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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: (🔮 111)

[personal profile] devilstongue 2020-10-31 08:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Molly leans back a bit, sipping his coffee again as his cards are stuffed into his coat. There's something else going on in the other tiefling's head, but he doesn't know the guy enough to prod yet. It might scare him off. ]

Well, I don't just read for coin. Sometimes it just makes people feel better to know that fate is looking after them, you know? It creates hope.

[ He smiles a little, and then looks out the window of the shop for a moment. ]

This place... it sounded like paradise at first, but I have friends that need me, and the one that's here? He's already had a bout with whatever drugs the robots put in the food they gave us. Is it like that, a lot? Things you cannot control?
paramounts: (daira_goricheva_01)

[personal profile] paramounts 2020-10-31 08:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[She turns, folding her hands in front of her, a perfect, pink, manicured nail tapping on her elbow and there's almost a predatory glint in her eyes when she regards him now. She'll address the 'borrowed' jacket later.]

Is it so hard for you to believe that you are standing in the presence of a goddess that you've resorted to calling me a liar? There is only one of those in this tent, and it is not myself, Dear.
lockedon: (078)

does seonho even want to get married

[personal profile] lockedon 2020-10-31 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Damn.....is he gonna be crying the whole time they bang, that's very depressing. But hey, whatever gets him off.

Anyway, Eustace is indeed an all-opportunity sinner, or maybe his standards are just low when it comes to bang in the name of checking of squares?? In comparison to Seonho's low level panic, he looks completely unperturbed, even when Seonho points to the square that says 'bondage'. Is there even any rope up on this mountain.....hm.

In any case, since the guy seems worried, he'll just lay all those fears to rest. ]


Don't worry about it. I'll get off one way or another.

[ How................reassuring.......................

While Seonho finishes picking out his squares, Eustace is just gonna start undressing, pulling his shirt off over his head. (We didn't throw a dart at the 'clothing' square right......) ]
shemara: (050)

[personal profile] shemara 2020-10-31 09:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I've been fixing my apartment. It's not a lot but it takes up time. A lot of them need repair if you don't use your Acts to get it repaired for you.

[She gives a small shrug.] And a lot of people around here like doing things. And the robots pay us for tasks each month, but only tasks they request help with? It's...strange.
711: (♚ 161)

[personal profile] 711 2020-10-31 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
You're not going to ask other people to do it for you?

[Wow. Ye of little faith, Suzaku. It's almost like he assumes Lloyd is incapable of such things, but that's only because he doesn't want to imagine Lloyd doing such things. Ah... He's just going to pretend he's busy altering Gawain's flight path............. yeah, that'll make this less awkward, won't it?

Spoilers: it won't. Why is this the single most embarrassing conversation Suzaku's had in regards to the A5?!]


I just can't imagine someone like you being interested in that sort of thing. [But he's imagining it anyway! So much for trying not to.] I almost expected you to call it a "waste of resources," or something like that.

[And what exactly is the resource? Lloyd himself???]
knightmaking: (and i care why)

[personal profile] knightmaking 2020-10-31 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Okay, but Lloyd is kind of an inexhaustible resource... of something. What, we just don't know. Anyway, it's almost like no one who knows Lloyd actually wants to consider that he has, in fact, fucked at some point in time. Bizarre! Of course, that isn't going to stop him from telling Suzaku as much point-blank! ]

I suppose you could call it a waste of resources under very specific circumstances but I don't believe that's a problem I have. [ aka he doesn't need viagra, suzaku, he isn't that old??? ] And while you are right that I'm not particularly interested in that sort of thing, it's not as though I've never had sex, Kururugi.
711: (♘ 032)

[personal profile] 711 2020-10-31 11:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[An inexhaustible source of embarrassment, that's what! Ah, but Suzaku's getting over himself. Bit by bit, he's learning to accept that Lloyd is only human even if he is perhaps the oddest human he knows.]

...that was awfully blunt. [You did it, Lloyd. You said the s word just like that and didn't bat an eye. Such power.] I guess I'm not surprised. By your age, most people have.

[um, RUDE, but hold on, let Suzaku clarify. Let Suzaku make this worse for no one but himself.]

With another person, right? [WOW] Not a machine?
knightmaking: (why it's elementary my dear suzaku)

[personal profile] knightmaking 2020-11-01 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ what kind of question is that even. Lloyd nearly looks offended. Almost, almost! But not really. In the long run, he supposes it is a valid question. ]

That depends. Do you consider it with only another person if it was on a machine or would it be both?

[ If Suzaku's going to ask questions like that, he's just going to have to make it worse. You asked for this, mister, it's all on you. ]
711: (♞ 106)

[personal profile] 711 2020-11-01 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
[He'd consider sticking one's dick in a machine to be having sex with it, really, but having sex on a robot? Well. Suzaku supposes that's acceptable. Perhaps not for the machine involved, sure, but most machines don't have the luxury of complaining.

