TDM #1 - Welcome to the Fae Wild, Winter Edition

[faewildmods]

'You find yourself wandering through a forest of strange colors. The last thing you remember is a strange ring of mushrooms in a riot of shades, singing to you in ethereal tones, tempting you and telling you to step in the midst them to discover riches beyond measure. As you do, a bright white light flashes before your eyes. When your sight returns, the forest of bizarre trees and plants looms before and around you.

As you step forward, laughter—deep and menacing and also light and tinkling—follows your footsteps. Yelling, questioning, gets you nowhere. Only a narrow path of stones allows you to avoid the foliage that seems to want to eat you alive. If you step off of the path, you find vines wrap around your legs, dragging you into the dark interior of the forest, until you wake up later, your body covered in strange symbols that will disappear after a few days. For those wise enough to not tempt fate and stay on the path, soft blue lights—fairies of indeterminate sex—appear, and beckon you to follow them down the path through the trees. A few hours of walking brings you to a village of stone and wooden thatched houses that appear as if they're both brand new and ancient at the same time.

A creature that at once appears to be monstrously beautiful and hideously decrepit steps forward to greet you, holding out a small silver hand mirror with a smile that makes your blood run cold (if you have any sense). "Welcome to the Fae Wild, child. This is the domain of the Handmaiden of the Sidhe Queens. Come with me. The others are waiting. All will be explained once we are gathered." It is then that you see the others spoken of, people that look almost.... normal and just as confused and angry as you are.

Dare you step forward to learn your fate?'

☙ Arrival ☙

So, you’ve survived the trip down the path and made it to the village that is the heart of the Fae Wild. The Handmaiden and her helpers, mostly pixies, brownies and some sylph and dryads, are handing out silver hand mirrors to all of the newcomers. Once you’re all gathered, the Handmaiden will explain that you’ve been brought here with the promise of riches and treasure through the magical fairy rings. While you’re here, you will be expected to assist the fae creatures in the activities the Handmaiden has picked for you to do.

If you agree to it, you will be richly rewarded. If you refuse? Well, how much do you enjoy the thought of being put under a cloche jar for a while? Don’t worry. You’ll be able to breathe in there. It wouldn’t be good to have someone die on their first day after all. After securing your agreement, your mirror will flash five times, and tapping the surface shows a letter-type of message in flowing script, telling you how to reach your new cottage during your stay.

Questions to the fae may or may not be answered, but never fear. They want you alive. For now.



☙ Winter Proofing The Realm ☙

As the first frost strikes the land of the Fae Wild, all the pixies and brownies are running around to make sure that the cottages, huts and communal buildings are ready for the blast of the Winter Queen’s Full Power. The sylphs and dryads are plucking flowers and bringing in as many fruit trees and bushes inside so that they can continue to provide food for the upcoming season.

Hunting parties are being arranged to stock up on meat. Other groups are being formed to fish in the lakes. (Beware of the kelpie. They bite.) You can also offer to chop wood, check all of the buildings for any repairs that need to be done, and preserve some of the more delicate foods. Just because this is a land of magic doesn’t mean that they’re immune to the change in the seasons.

Player characters are highly encouraged by all of the faeries to join in during this time. Anyone who does will find themselves given three times the berries during this particular activity.

☙ Glimpses of the Winter Court ☙

As the Winter Solstice approaches, glimpses of the Winter Sidhe (faeries of the highest order) can be caught as they travel around the whole of the Fae Realm. Frost Trolls that look like walking chunks of ice that only a mother (and maybe the Winter Queen) could love are currently pushing out the remnants of the dryads and sylphs to make room for themselves and their kind. If you look carefully, a tall horned man leading a pack of dogs and being followed by a lot of vicious looking creatures has begun to prowl and the nights are filled with the braying of His Hunting Party as they look for prey.

Asking the normal denizens of the Fae Wild will win you the name of Der Erlking and his Grand Hunting Party. Anyone caught out after dark alone will find themselves picked for the “special honor” of being prey or asked to spend the night as one of His hounds.

Occasionally, a beautiful, pale woman strolls around. She is never alone, as her entourage of grimalkin (large, black cat-like beasts) are always in attendance. Sometimes, she appears melancholic and at others, she is regal, cool and distant. Anyone foolish to try to approach her will find themselves face to face with the largest of the grimalkin who calls himself Cait Sith. And he suffers fools never.

☙ Here Comes Santa Claus ☙

Winter has definitely arrived with the first snow. Plenty of elves in striped stockings and funny shoes with bells on their toes are running around the village, demanding that all the buildings be covered in holly and evergreens. Others are hastily baking as many biscuits and cakes as they can. Player characters are not immune to the assumption of assistance. Anyone caught resisting them will find themselves suddenly about the size of a five year old, wearing the very familiar garb of ‘Santa’s Little Helpers’ and being pushed by one of the elves that calls themself The Taskmaster.

If one asks why the elves are doing this, they will find out that they’re making preparations to keep Santa Claus out of the Handmaiden’s domain. These particular elves are escapees from Santa’s sweatshop in the Winter Court, where he forces them to slave away making toys for human children with no pay, no insurance, and with only gruel to eat for every meal year round. The only way to keep him away from this area—since he’s such an important member of the Winter Queen’s Court—is to decorate it with plants of the season and to leave a gift outside the houses. It can be food, berries or shiny objects, but the Big Man must be appeased.

Of course, should you choose to not help, come the time of the 25th of December, Santa might just come and visit your house.

Welcome to our first Test Drive Meme! We encourage you to please play around and have fun. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask here. (Or elsewhere!)
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Questions

[faewildmods]

[teddybearpicnic]

Please mods, tell me pretty please.

WHAT happens if you attempt to deconstruct a mirror? Surely something.

Kristophe Fallon | Original/D&D

[rosepaean]

:ARRIVAL:

[ Gardens, there was nothing that Kristophe Fallon loved more than gardens, the riotous beauty of the wild flowers that nestled within the many nooks. Wildflowers that were hidden and secret within shadows, mysteries-- although he was dearly fond of flowers that seeked the light, he was a creature of both light and shadows-- and through the seasons did he roam as he took the path every year that Persephone did from Winter to Spring and then the circuitous route of ripe apples and falling leaves until he came back again.

Perhaps then, it was no surprise that he had taken the route through the mushrooms, heeding their siren's call like he was their child and he could not help but answer.

So his hand wrapped around the ornate hand mirror that was gifted to him (wasn't everything a gift in it's own right? He just hadn't determined if it was a good or bad one however). The tall Eladrin looks into it and then nods to the creature with respect of what he could only assume was they of an "Old One", they had the look about them. And then his feet move on the path.

There are others on this path and he turns to the person keeping a companionable pace next to him. ]

Me, worried? Absolutely not. Perhaps the fae are a capricious sort, but as long as you play their games-- you should be fine, hmmm. [ The vibes here are predominately chill because that was just how Kris rolled ]

:WINTER-PROOFING: "Red runs the Pomegranate"

Kris was not immune to the lure of gathering flowers and fruit and while other parties rallied to hunt meat, he could he found following after the Sylphs and Dryads, lured by their song into the forest-- thereby to assist in the gathering of last fragrant fruits for the season, of flowers and yes, even acorns that had fallen from mighty oak trees; everything that could be used to build up food stores for the winter.

The Eladrin was used to this, to foraging. A group of Sylph's laughed delightedly as he was able to reach a high bough of the pomegranate trees where he gently brought down the branch so that it could easily be reached. However, the man was very careful to bend in such a way that he did not cause undue distress to the tree, and all the while he was also making use with his free hand to gather as was needed. The fruit was then handed off to the nearest person.

"I am rather fond of pomegranates myself, they are the chosen fruit of my goddess so I suppose there will always be a connection." and then because Kris was ever the inquisitive sort, he glanced over at his companion. "And do you have a favored fruit.. or even flower? The Pomegranate flowers are also very lovely."

:WINTER COURT: "Light it up"

[ Kris actually listened to the elves, he was pretty good natured that he was going to do whatever the hell it was that was required of him. All it took was a little man in a jingle hat and striped stockings, and suddenly he was hanging up brightly glowing stringed lights along the perameter of the cottage where he had taken up residence; and from the open window was the scent of-- gingerbread just out of the oven, also another project that he was working on to assist with Operation Yuletide cheer.

It would pair nicely with the hotly spiced pomegranate wine he'd made, mulled to fragrant perfection. ]

Could you hand me that next string of lights? [ Kris is standing halfway up on a ladder, holding a hammer and lightly making gentle taps with it to curve a nail so that he could festoon them about the eaves. ] Once this is done, I think we deserve a break-- is there anything we are forgetting, I know there is a list but for the life of me, I am terrible at lists, and also equally terrible at following them.

