TDM #4

[calderaevents]

ARRIVAL

It happens in an instant. A heavy weight in your gut, a trembling of your limbs, the world spins and you barely have time to register that you're falling before you lose consciousness. And when you awaken, it's not where you were last. Dark, unadorned oak walls surround you in a tiny room, the only furniture the bed you are currently resting upon, and the bedside table with a folded piece of parchment resting atop it that simply reads:

“The Tavernkeeper is awaiting your arrival downstairs.”

As you exit you find others like yourself emerging from the surrounding rooms. You are indeed in a tavern, but there is no hustle and bustle one might think to hear in such a place. The only person down on the main floor is a humanoid figure wiping down the bar, who smiles when they see you. They're familiar, but not, and you can't quite place their face. For some reason, however, their presence is comforting and warm.

“Welcome, Visitor. I'm sure you have a lot of questions.”

And you most certainly do.

Due to popular demand, the starter tavern and the drinks provided are available to in game characters via a portal accessible only to those with a faction gem.

DRINK MENU

WINTER'S WHISPER A fragrant spiced tea that calms the nerves and inspires the drinker to share their hopes and dreams.

JINGLE BELL A crisp, bright drink...that makes jingling bell sounds as you walk. There are no bells, and yet you jingle.

S(LAY) RIDE This drink has an earthy, woody taste. Almost as woody as the tavern floor it forces you to lie down upon. You cannot get up unless someone else helps you.

MISTLETOE MEAD Made with honey from enchanted bee hives and a touch of mistletoe leaves. Time to find a smoochin' partner!

HOLLY JOLLY SPICE A bold and fiery blend of rum, cinnamon, and cloves with a secret twist—just a dash of enchanted holly berry syrup that makes your cheeks flush with warmth and your laughter contagious. One sip, and you're the life of the party, even if you're by yourself.

CANDY CANE CRUSH A festive burst of minty sweetness with a cool, refreshing sensation that tingles the tongue. The drinker’s mood subtly shifts the color of their surroundings, briefly changing the hues of objects or lights in the room to match their feelings.

GINGERBREAD MAN A thick drink that tastes exactly like a gingerbread cookie. However, candy and other delicious accents start appearing on you as if YOU were the cookie. Is that icing on your nose? Candied cherries in your hair? Gumdrop buttons? But on the bright side, free candy!

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINY

As the effects of your drink wear off, the Tavernkeeper speaks once more:

”It is time, my friends, for you to find your new homes.”

You are compelled to walk through the only door leading out of the tavern, finding yourself not outside, but in a deep black, seemingly endless room with five portals arranged in a circle. As the last of you leave and the door closes behind you, gone when you look back again and replaced with nothing but that black void, three of the portals illuminate:

The first portal is surrounded by an almost blinding light, prismatic rainbows shining brightly in the dewy air outside of the tavern. A soft breeze may gently caress you, pulling you toward it. The portal seems to lead to a city in the clouds, airships and winged beings of all sorts soaring through the skies. Of the little bits of visible land, much of it boasts giant waterfalls that look like clouds melting into the land below. The portal calls to those who crave independence and freedom; and especially to anyone that wishes to find the strong bond of a family not forged in blood.

The second portal is encircled by a fairy ring of spotted white capped mushrooms, the faint scent of damp stone and rich earth wafting from within the faint green glow. Peering inside, one can see a sprawling harbor city of gray hewn stone, a melting pot of humanoid beings going about their day, and beyond, rolling green farmland and cottages clustered in small villages. This portal is destined for those who crave stability and solid ground beneath their feet. A simple life, an adventurous one, and everything in between can be found within.

The last portal is adorned with shells and seaweed, the glow of blue around it catching on droplets cascading down the circular opening. Beyond it you see a city housed inside a massive bubble deep under the ocean, spiraling towers encrusted with coral, and a variety of different creatures mingling about the streets. Outside of that bubble, merfolk swim, a massive squid engulfs the view from the portal as it smoothly glides through the water, and schools of fish disperse as it passes. A sanctuary in the sea that calls to those with a hunger for knowledge and a desire to aid those in need. Or perhaps it is the mystery that beckons you - the lure of the unknown in the depths that bids you explore it.

---

Upon following the pull of the breeze through the first portal, you are thrust into the beauty of a lively city that goes by the name of Heaven's Bow. Much of this main city feels exactly as you would expect on a city below, but there are clouds surrounding every direction you look. The walls of buildings are made with light-colored limestone, and buildings are generally built up to heights made even more grandiose by their position in the sky.

The Skyfall Docks are the first thing you notice, boasting hundreds of airships sailing in and out across the clouds with shouts that accompany a typical port city. Just outside is a fantastic market with goods not only from the other regions of Caldera, but from what some shopkeepers claim are other worlds--items sold or left behind by Visitors. Almost anything can be found in the markets if one is willing to look hard enough. Transport to other locations throughout the sky and even to the land or sea can be found here.

