EVENT #1: FAE FESTIVITIES

[diceofthegods]

INTO THE WOODS

Click Clock Wood (Spring) by Grant Kirkhope

2:05 / 4:59

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

"It does appear that all in attendance of the festival proper are harmless, if mischievous," which is not horribly surprising, given the list of rules they were expected to follow. Follow the rules, have an enjoyable night. It was all quite simple enough, really.

Then she turns to him and makes her exclamation.

Though does not know who this young woman is, she clearly knows something of his identity. At least, some variety of it.

"Ah, you have met a number of the others from ancient Etheirys," he smiles sincerely at her. They have no quarrel here, would not even were they upon their home Star. Not now while it had been saved. "To my knowledge there are five of us that have been brought to this place."

[hammerbearer]

Five Ascians? Really? Or that's what she's going to assume Elidibus implies here. While she's gotten somewhat accustomed to the fact that there are several here- okay she met two before Elidibus. But what a two to meet- it doesn't mean she's completely free of the suspicions that they're actively a part of what's going on.

Though it's also in her mind that they may have been swept up in this. And one told her he'd already died.

"Etheirys?" Another familiar term, maybe. There's uncertainty there for a moment before Gaia shakes it off by actually shaking her head and looking a bit cross. "I don't know that name." ....She sounds like she's telling herself that. Firmly.

"Then... Just so you know, whatever you might think of me, my name is Gaia."

...It's funny really, that she doesn't seem to realize that name might have significance to some of them too. She probably should after a bit of thought about where that name had been given to her.

[zodiheart]

She seems shocked by the number of his people here. More and more he is beginning to suspect that she is someone who hails from their own home - and her given name causes that assumption to gain a bit of merit. He does not know of her specifically, however. Perhaps that will become rectified soon.

He does so enjoy making new friends.

"Etheirys, yes," he nods, "the name my people called our Star prior to its sundering. To my knowledge, others have taken to using that name once they learned this information. The word means 'star' in our language." He is going to speak as if she knows what he's talking about. If she does not, he can always answer her questions later.

She did not ask, but he's going to say so regardless. "To my knowledge, two of our number in this world were taken from when the world was whole, and an additional individual taken directly from the aetherial sea - having been released from his slumber within Zodiark to his rest."

And, now, a certain point...

"Your name is yours, I would not think to call you another."

[hammerbearer]

The Star. Sundering. These don't seem unfamiliar terms. It meant star.... fitting, really. Gaia listens though her gaze narrows suspiciously when Elidibus claims that not all the 'Ascians' are from the time when they would be or rightly could be called as such.

But... isn't it possible? Other worlds exist, she knew that even before coming here. Why not other times as well? But after the man before her agrees to call her by nothing more than the name she game, Gaia is willing to relax a little bit. Talking seems to be the only thing that is wanted here. So she can talk.

"...Sometimes," she offers. "There were some people I knew that would refer to my world as the First. Though really, you might as well have called it Novrandt, for all that was left of it after the Flood."

That look cast at Elidibus which she follows it up with suggests she knows just why Floods were a thing.

[zodiheart]

Confirmation of where Gaia is from settles Elidibus's curiosity somewhat, a shard and timeframe established at the very least. And why she seems to be so wary of him. No doubt she has met with others, if her original exclamation was anything to go by.

"And those that dwell there have every right to name it as such, if they so desire," he nods. "Much as the Star in its entirety will always be Etheirys to me, the Source and each reflection included. That it is changed does not strip it from being my home. It endures, it will endure, and that is all I could wish for."

Salvation comes in many forms, he's learned. Their home had simply found a different way of being saved.

"If you have questions, I will answer honestly."

[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.

[zodiheart]

That is a simple enough question. He glances about them first to ensure that no fae are near enough to hear their conversation prior to giving his answer.

"I am known as Elidibus, Emissary of the Convocation of Fourteen. If you are aware of the naming conventions of my people and colleagues, you will forgive me for not revealing the name I was given upon my birth," he gestures at the party around them. "Not the least due to our current hosts, but also because you should know the intimacy of such a thing."

Right, the party.

