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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



luckthis: (pic#13811018)

[personal profile] luckthis 2020-10-27 11:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Harriet could be stubborn and on some days that was her best quality; the edge she needed in a fight that balanced her out with the rest of the ream. This was not one of those days. Not that Clover was judging but nothing is harder to believe than being spat out by the ocean onto alien shores. So he's trying to be patient here. Her being here could be an upset to the still uneasy working relationship with the remainder of team RWBY but he was hardly going to leave her twisting in the wind. ]

Trust me, if I was joking you'd be in stitches. This isn't Remnant, Hare.
occulti: (ⓠ)

[personal profile] occulti 2020-10-28 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
Mmm. Yeah. I've had my share of a good time with women, too.
But there's just something soooo charming about men.

[ Klaus smiles, looking soft, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Yeah, he's thinking of a certain someone. ]

I always support you, okay? I don't know where you came from and how that thing is looked at, but I support you in case nobody else has before.
better_goodbyes: (Gardening is my passion)

[personal profile] better_goodbyes 2020-10-28 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
[Well that was handy, and it would save a lot of time getting places. Though he wondered if it was like Raven's semblance and that there were only specific places she was able to go with it.]

Guess I'll hold things down here for the time being.

[While waiting, he decided to go ahead and get a head start on a bit of the weeding, knowing the importance it played in having a decent garden.]
jetsetwitch: (Definitely)

[personal profile] jetsetwitch 2020-10-28 12:34 am (UTC)(link)
[Maybe three minutes later she reappeared with a pair of beers in hand. In pint glasses.

She offered one to Taiyang.]


Still ice cold!
better_goodbyes: (Sunny Dragon Dad)

[personal profile] better_goodbyes 2020-10-28 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
You're right, we always will be.

[He squeezed her hand, before sweeping her off of her feet and carrying her in a bridal fashion. Tai didn't know much about Salem, just that she existed. He didn't know the whole story like Qrow and the girls, but it was something he wouldn't wish on any world.]

So what's our first mission team leader?
better_goodbyes: (Smoulder)

[personal profile] better_goodbyes 2020-10-28 01:09 am (UTC)(link)
[Tai gladly accepted, taking the cold drink and giving it a small sip.]

That's a pretty neat trick, must save a lot of time when you have to get somewhere.

[Though it did seem to take a bit to draw our the circle and everything, so not something to be used in an emergency.]

What's your name?
jetsetwitch: (Default)

[personal profile] jetsetwitch 2020-10-28 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
It takes the fun out of travelling, honestly. But sometimes its worth the convenience.

[Akane gave him a little salute with her glass.]

Akane Kowata. I'm supposed to not be super obvious about magic but there's so much of the stuff around here there barely feels like a point. I'm a witch.

[She took a drink of her beer.]

You know, being out in the middle of the wilderness and working all day makes it taste better.
waswrongtoo: (That's just adorable)

[personal profile] waswrongtoo 2020-10-28 01:34 am (UTC)(link)
[It was embarrassing for a full-blown huntress to suddenly eep in startlement, but how could she not when he just swept her up into his arms like that? It was cheating, damn him, cheating!

Of course, the surprise faded into warm affection quickly and she relaxed in his arms, smiling fondly.
]

Our mission now is to get to base. Just follow the road until we reach the city, I'll guide you from there.

["Base" meaning the closest thing to a home she had now, but hey, it was fun using mission jargon for this.]
knightmaking: (ho hum)

[personal profile] knightmaking 2020-10-28 01:50 am (UTC)(link)
6O? I see. I'm—!

[ Also missing the next spike of EMF activity, which is, once again, targetting the poor man. This time it's more of a shove, though, and he'll stumble and trip over his own feet since he was still walking. He misses 6O, thankfully, if only by a hair, so she gets to watch Lloyd land face-first in the dirt thanks to a rude spectral shove from behind.

For the love of... He pushes himself up and over, plopping down to sit on the path and shoot looks all around them.
]

There's... nothing there again?! [ There hadn't even been an operator unit walking behind him to try and blame this time! ] That was absolutely not my imagination this time!

knightmaking: (and i care why)

[personal profile] knightmaking 2020-10-28 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ He's definitely a weirdo but, for once, he may actually be reconsidering his previous proclamations here. ]

Five? [ That isn't too far?! Suzaku's assumptions are spot on since Lloyd's expression visibly falls at the mention of the distance. He probably can walk five miles but does he want to? No! He doesn't! ] Ah, no. I think I'll pass on being carried...

[ Normally, he doesn't let things like 'dignity' get in the way but how awkward that would be! And slower, if one accounts for the additional drag of his weight! Which leaves his options as: walk five miles, hang onto the Lancelot for five miles, or— ugh. He heaves a sigh and immediately flops back down to sit on the beach again, one great big huff, like this is the most terrible thing Suzaku's ever asked of him! Ever! It isn't but he's being dramatic here. ]

Fine. I'll tolerate the Gawain for your sake. [ Yes, for Suzaku's sake. Definitely not his own. Nope. ] But don't take too long. I'd prefer not to be swarmed by dragons again.

