TDM #5

[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

FLAMEFRUIT SANGRIA a deep red wine based punch with chunks of softly glowing fruit floating in it. A single serving makes you feel relaxed, social, and maybe even a little flirty.

MOLTEN MEAD Though the thick drink itself is room temperature, it bubbles sluggishly, and feels very warm going down. The bold flavor affects your mood. You feel very bold! Like you could do anything!

BESALT BRANDY a hopefully staple drink for the brewery, this liquor is smooth and rich with a peppery bite. Ironically after consuming it, you kinda want to bite someone! Not hard! Just a little nip and nibble!

THAT ASHY ESPRESSO a single potent shot of dark espresso swirled with a gold-tinged cream. Intense and bitter with a hint of caramelized sugar. You are now very awake, hyper, and excited.

PYROCLAST'S WHISKEYa glossy black whiskey that turns a vibrant glowing orange when swirled. You now breathe fire.

EMBERMARK WINE a rich, velvety, spiced wine that immediately makes one feel mellow and calm.

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.

IGNACIA'S CRADLE/EMBER VEIL

Months ago, a piece of land from Heaven’s Bow fell from the sky and scarred the land below, damaging a part of the city. From that chaos and ruin rose new life, a new ruler, and a new city: Ignacia’s Cradle. Just a short walk from the edge of Grey Ward, the gates of the city are guarded by two massive obsidian golems, and any who did not rise from the lava itself are warned at the entrance that to travel about the city will be most difficult, unless they have obtained a way to mitigate the extreme heat: be that with a charm, an ability, or a potion. The very streets themselves are paved in slabs of volcanic rock, tall spires of buildings constructed and shaped by rapidly cooled lava. The main method of travel are the mine carts, with tracks that wind through the spires ready to take one to almost any location.

Currently, the main feature of Ignacia’s Cradle is the Lava Flats, home of skilled smiths that use the extreme heat of the lava to melt the strongest metals and create unbreakable weapons, glassmakers and jewelers who fashion elaborate headpieces, rings, and amulets. These items are sold at the Ember Market on the outskirts of the Flats.

At the edge of the city lies the Ashfall Terrace, where a small farm using the rich volcanic ash and soil is in its infancy, as well as the Basalt Brewery where clever alchemists are researching ways to use the extreme heat to craft new and unique beverages that they are eager to find folk to test them out on.

---

The hot spring of Ignacia’s Cradle is a breathtaking anomaly located just beyond the Ashfall Terrace, tucked into a secluded crater formed by the celestial impact that gave rise to the city. Here, molten veins from the Lava Flats weave beneath the earth, heating a natural reservoir that bubbled to life amidst the chaos. The spring’s waters shimmer with an ethereal brilliance, hues of deep turquoise blending with molten gold and fiery orange, as though Heaven’s Bow itself left behind a fragment of its essence. Steam rises in curling wisps, carrying the tang of minerals and faint traces of sulfur.

The spring, known to locals as The Ember Veil, is both a sanctuary and a marvel of natural wonder. Its soothing waters are reputed to heal wounds and fortify the spirit, with the temperature kept in perfect balance by an intricate system of naturally formed vents and channels. The edges are lined with intricately carved obsidian benches, where patrons can soak their feet or meditate in the rising steam. Plants resistant to the intense conditions—vivid fire lilies and ash ferns—dot the perimeter, their resilience a symbol of life’s ability to flourish even in the harshest environments.

Sometimes, when two or more individuals share the waters, the spring creates a subtle connection between their minds, allowing memories to surface like ripples on its surface. These shared memories appear as glowing, translucent scenes that hover above the water, visible to all within the spring. Participants can relive moments from their lives, experiencing them through each other’s eyes, fostering profound empathy and understanding.

Another of the spring’s mystical properties occurs when bathers who enter the waters feeling drained, injured, or burdened by grief often find their vitality restored. The waters seem to draw out negative energies and emotions, replacing them with a warm, invigorating sensation that spreads through the body. In rare instances, the spring has been known to accelerate physical healing, mending minor injuries and soothing chronic aches, as though the magic itself is stitching the body back together.