"During this festival, I have been introducing myself as 'The Emissary' to prevent any mischief."

He smiles. Elidibus has nothing to hide - not of himself, and not in this place.

[hammerbearer]

She's... heard that name. From Ryne, her stories about that long journey to bring back the night to Novrandt and what came after. Her eyes widen a touch with familiarity. As for the true name? She isn't going to be offended. After all she would be less likely to recognize it over...

Yeah.

"You're.... Elidibus?" Her brow then furrows. "....You're not trying to fool me are you? You look nothing like I expected."


....Gaia. Please. Ascians.


"....Aren't you supposed to be...." She makes a gesture with both her hands. It's vague, probably inferring a body. But....

"....Taller?"

[zodiheart]

"I bear the white robes of the Emissary and the crimson mask of my station, I am indeed Elidibus," he smiles kindly at Gaia. "This is my natural face, the one I matured into after my birth so very long ago."

Oh, the directness of youth. Elidibus bursts into bright peals of delighted laughter at Gaia's comment about his height. She was not the first to be confused by his stature, and nor would she be the last.

When he calms, he settles into a bright grin. "No, in all truthfulness. This is my height as adjusted to the scale of mortal races, and is an accurate comparison to how I stand amongst my peers. My natural stature is fourteen fulms tall, however - though that pales in comparison to most of my people."

"If I wished to be taller or look different, I would do so. But there is no need for that, and I am most comfortable in my natural form. Adjusted for convenience of course."

[hammerbearer]

There's a weird expression which crosses her face. One that should only be described as the familiarity-confusion-irritation as experienced in a moment. It's a bit of a common expression for her to have when dealing with her past life.

"Oh. So the robes mean something?" She will pretend she didn't know- well, know that they meant something, even if it eludes her exactly what. It's a full on defense in face of trying to stand her ground when an Ascian does something so... so... human as boisterously laugh. Like, true laughter without even a hint of insanity.

It in itself was almost fearsome to see because of the Surreality of her circumstances. Though Elidibus earns a direct arch of one eyebrow at the claim of being fourteen fulms in height.

"Right, convenience." Look at her disbelief hold there. One day she may be proven wrong but it doesn't really need to be this day. It's not challenging and maybe, after time's spent thinking it over, she'd realize he had no reason to make the lie that ridiculous if he were bothered over her jibe at his height.

It's true enough an Ascian can look as they please anyway. Just find the right body. Maybe an illusion.

[zodiheart]

"They do. White robes are the singular station of my own, that of the Emissary, to mark my impartial judgement and lack of personal bias when it comes to mediation. They may be found only in a single other instance, wherein an individual has stepped down from an authority position but has deemed it not yet their time to return to the star - they move into an advisory role, and bear the robes of white to symbolize that. It is a rare sight indeed. The remainder of my people bear black robes all, to place us all equally between individuals."

If she does not know the meanings of the robes, perhaps the masks, too, need an explanation. Without waiting for her to ask, he begins to explain regardless.

"Our masks, too, differ. All save for the Convocation bear the white masks of a citizen - even those in the previously mentioned advisory roles. Among the Convocation, there are thirteen crimson masks and a singular mask of black. Each design is different from the others, a symbol of our individual Seats. The mask of black belonged to Azem, the Traveler, for their role as counselor to the people. These, along with our gylphs, mark us for those who wish our wisdom."

As he speaks, there's an eager tone to his voice. Elidibus truly loves teaching, loves the sharing of knowledge, and it's evident in the way he speaks.

"Have you any other questions?"

Summary for Scene (Complete)

[hammerbearer]

Gaia would have probably sort of closed it out around there and politely said no and calmed down a bit. There's definitely a sense of mild guilt at having been so flippant with the question only to end up getting such an earnest and invested answer.

She's still not sure about the guy's motives but by that time she had at least ran into so many Ancients that it was at least becoming common place. And then soon after Obsidian would have put a stamp of approval on Elidibus during the Mint Candy efforts.

Gaia will later send him a few of her most successful effort which amount to semi-clear chunks (not uniform) bits of something that could be candy. It would still be mostly sugar with a hint of mint and probably better as a additive to a hot drink.