:WINTER: "the winter is cold, and bitter"

The season settled into Winter and it made him think of loss. For a Cleric of Persephone, there was also a Spring moment, but there was also a equally poignant Winter one, where you understood what it meant to be one of her Clerics. For she was the goddess of both Spring and Winter, and by her very nature there was duality. The Eladrin was warmly cloaked and leaning against his staff when he saw something out of the corner of his eyes, a passing melancholy and a feeling of aching sadness, which caused him to turn around--- but there was nothing there, only the scent of winter roses and sharp ozone like the sky just before the first snowfall.

His breath hitched as he remembered.

It was as if the Winter Queen had Misty-stepped past her and left him in the jetstream of her seasonal sadness.

"What sadness does she hide?" he murmured, there is something raw in his voice-- a missing to his voice. Most of the time he was good and he was able to live in the moment, but then days.. no, moments like these, he thinks of a man who he once knew with an incurable hero complex, who went off to fight wars in the name of people who saw him as expendable. And in these moments, Kris felt like a ghost-- and the tips of his hair a platinum as if itching to complete the transformation into the man who he had been years ago, a ghost made of snow and sorrow. "I hope she finds what she is looking for."

WILD CARD

Hello everyone, it's Nia over at zauberdecke, bringing to you the D&D version of Hozier, Kristophe Fallon, my Cleric of Persephone. I am down with either brackets or prose and ready to thread with you all! Give me all the CR-- this guy gets along with pretty much everyone because he's just chill vibes all the time. (except if you mess with his friends, then you are kinda toast, hope you like Guiding Bolt). He heals, he bakes and he also looks fabulous while he does it!

*grabby hands you all*

Arrival

[unwisely]

[Oh, oh! There's no missing the very familiar, very distinct figure of Kristophe, Some of the dread that's been settling in his chest instantly clears, and the bard thoroughly lights up. The relief is downright tangible, like a warm scarf suddenly wrapped about his shoulders.

Kris is here. Maybe this will be okay after all.

He sidles his way up to the tall Eladrin so that when Kris turns to speak, he'll find himself looking into Will's face.]

I don't know, Sugar. I'm worried. Sometimes the games they get you playing aren't the ones you expect. That sort of thing can take its toll.

[Still traumatized from his warlock contract with his archfey patron? Yes, yes he is.]

Seth Rim | Original Character

[unbridledtiger]

[ooc: Information about Seth is located here. Those with magic sensitivity will immediately notice that he exudes magic and some might even know that his body is made of magic as he is a spirit of dreams.]

'Treasure,' Seth mused silently, a hint of sarcasm echoed within his inner monologue. "Sure" His hands slipped into the pockets of his jeans and he began to make his way down the charted path towards the courts helpers. He was handed a mirror and accepted it without complaint. This would was familiar in its unfamiliarity but Seth could feel his body in a way that proved that this wasn't a dream.

"Interesting." He breathed the word under his breath and continued onward with a confident smirk lifting the corner of his mouth.

☙ Winter Proofing The Realm ☙

[Forever a spectator, it's unusual to be coaxed into the daily preparations of Winter but Seth doesn't mind. His life has been a constant series of new experiences and this is merely another memory to add to the hazy count. Then again, there are some things that do not change and a concept of cold appears to be just that. He supposes that no matter where he goes he won't find warm snow a second time.

He helps where he can but Seth isn't a physically strong creature. He's tall but slender and resembles a zipper if he were to stick out his tongue. After listening to the list of tasks that require to be completed, Seth chooses to help fish. It's the first time he's done so with a proper fishing rod. He'd never required food to live but if he's here he'll help.

It's a rather boring task but Seth is patient and is able to wait for the hook to catch it's prey. The line pulls taught and the struggle between twig and fish begins. It's a quick tug of war before the fish jumps out of the water towards the shore. Reflectively Seth reaches out with his hand like it's a paw and only notices his mistake with the scales of the fish cut rivets into his palm.] Oh, right. [Seth drops the fish with the others and then proceeds to ignore the cut and continue his task.]

☙ Glimpses of the Winter Court ☙
[ooc: I wrote this as a general open prompt as it can be used to start a few different scenario's and how Seth might react at the beginning.]

[While preferring to watch there are instances when Seth can't sit by and do nothing. Should someone be caught as 'prey' Seth will step forward and take that role, though he'll humbly ask the hunt to change him into a cat as his magic has been dulled upon his arrival to this world.

Whatever the outcome, it doesn't matter. Seth is used to being hunted and he has yet to get caught.

The only problem is that he doesn't feel comfortable being turned into a dog... He's always been more of a cat person.]

☙ Here Comes Santa Claus ☙

[Seth's already helped and yet the humanoids of this world continue to pressure him into doing more. He is resistant to their calls, wanting to rest. He's never felt tired before but this world is different. His limbs ache and he wants nothing more than to slip into dreams to restore his strength but he isn't granted such grace.

He turns to leave and with each step he feels the distance between his strides shrink. It's only then that he glances at his palms which are now the size of a child's] This is how you use your magic? What a waste. [Seth turns towards his new taskmaster and stands as confidently as ever.] Children are weaker than adults. How could this form possibly help you?

[He knows that he won't get an answer to his question but be forced to help. At least as a child he feels a little more energetic. He's never felt like this before. If only his appearance wasn't so cherubic.]

☙ Wild Card☙

[ooc: I'm up for any interaction. Just post and I'll reply.]

Santa Claus

[rosepaean]

[ Well, it appeared that Kris was given a new helper. The taller elven man (six foot two inches) looks down, if there was surprise and watching just some guy being shrunk down to a minature version, he did not say anything whatsoever however he does manage a wry smile as to that question. ]

Well, did you know that small children are said to, in many cultures, typify enthusiasm so I am sure the elves are hoping to generate some holiday zeal, perhaps they fuel their own energy.

[ He takes out a mint leaf and then gives it a proper chew; it tastes like wintergreen and also dying snowmen, but whatever. Then he reaches over for a red jingle-belled hat and places it on the top of Seth's head. ]

There, the aesthetic is complete now.. yeah?

Theres Redbreast | Original/D&D | I have one icon I am so sorry!

[twice_named]

⸙Arrival⸙

By rights, Theres should know better. By principle, though, he's actually more susceptible to this kind of thing than most. He's spent the night partying, and staggers through the circle on a whim, even though his shadow is doing a warning dance.

The rush, at least, sobers him up as he lands in a place at once familiar and not. Figuring this is just a sudden trance induced by alcohol, he decides to follow the path, though this part of the feywild is unfamiliar. It takes him several minutes to figure out he's not resonating with his fragment. Something is wrong. His shadow is gone.

Racing down the path, he looks for any sign of familiarity, but none avail him, and he eventually ends up in the court of the Handmaiden. Nothing is given without something equal in return; he knows this, and he would be remiss in taking this mirror without an exchange. He druidcrafts a stunning, rainbow rose - the magic comes too easily in this place, and he knows it will never wilt - to give in exchange. "You honor me with your thoughtfulness." Only then does he join the others.

⸙Winter is Coming⸙

Believe it or not, Theres has seen much of this before. He's protected others from winter both at home and in the feywild. However, he's taciturn as he goes, the summer court's energy flitting more slowly around him than usual. He's worried about something, and it shows plain as day in how he moves, how he talks, and how he acts, even as he helps winterproof to the best of his ability. He hunts, he encourages plants, he even cooks, but he is quiet.

⸙Nope, it's Here⸙ ((OOC: Feel free to make a prompt based on any of the hooks!))

The baying of hounds is all too familiar a sound to a young man whose husband keeps an army of blink dogs; Theres is almost lured out by it, but only once. He knows better. Robin isn't here.

That doesn't mean he's ready to accept that. He goes looking for familiar faces by day, though he finds none, and stays in by night. He goes out farther and farther ever day. A little more, and he might find him.

⸙SAD over Christmas⸙

It's not that he's resisting, it's that he's hopeless during the preparations for the winter festival. He tries to distract himself with helping out, but the thought hangs in his head regardless. Robin's not here. Robin was never here. He is alone.

Soon enough he's just going through the motions, and it's noticeable to anyone who watches him that he's not all there. Not that he ever was! A part of him is stuck back in his version of the feywild, and he's too tired to care.

SAD

[prettyrocks]

Tsutha doesn't know what Christmas is. It seems fun, what with all the baking and decorating. She's happy to join in the preparations, but when she sees someone looking glum and distant, she can't help but feel a little concerned.

She approaches cautiously, aware that not everyone is as carefree about finding themselves fey-napped as she is.

"Hey, um. Is everything okay?"

Trystan Cleary | OC/D&D

[charmperson]

[ 1. Arrival ]

[There's a blond half elf man currently standing in the middle of the assembled crowd, looking at the mirror he's been handed and listening to what's being said. Well. Mostly listening. Tryst is also very obviously looking at himself in the mirror, fixing his hair, rubbing a small smudge of dirt off the edge of his jaw -- a hazard of traveling really.