A lesser-known but equally fascinating effect happens on particularly clear nights, when the moonlight reflects on the spring’s surface, some bathers report fleeting glimpses of potential futures. These visions are often cryptic, appearing as brief, dream-like flashes, but they have guided many to life-changing decisions. The alchemists of the Basalt Brewery believe this effect stems from residual cosmic energy, and they have begun experimenting with enhancing it through the addition of rare minerals and lunar elixirs.

RADIANT SUN

The day begins like no other, with the skies painted in hues of golden-pink as the Radiant Sun ascends. Its light spills over the world, warm and soft, caressing the land and filling every heart with a sense of peace. Beneath its glow, emotions of love and connection bloom like never before. Strangers exchange heartfelt smiles, old friends embrace as though no time has passed, and lovers find their feelings deepened, their bonds strengthened.

Even the air feels different—lighter, sweeter, as though the universe itself is celebrating. The songs of birds harmonize with the melodies of impromptu musicians who feel inspired by the sun’s radiance. Those with magical abilities sense their powers of healing and creation magnified, as if the sun itself lends its strength to their intentions. Long-held grudges seem to melt away under the sun’s tender gaze, replaced by tears of reconciliation and words of forgiveness.

The Radiant Sun touches every heart differently:

◾A widow finds peace as memories of her late spouse no longer bring sorrow but gratitude for the love they shared.
◾A timid youth finds the courage to confess their feelings to the person they’ve admired for so long.
◾A gruff warrior lets down their guard, laughing freely with their companions for the first time in years.

For a fleeting moment, the world feels as it should be—unified, harmonious, and drenched in love.

But as the day wanes and the Radiant Sun dips below the horizon, an unease begins to settle...

JEALOUS MOON

The golden light gives way to deep purples and silvers as the Jealous Moon rises, its glow pale and cold. Its light pierces the heart, not to warm it, but to expose the insecurities that lie buried within. Where love had flourished during the day, doubt begins to creep in.

Under the Jealous Moon’s influence, emotions twist and darken:

◾A once-reconciled pair of siblings argue over old grievances, as jealousy over perceived favoritism resurfaces.
◾A couple, who had spent the day lost in each other’s arms, now question each other’s loyalty and intentions.
◾A nobleman, inspired to be generous during the day, grows suspicious of those who received his gifts, fearing they may exploit his kindness.

The air grows heavy with tension, and the magic of the Radiant Sun fades, replaced by the sharp sting of distrust. The moon’s pale light seems to follow people like a judgmental gaze, amplifying every fear, insecurity, and lingering resentment.

Worse still, the night seems endless, as though time itself has bent beneath the weight of the Jealous Moon’s envious glow. For three long days and nights, the moon lingers high in the sky, its pale, piercing light casting a shadow over hearts and minds, amplifying discord and despair. Its power sows strife among even the closest bonds, driving some to dangerous extremes. Yet, when all seems lost, the scholars of the three factions unite their wisdom and uncover a glimmer of hope—a means to dispel the moon’s cruel influence. For those who have not yet succumbed to jealousy’s grip, there remains a chance to reclaim harmony, a chance for redemption before the damage becomes irreversible.

The solution lies not in complex rituals or rare relics but in the simplest and most instinctive actions: physical connection. To weaken the moon’s hold, people must embrace one another—offering a hug, a handshake, or even resting a hand on someone’s shoulder. These gestures of closeness disrupt the isolation and mistrust that the moon thrives upon. Sitting side by side or holding hands creates a barrier against its oppressive light, reminding the afflicted that they are not alone. Even small acts, like sharing warmth through proximity or clasping arms in solidarity, build a shield of connection that the moon cannot penetrate.

As these actions ripple through the night, the Jealous Moon’s light begins to dim, its sharp, cold glow softening until it fades from the sky entirely. The tension in the air lifts, replaced by a quiet calm that feels almost foreign after the chaos of the past three days. Slowly, the world seems to exhale, and the darkness that clung so tightly to the hearts of many begins to loosen its grip. People step back from the brink of despair, their minds clearing as if waking from a long, disorienting dream. Relationships strained by the moon’s influence begin to mend as apologies are exchanged, tears are shed, and bonds are reaffirmed.

ALL IS WELL(?)

