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

Orym of the Air Ashari | Critical Role | Undecided with spoilers for the recent CR episode inculded

[halfling_dad]

Arrival

Orym wasn't expecting to wind up in a tavern with everything going on. But between one blink and another that's where he is. The small man with the shock of slightly curly brown hair looks around almost ready for a fight to break out, but when he glances around and just sees the warm open room with the chatting patrons the tension in his body eases and he wanders up to the bar tapping on it to order a Winters Whisper.

The tea is warm and delightfully spicy in a way that reminds him of Winter's Crest and warm nights by a fire with strong arms wrapped around him and a soft voice in his ear.


The Grand Masquerade

The small figure looking like a deer walks into the grand ballroom assessing the room and any dangers that might be inside. His body language is tense and he seems like he'd prefer to have a weapon in his hand then a drink. He circles the room trying to find a group to join so he feels less self aware.

The Land's Embrace

Orym feels comfortable here....the soft breeze the smell of the trees and the plants is exactly like home. He is almost tempted to slip his boots off and feel the grass under his feet as he walks along. He is still ill at ease here since he is so used to the world being on fire these days.

He stops to watch a pair of lovers holding hands and chatting softly a sad look on his face. He is moving forward yes, but the memories are still there.

masquerade because of course!

[fundamentalchaos]

So far the party has been treating Ashton a lot better than they would have thought and honestly, they're here for it. Between seeing Barcus in his whole number and getting to see Dorian again, Ash is damn near on cloud nine. So much so that they almost don't recognize a certain halfling as they pass, only stopping because the flash of gold horns catches their eye.

They stop and frown a minute before there's a laugh and their face seems to light up.

Not that it's visible behind their own featureless mask.

"No fuckin way...Orym?"

Re: masquerade because of course!

[halfling_dad]

Orym looks over and a smile crosses his face under the mask as his body language relaxes more knowing there is someone else who can fight around in case there is any trouble. "Ashton," he says warmly, clearly happy to see his friend. "I didn't realize anyone else from home was here.....I'm so glad to see you."

The fighter walks over and pats Ashton's pant leg not wanting them to lean down if they didn't want to. "Have you been here long?"

[fundamentalchaos]

"Oh? So what you're saying is I was the first one to see you and Dorian? Good to know." They joke, shifting to drop down so that they're more level with the other fighter...minding the chains on their skirt as they do. "It's good to see you, too. Been here...about a month? Yeah. A month."

Reaching up they tilt up their own mask, it's almost as bad as the one they wore for their Nightmare King costume with how stuffy it gets under it.

"How are you? How is everyone? And before you ask or say anything...the last thing I remember is getting tossed after the solstice and meeting Bor'Dor, Deni$e, and Prism. Apparently we gotta touch base and see where things line up because Blue Boy said that he's from like...weeks in the future comparatively? Asked me about my arm and..." There's a flap of their hands as Ashton just lets it trail off.

[halfling_dad]

Orym hadn't known Dorian was here too, he hadn't seen him yet. His heart races a little bit given the last thing he remembers was a quiet evening in a certain tower, but he isn't sure if that's something the bard would remember too. "Yes I'm past that by a few weeks," he admits, raising his own mask, "maybe a month or so...time has been weird lately. Dorian is back with us for me...but I'll need to check to make sure he and I line up timeline wise because so much has happened since he came back."

"Everyone...is..okay...sort of," Orym says, "like I said a lot has happened and I don't know how much I should tell you without....well upsetting you."

[fundamentalchaos]

"Well, looks like you two will be closer than we are." Shrugging Ashton sort of looks around them, all but making sure no one runs into them down at their level. And then Orym mentions not 'upsetting' Ashton.

Their gaze snaps back to the fighter. "Why would I be upset? Orym...Orym." There's a moment where they look like they're going to ask for more information before-"No, no you're right. Besides it's a party right? Parties are for drinking and making stupid dumb mistakes....not talking about end of the world shit. Right? Right."

A pause. God this is going to eat them up inside.

"So.....Dorian said that Laudna and Imogen finally got together." Yup. That's what they're going to change the topic to, even as one of their legs starts to bounce which makes the gold chains around that leg jingle quietly.

[halfling_dad]

Orym feels guilty for letting anything slip at all. Ashton deserves the world and to feel like things are just the way they used to be. He smiles. "They are," he says, leaving out the tension that is between them right now. " Imogen kissed her in front of everyone," he chuckles softly. It wasn't something he felt he could do if he and Dorian ever got to that point. He was still as reserved as he ever was and he doesn't want to rush what they have.

"Heat of the moment and all that," he adds knowing Ashton will like hearing that bit, "and it was a nice thing to see given how rough things had been for everyone. "We also met the group the others were with...there was an automaton like FCG there."

