etrayamemes | TDM 002

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!tdm

TDM 002

⏵ arrival⏴
Arrival goes as anticipated. Characters awaken in the pristine, new hospital, greeted by Aurora and potentially getting a rundown of what's happening depending on their approach to being dropped somewhere new. The door to their room opens, and new arrivals are left free to explore their new environment.

When the first round of citizens arrived, Aurora and the companion bots had been largely unprepared. This time? They made sure to put up welcome banners, even if the sentiment isn't quite right. There are cupcakes and cookies set out in the hospital's lobbies, and a digital map has been placed just in front of the entrance of the hospital, telling others how to reach the various locations throughout Etraya. Companion bots wander throughout the city, some carrying construction equipment to half-built facilities while others act as nurses, servers, or sales associates throughout the constructed buildings.

⏵ rainy awakenings ⏴

Many concepts are new to Aurora, including rain. She is familiar with how it functions, and its purpose, but rain has never been present on the lands of Etraya. Given how new it is, that may not be all too surprising - but the method of how it’s being introduced is… a little much. Rainfall commences in the early days of April, a persistent downpour that waxes and wanes in intensity but never ceases entirely.

Most nights in Etraya are characterized by a soothing patter of rain against rooftops. Yet, some nights leave the grounds flooded come morning. Rivers begin to swell, the current much too strong to justify trying to go for a swim. These showers also bring a new assortment of plants blooming across the green lands: bright blossoms whose petals spread wide when the yellow sun shines down on them, while numerous cherry blossom trees have grown out of nowhere, flourishing despite the rainfall. Clover carpets the grassy expanses of the islands, weaving a beautiful tapestry of color across the grounds.

⏵ Getting drenched by the rain can trigger a surge, followed by a slump. Initially, individuals will feel giddy, excited, full of energy, and ready to take on the world. However, in the subsequent days, they’ll find themselves feeling depressed, lacking the energy and motivation to move forward. Aurora advises that these effects are only temporary and should fade within the week, but they can be resolved more quickly by embracing a stranger. Attempting to hug anyone they already know well will not produce the same effect.

⏵ With the rain comes a significant increase in the greenery around Etraya that isn’t fake. Most of these plants will resemble ones originally found in the characters' universes.

⏵ A couple of these plants contain magical properties:

The Emberloom is a bright red, fiery flower that only inhabits smaller land masses. Those exposed to its pollen will experience heightened aggression and impulsivity.

Shadowbloom resemble tulips during the day, but during the night the petals open and it looks more like the night sky: dark petals with specs of white throughout them. Growing too close to the apartment building for comfort, those who look at the petals after nightfall will fall into a deep sleep. Worse yet: the dreams they find themselves in are not their own, but are the dreams of other residents. Ones who had not looked into the Shadowbloom, but had drifted off to sleep elsewhere on the planet. The one who looked into the Shadowbloom will find they cannot awaken until the person whose dream they have entered does.

These flowers will continue to bloom through April, after which the companion bots will search for and remove them from the atmosphere bubble.

⏵ If there is a specific, unique plant that those in game (or those accepted during the next round!) would like to add, please comment to the LOCATIONS page! We’ll add mentions of these to the Outskirts section.

Along with the botanical resurgence, numerous new animals appear: glowing fish swim freely through the waters. In the canopy above, new species of birds and critters flit among the branches. Some diligently construct new nests in anticipation of the coming spring, while others seek refuge in the shelter of trees, retreating from the weather.

Not all the creatures are so small, or so peaceful.

⏵ Small critters make themselves comfortable in the forested area around Etraya, staying mostly out of the way. There are the occasional visitors that will let themselves in through windows for a quick visit, or maybe a snack, but they’re mostly harmless.