With the Radiant Sun rising again, its golden-pink hues spilling across the horizon, life begins to return to normal. The birds resume their morning songs, markets reopen, and the hum of daily activity fills the air once more. Though traces of the moon’s influence linger in whispered memories, there is a collective sense of relief and gratitude among the people—gratitude for the light, for connection, and for a second chance to heal.

In the outskirts of Ignacia's Cradle, Aella and Terra, two of the three leaders of the factions, come together to address the gathered crowds. Together they assure the people that this celestial event was a rare anomaly, something never before recorded in the annals of history. They explain that while the Jealous Moon’s influence was unprecedented and deeply unsettling, it was a unique alignment of cosmic forces that is unlikely to occur again in their lifetimes—or ever.

The leaders thank the people for their resilience and compassion, emphasizing how their acts of unity—simple gestures of closeness and connection—proved stronger than the moon’s envy. They commend the scholars for their quick thinking and the Visitors for their role in guiding others through the chaos. Finally, they urge everyone to move forward, not in fear of what has passed, but with the knowledge that even in the darkest moments, their strength lies in the bonds they share.

QUESTBOARD

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.

*February will be the last month to complete quests for this rotation. New ones will go up on March 1st.

OOC NOTES

Welcome to Caldera's fifth 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! Ignacia's Cradle and Ember Veil have been added, along with details about the Violet Drop regarding the Cult of Triton.

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

Participation in the Radiant Sun/Jealous Moon effects is not mandatory.

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Comments

[soldforless]

She perked up when he handed her the lance which she accepted with a grin. She even gave it a little twirl between her hands, testing the weight briefly before holding it properly with a wink.

Then she fell back, slowing her step until there was a healthy distance between them. Not so much that she couldn't keep an eye on him but still.

Jealous Moon - been meaning to toss Vax at him!

[ofravensanddaggers]

It's not often Vax finds himself wandering these days, but something about the night has the rogue on edge. He's a shadow in the night, keeping mostly to himself as he seems unaffected by the moons pull.

Which is probably for the better as he finds himself all but stumbling over the large man. It takes a moment before Vax realizes that the man is...crying? Then he takes it in more and he really sees poor John as he is. A sobbing, in pain, mess of a man, and it's no question on if Vax should stop or not. Within moments the elf is kneeling next to John, a hand hovering close to his shoulder.

"Hey, hey are you okay? Can you look at me? It's alright." His voice is even and gentle as he makes to reach out to John's face, stopping short, unsure if it's safe to touch the man.

Barcus Wroot | Baldur's Gate 3 | Dryad

[lost_and_foundry]

Tavern

Basalt brandy. If ever there was a beverage to tempt Barcus, this is surely it. He actually asks to see the bottle before ordering a glass, because he wants to see whether Night Sky, or possibly even Ashton, is credited in some way for this idea. It seems like the kind of thing they would suggest for him, given their previous adventures in the culinary applications of rocks.

No indication this is a prank by his friends, though, and finally he orders a glass. There probably isn't any actual basalt in it. Probably. But the taste is very nice, with a bite to it he wasn't expecting.

...hmm. Speaking of biting...

The Ember Veil

He really just wanted to see the spring, but once he was there the water looked so tempting he couldn't resist. It's quiet, and he doesn't feel too self-conscious stripped down to his skivvies with his legs in the water. Though, he's not sure how deep it is, so he's disinclined to actually climb all the way in without a larger friend around to fish him out. Maybe he can get Ashton to come along next time. Maybe with Dorian and Orym, as well?

It's probably the thought of affection and friendships that dredges up the memory that flickers across the water.

Barcus is standing next to another gnome, brown-skinned, with a peculiar collar on him and a rag bound over his eyes. He's standing beside him because he already has a sinking feeling about what's about to happen. He's already made a choice, and it's the worst thing he's ever had to do, but he's holding fast. No one else dies today.

You Gondians will lie, scheme, and torment this city until your dying breaths. Let's end this. The man speaking stands across from Barcus and the collared, blinded gnome. He's bald, like Barcus, with high cheekbones, eyes the color of amethyst, and scars on his face. Barcus remembers where those scars came from. They were in the Underdark with some of the other children, and a Hook Horror came out of nowhere. Wulbren was always good with a hammer, good for fighting or for forging. He was somehow able to hold it back while Barcus ran for help. He almost lost an eye, but he was so proud of himself he almost glowed.

