You and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon... a ways away from the normal arrival bay. This time, you'replunged into a small lake within a gorge formed by waterfalls on one side and land on the other. Within the lake, an even smaller island within it that contains what appears to be some kind of statue encrusted with moldavite. You'll likely find that around the same time, current characters have been pulled in by mysterious means.
The Lady of the Lake is still around to help people get out of the water and onto the little island, but even she seems a little perplexed at where everyone is supposed to go from here. At the very least, she will be providing shots of Everwarm potion to save people from freezing in the cold winter waters, and will tell new arrivals topartner up with some of the mages appearing on that middle islandto get an explanationabout where they are and what's happening.
B ⦿Meeting Fae't
With the Fisher King delivered to Queen Elphame, events must move very quickly from here if they are to enact her plan. It is not quite as it had been intended, with the Fisher King conscious, so there may be some moral objections.. but at this point, morality is not something that Queen Elphame intends on falling victim to when the fate of the multiverse is at stake.
What she does need is the strongest mages and for that, there is no finer way to find those more skilled in magic than a tournament. Queen Elphame has used her magic to transport everyone, their familiars, and their pets to Nicnevin to either participate or witness. Those who do not wish to stay can wander out to the waterfall-surrounded waters to try to find Johannesen to send them back to Camelot... though fae will make fun of them the whole way home for not being cool enough to stay.
Fairyland Tournament: DayOne
C. 1v1 (Beginner):Perhaps the most standard measurement of talent, the 1v1 involves mages fighting each other through a bracket until the top mage wins. Because she seeks the base magical capability, there are two levels: beginner and skilled. Beginner levels are for new arrivals. Only those who arrived in the last three months may participate.
D. 1v1 (Skilled):Perhaps the most standard measurement of talent, the 1v1 involves mages fighting each other through a bracket until the top mage wins. Because she seeks the base magical capability, there are two levels: beginner and skilled. Skilled levels are for those who have been here for more than three months and have had time to practice their magic.
E. Free-for-All: All mages who participate, of any level, will use their magic to fight all opponents at once. All participants are wearing an enchanted bracelet and can use the whole of Nicnevin as a battlefield, allowing those with magic that benefits from the use of the environment around them to show off their talents and creative thinking in their magical battle. While weapons can be used, they must be imbued with magic or used via magic-- not standard combat. Tricky fae around Elphame may sign up innocent bystanders by slapping bracelets onto their wrist. Those wearing bracelets cannot harm those not.Bracelets can only be removed by saying "Uncle,"a rule which is introduced when the free-for-all begins, so those tricked into it may not get that info right away. Oops. Anyone who says "uncle" must do whatever the person who defeated them says for the remainder of their stay in Elphame.
F ⦿Bubble Down
With the first three rounds out of the way, Queen Elphame has arranged for everyone to stay in magical bubble inn rooms under the water that surrounds Nicnevin. The walls are bubbles, so you may encounter some of the lake's residents swimming outside of your bubble or gently pushing you along the current. Don't worry, there's a balance spell keeping you upright and from getting jerked around.
If you've managed to win yourself a servant in the free-for-all, there will be a small walk-in closet with a bed provided for them as well! Everyone will be provided food delivery from the mermaids who run the hotel. Make sure it is from one of the mermaids though-- they're delivering human food, any other food that is offered to you is fae food. Be careful to use magic to keep your bubble from crashing into anyone else's... they are bubbles, they'll fuse into one magically and you'll be stuck rooming with strangers.
Fairyland Tournament: Day Two
G. Magical Maze: When the bubbles are brought back up to the surface in the morning, they are all brought back into different locations within a maze composed of magical crystal-- the only thing magic won't affect. The maze is filled with challenges and puzzles, but the kicker is that Otherworlders cannot touch them. Though they can figure them out, their bond with their familiar is what is being tested here. Only familiars can touch the puzzles, regardless of their shape, appendages or lack of, or willingness to cooperate... good luck, you may need someone to give you advice. (Feel free to come up with your own puzzles, as simple or complicated as you like!) You may run into multiple puzzles before you and your familiar find your way out. Those who would like to quit may do so by saying "uncle," but those who do will be forced to share their familiar's body for the remainder of the day.