⏵ Several larger beasts make their way into the city to try and find land that’s more habitable for them. Giraffes navigate gracefully through the areas designated for new arrivals, using their elongated necks to reach for the foliage near the hospital when they aren’t finding new places to make themselves comfortable. An eclectic array of cats, ranging in all sizes and breeds, brazenly saunter into buildings they don’t belong. Hopefully, the lioness lounging in the apartment complex's common area does not prevent residents from reaching their rooms, because she has no intention of yielding.

⏵ The leopard adorned with a rattlesnake tail in the hospital's cafeteria may be difficult to ignore, given his determination to devour everything in sight and attack anyone in his way.

⏵ Cat scratches and bites pose a significant risk of infection. In the event a character is injured, individuals can expect the companion bots to quickly seek them out and approach them with a special antibiotic cream developed specifically for these cats. Refusal of treatment may result in severe symptoms, including high fevers and itching. In extreme cases, individuals may begin to exhibit cat-like characteristics, ranging from physical alterations to changes in mental traits.

⏵ Numerous other creatures of all shapes and sizes will be coming and going through the city. You may play with this as you wish!

While the uproar caused by these guests doesn’t particularly bother Aurora, she does send out a message to everyone wearing an earpiece to request their assistance in capturing the larger animals that her companion bots may not be able to handle themselves. She has converted an island to the East into a temporary holding area until the companion bots can set them up with something a little more permanent.

⏵ network ⏴

Welcome to Etraya! Upon your arrival, Aurora provided an earpiece, a device to make communication with others stuck in the same situation more simple. The device connects to an internal network, which is accessible by everyone else currently residing on planet. Whether you’re looking for guidance, camaraderie, or want to see if there are any familiar faces around, this is the perfect place to do it! Please feel free to post any questions, offer your name, ask for assistance, or maybe complain to the powers that be about how you’ve got better things to be doing than sitting around here completing their missions. Maybe they’re listening. Maybe they’re not.

⏵ NOTES⏴

⏵ During April, Etraya’s getting a little wet! Those who spend too long in the rain may experience a few unfortunate effects.

⏵ The rain brings in new flora, including a couple that may cause characters to experience aggression and impulsivity, or take a stroll through others’ dreams.

⏵ New animals also appear! While many of them are friendly, others… are less so. The cats specifically seem to be a little grumpy. Characters scratched or bitten by these cats may find themselves becoming just as catty.

For any questions relating to the contents of this log, please reply below. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ. The TDM is game canon, meaning everything happening above is occurring within the game properly. Those who apply to join in the April application round may keep their TDM threads as game canon.

⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ he looks out, towards the sound of the river she heard. he doesn't look overly concerned though so likely there's no imminent danger around. ]

This place is ... fluid. The structure of it moving easily when needed.

...As it suits our captors?

[ Different from the first city, somewhat. It had continued to expand with further cursed buildings, but little else had changed aside from dwindling supplies.

Releasing his hand, Vanessa lifts her skirts a touch as she moves up a short hill to a small cluster of trees. Though the rain may dim their colors, she can see cherry blossoms on some branches. Should they be blooming in such dire weather?

Softly, she muses while reaching to touch the soft pink petals. ]

...As though suiting a child's imagination.

It could be that it also accommodates those who arrive, as well.

[ he lets his hand slip from hers, watching her ascend the small hill from where they stopped. ]

Or what they think would do so.

[ Again (or still?) it seems their captors already know secrets. Dreams. If not for Morpheus being so near, she might begin to wonder if this could just be a strange dream, but he should be able to sense that much.

She plucks a damp blossom from the lowest branch, twirling it between her fingertips as she turns back to step down toward him. ]

If it's illusion, I'm unable to sense the spell-craft.

[ The flora feels and smells real enough. ]

If the one capable of this is ever engaged in changing or adding things, then mistakes are inevitable. There must be a crack somewhere in the barrier. A weakening. If not now, then later.

[ She plans to find out now. Only, the rain is quickly becoming a downpour, making it difficult for her to even see very far beyond as it beats at the branches and leaves. How far would they have to travel before being stopped? It's only getting darker, after all. ]

Perhaps "later" is in order, my love.