Honestly at this point he's preening, lifting the hand mirror up to catch a different angle of his face. What? He's pretty. It's objective fact, and he knows it. He also may or may not be using it to check out those around him more subtly than just staring. Maybe you catch him, in an awkward moment of direct eye contact with his reflection.

That has him turning with an amused, practiced smile, full of all the considerable charm he can muster.]

So what do you make of all this?

[His voice is accented, vaguely British -- if Faerun had a Britain -- and fairly posh.]

How much trouble do you think we've found ourselves in?


[ 2. Winterproofing ]

[For reasons that are beyond anyone's comprehension, the wizard with no magic and pretty much no strength to speak of, has found himself enlisted into carrying firewood.

It's going about as well as one would expect as the blond struggles with the (sadly not very large) pile of wood that's been stacked in his arms. Sorry if he runs you over. He's doing his best.]

Sorry! I should not be doing this. I'm wasted on manual labor, but none of my spells are working and apparently the role of supervisor was already taken.

[And then a hopeful smile, all wide green eyes.] Don't suppose you could give me a hand, darling?


[ 3. Winter Court ]

[Being out at night is dangerous. Noted. Trystan has put that much together immediately, so he's considering going back to his newly assigned home away from home when he catches sight of movement down the way accompanied by the sound of baying hounds.

Any other soul nearby will find a hand wrapped with a firm pressure around their forearm.]

They're coming. We shouldn't be seen. This way..

[It's time for sneaking. Hopefully. But the best laid plans of mice and men and half men half elves...]


[ 4. Mirror Network ]

[Tryst is trying and failing not to pout at the moment.] I realize I haven't been here very long, but I'm finding myself missing things from home already. Like my spells, for one thing. And my fox.

...and my friends, of course. [He's missing them the most. So much. He's just bad at the admitting of it.]

And it's cold. Very cold. I don't suppose anyone has any leads on procuring warmer clothing options? I'm not made for this weather. Not that Waterdeep is warm, but I at least owned a decent cloak there.


[ 5. Wildcard ]

(( ooc: something not here you want? come at me! or hit me up on seasided to plan something out. ))

4.

[teddybearpicnic]

[ Rainier had found himself in the Feywild and was not entirely impressed by it. He'd wandered off, of course he did and then suddenly he was here; there had been a circle of mushrooms with frogs that lured him like the pied piper. Then sudden, there were no frogs and he had been lied to. He was handed a Mirror and nothing else.

So when it started speaking, he had to peer into it with a certain scientific interest.

Was that Tryst's voice? How did this thing work, he was now peering more closely at the circular mirrored service (not so clearly enchanted). ]

Tryst, how did you get in there?

[ He tapped on the glass-- an intent look on his face. This was magic, and so he pulled down his googles to see if he could utilize the magnifiers there to check the seams. ] If I could figure out how to get to you, I could give you my coat--

[ Rainier was a furnace anyways. ]

Will Harper | OC/D&D

[unwisely]

[ 1.Arrival ]

[Of course Will had stepped into the mushroom circle. By all rights he should have known better, but isn't that just the story of his life? Willow Harper should have known better. And he never does. And of course he'd immediately verged right off the path into the dark, ominous, terrifying woods. At least he learns his lesson after trying it once, and from then on follows the path and the lights and the tiny pixie fairies.

By the time he makes it to the village, he's forgotten about the newly acquired marks on his arms as he wanders into the crowd that seems to be gathering. He's an elf, paler than anyone has any right to be and still walk in the sun, though perhaps the pallor makes sense when one sees the long waterfall of bright red hair that is currently flying loose about his shoulders, caught in the admittedly chilly wind. He doesn't argue taking the mirror -- even if he is wary about taking an unearned gift from the Fae -- and settles in to listen.

That wariness only grows into something that is bordering on genuine anxiety. The bard is usually the picture of practiced ease, never really looking like much of anything bothers him, but as he stares at the mirror, the frown on his face may be small, but the flicker of fear in his eyes can't quite be hidden.]

I'm not sure making deals with strange Fae is the best idea... [He speaks from deep, traumatic experience, after all. And when he speaks, his voice is a soft, unhurried drawl, thick like honey and almost melodic.] But I'm also not sure we have much choice, now do we?


[ 2. Winter Proofing ]

[Will may not be the strongest of folks, but he's nimble enough, and he's a helper by nature. All hospitality all the time, until he's given reason to be less than friendly. So he's gotten himself up on the roof of one of the nearby buildings, calling out to down below.]

We're going to need to patch some of this thatching, if they don't want winter showing up in the bedroom uninvited. Don't know about you, but I prefer my nights a fair bit cozier.

[A smile over the edge of the eaves.] Toss me up some straw, would you honey?


[ 3. Winter Court ]

[Will has seen the strange horned man and his hounds scoop an unsuspecting soul or two up off the street, and has put together that there is nothing at all good in any of that. So he's creeping and keeping to the shadows, even if he knows full well he ought to get inside. Look, outside is way more exciting right now, and what's the worst that could happen? ...death. Dismemberment. Pain. Life altering consequences that he spends the rest of his days running from as fast as he can?

Nah, it's cool. Until he's spotted.]

Well, shit that ain't good.

[And off her flees. If he happens to run into someone, sorry, but he'll also grab them by the arm to pull them along.] C'mon now, time for running. Definitely time for running.


[ 4. Wildcard ]

(( ooc: come at me! feel free to catch him wandering around anywhere, or hit me up on seasided to plan something out. ))

2. Winter Proofing.

[emergent]

'Honey'. It's been a while since anyone has called him that, but it doesn't bother Yefim in the slightest. He's a sturdy sort of man and is able to easily bind thatch into bundles and toss them up to Will. Settling into a nice and steady rhythm of physical labour is something he appreciates.

"Yefim, if you want."

Dorian Storm | Critical Role

[makingmyway]

[ I. Arrival ]

[ Dorian distracts himself for a moment by inspecting the hand mirror that they had been given, even as he turns over the explanation provided for where they were and why. ]

Well...I suppose we don't have much of an option, do we? [ From what he knows of the Fae, it's better to work with them than to risk upsetting them. And it seems to have taken that as much of an agreement as anything, as the glass surface of his mirror flashes.

He's silent for a moment, as though taking in the script written in the mirror. But then he suddenly glances up and scans the crowd for a moment, before turning to the person closest to him. ]

I don't suppose you've seen a faun woman around? Tall, seafoam green hair, possibly accompanied by a monkey?

[ Look, he knows it's a long shot, but if this is the Fae Wild than why not look for someone he knows is from here? ]

[ II. Winter Proofing The Realm ]

[ It isn't that Dorian is opposed to helping, necessarily. Honestly, he's more than happy to lend a hand with anything that he's able to assist with. But he can't help grumbling a bit to himself as he chops some wood. ]

This would be easier if I still had my own axe.

[ And he knows he's just shouting out into the void, and even if anyone is listening there isn't anything to be done about it. But he still hates the idea of not having any of his weapons or instruments, and he's going to be complaining about it for a while.

Sorry if you happen to be nearby. ]

[ III. Glimpses of the Winter Court ]

[ So of course by now he's heard that they aren't supposed to be out at night, because of the hunting parties. And Dorian really has no desire to be a part of any of it. But he can't help being curious. ]

How bad would it be to take a peek outside while they're out there?

[ Asking for a friend. ]

[ IV. Here Comes Santa Claus ]

[ While he's not entirely thrilled by how pushy the elves are being, hearing their explanation and of this "Santa Claus" does have him feeling a bit more sympathetic. Which is how Dorian finds himself decorating buildings with holly. Because baking isn't really one of his skills. ]

I can't help wondering how all this is supposed to keep this person out of this area, though. If these are things he enjoys, won't having them just entice him to come?

[ He's mostly speaking to himself, but certainly loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. ]

[ V. Wildcard ]

(( OOC: Want to do something else? Go for it! Dorian can be seen wandering around, or maybe playing around with contacting people on the mirrors. Or hit me up at usamichan13 to plot something with me! ))

II

[teddybearpicnic]

[ Rainier is sitting on a tree stump, though he has to admit that the other guy looks a bit put out about chopping wood. Now Rainier had chopped a bit of wood in his life, he was not particularly effective at it and had actually jimmied up a rigging system back at Waterdeep that would chop would with half the manpower but double the efficiency.

But, he did not like to see people suffering through tasks if they did not like them and so he pushes himself up and shakes out his trenchcoat a bit. ]

Do you need help with it? I don't mind a go here and there if your arms are getting tired. [ He may not be strong but he did have a high constitution so his stamina was very good for an Artificer. ]

Tsutha Stoneblood | D&D OC

[prettyrocks]

I. Arrival

[ It takes Tsutha a couple of tries to get all the way down the stone-lined path into the village. The first try, she got distracted shortly after leaving the mushroom ring and veered off the path, only to be grabbed by strangling vines and dragged away. After waking up back in the mushroom circle, groggy, confused, and covered in strange markings, she decides to stick to the path this time. Only... The path is lined with such nice, pretty stones! She lingers for a long time as she walks slowly, agonizing over whether she wants to pick one up and keep it. She can't seem to find the bag where she keeps the rest of her rock collection, so maybe she should start over? But someone clearly set these rocks here for a reason, so she probably shouldn't take one that's big enough that it will be noticed... In the end, she settles on a small, flat grey stone, the kind that would be perfect for skipping across the surface of the lake, and sticks it in her pocket before continuing down the path.

