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

[dreamflowers]

For a moment, Jade just... stares at the outstretched hand. Blazes, it's big. Well, all of him is -- and she's used to being the one towering over most people. But she's not exactly a hulking pile of muscle and brute strength, either.

"Ah, no need to trouble yourself, Mysir. Always wanted to make acquaintances with the floorboards of this establishment," she laughs shakily.

It's fine. Everything is fine. Her legs are a little weak but she'll be fine. Someday.

Maybe.

Bone?!

[holdshisown]

[Maedhros himself looked quite disturbed by the whole thing. Desecrating the dead like this did not sitt well with him. Using animal bones was one thing, but using human bone? That was just... wrong.]

There are, unfortunately, such opportunistic snakes such as these to find in every realm. Though I'll admit this is the first time I've had to deal with anyone engaging in this particular... distasteful practice.

Jealous Moon

[holdshisown]

"John?" Maedhros voice is full of concern as he approaches the man.

The sound of muffled crying had alerted him that something was wrong but hed not expected to find one of his house mates like this. He's not entirely sure what's caused all this but he recognizes someone suffering when he sees them. The cause behind it can be sussed out later, for now his friend needs help.

"I'm going to sit down next to you, alright?" He says in a calm and gentle voice as he slowly lowers himself to the floor to sit down next to him. "Can you tell me what's happened? It's alright if you can't right now, so you can just shake your head if talking feels like too much at the moment."

Ember Veil

[holdshisown]

Personaly he finds it much stranger for people to bathe with their clothes on, so he does not really find it all that noteworthy that Gadriel is naked. In fact, he himself is not wearing anything either. Why would he? Seems like it would defeat the purpose of bathing alltogether, if you ask him.

He does hope he's not making anyone uncomfortable by putting all his scars on display like this, but there's not really all that much he can do to conceal them so he supposes people will just have to look away if they don't want to see them. Because the way the heat of the water leaches away all the aches and pains they cause him is too good for him to willingly move away from it just because of someone elses squeamishness.

"Hello, Gadriel," Maedhros says as he glances at the other man before leaning back again and letting his eyes drift close. "I hope you've been doing better since last we spoke."

Grey Ward

[makingmyway]

Despite having his magic and even his mandolin back, Dorian did miss having a weapon as well. He was browsing the weapons selection himself when he caught the comment, and he nodded in agreement.

"It does make things a bit inconvenient," he agreed. Then he offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I don't mean to pry, I couldn't help overhearing. I take it you've just arrived recently?"

Flight Attempt

[makingmyway]

Despite some of the things that he had seen since his time leaving home, there were still many things that surprised him. And a talking pink pastel horse with wings was certainly one of them.

And this coming from someone who could summon an equine dragon.

Still, he couldn't help overhearing the comment, and despite feeling a bit awkward about it he couldn't help approaching. "I take it you just arrived here."

Never mind the fact that he hadn't seen anything like her before.

Ember Veil

[makingmyway]

[ Hearing about a new hot spring, there was no way Dorian was going to pass up that opportunity. He didn't mind the heat too much; he ran naturally cool for the most part, and he almost had a natural wind about him that help keep him a bit cooler.

Looking forward to a soak, he spots a familiar figure as she steps in. ]

Seems we had the same idea.

Grey Ward

[makingmyway]

Dorian was simply minding his own business, looking for a weapon to use for himself, so at first he doesn't realize that he's being spoken to. When he finally does he blinks, looking from Felix to the sword in question.

"Well, uh..." His first thought is that if the weapon was really that bad, why was he being so insistent about purchasing it in the first place. But that didn't seem helpful right now. Instead he looks at the sword, then holds out his hand for it. "May I?"

Ember Veil - Memory A

[makingmyway]

It's a bit more difficult to enjoy the hot springs with the development of potentially seeing people's memories. There were a few that Dorian would prefer to keep to himself, and he can only imagine others were the same.

So when he comes across Maedhros and sees the shimmering vision over the water, he gently clears his throat, not wanting to startle him but at least warn him of what was being shown.

It at least didn't seem like an unpleasant memory, at least.

