childrenofbahamutlogs | EVENT #1: FAE FESTIVITIES

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EVENT #1: FAE FESTIVITIES

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.

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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:

ONLY

DO NOT:

TRADE

OTHER ITEMS TO NOTE:

old woman

GAMES & ENTERTAINMENT

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

GAMES

Battleship! (Fae Style!)

a cup of nectar that refills endlessly, and numbs any pains you may have.

curse

dissipate after a time

Dress Up Darlings!

how

Bobbing For Onions!

Bag of Onions

What's In The Box?

ENTERTAINMENT

Slayd & The Possums!

play

The Crowning of the King of Misrule!

a lottery

King of Misrule

Special Gift

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.

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.

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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

above a 13

Bobbing For Onions

above a 10

⁂ 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 ⁂

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

She would be touched to know. This Rosie, unfortunately, still has the sense that she's not anyone to be all that moved by. It's a bit... strange to know that she apparently meant something to some people here. Part of her does want to remember, but another part recognizes it's likely for the best she doesn't. That wasn't her and to pretend she could be would likely just be disappointing.

"Guitar is what I'm best at! I also really like the violin... I can play a little bit of bass and drums are fun, but I'm not the best at them." It does feel good to kind of let loose on the drums now and again though. "Obviously though, singing is my true strength."

"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."

The woman preens a little at the compliment to her voice. Similarly to how she might do so when complimented on her looks, one might notice...! It does hit the same kind of note for her, pun not intended, even if she doesn't recognize it just yet.

"Oh my gosh," she can't help but laugh at the suggestion. "I can play the flute. A little! But it was honestly just because someone told me I couldn't and, well, spite can be a hell of a motivator." She is, for better or worse, a headstrong sort of woman. If someone tells her she can't, she's going to try to and more.

"The tuba though... I don't think I have big enough lungs for that."

"Spite is one of the most powerful forces there is, that is true," he knows. Perhaps not personally, but he has seen it himself from others. His own determination tends to push him wherever he needed to go on that front.

"The flute is a beautiful sound indeed. If you ever wished to play alongside myself outside of this party's setting, please do let me know. I can fashion simple instruments easily enough - though I have yet to learn to craft a guitar, you have my apologies." But as far as lungs go? "I believe you may surprise yourself. Though, for the sake of convenience I would limit such explorations to something a fair bit more compact."

He hesitates for a second, drawing out the moment. It's for the comedy.

"Like the bagpipes."

"That's okay! I mean, guitar making is like... you gotta' work on that for life. I can play one well enough, but woodworking was never my thing." Let alone the skill required to make instruments. The fact that he can do any at all is impressive to her.

The pause for comedic effect does do wonders. At least, to Rosie. The woman lets out a snort of laugh as she brings her hands up to her face to try and muffle the noise futilely. "Okay, look-! I'm not knocking on them, but I don't think they're for me.

I would look cute in a kilted skirt though, I think."

A bright grin spreads over his face as the humor has the intended reaction. It's good that he hasn't managed to lose his touch - not that it's been exceptionally long, considering his recent teasing of Emet-Selch.

He presses the point, "I do not see they would not be, can you think of a better announcement for your arrival? The sound would carry far better than any voice to call out." It's a funny image, Rosie walking through town playing bagpipes to let everyone know she's on the move.

"Rare would be the item of clothing that would look poorly on your form, dear Rosie. A kilted skirt would indeed be 'cute' should you wear one," it's stated like he believes it - even now with her change of usual dress.

It is a funny image, she has to admit, and... Well, he's not entirely wrong. As much she loves calling attention to herself ordinarily, bagpipes might still be a bit of overkill. There are other ways to command attention! "You've got a point, but- Maybe something like a harmonica?" Smaller and lighter, too.

"Thanks though," she follows-up with. "Maybe I'll see about getting something like it. Something longer though since, well, gotta' hide the scales still." Even though she's sure it's obvious, this is the first time she's outright saying that's the point of her fashion choices today.

(She still isn't wearing underwear, naturally, but that's just personal preference.)

Oh, that's something that he catches on to. 'Having' to hide the scales? Whatever is going through her mind?

"Do you believe they must be hidden? They are no more vulnerable to air than our usual skin, from my experiences," nor does cloth aggravate them after they have grown. "It is something we all are going through, after all."

He lifts his hair to show her the scales lining the sides of his face. Doing so shows that his nails are beginning to sharpen into claws, as well.

"Oh, it's not that," she mentions, to them being more 'vulnerable.' She knows. If anything, they're even sturdier than just flesh but that's... The woman smiles as he shows his off.

