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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OOC QUESTIONS

[calderaevents]

IC QUESTIONS - ASK THE TAVERNKEEPER

[calderanpcs]

Standard questions and answers:

Q: Where am I?
A: Caldera, a world split by Land, Sea and Sky.

Q: Why have I been brought here?
A: The world is dying and the leaders have requested outside aid from Visitors like you to help revive it.

Q: Where's all my stuff?
A: Not here. You may get whatever you wish returned if you put forth the effort.

Q: Who are you?
A: The keeper of the tavern.

Q: What if I don't leave the tavern?
A: You have no choice.

Q: What happens if we fail?
A: Caldera falls.

Q: What's in it for us?
A: Power. Glory. The thanks of the rulers.

Q: Can we die here?
A: Yes, but Visitors that make an effort to prove themselves to the rulers will be revived. Those who work against them may not be so lucky.

NEW CHARACTER TOPLEVELS

[calderaevents]

Link your toplevels here!

Skandranon Rashkae 🦅 Mage Wars Trilogy 🦅 Sylph

[blackgryphon]

i. arrival
Skandranon hasn't, isn't, and will never be of a size consummate to the interior of a dwelling built for human proportions. He's huge, the size of a draft horse even before taking his wingspan into account, and his appearance as he wedges himself through the narrow door and his wings rebound from the tight squeeze is suitably dramatic. His ear-tufts touch the ceiling, his talons are already knocking furniture ahoo, and his tail is a menace.

Anyone who's too close is going to get a mouthful of feathers, and a blessing of wind, if they're lucky. Anyone less lucky will find themselves knocked about: mind the talons, now!

"Ashkhh... SSssorry, I'm not ussually thiss clumssy," He hisses, when he notices it at all. The feathers of Skan's hackles and mane are all puffed up with his confusion and distress, making him seem even larger than usual, and his voice is a hiss of displeasure, "Wherrre iss the dooorrr? Ah. Exsscusse me."

Make way! Or don't. It's your funeral.

ii. tavern
It takes him a while to get across the room, and at some point, someone must have waylaid him. Lying there, sprawled like the combination of bird and lazy cat that he is, and only somewhat approximating being out of the way, is a Gryphon. Someone has helpfully supplied him with a mug— or is that a bucket? It's full of drink, regardless, and he does seem, occasionally, to be drinking from it.

His beak is huge, hooked and sharp, and each curved talon is the length of a finger all by itself, but he seems calm, and friendly enough. Certainly there is a certainly aura of empty chairs nearest-by this enormous black creature, and yet... Not entirely.

Are you feeling brave enough to approach the Black Gryphon?

iii. sylphlands
The very first thing he does upon escaping the tavern is to shake vigorously. Feathers, dander, and dust go flying everywhere, including onto whosoever happens to be standing nearby. Then Skan sits, looking out over the expanse of... well, everything!

"Well, I'll be damned," He says, presently, "What is this place? Ah— Sketi, I don't have time for this, I have to find— oof, sorry."

Watch out there, he didn't mean to knock you over, spreading his wings like that. Need a hand up?

iv. Fountain of Memory
Skandranon likes to know the lay of the land, and anyone who comes across him on the Ember Veil might find him taking a break for some much-needed hydration at a certain fountain. And perhaps, if you wait too long you might start to see—

"Ah. Ahaha. Well. Nobody needssss to see that," Skan musses the surface of the water with his talons, visibly embarrassed. It really is shocking how much froth a creature as large as a gryphon can stir up, isn't it?

v. Radiant Sun
If there's one thing Gryphons love, it's sunbathing. And this particular sun is a particularly warm and lovely bath to have. What Skandranon doesn't seem to understand is that lounging around like he's had a snifter full of catnip is certainly blocking the path. You are an obstruction, sir.

Not that anyone seems too bothered. Indeed, everybody seems to be in a singularly genial and permissive mode, at the moment. Maybe that includes you? Or, maybe you find this whole thing ridiculous— or just want to pet the big fluffy birdcat creature. Well?

