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

[masteroftheart]

"Gender has...never factored into attraction, for me." Which was true enough, but rarely had Thane had the time to indulge in such things at all. "Perhaps I should also confess that I have not been intimate with another species before. Are you certain you wish to do so? I am willing to, as you said, alleviate the symptoms, but I would not want you to feel as though you had no choice in the matter."

[swagreus]

"Uh...sure." Nodding like he knew what that was (he absolutely did not).

Immediately Zagreus made a face as soon as the word Hades passed her lips. "Ugh. Yes. That's my father. I'm Zagreus, Prince of the Underworld. Not that it matters here, given this most certainly isn't there. Nor is it Olympus." A beat. "At least, I'm almost certain it isn't. Couldn't swear to it, since I've never been there."

[dontmindthedetails]

"Yeah, most adventurers on Torril tend to be jack of all trades with a few specialists mixed in," Furfur explains, finding a wall to lean against casually. He could easily spend all day talking about the sort of adventures he'd had - at least, as long as Alma continued to show interest. "For example, I have the most experience fighting demons and other infernal nightmares, but that doesn't stop me from being able to take on a Minotaur or a Hill Giant. And the fun thing about hunting treasure is that more often than not, there's gonna be some kind of monster guarding it. You should ask me some time about the kobolds in the abandoned distillery."

As Alma's smile falters, Furfur shakes his head and offers her a reassuring smile. "Hey, don't undersell yourself, that shit's important, and Amsodeus knows I ain't gonna do it myself. Haven't got the patience for it. And I'm still pretty deadly without my magic, but-"

Glancing down at himself, Furfur pats down his civilian clothes with an annoyed frown and shrugs. "The Powers That Be say they want us to help restore the planet or whatever, but damn, they do not make it easy to start out. I've got none of my equipment, and they even managed to nab my hidden daggers."

Not that he was particularly attached to his equipment. Aside from the daggers he'd been using since childhood, most of it was standard issue gear that could be picked up anywhere. He was just miffed he didn't have it, and that he had no money to buy a new set with, either.

[wantadistraction]

"I look forward to it." She would most likely enjoy hearing all about the piezo exposure and the mass effect fields. But they did have to focus on the task at hand. Thane gave the beast another thoughtful look while reassuring her that he was confident in his abilities.

"You'll know when to take the chance." She told him as she moved to her feet, her fingers brushing against his shoulder before she slipped away. At first, it probably looked strange as she entered the clearing like she was partaking in a casual Sunday stroll.

Truth be told, her heart was racing as she watched the moment the bear became aware of her. The great beast lifted its head to glare at her, a huff escaping it before it started to growl. She watched as it labored to its feast but she wasn't fooled by its slow movements, watching closely as its muscles started to tense. Drawing in a breath and then another like she was filling her lungs with air, she waited for the second it started to shift to spring forward before she opened her mouth and loosed a scream. Not just a scream but a bloodcurdling wail focused on the beast who staggered as though it were being hit over and over, causing it to stagger as it looked stunned.

It still looked stunned as her scream trailed off, stumbling to the side as it stared at her like it couldn't make sense of what was going on.

[loosed]

On the tail of a huff of laughter, Felassan lies, "I had long birth and a cruel mother."

It's a joke he's told before to Dalish who found his name a strange choice — which plenty have, all the more so if they know the stories it might reference, because to name a child slow anything is still kinder than to name him for a weapon of the god of treachery. And it's one that doubles as a private joke, just for him, about the All-Mother.

Or it has been just for him. Maybe Rook knows enough to get it.

"Can I ask what game you were playing, Rook? If it was not literally chess."

[hellrider]

"Elturel used to be one of those," he says softly, but it's more to himself than anyone else, and fortunately the tender warmth of the sun means the sting of his exile is less vicious than usual.

After all, it's put him in a position where he can welcome someone else to a place of comparative safety. He moves closer to the stranger and accepts the handclasp firmly, completely innocent of any guile or danger. "I'm Zevlor," he says. "I've been stuck here for about six months..."

But the comment about Baldur's Gate makes him break off from whatever information he was about to share, looking more intently interested now. Possibly a little worried. "Is the Gate safe? Who leads the city now?"

That ought to at least tell him whether the Absolute is about to come calling on this man's timeline, or whether it's been vanquished.

[soldforless]

"I can't just go barging in to ask that after you got tossed out but, trust me, I've got this."