"You just, uh. You make it look so easy to be comfortable with it." And there is the issue: she's not. Already, she struggled with looking human but not being one. Now, to look closer to a 'monster' after years of trying not to- It's just difficult, is all. Even on her best days, she'd rather not be reminded of what she is and what she's not.

Now, she can't escape it. Nevermind that the connotations of being a dragon were worse than even a regular yokai. That's a whole other can of worms.

After so many years and bodies not his own the fact that Elidibus is transforming in his own flesh is something of a comfort. If it had been another's body rather than his own it would feel different. But it's familiar, it's his, and even if it changes there is something about that which always will settle him.

But he knows that will not apply to others.

He does attempt to explain a little, however. "There have been many times in my life when I could not appear as I am now, as the man I am, my truest self. That these transformations are occurring without my consent is...frustrating, yes. But it is comforting that they happen to me, rather than..." he trails off, not knowing how to explain without really getting into it.

But Rosie is a yokai, and there are plenty types of those that possess shapeshifters and glamors to change their appearance - herself included. Hopefully she can fill in those blanks.

"It also piques the curiosity of the scientist and scholar within myself. That excitement tends to smooth over the rougher edges, as it were."

She's heard about Amani, at least, and how their bodies weren't 'real.' Everything felt like it was, but they were just simulated copies. It sounds so surreal still in a way that she can't imagine. Although she imagines most wouldn't recognize the difference after a while, they apparently were able to be 'real' now and again and that's... Yeah, she can see where it'd be upsetting. Where someone would be glad to just be themselves again, completely.

"I've never been a scientific type," she admits. "That's more Feldspar's territory than mine. I do like learning and helping where I can, just-! I'm definitely more of an artist." And in music or art, she can see the beauty in imperfections. That it's part of the process. It's just hard to frame herself like that still.

"I wish I could be excited about the changes, honestly, but it's just... It reminds me too much of the worst parts of my home, I think, if nothing else and that's just not something I like to think of every time I look at myself." Dragons were one of the reasons why yokai hated humans as they did, after all.

"We all have our strengths, and there is no shame in admitting such things," being strong in different subjects leads to a more enriched society. Elidibus would know, coming from one. Where he lacks, another is an expert, where another may flag, he can shore up strength - and in working together, they are stronger as a whole.

Hearing Rosie's reasoning for disliking the changes gives him pause. He had not considered it, though not through any fault of his own. It was never his world.

"I se, yes, that would make it difficult to embrace the changes." He offers her an encouraging smile, "If you wish to speak on those troubles, please consider doing so to myself. I have been told that I am an excellent listener."

It's not something she talks about often, unfortunately, mostly just to the fact that as a human they're not things she should be privy to. But Elidibus - and others - know that she isn't as average of a person as she tries to seem. So, it's been a bit easier to broach those topics. Dragons in particular though is a complicated web of her own experiences coloring her already biased, bitter view.

"Where I'm from, dragons just aren't all that great. They're high and mighty holier than thou types that think they're better than everyone else. So, I wasn't too thrilled to find out I was turning into one." But! She knows this worlds' dragons aren't hers, so: "I'm not trying to, like, bring my bias here but- It's tough, y'know? A lifetime of being looked down on by them doesn't just go away overnight or anything."

"That is entirely understandable, dear Rosie," he answers honestly. Because it is. It is incredibly difficult to attempt to change one's way of thinking suddenly after having thought along those same lines for however many years one has been alive. "I do hope that when we become able to converse with our bond-mates, that the ordeal eases for you in some manner."

Nothing like knowing a kind individual through a mental connection to break previously held notions. He hopes that whoever is bonded to Rosie is kind - she deserves such a thing.

"In my world, dragons are individuals with differing personalities. There are, however, those prone to rage or violence, and if the only exposure to dragons had been through those particular individuals..." he trails off for a moment. "What I mean to say is that I understand your mindset."

"They weren't all violent or angry," she offers, at least. "The king of them was, which- Fuck him. He tried to drown me." Granted, it was after she called him an irrelevant fossil. That doesn't warning almost killing her though! ... Even if that is how most yokai operate.

"The other one I met was just strange. Unsettling. He spoke in riddles and called me a 'patchwork puppy.' Rude." Also, she has no idea what that was supposed to mean. She didn't know what any of what he said was supposed to mean! It was a prophecy, maybe, but at least those give some vague idea of what to expect rather than leave a person utterly confused.

"I do hope my dragon-bond is kind though. So far, she seems nice but... Guess I'll see."

