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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Furfurlias Murlistraszy | D&D OC | Undine

[dontmindthedetails]

Tavern
Waking up in a strange tavern is not exactly a new concept to Furfur; as a seasoned Adventurer, he'd waltzed into towns with jingling pockets and the intent to spend as much gold on alcohol and company as possible. Waking up by himself and with a note waiting for him, well... Hopefully he didn't cause too much damage while carousing last night. Or forget to pay his tab.

Luckily, it doesn't seem like he's in any trouble, so despite the strangeness of the situation, Furfur settles in to enjoy a few drinks, flirt with whoever gives him a second glance, and mull over his next course of action. Power and glory are two of his favorite things after all, and if he's lucky, this Caldera place may be one of the few places his father may not be able to reach him.

It's hard not to be giddy with the prospect of real, actual freedom sitting in the back of his mind, especially not after that espresso. Delicious, sugary espresso. It made him want to just get up and-

"Oops, didn't see ya there!" Furfur chirps as he reaches out to steady the person he just plowed into as he got out of his seat. "You okay, kiddo? Didn't make you drop anything, did I?"

Questboard
"Well, hellooOOOoooo nurse~" Furfur crows as he oggles the... less violent options on the questboard. "Lingerie models? Free nights at love hotels? Two to three different varieties of sex perfumes? Where the Hells do I sign up? And which do I chose?"

"I mean, I am already perfectly irresistible," he monologues proudly, plucking at his suspenders and smirking to himself. I don't need perfume to pull in new friends."

"Although," he mumbles, cupping his chin in one hand and narrowing his eyes. "I don't exactly have any "friends" around here yet. Kinda hard to enjoy a free night at a love hotel all by my lonesome, so a little bit of help wouldn't hurt."

"And my ass does look good in lace!" he declares, spinning around in place and throwing his arms out as he addresses the nearest passerby. "Whaddya think? Think I could pull off bein' a lingerie model?"

Radiant Sun
Furfur's never been one to really appreciate the sun. There simply wasn't one deep in the bowels of Avernus, and even on the Material Plane, it was just kind of... there. A fireball floating passively in the sky. Whoopty fuckin' doo. Now, as Furfur watched the sun wash over the city, a part of him stirred. A part of himself he kept buried beneath tasteless jokes and feigned apathy.

The very mortal part of him that was moved by beauty and longed for a gentler life.

It made his eyes sting. It made his stomach churn and his teeth grind and his clawed hands clench into tight fists as he fought against the warm, glowing feeling that threatened to overtake him.

"Whaddya lookin' at?" he snaps at a passerby who probably wasn't even paying much attention to him at all. The clash of devilish disdain for all things soft and gooey and the utter yearning triggered by the Radiant Sun made it hard to think, made his heart ache in his chest as he slouched against a building. "Sun's in my eyes. It's bright, alright?"

Radiant Sun

[lettersfrombel]

Look, Bel isn't going to question anyone who is bothered by bright sunlight given he considers 'high sun tolerance' as equivalent to 'can still see in full sunlight without tinted glasses'. He's also made his peace with sappy emotions (at least, that he has them, and that if he's not in the company of other drow, it's fine to be open about them).

So while he might agree that the sun is too bright, he's not inclined to let it bother him. A small price to pay for being here, with other people.

Which is probably not helping the stranger's bad mood. "I find a hat helps with that," Bel volunteered.

[dontmindthedetails]

"What, with these horns?" Furfur shoots back, gesturing to the ram horns that curl up over his head and around his ears. All the grump gets shoved down and replaced with a toothy, devil-may-care smile as he laughs and shakes his head. "Can never find one that sits well without an awkward amount'f holes cut into it, and the slim ones that fit between don't offer much coverage."

"I did have tinted glasses before I came here," he sighs, stuffing his hand in his pockets as he absently kicks at the dirt. "But given I can't find 'em, I suspect they got left behind with all of my armor."

"Say," he adds, looking to Bel with a slight perk of curiosity in his demeanor. "You a local, or at least a resident? You know where I could get a new pair?"

[lettersfrombel]

"Not a local, but been here a while," Bel said. "I know there's a few clothing stores, but I don't think they've moved into accessories. Other than that, ask around and there's a few artificers who could put something together."

[dontmindthedetails]

"What, no accessories? The most important part of an outfit?" Furfur asks, playing up his shock with wide eyes and a gasp of disbelief. "Like, not even jewelers? You're really sayin' that there's a lingerie store," he jerks his thumb over to a nearby questboard, "but no one does accessories?"

[lettersfrombel]

"Well, I wasn't paying too much attention, as I was under instructions to run all jewelry purchases by..." excuse him for a moment as Bel once again reflects he is bad at words for people he cares about who might qualify as 'friends plus', "a good friend, as he has opinions on quality. And now I have a dragon hatchling who would probably 'borrow' anything with gems in it."

Which is adorable, but also means Bel is sticking to precious metals rather than gems. "I suppose if you need an artificer, I can give you his name. I know he does metal work and gems, so he'd at least know where to go for glasses."

