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

[hashira]

[Good enough?

He won't answer that question and he won't make a second attempt to tug the tall man along, away from the platform while it isn't necessary. It seems he doesn't need to anyway and he is making taking a few steps away putting some comfortable distance between them. He won't let his guard down like that again. That had been a terrible mistake on his part but how was he to know this man would act with such boldness? It was odd, it certainly had something to do with the ruins.

When the second question is made for a brief instance he pauses in his steps. A glance back is offered before he continues on.]

I won't share my name with you now start walking.

[hashira]

[As the load is lightened, he would look off into the distance where his gaze had been trained earlier but now there was nothing there and this time it's hesitation that keeps him from speaking up. He knew what he had seen. What he had tried tracking before.]

There was something. I've tried to approach it before but I cannot seem to close the distance. It moves away too quickly. I was observing it. It seems to be gone now.

[luciing]

[ The shores of this realm not unlike those of Lucis. It it here that he often finds himself walking, leaving footprints behind in the sand that are subsequently erased by a wave seconds later. It is fitting for someone who has existed as a mere specter for over two millennia, and not unlike a phantom, he wanders not without a grim, impassive expression, a heavy solemnness untouched by the reality about him. Today, the waves are meager enough to not have washed away a previous wanderer's path. His gaze follows the trail of heavy-set prints up the shore, spotting the telling flicker of flame that dances upon a palm.

The Hero-Glaive lives. This is not as it should be. Once again, the thought that the Augur's power is truly mysterious casually comes and goes.

This is not a case of being brought to the isle from an earlier time, for the faint, webbed scarring upon the Glaive's skin is obvious to those who know to look for it: that is, those who are marked the same. All of the Line bear it upon their corpses, for all have sacrificed to the Ring to safeguard the future.

Somnus has no business with the Glaive, not when the price has been paid and the Oracle set on her way to deliver the Ring to the Chosen, but he can acknowledge the soldier with an astute lift of his chin. ] Glaive.

[warpspammer]

Yeah, it's a little above my pay grade too.

[ nyx agrees, watching the tail sweep back and forth with some curiosity. he's never seen anyone with a tail, after all, and it's interesting to observe. ]

Apparently if you play their little game, you could set yourself up with some of that. [ he indicates the bracelet with his chin. ] Or at least, that's what they've told me.

[warpspammer]

[ it's a fancy cage. it's one that has a lot of nice trappings, enough bullshit to not seem a cage, and, nyx knows, he should be grateful just to not be dead. but it's a cage none the less, and he's always fancied himself as a death before entrapment type of person.

no choice about that, but to focus on diana, the lovely laugh she gives him when he flirts with her a little. he likes her already. ]

Duly noted, and taken into consideration. [ he had, after all, once worked at a bar and that had been a long-off dream of his, to open one again. after everything. and now that he was dead and everything was beyond his control, it seemed appropriate as any a goal. ] But glad to help with the basics, first. Although it seems I'm arriving a bit late to that party.

[warpspammer]

[ he should, by all rights, not know that voice.

the voice of the mystic that had spoken to him after he put on the ring, that had declared him lacking; that had been thunderous, magical. and the statue that had come to life to aid him too, had been nothing but stone, armor that somnus was notably lacking.

still, somehow, he recognizes the voice. perhaps because his power is still from the kings of old, an ancient, burning source he can feel; but distantly, his power dimmed because of it. not something tied to regis or even noctis, but them.

and so, he hears the title glaive, and looks up, thinking it's the prince in front of him. but the clothes are wrong, as is the hair, and the voice. and when he realizes it, the fire doesn't go out, but his fist does close, like he wishes he could summon the daggers he's lacking in them.

his eyes narrow. ]

You're one of them.

and stinkiest

[warpspammer]

[ she keeps up with him, and she's quiet. she's already miles above several other people he's met on the island. he steps ahead of her in a spot that narrows, then stills, looking down underneath them to look at some criss-crossing animal tracks. ]

Surprise if possible, yes. [ his own tone is low, of one used to hunting and speaking with said hunting partners. of course, when she asks what they should do if it can't be surprised, he looks up, grinning. ]

Then I make a lot of noise, [ and when he raises his hand, fire springs to the tip of his finger as he waves it around. ] And you sneak up on it. Most beasts can't handle a battle on two fronts.