🦅. wildcard
Contact me here and let me know if you'd like a custom starter, or want to chat about how our characters might interact!

dimitri alexandre blaiddyd | fire emblem: three houses | dryad

[swordbreaker]

grey ward; glass market;

If Dimitri could take solace in anything, it was that he, at least, had come with all of his armor on. No weapon in hand, his strength seemingly diminished (but nothing to scoff at, still), and no allies at his side. He had grown used to having people around, finally; people helping to keep him on track, to watch his back, and yet here he was once again. Alone, despite the city bustling around him.

The long, fur-lined cloak he wore was perfect for cold weather — thank you Faerghus for preparing him for that — and he strode through the market, eventually ending up at one of the smiths, staring at the offered weapons.

"I do not need a discount, sir. Please, just let me pay fully for the blade." He seemed... mildly stressed while the merchant insisted he take the lance, knowing he was a Visitor. He could pay him back! Dimitri sighed. "I suppose..."

He took the lance in hand, weighed it, and then slotted it onto his back where Areadbhar should have been.

"I do not see why we are stripped of our weapons at all, but it is better than nothing."

ember veil;

Here was the thing about Dimitri — he was always burdened by grief, injured and lacking in vitality. Especially these days, so soon after the war had concluded, he still felt exhausted. So much to do, so many things to fix — and now; now he was here, without anyone, with the knowledge that his kingdom once again needed him and he was not there.

He slipped into the spring, his body a myriad of scars both old and faded and fresh and pink. One, upon his left shoulder, looked as if it had just fully healed. He kept his eyepatch on, blonde hair pulled back into a loose ponytail.

He sank into the water, leaned back, and closed his eyes. He shouldn't be so relaxed — Goddess knows what or who could sneak up on him while he was so vulnerable — but something about the water soothed him into just... accepting it. Enjoying the warmth that spread through him, the aches that always seemed to linger slowly fading.

Until he heard someone approach. Dimitri had chosen a spot far enough away and hidden behind an outcropping of rocks that he had hoped no others would approach. Shit. Uh. Act cool.

quest; the thrill of the chase (nsfw);

( ooc: spoiler, he won't be boning anyone about this and will in fact flee the scene in embarrassment. i just think it would be funny. )

Although not where he would have liked to be with literally any aspect of his arrival, he at least had a weapon in hand and a partner for the quest he had decided to take. He was currently stalking around Heaven's Bow with said partner, peering into every alleyway as they passed, staring at every citizen to assure their doppelganger didn't slip by them.

"They are smart to hide in a city this big." He commented absently. "And their trail is... odd. We may need to try and lure them to us somehow."

quest; oops! all dragons!;

Dimitri stood before the dragon with whoever had been willing to join him, her dying words echoing in his mind. It was not the first time someone had spoken to him in their dying breath — and it seemed he was cursed to always be the one standing there, watching the light die from another's eyes while he could do nothing but accept their fate.

At least this time, the blood wasn't on his hands.

"Rest, sweet creature. Your children will be safe. I promise you." Is this how Rodrigue had felt, vowing as much to his father? Dimitri set a hand atop the dragon's head as her eyes shut for the last time, and bowed his head in silent prayer. He turned to his quest partner after, his voice low.

"Where do we take them?"

wildcard

hmu on discord @ elfwife, or toss me a prompt and I'll roll with it!

Re: OOC QUESTIONS

[badnewsandshitlist]

For the specialized drinks, how difficult is it to get a cask/bottle/ect ect ect to bring home? And how effective are they outside the bar?

[goethbeforethefall]

For the memory fountain, are characters able to consciously choose what memories to show or hide? It would be more convenient if they were not.

Re: OOC QUESTIONS

[calderamods]

The Tavernkeeper does not seem to have any casks or bottles to sell, but they are willing to give characters the recipes for them to attempt to make the drinks themselves. They would be equally as effective outside the bar, assuming they were made correctly.

Alastor | Hazbin Hotel | Sylph

[lonelysmiles]

Ember Veil

Quite frankly, everything was reminding Alastor of Hell with all this heat. If nothing else, this would help him stay acclimated to the heat for whenever he might end up being thrown back to Hell.