Should have left me five more minutes, Barcus. I was this close. I'd have smashed in its skull all by myself! Blood streaked and fierce. Barcus believed him. He kissed him on the cheek, and Wulbren let him.

The same pride gleams behind his eyes now, but it's gone cold. Bitter. Barcus sees it now. This isn't the boy he grew up with. What happened? He's a stranger. Barcus trekked across the Sword Coast for this man, and the best he could do was convince stronger people to save him. Well, now Wulbren has run out of grace, and Barcus can't save him from himself.

But he can at least save him from committing this one unforgiveable act. No more deaths. Kill the Gondians and you kill all that we love! Collaboration. Challenge. Solving problems with the power of reason, creativity, and invention.

Even before he finishes speaking, he knows Wulbren is unmoved. Another failure on Barcus' part. But a human woman, standing vigilant off to the side, speaks up. Maybe the Ironhands need a new leader. Maybe they need Barcus.

This is ridiculous. Ironhands, kill this man. For a split second Barcus thinks he means for them to kill Toobin, the gnome next to him, and he even moves slightly to defend him. Then he realizes--no, Wulbren just ordered them to kill Barcus.

It should feel miraculous when the Ironhands put away their weapons. When they rally to Barcus rather than Wulbren. When Toobin recognizes him, formally, as the leader of the Ironhands. It doesn't, though. It feels awful.

He exiles his old friend, his ex-lover. Gives him until first light to collect his things and leave.

When next we meet, Wulbren tells him, my hammer will split your skull in two. And that is a promise.

Barcus would cry, but that would be a poor look for the new leader of the Ironhands. Instead, he stands firm, stubborn in the face of heartbreak. There's not a doubt in his mind that he did the right thing, but he'll mourn over it for weeks. Months. He's still mourning.

[youknowwhothisis]

Cutie marks. Canterlot. Alicorns. Crystal Empire. So despite the harrowing experiences she went through involving dragons, armies and childhood abandonment, this lady... horse... alicorn... came from a world of super cute terminologies.

He was about 50/50 on being surprised and on being unsurprised.

He blinked. "...So having a kingdom to run and not being there's got you so frazzled, huh? Nothing you can do about that right now, I'm afraid. Might need to get another drink or two before you're through, work out the shock."

ember veil

[thecodexabides]

Gadriel had been actively thinking...nothing. Like the Chaplain's favorite, he knew that if you had no thoughts, you could harbor neither heresy nor doubt within you. He had just been reclining, feeling the warmth of the water, like a lizard sunning itself. No thoughts just Astartes.

He twitched when he heard her voice, coming back from whatever heresy- and sorcery-free place his mind had gone to. "Lydia." He blinked at her question. "The water is...?" All right, he would confess. He had no idea what she was asking. It is here, it is wet, it is warm, it has a human-safe pH....which did she want to know?

EMBER VEIL

[lettersfrombel]

Some kind of metal construct is in the hot spring? Some kind of construct is maybe flirting with him? Sure, why not.

"Don't mind if I do," Bel said, settling into the water. "This might be worth the volcano appearing last month."

[wantadistraction]

"Is it nice? Warm?" Lydia asked with a small smile as she toed off her shoes and slowly lowered herself to sit on the edge beside him, sliding her feet into the water before he could even really answer her.

A sigh of pleasure escaped her almost immediately as she curled her fingers around the edge and closed her eyes, leaning forward while kicking her legs slowly through the water. Okay, it was very nice.

FUKKYEEEEEAAAAAAH XD

[theydrewfirstblood]

It’s only the proximity of the quiet voice, soft as satin, that pierces through the pain. It’s close enough to touch, but there is no touch.

As it will always be. As it probably should be.

John’s eyes flutter just a little, then focus on the face of the man in front of him. He’s all contrasts, dark hair and light skin—telling lies.

It’s all right.

“S’ok—m’ used to lies.” He breathes, shaky and stuttering through shaking so intense his teeth are chattering, cheeks glistening with silent tears that continue to stream from his eyes. “You…don’t need to be here.”