Finally, though, she makes it to the village, where she is greeted by the paradoxically beautiful fey creature and given a mirror. Soon thereafter, she can be found sitting off to the side somewhere, marveling over the beautiful mirror in her hands. ]

Man, this is one fannnncyyyyy mirror. I bet something like this would cost a fortune back in Meadowwilde. I wish Walter was here, he would know.

II. Winter Proofing (cw animal death)

[ As the Fae Wild bands together to prepare for winter, Tsutha is more than happy to help out in any way she can. As a half-orc, she's pretty strong and has a high stamina for physical activity, so she helps chop wood for a while, until the hunting party comes in with their kills. When that happens, she switches gears to help butchering the killed animals so that the meat can be prepared to either be cooked or stored. Once that's done, she takes a look at the pile of now-separated animal pelts and has an idea. ]

Say, does anybody have a needle and thread? I could make some of these furs into cloaks and stuff, to keep people warm.

[ Obviously, they'd need to be cleaned and prepared first, but that's nothing that Tsutha hasn't done before, back home with her tribe as a girl. ]

III. Glimpses

[ When Der Erlking invites Tsutha to join His Grand Hunting Party as one of His hounds, she jumps at the idea, thinking it'll be a fun way to spend a night out in the wilderness. She gets really enthusiastic about it, howling wildly as she runs through the trees.

When she happens to catch up with the "prey," however, all her enthusiasm drops away in an instant. ]

Wait. You mean this whole time I've been hunting a person?! That doesn't seem very nice...

[ There's a sound of a howl— actually from a hound this time— in the distance, but getting closer, and suddenly the look in Tsutha's eyes changes, from something jovial to something fiercely protective. ]

Come on. We need to get you out of here.

IV. Santa

[ Tsutha doesn't know who or what Santa Claus is, only that he sounds like he was a pretty bad boss to all these small elves. She decides to help decorate, but as is her wont, ends up getting distracted midway through hanging some holly garlands on a gazebo. Anyone who comes close enough to her will hear her muttering to herself, ]

I wonder if these berries are edible...?

V. Wildcard

[ HMU @ millennialfalcon if you would like to plot something else! Will match prose or brackets. ]

IV

[teddybearpicnic]

[ Rainier's ears started to tingle when he heard the prospective phrase that contained the words, 'wonder if'. To all of his friends and party members, he was not known as someone who would take the safe route; for all of his logic-- he would one hundred percent encourage people to do the thing, but only after he had looked it over.

He was at Tsutha's side within the moment and peering at the berries that she held, as if his gaze alone could determine if it was poisonous. There was the scientific method to determine this, and he was already scoping out the colour of the berry, the shape of the leaves. He even lifted a berry-filled branch to sniff it.

He brushed his finger against the leaf and then licked his fingertip cautiously. ] The secretion is very bitter, I would not eat it--

[ He had arguably all-but licked it though. ]

Thranduil | The Hobbit

[woodlandcrown]

A. ARRIVAL
[Some would consider it unwise to make a deal with strange entities, sight unseen. Truth be told, Thranduil also considered it unwise, and yet here he was. He had found the ring of mushrooms in a moment of weakness, and what he intended as a bitter challenge to the whispering mushrooms had brought him here instead.

And yet... he's thrilled, though in a muted way. The various fae fluttering around are a delight, and even more delightful is that the place is so obviously, thoroughly infused with natural magic. Thranduil has never once stepped foot in a place that was so rich in it, and even the darker shadows of the forest he'd left behind him wasn't enough to dampen the rare glimmer of joy he felt.

Thranduil accepts a mirror graciously, and doesn't hesitate to agree to the deal. He may seem intimidating to approach - after all, Thranduil is well over six feet tall, draped in finery and with a resting face that could've been carved out of marble - but he's in a rare good mood, and happy to chat.]

This is quite the gift, is it not? And it sounds as though we'll be paid quite well for our labor. It's rare to find someone so eager to share their wealth, and for so little in return.


B. WINTER PROOFING
[There's a number of jobs that Thranduil is not eager to lend a hand to, but hunting? That's practically leisure, even if it often has a useful result. After expressing his interest, Thranduil picks a bow and a quiver of arrows out of the offered selection of weapons, taking a little time to string it himself and test the weight and draw of it.

As the hunters prepare to enter the forest, Thranduil purposefully approaches someone who is standing on their own. No matter how skilled one might be with their weapon, stepping foot into a strange forest alone was asking for trouble, particularly in a place like this. It seems far better to keep an eye on one of his fellows than to attempt the whole endeavor alone.]

You there! Accompany me, and I'll make sure that we bring back an impressive quarry.


C. HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS
[At first, the sight of so many small, strangely-dressed elves running around was bewildering, but after Thranduil stopped one to ask the meaning behind all the commotion - well, it took a lot to shock him, but that story did the trick.]

How dare he? Tell me where this fiend dwells, and I'll end him myself!

[Unfortunately, the elf didn't direct Thranduil's wrath towards a person, but instead a pile of dough. He was very quickly recruited to assist with baking, a task that he hasn't attempted in literal centuries, and not often enough to recall any of it. Thranduil has been left kneeling at a table that's low for his height but perfectly suitable for the smaller elves, his sleeves rolled up and his arms covered in flour, being directed by the elves around him in the right way to knead the endless supply of dough that was being made. He's still distinctly out of his depth, though, either in need of a rescue or assistance from someone with more skill than he has.]


D. WILDCARD
[Hit me with anything! You can PM this journal or evilbo if you have questions.]

Arrival!

[usedhuntersmark]

[Vex'ahlia's entrance into this world is unexpected and leaves her feeling on edge. It looks and feels like the Feywild of Exandria, but not... quite. She no longer has Fenthras or Raven's Slumber with Trinket. The rest of Vox Machina is gone.

No, she's not really likely to relax any time soon.

When the mirror is given to her, along with the explanation of how the world works, she narrows her eyes. They only get smaller when she spots the tall, slender man with obvious alfen features. High Elf, from what she can make out, but she won't rule out a Wood Elf either. However, there's too much of an openness about him to make him one of her father's people.]

What's the catch? Fae creatures never give anything without something in return. Hell, humans don't give anything without something in return.

[Ah, yes, Vex the Cynic is back.]

I suggest you keep an eye open for the dagger in the back around here. You might live longer.

Jill Warrick | Final Fantasy XVI

[moonlitsnowlady]

𝒜𝓇𝓇𝒾𝓋𝒶𝓁

---

[It was while she was on the return to Phoenix Gate with Clive in hopes of learning something about Joshua's murderer that she ended up trapped in the mushroom ring and subsequently whisked off to a new land.

Never split up kids, it never ends well.

A promise of fame and riches really doesn't interest Jill. Unless there was some way she can bring it back to the Hideaway in order to support the Cursebreakers. However, as far as she can tell, there's no going home anytime soon.

The alternative doesn't sound pleasant either, so whatever these 'far' need help with, she'll comply. For the time being. The last thing she was going to stand for was being enslaved again.

So after she is gifted the mirror, she indeed taps it, marveling at the sudden appearence of letters.]

A cottage hmm.

[Jill muses aloud and shrugs. There's no harm in taking a look. Supposedly it is to be her new home for the time being. At least the fae are gracious enough to provide accommodations. The question is, what is their price?

i.You may find her as she's strolling through the village, both exploring and searching for the offered cottage.

ii. Or maybe she's already located her own and you just so happen to be her new neighbor.


𝒲𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝑜𝒻𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓂

---

[Preparation for a heavy snow is something Jill is mildly familiar with, though it's been quite some time since she had the need.

Having partially grown up a princess of the Northern Territories, such duties were usually decreed by her father, Silvermane to assure the survival of his people in lieu of the fading of the Mothercrystal. When even that failed to be enough, the armies of the Northern Territories decided to take drastic measures and attempt to take control of the Mothercrystal of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria, to the south.

With their defeat in the conflict, as part of the peace treaty, princess Jill was given as.a ward to the Duke of Rosaria. Jill was quite young when this all transpired, which is why her memories of the specifics are a little fuzzy.

Still, she understands the importance well enough, and so she helps as best she can.

i. Perhaps she's a part of your hunting party, armed and ready with her rapier to hunt some game for meat.

ii. You might stumble upon her, or rather she might stumble upon you as she almost knocks you to the ground while hurrying to the storehouse carrying a large basket full of berries.]