If the docks are too lively for you, you may instead find yourself roaming the underbelly of Heaven's Bow and finding brothels and gambling parlors filled with the promise of pleasure and fortune. The guild house for the Sylphs can be found here as well, giving out quests and training to prospective adventurers and guards alike--though none of them seem concerned with the illicit activities that surround them. Perhaps the freedom the Sylphs boast of extends to what others may deem an undesirable activity.

But most curious of all, you find a shimmering opal gemstone in your hand. When placed anywhere on the body, it will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

---

If it was the second portal that called to you, you will find yourself in the busy city of Grey Ward, with its cobblestone streets and sturdy grey stone buildings. You are in the heart of the city, the Glass Market, so named for the colorful stained glass windows of the surrounding buildings. The scent of cooking food and the sound of barkers fills the air; watchful guards keep an eye out for pickpockets and thieves, and citizens go about their day. From here, one can investigate the rest of the city: the Sundown Docks, where both sea and sky faring skips transport people and goods. The Soot Spire, home of inventors and engineers. The Hearthstill, the main residential area. The Downs, a smaller residential area for those with less means.

Outside the city walls, one can explore acres of farmlands to the east and west, or follow Terra’s Pass to the less settled areas, but take care. Past the Skyward Range, out in the smaller burrows and villages, the influence of the city guard diminishes quickly, and you’ll have to keep your wits about you. Bandits along the road are always a risk, and the wildlife are less controlled by regimented hunting.

In your hand is a gemstone, a brilliantly green emerald that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

---

If the last portal beckoned you through it, you find yourself within that bubble covered city beneath the sea, the city of Salt Spire. Your ears pop with the change in pressure, and the smell of the salty sea fills your nostrils. All around you buildings made of dark stone encrusted with coral and seagrass tower high above your head, the backdrop outside the dome a deep blue, seemingly endless sea filled with fish and merfolk and all other manner of creature swimming through the water. You stand in the heart of it all, surrounded by people with gils on their necks and scales upon their vibrantly colored skin, all of whom seem intrigued by your arrival. You have many options of where to visit in the city under the sea, but where oh where will you go first?

The Salt Spire Library is right before you, an impossibly large building housing thousands upon thousands of books of all genres. Fiction, non-fiction, romance and mystery and all between. You may even find books from your world and others! Oddly enough though, no Calderan history books are to be found, and if you ask for them, the librarians and locals all choose to ignore your questions.

If scholarly pursuits aren't to your interest currently, perhaps a trip to Bluetide Market would be more your style? The marketplace is host to every manner of shop one might ever need: artisans of all varieties, apothecaries and healers in the Shimmer Quarter, the most in fashion undersea clothing shops, food stalls, and all between can be found in Bluetide. There are also the Tideshore and Fogbottom docks on either end of the city. The former allows transport to the surface via large, magical bubbles for those that cannot hold their breath or make the swim themselves yet. The latter allows people to venture further into the sea. Those without their underwater abilities are offered rebreathers for travel that last for four hours before needing to be replaced.

In your hand is a gemstone, a shining sapphire that, when placed anywhere on the body, will transform into a piece of jewelry with the gemstone set in the center.

---

Visitors in all starter cities are offered a standard home with basic necessities provided (your choice in design, etc.) that can house 1-4 people if they so choose. Home upgrades can be purchased via rewards.

FANNING THE FLAMES

The renewed seething of the lava flows brought on by the tempestuous events deep below the sea seem to have been dealt with, though city guards have been stationed around the crater and are barring anyone from approaching to investigate any further than the outskirts. Interestingly, not only does the crater seem calm, it appears to be changing. Any remaining lava flow is being directed as if by unseen hands, and when the light catches just right, the barest hint of a shimmer can be detected surrounding the glowing rivers. New rock formations take shape as the days pass, though one never can catch the presence of a mason working on the structures. It's as if something intangible or invisible is repairing what was broken, turning what was previously chaos and ruin into order and life.

SEASON OF LIGHT

The world remains unsettled, still bearing the scars of the trials endured just a month prior, not to mention the oddities happening with the volcanic crater and the ominous shadows creeping in from the sea continue to haunt the collective psyche, leaving both locals and visitors on constant edge, fearful of a sudden, unprovoked assault. Despite these lingering anxieties, the leaders have publicly reassured all that calm has been restored. They claim that the worst is behind them and that every measure is being taken to prevent such devastating magics from ever threatening Salt Spire again. The protective bubble holds, new Undine are being ushered into their roles, and the world, it is said, is slowly healing. Or so they claim.