Radiant Sun ((Buddy! <3 ))

[hellrider]

"You tell me." Zevlor responds in the mildest of tones. He, too, is affected by the sun, but in any case, his infernal blood has zero effect on his personality. There is no internal struggle here against being happy in the softest, stupidest of ways.

"I haven't seen many other tieflings here, brother." He smiles. "It's good to meet another."

Haha, he might be warier if he knew the truth. "New arrival, I take it?"

<3 <3 <3

[dontmindthedetails]

Part of Furfur bristles at being addressed so kindly while he's in the midst of his emotional turmoil, but as he turns his head to glower at Zevlor while wiping at the corner of his eye (there's no tears there, really!), it's hard for him to hold on to that feeling.

Damn.... whatever it is affecting his mood like this.

"Hey, ain't that how it is?" he responds with a half shrug. "I can think of four, maybe five places where you can find tieflings in any kinda number, and
two of 'em are the kind of places you don't wanna be."

"But yeah, my friends call me Elias," Furfur adds, offering out his hand for a shake and failing to clarify that he's not truly a tiefling or that he's not using his given name. "Crashed in a tavern in Baldur's Gate last night after celebratin' a successful round of adventurin', and woke up here this morning sans equipment."

[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.

[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."

[hellrider]

There's an ache of betrayal in Zevlor's chest, coupled with a sting of righteous rage, whenever he thinks of Elturel. It's present now, too, but it feels a little more distant than usual. He's safe here, and so is Anthem, and they have time to make plans for their return to Faerun.

"The thing about massive deals with archdevils is that it's tricky to prove who signed the contract after the dust clears," he says, and it's a little bitter, but calm. "It's all right. Kreeg is rotting in a cage in Avernus, as he should be. At least there is some justice."

His amber gaze sharpens, flames flickering faster with interest at the news from the Gate. Especially a tiefling seizing control of Ramazith's Tower. Nine Hells, could that possibly be Rolan? Setting that aside for a moment, he takes a breath and asks, "The Absolute. Destroyed?"

He spoke to someone once before here, who indicated such was--or would be--the case. He hasn't seen it happen yet, himself, though, and he'll take every crumb of hope that he can catch.

Questboard

[youknowwhothisis]

It was hard to be half-asleep and doing the same-shit-different-day routine when someone seemed to exude that extra bit of chutzpah, going ga-ga at the available work pinned to the board.

Lucifer cleared the rest of his drink and pitched the cup into the bin absently, watching the big man have a little twirl. Kind of infectious, this one.

His brows lifted with the question. As small as he was, he wagered the fella would be talking to anyone else among the crowds, but- to absolutely toot his own horn- he stood out.

"You'd have a lot of pull! There's no shortage of people looking for someone who looks real snuggly." He leaned on the apple-ended cane.

"Or who'd crush them. For some, it'd be an honor."

[dontmindthedetails]

"No shortage of people who want to do the crushin', too, if yanno what I mean," Furfur responds with a salacious waggle of his eyebrows. There was a certain something about Lucifer that set his teeth on edge, but Furfur couldn't put his finger on it. It wasn't the man's appearance or presentation, and it certainly wasn't his comments, but it was there.... Demon. It's because he's a demon and Furfur comes from a place where Devils and Demons are at war.

Anyway, if it wasn't immediately obvious, there was no point in dwelling on it, and Furfur sweeps his misgiving aside with a roguish smile and leans against the wall near Lucifer, hips cocked and one arm braced against the wall. "Don't suppose you'd be one'f 'em, wouldya? Call me crazy, but you look like the type to enjoy that "Infernal Bond" room at that Velvet Mirage the questboard is advertising."

[youknowwhothisis]

The smile simply broadened. Having heard of the Velvet Mirage and its call for room testers, he'd considered someone he could call. But the way he phrased things, Lucifer had to cant his head a bit.

"Oh...? The concept feels a little stereotypical to me. I dare say I couldn't give such a room a fair shake, and you've gotta be impartial for the review, y'know!" Golly, why would he seem the type?

"Besides, who can pass up a little masquerade or even the chance to embrace your inner Arabian Nights in the Moonlit Oasis?"

[dontmindthedetails]

What can he say? Slutting for pay isn't his usual method of making money, but Furfur is not about to turn down a free night at a fancy hotel with someone as pretty as Lucifer if he can swing it.

"Depends on how you approach the review. Someone with personal experience would be able to find all the points that could use a little tweaking, know what I mean? But maybe you're right-" Furfur arches an eyebrow as he runs the forked tip of his tongue over his lips and smooths a hand over his horns. "Maybe I am playin' too close to home."

"Do you dance, then, if the Masquerade has your attention? Or do you just like the pretense of anonymous sex tied up in fancy costumes?"

Tavern

[miss_filed]

Evelyn had returned to the tavern as a familiar space. It was an excellent place to people watch, which was one of her hobbies. And the people here were definitely interesting .

She had been to the library and of course had more eyes for books than hands, so when he bumped into her, her stack of novels went flying.

