EVENT #1: FAE FESTIVITIES

[diceofthegods]

INTO THE WOODS

Click Clock Wood (Spring) by Grant Kirkhope

2:05 / 4:59

▶︎

Click here to listen.

Grant Kirkhope is a Scottish composer and voice actor for video games and film. Some of his notable works include GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and Perfect Dark, among many others.

code

After making your way through the tiny farming town of Ich and out towards the rim of a massive raised crater, you will find yourself being led through a narrow split in the canyon wall. Inside, glow worms cling to the ceiling and create the illusion of a thousand twinkling stars above the moistened rocks.

When you finally emerge, it is into an impossibly lush landscape of massive, redwood-sized tangling trees and a soft moss carpet. Life abounds here. It feels like an oasis of birdsong and animal activity.

A short walk leads you to the prepared party-grounds. A large clearing with quaint huts all around decorated with strange flowers for partygoers to rest or otherwise entertain themselves.

There appear to be several games and stalls set up, the sweet and savory scents of delicious food fills the air, and so do the patrons of the forest. Seemingly hundreds of Fae folk zip around and greet the newcomers excitedly by placing garlands of vines and crowns of flowers atop their heads.

Glowing flowers and toadstools light your way here. It also seems that even the animals get in on the festivities! Really, just about everything talks here. Almost everything, anyways! Talking to a tree stump might not yield many results but you're welcome to try.

Each entrant is also provided upon arrival a copy of The Rules. A rolled parchment that resists water or any other damage. It also prevents you from writing on it so you can't just do what you want.

The rules read as follows:

DO:
⁂ Accept gifts from the Fae.
⁂ Sample the food provided at the party ONLY.
⁂ Play games with the Fae.
⁂ Feel at ease to rest in the provided huts.
⁂ Keep tabs on your shadow lest it wander.
DO NOT:
⁂ Make a TRADE with the Fae.
⁂ Provide any personal items as gifts or otherwise to the Fae.
⁂ Provide your true name to the Fae.
⁂ Wander away from the designated party area.
⁂ Ascend any staircases you find in the woods.
OTHER ITEMS TO NOTE:
⁂ If you see an old woman hiking through the area, feel free to stop her and lie to her. The more brazen and obvious the lie the better. She appreciates this!

GAMES & ENTERTAINMENT

Amongst the games and attractions are a variety of fun possibilities!

GAMES

⁂ Battleship! (Fae Style!) A number of Fae will be hiding on a large grid of flowers. You guess the locations and if you are correct then you will win a small prize! It is a cup of nectar that refills endlessly, and numbs any pains you may have. This works even outside of the forest and can be taken home.

Every time you miss though, you receive a small 'curse.' Nothing harmful! Maybe you’re just rotating in place for the next hour, your ears become daisies, or you grow a tree out of your head? (Feel free to come up with your own silly ideas!) All of the curses will dissipate after a time or upon leaving the forest and none will do any harm or cause pain. The Fae are all about fun tricks, not hurting anyone!

⁂ Dress Up Darlings! You enter a booth and allow the Fae to decide your outfit! Upon the agreement that you'll wear it the rest of the party, of course, no matter how silly or ridiculous it is.

⁂ Bobbing For Onions! Yes, you read that right. Bobbing for onions. There are onions floating around... in water. You have to catch them with your teeth. The prize for success is a Bag of Onions. This bag never runs out of onions. They are always fresh and always onions. Not always the same kind of onion, but always onions nonetheless. This bag works outside of the forest and can be taken home.

⁂ What's In The Box? There is a box. There is something in it. Maybe it's frogs. Maybe it's slugs. Possibly bugs? Maybe apples. We don’t know. Stick your hand in the box and take a guess at what you’re touching! If you’re right, you win the contents of the box!

We'll let players decide via coin flip, rolls, or however they want if their guess is correct! Any items won though will be common, every day items like mentioned and nothing especially exciting. Unless you're really into frogs. Then it's your lucky day, apparently!

ENTERTAINMENT

⁂ Slayd & The Possums! Slayd is here and he’s throwing down the banjo tunes with his possum pals. Feel free to join him if you are musically inclined! The Fae will provide any instrument your heart desires! They can't grant you the ability to play it though if you don't know how.