OKAY FIRST ONE - Drinks

[fundamentalchaos]

Laughing Ashton shook his head as he watched Barcus looking over the bottle.

"I'm tellin' you, I didn't have anything to do with this one." It's been a while since they'd been there, back where they first met. It's a warm memory that Ashton finds he holds pretty high up there, along side meeting the rest of the Hells even. "How's it taste?"

Glancing at the board again they contemplate their own choice in drink, frowning a bit while they wait for Barcus' response.

Tavern

[lettersfrombel]

Bel is mostly here to check out the new arrivals. But he's still going to stop and say hello to friends when he sees them out. "Evening, Barcus. Long time no see." Yes, he finds that funny, given Barcus is now his roommate. Bel sometimes has a questionable sense of humor.

No, he isn't expecting to get bitten. Because why would he?

AND SECOND because I'm trash and love sad things

[fundamentalchaos]

While Ashton hadn't come along with Barcus, he had already made his way to the hot springs. He'd even been thinking about bringing Barcus along once he checked the place out. What they hadn't expected was for the gnome to show up there while he had already been stripped down and soaking. The heat felt good along the scars and it seemed to help ease some of the stiffness in the new arm.

"Hey Pebble-" He's wadding over to Barcus when it hits. Being closer he can see them, the flashes of Barcus' past. The unfamiliar gnome who Ashton can feel Barcus' affection for. He can feel it as if it were his own for a moment and that makes the end hurt that much more. The pain hits them deep and they can only imagine how it must hurt for Barcus.

My hammer will split your skull in two. The words ring in Ashton's ears as he shakes his head and his vision clears. With the memories dissipating all Ashton is left with is a cold anger. Who the fuck does this guy think he is? Threatening Barcus like that when all Barcus ever did was try to stop more bloodshed. It sets Ashton's teeth on edge as he runs wet hands down his face before moving to the edge of the pool. "Hey, Pebble, you in there?"

His voice is gentle as he reaches up to rest the back of a warm lava rock hand against the gnome's cheek.

[theydrewfirstblood]

John flinches violently when he feels heart, intense scorching heat—but he flinches into the touch, shoulder pressing jerkily into her fingers. She can feel, and see, him shaking like a leaf as he draws a ragged breath.

It burns, like hellfire—but he can’t pull away. He should, he needs to…

…but that melody. Or maybe just the heat of her touch. Something—it pulls his focus to her, lets his eyes find her face and his lungs draw a deeper, steadier breath.

“…John.” He manages through teeth chattering under the force of his trembling. “Jo…John Rambo.”

A beat…

“…nice song.”

Ember Veil

[thecodexabides]

If the Archmagos needed someone to fish him out, now, at least he had Gadriel, who honestly (and forgive him) hadn't seen him when he'd slipped into the water. Sorry, Barcus, but you are smol.

But the memory isn't, and Gadriel freezes as he recognizes one of the images playing across the water. That was the Archmagos, but without the kind smile and gentle humor he'd always shown Gadriel. This was not the kind Archmagos who had served him his own mushroom soup.

Gadriel had thought everyone here was innocent, at least protected from the dangers of the world, the horrors of betrayal and doubt, the weight of responsibility for the lives of so many others.

He sat in silence while the entire memory played out. He could feel it, not just see it. He could feel, somewhere behind his ribs, the hard swelling heat of what it meant to love someone that deeply, and the icy stab of the betrayal.

Finally he spoke. "I am sorry." Sorry for this memory. Sorry for being the worst person possible to witness this vulnerability, the one who was never good with words or understanding. Sorry for thinking that Barcus's perennial good humor came from a place of innocence, instead of forged from...this. "How have you become so kind after this?"

felassan | dragon age | undecided

[loosed]

i. arrival

That Felassan expected to be dead does not markedly improve this experience. He'd been ready to die. Not eager, no, but comfortable with the idea to go down smiling. But this?

It is interesting. He can give it that. He'd appreciate it more if it made any sense. In the tavern he's cautious and watchful, though it doesn't really look that way. His lean against the wall looks more nonchalant than wary, the hood on his cloak removed as soon as he realizes no one here is going to care one way or another about the branching tattoos on his face, his gaze on the rest of the room animated by smiles at overheard jokes, a friendly eyebrow raise meant to convey what have we gotten ourselves into at someone who looks equally new, and the drawing together of his eyebrows as he listens to the tavernkeeper's barebones answers — silent, but not withdrawn or subtle.

