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erku mods ([personal profile] erkumods) wrote in [community profile] ercookies2020-10-18 02:33 pm
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TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE

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



devilstongue: (🔮 132)

[personal profile] devilstongue 2020-10-20 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He grins at that, fangs on display. That was something he didn't expect, but after seeing all the things in Hupperdook it doesn't surprise Molly at all. Pretty neat, honestly. ]

Close enough!

[ He makes a sweeping gesture. ]

Do you know this place?
devilstongue: (🔮 136)

[personal profile] devilstongue 2020-10-20 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There are not a lot of things that can embarrass Mollymauk Tealeaf, yet here he is, ruddy and wide-eyed as he remembers everything he said. There's nothing he can really say to save this, though, and he's grateful for the cloak to hide his messy leggings. ]

...thank you.

[ He withdraws a bit, legs a little unsteady but not wanting to lean to Fjord right now. The very knowledge that he just essentially forced himself on his poor friend is enough to make him nauseous, and he has to lean over to retch at the side of the road. ]
devilstongue: (🔮 145)

[personal profile] devilstongue 2020-10-20 09:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He honestly hasn't seen a lot of his own kind aside from Jester, so it's nice to spot another tiefling. At least that's what Molly immediately thinks it is, because anyone with pointy ears is still going to say 'elf' to him, and horns and tail is impossible to mistake.

...again, to him.

His dragon keeps pulling his hair, so Molly raises a hand in greeting. ]


Very much not from here, friend!
halforc: (08)

[personal profile] halforc 2020-10-20 09:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Fjord lets him gather his senses, unable to keep his gaze averted when Molly retches. He has a water bottle in his bag and offers it up. Pretends he isn't compartmentalising on a grand scale, prioritising Molly's care.

Everything else can wait. He would have hated it if that had been him. ]


If we head back to the house we can make it before sundown. You ... should relax for a while. I'll make dinner. Lock up.
devilstongue: (🔮 56)

[personal profile] devilstongue 2020-10-20 09:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Very true. I can't say that part isn't a fun idea.

[ He's always up for new experiences, and sex is great. ]

Guess we're in the not-boat together, then. I'm impressed that you've managed this much in such a short time.

[ The question does take him a bit off guard, though, and Molly shrugs. ]

I certainly hope I'm alive! I was busy going after some missing friends.
devilstongue: (🔮 106)

[personal profile] devilstongue 2020-10-20 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The dog just... winked at him. Okay. That's new. For once Molly is speechless, just watching the animal fuck off into a tent and then a man exiting it.

Molly doesn't know a lot of things. It's part of his charm. Still, it's impossible to not understand what happened here.

The question is a little more common, though, and it doesn't bother him. ]


A strawberry ghost, obviously.

[ The amused smirk says that's definitely bullshit. ]
devilstongue: (🔮 81)

[personal profile] devilstongue 2020-10-20 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay. Okay.

[ He takes that waterbottle and rinses his mouth with a swig, eyes not quite able to meet Fjord's. He fucked it up badly, and he wouldn't be surprised if his friend distanced himself after this.

Sure, he was very much attracted to Fjord, but this was definitely putting a stop to that line of ideas to slowly seduce him. At least he hopes so, because Molly never wanted to hurt his roommate. ]
paramounts: (anninosart_01)

Are you really

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-20 09:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh, it’s this one. Honestly, she likes him. Like an incredibly eager puppy. So what if he’s not the brightest bulb in the box, he’s passionate, eager to please, and has biceps the size of watermelons. What more could she ask for?]

It is the least I can do for you, who has done so much for us. [Like hours of entertainment.] I am only sorry that your well-earned rest in Elysium has been interrupted in such a way.

[Her voice is dripping with sweetness, and she relinquishes the sock with a flourish. Boy it’s a smelly one.]

This one is… different from what you might find typical. I believe that it goes on your hand.
paramounts: (lowlighter_02)

that one is really cute!

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-20 09:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah, what a charmingly polite son-of-Hades. She’s endeared. He’s shorter than she imagined, however.]

Truly, and you have worked so hard. And then to be whisked away… [Tsk, she doesn’t know whether to feel pity or glad for him. An escape is an escape after all. And the prison they find themselves in is a much more comfortable one, but a prison nonetheless.]

Oh yes, [She gestures to the little tent behind her. It looks comfortable although entirely mundane, with a scattering of clothes where her little dragons friends left them.] It is a work in progress. Would you care to come inside?
chthonicfatigue: (36)

[personal profile] chthonicfatigue 2020-10-20 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh, is that what he meant by encouraging... Good to know. Hypnos has done it anyway and he would do it again. He leans a little to the side, to see around the living basketball, so that Than can appreciate the full effect of his Look. Heh...]