H. Potion Pickers:Use potions to fight each other. Alchemists are permitted to create their own, but everyone else is provided a room with a hundred or so potions to pick and choose 5 of. Any that are not Monthly Special Rewards or explicitly stated as restricted sale are available for use. You cannot take them home to keep, so they do not count toward a Potion Brewing collection. This is testing your magical knowledge, or magical luck. Either way. ;)
I. Creative Flavors Once the tournament is over, everyone will be invited to an imaginary feast in the Land of Maidens' Island of Dreams. To get to this third island, you must cross the Whisper Bridge, which can be accomplished one of two ways: blindly and face the mental challenge of hearing the sound of people you care about try to draw you off the bridge, or with your vision in tact but under seige by sky orcas. If you are blindfolded and fall off, the orcas will catch you and return you to the start of the bridge. If you are not, they will eat you. Across Whisper Bridge is the Island of Dreams, an island where anything you imagine will manifest as real so long as it remains on the island (within size limits- you can't recreate an entire city). It is here where a banquet hall as impressive as the Palace of Versailles has been imagined, and you are able to imagine up any food you would liketo your plate or the plate of your companions. It will taste real and feel filling. Your body probably won't realize you're actually still hungry until you head back to Camelot. Put your blindfolds back on and the sky orcas will fly you back overnight, if you're willing to trust them.
...Otherwise, you might end up walking.
NOTES:
NEW CHARACTER TOP-LEVELS ARE HERE! • All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, as the events within are considered game canon as long as the characters are currently in or join the game during the application period. If new players do not want their TDM to be considered canon, they should state as much on the OOC intro once accepted. • Both current members andpotential new characters can post to this TDM log. Anyone may reply to any threads or start top-levels. Whichever you prefer! •If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt. • The first "Arrival" prompts are usually present on every TDM, but contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. This particular one is a little different. All other prompts will change monthly. • Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ. • If you would like to submit your character's name to win the tournament, please reply here. Please only submit if you believe your character could win the bracket you sign them up for. You may sign them up to win more than one option, but your character can only actually win one even if they are drawn more than once due to a need for the top "5" winners to be chosen to assist the Fairy Queen in her plan with the Fisher King. Must comment to enter by the end of the application period. To allow for time to declare winners ahead of the plotting post and disqualify anyone who commented but did not end up becoming a member, the event plotting post this month will be delayed until Friday, June 17th. The event itself will be posted on June 19th.
There is time for one last check of his potions and pouches.
"Are you ready, Nyx? I shall be counting upon you."
His familiar - an inky gwiber - squalls affirmation. She holds herself erect and alert, ready to leap into action at his command. It has been a year since the last tournament and they have both grown much in that time as far as skill with magic is concerned. Emet-Selch has a wide repertoire of alchemy spells in his grimoire, although he hardly needs it when his familiar is capable of recreating them after one use.
Today, however, he will also be trying to incorporate death magic. His weapon for this fight is a greatsword forged via alchemy.
They wait patiently for the signal to begin, the greatsword point-down in the dirt and Emet-Selch's hands folded atop its pommel. As soon as it sounds, Nyx barks. The earth around them crumbles, breaks, shatters as a horde of undead climb out of the ground. How fortunate for him the number of people who have died over the past year, hmm?
He cannot help a smirk when he sees his first opponent. Drawing the greatsword up, he takes a ready stance.
2. Wildcard
Got any other ideas? Feel free to PM this journal. He's participating in the 1v1 (skilled), magical maze, and potion picker competitions.
The tournament was quite interesting to watch, even if Hythlodaeus did not take part in it himself - not just because of his own lack of desire to fight, but also because he knows that Hades would not only spend his whole time fretting over his bonded, but also likely react quite ballistically if anyone were to hurt Hythlodaeus even slightly. Best for everyone concerned if he remained as a spectator for now.
It was a little disappointing to hear that the bubble 'rooms' were each for one person only, but Hythlodaeus has found some consolation in the fact that watching the lake's currents, the inhabitants playing in them, the scenery passing before his eyes is a little like watching the Lifestream.
And it's while he's sitting on the floor of his own bubble, an arm resting on his knee, peacefully watching the outside that his bubble collides with someone else's. He barely notices at first, but then the change in the angle of the walls gets through to him. Surprised, he looks around, but that surprise quickly changes to delight when he notices who his new roommate is.
"Hmm?~ Were you so worried about me that you chose to seek me out like this, Hades?"
Hilariously, Hades had not intended this at all. In fact, he had been napping (of course) when the bubbles first collided, and didn't notice anything until Hythlodaeus spoke.
He starts awake, peering around blearily before his gaze finds his friend. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he grumbles, rubbing at his eyes. His lengthening hair has come slightly loose of its braid and he absently pushes it back over his shoulder, out of the way.
