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

Aphrodite | Hades

[paramounts]

A. Arrival
[Well, it's not the first time Aphrodite has come from the sea. What's jarring is that she doesn't remember how she got here in the first place. It's not by her power, as far as she can tell.

There's no better way to get some answers than to just get to it. If you have an unsecured tent, or room, you might find yourself with one (1) naked goddess poking around your belongings. Her long pink hair keeps her from being entirely immodest, but she certainly doesn't seem to have many scruples about just doing what she wants. When she hears a noise behind her, she turns and rises to meet them.]

Oh, you must be the owner of this lovely little hovel. [Said sweetly, without a note of disdain. It IS a lovely hovel.] It's so cute, I just could not resist looking around when I saw it!


B. Dragon Helpers 1
No, for the last time, Dearest, I do not have need of need that.

[It doesn't take long for her to claim a spot on the beach for her own. Made up of a tent, some pillows, and what is now a growing pile of clothes. (None of which are on her body, to be certain. She might be among the mortals now but she wasn't yet ready to start walking around like a human.)

The tiny rotund dragon makes a pleased squeaking noise before it drops it's offering – a sock, this time. Pilfered from someone else's goods, most likely. With a sigh, she offers the creature a brief scritch on the top of it's head, then watches as the dragon skitters off – in search of it's next offering, no doubt. At least it's cute.]

You there! [She calls out to the nearest passerby. She holds the sock up between thumb and forefinger,] Do you have need of a... fabric tube? I would keep it for myself, but it is quite potent.

[A boon. Of sorts.]


C. Dragon Helpers... 2
[Or perhaps you come upon the goddess later, when she has finally acquiesced to the little dragonling's wishes and put on some clothes. Perhaps it's a comically oversized t-shirt, or a tunic, or a single piece of armor (and only that), but whatever it is, it certainly looks like something that belongs to you. And when she catches you staring, she flutters her eyes, tucking fingers under her chin coquettishly. Unaware that she's wearing stolen clothes.]

Yes? Can I help you, Dearest?


D. Wildcard
[Anything is fine! I'm largely voice testing so I'm keeping it light/more shenanigans focused buuut she probably will flirt with anyone so if someone is particularly dtf a random goddess that could happen.]

B.

[marmoron]

[ Keith is walking around the beach keeping an eye out for any familiar faces when he's interrupted by a very naked lady. From the way he startles back a step, you'd think he hasn't actually seen a few of those before. ]

Okay, woah--

[ His eyes dart from her face, down her ches-- no, the sock, before finally deciding the safest place to look is the pile of clothes she's apparently collecting. ]

I can't help you with that. [ A beat. ] Is something wrong with all of those clothes?

:> I only have sexyface icons

[paramounts]

[Oh my, what a sweet summer child mortal boy. Pink lips curl up into a smile, and she does absolutely nothing to maintain any decency (although her long hair seems to conveniently censor the most important bits. Handy!)]

Oh, I wouldn’t know, Dear. [She says, voice dripping with sweetness, although her eyes are sharp. Like a predator debating whether she wants to play a little or show mercy. She casts a glance over her shoulder to the little tent she’s called her own,] They’re not mine, although the little dragons on staff seem to think otherwise.

[She pouts,] I just can’t turn them down, their little faces are so sweet.

seems fitting haha

[marmoron]

[ The woman is really hard to get a proper read on. She doesn't seem at all bothered about being here, or concerned about... well much of anything? At the very least, she apparently has a soft spot for the little dragons, which nets her one positive in Keith's book, but that's about it. He glances at her again, this time determined not to be flustered. Surprise nudity would fluster most people, right? Right. ]

You don't want to wear anyone else's clothes. I get that.

[ Keeping his eyes on her face, he continues. ]

Where are yours?

c, i can't believe you're toying with my heart like this

[lockedon]

[ He only knows that's his shirt because of the stupid side and back cut-outs, something no other reasonable shirt on this island would have. (Erune fashion, always classy except for when it absolutely isn't.) And yet, despite the nonsensical design, the pink-haired woman manages to pull it off, looking surprisingly comfortable and classy.

That's not the point though.