Ember Veil

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian can't help a content sigh as he enjoys the warmth of the water over his body. Things have been a bit easier during his time in this world, but nothing has been quite as soothing for his spirit as taking a soak like this.

He can't help noticing Mel nearby, though, the gold etched in her skin reminding him of Ashton, and a part of him wonders if something similar had happened to her. It didn't seem polite to ask, though, and instead listens to what she says before offering a shrug. ]

Perhaps a bit of both? Maybe the natural lava flow and venting made for an ideal location, and the artisans just expanded a bit more on it to make it more accessible for communal use.

Jealous Moon

[makingmyway]

As good as he had been feeling during the day, Dorian found himself plagued by old doubts and worries. Questioning himself, his worth, as he often did, wondering if he would ever truly be enough for those around him, if what anything he did actually mattered.

It was wrestling with these thoughts though, when he suddenly felt arms around him, and he stiffened just a bit before recognizing the voice. "Um... okay?"

Radiant Sun

[makingmyway]

She may not be able to start a musical number, but there's still plenty of music to go around. It's fortunate timing that Dorian had gotten his mandolin back, because he was certainly feeling inspired today, with the warmth of the sun shining down on him.

Sitting on a street corner busking as he often did, at the moment Dorian seemed more like he was experimenting with sounds for a potential song, writing it as he went along.

Radiant Sun

[makingmyway]

The brilliant colors in the sky brought by the warmth of the sun had Dorian in quite a good mood as well, and it was quite a pleasant day to be out playing music for passersby. His recently reacquired mandolin especially helped, glad for the feeling of the familiar instrument in his hands as he plucked at the strings.

The songs he played were just as jovial as he felt, reflecting his mood, which did include a few ballads here and there as well.

Wildcard - Radiant Sun

[makingmyway]

Dorian had been in a pretty good mood lately, but something about today made it difficult to contain. So he did as he usually did, and decided to spread the cheer and good will he felt through his music.

Finding a good spot in the street where there seemed to be a lot of foot traffic, Dorian found a place to settling in order to play his sunburst mandolin, the air filled with lighthearted tunes.

And with his feelings inspiring his music, he can't help occasionally including a love song here and there as well.

Radiant Sun

[makingmyway]

Sorry, Gadriel, Dorian certainly isn't going to be much help, as he adds to the cheer in the air with his music. He does seem to be in a pretty good mood himself, as he strums upbeat songs on his mandolin and fills the air with his music.

At least it sounds nice?

Ember Veil

[makingmyway]

Coincidentally Dorian had come to the hot springs on his own, because he certainly wasn't going to pass up this opportunity. As much as he's experienced and grown during his travels, there would always be the part of him that was a pampered rich boy who enjoyed indulging in things like a spa day or hot springs.

A bit surprised to find Barcus there as well, he'd approached when the memory shimmers over the water. And he drew a breath as he realized what he was witnessing, only knowing who the other figure was from when Barcus had told him the story previously, when Ashton had gone missing.

When the vision faded he stayed silent for a moment, before slowly approaching closer and clearing his throat to get the gnome's attention.

"Barcus?"

[makingmyway]

Despite feeling a little wary of some of the drinks, Dorian couldn't help still getting one himself anyway. He settled on a glass of wine, which seemed safe, and it did seem to soothe him somehow.

He hadn't been talking about anything specific, really, just general chatting with the bartender, when a voice speaks up and draws his attention. He recognizes Lavellan from when they were working in the tents, though can't help watching her a bit curiously as she drinks. Then he offers a bemused smile. "I... wasn't really saying anything. Are you all right?"

[thecodexabides]

"They have no right to praise a compliance they have not honestly earned." It is especially galling because Gadriel has had years of psychoindoctrination that tell him to respect authority, obey authority, follow orders with complete compliance. When he questioned Titus's methods, his challenges were always met with an authority that shut him down. He had learned to resent it, even then. And while he and the Lieutenant had mended the connection of brotherhood, something still stuck in him, like a barb, when a leader exercised evasion or deceit.

"I have not been here long enough to know what it is, but Aella has...has treated me in a way that I do not feel is worthy of my loyalty."