⁂ The Crowning of the King of Misrule! Randomly chosen by the Fae, enter a lottery to be chosen as the King of Misrule for the evening. You will be dressed in a stupid outfit and granted Fae wings for the night! You also have the insatiable urge to play harmless pranks on people. The Fae will also give you a "Special Gift" at the end of the party...

FOR THE FOOLISH

Ahh, but there are rule breakers amongst us aren't there? If you choose to sneak away from the party, chances are nobody will stop you; however, you are now on your own in the Talahee Forest.

FIRST LAYER

Rak'tika Greatwood Theme ( Civilizations ) by Masayoshi Soken

4:34 / 5:15

▶︎

Click here to listen.

"Civilizations" prominently features a female vocalist. The lyrics are in the Ronkan language, and has not been officially translated.

code

The first layer of the forest is very much similar to what you have already seen. Everything is coated in a thick mat of moss and trees wind away like a massive birds nest to form the canopy above. The faint sounds of animals can still be heard. Up here, you may encounter Fae who did not attend the party. They'll ask you your name and other personal details.

Best that you lie.

SECOND LAYER

Click Clock Wood (Autumn) by Grant Kirkhope

1:12 / 4:11

▶︎

Click here to listen.

Grant Kirkhope is a Scottish composer and voice actor for video games and film. Some of his notable works include GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and Perfect Dark, among many others.

code

The further in that you head, the darker the forest gets. It seems you are following a downward slope. The trees get bigger here, as do the insects and toadstools. Bioluminescence rules down here it seems. You may encounter stranger creatures here. Ones that will try to make very tempting trades for your personal belongings. Things that will seem like an amazing deal to you. They offer magical items of great power, or even personal effects from home.

Don't be fooled though. These objects are cursed, and are not at all what they seem. You have the distinct feeling of being watched at all times here.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Owlbear, Displacer Beast, Giant Badger

THIRD LAYER

Saint Mocianne's Arboretum (Hard) by Masayoshi Soken

2:50 / 5:10

▶︎

Click here to listen.

...hordes of aggressive plant life exposed to the strange substance stand between you and the information you seek.

code

Are you getting smaller or is everything else getting bigger? Were Slayd here, he would have told you about the concept of Deep Forest Gigantism. The deeper you go - just like the ocean - the larger that the flora and fauna get.

You are dwarfed by the mushrooms here in the pitch darkness and only guided by the latent glow of the creatures and fungi that dwell here. Bugs the size of house-cats skitter in your wake. Are you sure you want to be here? Should you encounter anything larger, you’d best stay silent. Or run!

⁂ Possible Encounters: Giant predatory Elk (RUN), Rodents of Unusual Size, Extra Large Bugs

FOURTH LAYER

Poison Tree by Grouper

0:30 / 3:16

▶︎

Click here to listen.

'Poison Tree' is a meditation on the complexities of anger and the internal conflict it causes. It draws inspiration from William Blake's poem of the same name.

code

The trees seem to clear out here as you reach the bottom of the forest. There is no light here so hope you brought a match. The landscape down here is a blanket of moss dotted with countless shallow pools. Looking into one of these pools, you will see your reflection... though it may look different in some way.

You will feel extremely compelled to reach down and touch the reflection in the water. Should you give in, you feel as though your world is turning upside down. You could receive memories not quite your own. Memories of a different version of you, even! (CRAU, Canon Update, or Canon AU!)

Yet, you will be experiencing them as your own. A long time could pass in your mind while only seconds have only elapsed in reality. Upon waking, you will find that you have been ejected from the party and the forest entirely. You find yourself at the entrance to the crater. Disoriented, and compelled not to re-enter, you have only yourself to blame as you must shamble your way home with this burdensome knowledge.

Notes

⁂ For the game prizes, we're using the honor system here! So long as you clear the roll then you can receive a prize with no mod permission needed.

- Battleship: If you roll a d20 above a 13, you can receive one of the nectar cups.
- Bobbing For Onions: If you roll a d20 above a 10, you can receive one of the bag of onions. En...joy...?