The point is, she's wearing his clothes, and while he normally would err on the side of letting such things slide - it's just fabric, after all - the clothing options on this island have been subpar at best, and he really can't afford to lose yet another shirt.

So!

As she flutters her eyelashes at him, he stares at her dead-on, entirely unimpressed by her display. ]

You're wearing my shirt.

[ Surely the outstretched hand should be enough indication that he'd like it back?? ]

:> that's what she does best

[paramounts]

[It’s a talent, really. As much as she prefers to keep it au natural, she has to admit, when she does choose to dress, she makes it work. She doesn’t seem phased at all by the mortal’s disinterest, and maintains her pose for a handful of beats longer, openly sizing him up with a slide of her eyes over his form. Hm.]

Is it? [Finally she looks down, sticking well-manicured fingers through the holes in the sides,]

You might need to find another – I’m afraid the little dragons might have snagged it in their enthusiasm to deliver it to me.

[These things happen!]

[lockedon]

[ He squints, following the line of her fingers through the shirtholes. Is she talking about the holes? He can't see anything else out of the ordinary with the garment, and it's not exactly as though Erunes are popular around these parts.

(If he's at all bothered by her open staring - he isn't - he doesn't show it.) ]

That's how it's supposed to look. [ Don't judge him. ] Do you not have clothes of your own?

[ Is that why she's resorted to wearing stolen outfits? ]

b!

[emancipating]

[ is that... yes, that is, in fact, aphrodite in the flesh. there's only one goddess he knows with that tone of voice, coquettish and sweet with an underlying ominous edge. a real force to be reckoned with, he knows. but anyway, to say that zagreus was expecting to run into her or any of the olympian gods is a real stretch, but he's glad to see a familiar face all the same. ]

It... looks like those are worn on one's feet, yes? [ he glances at the sock and then at his own feet, still red-hot and burning against the sand. ] I'm afraid this is one boon I won't be able to accept.

I need a bigger array of icons...

[paramounts]

[Now this is a surprise. The sock is almost immediately forgotten the instant she sets eyes on this fine specimen Zagreus.]

Little Godling, can it be true? [She clutches the sock to her heart, bare feet padding in the sand as she takes steps forward, the delicate jingling of jewelry accompanying any of her movements. For so long her missives have only gone one way, but she’s been rooting for him all this time, truly! Even when she was helping Theseus defeat him in the arena, ahem.

And now to see him here-] Oh, but this is not how it was supposed to be… I had a much more splendid first meeting in mind for us once you escaped your father’s realm.

a constant mood

[emancipating]

[ ah, little godling. it has not been too long since he heard that, but he finds himself suddenly feeling a little bashful anyway. whew. ]

Hi, Aphrodite.

[ like, all those times he's talked to her has not fully prepared him for this? actually seeing her and talking to her in person is... well, it's a lot, for sure! he is also very adamantly keeping his eyes on her face as he meets her halfway. ]

I'm sure we all had our expectations about my successful escape attempt and the proceedings following it. [ definitely did not miss fighting theseus while he decided to call upon her, but you know. what's another close call with his track record, right? ] And while I'd rather we had met under better circumstances, it is really nice to see you all the same. Have you settled in alright?

a!

[expiry]

[A chthonic god finds one (1) tent on the surface to temporarily call his own, and an Olympian breezes right in like she owns the place. Dang. Or: Thanatos may not be invited to those fancy functions on Mount Olympus, but he, too, is a god; of course he recognizes Aphrodite from the many tales he's heard throughout the years when he walks back into his makeshift shelter, and of course he freezes, not so much put off by her, ah, state as he is the fact that she's here. By choice? Or was she, too, dragged here...

Plus Thanatos is in a state all of his own. His chiton is hanging in the corner, you see, drying after his plunge into the ocean, while his collar, his pauldron, his belt—they're all piled atop the ratty-looking mattress, and is surely what she's poking through. So that's... cool. It's great to represent the upper management of the Underworld while wearing pants and nothing else, but Thanatos is Nyx's son through and through; he's coolly calm as he steps into the tent, respectfully inclining his head to the greater goddess. No need to cause problems.]