[thecodexabides]

The only music Gadriel has ever heard has been hymns played over Vox, and those are generally only whipped out in times of dire need. The Adepta Sororitas sing hymns, according to the archives, as they run into battle. His own Chapter does not. Battle barges are deadly silent, save for the softly murmured stories traded around the shrines of the fallen.

He recognizes Dorian--the sorcerer who healed his burned hands. And here he was, doing...probably more sorcery.

"Are you behind this?" How dare you, sir. How dare you. "Is this more of your sorcery?"

[swordbreaker]

This was stupid, but with little else to go on save the initial description given and a vague timeline of events, they didn't have much else they could do. Dimitri strode forward down the road, acting like the coin purse on his side was loaded with Bones.

He had grown up a nobleman, but damned if his humility always had him downplay his station. Not now — and what luck that it worked as their target slipped up behind him with the intention of grabbing Dimitri and snatching up his appearance.

[lighten]

"A dragon." But those weren't real, at least back home. Annette stepped just behind Bull, clearly wanting a meatshield in case this went south. The tired look in the dragon's eyes, however, suggested it would not.

"I need your help..." She spoke, voice low and rumbling. "I am dying, and I will need someone to care for my children."

Annette looked around, the crystalline shapes suddenly making a lot more sense. Eggs. Dragon eggs, laying around the dying mother.

[cotyledon]

Is he sure about that snacc bit? One or two folks have almost certainly been wondering what he looks like outside his armor...

But that's as may be. Abby isn't one of them. In point of fact, she's questioning whether she could take him, if she was at full strength. It's unlikely; a trained fighter she is not, but the armor itself doesn't daunt her. She's pulled a car apart with bare hands before.

Really fucked up her nails.

She realizes he's caught her staring and makes a faint, embarrassed noise, then grins apologetically. She doesn't look like a predator, she looks like a girl just barely past adolescence. Her eyes are just a little bit odd, though. There's a gleam of iridescence in the irises, brighter under the moon.

"Sorry! I wasn't trying to be creepy. You look a little familiar, is all. Uh...in the face, I mean. No one I know has an outfit like that, back home." She worries her lip briefly, soft and pensive.

"Must be some actor whose name I forgot, I guess. I'm okay, though. Just can't sleep. I don't know how anyone here does it. Everything is so strange." Her arms fold across her chest, a gesture of subtle insecurity.

oh yay!!

[thecodexabides]

Gadriel is used to being stared at. Especially since arriving here. But even back home, when he was among mortals, they always stared, most of the time with a mix of respect and uncanny discomfort.

Here, he mostly got stared at with a look that was tabulating property damage. But this one was different. Maybe it was the skulls. Maybe it was the scar tearing down the left side of his face. But there was also something measuring, in the other man's long look. Another warrior, evaluating.

"It is not always like this. Sometimes it is worse." Astartes Optimism!

All is Well?

[cotyledon]

"Mm...nooooo, not really." The girl beside her looks like she might be slightly younger than Lucy, but not by much. She has a soft look, rounded and plump, with wide blue eyes like a china doll.

"I think they're scared," she adds after a moment's thought. "That much praise, that's misdirection. They want us to keep being compassionate and not question things too deeply, but I don't see how things get fixed if we don't figure out what's actually going wrong first."

[thecodexabides]

If Maedhros worried people would be put off by his scars, MAN did he choose the right place, because Gadriel's body looks like the surface of the moon. A side effect of his Astartes healing organs is that he heals fast, and that leads to visible, lumpy scars.

There is the symmetry of his Black Carapace implantation, the organ that connected him with his power armor, and then the black circular ports that the carapace pushed through his skin for the suit interface, but then there were dozens of asymmetric scars, crisscrossing his body.

He nodded at Maedhros, sliding into the water. "I am well." Sure, half of his friends are no longer speaking to him, but that was the problem with 'friends' and Astartes. He honestly should not have them. Friendship: not Codex compliant. "How have you been keeping yourself?" Because Gadriel's life is an open book and every fuckup he makes he somehow broadcasts to the network but Maedhros is much quieter.