Whether or not the assurances of the leaders ring entirely true, life, as it often does, presses on. The people of Caldera have once again immersed themselves in the comforting bustle of distraction, turning their attention to the imminent Season of Lights celebrations. This holiday, it seems, bears a striking resemblance to the festive cheer of Christmas (and a mix of new years), with gifts exchanged in abundance and decorations of shimmering silver and radiant blue casting their glow across the sky, sea, and land in harmonious splendor.

One of the seasons's highlights is the grand Feast of the Sky, a night when the people gather beneath a star-filled canopy to exchange gifts—ornate trinkets, hand-crafted items, and tokens of affection that carry deep personal meaning. In the days leading up to the feast, a tradition of "Lightwalking" emerges, where families and friends embark on midnight strolls through streets aglow with lanterns, singing carols and sharing stories of hope and renewal. Sea-going vessels, too, partake in the festivities, their sails and riggings festooned with glowing orbs that drift like stars across the waters.

The Season of Lights is, above all, a celebration of resilience, a time when the people of Caldera set aside their worries, if only for a little while, to bask in the glow of community, generosity, and the promise of brighter days ahead thanks to the Visitor's arrival...

THE GRAND MASQUERADE

Another highlight of the season is the Grand Masquerade that unfolds high above the world in Heaven’s Bow, the floating city where the wind dances in the sky and the stars seem close enough to touch. The event is more than just a celebration of the Season of Lights—it’s a gathering of hope, a last-ditch effort to save Caldera from its slow unraveling. Here, among the clouds and the wind, the people of Caldera and the mysterious Visitors from other worlds come together in a shimmering, ethereal celebration, their faces hidden behind elaborate masks and appropriately fancy dress provided when one steps through the threshold of the castle gates.

The palace at the heart of Heaven’s Bow is a breathtaking sight, its walls adorned with silver and blue decorations that catch the light from thousands of lanterns floating in mid-air. The atmosphere is both jubilant and tense, a world on the brink of collapse holding its breath in the hopes that this fleeting night will offer a glimmer of salvation. The sky above is painted with the colors of dusk and dawn, swirling in a palette of purples, blues, and silvers.

Sylphs—the free-spirited, airborn people of the Sky—flutter about, their wings glinting in the light, performing acrobatic feats in the air, their laughter and music mingling with the sounds of the celebration. Guests, their masks intricate and stunning, move among the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and stories, some joining in the dances while others linger near the grand tables, laden with food and drink from every corner of Caldera and beyond.

As the night unfolds, the guests find themselves drawn into different corners of the event—each space offering the Visitors a chance to prove themselves worthy of the leaders’ favor. There is no shortage of opportunities to learn, grow, and, perhaps, change the course of this dying world.

THE SKY'S ASCENSION

At one end of the palace's terrace, a floating platform hovers above the clouds, surrounded by shifting air currents. Sylphs glide effortlessly through the space, their wings leaving trails of light as they move to the lively music, which seems written by the wind itself.

Aella, Admiral of the Slyph, stands at the center of the platform, her cloak of shimmering feathers rippling in the breeze. She surveys the crowd, inviting those brave enough to take part in her challenge. Before them, a maze of floating platforms stretches out, some wide and stable, others narrow and swaying in the wind. The task is simple: leap from one platform to the next, navigating the shifting air and ever-changing obstacles.

The platforms move unpredictably, some rising higher, others sinking, and a few disappearing entirely. Guests must time their jumps perfectly, balancing agility with timing as they avoid falling into the clouds below.

Those who succeed will earn Aella’s favor (in the form of 100 Bones and a single white feather). And those who falter will simply reappear the start of the challenge to begin anew or give up with no repercussions for the latter save perhaps a bit of embarrassment.

THE SEA'S SECRETS

On the other side of the terrace, a serene water garden unfolds, its shimmering pools reflecting the stars above. Water flows in delicate, endless cascades, filling the air with a soft, soothing melody that mingles with the distant sound of waves. The Undines, graceful and serene beings of the Sea, glide effortlessly through the space, their robes flowing like gentle currents, their movements as fluid as the water itself.

Cordelia, Queen of the Sea, stands quietly on a raised platform at the edge of the garden, her presence calm and powerful. Her eyes, deep and unfathomable, seem to reflect the vastness of the ocean, and though she watches the guests, she does not engage with them. Her stillness holds an air of mystery, as if she is both present and yet unreachable.

The Undines move silently through the garden, offering peaceful company to those who wander nearby. The garden is a place of contemplation, where guests can simply pause and connect with the tranquil beauty of the water—its soothing flow, its quiet depths, and its promise of renewal. There are no tests or challenges here, only the peace of the Sea to calm the mind and soul.

Those who linger may feel the weight of ancient knowledge in the air, a silent understanding of the oceans' mysteries and the healing power of water. In this place, the answers are not spoken, but felt—a quiet reminder that some of the world’s deepest truths are best discovered in moments of stillness.