Lady Aphrodite. [Ma'am.] This is an unexpected honor, though I can't claim this... hovel as my own.

[So stiff! So formal! I hope she roasts the shit out of his hair.]

[paramounts]

[So she was getting a whiff of death in here. A goddess of love and beauty doesn’t deal too much in the chthonic. Not directly, anyway. But there’s no mistaking a god when she sees one. Even one dressed in trousers and nothing else.

Well, far be it from her to judge him for his state of undress.]

My, my, [She lilts, fingers curling under her chin in a thoughtful pantomime, eyes taking him in from head to toe,] You must be one of Lady Nyx’s. And since you are holding a conversation with me and not dosing off, I can only guess that you are none other than Thanatos. [She extends a hand. To kiss of course.] I have heard much about you from Lord Ares. He wasn’t lying about the thighs…

[Ahem.] What brings a god of death to a place such as this? It certainly doesn’t look like you’re here for business.

[Don’t worry, goth Edgeworth, she’ll get to your hair soon enough.]

[expiry]

[Olympians are so... much?? @ Zeus, take him out right here, right now. But while Thanatos is wary, Thanatos knows better than to risk angering her—and so he steps forward, doing his best to ignore the once-over as he does, in fact, slip his hand beneath hers before bending to kiss it. A (perfunctorily) polite gesture, because even with that, ah, revelation regarding his thighs, Mother Nyx raised him well.]

Another honor. Lord Ares' work is to be admired.

[In its way. As are his thighs, apparently??? He isn't thinking about that as he releases her hand, straightening back up in the process.]

But I'm... not here for business, no. Truthfully, I'm not entirely sure why I am here. [A quick glance down to his bracelet.] From what I've learned, this part of the surface seems to fall under your domain.

[Assuming she has some degree of power here, he'll take the L that is relying on an Olympian if it means getting back to his Very Important Job.]

C

[les_magique]

Yes, um...

[Samata had never really tagged herself as the type of woman who was into other women. Oh sure, occasionally there were girls who inspired her to think truly elaborate fantasies, and that was probably a feeling she should examine at SOME point, but most of the time she was interested in men. But this woman was...well, she was quite simply the most beautiful woman she had ever seen, and she was also almost entirely naked. She was almost like some kind of goddess of love or something!

But. She also had something of Samata's.]

That's, ah...that's my hat.

[The tall, pointed hat with a wide brim that would fit right in with any wizard.]

i put on my wizard hat

[paramounts]

[It's only natural, to have such a reaction upon gazing upon her continence. The goddess of love approves deeply.]

Oh this thing? [Aphrodite frowns before tips her head, the large floppy brim hanging down in her eyes. It's certainly A Look, wearing nothing except this wide brim hat. It's not her aesthetic at all, sadly. But that's not important to her,] But are you certain you were not staring for other reasons? I will not be offended if you tell me the truth.

[Come now, you can tell her she's hot.]

A

[madparties]

[Up front note that I'm not planning on apping, just here for shenanigans, yadda yadda, etc. etc., but anyway--]

[So, contrary to... well, probably most people here, for Dionysus, waking up with little remembrance of where, exactly, he is, or how he got there isn't really the most unusual thing in the world. What is unusual, and what pushes it into the realm of disconcerting is that there aren't any disoriented mortals laying about, there's no evidence of his cultists having had one of their feasts in the days before, and, worst of all, the world just... feels wrong.

And not in the "I'm feeling oddly chthonic today," sort of odd, either, that happened from time to time.

So, what's a god to do in a situation like this? Fret? Interrogate the first person he sees? Go on a rampage? Throw a tantrum? Nah. Not really his style, when whoever's responsible (and how powerful must they be?) isn't immediately at hand. No, the first order of business is finding some place to just, you know, hang out. Chill. Drink. Run into a suspiciously familiar goddess also checking out the same digs.

Wait a second.]

Aphrodite! Babe! Why, I was not, and I mean really was not expecting to see you here, of all places, though I must say I should not be surprised. Did you set to make your own world, or am I mistaken?

[Look, it's a reasonable assumption to make, okay, and he's got no qualms with acknowledging that she's probably powerful enough to do it, if she really wanted to.]