He's barely touched the drink in his hand, but he has touched it, once and literally. He's dipped his ring finger into the mead and stuck his finger into his mouth to consider the flavor. Maybe that's enough to have some effect, at least enough of one to make him speak up:

"We've been conscripted," he says to his nearest neighbor. "That's wonderful." His tone is light, but his eyes are sharp.


ii. quest: the winds of winter

If he's going to be drawn into another world's problems against his will and required to work for currency like a scrabbling short-sighted mortal, there are worse ways than this to go about it. Assisting with the rebuilding is arduous, every task a reminder of the magic he's missing — either because magic would make the simple labor easier, or because he's never had to do this by hand before and doesn't know how, or both — but it doesn't require him to make up his mind about whether he trusts anyone or how much he wants to help those in charge. These are just people.

Right now it's simple labor. Not content to merely rip off a roof, the wind sprites have scattered the shingles every which way, into river and brush, and Felassan's collecting as many of them as can be found when a pack of the sprites sets in on another house nearby and he pauses the work to watch, head cocked curiously to the side.


iii. wildcard

( down for anything, pm me if you need! )

*rubs claws in glee* your memory or mine, kind sir?

[whirlybird_of_prey]

Metal construct, excuse you. Whirl is Primus's favorite idiot child, clearly, simply because he has survived six million years of war. With style. Panache even.

"Oh, so my arrival has been foretold. Awesome." Makes him sound all apocalyptic and stuff. "Anything cool fly out of the volcano?"

[ofravensanddaggers]

"Hey now," Shaking his head Vax shifts and sits cross-legged in front of the man, this time the hand that reaches out doesn't hesitate as it moves to rest in John's hair. "Do I look like a liar?"

The voice is still soft, as are the fingers that glide through hair, catching tangles and easing them away before moving on to the next. "What's the matter, Big Guy?"

lmk how grimdark you want this memory and remember nope is always an option

[thecodexabides]

Oh. That. "It is warm." But she was already sliding in next to him.

"I did not know you were coming up here." He would have waited, carried her through the worst of the heat on the path up.

jealous moon.

[dreamflowers]

[It would seem that Jade has had her work cut out for her the last few hours. Despite warring with her own complicated, messy feelings brought by the moon, a lifetime of pushing her emotions down until they died (with varying success rates) taught her to stay calm in moments like these.

[Given her increasingly nagging headache as a result of her efforts, however, Jade had intended to sit this one out. All she wanted was a drink to calm her nerves, after all. But when she catches a woman trying to get in the middle of it...

[Well, fuck.

[There's a flash of movement from behind the counter -- the bartender was starting to draw out a weapon. But before he can pull it out, a bolt of light shoots across the room. The bartender's eyes flicker green briefly, before the clatter of metal hits the ground as he drops his weapon. Slack-jawed and expression blank, he stands there like his thoughts had just been hollowed out.]

Take a seat. [Jade tells the other patron on the floor, both of their eyes gleaming with the same green hue as the bartender before any righteous outbursts can escalate the situation further. Instead, he just sits there on the floor, unmoving, the same as the other guy.

[Soon a towering, lithe woman, with the glow now replaced by her obvious half-blind eyes, is standing behind the do-gooder who had tried to use her body as a shield.] Hoped you had a better plan than what it looked like you were doing.

Lucy MacLean | Fallout Prime | Dryad

[okiedokies]

EMBER VEIL
Lucy was rather excited about the mysterious springs in the new city. She was also intrigued about the new city and she had done a fair bit of exploring before she found herself where she was. The water was mesmerizing with its hues of deep turquoise blending with molten gold and fiery orange, all swirling around her as she stepped down into the water.

She wasn't naked, of course. She had stripped down to a pair of panties and one of her white tank tops, not considering that she should have thought about the fact that the white fabric would be nearly sheer but not quite thanks to the thicker fabric. No, she was just happy with how warm the water was as she waded further before finding a place to relax. Settling with a happy smile, she tipped her head back against the edge while letting her eyes drift closed.