As the evening fades, those who have found solace in the garden’s stillness will discover, tucked gently in their palm, a lustrous pearl. Unlike any found on the shores, this pearl is soft and warm, its surface shimmering with an inner light. It is a symbol of the wisdom that comes from quiet reflection—the knowledge that some things, like the depth of the sea, cannot be rushed.

THE LAND'S EMBRACE

In the heart of the palace gardens, beneath a canopy of flowering trees, the Dryads drift gracefully among the guests, their earthy skin glowing with life and their eyes bright with the vitality of nature. The air is thick with the scent of blooming roses and jasmine, while the ground beneath the guests' feet pulses with a quiet energy, inviting them to pause and feel the garden’s magic.

Terra, the Lady of the Land, stands at the center, her form adorned in living vines and blossoms, moving as if the garden itself flows through her. Her presence is both nurturing and fierce, a silent invitation to those seeking connection—to the land, to love, and to one another.

Guests are drawn to the tranquil beauty of the garden, stealing soft moments with their partners among the flowers. Lovers exchange quiet glances, touch petals with gentle fingers, and share unspoken promises beneath the soft glow of lanterns. The garden hums with romance, as if the earth itself is blessing these tender moments, offering the quiet assurance that love—like the land—can grow in the most unexpected places.

As the night draws to a close, Terra’s gentle power is felt in the air, and for those who have taken the time to connect with the garden’s beauty, a soft gift of nature is bestowed. A flower—unique and radiant—appears in their hand, a token of love and growth, a reminder that even the briefest moments can take root and blossom into something everlasting.

QUESTBOARD [NEW QUESTS ADDED]

Settled in? Good. It's time to make your way to the Questboard located in every city in numerous, easy to access locations. That is, if you want to make any kind of impact on the world or just get some Bones for anything you might wish to purchase. Visitors are given a very small stipend in which to survive every month, but all it does is keep you fed and housed. These quests will assure you greater wealth, and they're the main reason you're here: each finished quest helps the Calderans fix their shattering world.

Quests can be accepted at the questboard via magically signed parchment upon the board. Just sign your name to accept and the paper will be whisked away... somewhere. You're not actually sure. Probably nothing to concern yourself with.

Once quests are completed, earned Bones will be dropped off at the character's residence by Bonita, the mysterious artisan who has supposedly handcrafted every Bone circulating in Caldera. Please do not speak to her, she startles easily.

OOC NOTES

Welcome to Caldera's fourth TDM! All characters awaken in a strange tavern with nothing save the clothes on their backs, all of their powers stripped, and a piece of parchment directing them downstairs to the Tavernkeeper. There is a thread of all questions answered by the Tavernkeeper here, and if you have more, feel free to ask there for what would be offered ICly.

For OOC questions, please direct themhere.

All locations are available to be explored!

The TDM is game canon and all completed quests can be carried over once accepted into the game.

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Comments

arrival;

[inspiteof]

"I don't believe it's poisoned." Lucanis, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere amongst the mingling arrivals, said as he came up to Davrin's side, a cup of his own cradled in his palms. He nodded to his companion's own cup. "But I still would not drink it."

[daddywarden]

“I guess a Crow would know,” Davrin remarked but without much heat as he turned to look at Lucanis, the brief relief showing on his features before he smirked a bit. They had gotten past their tension a while ago, so he was happy to see the other man. “Let me guess, it’s not coffee?”

[inspiteof]

"A Crow would be more subtle." The sweetness of the drinks offered were overwhelming, to the point it would be absurd to think it was actually masking poison of some sort. No one would be that stupid... probably.

Likewise, Lucanis cannot complain for the familiar face in a very unfamiliar world. He crinkled his nose and cursed under his breath with a click of his tongue.

"Tch. No. I do not think they even sell coffee here. It is a travesty." He huffed. "You're without your feathery companion?"

season of light

[likeiron]

To be fair to Davrin, Nina hadn't been paying attention to her surroundings well either. She was annoyed, confused, and — though she wouldn't admit it — fucking freezing with her very inappropriate attire of a sleeveless jacket, ye olde sports bra equivalent, and tight black leggings.

None of that mattered though when they nearly collided. Davrin's hand on her was warm against her muscular bicep, skin prickled with goosebumps. And yet she still sneered at him. "Yeah, no shit." She replied. "Lucky I didn't clock you." because that was a normal response. Listen. She's cold and doesn't know what's going on, give her a break.

nina ironfist | original | sylph

[likeiron]

masquerade

FIT CHECK: suit. mask.

People might have been surprised to know that Nina Ironfist attended a lot of events like this. Well. Not exactly like this. But high-class balls weren't out of the norm, and given her father's reputation, he was often invited even if he didn't want to go. Had to keep up appearances though, lest the Ironfists somehow be shamed for snubbing those above them on the social hierarchy.