He grins in response, standing up in a fluid movement to patter over to the bed, sitting down on it and reaching out to stroke through his friend's hair.
"Me? Why, I had no hand in this. Mayhap this is what they call fate?"
He sniffs doubtfully before burrowing back into his pillow. There's a quiet grumble. Then a sigh as Hythlodaeus' fingers tease through his hair. He prefers it shorter of course - easier to manage, easier to wear - but his friend often hums whilst braiding it for him and now he doesn't have the heart to lop it off.
"You will forgive me if I don't believe you," he mumbles.
It's quite serene and peaceful like this, watching the water outside their joint room. He waits until Hythlodaeus fixes his hair before rolling over to cover his partner's hand.
"Are you planning to join any of the competitions tomorrow?"
He curls his fingers around his friend's hand, smiling faintly. "Ah, yes, I planned to make an attempt of that as well. I'm sure you will clear it easily with your nimble mind."
"Hmph. Don't grow used to it." He pulls Hythlodaeus' arm around his waist and settles contentedly, turning his gaze to the water outside. For a little while, he's reminded of the Words of Mitron, and the grand aquarium that its lecture hall sat within.
"I will be quite upset if you surrender. The penalty for giving up is...inconvenient, to say the least. At least it was for the combat rounds."
Hythlodaeus gives his friend a look with a tiny measure of concern in it - of course, he has no doubt in Hades's prowess in battle, but the way he puts it makes Hythlodaeus wonder if the other man isn't suffering from some side effects... which might well affect his performance tomorrow.
He doesn't notice the look but he explains, "Apparently there were some unwilling participants in the free-for-all. The only way to remove the bracelet was to say 'uncle', but it came with the cost of having to obey whoever defeated them during their stay here. I'm not sure whether the same penalty will apply to tomorrow's challenges."
He raises his eyebrows briefly - but then grins, leaning a little closer.
"I could see how that would be inconvenient if you got defeated by anyone but me, hmm? Though I suppose I've no need to resort to enchantment for that~"
The tips of his ears go red, as does the back of his neck. He stares resolutely ahead of him, but leaning over would easily reveal the same flush in his cheeks.
"Indeed. But you need not worry - I am in full control of myself. Or rather..." His voice lowers to a self-conscious volume. The leather choker beneath his shirt collar feels very present. "Or rather, I remain in yours."
The obvious embarrassment is very endearing. Hythlodaeus turns a little to raise himself on his elbow and walk his fingers up Hades's chest - up to the collar of his shirt and the choker, fingers lingering over it.
"Mmhmm. I'll admit, there are very few people I would have allowed you to be defeated by."
He's suddenly very aware that the bubble is completely see-through and that Hythlodaeus' antics are visible to anyone who may look their way. Moreover, he's fairly certain that his friend is well aware of this and is making use of the fact.
He swallows and tips his head slightly to glance at Hythlodaeus. "And who might those few be?"
He is, indeed, aware of it - and perhaps this is Hythlodaeus's way of taking out the frustration caused by the fact that he can't actually fool around with his friend when everything is in full view of whoever might be passing. Hythlodaeus himself might not mind it too much, but he knows Hades does - and besides, he's possessive enough not to want to share with strangers.
"Why, Irhya and Felih, of course. Or are there mayhap others as well?"
He huffs in amusement. "No. I simply wanted to hear you admit it."
He shifts around until he faces Hythlodaeus properly, pressing a kiss to the corner of his partner's mouth. "I won't surrender to anyone save you or those two."
He makes a small noise of satisfaction at the kiss, tipping his head to nuzzle Hades's cheek. He may not be able to do anything risque, but he will be disgustingly sappy in (kind of) public.
"Then... if I were taking part, who would you allow me to be defeated by? Or would you simply make sure to 'defeat' me yourself to keep me from danger?"
"Mm... The latter. I couldn't bear the thought of having to give you up to another."
Warmth blooms across their bond, the muted connection persisting even after this true powers had lapsed. He smiles gently and tips his head such that Hythlodaeus has free access to his neck or face.
"Unless it was our mutual friends of course. Mayhap Irhya could instill some discipline in you where I couldn't."
He snuggles closer, nuzzling into the crook of Hades's neck and pressing a soft kiss to it. The warmth is echoed with Hythlodaeus's own affection and the quiet delight at being with his bonded, as boundless and embarrassing as ever. But, of course, he has other ways of being embarrassing too.