⁂ To sign up for The Crowning of the King of Misrule, comment here! We'll RNG the winner likely within a few days to a week to give folks time to participate if they want!

⁂ The plotting post for this event/November is up!

⁂ Additionally, we have a state of the game post available to people read about updates, clarifications, and a poll to participate in!

⁂ If you have any further questions or feedback about this event specifically, please comment here!

⁂ Full Navigation ⁂

Comments

[zodiheart]

Elidibus launches into a description of the varying races of man common to Eorzea upon the Source. From those similar to what Avan may know in the Hyurs and the Elezen, to the diminutive Lalafell and grand Roegadyn. Then come the catlike Miqo'te and Hrothgar, the scaled Au Ra, and the rabbit-like Viera to round off the group of eight. He is sure to give a brief description of the two subraces of each and how they may differ.

"-and that does not mention that each race may have children with others, though these offspring are rare." He crosses his arms and taps one finger against his opposing arm. "Nor does it mention the vast amount of peoples less commonly found in that specific part of the world, such as the Arkasodara - who resemble upright elephants. There is quite a bit to know."

[amaratha]

Oh, it's okay. Are you very old?

[He does have white hair, but sometimes people just have white hair, you know? She didn't clock him as particularly old like she did with Regis, but she's also not an expert on people's ages, so she's innocently curious if nothing else.

Elidibus’ enjoyment of the drink does remind her to refill her own, which she does.]

Yeah, it's nice, isn't it! I'm drinking my fill now because I dunno if anyone can make it in town. [Beat. She glances around and lowers her voice.] There's Ardyn, but I think better to leave him to finish his existing experiments, yeah?

[She believes Elidibus seems to like the guy, so she kind of wants to warn him for his own wellbeing.]

[amaratha]

[Absinthe sees the palm and does wait, and when she hears the response she nods seriously. She doesn't have such high standards; participation is enough for her.]

Better or worse than the flavor changing buns?

[sleepinglyra]

[Sheliak had been keeping mostly to himself since he arrived recently so it was no surprise Elidibus didn't recognize him. Sheliak didn't have any experience with the fae but they sounded similar to the whimsical nature of of the magic on his world. Elidibus's explanation sounded reasonable enough and he glanced down at his shadow to make sure it hadn't wandered off.]

I see. That would be inconvenient.

[Surely a shadow couldn't cause that much harm but he still didn't like the idea of a part him wandering off on its own. His strange, watery eyes glowed with a quick flicker at the irritating thought. Ah, but where were his manners, and he brushed the annoying thought aside with a polite smile.]

It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm, ah, [His gaze wandered to the fae flying around them. He remembered the rule to not give him true name to the fae.] I suppose proper introductions will have to wait. You can call me Lyra for now.

[sleepinglyra]

[Sheliak's jerked his hand away from his ring when he was joined by Ko. His unnaturally glowing eyes that rippled like water sparked with an uncertain flicker as he tried to lock away his longing.]

I hadn't made a decision yet.

[He tried to defend himself. He was well aware of the risk but that chess piece was worth any cost. Perhaps he could make a better informed decision though and he hesitantly added,]

Do you know anything about these creatures or is your advice based solely on the rules we were given?

[exaltruistic]

... Mostly the rules.

( He admits it readily, but his gaze is still unwavering. )

But partially experience. They've been playing tricks on new arrivals since we've come here. I ... get a bad feeling about it, but I'd also hate to see someone lose something to a trick like that.

[zodiheart]

It is difficult to give you an exact year. I was, by the standards of mortals, ancient by the time a significant event happened upon my world. Since that even it has been well over twelve thousand years. Thus, I am quite old indeed despite my appearance. As it is with all of my people - our appearance is deceiving.

[The implication that his people are immortal is there, unstated.]

It is quite enjoyable. I may be able to replicate the recipe, given enough exposure to the drink, so you need not depend on Ardyn and his callous disregard for sanitary procedures.

[He smiles impishly as he says so.]

[zodiheart]

[Smiling with approval, Elidibus tips his head in greeting. His own eyes are luminous in the dark, the iris holding a starburst pattern atypical of human's eyes - the biggest clue that he, himself, is not a mortal man.]