[ he glances up to the clouds before looking back down to take in her appearance again. ]

[ Giving in so soon? The thought initially galls her, and she tips her head back with eyes shut to feel the sting of the oncoming storm. She must appear a drowned rat. ]

Nonsense! [ Over the weight of the rain, her voice raises a touch. ] This is perfect weather for walking and dancing.

[ A weak jest, though only half so. Vanessa is the sort to do just that were she not intent on directing that energy toward freedom.

With the blossom left (crushed) in her pocket, she again takes his hand, this time lifting it overhead so she can do a quick twirl to prove her point. If she can dance, then she can walk!

He's right, of course. Normally she might agree to at least wait for the rain to lighten up, but something is refusing to let her give up. ]

I must do something. I cannot simply wait until morning. I am certain there is an answer somewhere, if only we could manage to spot it.

[ his hand raises at her lifting, a passive partner in her dance while a subtle huff through his nose betrays his amusement. ]

And what were you doing before our meeting then?

[ A sound counter, and she steps closer to then wrap her arms around his middle. ]

Searching for answers. For you.

[ While inside, yes, yes. There are other ways to go about this with her gift (and her curse).

She squints up at him, unable to hide her half-smile despite the less-than-optimal circumstances. ]

But I was alone, then. I had dared to let hope falter, and I was a fool for it. Now I've found you, mine own heart. As though purpose has been rediscovered.

[ Although... ]

You believe I ought to finish the reading?

A fool, perhaps, but a fortunate one.

[ the barest smile as he looks down at her, closer now, close enough to see the smile even on the deluge around them. ]

And though you know your works better than I would know them, I understand that such rituals should be completed?

[ 'Fortunate' has rarely been a description for her state, but rather than question that, she's too busy repressing a short laugh at his concurrence of her foolish thought. She ought to be insulted, but she's only further amused. ]

Hm, not quite a ritual of that sort... But there may be further revelation. Already it helped me better understand this entrapment, and led me to our reunion moments before I knew you were there. Upon seeing you, it felt as though I needed nothing else to carry on. A possession of sorts, I suppose.

[ Though not her usual sort. (Is it?). Perhaps she has been acting from her lack of sleep or food. She hadn't been carrying on well in the City toward the end, and that is only worse without his company. Such things have been known to make her act a bit oddly...

With a sigh of consideration, she turns her head to peer out at the dark. ]

You are very convincing.

I often am.

But beyond finishing what once was begun, perhaps further insight would be welcome.

Mm. And a fire.

[ She had left one going in the parlour, and it would be sorely welcome. Vanessa can tolerate quite a bit, and she could certainly tolerate more rain, more cold, more travel. But would it be the best use of her energy? ]

Can you take us back, then? Ah, but hold a moment—

[ Recalling what may greet them, or rather him should he attempt to enter without invitation, she unwinds her arms from his waist and steps back to pull free the makeshift bandage about her thumb, pinching at the skin just enough for blood to bead.

It trickles pale with the rain, but it's enough for this. She reaches up, pausing only to be certain he'll permit her touch.

She can still recall a moment of hesitation on his part, once, when it came to her magic. ]

Blood keeps you out. Blood can invite you in.

[ he stills as she pulls away from him, watching her quietly as she pulls at the wrappings on her finger and causes renewed blood to flow. but he moves as she does to reach up to him, his hand raising with hers to gently grasp at her wrist, that hesitation showing again. though it's not in any distrust of her, only that he knows the power and import of such magicks.

there's a pause after her explanation for it, a brief glance at her fingertip before he focuses back on her face. the moment stretches into longer before he finally moves once more. ]

I see.

