Comments

[warpspammer]

Cows?

[ it's his turn to tilt his head a little, looking mightily confused. after a moment, though, he picks up enough context clues that he figures that's what garula are called here, or something similar, and -

he can't help it, he laughs a little bit at the utter seriousness in apollo's tone for bread. ]

Well - if you can get me some wheat, and a grinder of some kind... blender, spice grinder, hell, even a mortar and pestle would work - I can probably make some flour, and get to working on momo and bread.

[ after a moment, he offers his hand. ]

Nyx Ulric.

[pathihavechosen]

[Mercedes is focused on helping the person she's healing, but as she finishes and thanks them for their work, she notices a familiar head of hair in the distance.

Not the same clothing, but that height and hair alone was enough to somewhat give him away.

And if she was wrong, well. She knows how to apologize.]

Lorenz! Wait!

[warpspammer]

[ nyx shakes his head evenly. there's a dusting of pink on his cheeks but, well, he doesn't seem too embarrassed. ]

That's the whole reason we're here, aren't we? To get into kinky trouble.

[ listen in ten days he's going to offer to blow someone for a spice grinder, it'll happen.

as for the question, he gives a sigh. ]

About the same amount of time. Dumped out in the ocean, got to shore, spent some time figuring stuff out and then slept.

[ he pulls the spoon back to take a taste of it, asking his next question too casually. ]

Were you alive back home, or dying?

[warpspammer]

[ lucis isn't exactly known for being sexually progressive, if nyx is honest. but galahd was pragmatic about it, and he finds he's even more so. if such things are expected of him here, he'd rather know for sure than assume it's some grand joke. ]

I suppose there are worse places to be stuck. The company's nice, at least.

[ a light flirtation, but nothing with real heat behind it, still accustomed to social norms where coming on too strongly isn't good. ]

I've seen some of the newer items - they stand out against everything that's falling apart. I'm glad there's basic things in place and not everyone focused on getting a bar running.

[ his tone is so wry. ]

[brambler]

[ the comment about not fucking him if he was the only person on the island he has no objection to. it's a good thing they didn't arrive together, or this place would be a barren wasteland still.

but genji would have words for him if he left his brother to flounder here alone - though he hardly seems to be floundering, to be fair - so he heaves another sigh, reaching up to take the cigar out of his mouth and tap it to remove some ash. ]

Cause I dunno if you noticed, but the area around us is crap. It's the one givin' us food and restorin' the place. On top of that, whatever it's talkin' to us from sure as hell ain't it's core, and its little robot buddies pack a mean punch.

[ so it had tied its survival up into the humans, and had a decent defense besides. ]

Everything here wants to eat you, or it wants you to fuck. The robots fall into the latter category, thankfully. And when you do have some fun with someone, it gets you energy you can use to make things happen. Greenhouses, diners, cows, you name it.

[eolja]

[Most of his discomfort at being like half-naked in front of a lady (look, he also has manners!!) is ignored in favor for really looking at Bai Lin. She is... absolutely not like anyone he's ever seen – her red hair for one is somewhat shocking – but her overall aura is... Hm. Whatever it is, it convinces him not to look as doubtful as he might feel.]

I appreciate the offer, however... It looks like a difficult journey, even for a skilled climber.

[you know, for a normal 100% human being which bai lin is, right]

[eolja]

[im crying i forgot about tanjiro’s injuries!!! Which give Seonho pause, but he's seen and treated so many wounds in battle that it doesn’t really register as particularly strange. Though it is noteworthy, especially combined with Tanjiro’s youth. Perhaps he's some kind of soldier as well...

Also Seonho's starting to think that these dragons have selective EVERYTHING, even the one who’s still dangling from his hand, but Tanjiro's comment gives him pause]

-- Can you understand them?