Right now, he was browsing the markets. Largely the glass sections due to him looking for supplies to be used in the apothecary he and Stolas were planning to run together.

Radiant Sun

Alastor was always rather friendly and enjoyed other people's personal space far too much.

Under the effects of the Radiant Sun, well, your personal space is even more his personal space now.

Sorry in advance.

Jealous Moon

There was something entertaining in watching how the worst of neighbors came out beneath this seemingly-endless night.

Alastor had positioned himself in populated areas, watching the "carnage" with interest.

Look, he never claimed to be a good person.

All Is Well(?)

"First the shadows, now this." Alastor hummed to himself as his own shadow coiled up into 3D space to look over his shoulder. "Interesting."

Wildcard

Don't see something that interests you? Toss something Alastor's way!

[calderamods]

Characters cannot consciously choose what memories are shown or hidden in the spring.

dimitri alexandre blaiddyd | fire emblem: three houses | dryad

[swordbreaker]

sad bitch hours

as promised | Wildcard?

[youngprince]

It had taken Bambi a long, long time to understand what was happening here. It had taken him even longer to make his way through the portals, to explore his surroundings, and to come to peace with the idea of...

...Well, of people. The Him that Mother and all the other had always warned him about, didn't seem to be here, though sometimes he thought His smell might be everywhere. This was a long, long way from the Forest. But you know, not everything here is completely unfamiliar. There's a certain someone who smells, despite everything, at least a little bit like... maybe... another deer?

"Um... Hullo?" Bambi calls, when he finally sees Alastor, stepping towards him on hesitant hooves. Alastor doesn't look very much like another deer, but the ears are the right shape, and the smell is, sort-of, in the general ballpark. In any case, it's definitely the closest anything has come to being familiar since Bambi got here, "Do you uh... You know where my father is? I don't know how to find... Anywhere."

Simon Lorden | October Daye | Undine (mind the cw in the headers)

[thesunreturns]

Ember Veil
Simon is normally a private person, so he picks odd times to check out the hot springs. But he is becoming a regular, because the effects of the waters feel like the bath equivalent of Aster’s teas back home, and he is really feeling the absence of his family.

Someone who stumbles on Simon might notice a few things. The first is that he has an impressive set of scars on his chest and back, that might explain why even when he’s swimming, he’s in a long-sleeved shirt and trousers. It is why, when someone approaches, he does move to get out of the water, with a mulled apology.

—
[Option A: Wedding Episode]

The vision in the water is of a ballroom, a room carved of redwood that looks like it could be inside one of those great trees. On the dais is a throne, with a pointed-barred woman with hair the black-violet of blackberries, and wearing a jeweled crown and a dress that went from the same color of her hair, to rose, to a pale gold at the hem. Another woman stood near the dias: if the woman on the throne was a faerie queen, this one is a force of nature that has temporarily decided to take humanoid form, wearing a dress that echoes a stormy sea.

You are stranded in mended clothing. A young pointy-eared woman clings to you like you are a lifeline. Her hair and eye colors look like a watercolor version of your own, and the bone-white dress she is wearing accents that. You stroke her hair, a very parental gesture. Her magical signature — roses and sweet smoke — hangs in the air.

The rest of the crowd is reacting to something — perhaps, based on how it is forming, the departure of someone — which you are taking with uneasy relief as you comfort your daughter.

—

[Option B: Where it started to go wrong…]

[CW: mind and emotional control, fantasy racism… look Eira is not a good person]

You are being led up stairs by a woman with rose-colored hair. The architecture feels hostile and imposing, and empty in a way that suggests that for all it should take an army of servants to tend to this place, that proves to be… unnecessary. The scent of roses hangs in the air. You are afraid, but in your heart, you know you are doing this for love…

… Except not entirely. Love was what pushed you into making such a bold attempt, but you also want knowledge. And to be seen as trustworthy of such great secrets as the Firstborn hold.

The woman stops in front of a small door. “My sister sees no sense to keeping to her receiving room when no one is coming. You’ll have to meet her in her private garden≥. I hope that won’t be a difficulty for you.”