[ He really doesn't need fifty more pairs of random glasses now that he has his own back. ]
711: (♘ 057)

[personal profile] 711 2020-10-28 02:11 am (UTC)(link)
[Ah, but Lloyd is willing to endure five miles worth of sheer, unadulterated agony at the hands of Gawain's leather upholstery. Suzaku appreciates his sacrifice more than he could possibly put into words, or... something. Frankly, he's just glad Lloyd didn't kick up a much bigger fuss.

At long last, Suzaku peels off those offensive heart-shaped shades and hands them off to the nearest dragon.]


I'll try my best. Hang on tight.

[And in a flash, he's off! Ten minutes later, give or take, Suzaku arrives in Gawain. Notably, it looks like it hasn't seen anything like combat in a long while. It looks like it hasn't seen any combat, frankly, which is a testament to the Augur's ability to reproduce anything the heart desires. Lowering Gawain onto one knee, Suzaku makes the task of getting into this big ugly thing that much easier for poor Lloyd. God knows having to ride in it is torturous enough.]

Are you ready to go?

[Will Lloyd ever be ready for a joyride in Gawain...?]
hare_faster: (Non the least)

[personal profile] hare_faster 2020-10-28 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Well crap, Clover was actually using his mission voice, this wasn't a joke. Putting a hand on her hip, Harriet took a moment to glance back towards the beach and robots that were still drifting around. They certainly weren't Atlas tech, and none of the other kingdoms had that kind of tech yet, so there had to be at least a little merit to the idea.]

Ok, so if this isn't Remnant, what are we doing here? Are any of the others here?
better_goodbyes: (Recovering)

[personal profile] better_goodbyes 2020-10-28 02:27 am (UTC)(link)
Seems like you'd still be able to take a trip the old-fashioned way if you wanted. Just use it when you really need to get somewhere, not when you want to take a bit of time to see the scenic route.

[Tai took a bit longer draft from his own drink.]

Working up a good appetite and thirst always makes it a bit better at the end of the day. It's nice to meet you Akane. I'm Taiyang Xaio Long, but feel free to call me Tai.

[Pretty much everyone did. And as for whether he had been surprised or not about her mention of being a witch, it didn't really show. In a way he still assumed that the teleportation had just been a part of her semblance.]
better_goodbyes: (Sunny Dragon Dad)

[personal profile] better_goodbyes 2020-10-28 02:34 am (UTC)(link)
[He knew what worked. Besides he couldn't help himself seeing her again. As for the base, it would be a bit more of a home before long. Tai could get to work on a garden, do a few things here and there to get it up to shape.]

ten-four. Operation Summer delivery underway.
waswrongtoo: (Look look look!  I'm mysterious~)

[personal profile] waswrongtoo 2020-10-28 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
[Summer's got the interior more or less up to shape, but Tai's got plenty of work to do outside. She'll make sure to get him some seeds.]

Let's go for a prompt finish then!

[And they're off! Not that it takes long to reach the city at this point.

The looming, decrepit buildings are not the most welcoming of places, especially given the memories of lost towns they bring up to Summer, and she knows Tai can remember those sort of missions too. But she guides them through with simple instructions of left and right, along the old, broken roads of the place.
]

We still don't know what happened here. [She mentions at one point, knowing he'll be wondering. How could he not?] If the robots know, they aren't sharing.
jetsetwitch: (I'm incredible)

[personal profile] jetsetwitch 2020-10-28 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
That's what I do, yup! I'm a bit of a traveler, I guess.

[Mmm beer.]

Tai, then. Nice to meet you.
silky_bearing: Artist: Unknown (116)

[personal profile] silky_bearing 2020-10-28 03:40 am (UTC)(link)
It seems we all have come... well via the sea and because of this "Augur"

[He frowns a little, glances away. Not quite looking at her at any point.]

I'm sorry that you've been subjected to this as well. It may be a comfort to know that most of your ah... former classmates are here.

[Something he's really not sure how he feels about. It's a bit unsettling, really. Considering what happened when he last saw them. Last saw her.]

I'm glad to see you well, Mercedes. [Soft and just a little choked up.]
knightmaking: (i don't even get it)

[personal profile] knightmaking 2020-10-28 05:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ Lloyd will just have to get over it. Sooner or later, he'll realize without Rakshata here, he gets to tinker with it as much as he wants, although the distinct lack of wear and tear from combat does imply there may be fewer chances to do just that. In any case, when Suzaku returns in a disgustingly short amount of time, he'll find Lloyd still in the spot he sat, which is probably a relief in itself.

He could have wandered off. He chose not to. Most of that is due in part to how he's finally been scrolling through the data on his bracelet and... well...
]

Er. [ He's quick to shoot a look back towards the Gawain as it arrives, kneeling down to offer him a hand up. ] Yyyes. Let's.

[ If nothing else, he's at least more than capable of scaling a Knightmare Frame to drop himelf down into the second seat it sports, and once seated, he has questions? Yeah, he has questions. ]

Suzaku. Does that certain kind of work you mentioned involve what's on this... [ tapping the bracelet. ] device here, by any chance?
ludicrous: (pic14394346)

[personal profile] ludicrous 2020-10-28 10:36 am (UTC)(link)
Ha. Should I play dead?