Just so. You may refer to me as The Emissary for the duration of this festival, considering present company. The fae present seem in good spirits and do not seem to intend harm within the event proper, but I would not test those bounds needlessly.

One may just end up bereft of a piece of themselves they do not wish to see missing.

[zodiheart]

"It does shine clearly, you are indeed an exceptional vocalist," because that's just a statement of fact.

His smile turns to her now, a bit teasing and his eyes alight with mischief.

"I see that you have not listed any wind instruments amongst your proficiency. Could it be that you are like myself, and have not delved into the wonderful world of the tuba?" or others, but the tuba is most amusing. "Not that I have ever desired to explore such a thing."

[sleepinglyra]

[Sheliak did recognize her from her earlier performance and he greeted her with a small smile.]

True, but I prefer listening to talented individuals such as yourself.

[He was hopeless when it came to music. The triangle sounded simple enough but then again dancing should be easy and yet he had to calculate the steps rather than follow the music. He could appreciate music just fine from a distance, and there was something special about music being untainted by his perfectionism.]

[zodiheart]

"It did indeed, amongst other things," such as an easy evening of merrymaking in this still-new world. "Your warning is appreciated, though worry not, I am wise to many of their tricks and pranks. One of the keys is to outwit them at their own games, or to cause them to erupt in far too much laughter that they move on swiftly. Far easier done tonight with their spirits so high."

He takes a moment to take in Regis, eyes sweeping up and down his form before he nods to himself and smiles. It appears that his work still held up for the other man. Good. Though he would have refreshed it in an instant if that was required.

"All is exceptional, in fact. I was able to be reunited with many whom I consider close, and it indeed has made the disorientation of a new world far more bearable. I can only hope you fare similarly - am I correct?"

[sleepinglyra]

Hmm.

[Sheliak's hum of agreement sounded a bit tense. He may have a point, but it wasn't what Sheliak wanted to hear. He was hoping for a weakness in Ko's reasoning, not to be swayed by his words and his brow furrowed.

It was a cruel trick and the ache in his soul dragged the truth out of him.]

I'm not sure what else I could lose at this point.

[zodiheart]

"I am, beyond that of tales I have read or heard from other worlds," he ignores the pixies verbally, but his eyes flick up to acknowledge them.

Fae truly did seem to be some of the most widespread of mythical beings. There were unicorns, winged horses, dragons, and the like, but the tales of the fae were so varied and wide - many to seem believable.

"Upon at least one of the reflections of my world, fae can be found in rather great numbers. The area they inhabit is their realm entirely, and they are as fun-loving there as they are here. One must be careful of what words one uses, lest they give theirs in a way they had not wished. While many are incredibly friendly, some varieties, however, are more likely than not to attempt to drown you. Their King is named Titania, and they preside over all of the others."

[hammerbearer]

Gaia does grimace when Sephiroth points out that onions aren't- really- a standalone food.

"Yes, but look, that'll be one less flavor item at least. And maybe someone knows a recipe. I heard popoto..." she pauses short on the word before correcting herself, "pardon, potato are easy to store." And potatoes and onions are said to go together, or so she's overheard... somewhere. "...And you can certainly put onions in salad."

But how about that lettuce over the winter?

She takes a deep breath and gives Sephiroth a wry smile. "Thanks. And you're right. At least I did win. And if I'm going to be honest, I didn't mind the other game." The 'miss' penalties were something she could have done without but they were temporary.

"If nothing else, maybe I can barter the onions." If the locals will trust her and the fae goods. She'll stare at the other teen there for a moment when he brings up the stranger who yelled about not having vegetables. "...What sort of person yells at a person for not having vegetables at a festival?"

...Gaia's getting the feeling that this 'proving a point' thing Sephiroth muttered about earlier is the right thing to do. And it's clear she thinks it's bizarre behavior to be fussed about, given the circumstances. She looks down at what she's grabbed from the offerings on the table.

"I've liked everything you picked so far, if that means anything."

And she'll be leaving that half of the conversation with that, because Sephiroth brings up something she's been thinking about herself. And not just because of what's appearing on other people. Gaia's eyes shift to the side momentarily, her features becoming quite sober and a little uncomfortable.