Oh! My apologies, I'd not been paying mind in my rush . Are you alright? You're not hurt?


𝒢𝓁𝒾𝓂𝓅𝓈𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒲𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒞𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓉

---

[The Winter Sidhe are quite beautiful, and Jill can't help but feel a connection, being the Warden of Ice. And the pale woman that Jill spots at random, brings to mind Shiva, the Ice Queen herself.

i. Oops! In her curiosity, Jill has wandered a little too close to the entourage and is currently being stared down by Cait Sith. She looks helpless, confused, and a tiny bit frightened as to what she should do to appease the large black feline. Help.s lady out, won't you?

ii. What happens when you have stayed out a little too long while fishing and darkness falls? The answer is, you become prey. But luckily, you're not alone as Jill unfortunately made the same mistake and now you both are being hunted. Teaming up might be a wise choice right about now.]


𝒲𝒾𝓁𝒹𝒸𝒶𝓇𝒹

---

[Choose your own adventure in the Fae Wilds? No way this could go sideways.]

1. - Hello Neighbor

[rosepaean]

[ The first thing that Kris had done when he had gotten to the cottage and claimed it for both himself and Will (and whomever would choose to join them from their traveling party) was to fire up the oven. And so that he did, working for a few hours to make some pastries and tarts. The kitchen happened to be stocked and there happened to be a delightful fig tree out in the back, so he had harvested a few of them and the set about doing what he did best.

Finally though, he had a series of fragrant fig tarts on the counter. He boxed a few of them up and then started to make gifts of them to the surrounding neighbors.

A knock would sound on Jill's door, and upon answering-- she would be confronted with a tall Eladrin with bright turquoise hair of which were woven beads and flowers, wearing a sleeveless tunic of bright fuscia, dark forest green trousers and holding a pink cake box, a smile upon his face of pure welcome. ]

Rainier Lutz | Original/D&D

[teddybearpicnic]

:ARRIVAL: ""

It was not surprising for Rainier to become seperated from the rest of the group. Normally this happened when 1.) he found something completely fascinating, or 2. there was a stampede of some sort that had very specifically launched themselves in a way that would bisect him from his found family. The former was more probable and this time it was the sound of a frog.

'Ribbit.. rrrrribit' and suddenly Rainier knew that there were frogs somewhere. It did not matter where they were, they were just in a place relative to where he had been standing, and so he walked. The melody of frogs had gotten closer until he saw a circle of mushrooms upon where many frogs sat, each humming a merry little tune. Without any sort of compunction for survival, he stalked through the circle toward the biggest and brightest frog to the far end of the circle.

And promptly was yeeted to strange world, with the burgeoning knowledge that 'The frogs were a lie'.

RUDE--

So here he was headed on a path and lamenting his fate. "The frogs were there, you know. Just singing their happy carefree frog song and then they were gone, and I do not know what individual promises frogs and then keeps them from you." Don't worry though, this tall redheaded man with googles on the top of his curly mop of hair and freckles scattered upon his nose, will be alright, promise.

:HAND MIRROR: "How You've Been Acting"

[ So the hand-mirror was able to send messages all across the realm, from what Rainier had determined.

Interesting; but that did not explain how it worked. And if there was anything that would lead Rainier on the path to ruin the quickest, it would be his insatiable curiosity, just because he had an insanely high intelligence level did not necessarily mean that he had the wisdom to match it. And thus, that is how he ended up looking over the mirror, giving it a rather sizeable scrutiny. Turning it in his hands while he attempted to look for any sort of opening or crease, enough to wedge a knife inside. ]

I'm an artificer, I'm good with magic items. [ He assured, however this was fairy BS and as such -- not the regular run of the mill magic item. ] I'm sure it will be fine if I try to take it apart.

[ narrator voice: it probably won't ]

:WINTER-PROOFING: "Tall and nerdy"

A little known fact was that Rainier could be 'commanded' to do things, and if phrased just right. He'd do them; it had to be a mother voice however, as that was pretty much the only type of voice he respected. (he really was a good boy, but it was also true that young child Rainier would hear his mother across the expanse of market, and he'd make a expeditious retreat from whatever he was poking his nose into-- to join back with her.

Rainier was not intrinsically bad. He did a lot of really good things for various people, just it was when that mad idea got lodged in his head. For example, right now he was easily commanded to all the chores that no one else wanted. Chopping wood? He could do that though it may take him a while, he wouldn't tire out at least if he took it slow and steady. Assisting with cooking? He could chop and dice though he had to do it slow because dexterity. And he'd air out linens, take out trash and any other chores you could devise.

And so he came up to the nearest individual and said in the most polite way possible. ] How can I help? [ Give him direct orders though, because if you told him to decide-- he would probably hate that and go off to do something self indulgent with his time; the direct approach was always better where Rainier was concerned. ]

WILD CARD

This is Nia with an entirely different character from Kris; I bring you my D&D Artificer, Rainier Lutz. He's an artellerist toymaker with a fuck around and find out sort of personality. If you need someone to conspire with you against the fairies, Rainier will do it because "SCIENCE!"-- I look forward to getting him into so much trouble, but really he's gonna do this all on his own. You can find me over at zauberdecke and I am down with either brackets or prose. Seriously, this highly nerdy badass could use some company in his shenanigans, he could also use someone to pull him OUT of them too.

Hand mirror

[edgin]

[ Edgin's been off to the side while Rainier's been looking at the hand mirror. Speaking to the fae had him find out that the hand mirrors functioned much like sending stones, except you could see the person you were talking to through it. It was a rather neat trick, if you asked him. Simon definitely would appreciate it.

The bard had pocketed his mirror quickly, then decided to sit around and watch people make fools of themselves. Insert Rainier, who took it upon himself to try and take it apart.

Oh, this was going to end poorly. Why didn't he have anything to snack on while he watched this catastrophe?

In the end, the good in him won over and Edgin sighed, much like the parent he was.] It's a magic item. It's not gonna go well if you take it apart.

Ellia Corrin | Dungeons & Dragons OC

[wardingflare]

[ arrival ]

Ellia wasn't stupid. She's heard of the Feywild before - she's part elf, after all - of stories her father would tell her of his childhood. She'd never been there, sadly; the activities of the Cult took over so many things that her family had actually wanted to do. After she was out, she made a list of things she wanted to do, aside from stopping the crazy wine aunt of an evil dragon god. Visiting the Feywild was one of them.

She hadn't stopped to think that it might happen sooner than she realized. She pinched herself to make sure this was real and not a dream - it hurt enough to know she was fully awake. The Handmaiden's words partially comprehend in her mind. Richly rewarded? Money could come in handy when trying to track the cult.

She turned her mirror over in her hands, agreeing to what they were saying. Bahamut would understand, right?

An afterthought, as she blinked her eyes and turned around. Where in the hell were her friends? "Guys?" Shit. They're gone. "Please tell me you didn't wander off!"


[ winterproofing ]

She pulls her cloak around her tighter, trying to stay warm. The village was abuzz with activity, and she wasn't sure where to lend a hand. A few of the pixies that notice she's confused start pulling on her cloak, tugging her towards one of the nearest cottages. She's tasked with helping secure some of the buildings, tending to be a bit taller than her fae counterparts.

Sadly, however, Ellia's just a bit short herself at 5'4". The parts of the roof she's trying to help winterproof are just out of reach. She turns to look over her shoulder, looking for someone near her. "You, tall person! Care to help out?"


[ santa ]

With the tiny elves wandering around, Ellia couldn't help but wonder if they were children. Curious, she stops one.

"We have to stop him from coming!"

Further information gets her that they're talking about a fae named Santa Claus, a fiendish man who works his people to the bone. It hits Ellia deep within her heart - it was a feeling she knew all too well. She nods her head to the elf she was talking to, asking him to put her to work. She's tasked with helping hang garland, making sure the holly and evergreen are hung with care.

She's an hour into it when she leans to the person next to her. "Honestly, they should just unionize. A workers guild, maybe? Even thieves have a guild."


[ wildcard ]

[Hi friends! This is Ellia, a d&d oc who is a cleric of Bahamut. I will match writing styles, so don't worry! If you don't see anything you like feel free to come up with a prompt. If you want to plot I'm on plurk at earthkingdom.]

Santa

[teddybearpicnic]

Rainier cannot help but agree with Ellia, he was also watching the curious running-abouts of the elves, he had never seen elves even behave this way however he trusted that maybe this was familiar to Ellia. "My father has always paid people a fairish wage to work at his shop, then there is the many that he has given an apprenticeship to."

Because he had heard an elf mutter under their breath about making toys 23 hours out of the day.

"Perhaps they should, perhaps you should teach them how to do that?" Honestly, Rainier had no idea how to rally people and charisma was not his strong suit. "But I think they are sending a message here.. so what do?"