"You would like that, would you? Seeing me 'disciplined'?"
Quietly pleased with the attention, he kisses Hythlodaeus' hair. I love you, I love you, I love you.
"Mm, you do like to tease me, 'Daeus... You enjoy seeing how much you can get away with whilst I'm at work. Perhaps I should purchase some restraints and see how well you can follow orders from the most eminent Emet-Selch?" he murmurs in his bonded's ear.
If Hades's intention was to fluster his partner, then he is in for a disappointment. On the other hand, Hythlodaeus's reaction is quite pleased and enthusiastic, so is it really a disappointment? He grins in response, slowly trailing his hand up and down Hades's spine.
"Perhaps you should~ I may surprise you with my obedience!"
Mouth twitching upwards, he boldly lets his hand sneak lower and squeeze his lover's buttock. Let Hythlodaeus have to deal with the frustration of being aroused yet having no viable outlet for once.
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avalaughs2022-05-31 11:38 pm
Emet-Selch | Final Fantasy XIV (NPC) | current player
2. Wildcard
2, BUBBLE TIME
It was a little disappointing to hear that the bubble 'rooms' were each for one person only, but Hythlodaeus has found some consolation in the fact that watching the lake's currents, the inhabitants playing in them, the scenery passing before his eyes is a little like watching the Lifestream.
And it's while he's sitting on the floor of his own bubble, an arm resting on his knee, peacefully watching the outside that his bubble collides with someone else's. He barely notices at first, but then the change in the angle of the walls gets through to him. Surprised, he looks around, but that surprise quickly changes to delight when he notices who his new roommate is.
"Hmm?~ Were you so worried about me that you chose to seek me out like this, Hades?"
BUBBLES!!!
He starts awake, peering around blearily before his gaze finds his friend. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he grumbles, rubbing at his eyes. His lengthening hair has come slightly loose of its braid and he absently pushes it back over his shoulder, out of the way.
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"Me? Why, I had no hand in this. Mayhap this is what they call fate?"
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"You will forgive me if I don't believe you," he mumbles.
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"Have I ever lied to you, my beloved?"
... Directly, at least. Withholding things is more his modus operandi.
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It's quite serene and peaceful like this, watching the water outside their joint room. He waits until Hythlodaeus fixes his hair before rolling over to cover his partner's hand.
"Are you planning to join any of the competitions tomorrow?"
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"The maze sounds quite 'up my alley', as I believe the saying goes."
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"Oh?~ Am I being praised by the most eminent Emet-Selch of the Convocation himself? What an honour!"
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"I will be quite upset if you surrender. The penalty for giving up is...inconvenient, to say the least. At least it was for the combat rounds."
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Hythlodaeus gives his friend a look with a tiny measure of concern in it - of course, he has no doubt in Hades's prowess in battle, but the way he puts it makes Hythlodaeus wonder if the other man isn't suffering from some side effects... which might well affect his performance tomorrow.
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"I could see how that would be inconvenient if you got defeated by anyone but me, hmm? Though I suppose I've no need to resort to enchantment for that~"
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"Indeed. But you need not worry - I am in full control of myself. Or rather..." His voice lowers to a self-conscious volume. The leather choker beneath his shirt collar feels very present. "Or rather, I remain in yours."
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"Mmhmm. I'll admit, there are very few people I would have allowed you to be defeated by."
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He swallows and tips his head slightly to glance at Hythlodaeus. "And who might those few be?"
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"Why, Irhya and Felih, of course. Or are there mayhap others as well?"
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He shifts around until he faces Hythlodaeus properly, pressing a kiss to the corner of his partner's mouth. "I won't surrender to anyone save you or those two."
no subject
"Then... if I were taking part, who would you allow me to be defeated by? Or would you simply make sure to 'defeat' me yourself to keep me from danger?"
no subject
Warmth blooms across their bond, the muted connection persisting even after this true powers had lapsed. He smiles gently and tips his head such that Hythlodaeus has free access to his neck or face.
"Unless it was our mutual friends of course. Mayhap Irhya could instill some discipline in you where I couldn't."
no subject
"You would like that, would you? Seeing me 'disciplined'?"
no subject
"Mm, you do like to tease me, 'Daeus... You enjoy seeing how much you can get away with whilst I'm at work. Perhaps I should purchase some restraints and see how well you can follow orders from the most eminent Emet-Selch?" he murmurs in his bonded's ear.
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"Perhaps you should~ I may surprise you with my obedience!"
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"So you say, 'Daeus. So you say," he replies.