You are already drawing out a vial you have concealed as you answer that is not a problem

[Option C is to just enjoy the hotsprings with Simon and have a normal conversation. Or share a different memory, maybe one of yours. Ask me! ]

Jealous Moon
[cw: intrusive thoughts, so much PTSD, mentions of past mind control, a victim blaming himself for the shit that happened to him, Simon needs a hug (and also therapy which he was getting until he was pulled here)]

Simon had been having a good day. He’d felt comfortable enough to spend most of it around other people, and do most of the things that normally take him a bit to work up to. He contacted people and either invited them over or promised to visit in the days to come. Even when he can’t feel the sun set in Salt Spire — even dawn’s effect on his wards is muted under the sea — he senses this one.

He is having a bad time of it. He runs through the exercises taught to him by Dr. Voss to try to reorient himself. Back home, he’d be seeing out Lady Aster for some of the tea she brewed for ‘bruises on the mind and heart’, but he couldn’t replicate her magic enough to brew it himself.

Useless man. He’s made himself as useful as he can, but he’s not even able to take care of himself, let alone others. And asking for help would mean explaining why he needed it. Yes, enough people here had experiences of being controlled, but they generally didn’t walk into the lion’s den to do it. At last back home, the people he loved remembered the man he used to be, and could delude themselves (convince themselves, some part of his brain tried to correct, in a vain hope of stemming this tide) that he was the same person underneath it all. The people here had befriended a mask of a good man, a devoted husband and father. They might want to help the mask, but wouldn’t help the man beneath it.

Simon had completely forgotten that the self buoyed up by sunlight had invited guests over, or had offered to meet them someplace. So he is startled as hell when he is jolted out of his misery spiral by a knock at the door.

Wildcard
[Want something else? Let me know.]

Princess Cadence | My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic | Dryad

[needsexcitement]

Arrival - The Tavern

"Excuse me! Sorry! Sorry! Watch your feet! Sorry! Excuse me!"

A rather disheveled-looking winged unicorn carefully picked her way down the stairs of the tavern and through the crowd. She was a little larger than a pony but still smaller than a full-sized horse with a golden necklace around her neck and a set of golden horseshoes. Unfortunately, this place had clearly been designed for those who walked on two legs like young dragons and the Abyssians. Definitely not equines like herself.

She walked over to the bar. "Um...do you have apple cider? Thank you!"

When the glass was set in front of her, she stared at the glass for a long moment. Then she rolled her eyes up to her horn.

"Guess you really aren't working. No problem."

She sat down on her haunches and picked up the glass carefully in her forehooves to take a sip. There was a startled whinny at the first mouthful before she swallowed.

"Wasn't expecting it to pack a kick! Um...could I get some water, too, please? Thank you."

Arrival - Flight Attempt

Cadance trotted into a more open area of the quaint little town she'd found herself in. The feel of the wind on her flanks and teasing her mane and feathers helped her relax. How long had she been down in the Crystal Caves?

Scratch that. She didn't want to think about it.

She glanced at her sides as she extended her wings. "Okay. Let's see what we have to work with. No magic in my horn, so let's see what's left in my wings."

She looked towards the sky, gathered herself, and jumped, flapping away. She barely made it to the edge of the roof on a one-story building. The best she'd be able to do was a hover like in the old days and it'd likely be worse than that given her wings were much, much bigger now.

She landed. "Okay! So we're back to before Aunt Celestia met me. That's more annoying than the horn." She sighed, wings drooping to brush the ground. "But at least they're long enough to be effective at gliding if need be."

Her tail flicked in irritation as she tucked her wings back against her sides.

Radiant Sun

Cadance smiled as she watched the sun rise, wings slightly mantling to take in its warmth and light. It'd been far too long since she'd last seen one thanks to those horrible caves.

Still, it made her a bit homesick. The sight of the sunrise brought to mind her dear adoptive aunt. She could practically see the large white Alicorn in her mind's eye, the ancient mare's horn glowing yellow as she lifted the sun above the horizon.

She looked to her nearest companion. "Who raises and lowers the sun here? They do a wonderful job!"

Jealous Moon

The sun should have risen by now.