Imogen sailed into the inn a moment later, heading to a table near where the woman was gathering up dishes. She settled in and it seemed she was going to just chill for a while, which she did. She struck up a conversation casually, though he wouldn't be able to hear what she was saying or what she was laughing about when the other woman laughed. They chit-chatted here and there until the woman was spending longer and longer at the table.

It took nearly an hour before Imogen sauntered out after waving at the woman who was waving back with a smile. Once outside, Imogen looked for Zag before nodding slightly as she started in the opposite direction. When he caught up, she grinned over at him. "Yes, Embarra was there with Darah the night the mill caught fire."

[swordbreaker]

"Or something." He repeated. "They have been rather unclear of the true desire for our being here — just that we are meant to aid. We do quests for them, suffer the oddities of the world, and they reward us with... things we should already have. Our inherent abilities or weaponry must be earned, as if we are gaining their trust."

[shuffled]

"That still does not mean everything must be destroyed for it, unless they already had the means in place to avoid it. Or simply did not keep valuables around the rising of the moon." Which seemed... sad?

Ah. "A sentiment I wholly understand. For whatever it is worth, none here will judge your heritage. At least none I have met."

[dontmindthedetails]

"Oh. Hells." The news that Elturel isn't safe for tieflings any longer doesn't completely knock the breath out of him, but it's still clearly a kick in the teeth as he starts swearing to himself. He'd heard about the Descent, of course, and heard about the Ascent as well, but given that he was out in the boonies chasing treasure just so he wouldn't get sucked in to the situation, he hadn't been around to hear the results.

"Fuck, of course it's not. Leave to humans to blame the easiest scapegoat than the ones actually in power." He wants to be angry at himself for running away from responsibility. The Radiant Sun and his own sense of self-preservation make it hard to entertain the thought for long. "Zurgen, but that sucks. I guess I have to cross that city off my list now. Sorry."

Anyway- there were other, equally important updates in need of discussion, and Furfur takes a deep breath as he runs a hand through his hair.

"Well, the Gate ain't what it useta be, that's for sure," he begins, looking up as he counts the details he remembers off on his fingers. "Elfsong's intact, that's where I spent the night, but the Low Lantern and Blushing Mermaid were still in the middle of repairs. Never caught wind'a who was officially in charge, but there were rumors about a tiefling seizing control of both Ramazith's Tower and the Lower City district. Nine Fingers runs the docks. Hells, she might be the closest thing the city has to a governing body right now, but naturally no one wants to SAY it. Especially not the few remaining Patriars who owe her favors."

"To be honest, I wasn't payin' that much attention," he confesses with a slight shrug. "My nephew lives there, and I was tryin' to check in on them. Last I knew, they'd cozied up to a lord of some sort, and I'm. Kinda worried they got culled with all the rest."

[his_gardener]

Seemed like there was always something to be done, part of the reason why Sam was happy with his small lot in life, his garden that he could tend to himself. His home and family, the hardest part of being here would be being without them.

"I recon there are a lot of folk who'd like to get back home, but have plenty they need to get done here as well."

At the invitation Sam smiled,

"I'd like, so long as I wouldn't be imposing or nothing. It sounds an awful lot more inviting than just roaming around trying to find my way. And while I've got nothing against the tall folk, they sometimes forget about us littler ones."

[likeiron]

Nina watched the Tavernkeeper briefly, still unsettled by the way their form seemed to flicker, and looked to Shepard again instead. Would she be escorting the woman out? Remained to be seen.

"Hate the ones that talk." She replied. She sounded impressed with what she said next, however. "But that's fucking huge. You took it out by yourself? And with what?"

[his_gardener]

"With good folk like you here, I'm sure that the people will have plenty of help. And if the ones in charge aren't doing right, then it's not right and something ought to be done about it.

Though surly they want to help, otherwise they wouldn't be asking for help and bringing people from so far to try and find a way to fix the problem."

Sam tried to give most the benefit of a doubt, until he saw reason not to trust them, some sign of darkness or ill nature.

[angelarmor]

She gave a lopsided shrug. Like a that makes sense sort of gesture. Guns usually worked well on most things. "Usually." She corrected. "Unless it just keeps coming back over and over again."

[angelarmor]

Sienna blinked.

Fucking.

Pardon???

Sienna laughed awkwardly. Was he joking? Then again, there were elves and shit around — was the Prince of the Underworld that weird? "I don't think I'm dead again, so I hope this isn't the Underworld." She said. And yes, again. "And I figured Olympus would be... shinier. That's how it always sounded."