[tanjiro?? You can speak… DRAGON??]

ritual;

[calcitrants]

[ ignis is not immune to this sudden, intense feeling of carnal desire roiling deep in his chest, unbidden and unexpected -- his first instinct had been to leave, immediately, before he does something he'll likely regret.

images of lovers twined in mutual pleasure are seared behind his eyelids, rousing uncomfortable instincts and desires, but plans for his quick departure are pleasantly thwarted when he's caught by the arm and pulled into a kiss by a 6'7ft handsome blond man who very clearly knows what he's doing. ]

Ah --

[ the kiss is unexpectedly sensuous, searching, eroding the last dregs of his self-control and good sense as his own similarly carnal desires direct him to respond, parting his mouth to slide his tongue against the stranger's, an arm sliding up to loop over his shoulder. ]

[fistsofchange]

[A closer look might suggest that the roots of her hair of solid black, and that her hair might be dyed. She was 100% human.

Not normal human, though.]

Oh, climbing won't be necessary. Hang on.

[Lin took a few big steps back, squinted at the tree for a moment, then took ANOTHER few big steps back. Then she did a brief run up before jumping. The jump looked like it should get higher than two or three feet in the air, but somehow she just...kept going up. Like the laws of gravity had just thrown their hands up in the air, exasperated, and gone to paying attention to everything else going on because she CLEARLY wasn't interested in anything they had to say.

She actually didn't QUITE make it to the coat, but she was able to grab a branch. It turned out a bit of climbing WAS necessary. It took a few grabs, as the coat was out on a thinner branch that probably wouldn't support her weight and she had to leeeeeean way over while still holding on to the trunk before she was able to slip a finger around the sleeve and give it a pull.]

[brothered]

[LMFKDSF I'm going to make Sebastian the Dragon real, just watch me. Anyway, though: Felix has seen far too many (barely) familiar faces for his liking, thanks, so he isn't particularly thrilled to add yet another one to his list. He didn't have anything against her, during their Academy days? And it isn't as though the Alliance stood against Faerghus, so she isn't an enemy. He just... doesn't know her, is all. Has no reason to, and thus he should pull his hand away the very second she grabs it...

...But this music! This music. Who knew that roly-poly lil dragons humming together could sound so enchanting? Felix feels... oddly peaceful, all of a sudden. Oddly aware of the soft hands cradling his callused one, and he soon finds himself studying them, noting how delicate they appear compared to his—but, ah, wait.]

What?

[Very cool, very smooth, as he blinks back up at her, unconsciously folding his fingers over the back of her hand in the process. She's warm? He's warm.]

It's... not bad. [Wao. High praise before he clears his throat, before he sits up just a tad straighter.] It almost sounds familiar.

[Maybe he attends karaoke night weekly! Maybe he's heard all kinds of sappy songs! Don't judge him; just tenderly hold his hand.]

it's EXTRA SPICY!!! there are no furries but there are women's rights to bang in it

[eolja]

[eustace trying to pursue other hobbies and just constantly being derailed by banging 😔 someone save him… maybe he should pray to this god about it.

Seonho does in fact look hella bothered, though it’s not directed at Eustace than it is directed at like... everything. At least Eustace supplied an upfront answer to Seonho’s dumb question, it’s more than what he’d expect from a stranger. (mostly because he just assumes the worst all the time now) Now, it’s Seonho’s turn to Be Honest to Eustace’s question.

It was a question, right. Was that like... a proposition/question??? The other man looks so unruffled that it’s hard for Seonho to like read his thoughts?? This is exactly why Seonho has NO game unless it’s like bought and paid for -- ANYWAY]

...Yes. [yes... YEAH] But my discomfort means little if I can achieve -- whatever we’re meant to achieve here.

[he will bang anywhere and everywhere if it means he can go home (he thinks)]

There is a point to this, yes?

[what if temple sex isn't on the A5 cards................. what then val]

[hashira]

[There is enough there for him to draw some conclusion, that is about the question he posed. That was a no, which would align with his own experience but now he notes that perhaps he should have been making more inquiries but getting to that point at times evaded him.