She wasn't angry. More concerned that one of the books: a Gothic romance with a lurid cover of a woman running from a clearly haunted castle in a nightgown torn just-so, nearly beaned another patron.

"It's nothing!" She says, hurrying to gather the books and hide the scandalous covers.

[dontmindthedetails]

You know, it's really, really hard to miss the cover of the book that nearly smacks you in the head, and while Furfur didn't exactly get a good look at it, the silhouette of a flowing nightgown is not a difficult detail to pick up on.

"Hey, don't think I've read this one before!" he remarks as he leans down to grab it before Evelyn can. She's fast at getting the rest, but luckily the one book was closer to her than to him. There's the temptation to tease her over her "embarrassing" book collection, but first impressions and all that.

Plus, it was a different title from the handful of smutty books he carried with him on the road. "Is it any good?"

Questboard - I'm not sorry

[breathofsleet]

Crokas wasn't sure where he was or where Fiedra or the others were but he knew he had to make do. After talking to the lady at the tavern he had decided to explore and get his bearings. Finding a board with jobs felt familiar at the very least.

Granted Crokas barely manages to not get smacked in the snout as the strange man spins with his arms out. What's lingerie? Is it some sort of armor? The dragonborn frowns and grunts uneasily.

"Uhh...sure?" His voice is deep and gravelly, and very much uncertain as the hulking reptilian man furrows his brow. "What's that?"

Don't be, I'm delighted~

[dontmindthedetails]

"Oops, sorry about that!" Furfur apologizes with a sheepish grin as he settle his arms in a more reasonable position. "That's the second time today I've nearly smacked someone, you'd think I'd learn to gesture less wildly out here."

"As for what is lingerie..." It's a bit of a baffling question, and Furfur cups one hand over his chin as he thinks over how to answer. It's not surprising that a dragonborn wouldn't know what it is, given what he knows about their mating practices (at least in the Forgotten Realms), so how did one describe sensuality to someone who has no concept of it?

Furfur snaps his fingers as a thought occurs to him.

"Yanno birds? How they have bright plumage and do fancy dances to attract a mate?" Furfur asks, grinning from ear to ear, clearly pleased with himself. "Lingerie is like fancy plumage for humanoids who want to attract a mate."

Nailed it.

poor Furfur, Crokas is so clueless

[breathofsleet]

Tilting his head Crokas frowns still. He has no framework for things like that. Fiedra had been young when he hatched and prison wasn't exactly the place to talk about things like that. Hell, he didn't even know the draconic language, something Erro had been teaching him lately, let alone their mating practices or social workings. He was raised by a halfling on the streets.

"Uh...no?" He grunts, tail kicking up dirt on the road as he huffs quietly. "Sorry."

If he still had that stone he'd probably understand more...but it was gone now. Part of him glad for the lack of knowledge but another part of him wished he'd had it.

Gonna activate his Weird Uncle instincts at this rate

[dontmindthedetails]

"You. Don't know birds?" Furfur asks, his kneejerk sense of bafflement quickly giving way to sympathy and an internal sense of nostalgia.

He hadn't grown up with birds, either. Not like the ones on the material plane, at least.

"Or is it the mating thing you don't get?" Furfur adds before he gets too far ahead of himself and starts dragging the dragonborn outside the city to look for birds. "Cuz it ain't the first time I've had to give the sex talk, but the last time was about 20 some odd years ago, and to my nephew, not a dragonborn, so I might not be the best person to explain it."

Tavern

[wildwarden]

Kiddo was... new. Night Sky, who frequented the tavern in the early months just to see what weird shit they were serving (and testing every one), lifted up her glass to assure it didn't fall out of her hand when she collided with him. She was short, golden-skinned and sprouting antlers from a head of wild, untamed curls. She also was wearing, uh, nothing, save a few leaves for modesty that truly did not do their job properly.

She took a long sip of her drink. "All good here, sweetness. Where are you rushing to?"

[dontmindthedetails]

At 500, most people fall under the category of kiddo for Furfur. At least, when it comes to mortals. He realizes his mistake when he takes a step back and finds himself looking down at a pair of antlers. "Oh, pardon me- ma'am."

"And I-" he pauses, looking around the tavern like it has the answer to where he was headed. "Honestly? No clue! I'm brand, spankin' new here, and there's so much here that I ain't seen yet! Figure I was off to have myself a little adventure."

[wildwarden]

"Night Sky." She was quick to correct. "No need for formalities." Have you seen her? She was anything but formal.

She nodded and gave him a once over. He kind of... reminded her of someone, and the thought, brief as it was, made her expression soften. "I like adventures." She said when she caught herself. "Mind if I join you? I've been here a while, so I won't be a useless tour guide."

[dontmindthedetails]

"In that case, call me Elias," Furfur replies with a wink. And oh yes, he's seen her. A lesser man might outright leer at her state of undress, but a lesser man would also have better view of more than her rack and her cleavage.

Not that he wasn't enjoying the top-down view of her cleavage.

"Sure! I was thinkin' about climbin' up a building and running from rooftop to rooftop, but I won't turn down the chance to be lead around town by a lovely lady."