[ his fingers unfold from her wrist to slide higher, wrapping around her hand instead with a gentle embrace. instead of letting her place the blood on him, he presses her fingertip to his lips in the ghost of a kiss, letting the blood smear slightly there. ]

[ It's strange to think she hasn't needed to do so with him before, but things were quite different in the last city iteration. She had moved around too much to bother casting a ward over each apartment, given how many non-humans she knew may visit. Instead, she had marked her luggage for protection.

She isn't certain if she's going to stay in a mockery of Sir Malcolm's house for long, but tonight it's the most sensible choice. She had worried she was all alone when first casting her ward.

For a moment she wonders if he's going to deny her, but then his response eases another smile from her with a curious flicker in her gaze. She presses the tip of her thumb where he leaves it, then swipes down to smear it just below. Her voice drops even lower, raw and guttural with the spell. ]

Etsoo Sataan sha'am eni pemoder mendafa'.

[ Still featherlight, she then crosses the blood smear, tracing his bottom lip, though her eyes have yet to leave his. ]

Etsoon moqaf yerkhomi lakwe huni zahomblar.

[ Almost impatiently, as soon as she's through with her command, Vanessa leans up to clean the bit of blood with a flick of her tongue before pulling him into a kiss. ]

[ he returns the kiss, gentle despite the passion she can feel behind it, still holding her hand. he lingers in it, then lingers still after it ends, head tipped forward to let their foreheads rest together. ]

[ Sealing the spell with a kiss is enough to keep her centered in some small way, an act of protection followed by a comfort that's become familiar in a short time. She sighs with a contentment she surely doesn't deserve, but selfishly accepts, in no hurry to pull away while protected by his shadow. This close, the rain scarcely touches her.

Nuzzling into the tickle of his bangs, she turns her hand to slide and grip his in turn. There is a stretch where the only sound is that of the rain nearly humming in its force, before she finally speaks up again with a softer murmur. ]

How glad I am you are here with me. Does that make me terrible?

[ Even if that somehow doesn't, plenty else does. She hasn't bothered to hide that from him, which is its own comfort. ]

It makes you selfish, in a way. But selfishness is not inherently terrible.

[ he spends a moment just there, with her, savoring their closeness in the relative privacy granted by the rain. but they could have more privacy in a moment, which is why his free hand reaches into his robes, seeking his pouch. ]

[ It's a wonder if there's any selfish nature that could be inherently good. She doesn't wonder long.

With another sigh, she turns to rest her head against his shoulder while watching him reach for his sand. Despite her words, her smile is unshaken, and her tone is a tease. It's exactly the sort of response she would have expected. ]

Silly man. You're supposed to say that you are just as glad to have me at your side.

I am not a man.

[ but while he has to let go of her hand in order to use both of his, he doesn't simply let go of it but rather positions her hand to it will wind around his waist again. keeping her by his side.

while she remains so, he opens his pouch so that a thin pouring of sand will land on the palm of his freed hand, letting the grains fall between his fingers so that they begin to swirl around them. a dry breeze stirs at Vanessa's wet hair and clothes as it swirls, the rain ineffective against such power. it grows around hem, enveloping, and she'll feel a tug somewhere behind her middle that spreads outward ...

and the grains then dissipate, falling and scattering to the ground before disappearing, leaving them in front of the door that Vanessa failed to close earlier in her haste. she'll also find herself dry, though not warmed. ]

[ For that, she finally does chuckle for true, holding close as he brings out his pouch. It isn't the first time she's used the endearment and it won't be the last, no matter how literally he takes it. That's only more of his odd charm. He absolutely is her silly man.

The last time Morpheus had used this power to take her somewhere, she had been at her worst. Lost in her own mind, trapped in a repeating torment. None of that has been forgotten, but now, she's of a much more optimistic perspective, enough to actually appreciate the wonder at such magic.

It's tempting to reach out and touch, but she resists.