As for Tanjiro not providing a further explanation about his injuries, it wasn't tactfulness that made him keep silent but his focus being on the present situation. There were clearly no plans to remain here from him, watch him start walking now.

Only that taking a couple of steps away caused the small flying dragon that had attached itself to him earlier wiggle out of Tanjiro's grip and try to get him to stand close again.]

[brothered]

[Oh, he's definitely going to fuss at her for not paying attention, as is befitting a Tsun—but Mercie grabs his arm? Fusses at him in that gentle way of hers, and listen: Felix knows when to pick and choose his battles. Mercedes is a formidable opponent in her own right; it's why he scowls, as is tradition, but still holds his arm up as she directs.]

Alone? [A quiet tsk as he looks away, because ignore the fact that he, too, is alone—and that it resulted in the wound she's healing.] Foolish of you. There are beasts lurking about, as well as—

[—Well. The forest is full of wild and wacky stuff that is awkward as hell to explain, so a beat before he continues along.]

Everything is more than it seems. That's all.

[pathihavechosen]

Oh, don't scowl at me so. [Felix, your 'charm' won't work on her. It's been used too much for it to have an effect.]

I don't see anyone with you, so it seems we're both no longer alone. And after what we fought together... well, a few beasts would be no problem.

[She pauses to look at the wound again, before continuing to work on healing it completely.]

How so?

[And tell her the truth, Felix. She'll know if you're lying.]

ruins

[knightmaking]

I told you once before already, archaeology isn't my strong suit.

[ A familiar reply from a familiar voice, what are the odds of that? About the same as running into your old boss, Lloyd supposes, and he can't be sure if this is luck or an incredibly bad idea, considering where everything fell at the end.

Still, Schneizel isn't wrong. No risk, no reward, was it? And so rather than keeping his distance, Lloyd finishes cleaning fog off his glasses as he turns to answer him. He sets the pair back on his nose and offers that typical irreverent smile of his when presented with something that isn't, you know, a robot. ]

Is the reward for trekking into a pile of rubble with you worth it this time?

[ Last time they lost a whole knightmare! ]

2

[hashira]

[The string of colorful curses he hears is what brings Giyu on the scene. His blade is drawn for this very reason. To take care of the dangers found around the ancient ruins. He wouldn't hesitate to strike down this strange plant monster. Not a demon, it was something else entirely but his finely honed sword skills would cut the vines freeing the woman from their grasp. Hopefully she would be quick to realize she had been released and can land on her feet.

He isn't focused on her but rather on finish up the job. It's might be mobile and have a far reach but in the end it is still a plant that can be hacked away at and he does a fine job at it. It's quickly over but it should dawn on her that he won't be offering her his hand if she had fallen to the ground. She wasn't hurt after all.]

Stay alert.

[And he is going to begin walking expecting her to follow.]

stop she'll give them her blessing... treat dorte RIGHT sylvain

[cresture]

[dorte loves character growth if it means Sylvain will stay right here and hold up his weight, except

wait?? you mean he didn't immediately recognize him like dorte did sylvain? sylvain?? dorte... HUFFS, straight into Sylvain's hair.

Marianne does not Huff, but she does come closer, her realization that "is that really Sylvain" turning into "that's REALLY Sylvain?! he's taller?? why did he grow so tall??" and other mundane thoughts that Marianne does not in fact voice, instead]

Y-yes, that's Dorte -- and yes, we came together, um, he actually showed up the day after I arrived...! I'm not sure how... [but she's glad dorte did, and now she's babbling,] But I'm glad Dorte recognized you, Sylvain! He's missed so many of his friends from the Academy...

[this really be the first thing that comes to Marianne's mind right NOW, but it really has been a very long time since she's seen anyone else from the Golden Deer, and the way Dorte is very affectionately nuzzling Sylvain tells her that he must have missed him!!]

[hashira]

Why would anyone want to be the weirdest thing here? You're strange. Get dressed.