That said, she didn't like them much. The food was good, the drinks were usually high quality, but the people? Boring. Agonizingly, frustratingly boring. The locals here weren't bad so far, but maybe that was just the shiny new world affecting her overall. Either way, Nina was mingling... sort of. More standing around drinking way too much wine and crinkling her nose in annoyance when someone approached her.

"If you ask me to dance I will throttle you."

the sky's ascension

LiLi don't play American Ninja Warrior contestants challenge

"Watch this." Nina said before she suddenly took off and leaped onto the floating platform in front of her without even a hint of hesitation. She did the same with the next, and another, flying cross the floating course with a speed that bordered on ridiculous. Just for the hell of it (she was showing off), she even did a few front flips, catching herself just on the edge of the last platform before it descended into the cloudy abyss below.

When she reached the start again, she grinned. "Think you can beat my time?" You were timing her, right?

quests

i. baby it's cold outside
Nina stared up at the sky, full moon just beginning to rise. "Looks like a good time to get those Frostblooms." She said, snatching the parchment off the questboard and looking it over again. "And the ferns, I guess, if we want to go into the woods."

She turned to her partner for this particular quest. "Think there's monsters and shit out there? I'm going to die of boredom if I'm just picking flowers all night."


ii. dancing with disaster
Congratulations on choosing to join Nina for this horrendous and creepy quest! The young woman was currently sitting on the railing of the airship she had chartered, — the captain of which had been very reluctant to assist, given the strange song making people dance to their supposed dooms in the sky — staring at the island coming into view.

"It's fucking weird, right?" She asked after a long moment of silence. "Not the dancing — I mean that's weird too, obviously. But these floating islands. It's all weird. Like they shouldn't be here at all." Said the woman with an opal woven into her ponytail. Shut up.

wildcard

you know how we do!

nina ironfist | original | sylph

[likeiron]

here

SEASON OF LIGHT

[holdshisown]

"No harm done," Maedhros reassures the other elf. He himself could have done with being a bit more attentive as well, after all, distracted as he'd been while strolling down the streets and admiring the lanterns. "I probably should have watched my steps a bit as well."

bellara lutare | dragon age | sylph

[fadebolt]

arrival.
There are so, so many things someone should be concerned about when they first appear in a place like this: how to get home, what's happened to you, is this place a danger, things like that. Things that maybe someone shouldn't be concerned with would be...trying out every drink the bar has to see what the effects are.

And yet, that's what Bellara is doing.

Or, rather, it's what she wants to be doing, but the barkeep has decided to cut the very strange elven woman off at three drinks and, much to her disappointment, it means she can't actually ascertain anything about the other options! So if you're headed over, you valiant soul, to try something? You'll spot a woman with a notebook out (huh??) jotting things down, and she'll brighten the moment she locks eyes. "Oh! Are you here to get a drink? Would you do me a huge, huge favor? I don't think anything's harmful about these--" What a reassuring way to talk to someone! "--buuut I want to see what they do? I've tried some and they have the weirdest changes happening."

Yes, she is jingling every time she moves. No, she has nothing jingling on her person. "Please? I don't have any coin but I'll be right here with you. And I'm sure there's nothing bad. It just seems like fun!"

Bellara Lutere, coping out of her worry by focusing on something she can fuss with? On brand.


the masquerade.
She's never been to something like this but it feels like something straight out of one of those Minrathous serials. Court intrigue, daring glances...even possible romance! It's exciting! It's something so new and unique. And while she's still not sure what to make of this place, she'll still go. It's rude not to, most likely, and she'd rather cause trouble later if things here are evil rather than to upset someone who might be willing to help.

The dress she's wearing is too nice for her, she feels, and she wishes she had better sleeves on it...but the drape at the waist has allowed her to sneak in a pen and notebook (where did she get it?) so she can idly take some notes like a grand detective. But mostly? She's just marveling at people in their dresses and coats and masks, totally basking in the glow of something eye-opening and wonderful. And still taking notes. Which might be a bit of a social faux pas.

Or if you pass by, you might even hear a small gasp of wonder because you look amazing. But if you turn and look, she'll just give an awkward little smile and wave. "Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt. You just...look great!"

Or if you're also being a wallflower, she might try to strike up conversation. "What do they mean by favor? Do you know what we're supposed to do?" She wants to just be prepared, honestly, because she wants to investigate.


an ancient secret.
Without her magic and without her bow, she's not going to be much help in a fight. But hearing about tablets and ancient information, old magic? That's right up her alley. So whether you've gotten roped into all of this or decided to test your luck, she's right there at your side on the journey to the island. But once there...