[ Would that appease? Derailed, Lelouch considers the use of platitudes for a man who needs no comforting, especially from the likes of him. ]

Take care that you aren't caught in the act before attempting anything. [ Regrettably, neither of them possess traits conducive to curb-stomping tin cans with any poise. If the robot horde decide to come after them as a collective swarm for attacking their fellow brethren, as many people have already attested, they stand very little chance of victory. Too bad that Lelouch spits in the face of probability. ] Let's see... yes, the Augur, the Augur, and most likely.

[ It's so terrible, Lloyd. Every single one of Lelouch's hopes and dreams were dashed when he couldn't make heads or tails of this bizarro world, but he did accomplish the bare minimum of due diligence. ]

I hope the conclusion you arrive at is more satisfying than mine was.
my_own_will: (Default)

Ruins

[personal profile] my_own_will 2020-10-28 12:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[The young woman that joined Tai didn't look much older than Yang, but she was a lot more proper than his two daughters. Definitely someone from a more strict upbringing. However she was also happy to help.

Like Tai she could fight the monsters just fine. However in her case along with her spear strikes she could do things that could only be described as magic. Creating balls of fire or other elemental attacks without the use of Dust.

When he mentioned needing a drink she couldn't help but let out a sigh.]


You really should have come here better prepared! I brought some water bottles though.

[She handed one off to Tai.]

Since we have a moment to talk I've been meaning to ask, what do you do for a living?
paramounts: (pandatails_01)

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-28 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[But the lecherous ways are the fun part!]

How interesting. So not unlike a Satyr. But much better behaved I might say.

[Satyrs were not her cup of tea, although they had similar interests, they often went about them in... frankly disgusting ways.

When he asks his question she glances over, before shaking her head and giving the pile a dismissive wave of her hand,
]

No, the little dragonlings brought them to me as tribute. I suppose I will have to eventually find the owners of all of them.
paramounts: (Default)

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-28 09:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[And he will surely get plenty of that praise eventually. She already likes him quite a bit for the short time she's been here. Helpful and humble and complimentary? Not to mention a face she could get used to looking at. Yes they'll get along just fine.

It's a mystery where she got her pillows to lounge on, but it's a cozy setup. She's already thinking of what she'd like her more permanent residence to look like. Maybe a temple?
]

I'm most interested in these auspicious acts, darling. Is it true that the island is rebuilt, through acts of passion?

[Putting it politely, although she doesn't mind being more straightforward if she needs to.]
paramounts: (lowlighter_02)

What a gentleman :'D Also sorry for the slowness!

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-28 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's a bold look, wearing a bracer and nothing else - one that makes her think of her lord Ares more than anything, with how it's burned and scratched from years of use.

It's the sound of boots in the sand that pulls her from her thoughts, and she looks up to the rustle of fabric as it's set firmly around her shoulders. The raiment is more familiar than the jackets and shirts that others have offered and she rubs the fabric between thumb and forefinger.
]

Are you concerned for my modesty, dearest? My, how very noble of you. [She lilts, sounding sincere but not terribly bothered by her own predicament as much as he is.] And what a fine raiment it is. Are you a man of some importance in your world?
likethelight: (158)

[personal profile] likethelight 2020-10-28 11:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Crying like that... it doesn't seem like because of what happened. Then again, the whole weight of everything that's happened if she's like him could be the reason, if it all hit her just now. Even so, sobbing like that like something was being wrenched from her...

Something doesn't seem right.

Pressing his lips together in some concern, he lets his arms drop ever so slightly. Not awkwardly, but—carefully? Like it's something he's very mindful of, letting his arms wrap more gently and deliberately around her. Not tightly, but to give her what little comfort it feels like he can offer. He might be good with words when it comes to this, not that he would think he is, but...

Honestly, he's a bit at a loss. Other than her pain is quite sharp and real, whatever the true cause of it, and even if he hates seeing anyone cry, it feels like a stab to his own heart with how deep that hurt seems to be. It's why he hates it so much when others cry and can't help but be moved, especially a girl sobbing like something's being torn from her.

It echoes and lodges in his own chest. Of course he can't help but want to do something to make it better.

So he'll just do the little he can—offer her a hug and a place to cry—until her sobs start to subside. ]


It'll be okay, miss Nike. [ It's gentle. And something he'll only say only when she starts to quiet, although he won't move until she seems ready for him to. ]

You'll be okay now.

[ They can both pretend he just means what happened to her back in the temple, if that's easier for her. ]
lockedon: <user name=cocodar site=twitter.com> (114)

[personal profile] lockedon 2020-10-28 11:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He only knows one Satyr and unfortunately she's leagues away from what this goddess must surely be talking about. Normally he'd ask, but her flippant comment rubs him the wrong way. Then again, just about everything rubs him the wrong way because he just sucks like that. ]

Do you expect all races descended from animals to be completely ill-behaved?

[ Why do so many people think like this? It's exhausting. He'll deal with her pile of illicit clothing later, after he hears what she has to say. Even the nudge of the tiny dragons around his legs do little to sway him. ]