[blossomingviolet]

[ There's instantly a surprised squeak that escapes her as he does that in order to slip the bracelet off, eyes wide with surprise. Nobody's ever been able to take it off like that so easily and then that happened in a heartbeat. ]

T-Tanjiro-san, your hand--!

[ The words escape her before she can stop herself, nodding her head and exhaling a small sigh. ]

It is, but that's just the way things work here. Though... with that said, I um... it may be a bit much, but... [ Oh her face nearly matched her hair now with how much she was blushing here. ] If you ever need help with anything in your squares...

can't believe we're horny for women's rights and yet we're here playing these two

[eolja]

[seonho's hopes and dreams are probably too abstract to achieve through banging.... but he'll be maybe satisfied if they bang sanitizer into existence 🤔

now though.......................... his instinct to refuse mostly stems from a.) what if they get like... altar germs!!! and b.) good BYE dreams of banging until after marriage and c.) eustace is like... objectively hot and seonho is maybe 50% self-conscious about his ability to perform now closes eyes... it's just really embarrassing for someone who's normally such a perfectionist!!!

but other than that he doesn't have as much of a conniption for this question at least. He's gathered his resolve, and he's always been good at compartmentalizing his feelings before making decisions. It's not as if this one involves killing people or ruining lives (hell yeah). He is the very picture of Calm Assurance (not).]

If you're amenable to it. And if you have the time, since I imagine you came here with other plans in mind.

[he's so calm that he gathers his hair off over the shoulder of his fancy-ish robes (it's hot!!! the humidity!!!) in a quick, nervous gesture that reveals (1) obviously red ear... shut up it's the humidity.... do complete strangers usually fck here... what if he's committing some erku faux pas by propositioning eustace... well whatever it's too late now!!!]

[eolja]

[tanjiro... pure... also im sorry @ mods for godmoding tanjiro's dragon ability 😭]

That should make things easier for you... is what I'd like to say.

[the dragons are clustering around a little pile of driftwood, taking turns puffing on it... it would be cute if Seonho wasn't also like 50% nervous]

I'll look for some water just in case. And maybe the breeze will rescue my shirt in the meantime.

[Seonho says jokingly, while also 50% filled with DOUBT]

1/2

[eolja]

[bai lin







what on GODS GREEN EARTH WAS THAT]

[eolja]

[the fact that she didn't actually make it to the coat yet in no way lessened Seonho's Awe at her, uh, masterful... martial arts abilities? Had Seonho ever even seen martial arts master jump that high before? Did it count as martial arts if it broke the Laws of Physics? (probably)

There wasn't much Seonho could do besides.... move restlessly around the base of the tree with his arms out like he's thinking of catching her if she like........ falls. The tree wasn't so high up that it'd kill him, he's sure. He's endured worse.

it would suck for sure, but it's just bad manners to let Bai Lin break a limb after trying to help him]

[goons]

[Barret isn’t wrong. There is some fear on his part on the repercussions of ever trying to speak out under the former president’s regime. They know where his family lives, and no one has ever just left the Turks. Similar to any criminal organization, you’re in for life, and he knows too many company secrets and has too much blood on his hands for any resignation not to end with a termination of life along with his contract. It’s probably what he deserves.]

Understood.

[Rude lowers his fishing rod to the ground. Barret will need it more than he does if he’s just starting out.]

You can shoot me, if it helps.