Now, if I'm not, and if you did, then I must say, you could have just invited me over a more conventional way, babe, you know I wouldn't just stand you up.

Bless you this is amazing

[paramounts]

[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?

B. i'm so sorry

[nemetheseus]

[Not that he would admit it, but since his arrival he has been looking for Asterius. They were partners after all, two companions in battle and glory so why shouldn't he be here? It's a good thing he's not yet learned that things like this are as fickle as the Gods can be.]

Lady Aphrodite. [It's enamored awe and shock to see the Goddess here. Here! Of all places. Of course she's offering him something. He accepts the aid of the Gods of Olympus' help during his fights with that monster.] I shall take this fabric tube and use whatever powers you've bestowed upon it.

[He will cherish this sock and no one can stop him.]

Are you really

[paramounts]

[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.

A

[schwarzen]

[ Despite living in a fancy beach house, it's not like Siegfried spends much time there. That domain is mostly Percival's territory, and Siegfried mainly (sometimes) returns to sleep or eat meals. So when he steps through the front door and finds himself face to face with a very naked young woman, he's surprised, but not angry, though his gaze quickly diverts. Despite having been here a while, a knight's sense of manners aren't easily given up. ]

Ah, hello. Are you a friend of Percival's? [ And given her naked state, probably a sex friend? This sort of thing is to be expected here, and she seems nice, if rather shameless. ]

Forgive me. This seems like a bad time for me to intrude.

[ He assumes she and Percival a) banged or b) will bang, and he'll just um... excuse himself. ]

[paramounts]

Oh, hello there.

[She pops her head up from where she’d been peeking under some sheets. Important information gathering, you see. Her expression doesn’t imply she has any indication that she’s been trespassing at all, or that hanging out naked in someone’s house might imply certain things. Not that she minds that. it’s just this is the fanciest place she’s come across, thus someone of some interest must reside here.

And she was right, who is this handsome glass of water? There certainly are some interesting humans here. She taps a perfect, pink nail against her chin and leans a hip against a wall, crossing her arms casually,] There is no need for you to apologize, Dearest. Is this Percival a friend of yours?

B!

[winscenario]

[ Seen as Jim's currently the only one walking past the tent at the beach, and there's really no one else around, there's not much of a reason for him to wonder whether she's calling out to him or someone else. He pauses, looks over... somehow manages to only take two seconds to note that she's completely naked and not make a big deal out of it, then he makes his way over, an eyebrow lifting when she extends the item of clothing towards him. ]

Oh. It's... a sock.

[ He chuckles as he takes it from her, holding it up. ]

Not very useful without a pair, is it? [ A gentle sniff, then he winces, holding it farther away. ] Oh, and it stinks. Wow. Where did you get it?

[paramounts]

[Finally, a mortal that doesn't immediately blush at the sight of her. (although it's rather adorable when they do)
Really, if she can’t lounge around naked on a sex island then she wants her money back. And, my, this one is rather pleasing on the eyes.]

A sock. [She repeats, like the word is new. Jewelry jingles as she rests one arm around her midriff, curling her other hand under her chin like she’s waiting for his assessment of her ‘gift’. She laughs when he gives it,] One of the darling little dragonlings brought it to me – along with a dozen other articles.

[Said with a gesture behind her, where there’s a small pile of clothes strewn about, none of them matching.] They’re helpful and so cute, I couldn’t turn them down. Even if it’s awfully… fragrant.

C

[luciing]

[ Of his, she only carries his black arm bracer, worn and used from years of hunting with a hawk and campaigning by fire and war against the Scourge. He recognizes it immediately, but the woman? She is new.

As soon as he sees her and the bracer, he approaches her silently, purposefully, his footfalls heavy upon the sand beneath. When close enough, he offers no smile but the same somber, grim expression he gives others, unclasping his black, heavy chlamys from his shoulders. Without another word, he outstretches the fabric to drape it about hers.

She carries a beauty that is otherworldly, that much is true, but what terrible fate it is to have newly arrived in such a vulnerable state... ] Until you settle, this raiment is also yours.

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

[paramounts]

[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?