Suzaku ever so gently eases further into Gawain's pilot seat. There. Now there's absolutely no threat of accidental eye contact. This conversation is moderately easier without it.]


To clarify... it was the person you were having sex with and not the machine, right? [oh my god what is this conversation what is his life why couldn't lelouch just let suzaku die] ...please tell me it was just the other person.
dreamofrain: art by kazutano (she moves in the logic of all my dreams)

[personal profile] dreamofrain 2020-11-01 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
No, I'm the only YoRHa unit he-

[ 6O suddenly gasped, reaching for Lloyd's hand to pull him towards her, her density and sturdiness more than enough to brace against him when he no doubt slammed into her as a result, but it was better than being swept off his feet again. ]

There it was! Did you feel that? [ A brushing behind him, like a mix between a stiff breeze and a pair of hands... ]
knightmaking: (never up to any good)

[personal profile] knightmaking 2020-11-01 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
I'm beginning to question just how you're picturing this...

[ He already said on! On! But he'll clarify with a much put-upon sigh. ]

I solemnly swear it was with an actual, real person. Shall I go into detail or does that satisfy your curiosity?
vegalthon: (Sheepish)

[personal profile] vegalthon 2020-11-01 04:31 am (UTC)(link)
[Once again, got it in one, purple friend. Oran is still feeling a little flushed when Molly admits to that little issues, asks those questions.]

It's... you can learn to avoid some things, but the Augur has a way of honeying traps. It's, um. If you know how to play it right...

[It can be really very nice, actually. Here is a veritable inexperienced idiot who's managed to make some very good friends thanks to some of the Augur's antics... but by the same mettle of Oran's inexperience and lack of trust issues have burned him, too, and that should be obvious by his expression.

Still, he feels some mixed concern and curiosity.]


I hope he's well. It can be... ah, awkward. I mean, it's good your friend is here! But sometimes that makes it worse, not better.
711: (♘ 073)

[personal profile] 711 2020-11-01 04:42 am (UTC)(link)
To be perfectly honest, I'm really trying not to.

[Sad but true. Alas, they've reached the mansion and Suzaku no longer has to entertain thoughts of Lloyd smashing ass on top of any machines.

At any rate, if this is the direction their conversation his hell bound to go down, Suzaku's not going to entertain it without a drink or twelve in his system. He parks Gawain's ugly metal ass some paces behind the mansion and makes a beeline for the back door, kindly leaving it open so Lloyd can follow him into his humble abode.

Oh, and it's offensively Japanese, because of course it is.]


Do you want anything to eat or drink? We have no shortage of supplies, so please, don't be shy.

[Yeah. Because Lloyd is shy.]
knightmaking: (ho hum)

[personal profile] knightmaking 2020-11-01 05:19 am (UTC)(link)
[ If he hadn't questioned it, he would never have had to know! Now it's a cursed thought and there is no escape but Lloyd is, thankfully, not actually interested in following through on his threat of further details now that they've arrived. No, his first thought as he hops down out of Gawain and trails along after Suzaku is actually, ]

I would rather make sure the Lancelot is fine, in all honesty...

[ Because why would he want to eat, drink, or, you know, maybe take a shower after washing up on a beach shore of a weird island before checking on a robot? That'd be weird. ]

Provided you're done with your lewd interrogation.
711: (♘ 007)

[personal profile] 711 2020-11-01 05:43 am (UTC)(link)
Lancelot is fine.

[My, that answer came rather swiftly, almost curtly. Lancy's fine, man. It hasn't seen a lick of combat nor much use beyond Suzaku sulking in the cockpit for a few days following a particularly ugly fight with Lelouch. Nothing new there, frankly.

The back entrance leads directly into one of two sitting rooms, which is perfect for sitting down and talking about their situation like normal people................ lewd interrogations, apparently??? Apparently. Woe is Suzaku. He's half tempted to pick an orange up off the table and fling it at Lloyd, but just like how he's thoughtful enough to spare him a kick to the head, he doesn't. somebody please teach milky how to write]


I would be careful about who you choose to fill out those squares with. There are some unsavory people on this island.

[Would Suzaku know this by experience? This mansion says yes.]
knightmaking: (why it's elementary my dear suzaku)

[personal profile] knightmaking 2020-11-01 07:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ continuing this over here. ]
Edited 2020-11-02 00:57 (UTC)
knightmaking: (why it's elementary my dear suzaku)

moves this to ze log

[personal profile] knightmaking 2020-11-01 07:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ continued over here. ]
Edited 2020-11-02 00:32 (UTC)
hegemonwings: (ᴏғ sɪɢʜᴛʟᴇss ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜɪɴɢ sᴛᴏɴᴇs)

[personal profile] hegemonwings 2020-11-01 07:32 am (UTC)(link)
[ she doesn't know what she's hoping to achieve here. and really, when it comes to the seteth at home... she hadn't thought that far ahead.

he's right with one unspoken thing, though. this is pointless.
]

... Perhaps I should. You knew what that monster did to me, protected her every lie—so why should I trust a word you say?