Cadance's heart jackhammered in her chest as she took in the darkened sky and the ominous moon above. It was like how the sun had been late to rise during the last Summer Sun Celebration when Nightmare Moon -- and by extension Princess Luna -- was freed from her prison.

No, this was worse. This brought to mind tales of Princess Luna's fall from grace. While the night hadn't lasted forever as the Nightmare she'd become had vowed it would back a thousand years ago, it looked like it was finally happening in this world as the hours dragged on. It even seemed to be radiating the same jealousy that had birthed Nightmare Moon as she saw people arguing over old grudges pulled to the surface by its cold light.

Her wings mantled slightly as someone bumped into her flank, and she reared to pirouette around to face the potential threat.

"Oh! Sorry. You startled me."

All Is Well(?)

Cadance listened to the words of the obvious leaders of this place. She should have been put at ease. If it were Princess Celestia and Princess Luna giving the speeches, she would have been. However, this was a strange world filled with strange creatures and unknown dangers.

She tried to reach out with her empathic abilities to feel some reassurance from the more experienced residents, ears twitching backwards as she remembered too late that she was currently cut off from them.

"Does this sort of thing happen often?" she asked the closest person to her.

Wildcard

Throw a prompt to Love Horse!

Princess Cadence | My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic | Dryad

[needsexcitement]

Love Horse incoming!

Maribelle | Fire Emblem : Awakening | Undine

[troubadamsel]

Ember Viel

[ A relaxing hot spring? Just what the doctor - er, healer ordered! Despite the atrocious heat it took to get there, Maribelle feels it was worth every drop of sweat. She's sighing with absolute bliss as she's dipped her feet in, having only just started and feeling much, much better. ]

Mmm, yes... Here I was worried this dreadful place would take my hard-earned beauty, and yet, I finally find salvation! I can feel the wrinkles and worries just melt away...

[ For those who decide to join in, feel free to have a memory exchange or a future glimpsed - and no preference to who shares what, totally okay with mari's past being an open book! ]

Quests

You’ll Never Leave Hardersfield Alive

[ Months ago, Maribelle had traveled down the well to rescue the young lad, and had even helped tried to cover the damn thing up, so something like this wouldn’t happen again. So when word reached her that not only was the well still in use, the entire town had gone either quiet or mad… she made it her personal mission to head over to see what was happening. She hoped beyond hope she was being overly paranoid, still remembering the happy scene of the young boy reunited with his family…

On the outskirts of the town, a chill runs down her spine. She can’t quite put it into words, but things are already terribly off. It wasn’t like this before. ]

… Something’s wrong. This… this town was much livelier when I was here last. Even from here, you could hear the bustle of people. But now...?

No Skin In The Game

[ Anyone who joins or happens to just find Maribelle on the beach may need to restrain her – she seems absolutely furious with what happened to Brienna and may not be content with merely asking for the skin back. As she stomps and storms on the beach, searching Draven, you may hear her muttering about his unfortunate fate if you don’t stop her. ]

That lousy, rotten, revolting man… how dare he do such a thing to a fragile young maiden… when I get my hands on him, not even the gods will be able to help him…!

Bone?!

[ Okay, she thought Bones were made of… bones… during her initial arrival here. So knowing someone went ahead and did it makes her sick to her stomach, but at the same time, she wonders if this could have been avoided if they just named their currency something more pleasant…

But that’s neither here nor there. She stands before the cemetery she plans to investigate, looking rather ill about the whole affair. ]

Gods above, there are truly some terrible people in this realm… I almost don’t want to know HOW those dreadful things are made.

Wildcard
[ Make your own prompt! Feel free to plot with me at melcat33 for both plurk/discord ]

[lonelysmiles]

Alastor's ears pricked in surprise. A fawn? Here? In the middle of town? And a talking fawn at that! Well, there went dinner.

"Hello there! Alastor! Pleasure to be meeting you, quite a pleasure!" he greeted. "And I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your father! Perhaps you could try describing him?"

He hadn't hunted the stag...he thought. At least he hadn't hunted a talking stag to the best of his knowledge.