Yes, this was very nice indeed.

ALL IS WELL (?)
Lucy had heard this dance and song before but she was ashamed to realize that she had always fallen for it. Not that she was now but it still stirred strange memories of all those times in the Vault when she had blindly followed her Dad and whatever spiel he liked to spew to pull the wool over their eyes.

Wrapping her arms around herself, she frowned to herself as she watched the two leaders finish their speech and praise. She wanted to feel better but she just couldn't. It felt like slapping a bandage over a very wide wound.

Biting the inside of her cheek, she glanced over, keeping her voice soft as she wondered if she was alone in her suspicions. "Do you buy what they're saying?"

WILDCARD
Find her enjoying the sun, the moon or on a quest. Just let me know! ]

I'm cool with either. Got a preference to tone?

[lettersfrombel]

"Giant fiery lady," Bel said. "Well, not so much fly as drop some ominous portents about why we were brought here. And some stone lions guarding the place."

tavern.

[dreamflowers]

It's probably no surprise that the woman with the burn scars on a good chunk of her body reacts poorly when fire erupts from the mouth of a fellow patron. Her and that particular element were never very good friends, even with such magic possible at the tip of her fingers...

So it's probably also not much of a surprise when he hears an undignified squawk from beside him, before a clatter of chairs and a tall, gangly mess of limbs of a woman is spawled out on the floor.

"Yes... Yes, you certainly are," Jade pipes out, her voice several octaves higher than usual. "Please stop."

it's all good!

[wantadistraction]

"It's okay, I can walk by myself." She wouldn't have minded being carried but she reassured him with a little pat on his shoulder.

Then she withdrew her hand so she could start shimmying her dress up over her hips, revealing the smooth expanse of her thighs and further until she was pulling the fabric up over her head. She wasn't naked but there was a lot more bare skin on display as she sat there in a pair of panties and a bra, both the shade of blue nearing the color of the water.

Setting her dress aside behind her, she pushed forward to sink into the water with a happy moan.

[theydrewfirstblood]

John flinches hard when he’s touched—but he jerks into the contact, head pressing back into the burning touch of fingers like an animal desperate for attention. It’s like fire, but the way his eyes slip shut as the other man starts to gently stroke and pluck away the tangles in every strand communicates no trace of that pain.

Nor does the way his breath hitches, and then comes a little steadier. Or the way his head presses back harder, more deliberately as he becomes a little more aware of his environment.

“Hurts.” He manages…then after another labored breath…

“It—it’s been…better. The…uh—didn’t have any…human contact for a…years. Been better, I’ve had more but uh—it’s like it was all…all just gone and it got bad again.”

The longer he touches John, the more regular his breathing becomes, the less labored his speech. He should pull away, get his shit together…but he can’t.

It burns, and he can’t get enough of it.

All is Well

[thecodexabides]

Judging by his scowl, it was obvious that not only did Gadriel not buy what they were saying, he wanted a refund.

"I am more curious to know if they lie to us out of their lust for power, or their own fear." Two very different motives. But it was all, clearly, a lie. "Asking us to focus on the future means they want us to forget something in the past."

The Emperor didn't make his Angels paranoid, but anyone who survived in battle learned to be, and quickly.

Hello!!!!!!!

[goethbeforethefall]

Solas manages all of three steps in the door, and finds himself unable to continue. It is not possible— should not be possible. Except that there, like a shadow cast from his own memory, stands a living testament to that memory itself. There is a drink in his hand, and he is in the act of throwing back his hood; were Solas to avoid him, now would be the time to act.

But he cannot. He simply stares, feeling a vague, troublesome hysteria bubbling up behind his breastbone. Of course, of course the masters of this place would choose him, of all people.

Who better, indeed, of all people, than Felassan, the Dread Wolf's own slow arrow?

In a moment more, he will be seen, staring, and Solas considers very seriously the option to simply turn on his heel and be gone. And then he inhales, firms his jaw, and steps out towards the opposite wall, where his friend, his brother, his enemy leans waiting. There is no going back.

"I expect you will have some questions," He says, when he is close enough for a modicum of privacy, "Much has happened in your absence."

Which is about as good an understatement as he can manage.