ercookies | TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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N A V I G A T I O N

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[There's a brief sensation of disappointment, there, but Oran can shrug it off; he's only ever been just out of his home city by a little ways. A man can hold out hope that Faerun is simply a very large place.

But what does distance matter; 'kin' is a nice word and he's inclined to respond warmly to the gesture.]

Waterdeep, the Crown of the North, the City of Splendours.

[If there is a note of sarcasm there, it's only because Oran is not of the class that has got to see much of those splendours, historically.]

But... until someone finds a good way out of here, it will have to remain 'Unnamed City Under the Thumb of the Augur', I'm afraid. Nobody's been very good about coming up with a name for this place.

That sounds wonderfully fancy and completely unknown to me, but I'm not exactly well-traveled outside of the Empire.

[ Definitely adding it to his list of places to see, because while Molly thinks they're probably on a different plane, different realities is a little too much for him at the moment. ]

My half-orc friend and I named it 'Fucksville', [ Only you named it, Molly. ] but I like yours better.

Hmm. [Oran contemplates this newest attempt and then shakes his head, unphased. A few months ago, yes, but he's seen too much and heard too many callous residents not to pick up on some of it, himself.]

It might be a bit too samey. 'Fucksville, Fuck Island'?

[He is going to try to slowly unlatch the tail of the dragon around his horn, which seems to be working if he moves slowly, so long as he continues talking.]

And... I'm sorry to let you know, it's not entirely fucks at all times, despite what the robots want you to think. Most of us are just trying to get along until someone clever enough to chalk in a working teleportation circle can get along with it. Even the people who pilot "star" ships seem confused.

[Mixed awe and disdain are tempered only by the fact that Oran's finger has just gotten bit. Or lipped; this thing is impossibly harmless when it comes to self defense.]

[ Molly snorts at that, amused. His own dragon seems really content on his head since they're talking, and as long as he manages not to be shat on, the tiefling's fine. ]

I certainly hope not. Even I couldn't do that constantly, it would end up boring and that would be heartbreaking.

[ From what he heard from Fjord, maybe Caleb could make a teleportation circle if he got here. Not that he would wish that on Mr. Anxious and Repressed wizard. ]

What is a star ship? That sounds amazing.

[Well, points for honesty. Oran looks to one side, hiding a snort and a grin. This man reminds him of someone, though perhaps better not to draw snap conclusions.

The different conversational tack is much needed, he thinks, though the greyish tiefling makes a face and shakes his head.]

Ah, it does, doesn't it? There's a large building outside of town that houses robots different from the ones that hand out towels on the beach. All kinds, really, but they apparently all need people to climb inside and 'pilot' them... and I haven't really seen much of them in action. If you're lucky, you'll see something shoot through the sky... and supposedly they can reach the stars but...

[A one-shouldered shrug, here, disbelief in the slight, onesided lean of his mouth.]

If that's true, I don't know why they wouldn't simply leave.

[But... it's much to gripe about. Oran flicks his tail once more.]

There are lesser mysteries to explore here, especially if you're new. Do you know of coffee?

Shoot right up into the sky? Sounds exciting and deadly.

[ He'd probably do it if he got a chance to, because hello. Star robots! How amazing isn't that? Molly doesn't even care of it's bullshit, he's definitely enjoying it.

Oran has a point, though. Not that Molly's that educated in planes, but still. It sounded like it should work somehow?

Lesser mysteries are fun, and there's a slight smile from the lavender tiefling at the mention of coffee. ]

Oh, yeah. A lot of taverns serve it back home. It's not common in Waterdeep?

Well... no, not exactly. [Oran flips his hand dismissively.] We had something somewhat alike, kaeth, but at two gold a cup I don't know how anyone would ever manage to drink it.

Here, though, they tend to practically give it away for free.

[Though he doesn't lean in, he does raise his brows and drop his tone to something conspiratorial.]

I can point the way, if you have any desire.

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.

I have to wonder if these things can be tempted by sweets...

[Oran is happy to do just as he's asked, though now that his dragon has got the taste of flesh, it's begun harmlessly chewing on Oran's ear. It's a good thing that he's as unadorned as Molly is gaudy, lest he'd be worried of choking hazards.

There is a cafe not all that far from where they'd met and though it's not your average tavern, the cakes and pastries on display on the window promise good things within. ...Not the least of which being the automotons dressed in frilly dresses behind the counter.

Oran seems unphased; he orders a cup for himself and gestures to Molly.]

Credits aren't all that hard to come by, but I can cover you for now if you'd like.

[He's warming up a lot, feeling better about making a new friend. It is nice to have a fellow tiefling to share the nice things on the island with.]

[ Molly likes Oran's horns, it's a little exciting to see someone with more than one pair. He's all smiles and curiosity, quite surprised to see a place that isn't dilapidated and dirty.

The metal creatures in dresses draw a slight laugh out of him, and his red eyes take in the things the place offers with delight. ]

Jester would love this. She has a real sweet tooth, I'm surprised it hasn't rot her fangs.

[ The offer to buy him a cup has Molly ordering a cup without hesitation. Strange, to have a pocket full of gold and no use for it. ]

I'm afraid I have no 'credits', but I can make it up to you.

[ His gaze fall on the other tiefling for a moment like he has something very specific in mind, but then he flicks out a fan of cards out of nowhere. ]

I'll give you a reading.