The Tavern

[youknowwhothisis]

The drinks here were great. The keeper never really talked to him much anymore- the entity learned quickly that this little guy ADORED a good yap- so he stuck to having a little sippy on his lonesome to unwind after a good and long week of... everything that happened.

The whiskey was fantastic. No wonder Red liked it. But he's on his second finger of it when there was a lot of shouting, a clip-clop, and apologies.

Lucifer stared at the sight of a candy-colored unicorn... pegasus... thing coming down the steps.

He turned and stared at his whiskey.

Back at the fanciful horse.

Whiskey again.

Nevermind. He gently pushed the drink away.

Felix Fraldarius | Fire Emblem 3 Houses | New character | undecided

[wrathstrikes]

Arrival

Felix is used to waking up in taverns just like this, travelling through Fodlan from job to job, battle to battle. However, this one is different from the one he fell asleep in, definitely. That’s enough to begrudgingly ask the tavernkeeper, who reminds him a lot of Sylvain, a slew of angry questions. He is unsatisfied with the answers: in fact, he’s fuming. A lot of sharp what? Why?’s can be heard. They took his swords away and want him to be a hero in this place he’s never even heard of? Foolish. He orders a drink and glowers in the corner with his arms crossed, glaring at nothing in particular.

Perhaps you are bold enough to approach him at this point, but if not, the red wine he ordered seems to calm him after a few minutes, loosen him. He starts to look around, catching the eyes of other Visitors, with a curious look in his own. Maybe this version of Felix will be easier to talk to… Maybe.

Grey Ward- Glass Market

Well, the first order of business in this ridiculous world is to buy new swords, obviously. The problem is, he was only given a small amount of money and it’s supposed to cover everything for the month- rent, food, clothing, weapons. Well, he’ll just have to pinch pennies on life essential’s, because he is not going without a decent sword.

He’s haggling with a vendor, arguing about the quality of a sword and claiming it’s not worth what he’s really asking for it.

“Don’t you agree?” He suddenly turns to you with the sword, his tone insistent, rubbing his thumb on the edge. “It’s dull and poorly crafted. Surely it can’t be worth that.”

Hot Spring

Felix is interested in all the lava, in this fiery-hot city. It’s cool, if you ask him, although it seems like Aillel in that it’s not really pleasant to be there, especially for a Faerghan man who’s built for the cold. But a hot spring- that’s enticing.

He seems more relaxed than usual, which still isn’t very relaxed, as he settles into the steaming pool. His lithe, pale body is absolutely covered in scars.

But then suddenly, there’s some kind of weird magic that’s projecting an image in the middle of the pool, and it’s one he recognizes…

Memory A

The memory is… Sort of regular. Two boys in academy uniform, one shorter and grumpy looking with long, black hair, the other tall and redheaded with an easy, charming grin. They’re bickering about something or other, or rather, Felix is bickering, and the other boy is laughing it off, cracking jokes, and otherwise deflecting criticism. Felix pushes him, but it’s playful, and then the two sit down to eat a meal together in a stone building. Felix scowls the whole time, except for one moment when the redhead isn’t looking, when a tiny smile creeps on his face.

Current-day Felix, who looks pretty much the same but with shorter hair, stares at the memory, stunned, his mouth agape and his amber eyes wide. As it ends, he seems frozen for a moment, then furrows his brow, looking down and away to try to hide his expression.

Memory B

In this memory, Felix is younger, maybe twelve, and is attending a large funeral which seems to be for a King and Queen. He’s dressed formally, but downcast and quiet, his face splotchy from earlier crying, but stone-faced at the procession. He doesn’t leave the side of an older Knight with black hair who shares enough of his features that one could easily presume it’s his father. At one point, Felix looks up at the man, who is receiving condolences from others.

“I’m so sorry about your son, Duke Rodrigue. What a tragedy. He was a hero for protecting the King and the Prince.”

“Thank you,” Rodrigue answers. “Yes, it comforts me to know that Glenn died like a true Knight, with honour.”

At this point, Felix’s features shift to anger, and he storms out of the church. His father at first doesn’t notice, but then runs out after Felix. As the memory ends, the expression on current Felix’s face is much the same as it was in the memory. Bitterness, anger.