It hurts to say but he remembers how happy FCG was to have someone to lean on. "You said something about a drink...I could use about a dozen."

Land's Embrace

[bluebullet]

After inspecting one of the terraces, Caitlyn decides that it would be prudent to check out the other as well- there are two more from what she heard, and it would be good to know the layout of it. She's still in her masquerade gown and mask, which she found incredibly helpful in the end (mask especially).

She's taken a seat at one of the benches and when the man (not a yordle, she has to remind herself) stops to observe the couple, her eyes follow as well. It really feels bittersweet, being stuck here and witnessing the love of others. She scoots to make some space on the bench, shifting her gown to free up the spot.

"You can take a seat here, if you'd like."

Re: Land's Embrace

[halfling_dad]

Orym smiles at the woman and walks over, boosting his smaller frame onto the bench with a natural grace. "Thank you," he said softly as his eyes remained locked on the couple's walking by for a moment or two more before looking over at her. "Are you here alone," he asks, sensing he might have found a kindred spirit in her, but he never wants to assume.

"I'm Orym by the way," he adds not wanting to be completely rude.

The Land's Embrace

[makingmyway]

While Dorian felt quite at home here on this floating city among the clouds, he also found himself drawn to the garden, appreciating the beauty of the flowers and trees that were still able to bloom and thrive here. The Silken Squall had been too far above the world, too high up for many plants to grow, and it was one of the many things that he had grown to enjoy so much during his time traveling the surface of Exandria.

And it was strange to feel so at ease here; as he stands admiring a shower of flower petals drifting down from above, lantern light dappled through the branches of the canopy trees, a soft smile on his face as he enjoys the quiet serenity of the moment. And as he holds a hand out, a flower petal gently lands in his palm.

He had spent most of his life living high in the sky, far above the rest of the world. But this garden is a reminder of his discovery that, more and more, he can feel just as at home on the ground as well.

Re: The Land's Embrace

[halfling_dad]

Orym had removed his coat and mask finding a place to hide them given it was fairly warm out here. He then was wandering the terrace until he came across Dorian and stopped dead. It was very rare that he was struck dumb by people but Dorian managed to do it without even trying, From the moment they met, Orym was lost to Dorian's kindness, bravery and beauty. He watches the gensai quietly, not wanting to ruin the moment. He had been closed off for so long that admitting his growing feelings had been terrifying and then letting himself be comforted had eased those feelings.

He still didn't know what the future held for either of them or what being in this place meant, but this moment of peace made Orym's heart feel so full. He walked forward clearing his throat softly so as not to startle Dorain. "Would you mind some company?"

[makingmyway]

Dorian catches the soft fall of footsteps, but it's the familiar voice that really draws his attention. And when he turns and sees Orym, a smile spreads across his face. The last thing he remembers before arriving in this world was was falling asleep with Orym right after they had spoken of the feelings between them. And while there are still things to worry about back home, he can't help admitting that he was glad the halfling was here too.

"I always enjoy your company, Orym," he says softly. This thing between them felt a bit uncertain and fragile, almost like the days when they were first getting to know each other. But it was also exciting and thrilling, as he lets himself feel the rush of desire and affection that he'd always been afraid to before.

[halfling_dad]

Orym walked up to stand beside the genasi watching the other couples strolling through this beautiful place. He isn't sure what to say, he wants to ask so many things, to sync up timelines, but all he can think of is Dorian's arms around him and drifting off to sleep thinking. this is okay and it was. He could move on now and know Will would be waiting for him and happy to see him living life again. "Ashton said you were here," he says, his heart racing. "He said we should talk because this place can...mess with when people come in."

He is terrified to ask because he doesn't know if he could survive if Dorian didn't remember the same things he did. It was bad enough that Ash didn't know yet about FCG or anything else that had happened. "Just so that we...don't say things we shouldn't."

[makingmyway]

Dorian blinks, stiffening a bit. "Oh..." Of course he'd known that, having spoken with Ashton himself. But he hadn't realized that also could have meant Orym too.

"That's... probably a good idea." Still, anxiety twists at his heart, thinking that maybe they hadn't come from the same moment. "What... was the last thing that you remember? For me it was... falling asleep in Caleb Widogast's tower."

He leaves it at that, just in case that hadn't been Orym's experience. But he didn't know what he would do if it wasn't...

[halfling_dad]

Orym feels his face flame red and he needs a moment to answer so his voice doesn't shake. Everything is still so new and he doesn't want to ruin it. "I...remember that too," he answers softly, "and how nice it felt to...feel safe."

He'd really felt safe and loved for the first time in years. "You...offered me comfort and it was just what I wanted."