I thought you might want company! [Since he never wants Hypnos' company!!! Brother!!] They're too independent to be companions, but they're helpful! Let's see, what should I name this one...

[The one on his head, which he makes a foolish attempt to reach up and poke a little, an action that only inspires it to swipe at his hand and keep chewing on his hair.

So it's tsun, you see. He glances at Thanatos, the gears turning... the plan forming...]


I'll name it after you.
chthonicfatigue: (34)

[personal profile] chthonicfatigue 2020-10-20 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hmm, what a selection-- although admittedly, Hypnos is the most surprised about his own presence up here on the surface, considering how, ah, often he leaves the House. Mortals keep talking to him, Zag, and he doesn't know what to do with them except write down random details!!

It's so stressful. He should have gone down for a nap hours ago.]


Oh, just me, my brother, and you! And Cerberus, now, I guess! Do you think mom— [oop] Mother Nyx is around here, maybe? She wouldn't hide out somewhere and not say anything to you, right?

[Or Than, for that matter, but the point is, where is mommy... Hypnos knows she would lowkey not seek him out, but you know, he's dealing!!]
chthonicfatigue: (34)

henlo

[personal profile] chthonicfatigue 2020-10-20 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh, there's totally a line, believe him. Every time a spirit hand tries to push him another foot down the path he tells the empty space to go get in line, and he is choosing to believe it's working.

But come on down, Totally Living Guy, Hypnos will take all kinds in his new list (tm), which he looks down at presently to reference, Ahem.]


Wow, really? You're the first one! Okay! So, let's see, first things first, I'm going to need your name, height, approximate weight, what job you had before— orrrr... right now?

[He looks up from his list, squinting. Yes, totally living people still have jobs, that's probably true. Mortals, man!]

Well, we can start there!
chthonicfatigue: (28)

[personal profile] chthonicfatigue 2020-10-20 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Me? No, nononono, I've never been management material! You should hear the things they say at home about my work ethic, but I'm getting better at it, and... um... anyway!

[He's great at his job, never mind! Forget all of that! He waves his hands in a definite Never Mind Ha Ha motion, then taps his quill against his cheek as he looks Molly up and down.]

So, in fifty words or less, you... are mortal, right? I mean, most of you guys around here are, huh? I don't really get to see a lot, or any, mortals... still alive!
paramounts: (lowlighter_02)

Bless you this is amazing

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-20 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[Shenanigans are always welcome.]

[And if anything could be better than being trapped on a sex island, it’s being trapped on a sex island with one of her favorite fellow Olympians. Frankly, she’s already imagining the possibilities. Why, they could own this place.]

Lord Dionysus, I am hurt that you were not thinking of me the moment your feet hit this sand.

[She says, mock hurt in her voice undercut by the curl of a smile pulling her lips up. Her finger twirls a long strand of hair into a spiral as the other hand leans on her fellow god’s shoulder, and she heaves a dramatic sigh,]

Sadly, this land is not of my design, as inspired as that idea might be, [She certainly wouldn’t be slumming it in a tent if it was, ahem.] But if the situation is true to how it’s been explained to me, it would be cruel of us to deny them our aid, don’t you think?
paramounts: (pandatails_01)

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-20 09:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[Honestly. Olympian gods winding up here gives off the same energy as rich kids at the Fyre festival. And don’t think about the thigh comment too much Thanatos. They’re just very impressive, is all.

She retracts her hand, brushing some of her long, pink hair behind her shoulder.
]

I can imagine how it would give that appearance, yes- [Although if it was up to her, everything would be a lot more grand. No, things won’t be right until there’s a temple to herself, she’s decided this just now. She reaches out an arm, showing off her own bracer.] Tragically, I am just as much of a guest as you, though I am keen to offer these mortals my aid.

[Honestly, she can’t be too mad. She just wishes they would have asked her first.]

It is good to see that you have already made yourself comfortable. [Said as she moves to sit, then lounge across the modest bedding, propping her head up on the palm of her hand.] You and your kin work so terribly hard, it’s important to take some time to rest.
halforc: (07)

[personal profile] halforc 2020-10-20 09:45 pm (UTC)(link)
It's okay, we're getting out of here.

[ He'll come back to yell at the ghosts on his own, maybe. Maybe not. Molly really was manipulated as hell and that was incredibly off-putting to see, not entirely due to the lasciviousness but the forced nature of it when Fjord knows Molly better than that.

He gestures for him to take the lead, wanting to be behind so he can protect him from any lingering pushes or shoves where his friend can't see them coming.

The awkward silence between them, after Molly's upset, is the worst. ]
paramounts: (lowlighter_02)

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-20 09:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[What’s there not to be okay with? Why, this island could be of her own design, if not for the fact that she was currently living in a tent instead of being worshipped in a grand temple. Now there’s an idea.