Sarah Williams | Return to Labyrinth

[notimefordreams]

ARRIVAL;

[Of all people out there Sarah Williams ought to know better than to go traipsing into mushroom rings. Or forest. Or darn near anywhere vaguely mystical or mysterious. There she was though, tempting the singing mushroom ring and paying the price for it.

Luckily she heeds the implied message of not to mess with the foliage and though she sure doesn't like that deep, menacing laughter she has very little choice about the direction she goes. If it even is the right direction, that is. Just because there's a nice path of stones doesn't really mean anything, does it.

She arrives in the midst of the assembled crowd, her mirror pressed to her chest and that look of wide eyed surprise she had given the frightening Handmaiden turning into something more ... tired. Yeah, tired is a good word for it.]

The Fae Wild. Of all places, more fae.

[Why does she keep ending up in these situations?!]

WINTER PROOFING THE REALM;

[Sarah is no carpenter and not much for hunting or fishing either, particularly when talk about kelpies starts up. While she's not really a great cook either she considers preserving and helping with the food a sight easier than any of the other three choices.

She shows up to the kitchens then with hair pulled back into a bun full ready to help out. The fires are already going but she helps feed them before she moves on to help with getting jars ready for canning. She cranes her neck to look over at the things being lined up to be preserved.]

I'm no expert here but the potatoes will probably take the longest. Or maybe the pumpkin?

GLIMPSES OF THE WINTER COURT;

[Sarah takes a moment to wrap her cardigan tighter around her body. There's no snow just yet but it won't be long and while the communal cottage behind her is warm and inviting she's out here getting a bit of fresh air to try and clear her head. It's been a rush ending up here and just ... existing really that she hasn't had much time to thoroughly process it. She used to be so good about thinking on her feet and now look at her.

It's pretty peaceful too until that braying starts up. She sighs out then and begins to turn back to the cottage. If anyone pokes their head out or has stepped out to join her she'll give them a slight quirked grin.]

Sounds like the Erlking is out hunting. It'd probably be better to go back inside.

WILDCARD;

[Feel free to hit me up with any ideas you might have! PMs are open to plotting as needed.

Winter Court

[ipreferspooky]

[Wednesday finds a bit of a perverse pleasure in listening to the howls of the hounds and the shouts of the hunters as they make their way through the woods. It's only a shame she can't be one of their number.

Perhaps it would help her with her writing to have an experience like that. But that sounds too much like something Dr Kinbott might have recommended before she was ripped to shreds by Tyler. She's not comfortable with that thought.

When the woman speaks, Wednesday turns to look at her, expressionless.]

You're familiar with the story of the Erlking then. It sounds like a gruesome symphony.

Astarion Ancunín | Baldur's Gate 3 | OTA

[promisenottobite]

[ooc: I'm somewhat undecided regarding canon point but I have completed his companion quest in Act 3 so I am leaning somewhat towards that.]

☙ Arrival ☙

[Having found himself in a strange place, he knows better than to out himself. His companions back home may be understanding of his condition but that was not so true of most. Vampires were not exactly welcomed in most mixed company. No, it was best to keep a low profile. He'll just pocket his mirror for now, thank you very much.]

What exactly is the amount of these 'riches' we're being promised? Gold? Jewels? Riches can mean a lot of things, darling.

[Casually, he examines his nails, painting the picture of one very beautiful elf who is also very bored. He doesn't seem too bothered by suddenly being brought to some strange place, surrounded by fairies. The fairy bit is actually very intriguing to him.]

☙ Winter Proofing The Realm ☙

[Don't mind him just turning on the charm. He can and will get out of doing all of this winter preparation. Manual labor could break his nails, okay.]

I think there is plenty enough help here without my lifting a finger. However, if anyone needs help killing something that is an entirely different matter.

[He leans against the nearest wall, watching while others do various labors and he doesn't lift a single finger.]

Do hurry along, darling. I'm sure carrying all of those supplies is very helpful and you wouldn't want to slow yourself down now.

[Him? He'll just watch and mock people. See? He's helping.]

Arrival

[gulfcoastkelpie]

Have you ever tried dealing with the Fae before?

[The woman that questioned him appeared to be human, but there was something a bit off about her. A delicate necklace hung around her neck, a chain made of delicate looking flowers. Long dark hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail to keep it out of her face.]

You're not likely to get a straight answer outta them.

[She had an odd accent. It was country, but it was hard to pin down just where.]

[chaosandkindness]

🦄Arrival🦄
(Jester has no self preservation skills. She smiles at the being, knowing she should probably be scared, but she just tricked a Hag, so suck it. She accepts the mirror happily.)

Why thank you. You seem like a real nice lady.

(She looks at the mirror, studying it carefully. She stops, looking around.)

Are there any pastries, here?

🦄Winter proofing🦄
[Looking at Jester, you wouldn't think that she would be strong enough to weild such an ax, but there is more to her than meets the eye.]

There has to be an easier way to do this. Is anyone listening? Can we use spells?

(She is a curious little teifling.)

🦄Here comes Santa Claus🦄
(Jester didn't know who this Santa Claus being was, but as she walked around, looking through shop windows, it was like she had died and gone to heaven. She wanted to touch but just barely refrained.)

Are we getting pastries for Solstice?

(She really hoped so.)

Winter proofing

[makingmyway]

[ Honestly, Dorian isn't all that surprised to see someone like Jester wielding an axe so well. He's met plenty of people who are deceptively strong.

He can't help a soft snort as she questions the air, though, bringing down his own axe. ]

Either no one's listening, or they're ignoring us.

[ Believe him, he's been complaining for a good while. ]

Nicollette Abernethy || Original

[gulfcoastkelpie]

Arrival

I'd rather just go back home.

[The young southern half-Kelpie would rather not deal with the Fae. Her mother warned her not to go into the circles or to make deals with them. The last thing she needed was to become a pack horse for the Fae.

Still, she read the writing and glanced around.]

Could be worse though...


Winter Proofing the Relm

[If there was one thing that Nikki was good at, it was cooking. The scent of berries wafted out of a cracked window as she worked on making jams, jellies and preserves out of fresh fruit that was brought to her. She hummed softly to herself as she sanitized jars and mixed diffefrent pots.

Her door was open and she didn't bite. Feel free to bring her jars or more ingredients.]


Here Comes Santa Claus

[Again, the half-Kelpie woman is cooking. She's got several recipes written in messy shorthand on cards just in case. Instead of making jams or jellies, she's baking cakes. Anyone sneaking in trying to find a break from the manual labor will be put to work helping her mix and pour batter into pans and put into the oven.]

(OOC: Info in her journal. She's a modern, half-kelpie that's doing her best to keep that little bit secret. for now)

[ipreferspooky]

[Could it be worse? Really? The little storm cloud in black next to you would very much disagree.]

I fail to see how. We've been told that we're stuck here and that we are going to be used as entertainment by fickle beings. That sounds awful.

[To be fair, she's used to being the fickle one. She doesn't really care for this reverse in circumstances.]

Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier | MCU

[worthallthis]

I. Arrival (and Fear)

The asset doesn't care about riches. Frankly, he doesn't care about much besides avoiding recapture, whether by the stupid former target's people, or, much worse, his people. He'd stumbled on the ring of mushrooms entirely by accident, swatting at his the air in anxious annoyance, trying to run from the weird singing.

The path makes him nervous, it's too exposed, and he attempts to slip into the foliage-- to predictable and unpleasant results. It takes him a while to show up for his mirror, and even then he hangs back, not meeting anyone's eyes, gaze darting around in search of some kind of explanation for all this that isn't hallucinating because he hasn't eaten or slept more than an hour at a time in several days.

Frankly, that's probably the explanation he's going to settle on, at least for a while, especially because his arm feels Weird, as a lot of the wiring has been replaced with more magical components, and any steel has been replaced with silver, and he no longer has the power of the serum to help him carry it. Thank goodness the main component is a titanium alloy, so it doesn't look different, and isn't really any heavier...


II. Winter Proofing with the Winter Soldier

He takes the strange mission because it means they give him knives. He has felt pretty naked without any of them, up until now. And, really, the mission probably isn't that strange. He's sent out to kill people all the time. Killing animals isn't that much different. It just doesn't come with the usual prep, and no one tries to stick him in a Chair.

That's a state of affairs he'd like to continue, even if it means no guns, and killing deer and rabbits and whatever else he comes across that his brain calls "edible". Anyone paired up with him, or just following along with him, will have a quiet and kind of skittish hunting companion, but he's not unfriendly, and he's endlessly patient with anyone who doesn't know what they're doing but are still trying to help. He'll even offer little bits of instruction, particularly for things like field-dressing and how to hold that dagger.

He stops now and then to crouch and frown at a spot on the ground. Something tells him he knows how to set snares, but he doesn't know why. Might be worth it to try, though.

"Do you have string," he asks his hunting partner.