Her dry state is the most surprising on arrival, and she needs a moment to realize what he's done. It really is a grand power. Vanessa is quick to lean up and touch a kiss to his cheek in gratitude before stepping away to head through the door. Her cards are likely still on the floor of the parlour, where a fire awaits. ]

'Silly Endless' does not have the proper sound to it, I'm afraid.

[ Anyone hearing him called 'silly' at all would probably be baffled, but that's entirely their problem. He is of course much more than that, magnificent even, but she needs to take care how often she feeds his ego. ]

Worry not, my lord. I know well enough what you are. My hope is that our captor has underestimated exactly that.

[ She may not have seen all of his forms, but she has seen enough to lead her to imagine plenty more. Now, though, she is left to wonder what else he can actually do, with his power returned. Of that, she's only been witness to a little. ]

[ he has ego to spare so there's no worry there. please keep doing it, Vanessa.

he tucks his pouch away as she turns to head inside, and he steps to follow behind her. there's a moment of hesitation as he passes the threshold, his expression blanking slightly as he feels the power of her ward as he passes by it. once he's fully inside, he turns to close the door behind them, something he could do with a thought (or not thought of it at all, quite frankly), but doing so allows him to look at the scorpion design she's affixed via her blood into the door panel. he considers it for a moment before turning away to truly follow her further inside. ]

Perhaps. Though that they succeeded in my presence here, I would assume there is some notion of it.

A notion, certainly. If they fully understood what I am, they would not have called me here for their...tasks.

[ The room is mostly as she left it, with the hearth still bright. The seating area is untouched, as she had set up on the floor where there is no rug. The cards seem to have been scattered in her earlier rush for the door, but rather than clean up the mess, Vanessa tucks her skirt and kneels to look them over with a head tilt. The energy has entirely shifted from when she had pulled her last card.

The Five of Swords is partially visible under a reversed Nine of Wands. Nearby, just on the edge of the lavish rug, another card is half flipped, and something has her hesitate before she tips it the rest of the way.

The Tower.

Leaning back onto her heels, she shuts her eyes and listens, though not for any response from Morpheus. A ringing guides her hand to another card. There's a stifled cry in the distance that has her quickly opening her eyes to look back up, but the sound is only for her. The card she's currently touching is flipped.

Judgement.

Continuing from the first two cards she had pulled before finding him, the story told seems clear enough, and something difficult to spin positively if considering her own history. But the energy instilled from the rain, even while still dry, keeps her from wallowing in dread, and leaves her more focused on solving these potential problems. ]

...But it won't be simple to counter them, even as we are.

[ Of course, she never thought it would be an easy thing. ]

Likely not.

[ Morpheus stops just outside the area her cards are strewn in, giving it some space while he watches her work. ]

What have you learned?

We need to be cautious in who we engage with.

[ Vanessa doesn't need Tarot to inform her of that, but to see it this plainly will leave her more wary than ever. She leans to pick up the Five of Swords, sending the other card to fall face-down, and a shiver courses through. ]

Betrayal is imminent, if we are careless.

[ Both hands settle back in her lap while she scans the seeming 'mess' of Tarot. ]

And it will weaken us, enough to have us question any manner of hope. This is a dangerous place to be so lost. Catastrophe is imminent, and we need clarity to see what comes after so that we may turn the tides in our favor... To make the necessary choices, or victory may look like failure.

[ There's a pause before she leans to begin gathering up the rest of the cards. ]

No matter what, there will be a sacrifice. A loss of one, in order to gain another. But it's difficult to see... The more I concentrate, I can feel a heat, it closes in — at the back of my neck, as though a branding iron hovers just behind me.

[ It's the best comparison she can make with her experience. ]

Something is clouding my vision.

Catastrophe ... yes. Given what was told to us. Perhaps there is truth to it, after all.

[ he finally moves as she does, stepping in a little closer as she picks up her cards. when she leans back up, the tips of his fingers find the back of her neck, touching there gently; a cool presence to help against the heat she spoke of. ]

TDM 002

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