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

Troy Dantes | Original

[lakan]

Dragon's Matchmaking:

[ Troy took his awakening here in stride. Despite coming here straight from his first vacation coming back to his hometown on Earth, Troy would be lying if he said he wasn't a little excited by this surprise and new adventure. He arrived with no weapons other than the enchanted escrima sticks that was granted to him by a new friend he had made in his return home, and he didn't even get the chance to give it back to her.

Seeing the dragons being cute and helpful has distracted Troy of his thoughts of home, though. Flocking to him, Troy laughs and humors them with their errands. Acting like a big brother babysitting a bunch of kids, Troy happily goes around town with little dragons around him, delivering lunch and other goods to apartments. But Troy is doing his job efficiently; knock on the door, give the stuff, and leave. You know, like a normal person. So the dragons thought of something to spice things up...

Whether it's a knock on the door or a clearing of his throat, Troy would appear, shirtless and carrying whatever it was the dragons were meant to deliver to you! ]

Let's face it, a half-naked delivery guy is probably not the weirdest thing you've seen in this island.

[ He nods and says casually, leaning against something like it's no big deal, chuckling at his predicament ]

Wildcard:

[ I was gonna make one for the Ruins scenario, but I got lazy and didn't want to overdo it. But hey, I'm open to whatever scenario you want. Info and prefs in his journal, and I'm open to plotting! I can be reached @ Oksy ]

[hashira]

Why would anyone want to be the weirdest thing here? You're strange. Get dressed.

[He barely blinked since he opened the door and his eyes are no longer on the shirtless man but rather on the packed lunch he has been handed. Clearly that's more relevant to his needs than a half-naked delivery guy spouting out nonsense.]

[lakan]

Okay, boss.

[ He responds with a touch of sass and hands the packed lunch over showing no shame despite being exposed. Troy's just amused at Giyu's reaction, and gestures for the dragon who has his jacket to come over. ]

Oh come on, you already burned my t-shirt. Give me my jacket back. I've done what you want.

[ Still standing at the door to where Giyu's staying, Troy says to the dragon who seemed too fond on nibbling on the leather of his jacket. The other dragons helped themselves inside of Giyu's dwelling while Troy's busy trying to bargain for his jacket back ]

[hashira]

[The expression on his face doesn't shift, dully he regards the man before him once more. The sassy tone completely eluded him but now he had his lunch in his hands. And he doesn't say anything to the point that the silence should feel awkward. Not to him. When it seems he will let the quiet linger he speaks.]

Tomioka Giyu. [His name. Don't call him boss.

Before he can consider shutting the door it seems he now has a couple of those flying creature welcome themselves into his home and the look he gives Troy makes it clear that the responsibility over this falls on him.]

When you are done fooling around see that you escort those things out.

[He is going to step back and away from the door clearly intent on having lunch despite the commotion the dragons are causing in his home now. As improbable as it may seem he can in fact ignore them.]

dergins

[arosetowar]

[Certainly, she's not expecting a half-naked delivery guy. Hell, she wasn't even expecting anyone to come knocking. So it's with a healthy blend of wariness and weariness that opens the door to said delivery guy and his fire-breathing fan club.

She'll take the package he's holding out, but she never focuses away from him, trying but failing to get a read on him and his not-so-normal circumstances. Frowning, she responds with:]

That depends on why you're not wearing a shirt.

[lakan]

[ Troy's hands moved to clasp the buckle of his belt, not showing any ounce of shame in his half-naked appearance. He shrugs, cocking his head toward the dragon with the collar of his jacket on it's mouth ]

That orange one thought it'd be funny to sneeze some flames on my t-shirt...

[ Troy beckons for the orange dragon to bring him his jacket, but the dragon refuses, and the other dragons made themselves at home in Cornelia's shelter. A church. Which makes him feel even more exposed. ]

They're cute, but they're a pain in the ass.

[arosetowar]

[A very nice, very opulent church. With two stories and a lush backyard with a gazebo, among other things, all very clearly squared into existence, though not by her. The church was handed over to her after a certain knight bingoed his way out of said church and into a mansion.

Anywho, she'll just be turning around, looking mighty defeated as his dragon fan club invades her home. Thanks a lot, buddy. Way to go, pal.]

You're not kidding.

[Her ass is certainly feeling pained by the prospect of shooing them all out and having to prevent fires, because that's not exactly how she wanted to spend her day. Also I hope Troy isn't busy because she'll be turning on her heel right quickly to face him again, fixing him with a look that very strongly suggests that refusal isn't an option.]

I trust you'll be helping me get rid of these menaces...?

[lakan]

Not when you call them menaces.

[ He jokes despite the commanding stare she shoots at him, right before shaking his head and waving his hand after a moment. ]

Alright, I will. I brought 'em here, I intend to take 'em out.

[ The dragons continued to fly around, blissfully ignoring Troy and Cornelia's plight. Some of them lining up on a banister to watch the "romance" unfold. ]

Haven't stepped foot in a church in a while, it'd be a shame if my first return in one after many years involves dragons wreaking havoc in it.

[arosetowar]

Don't tell me you've grown fond of them.

[Okay, so they're very cute and perhaps they're passingly useful, but she has an innate distaste towards anything this place produces so none of that matters to her.

Stepping aside to let him in, she looks around the room to try and get a sense for where those little fuckers have gone.]

If you're worried about committing sacrilege, don't be. This is a church only by appearance.

[Miss Atheist here doesn't really have much regard for the building's original purpose, and any religious paraphernalia has long been discarded. Welcome, Troy, pls take your shoes off at the door we are not savages in this church.]

[jetsetwitch]

It's not, but I'll take it.

[Akane was undisguisedly delighted.]

So do they send shirtless guys to deliver lunches all the time? Because if so I'm gonna have to start ordering out more often. Do you want to come in? Have a drink?

[lakan]

[ Seeing her delight tickled his ego. He cracks a smile, showing pride in his physique as he continues to be shameless ]

No. This is the first time, and you're the first customer. Congrats!

[ He answers with his arms wide in a playful boasting fashion. The dragon that bit on his jacket drops it over his shoulders. ]

And hey, why not? Might as well, right? New guy like me could use some friendly faces.

[ He closes the door behind him, simmering down with his joking as he slips his arm into his jacket. ]

[jetsetwitch]

[Boo, he's putting a jacket on.]

I don't have much to eat but I do have beer.

[Thus, why she got delivery for lunch. Her apartment was kind of a mess, with clothes lying around and a table covered in esoteric alchemy equipment.]

I'm Akane, by the way. Big same about the friendly faces thing.