"Attempted homicide upon your person is certainly a justifiable reason for disliking an individual," stated very matter-of-factly. Because it was absolutely a reasonable thing that would color one's perception, willingly or not. "Your second encounter I cannot note much on, but if they were a rather... difficult individual to understand, it is understandable that said meeting would not brighten your view."

Rosie was doomed to dislike dragons from the start, it seems. Elidibus does not blame her, however.

"But I share in your hopes. I have not heard much of mine as of yet, only faint brushes, vague yearnings or interests that are not entirely mine own."

"I thought so too," she agrees. On both counts, honestly. Her experiences with dragons of her world might be limited, but neither were pleasant ordeals by any means so... She's inclined to believe they just kind of suck. Maybe she shouldn't be so quick to judge but, eh, whatever. At least here they seem kinder. And maybe here, like Amani, she'll get to actually know some dragons that aren't terrible.

"Same for me. Mostly just... inklings of something now and again. Usually when I'm getting a little down on myself, which- Probably why I think she must be nice. Oh, and- That it's a she. That much I know for sure." From one lady to another, Rosie senses the understanding.

"Attempting to cheer you up already? That is kind of her. My own passenger does not seem to ascribe to the gender binary, but their curiosity is similar enough to my own scholarly leanings that I hope we are a good enough match."

Still. He would also like to cheer Rosie up.

"Not much to do save for wait and see, I suppose. Save for the awkward middle stages, I do fully believe you will grow to appear stunning at the end. How else could you, when the starting canvas is as gorgeous as your own?"

"It is," she agrees. Honestly, she wonders if it's difficult for her dragon-soul too? Suddenly, she's tethered to someone like Rosie who... Okay, well- She actually hasn't been making too terrible of choices here.

"Ha! Me? No, I..." It's strange. Usually, those kinds of compliments she'd love and be able to turn right back around. She would flirt and it'd be fun. Like this, though? And thinking of it getting more pronounced? It's hard to imagine.

"Well, okay- It is a nice foundation, at least." That much she thinks is true.

"It is," his repetition serves to emphasize. A confirmation. Rosie has always been beautiful to him, even now, while she is far less confident in her appearance as he knows she would typically be.

"It is my hope that we will be able to influence the changes as they occur somewhat - to guide them into something a bit more elegant. If that is at all possible, that is. If not, at the end of things we should be able to choose how we wish to appear - according to what information we have been given, at the very least."

If the accuracy is to be believed. But he has no reason to doubt Charlie, so he does.

Even in Amani, which she doesn't remember, she found nearly every change to her to be frightening to start. It was only through the support and enjoyment of it with her partners that she usually found comfort in them, but- That wasn't really a healthy approach either, was it? Rather than find it attractive herself, she'd find it attractive because they did. She wants someone to find these parts about her now similarly to be appealing because she just... can't.

"That'd be nice," she sighs. "I know we're supposed to be able to, once this is all said and done, look like we want to again but- Ugh. The awkward in-between stages until then are going to kill me."

"It does feel akin to a new form of puberty," said with a health amount of distaste. Despite his long life he still remembers coming of age and the processes required to do so. At least he did not have bone growing pains in this new version.

"...I do wish that it came with less itching. Pinfeathers and scales alone are but one hardship, but the two at once? The ends must justify the means or I will feel quite cheated."

Rosie's own coming of age was, well, a bit different than mortals'. While she did develop gradually over the course of a couple of decades due to slower physical aging, her first heat was a near intolerable and mildly terrifying experience to navigate alone.

Thankfully, it was more acceptable as a demon than person to threaten to tear out the throat of any male who tried to force her into anything she didn't want. Eventually, she found safe parties to relieve need with and how to handle it all. Comparatively? This was a lot better to weather if it was just the awkward, physical changes.

"You and me both," she has to agree. "I know I'm going to be green, at least, I guess? Which is a nice color."

"Green is indeed a lovely color."

He moves to draw up a sleeve and brush back his hair, showing the gradient of steely scales. Nearly black to shimmering moondust.

"I believe I am meant to be of the 'steel' variety, though it appears that I am influencing the details quite a bit."

Ah. She wishes she could be so brave. He makes it look so easy.

"Oh, huh," she notes, tilting her head and inspecting it. "Steel can come in different colors, I guess, but... That's still kind of cool." She wonders then what influence she might have on her own transformation. All that she knew was green dragons were associated more with nature, but considering how broad a scope that was- Who could say?

"Hopefully, I at least get some floral motifs. I'd be disappointed if I didn't." Considering, well, her namesake and everything.

EVENT #1: FAE FESTIVITIES

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cw: just a little nsfw mention for funsies

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