"Yes. It's..." ...it's a relief to see it's not just happening to her. Comforting is perhaps a better word. "...It's happening to me, too as you know." She's probably at least been seen with the beginning nubs of horns which are currently hidden under all that hair. Maybe some of the patches of scale that are starting to pattern down her spine. At least near the top of her neck.

Who else is she going to have check for her?

[zodiheart]

"In my defense, I was referring to the conversation we had when the both of us had first arrived," he thinks for a moment. "I believe you expressed that fish heads may be eaten in stew even if they are on the cusp of spoiling? Something similar to that, I believe. But I hope that soon you know me as well as I you."

It's a nice thought, and one Elidibus plans on following through with action. The universal cook book is just one of those ways to do so, really. Two birds with one stone.

"And in satiating our curiosity and indulging ourselves, we may aid others who could be overtaken by homesickness. I do wonder if others would be amenable to aiding in such a thing. Once the cookbook is finished, I could move on towards another subject. Create a library that all have contributed towards, so that none may be left out."

All fun and games!

[zodiheart]

[Stepping up next to Lahabrea just as he asks his question, Elidibus takes a moment to survey the battleship area. Not much had changed since he had taken his own chances - and emerged victorious.]

Indeed it is. I found my success employing both luck and skill, however, utilizing patterns to my guesses until I had found the required targets. The curses seem mild enough if my own is to use as a base.

[Outwardly Elidibus bears no curses. Whatever afflicts him must be subtle indeed.

His expression warms when he looks up at Lahabrea.]

It is good to see you once more, dear Speaker.

[hammerbearer]

"Hrmph." 'Hrmph' indeed Gaia. "If they did, it'd be shortsighted." They're going to get their whole world back. Much of it in her lifetime if she has anything to say about it.

And if she can get back home to help out before the Warrior of Darkness and Ryne go haring off to who knows where on their own. Rather than letting herself get distracted by a bit of worry for what will happen in her absence with the Empty, Gaia fixes what she feels is a steely look on the Ascian. Honestly, is it?

"Well first, you should start with your name. I already told you mine."

And she wants to see if she recognizes it.

[orbicularis]

By the time Mithrun realizes this might have been a mistake, it's too late to take it back.

He finally pops off that costume head - his vision is already limited enough, with his glass eye and now the change in light - as his gaze sweeps briefly over their new surroundings.

"...This isn't good."

[exaltruistic]

( Ko nods; he knows the feeling. Glancing uneasily around them, he considers the statement briefly. )

Were you not offering something up already? I don't know what that something is worth to you, but ... I urge you to consider how this place gained something worth trading for.

( That's what stood out to him: how would the Fae here have gotten items and the like from their homes? It feels off; he'd been able to resist it himself by thinking of that. )

[miniroth]

"..I see. Then they truly have nothing they can offer me. I have no use for objects, and there is no-one they can hope to bring me or tempt me with." Not even his mother, now that he knew the truth of what she'd done. Had his older self not interfered, not warned him of Lucrecia Crescent and that she too was a scientist to her core, then maybe he would have been an easier target.

He would be anyway in time, but to far easier questions. Like his name.

Reassured that no temptation would be worth his time, the issue of the fae is simply put away for later. It might be interesting to see them try, but even something as precious as his mother's locket was now irrevocably tainted. "It is good you are enjoying yourself."

Except for where Elidibus felt obligated to follow people beyond the festival grounds and into the sheltering boughs of the forest. He shifts a little in place, a restless motion, when it's declared they're friends again. "..You may pursue them as you wish. I'm in little danger." Not if that's all that was at risk! Objects! People he's supposed to care about! "It would be unfortunate if another fell prey to such lures as trinkets while you were distracted with my presence."

[miniroth]

"The goal seems to be primarily to amuse themselves, often at our expense." It did fit what he'd observed of the feisty little fae. They were here for a good time, and if it wasn't fun for them, what was the point?