[thecodexabides]

"Yes, that happens. The Chaos Gods will often resurrect their lesser daemons in combat. Sorcerers will also resurrect their Rubricae." It was very annoying. "Which is why a team approach is best." To cover all sides, not to get flanked, or done in by a lesser Lord of Change.

[assjerky]

"Oh yeah?" Unsurprisingly, a filthy smirk curled on his lips, and he ran a hand up to catch her chin with a fingertip. His other hand stayed beneath the water, the pad of his thumb skimming up the inside of her thigh. "That's real sweet, darlin'...why don't you show me how much you appreciate it, hmmm?"

[earthborn]

"Orbital targeting laser," Shepard says, "Puts down a blast from low-sychronous orbit, like a—"

How explain it in terms that would make sense. This whole place is such a throwback, or a fever-dream. Magic and elves and... She doesn't know what else. Panem had taught her not to judge on what was possible or not, but it still felt surreal. How do you explain orbit-to-surface weaponry to someone who might have no notion of spacetravel?

"...Like a pillar of fire. If you can get a Reaper right in the eye, right before they blast you, that's the weakpoint. Armor's too thick, otherwise."

oops, nsfw!

[okiedokies]

"I can't breathe underwater," she murmured huskily, her mind rushing to one way that she could show him her appreciation by using her mouth. Even as she said it, she was sliding a hand between them to run her nails along the seam of his thigh and across to curl her fingers around his cock. "But I can think of another way to start unless you want to sit up on the edge?"

[masteroftheart]

Thane watched her, quietly puzzled, his apprehension building by the minute. Then...the sound erupted from her. Unearthly...and thankfully, it was not akin to something that Thane had experienced previously, having never had the misfortune to encounter the creatures that the Reapers had made of the Asari. Whatever it was, it had an effect on the creature, and Thane took off in a run, leaning into the movement, sword tucked until he reached the creature's side. He reached into the black ichor, wrapped his hand around the metallic object and pulled.

It was stuck fast.

Rather than panic, however, Thane flipped the sword in his hand and slid the blade along the object, jerking it slightly to the side, effectively widening the wound that it had made, as he had a theory on why it hadn't fallen out of the creature's hide. It was, as he predicted, barbed. This time, when he yanked, the object pulled free, inertia sending him stumbling back, slipping on the black goo that flowed in rivulets from the wound. He nearly slipped in the wet grass, but managed to keep his feet.

Clutched in his hand, was a filthy, bent harpoon.

[wantadistraction]

Lydia's heart was racing as she watched him rush in to take advantage of the beast being stunned by her screen, but it wasn't an easy task to pull the object free. Taking a couple steps forward, she started to get nervous as the beast shook his head with a slow growl, his senses starting to come back.

She opened her mouth to yell at Thane, to tell him to run, but then he pulled the harpoon free a second later as the beast made his discomfort known with a loud roar. Except he collapsed right as she rushed forward and she watched with wide eyes as the ichor started to pour from his frame.

Reaching Thane's side, she grabbed his arm to tug him back in an attempt to avoid the ichor. She stared for a moment before looking at him, silently asking what they should do next. She knew the scholars wanted the beast brought to them but now she was hesitating. "I don't think..."

[fundamentalchaos]

"Yeah you're probably right." Leaning to press a kiss to Barcus' temple he hums. "It does, I like it. But don't fall asleep in the water, yeah? I'll have to save you."

[fundamentalchaos]

There's a hiss as teeth find purchase and Ashton revels in it. This sort of pain is good, the sharp pain that he knows is coming definitely helps to distract him from the dull ache constantly there.

"Hmmm, guess it depends. If there's something there like a box I could always get on my knees, suck you off with my fingers in your mouth to keep you from being too loud. I'd say you could practice but-" They're interrupted by a bite that makes them hiss again, "not sure I want those pretty teeth so close when yer feelin this bity."

[makingmyway]

[ Dorian clears his throat, trying to mask his embarrassment. ] Right, my apologies. At least I know what he looks like now, so if he ever shows up here I'll know not to ask.

[makingmyway]

"Thank you." Whether he means the paint job or the mandolin itself, it doesn't matter, because Dorian is quite proud of the instrument regardless.

"Oh well, there are the basics; learning to read sheet music, learning to play scales, learning how a particular instrument works." Taking back his mandolin, he then played a quick scale progression. "For stringed instruments in particular, you can also learn to play certain chords." He strums a few chord progressions as well. "If you're learning to sing, you also have to learn how particular notes sound, and how high and low you can reach."

Dorian can certainly go on about music, so it might be best to stop him soon.