Even without access to her magic, Bellara feels it. The heaviness in the air, the dread. She looks pale but doesn't pause or hesitate. "This feels so wrong. It's overwhelming. Can you feel it too?"


wildcard - season of light.
[ Any other prompts for roaming the place and looking at decorations/lights and getting conversations can go here! Please PM me if you need me to change anything or if you want a custom starter. I'm better at those than open-ended things! ]

masquerade- LOOK WHO IT ISSSS *throws a fuckboy at you for punching*

[odare]

Fit check: Suit, mask.

Finnick has also attended a lot of events like this, and like Nina, he usually found them boring and draining. But here and now, it's a welcome break from the horrors that have been going on. He isn't bound by the burden of needing to be nice to rich people, here, or needing to keep up appearances. He can just be himself, whoever the fuck that is.

Nina is pretty, and he hasn't seen her before, so you know what that means. She already has a drink in hand, so as he glides up to her, he presents her a small gift of a macaron in a napkin.

"Not enjoying yourse--" His smoothly purred question is cut off by her irate warning. He blinks for a moment.

See, Finnick usually expects a negative reaction to his flirting, but since arriving in Caldera with all of these people who are way too nice, he's gotten used to not being rejected or not having angry retorts thrown his way, so it does take him off-guard for a second.

"Whoa, whoa, okay, no dancing. No need for throttling!"

[likeiron]

It is nothing short of a miracle that the macaron didn't get smacked to the ground either, honestly. Nina's face may have been half hidden behind the mask, bit there was no way to truly hide the look of disgust triggered by that initial purr in his voice.

"The need for throttling will remain up for debate. What do you want?"

Caitlyn Kiramman | Arcane | undecided

[bluebullet]

1. Arrival

Caitlyn woke up with a massive headache. She was sure she was either dead or knocked out after (or during!) the fight with Ambessa. That woman hits like a zeppelin, she wouldn't be surprised if she has a concussion. She could feel her cheek throbbing from the punches, and aftertaste of blood in her mouth.

She didn't expect to wake in a room, certainly not a tavern. Glancing quickly over the note, she snatches it with a crumple and gets out of the room, trying to be as quiet as possible. Inching her way to the bar, she listens in to the conversation the bartender is having with another 'guest' - not a single piece of information is helpful or familiar.

The bartender turns to her when they spot her and she vigorously shakes her head, "No drinks, thank you," and nods a small apology to the other person, "Apologies for interrupting the conversation."

2. Masquerade

Fancy gatherings and celebrations aren't strange to Caitlyn, she had attended a handful of them as she was growing up... when everything was fine. She wasn't a big fan of them, preferring to be on a shooting range or reading, but one does what one must do, especially after what happened.

But masquerade- it's been quite a while since she attended one of those. Her dress was as elegant as the others, fairly simple with a matching mask. Feeling uneasy, as she knew almost no one around here, Caitlyn kept mostly away from the dance floor and near the tables where there was food and conversation. She tried not to seem like she was listening in, but to a keen eye, it was very obvious.

When she spotted a pair leaving the ballroom as soon as they came in, she felt a bit alarmed and wanted to follow after them. As luck would have it, another guest crossed her path, and she almost ran into them. She sighed in mild irritation, having lost the sneaking couple, and fixed her mask, not quite addressing the fact that she almost ran into the other person.

3. Sea's Secrets

After finally managing to untangle herself from conversations of the ball, Caitlyn finally made her way to one of the terraces of the palace. Born curious, this was surely going to be the "it killed the Cait cat" scenario. She expected a notorious gathering of people, plotting, and whatever else one would do to sabotage an evening gathering.

Instead, she was met with a calm, quiet, peaceful water garden. Few others taking a walk and enjoying the scenery, the Queen of the Sea watching over it all. It was not something she expected at all.

Slowly, carefully, making sure not to trip and fall into the water because of her gown, she walked over to where she could watch the Undines swim peacefully, her thoughts of home and battle and destruction and Vi drifting away with the currents.

She's not sure how long she was standing there, watching the starry waters, but long enough to block someone's way. They'll need to snap her out of it by speaking up because she's not noticing anyone or anything right now.


[ooc: tell me if you are caught up with the show because of the spoilers! I don't want to ruin anyone's fun! PM me if you want a personal prompt!]

Caitlyn Kiramman | Arcane

[bluebullet]

Here!

[inspiteof]

Leave it to Bellara to potentially counter all of the absent warnings Lucanis had offered with regards to the drinks being handed out by the shape-shifting tavernkeeper (odd, by the way, but he's already seen weirder with the rest of his companions back home).

"Some? How many have you tried?"

Finnick Odair | The Hunger Games | Undine

[odare]

Drinks

Finnick loves meeting new people, and loves drinking, so he does enjoy hanging out at the bar where the newbies come in. He finds a slight callous amusement in seeing how disoriented they all are, but avoids them until after they’ve spoken to the tavernkeeper, so their conversation isn’t just them asking him the same questions. That would get tiresome for him and leave little room for flirting. He’s aware the drinks here do weird things and it’s sort of a wildcard, but he likes the surprise of it, likes that it mixes things up.