Well, of he's going to whip that out right in the middle of the shop...

Oran had been to ask who Jester might be, but he's completely taken by the literal fanfare of the cards. "Are you an oracle?!"

I am a vessel of the mysteries found in these cards!

[ It feels really good to go back to this routine, the showman persona slipping over him like a warm blanket. Molly lets the cards disappear again with some sleight of hand and then picks up his cup. ]

Sit with me, and we'll see what this place has in store for us.

[It's a compelling offer. Oran knows he could use a ray of light after his last few weeks... If Molly is willing to treat him to a show. He follows the tiefling to a table and slides into the opposite chair, a clear and obvious mark, so to speak.

He's not completely, oblivious, though.]

I have a feeling your cards aren't nearly dramatic enough to cover the Augur's machinations, I'm afraid... but maybe for a simple mortal...?

[ Mollymauk lives for the show, taking a seat and listening to Oran with a smile. He takes a sip of the coffee before leaning a bit over the table. ]

Oh, you never know! The ancient magic in these cards might give us some insight, but for you...

[ His tail swishes as a distraction, and his hand is full on cards again. ]

Pick three. Past, Present and Future.

Edited 2020-10-26 12:03 (UTC)

[For his part, the ashen tiefling doesn't hesitate. He's had quite enough of that lately and it's so very nice to have an excuse to go back to trusting his gut. His past, he's nervous about; he's got none to speak of past a certain point. His present is... well, it's been such a mixed bag lately that he wouldn't be surprised whatever came up.

It's his future that he's utterly curious about. His patron has always worked to drip-feed him warnings and nudges and Oran is absolutely convinced that fate will lead him somewhere he needs to be, and so he's easily convinced about portents.

His tail flicks just as eagerly until he makes an effort to tuck it under his chair.]

Ah... what do they mean?

[ Molly flips the first card around with the showmanship of someone who has done this his entire short life. The cards are hand-painted, the one that is revealed looking like a large, stylized eye. ]

Ah! How curious, the Eye. Are you a seeker, Oran? Something tells me you have been looking for something your whole life. Maybe knowingly, maybe not.

[The eye stares at Oran almost accusingly, and the tiefling feels a flush creeping up his collar.]

I... ah... maybe, yes. No, definitely. Only...

[How to confide in a stranger? Oran has recently become aware that saying anything he damned well pleases can have consequences, and so he's a little torn.]

Only, I'm not sure exactly what it is. Was?

[ He's a great people reader, and he can pick up on the uncomfortableness. So Molly simply shakes his head a bit, gesturing with a hand to Oran. ]

Perhaps it is something you need to think about on your own.

[ Instead, he flips the middle card for the other tiefling, showing a broken mask. ]

Oh, the Mask! You've been going through a lot of changes here, haven't you?

[Oh, he's playing Oran like a fiddle. The tiefling flushes further and sets his jaw. In a smaller voice,]

It's hardly possible not to. Some better than others.

[When he sees Molly go for the last card, he presses a hand across the table, trying to stay his.]

Must you play them all together?

[These are all rather on the nose and suddenly, nervously, he wonders if this is somehow cheating his patron of the usual signs. But surely another tiefling offering answers is, in its own way, the kind of coincidence that might as well be logged by fate? The card representing the eye tickles the back of his mind uncomfortably, and now his brows are furrowed. The same tickle sometimes renders him with terrible headaches for hours and though it's been months... the one time he'd succumbed had apparently been far worse than ever back in Waterdeep.

In short, Oran is lately more nervous of his fate than he ever has been before. Distracted like that, he belatedly realizes his hand is lingering and he pulls it back all at once.]

[ Molly stops his hand when prompted, and simply lets it rest over the card with Oran's palm warm against his skin. The nervousness and worry radiates from the other tiefling, and he shakes his head. ]

I don't have to do anything you don't want me to. It's your future, after all. Do with it as you want, there's freedom in that.

[ It's half show, half genuine truth in that. ]

The choice belongs only to you.

[ Once Oran moves his hand, Molly sweeps the card up without looking at it or showing it, and it slips into the rest of his deck. He splits and flips the cards, 'hiding' it among the others.

Molly knows his cards, of course, every little tell to pick the ones he wants, but Oran doesn't know that, and he wants his new friend to feel certain it's lost among the rest. ]

[It's a kindness, to play the ignorant: Oran had just been about to change his mind when the card is whisked away back into the deck, and as far as he knows, it's gone for good.

He hides his disappointment behind a sigh of relief, taking another sip of coffee and then recomposing himself with a grin.]

I think you might find yourself welcome here... there are a lot of people looking to know what the Augur won't tell them. Someone who can interpret its predictions... I'd say you could make a lot of coin, but this city has barely two pieces to rub together.

[Flattering, but apologetic; Oran knows it's a strange change of pace to go to trade and sex when gold pieces had been the only thing he'd been chasing for months.]

[ 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?

[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.

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TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE

00. Arrival

I. The Dragon's Matchmaking

II. Ruins

III. Ritual

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the amount of digging I had to do about coffee in exandria lol

turns out faerun also has coffee lore; til: nothing in D&D can be guestimated

it will always surprise you!

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No sparkle eyes icon and I'm cursing my lack of forethought

close enough!

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