Network prompt during the Jealous Moon, username swordmaster

Alright, who’s the strongest person here? I need to fight someone.

Wildcard

[Hi I’m Drew! If you’d like to plot something different, catch me at decimalplaces or drewey.decimal on discord!]

Felix Fraldarius | Fire Emblem 3 Houses | undecided

[wrathstrikes]

sword bitch hours

[needsexcitement]

Wondering why the pink pony isn't an elephant, Lucifer?

Cadance took a cautious sip of the water she'd been given to chase down the surprisingly alcoholic apple cider. Fortunately, she hadn't made the same mistake twice and it was just regular water.

She carefully set down her glass before looking over at the...what were they called again? Oh right. "Human"...seated next to her.

"Hello." She gave an awkward smile as she tried to fix her mane with a forehoof, knowing she was failing miserably. "I'm Cadance." No need to bring up the "Princess" part. She'd lost her crown ages ago in those blasted caves. "Are you new here, too?"

ember veil just bc its funnier

[wrathstrikes]

Felix is very grumpy about being stolen from his world and plopped here without his permission or his swords. This hot spring is the only hope of putting him in a good mood, and once he settles in, he actually does begin to relax a bit... Until he gazes around and sees a familiar face on the far end of the pool.

A face he wants to deny- he can't be here.

But there is no way he could ever mistake Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd for anyone else. Blonde hair that looks like it hasn't been washed or cut in years, eyepatch, huge frame, sullen expression.

His initial shock becomes confusion- Dimitri is supposed to be dead, along with all their other classmates. Felix has been trying to avoid thinking of their deaths at all, throwing himself into fighting and training with abandon, but now it's staring him in the face, and he feels all kinds of things he couldn't put words to if he tried.

There is only one way to settle this, and he drifts over to the man.

"Boar. What are you doing here?"

[youknowwhothisis]

WHY AREN'T YOU A TECHNICOLOR PACHYDERM?? This whiskey ain't SHIT, it's really too much for him-

He blinked at her, and reached under the brim of his hat to scratch near his hairline. He knew his limits involving alcohol, and he hadn't nearly hit it yet. The whiskey was like a little lovely fireball in his belly, though. Felt a bit familiar.

More to the point, the creature was talking to him. The barkeeper had passed drinks to... her? Her. So she was real?

Why were the faction leaders drawing in candy-colored critters? Did they really have a method, or was it truly a 'anybody, anywhere, please help' outfit? Seemed to be the latter, the more he lived here.

He cleared his throat, and needed a moment to compose himself, leaning on an elbow and propping a cheek in a hand. Alright. Let's talk to the unicorn-pegasus, then. Showtime. Charlie would lose her marbles-

"'Fraid not! Been here a couple of months. And you're lamenting the loss of your magic, I'm willing to bet."

[swordbreaker]

You ever think to yourself: "well it couldn't get worse." And then it did because god hated you? That was about where Dimitri was at when he locked eyes with Felix.

On the one hand, if anyone was going to see him naked, at least it was his... friend. Ally. Guy he knew since childhood that made sure to remind him how much of a piece of shit he was even now. Dimitri didn't look too surprised to see him, if only because he had just seen him, in Fodlan, the day before. He was glad there was a familiar face around, however, deep down.

"Felix." He replied. "The same as you, I suspect. Enjoying the springs while trying to wrap my head around this place."

MANLY WEAPONS SHOPPING LFG!!!

[thecodexabides]

Gadriel, still a little shaky on the idea of consumerism, had decided that today was the day he was going to finally get an actual weapon. Because while there was something cathartic about punching all of life's problems, sometimes, a man just needs to stab something.

Problem was, most swords were made for tiny mortal hands. One smith, though, was offering something he called a two handed broadsword, which actually worked, or would, as soon as he thickened the haft of it.

So that was why he was hanging around Grey Ward, and heard the other man's comment.

Brother. Let him TELL you. He has THOUGHTS.

"Two theoreticals: one, they want us unarmed so we do not rise up against them. Two, they offer to sell them back at us, ensuring our compliance." He could go on. And probably will.