A. The first drink he tries tonight doesn’t seem to have any disastrous immediate effects. Slowly, as he sips, he starts to feel optimistic and hopeful, which are very rare feelings for him. He may look over at you with a sappy look on his face. If he doesn’t know you, he’ll ask, “how are you?” If he knows you, though, and you’ve been in Caldera for a while, the question will be deeper: “what do you want from your time here?”

B. The second drink… Well. You will see that Finnick is making eyes at you, which is absolutely NOT unusual for him. Especially if you know him, or you already have a flirtationship with him, this will not come as a surprise. He will lean toward you, a catlike smile on his face. Whether you know him or not: “You’re beautiful, do you know that?”

Feast of the Sky

There are a lot of feasts and big festivals in Caldera, and Finnick is a fan. The best kind of food is free, after all. However, this particular feast is filling him with warm and fuzzy feelings. He arrives with Buddy at his side and a canvas bag in hand filled with gifts. He’s spent time thinking of each of his friends here, all who have helped him so much, and made or found each of them a gift. He’ll attempt to find each person after they’re done eating so he can show his thanks. He’ll pull you aside by gently grabbing onto your shoulder, giving you a small but warm smile.

“Hey. How goes it?”

[ooc: if you have CR with Finnick, he will give your character a gift at some point in the season! If you want to know what the gift is but don’t want to respond to this particular prompt, or want to incorporate it into a different thread, let me know by dms or just an ooc note in your tag. I will find something for everyone who wants one :) ]

The Grand Masquerade

Fit check: Suit, mask.

Finnick has been to lots of big events like this. He always loves the food and drink, but usually these events in his world are for the rich, and he usually is there as arm candy, and has to schmooze and make small talk with all of them. They’re all insufferable people, and the atmosphere of decadence is soul-crushing when you know the realities of starving children in the districts. So, he has every reason to skip out on this event… However, he needs this. A lot of emotionally difficult things happened to him during the spooky season that just occurred, and he needs a night of levity.

Finnick is used to being dressed by other people, or having to dress for other people, or for cameras. But oddly, as he enters, he finds himself in clothing that is absolutely something he would have picked for himself based on his own tastes. It makes him feel bright and confident as he schmoozes around the party.

In the water garden, Finnick is absolutely taken by the atmosphere. It’s beautiful, and so is Cordelia. His usual skepticism of her moves to the backburner as he takes everything in. He becomes contemplative, quiet, introspective, and serious, unlike his usual gregarious self. You may find him sitting at the water’s edge. He is thinking deeply about the sea and what it means to him, so if your character speaks to him, that’s what you can expect.


Cult of Triton- Closed to Anthem (cw drowning, child murder)

Finnick has become somewhat known around the coastal areas of Grey Ward as that crazy guy who’s always on his boat or on the beach, saving people from drowning or warning them about the cult. He’s accepted help from Anthem, Tess, Zevlor, and others when he can rope them into it.

A mother knocked on his door one day. He recognized her immediately. Abigail, the mom of the twins who live on the beach, one of whom- Benjamin- he and Anthem had rescued from the cultists in the nick of time. Unfortunately, somehow, despite vigilance from Finnick and Abigail to protect the children, her daughter Alice had gone missing. Finnick searched for her for days, on his boat and in the freezing cold water, to no avail. He had to go back to Abigail with his tail between his legs, sleep deprived, exhausted, and devastated, and tell her of his failure. Abigail seemed to accept somewhat that her daughter may be truly gone, and asked Finnick one more favor- to find her remains.

Of course, he said yes without hesitation. He told Anthem about it all and asked her to come along. She’ll find him on the dock, loading his boat up with towels and blankets to combat the cold they have to face at this point in the season.

[eightbeers]

Purely by coincidence, Bellara found a pretty perfect person to down a questionable beverage without concern for their health and well being. Granted, Kimiko does not currently know she can't currently heal from anything, but even if she couldn't, you know what they say about old habits and how they die. It seemed like a perfectly reasonable request to her, so she shrugged and nodded. Sure! Hook her up with whatever!

Masquerade

[buffleheaded]

Imoen almost runs into the woman. She keeps fiddling with her mask, running a fingertip over the edge of it. At least the look is nice. She's mostly comfortable in a pink dress, only wishing she didn't have scars from cuts and drops of acid peeking out along with her bared shoulders.

It's the atmosphere that puts her off. The rogue is not used to this setting at all - put her in a library, or a dungeon, or present her with some doors whose locks need jiggled into compliance. But a classy party? She keeps thinking about activities that should merit putting her under careful watch.