[He can’t outright say he supports the cause. That would be treason, and it’s been established his bravery is nearly non-existent and can’t compete with his loyalty and obligations to do his job. He doesn’t like it, but it is what it is. At least dying this way might help make things right for someone.]

uh oh, stinky??

[thebeats]

[ Now hang on a flaming hot second. ]

How you do this?

[ Without any concern for his personal bubble, she catches the waving hand by the wrist and pulls it in to inspect the flame. Jaylah looks over the back of his hand as well and, once satisfied to discover that the flame is real, releases him.

There may be some cleverly concealed technology at work here, or this man before her is capable of some type of elemental control. Either way, she likes it; her grin is unfettered. ]

You make an interesting man, with fire like this. I trust that you can be very loud, if we do not surprise. It is a good plan.

[thebeats]

Men with the mind of bees, who would pull ships from the sky to feed their master.

[ Spoken with clear disdain. If she sounds like a space-shippy sort of person, and she really is one, then it wouldn't be a far jump in logic to assume she's a victim to these bees. Sorry, Lucas, but this is not a planet of cute honey-making friends. Jaylah might be a very different person by now, if that had been the case.

However, her voice does soften as she delivers the good news: ]

They are all dead now.

[theriomorphism]

[He'd heard of people referring to humans as insects; worker bees, ants in an antfarm, drones, etc, but this seemed a bit more... widespread. And if her scent, body language, and shift in tone are anything to go by, it wasn't a pleasant experience. If he was more familiar with her or her kind, he'd know if a touch of reassurance would go awry or not, but as he isn't, he opts to keep his hands to himself. Shifters, or at least the ones in his world, use physical contact for a variety of things, but particularly to ease distress and offer comfort. As a dominant type, he feels the urge to protect and comfort, but she isn't his to do engage with so casually.

He instead offers a small smile at her affirmation of their deaths.]

Perhaps that is for the best, then. And there are none of them here, as far as I know, so dead or not, you seem to be clear of them.

[winscenario]

[ She's likely to learn sooner rather than later that most things on this island are geared towards getting people laid. The dragons are actually a rather subtle approach when compared to the gym, the ruins deeper in the woods, the hot springs and the numerous aphrodisiacs all over the place.

That said, getting laid isn't exactly what he's focused on right now. Rather, he's very much glad to see another familiar face, for all that it might mean that she too is stuck here, like him.

He just narrowly manages not to bump up against her, but it's a near thing, what with the dragon catching up to him and nudging him forward yet again. ]

Sorry, [ He laughs, trying to shoo away the little creature. Cute, but kind of annoying. At least it seems pleased when Jim rests his hands on her shoulders. ]

I've been here a little longer, actually. A month, give or take. Oh, Spock's here too, [ He adds. ] I'm... really glad to see you.

[winscenario]

Right.

[ That seems to do the trick, at least. No doubt the little dragon would be pleased to see them getting even closer, but Jim's not about to close what little distance there is between them, as it's clear enough that she wants as much of it as she can manage while still being forced to stay close.

He lets out a soft chuckle, glancing at the creature. ]

Well... probably getting real cozy. Barring that, we can just stay like this until it hopefully gets bored and wanders away to go bother someone else.

[realimperfect]

Threatening or no? [ Look, if they're dealing with unseen forms here, she might as well know what she's up against. She's shot at things far more dangerous than ghosts in her life, now. Either way, Re-L doesn't appear too fussed about the possibilities, hands coming to rest on her hips as she looks up again at the wall above her. ]

I wonder if there's more to look at if we scale this. Or something those robots would want.

[fistsofchange]

[It took a few tugs and shakes to get the jacket down without tearing it. Then she bundled it up around one hand and hopped back down, drifting down at an almost leisurely pace before landing with barely a knee flex.

She held the jacket back out to him.]

Here.

Allen Walker | D.Gray-man

[likethelight]

⛧ Arrival ★

[ Being no stranger to strange things, strange places, trauma, and bizarrely unfortunate luck, Allen had actually been taking the whole thing in stride rather well.