[ the words are cold, clumsy and cruel—but she doesn't care. ]

All your family cares about is control.
aflowers: (059)

[personal profile] aflowers 2020-11-01 01:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Aerith shakes her head, offering him a quick smile, one that's hopefully reassuring. Even feeling some kind of way like she is, the booming of his voice isn't likely to scare her anytime soon. If anything, it brings its own kind of comfort. People from Gaia always do, regardless of whom. Although it Barret's case... ]

I'm alright. I've been here a while now, you know! Which is why I can tell you that this isn't somewhere safe to be if you only just got here...

[ She tilts her head, indicating the direction they should go before taking confident steps toward it, looking back at Barret as she goes. ]

Have you seen the others yet? Cloud's here. ...Some people from Shinra, too. [ She knows that part won't make him happy, but it's probably best coming from her so he doesn't have to deal with the shock of it later on.

(Little does she know...) ]
garreg_much: (Seteth)

[personal profile] garreg_much 2020-11-01 01:44 pm (UTC)(link)
All I knew was that you robbed Rhea of her senses. Everything she did concerning you was utterly incomprehensible. We fought over you, did you know that? We almost never fight. I--

[Seteth's voice rises, shriller, strained, not unlike how it had the month Flayn had gone missing. He catches himself now, forces a few deep, steadying breaths to center himself. Getting upset over this won't help either of them, will it?]

.....I know very little about the abhorrent magic that must have created you, and what I do know, I yearn to forget. That is a forbidden knowledge your Agarthan friends may still possess. If you can't trust anything I say, then you're only wasting both our time and breath here. Go to Shambhala, General.
hegemonwings: (ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅʀɪғᴛᴡᴏᴏᴅ)

[personal profile] hegemonwings 2020-11-01 02:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ agarthan is an unfamiliar term. but it's not hard to guess what he's referring to. ]

After all they've done, all they've taken, you think— [ she's honestly dumbfounded at that. seteth opening up about that is news to her, but— ]

We held them at bay and won the war without them. Those monsters are as much our enemies as the Church was... we just were in no position to move against them in full, before.
Edited 2020-11-01 14:02 (UTC)
garreg_much: (Seteth)

[personal profile] garreg_much 2020-11-01 02:46 pm (UTC)(link)
They fought for the Imperial army, which means they fought for you, General. You were bedfellows with the men who killed your father, who abducted Flayn, who destroyed Remire Village. Whatever excuses you may have had for not raising your sword against them from the start, that doesn't change the fact that you joined hands with them to slaughter all who opposed the Empire.

[Seteth's lips twist in disgust at that. Hubert's letter had implied the partnership wasn't in good faith, but even so--the idea that Byleth could stomach working with such monsters at all, yet not believe him..... It truly does illustrate how little she must think of him, doesn't it?]

Interrogate their mages, if you want to learn their secrets. Or search their stronghold, if it still stands. It can only be the fruits of their sins that inspired Rhea's madness--she wouldn't answer my questions. Perhaps you'll have better luck.
hegemonwings: (ᴅᴇᴇᴘ ʙᴇɴᴇᴀᴛʜ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʙᴇᴅ)

[personal profile] hegemonwings 2020-11-01 03:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ how dare he? how fucking dare he— ]

You don't know what you're talking about.

[ that's... the nicest way she can say that. about most of what seteth just said. still, it comes out like ice. ]

We were forced to endure them while we did the only thing we could to take the world back. I have never commanded them, and the Empire hasn't called on their power since the Holy Tomb.

I joined hands with Edelgard, with my students. With Alois, Shamir, Manuela, Hanneman. With those who saw me as a person, not a thing.

[ max recruitment run baybeeeeee ]
spacerat: (Such a mess)

[personal profile] spacerat 2020-11-01 04:00 pm (UTC)(link)
It doesn't really feel like it, honestly.

[ he gives a little abashed laugh. he's familiar enough with the other arrivals to know that differences in time of arrival don't mean anything back home, but he doesn't realize that's what she's worried over, either.

instead, the comment on the help and the robots has him grimacing. ]


Yeah, the kind of help they want isn't exactly what you're thinking of.

[ he glances around, then gestures to her. ]

C'mon, I'll explain and feed you, too. But first things first; you should know Heero is here as well.
better_goodbyes: (Gardening is my passion)

[personal profile] better_goodbyes 2020-11-01 04:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[It was standing and in one piece, that was pretty impressive on its own given what he had seen so far. Clearing out a few weeds and making a few garden boxes and it wouldn't be bad at all.]

It looks good, you must have been working pretty hard. Besides now we can work on the garden together.

[There was a pretty good area, that he could clear out for exercise and sparring too. And a few places for fruit trees.]