Perhaps bothering this more elegant woman would be a decent substitute, she thinks. She might not have noticed the sneaking couple herself, but Caitlin is clearly intent on something. Imoen pops on a quick and easy smile, and asks outright, "Little preoccupied tonight?"

[ooc: caught up on the show, no worries for me.]

[spellblade]

"You look about as comfortable as I feel," Rook observed as she sidled up to Davrin's side, clad in a fairly simple dress that was still the fanciest thing she'd ever worn and a mask of autumnal maple leaves that she lifted briefly to identify herself. Probably unnecessarily, she doubted hiding half her face would make her unrecognizable, but they both had plenty of reason to feel paranoid after all they'd been through.

Regardless, hi Davrin, it's ya girl, Rook. "I don't suppose Assan is up there flying around with the locals, is he?" she added, tugging the mask back into place.

[spellblade]

Her un-nicked neck thanks you kindly for the timely intervention, Spite. You're a real one. Lucanis should be thankful for his unbitten fingers, too, since they'd been a few fractions of a second away from a slightly feral elf giving in to the impulsive thoughts and chomping down on the leather gloved digits pressed to her lips. With a pleh! she swiped the back of her hand across her mouth, her attempts to talk around the obstruction having left a smear of spit, and turned on her heel to face him and confirm what she already knew. Thank the g--the M--thank someone!

"Lucanis." She breathed a sigh of relief, then grinned and scoffed a laugh. "Well this is awkward. I think you might've been paid to steal what someone's paying me to keep secure."

[temultuous]

Oh, shit. Well. Shit. "Yeah," Imogen confirmed uneasily. "Sorry about that. It's not something I can help." On the one hand, focusing on one person's mind made it easier to block out the rest. On the other, it was real weird. It wasn't a mind. It was two. "...You got, uh. You got a situation goin' on up there, huh."

[inspiteof]

Lucanis stared at her dumbly for a moment, not quite registering what she was saying until seconds later. All he could think about was the not knowing, the ache in his chest every time he imagined whatever horrors she was facing in the Fade alone or, even worse, not alone at all with some demons or spirits or Maker knows what terrorizing her.

"What?" He replied without really thinking. She was talking about the quest? Not — why did she not seem as surprised as he was to see her? Confirmation from Spite suggested that, yes, this was really Rook. But...

"I — I did not think I'd ever see you again." And how was she so calm about it??

[odare]

Damn, she is NOT impressed. This is the first person he's met here who's been openly hostile toward him. But he's good at shrugging these things off, usually, so he doesn't show his shock or defensiveness too much. He shrugs and speaks light-heartedly.

"Just trying to strike up conversation. You're new, right? Haven't seen you around before." She also looks human to him, which natives usually don't, and most visitors aren't either. If he'd seen her, he would remember.

[spellblade]

Being stared at with awestruck confusion was...well. It was confusing. On a couple of levels. On one, well, when a man almost kisses a girl and then walks away to clear his head and never brings it up again, assuming the feelings were one sided was hardly a stretch, right? Rook might not have a wealth of past experience to pull from, but she was pretty sure people don't say I did not think I'd ever see you again in that breathless tone if their feelings are strictly casual camaraderie. So, you know, that was...different. Bit whiplash inducing. Bit confusing.

But the other, much more pressing, much more obvious level, "You didn't think you'd see me again...after breakfast?" A cold sense of dread and alarm was creeping up her spine; she did her best to ignore it until there was an actual reason to allow for it. "Why?"

an ancient secret

[spellblade]

You can take the magic from the Veil Jumpers, but you can't keep the Veil Jumpers from finding something magical, dangerous, possibly creepy, and poking at it to see what happens.

...Not the best use of that idiom, but whatever. "Hey, it's fine," Rook tried to reassure, even though her heebies were most assuredly jeebied. "..I mean, yeah, it does. I do. But we've been worse places lately." That, at least, wasn't a lie.

[inspiteof]

Breakfast? His brows furrowed. Spite was screaming in his head now, as frantic and confused as Lucanis felt in that moment, staring in the eyes of a woman he had seen vanish nearly a month ago, who seemingly had no idea what he was talking about. Did she lose her memory somehow?

He took a breath, exhaled slowly. Now wasn't really the ideal time for whatever this conversation was about to be, was it? Oh well. "What is the last thing you remember before you came here, Rook? Besides... breakfast, I suppose."

[inspiteof]

He's so sorry Spite is the one she has currently locked onto.

Lucanis sighed the sigh of a man far too tired to have this conversation. Alas, no point in hiding it from someone who could clearly hear the feral demon in his head.

"He and I were joined against our wills some time ago." He explained. "He does not usually have someone else to talk to, not until recently." Emmrich come back and save them all. "I can go, if it bothers you."

"NO. WANT TO STAY."