Being shoved off the boat into the Atlantic by persons unknown only to find himself suddenly not anywhere in the Atlantic? Disturbing but not that far out of the realm of Weird Shit he's lived through. Greeted by robots? Horror, and he may have gotten more than a few bad flashbacks, but accepting that with incredible skepticism and wariness, sure.

Eyes starting to glaze over as they went over the situation with him in cheerful monotone while handing him a towel? Well yes, who wouldn't. Although interjections of "excuse me, what?" and "ah— ^pardon?" only become a bit more feeble the more they get into detail. Just because... haha, what? Are you serious? No way, he must be drowning. Gross, why would his dying brain come up with something like this.

It was fiddling with the bracelet they gave him and stumbling upon the app. That was the final straw, really. Or at least the moment when it became clear enough to be just a bit too much bullshit in one day for him.

That's why someone might find themselves very nearly being clocked (accidentally) in the head with bracelet that's been flung to Points Not Cared About with just a bit more force than is necessary. If they look to see where it came from they'll just see a sopping wet boy in a long black cloak, who seems to be muttering under his breath and stomping off rather aggressively. ]


⛧ First night / Dragonses ★

[ Anyone who knows Allen Walker would not be surprised to find him accompanied by a small, round little friend with wings.

That would not be this little friend, however. Discovered (or that discovered him) while he was poking around some of the buildings in a mix of curiosity and dejection, there is a small—ball? of seemingly a golden dragon who has been tailing after him for a while now while serenading him with trills and the occasional squeak. It even brought him a pebble at one point, as proud as hunting dog retrieving the finest trophy.

It was a little perplexing.

But endearing, and honestly the most welcome kind of companionship when seemingly stranded on a island where everything else seems hung up on unspeakable things. Especially for a lonely boy used to always having a small, curious sort of constant companion.

It's why he can be found with, yes, a dragon on his head and sitting atop a large rock outcrop near the beach as the sun starts to set, having apparently not decided on another place for the night and just seeming to be lost in some somber thought as he watches the sun set with his new companion. It seems caught between mirroring its newfound friend's attention on the glowing orb... and chewing mindlessly on the tips of his hair. At least until it overbalances, and tumbles into his lap with a squeak. ]

? [ You know, that actually gets a smile from him. The first he's managed to conjure up all day. A maybe it'll be okay kind of smile as he picks the little thing up. It gives a wriggle, seemingly overjoyed with the reaction. Love!! joy!! companionship!! It did a good!! It hiccups a small burst of flame and smoke in its excitement; it's quite cute.

The cuteness is also entirely lost on Allen, as he stares down in some dumbfound horror with his now-singed bangs. ]


⛧ Ruins / Forest ★

[ Paid menial labor is still paid, and nothing he isn't (very unfortunately) used to. It's also both a productive distraction and seems as good a way as any to find out more about the situation and how to get out of it. And so he (and occasionally his scaly new friend, who gets distracted and seems to come and go at random) can be found clearing debris or moving whatever heavy objects the robots direct him to.

His coat's been left draped over by some rocks. If he had sleeves they'd be rolled up but since he only has a sleeveless undershirt, but since he does not they aren't. It shows the rather strangely red left arm he has, with intricate and almost tribal markings on his shoulder starting at the bicep, but it could just be a very strange sort of solid tattoo, and would seem to be partially covered by the white gloves he's insisting on wearing anyway despite the work.

Although whoever has been tasked with clearing the area with him might notice how he stops rather suddenly, seeming to stare off into the misty forest. ]

Did you hear something?


⛧ Ritual ★

[ There is a very good explanation for what is about to happen.

Namely, he had no idea anybody else was already here. Also, he had no idea what here even was. Why, do you ask, did he miss the telltale signs that something was wrong and ended up smack-dab in the middle of a situation he would normally have avoided like the plague anyway?

