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]

"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?"

[lucere]

Regis believes Themis will be able to handle himself among the Fae, but he feels compelled to warn him nonetheless. His past experience with those loathsome pixies left such a terrible impression with Regis. Even now, the old king seems tense. However, it is impossible to be tense when Themis is present. The young man exudes a cheerful and welcoming demeanor. It is like talking to an old friend despite barely knowing him.

Regis finds himself smiling while conversing with Themis. He is so glad to see him again. But, for the love of the Astrals, he recognizes that expression, Themis. You do not need to worry about him. Regis quickly dismisses the other's concerns in favor of conversation. He is perfectly fine. Regis could probably use some rest and a change from these ornate gray-black robes, but he is fine.

"You are extremely fortunate. I am glad you could connect with others here. I would hate for anyone to have to navigate this completely new world on their own." He responds with a slight smile.

"I have managed to catch up with my son and his companions recently, though I did come across a few others from similar worlds." His thoughts briefly return to the town hall meeting from a few weeks ago. He met many people who came from similar worlds to his own. However, they appear to be the only Eos representatives present. A disturbing truth that makes Regis ponder the fate of their star.

"I do not believe we had a chance to exchange many pleasantries." He says after some thought. "You are the Emissary, correct? But the emissary of what?“

[zodiheart]

Noting that Regis has been relaxing in his presence, Elidibus inwardly smiles. He enjoys when he can put others at ease. He does catch Regis's exasperation as well, secretly finding amusement in the expressions. Unfortunately for the king he will continue.

Or perhaps fortunately?

Regardless, he beams brightly at the other's news. "It is good you were able to find some of your kin here. Like you, I can only wish that those of us brought to this place come alongside companions to combat that loneliness. I am glad you were able to find some of whom you care for."

Oh, but this is quite the different topic, and one he is absolutely willing to speak on. "For my people, Emissary is the title of the seat which I hold. The Convocation of Fourteen are elected officials all, chosen for specific traits required for our office. As Emissary, I was chosen for my impartial judgement and ability to place aside any personal bias - for us, Emissary is also the Adjudicator. When an accord cannot be found, I weigh in on these decisions and decide the best course of action. For the good of the Star, my people, and the Convocation all. Each is a complex position, but that is a general summary."

He huffs a laugh.

"It may be different to what you know an emissary to be. From my understanding, many know them as merely representatives - which I may also serve."

[lucere]

The Emissary is welcome to try. Regis has been hoping to make friends here, regardless of the venue. This is evident from his presence among the Fae. Although he still distrusts them, he is willing to give the Good Neighbors another chance to impress him. He just hopes that this time they won't steal anything but that's neither here or there.

"An emissary for your people?" Regis can't help but appear perplexed at first, but his confusion gives way to understanding as he mulls over the Emissary's words. "I see," he says with a solemn nod. "You carry a heavy burden, much like myself. I've always thought the Crown would better serve its people if we thought of ourselves as representatives rather than royals." He sighed.

Despite his best efforts, Regis fell short as a sovereign. He was unable to protect his people during their time of need, and as a result, the kingdom of Lucis was destroyed. While Regis bears responsibility for his actions, the deities did not assist him. The Astrals betrayed Lucis during his time of need in order to fulfill the Prophecy. Regis finds it difficult to accept this heartbreaking reality.

"In my opinion, that was a wonderful summary." Regis smiles. "I assume that the Convocation of the Fourteen functions similarly to a senate, correct? If that's the case, I'm pretty familiar with it, at least in that context." However, the Senate of his world was more of a hindrance than a help. Their arrogance, combined with the accursed Prophecy, heralded the end of Lucis.

[zodiheart]

Similar and yet oh, so different. Though not indifferent to what plagues Regis's mind, Elidibus knows that it is rather more polite at the moment to remain silent on it. And silent on what he already knows of the king's world.

"A senate would be similarly described, yes, but only to a point. Each individual in the Convocation was the head of their respective field. From Igeyorhm, the Rhetorician, who was the auditor of debate and collator of knowledge, to Mitron, the Mariner, who was magister of nautical affairs and surveyor of aquatic creations. Each filled a need of our people, wise sages all, and reflected our values more than most, I think."