The Grand Masquerade

[lost_and_foundry]

When you're used to being not just the shortest person in the room, but the shortest by a measure of about two feet, you notice someone else your size very quickly. Apparently the venue has similar ideas about how they should be dressed, as well. Barcus is in a silver mouse mask, with a matching baroque suit that's a bit tighter on him than he'd normally choose to wear, and a long tail looped through the belt. So, mouse, meet deer?

Being the same size is probably a foolish reason to seek someone out, but it's a party after all. You don't have to have a reason to talk to other people.

He slips through the crowd, irresistibly curious. Hard to tell behind the masks whether he's looking at a halfling or a gnome, or maybe some entirely different entity that he's never encountered before, but he goes up to the stranger regardless. "Hello! I...hm. You must be a new arrival. The only other person my height I've met here is...no longer here, as far as I can tell."

Re: The Grand Masquerade

[halfling_dad]

Oyrm is so used to working with people taller than him that being able to meet someone's eye is novel "Oh hello," he says his voice soft and smooth, "I am a new arrival...just yesterday if my sense of time is right."

He offers out his hand and smiles under his mask. "The hand will be callused with a strong grip if the handshake is accepted. "My name is Orym...it's nice to meet someone my own size for a change....most of the people I know are a bit taller."

He chuckles. "Not that that has stopped me from being able to stand toe to toe with them."

[lost_and_foundry]

Barcus has no hesitation in accepting a handshake. His grip is firm enough; his hands, too, are callused, but in the way a mechanic or tinkerer's would be, not in the places a swordsman has calluses. "I've been here for a little over a month," he says. "It takes a little getting used to. Everyone is...mostly pleasant enough, but far too tall."

That second bit is probably meant to be a joke.

"You're a halfling? It's hard to tell with costumes on, not that it matters that much. I'm a deep gnome." Of course, chances are they're not even from the same world, but there's a sense of distant familiarity here. He doesn't think he's guessed wrong, now that he's speaking to the man.

"Barcus Wroot. Well met, saer."

[halfling_dad]

Orym nods. "I am a halfling, yes," he says, "I've never met a deep gome before thought I have met a drow. He was very nice and quite a powerful wizard." Orym says. "It is very nice to meet you, Bracus. I hope we can be friends."

[lost_and_foundry]

There's a hint of a startled reaction when he says he's met a drow. A year ago, Barcus would not have been able to hold his tongue. Relations between most drow and most deep gnomes in his world are such that it feels downright bizarre to be mentioned in the same sentence, as if they're related in some way other than habitat...

And yet, the gnome knows better. If he sees a drow in the Underdark he won't wait around to find out if they're friendly, but he knows a few that he feels safe with. Some he would even call nice, or at least kind.

"Well, I... I'm glad you had a positive experience," he says weakly. "Maybe that's more common in your world than mine, but in the end, I suppose people are just people. Actually, I have a drow friend here somewhere. I was talking to him earlier."

"There's all sorts here. It's a little strange, but not in a bad way."

The Land's Embrace

[voiceoftempest]

There's another nearby watching the various pairs of lovers with a longing expression on her face. Keyleth is, of course, thinking about Vax. As she looks down at the flower she finds in her hand, she glances around, trying to figure out where it came from and spots the smaller man and notes the look on his face. She nods her understanding, but can't bring herself to go over there.

Re: The Land's Embrace

[halfling_dad]

Orym is very perceptive and he quickly notices the woman looking and then notices how familiar she is. He has only known the Voice of the Tempest as she was after returning to her people. He's heard stories of course, but it takes him a moment to realize that Keyleth is much younger than he remembers. He watches her for a long moment before hopping off the bench and walking over to join her. He has a chance to give back some of what she once gave him in his darkest days.

"It does get easier, you know," he comments.

[voiceoftempest]

"It... does? How do you know?" she asks, her expression holding a note of emotion. "After Vax agreed to join me on resuming my Aramente, I thought we were done with this back and forth song and dance. But now I'm here and I have to help save this world, who knows how long that will take. What if he-"

Keyleth then realizes what she's doing and her cheeks heat up with embarrassment. "Aaaand I'm talking about my love life with a complete stranger..."

She sighs.

"When I'm nervous or emotional, I sometimes just... talk. Sorry."

[halfling_dad]

Orym is used to it, not that he wants to admit that to her. It had always been a good test of his being able to stand quietly and not laugh as he listened to it during meetings and such. "It's fine," he says with a soft chuckle. "Someone I know back home does that all the time and I've gotten used to it. In fact hearing you doing it reminds me of them...and it's nice."

[voiceoftempest]

"I'm glad I could remind you of home... I guess... as embarrassing as it is..." She says rubbing at the back of her head until she realizes something. They don't have to be strangers.

"Oh! My name's Keyleth."

Keyleth holds her hand out to shake.