[He barely blinked since he opened the door and his eyes are no longer on the shirtless man but rather on the packed lunch he has been handed. Clearly that's more relevant to his needs than a half-naked delivery guy spouting out nonsense.]

[cresture]

[Dorte is fine with all this attention being lavished on him, it's Great. He might be on sex island but at least people love horses here!! He'll get right to inhaling those dried fruit...

Marianne rises from where she's been -- hiding, maybe? She's much better with strangers and social interaction than before it's true, but she's still a bit off-kilter and anyway, it's rude to intrude on a conversation between Dorte and a friend -- except,]

Oh -- um, you don't have to give him all of your fruit! Dorte ate recently. [don't spoil him even if he is... magnificent, not that Marianne can blame Akane for doing just that] And he knows better than to take all your food.

[dorte stops mid-swallow and licks his lips... hmm, yeah what marianne said]

[brothered]

[Only Mercedes can call him out, like, twice in a row, smiling sweetly all the while. Goddess. Felix shifts his weight from one leg to the other, pretending that he's impatient and not annoyed that she's right—but ah, okay. So this is happening, even if he isn't entirely sure how to explain aphro-inducing everything. The vines can get a little, ah, fresh? The bees are real assholes?]

Just how long have you been here? You should know what powers this world.

[A pointed glance to the bracelet on his wrist—and then to the one gracing hers.]

[zutsuki]

[初めまして. Hajimemashite. Either way, color Tanjiro impressed-- he's... a little confused, actually, because he could understand Klaus just fine prior, and he's certain he doesn't know any other languages, but the 初めまして was somehow specific and different. He puzzles over that for a moment before smiling and folding further into his knees-- he's bowing, even if it's a little hard to tell, probably.]

宜しくお願いします, [He returns, and it's strange that he returns yoroshiku onegaishimasu in the same... specifically Japanese way, he's actually baffled by this. But he's glad to meet you (and is looking forward to working with you, as the saying goes), Klaus. Even if he already said it.] Forgive me, this is rude, but... you don't look Japanese?

[He's completely forgotten that Klaus said he probably will do nothing if he gets harassed by weirdoes.]

[zutsuki]

[He almost corrects himself, almost responds "was" when she comments it sounds like a large family, but... Then she mentions she used to have a sister. His expression tightens for a moment, but he forces it to even back out into a smile. It was hardly his place to ask after a presumably dead sibling she had, nevermind that it opened the conversation to her asking similar, and he really didn't fancy discussing the wholeass collection of dead Kamados buried in his yard.]

[So much for it not getting too depressing,]

[But he smiles anyway, nodding.] You've proven that, certainly. Would you like to have a seat? [He scoots over, offering for her to join him.]

[pathihavechosen]

[It's a talent developed over years of dealing with certain people in their group of friends.

She finishes healing his arm, letting go of it before thinking for a moment, tapping her chin.]

Well, I ended up on the beach a few hours ago. So, not very long.

How long have you been here, Felix?

[les_magique]

What the fu-

[Samata was not quick enough to land on her feet, and instead landed on her ass with another shouted curse. But...at least she was down now, she wasn't going to complain about how she got down. Instead she was going to pull the vines out of her clothes (which had quite nearly gotten into some VERY embarrassing and private places) and just generally be dazed from the fall for a moment.

Only for a few seconds, though, before scrambling back to her feet, reclaiming her hat from where it had fallen and jamming it back on her head, and quickly taking a few steps away from the writhing remains of the plant and towards her savior while rubbing her sore butt.]

Ow...

I was in quite the predicament there. You have my thanks.

[jetsetwitch]

A few bits won't hurt, right?

[I mean, horses were pretty big, right? And dired apricots were pretty small, right?

Unrelated to the humans having their discussion, a siamese cat trotted up to take a seat by Akane's feet and look up at the horse with the most laid back expression you have ever seen on a cat.]

This is your horse, then? And his name is Dorte?