Eyes light up with interest and amusement when he starts disrobing.
]

Is that all? [She takes the jacket, good luck getting it back, Keith. looking at it more closely now, before openly eyeing the rest of him.]

I will say. There are a great many things I have been asked to do, but you are the first mortal to ask me to dress.
devilstongue: (🔮 39)

[personal profile] devilstongue 2020-10-20 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Now... that was a bit of a complicated question. Of course he's mortal, but that other person who used this body had died, and he dragged himself out of their grave.

No, he's still pretty certain he can die. At least him. ]


I'm quite mortal! Nothing special with me about that.

[ Molly's even counting the words on his fingers, just to be extra 'helpful'. He even holds back his own immediate need to ask questions. ]
paramounts: (JenZee_01)

Awww yeaaa

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-20 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, it would seem that is the norm around here.

[So much clothing, Speaking of, she takes the pointed hat off of her head, brushing off some sand before offering it back to the woman. Hats aren't really her thing.]

But I do not need donations, Dearest, although your generosity is very sweet. This is quite comfortable, and indeed normal, for me.
devilstongue: (🔮 108)

[personal profile] devilstongue 2020-10-20 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's quiet all the way home, which a miracle for Molly, and once he steps inside he heads for the room with the bath to take off his leggings and rinse them.

He can't feel sorry for himself, here. He was not the most wounded party.

Not really owning any smallclothes, he covers himself with the coat, walking out of the room to hang them up somewhere. ]


digitaldeadline: (010)

[personal profile] digitaldeadline 2020-10-20 09:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Huh? [One, she didn't expect a question to her demanding question. Two, clothes? It was such an odd question that she's taken aback by it, the irritation dialing back a little as confusion forms on her face. She instinctively looks down at herself, hand patting around her body.] Oh just great... my handgun got washed away.

[It just keeps getting worse, now she's also defenseless on an unknown beach with strange robots and this strange young boy. Also, where the hell did her partner go, anyway? But in regards to clothes, no, she didn't lose anything. Last she checked, she was still wearing DEVA's agent uniform, yes a skintight bodysuit with fancy, glowing assortments ... He may not want to see her behind.]

Hey! [She raises her voice once more when she looks back at him, seeing him staring at her footwear for some reason. Why, is he interested in her high heels?] My eyes aren't down there. And you still haven't answered my question, you know!
halforc: (08)

[personal profile] halforc 2020-10-20 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's not all about Fjord, he reminds himself of that as he keeps his eyes off Molly (I know you've looked at me) and on the road, saying something about getting dinner started once they're back at the house. It's not about how Fjord's brain keeps melting when he thinks about the press of Molly against him and the way it felt to kiss him, shaking off those memories like the guilty, sullied things they are. It's definitely not about how, for a split-second (or thirty) he may have enjoyed the way it felt to have ... everything he did in his arms. ]

You're disgusting. Stop. None of it was real.

[ Muttering under his breath, he gets back to roasting them some goose and adding some grapes to the finished platter. He knocks on the master bedroom's door, not knowing if it's okay to waltz right in as he usually would. ]

Molly? Hey, ah. I've got you something to eat.
silky_bearing: (007)

[personal profile] silky_bearing 2020-10-20 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[Of course he freezes immediately when she calls his name, shoulders hunching slightly before he draws both hands in front of him, tugging nervously on his cuffs as he schools his expression into the haughty mask he uses in court. It's as close to neutral as he can get and, more importantly, the one he will be able to maintain the longest.]

Ah... Mercedes. Hardly the person I would expect to see here.

[Here. Alive and breathing and as breathtaking as the first day he'd seen her in Fhirdiad. Yes... breathing. That thing he's meant to be doing.]
paramounts: (Default)

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-20 10:15 pm (UTC)(link)
That not necessary, Dear. You may have your garments back, free of charge.

[He'll hear her call from behind him, and a rustle of clothes and if he turns around he'll see her tugging the whole thing up and over her head, leaving her in nothing but her gold and teal jewelry - plus the cuff she gained when she arrived here. She's utterly unabashed by being stark naked on the beach - although her hair seems to conveniently censor all of the most important bits.

She holds the shirt out, hanging it from one finger.
]

However! [She pulls it back by an inch,] I must request your assistance with these dragons. It seems they want to complete a task and I have none to give.
marmoron: (i said that's the plan)

[personal profile] marmoron 2020-10-20 10:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[ .... Suspicions only continuing to rise here. ]

Gonna guess that means you don't interact with mortals much.

[ Or maybe he has way too much faith in humanity's collective thirst. Whoo knows. ]

Who are you again?