It's because he fell in from the roof, obviously.

No, seriously. Whoever might have come in the normal way and found themselves near the altar, and who was probably ready to leave if they had any sense to them, might hear a scrabbling sound high overhead, and see some dust and pebbles begin to fall as they're knocked loose. Which wouldn't be that unusual; there's holes in the ceiling where light streams in, anyway.

What is unusual is when several of those stones give way suddenly, with a piercing... yelp? No, that comes from the boy now plummeting towards the ground, off-balance and seeming to about to land very poorly.

But there's a flash of light. Quick, eclipsing him in white-gold, and making it hard to look at for a moment. Streams of light shoot upwards towards the ceiling and seem to... tether? to the stone? But the light fades, and reveals instead a white-haired boy who seems to be wrapped up in an equally white, giant cloak that still glows faintly, feathers of light falling slowly around the altar that seem to come from its fluffy cowl.

And who is hanging suspended from the ceiling by what seem to be ribbons from the cloak that have wrapped around him. Tangling him up but having caught him just before he hit the ground, and that cradle and almost seem to brandish his splayed left arm; the hand of which would seem to be a wickedly large, but also delicate-seeming claw that gleams with the same sort of warm light.

It's a strangely beautiful as much as it's a little unsettling. Oddly, and in an ethereal kind of way. And under other circumstances, could almost be a breathtaking sort of thing.

The actuality is far less flattering. ]

Ehe... [ Have a very sheepish, upside-down smile. Give him a moment, the effects of the chamber are lost to him at the moment due to, you know, superseding importance of a near death experience. ]

Hello?


⛧ Other / Wildcard ★

[ Hit me with anything, I'm down! PM, SleightsOfHand#7916 on Discord, or SleightsOfHand for plotting/etc.

For anything spicy, Allen is 16 and a willful, stubborn prude. And currently 10000% likely to (hilariously) throw the brakes on literally anything that tries to go anywhere. For the forest prompt, any encounter with any of the possible things is golden.

This boy is dumb but painfully well-meaning. Please be friends with him or troll him mercilessly. :') ]

[luciing]

[ Somnus' gaze flits to the fist with the fire which the Glaive continues to generate, then returns it to his face with an impassive stare. The Kings had overturned his would-be death from a salvo of hollow-point bullets moments before donning the Ring, in a manner merely offsetting it. Their power had been granted to him until dawn, at which point he would perish from a toll of burns. Perhaps the moment of breaking light had been somehow frozen upon his death, similarly, upon coming here.

A waves rolls close to where they stand upon the shore of the isle, overturning loose shells and dragging seafoam back into the ocean. His footprints are wiped from existence, but the hem of his dark robes remain dusted with sand.

Regardless of conjecture, this remains true: he yet wields it. The flame dances with the trepidation, frustation he reads within the Glaive's eyes. What cruelty, for it would only hurt him the longer he channels it. Would it be better to release the man of this power, should it burn him still? He has paid his price in full, he has given to the future already, and he would only suffer more by using it.

Somnus offers neither gesture nor change in his austere expression, but utters a singe word of caution regarding that flame: ]

Temperance.

it will always surprise you!

[devilstongue]

Two gold? Gods, that's a lot of money. Here I thought it was expensive back home. I prefer my breakfast ale.

[ Molly grins at the 'conspiratorial' voice and eagerly walks over to join Oran's side. He makes an exaggeratedly dramatic gesture (coat flick and all) towards the city. ]

Do lead the way. I definitely need a pick-me-up after this mess, and some good company.

[devilstongue]

Nope!

[ He doesn't clarify any more than that, just grinning. ]

[devilstongue]

[ Molly pays a little more attention at that, his smile widening. Sex was great in itself, but you gained more than that? ]

So this place awards us for fucking? Not just asking it of us to 'save it' or whatever?

[ Oh, he's definitely into this, now. ]

I wonder if you rack up enough points, you get to go back home.