Entry tags:
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 |
no subject
he almost prefers when he was finding him wanting and arrogant. at least spitting insults at that was easier than this placid man who seems to accept it without argument.
he frowns a little, mulling over that and being a god but not. he certainly sees the restored buildings, the location that's noted as the barracks - and that's useful to know it exists - as he follows after. ]
You know, you were easier to dislike when you were 50 feet tall.
[ not entirely keeping his thoughts to himself. ]
no subject
The dilapidated path ends to what once may have been a plaza. Now eroded by weather and time, its dismal grey stones call no one to its center. Dust scatters with a meager, dry breeze Here, Somnus turns slightly to face him, his eyes trailing a faint vein of scars along his cheek until he meets the other man's eyes with an even gaze.
The wind hardly touches his heavy chlamys. ]
If there aught else, Hero-Glaive.
[ Because if not, this is where their business ends. Nyx has fulfilled his duty, securing their future despite the heavy price, and he needn't report to Somnus for he knows into whose hands his soul within the Ring ultimately ends. ]
no subject
he sticks his hands into his pockets again, looking at somnus. ]
I may not like you or your little gang, but that doesn't mean I'm not duty-sworn to still protect you. You might not be my king, but you're still a King of Lucis.
no subject
Nyx promised himself to the future above all, a choice the Father made before him to sacrifice all of the kingdom, as well as the Oracle, and all the kings before. So long as the Glaive's heart remains dedicated to the preserving the future of their Star, it matters not if he expresses his displeasure.
Thus, he answers with a slight, severe nod. ]
The True King awaits. Know that the Oracle has bestowed the Ring unto him. You have protected our Star.
no subject
and it's not just their star. it's nyx's home, and every single one of his friends who yet lives.
but, he understands the words for what they are. he gives his own nod after a moment, looking up. ]
Thank you. But that still doesn't excuse my from my role. You may have no part to play here, just as I don't, but I'd be a poor Kingsglaive if I just abandoned you.
[ he looks to somnus. ]
Not that I'll follow you around, either. But know that you can call on me if you need help.
no subject
Somnus raises his head to assent. ]
Very well. May your efforts aid this world.
no subject
[ although it's kind of weird to picture an ancient king of lucis banging. but he accepts the dismissal this time, inclining his head and then turning to start his own exploration of the town. ]