III. Ice Trolls are Cool Actually

The asset spends a lot of time up trees, watching the fae traveling across the realm with fascinated interest. The ice trolls in particular he follows along behind, trying to get an idea of how the hell they even work, though the Hunt he avoids with real fear. He has already been someone's attack dog. It's not a pleasant experience.

At the glimpse of the horns and the sound of the hounds, even from up in his tree, he makes shushing motions at anyone nearby, eyes a little wider and expression slightly more worried than his usual non-expression.


IV. Santa Claus What?

Asking questions has, historically, not gone well for the asset. So when he gets pressed into hanging garlands and wreaths, he simply accepts it as what he's supposed to be doing now. He obligingly climbs onto roofs to hook the things up, holds up ribbons for others to cut and tie into bows, and stands very still while holding up small elves for them to do the same.

Ice Trolls are Cool Actually

[makingmyway]

Dorian hadn't expected to still be out so late, but time somehow had slipped away from him. He'd just been heading back to his cottage when movement catches his eye and he glances up to see a mysterious figure making frantic gestures at him.

It's only a little before then that he hears the sounds of dogs, and he realizes that he might be in a bit of trouble.

Jack Benjamin | Kings

[theonlyrealthing]

I. Arrival from the Wrong Mythology

Jack's world doesn't have fairy rings. It has butterfly crowns and prophetic visions and a demanding God, but not fairy rings. So when the song of power lures him into the ring of mushrooms, promising him the kingdom at last, he's-- surprised. And confused. And very leery of the twitching foliage.

He follows the path, meets the fae and boggles at them a while, accepts his mirror, and wonders if maybe he's finally gone a little mad.

But he's polite, at least. He's a prince. He knows how to be diplomatic even when the people he's talking to have leaves and feathers in their hair and their clothes look like they belong in some crazy fantasy story.


II. Hunting and Scavenging

While Jack has spent plenty of time in the wilderness, usually it was with plenty of army rations rather than having to hunt his own food. And he has no idea how to use this dumb bow and quiver of arrows they gave him. So he's actually spending more time practicing with that than actually shooting animals for food, and scavenging for edible-looking fruits and tubers in the woods when his arms get tired.

Of course, if someone else comes around his patch of woods while he's practicing, they might get an arrow whizzing by their head. "Watch out!" Jack exclaims, somewhere between annoyed and a little guilty. He hadn't even heard them coming.


III. No Santa Claus Either

For all Jack's world looks at least superficially like Earth, the histories are wildly divergent. There is no Christmas. There is no Santa Claus. So the words are just a name, and when he asks the elves about the goal here, he's just baffled in general.

"Why would things that have to do with this man make him go away?" he asks. "Wouldn't that bring him closer, instead?"

II

[ipreferspooky]

Wednesday wasn't very pleased about her current situation. It was one thing when she was shipped off to a school with a murderous monster. That, she could handle, as everyone and Nevermore Academy learned. Of course, she lived her life being displeased, so this was fairly onbrand, even if it was overly... bright. Enid, her friend, would have loved the colors and all of the brightness, but... It made her skin crawl.

However, taking a walk in the woods, she could get away from the more obnoxious parts of this strange village. When she hears the arrow whizzing through the air, she reaches up her hand and catches it without blinking. The shouting voice catches her attention and she turns her head sharply. "Bend your elbow, relax your fingers, and keep your feet closer together."

Bob the Skull |The Dresden Files | ota

[harrys_skull]

Arrival

"Well if you want me back who am I to say no," the tall pale man says with an amused smile. He's fairly sure Mab is up to something with this ploy, but he's willing to wander around and try to figure out what was up.

Winter Proofing the Realm

Bob willing agrees to help and can be found carefully handling more delicate food items preserving them carefully almost like he's done this before. But just because he's working rather intensely doesn't mean the pale strange man isn't watching his fellow workers carefully.

Here Comes Santa

Bob knew Klaus was dangerous. You don't have as many names as that particular Fae does and not have the reputation to back it all up. So he can be found scrounging any shiny trinkets and babels for the elves.

crowley | good omens

[goodtobebad]

arrival;

If this is a dream, it's the weirdest one I've had in a while, good job, me.

[ He says that with studied nonchalance, but there's a slight tightness around his mouth that a keen observer might make note of. It's not so much fear as it is a touch of annoyance, or maybe frustration. ]

And if this is real, I can't say I appreciate being someone else's plaything. I quit my last job because I was sick of it.

winter proofing;

[ Crowley is tall, dark, and grouchy. Sunglasses perpetually on his face, arms crossed over his chest, a scowl on his lips. He surveys one of the disgustingly adorable little homes in the area. Eventually, he points. ]

S'pose that could do with some repairs. If only some of us had our powers back!

[ Yes, he is absolutely going to bitch about not having his powers. He may bitch so much the fae just give some of them back to him to shut him the fuck up about it. ]

here comes santa claus?

[ The moment someone tries to hand him a sparkly bauble of any kind, his mouth turns up in a sneer. ]

Ohhhhhh no, nope, this is crossing the line! Absolutely not, I may not have my powers, I may have been kidnapped to another dimension, but I am a demon with self-respect.

[ Or wildcard! Drop a starter of some sort and I'll run with it! ]

here comes santa claus

[charmperson]

[Oh now that's quite the reaction to just a little bit of sparkle. Trystan can't help an amused laugh.]

Demon, huh? Didn't realize sparkles were so anti-infernal. I'll have to remember that.

[And sure a demon. Why not? Tryst hasn't had much dealings with the Hells, but it takes all kinds. Probably.]

Orym of the Air Ashari | Critical Role |

[halfling_dad]

Arrival

The halfling considers the offer and sighs. "Doesn't look like I have much of a choice do I," he asks not really expecting an answer to the question. "Point me where I'm needed most and I'll help...doesn't mean I have to like it through."

Winter proofing

Oyrm doesn't hesitate to jump in and help when asked despite getting a few side eyes due to his size. Those side eyes vanish as the little halfling pulls his weight. He can be found chopping wood, fixing houses and carrying whatever needs to be carried. It's clear he's not apposed to hard work no matter who is asking him to do it.

Arrival

[makingmyway]

Dorian is still trying to process everything they've been told, everything that's happened so far, while trying not to panic about finding himself in the Fae Wild without the rest of the Crown Keepers.

He's debating about asking whether it was possible to contact the people they left behind, though somehow he rather doubts it, when he freezes in his tracks at the sight of an all-too familiar figure.

"...Orym?"

ARRival

[chaosandkindness]

Jester snorts softly from where she is standing observing Orym. "Nope, but I'm hoping that they will let us stop soon. I'm hungry," She exclaimed moving towards Orym.

"Hi, I'm Jester. Who are you? Do you like pastries?"

Re: ARRival

[halfling_dad]

Oyrm smiles at the tefling. "I'm a little hungry too," he says pausing a moment to let his joke land.

He holds his hand out. "I'm Oyrm and I like pastries just fine. Nice to meet you Jester."

Matt Murdock | Marvel Television

[sine_metu]

Arrival

It’s the lack of sensation that startles Matt the most. His world is dark. It’s always dark but there’s no reassuring flashes of flame in his senses. The world on fire and flood of sensory information he’s used to is… gone. There’s darkness.

He’s not senseless. Luckily. It’s exactly like when he first lost his sight. Before the chemicals pushed his other senses into overdrive. It is incredibly disorienting.

A woman is kindly explaining things about fairies, riches, and helping out. Something is pushed into his hands and after feeling over the surface Matt figures out it’s a mirror. He almost drops it because mirrors are pointless even with his stronger senses. The woman insists though and makes sure it stays in his hand.

“And, of course, we’ll make sure you have help!” She claps her hand and Matt feels something buzz past his head with a little tinkle of laughter. “This pixie will make sure you get to where you need to be. Oh, one more thing before you go.”

A smooth… stick is given to him. It’s clearly wood but sanded down so it’s easy to hold. Matt taps around with it for a bit and it’s close to his cane but stiffer. Better than nothing until he can figure out where he is and why he’s lost his senses.

“Thank you,” he says because the nuns raised him well even if he’s confused and still a bit disoriented.

The pixie tugs on his hand to get Matt moving. He taps the stick ahead of him, learning more and more as he goes. Unpaved street. Muffled sounds. Snow. Cold. Buildings around him given how the sound bounces they’re probably wood.

Matt is remembering how to navigate the world without super senses as he makes his way through the village, occasionally nudged by a pixie but it’s slow going.

—

Winter Proofing the Realm

They’ve given Matt a fairly simple task, much to his frustration. Whatever it is about this place that dampens his senses back to normal it makes Matt restless and eager to prove he can still handle work, real work. Admittedly, even if he had his senses he would still operate like a normal blind person but he’s not used to the limitations yet.

He sits on a bench with a basket of walnuts on his right side lightly touching his thigh so he knows where it is. There’s another basket between his feet full of shells. On his left is the third basket with the actual walnuts freed from their shells.