It was true. What was important to his kind could be found in each seat, all of the fourteen stations required to make life better for all.

"Between us all, we strove to direct our Star and our people upon the best possible path. To enrich all our lives for the better."

[lucere]

A world in which each member of this Convocation is less like a politician and more like a scholar seeking to advance their understanding of the world. Regis couldn't help but fantasize about such a unique concept. If he had his way, Regis believes he would have become an astrologer rather than a king. He has always been fascinated by the stars, even now. Regis was always staring up at the night sky. However, sleep does not always come easily for him.

"To be able to dedicate oneself to a fervent passion sounds like a dream to me." He mutters, reflecting on his pitifully short life. "Not many people have the zeal to pursue such interests, at least not in my world. Such scholarly pursuits have long been abandoned in favor of entertainment." Perhaps he is being unfair to his fellow Lucians, but he has noticed that the sages of the past have all but vanished since education was privatized.

While he did his best to make education more accessible, many pariahs attempted to undermine his good intentions. The story of his life, really.

"Enriching the lives of all is what I aspired for as well, though I was duty-bound for another cause." He adds with a slight sigh. "The royal house of Caelum was compared to the guardians of Eos, our world. It was a task assigned to us by deities who had previously pledged their allegiance to humanity, but I fear their allegiance now lies elsewhere."

[zodiheart]

"I have seen similar on other worlds. The way of life of my people appears to be an oddity in numerous ways, from our values to the reality we sustained as a civilization. Entertainment does have its merits, however," many sought that as their preferred passion, after all. The seat of Altima was dedicated to aesthetics and the myriad arts for good reason.

But oh, the king of his kingdom has his suspicions regarding those gods of his world? That was an interesting bit of information Elidibus was not privy to in the past.

"You sought the betterment of the lives of your people - a worthy goal. But tell me, what suspicions have you for your deities?" he is oh, so curious as to what Regis may know.

[lucere]

Regis sighed upon hearing the question. Should he address the Astrals by name and tell their story? There is no reason he would not because they have no authority here. Nonetheless, the old king has always been a God-fearing man. HisHis recent role as a 'pragmatic atheist' is unusual for him, especially given the current circumstances. Even so, old habits die hard, and Regis has come too far to let his blind faith in the Astrals rear its ugly head again. Not when the life of his beloved son is at stake.

"Ever since the Pyreburner, Ifrit, bestowed mankind with the gift of burning wisdom, I have questioned every action the deities have taken since humanity first became conscious." He murmurs. "This single act was one of defiance, as the Bahamut of my world wielded authority over all life. By giving the people of Solheim the gift of flame, Ifrit and Bahamut sparked a brutal war that eventually led to the War of the Astrals. When the war ended, Ifrit was slain by Bahamut's blade and sundered on the Rock of Ravatogh for everyone to see. My people, the Lucians, were chosen to be the stewards of Eos by Bahamut's grace, which caused animosity between us and Solheim." He falls quiet for a time as he recalls this tale.

This happened over ten thousand years ago, and yet he speaks of it so clearly without much hesitance. Regis studied the Astrals intently since youth. It was expected of him as a royal. He had to know them in order to summon the Astrals tremendous power.

“The fall of Solhiem was orchestrated by Bahamut giving root to the resentment between us and them. A resentment that would lead to war as the planet was gripped with a terrible sickness after the deity Ifrit was slain on mortal soil. I speak of the Starscourge, the terrible rot that destroys all life.”

[zodiheart]

Well. Elidibus wonders how much of that story was legend and myth, and how much was the truth of what had actually occurred. The further back into history one goes, he knows, the more likely the truth has been distorted somehow. Perhaps innocently, as memory is fleeting for the likes of mortals.

Perhaps maliciously, to benefit those with an agenda.

"It sounds as if your Astrals are petty - using mortals to do their bidding and wage their wars for them rather than settle their squabbles themselves." But now, to sate his curiosity. "Do you know the originator of this Starscourge? What causes such an illness?"