He doesn't sound like he resents it. He .. wasn't sure if he was having fun when he played their games, but it seemed to be enjoyable so long as it was something they were mutually interested in. Embarrassment for the sake of someone else's laugh is not high on his list. "I'm afraid I'll likely disappoint them as well." He's watching the flowers again, but not quite ready to go for it himself. "...Perhaps I can make up for it later."

There were other things that could keep them amused, that wouldn't also come with a requirement of personal humiliation.

A flicker of the ambient lighting sends flashes of color across Ignis' hands again, drawing his attention back to the not-exactly-gemstone claws. And scales.

He's kept himself thoroughly under wraps, not a scale to be seen. It still unsettled him, even reassured repeatedly by his 'brother' that they weren't likely to just turn into slavering monsters. "...Are all the scales you're gaining green?"

[miniroth]

Better than most of the flavor changing buns.

[That much he can easily allow for, it wasn't bad really, though this time he's going to put the flower aside. Although it hadn't tasted offensive, he still can't get around the roadblock of flowers simply not being food.]

One of them tasted ... exceptionally good, I don't know what it was supposed to taste like precisely, but I'll know it if I have it again. But that's an unfair comparison to make, as this stays the same, and that was crafted to be different.

[miniroth]

Though Sephiroth CAN see in the dark far better than most people could hope to, it takes even his vision a minute or two to adjust to the darkness. It eliminates the viperlike look he usually has, reduced to a thin glowing blue-green ring around wide dark pupils, but the glow of mushrooms and plants and bugs is enough for him to see by.

Eventually.

"...No. But it's lovely."

At least it is to him, as slowly the dark becomes more bearable and more and more nuances of color and faint light can be seen. "Can you see?"

It takes him a moment to realize the chocobo head is off, and underneath is ... a perfectly ordinary sort of person, as far as he can tell.

[recreator]

"I wouldn't have guessed..." he trails off doubtfully, inspecting the plate a little more closely. Did Byleth perhaps flit off and return with a sample of everything? Emet-Selch's certain he couldn't polish off the half of it even if he wanted to. Azem, perhaps, might have given the man a run for his money, but...

He frowns (smiles, because he can do nothing else) at the selection, wondering if he's meant to simply graze off of the same plate. Then again, he is talking to the man who offered him a handful of berries upon arrival...

"Though neither would I be too certain of it."

Emet-Selch's bearing aside, he does settle into a respectful sort of listening, watching as the man takes a few bites of the fruit. For all that he's been rather disgruntled and impatient every chance that they've encountered one another, the silence is at least cordial.

"Overwhelming in what way? The press of people, the way so many discordant sounds seem to vie for attention all at once?" The questions are just that - questions. There's no indication that Emet-Selch is trying to make any particular point, nor corner him into admitting anything. "They grow tiresome after a while, in my opinion. Particularly those of a more official nature. Too much of a performance to be enjoyable. Better to spend an evening in the company of friends, at some slightly less boisterous venue."

Hypothetically speaking, anyway.

Who can say where Byleth is going to next when he gets up to leave a second time, though when he returns and offers a straw, Emet-Selch is left to stare blankly at him, his grin twitching in what might be confusion(??). What trifling thing is... Oh. Oh, he gets it now. Though he didn't think it was that much of an inconvenience.

"You needn't have bothered," he says. But eventually he does take it. Maybe because Byleth is apologizing for something so utterly ridiculous he feels the need to put an end to it as quickly as possible. (For the record, it does make things much easier like this.)

After a moment's pause (because he doesn't believe that Byleth would intentionally poison himself, and if there's anything strange about the food, it will not doubt impact Byleth well before he feels anything), Emet-Selch sighs and raises a hand before his face, taking a split-second to envision what he seeks with a crisp snap of his fingers.

And thus does Emet-Selch materialize a second plate out of seemingly nothing - white porcelain with intricate black, gold and red lines entwining to form complex art deco patterns that fill the outer rim.

[avanture_time]

[ In the moment before Slayd turns on the lights, Avan's wondering if he can see in the dark and has forgotten that humans can't, but that thought swiftly disappears once the power's on. ]

Oooohhhhhh!

[ Slayd didn't tell him there was more to it than just the train! He circles the platform a few times, taking in all the details, before he settles on observing the train as it chugs along. ]

Did you make all this yourself?