A simple, easy task that a few of the elderly are doing as well. Matt assumes they’re elderly given the sound of their voices which are deeper and rougher. Whomever handed him the nutcracker had wrinkled hands, skin soft and delicate with age. As he works he’s listening to them talk about the coming winter, taking in as much information as possible.

He stops when he feels the weight on the bench change meaning someone has sat down with him. Matt turns his head in their direction.

“Just need a minute to rest?” he asks because there’s a lot going on. The noisescape beyond the gossiping elderly tells him that though it’s difficult to distinguish the fine details. Matt really misses his stronger senses.

—

Glimpses of the Winter Court

“What’s going on?” Matt asks, both hands clasped around his walking stick.

He can hear horses and dogs. It sounds like a lot of them. The vibrations coming through his walking stick also tell him it’s a large gathering of people. There’s a change in the air that’s harder to quantify as well.

Things feel… tense. Even with the noise there’s a reverent and fearful… silence around him. Whatever is happening with this large group it’s made people uneasy.

Matt rubs his fingers against his walking stick as he feels his own sense of anxiety. The feeling is a flash of helplessness for a second. Matt takes a deep breath and pushes it away. He is not helpless without his senses. Stick trained him better than that. He needs to focus and adapt but he is not helpless.

“It sounds like something important?” he asks the person nearest him. “Or is it just rush hour traffic?”

He flashes a smile, probably coming across as earnest and a little bit dorky both of which are true. If Foggy was around he’d be narrating things for Matt which helped immensely. His pixie helper doesn’t really talk much, just directs him when he needs it. He needs to rely on other people for details of the world around him.

Hopefully, whomever he’s talking to is willing to engage a stranger in conversation.

—

Here Comes Santa Claus(e)
The jingling is a little annoying because it’s hard to hear past it but Matt’s doing what he does best and that’s talk. He thinks there’s three or four of the elves around him, listening to him talk about labor laws.

This realm doesn’t have them but what he knows about fairies from fairy tales is that they like deals and wordplay. Matt, as a lawyer, also likes those things. He makes a living arguing. There’s no law library to read here but he’s studied enough cases in law school.

“A labor union is an organization that represents the collective interests of the workers in negotiations with employers,” Matt explains. “The goal is to maintain or improve the conditions of employment. An organized workforce has more power than the owners of the business. His entire profit margin comes from your labor. What happens when you take that labor away?”

A collective murmur goes through the elves.

“Unfortunately, you can no longer form a union because you’ve left the organization but if you can somehow get word to the elves that are still working for Santa Claus I might be able to help them organize and negotiate better terms.”

Another murmur, this one disappointed. And then a voice shouts about getting back to work. An elf shoves what feels and smells like a garland of evergreen into Matt’s hands. Elves scatter and someone comes stomping past, muttering about lazy good for nothing helpers.

Matt makes an attempt to hang the garland around his door but he’s having some trouble and the elves are busy elsewhere. Hopefully talking about labor organization.

—

Wildcard

Feel free to drop a different starter if you want a thread with Matt.

Glimpses of the Winter Court

[rosepaean]

If there was someone here standing alongside the Eladrin, well it would achieve one valuable thing and that was to take his mind off the bitter sting of winter and memories of that dark time within his cycle of Seasons. So as the other man asked for descriptions of what was before him, the sound of jingles and the baying of hounds, he would rest a steadying hand on Matt's forearm and then he spoke, a voice like hot cocoa-- comforting and warm.

"There is not too much surprise, in fact there is a bit of retreating going on from the surrounding fae." in the distance, slamming doors that echoed in the space of audible just underneath the noise of action, and the scent of snow grew sharper even though not even a speck of snow had fallen as of yet.

"Although we are sheltered within some trees, and as such we have escaped noticed." he said this with a patient smile that could be sensed within the words, it was the tone that was conveyed simply; and because Kristophe did not sense any immediate danger, that was why he did not make any move to walk away. There was the howl of transformation as one of the Fae is caught, and it catches like a whistle through the air-- and that metamorphizes seamlessly into the barking of a hound who is then hooked up to the sled by some attendants.

Wednesday Addams | Wednesday

[ipreferspooky]

Arrival

[It should not have surprised her that somehow she'd end up somewhere even worse than Nevermore. Taking a walk in the forest behind the Addams' home had always given her the much needed break from torturing Pugsley or listening to her parents' unnecessary and over the top displays of affection. Generally, that would be a sign of overcompensation, but she suspected that Gomez and Morticia Addams truly did love one another that much, and that was more frightening than all the murderous Hydes and insane teachers sent her way.

The ring of mushrooms was enchanting and that was the only way that Wednesday could justify walking through it. No doubt she would hate herself later as any self-respecting writer would. Of course, that doesn't stop her from hating this now.]

What sort of color hell have I stepped into? Thing? [She looks around, braids swinging like whips ready to lash anyone who gets close.] Enid?

Glimpses of the Winter Court

[When she strays into the woods where the howling is coming from and a giant horned man on horseback approaches, Wednesday doesn't even blink.]

You must be the Erlking. [She bows her head formally out of respect.] It's rather late in the season for a hunt, but do you need another to join you?

[Of course she'd join the dangerous faery. Of course.]

Here Comes Santa Claus

[To say that Wednesday has been turned into an elf more than once would be an understatement. Discontent with being small and defenseless, she finally cracks and pushes her way to a table where another person is putting together handcrafted decorations.]

I am being forced to help in this endeavor. Tell me what it is you're doing so that we can get this over with quickly.

[Sweet, right?]

Wildcard

[OOC: Want something else? Let me know. You can reach me on plurk at nothlir or write your own starter!]

Arrival, i'm not sorry

[edgin]

[It was never a dull moment in Faerun. One minute you were heading through a forest trying to get to your next destination, and the next moment, poof, you're in the Feywild. Naturally, tears in the planes were common, not that Edgin really knew that. Simon or Doric would have told him that, which then would lead him to wonder how he could get back.

Unfortunately however, the little fae people who he had been talking to informed him there was no such way to do so until such time that they were allowed. What a crock of owlbear shit.]

Welcome to the realm of the fae, kid. [Edgin himself looks unimpressed, but dressed well enough to fit in.] They've decided to upgrade from kidnapping children to anyone they can get their hands on.

Diluc Ragnvindr | Genshin Impact

[searingwing]

Arrival

[Autumn.

It is a time of year that brings with it a current of nostalgia and a yearning for better days. Less so as the years go by and his ties to his old friends grow stronger. But it will never go away.

Grief never goes away entirely.

He stares at the silver mirror in his hands and up at his surroundings. The address to where he will be staying is there. He taps it once and if someone approaches,] Do you know where the tree houses are? I just arrived and this place is…very unusual.

Winter proofing

[A tall, red haired man kneels down at the edge of a cellar and runs his hands carefully over the wood frame that forms the top of the tunnel down.] We need to replace some of the timber here and further down. It won’t seal properly.

[He looks to the rest of the group and motions for them to follow him down the stairs. He moves carefully, checking each stair. He walks across the floor. He checks barrels and crates.

Hanging herbs and cheese wheels. Then he nods to himself and turns.] There is no damage in here. The stairs need replacing with similar lumber. It won’t affect the alcohol sealed in the barrels. They’re well contained.

Winter proofing, part 2

[While not with the hunting parties, Diluc assists with moving plants inside and getting them settled. Or found with his sleeves rolled up, chopping wood with only some effort.

Without the deceptive layers of his coat and sleeves in the way, he is covered in a spidering of scars.

Or one might find him taking stock of what is brought in and glancing at the fires set up for preserving certain food stores. There is a hint of frustration and longing in his eyes. Regardless, if one calls for helping moving something he comes over without complaint.]

Here comes Santa Claus

And you are doing this because?

[There’s a pause as he listens then he nods. He peels off his coat and folds it over his arm.] I’ll help. May I see what recipes you’re using for baking?

[Or, if one is joining the kitchen. A hand writing copy of the recipes is offered to you by a man that looks at home in the kitchen. Everything is bustling around him but he seems rather calm.] Welcome, thank you for your assistance.

I’m sure we can work at a less hurried pace with you helping out. [Or one might find him, off to one side just outside. He tends to his arm with a frown on his face. He waves off any elf that offers to help.] Tend to your tasks, I have this. I’ll get back to it soon.

[If he thinks no one is looking he sighs and says,] …another unspoken price of the gods.

Wildcard
[Got an idea? Want a custom starter? Pm me, and we can work it out!]

Here comes Santa Claus

[teddybearpicnic]

[ Rainier was actually used to assisting his mother in the kitchen-- on the road, it was Ellia. So as Diluc starts giving out directives, Rainier is actually pretty obedient standing there waiting for something. }

I can slice, I can dice, I can stir and flip. You name it, I've probably done it.

[ His mother did believe in making him a well-rounded man, so his chores in the kitchen had just been as plentiful as his chores within the rest of the house. ]