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SEPTEMBER + OCTOBER + NOVEMBER TDM.
● ● ● T D M . 0 7
The words ring in your ears as in the darkness of your dream, a purple glow blooms, slowly enveloping you. It is not a feeling of comfort that surrounds you, though — as a distorted voice whispers in your ear, you feel it: cold dread, and a sudden certainty that everything is about to be irrevocably changed.
It is to this daunting realization that you wake, and as your heart slows into something resembling a normal tempo, you notice something you should have noticed immediately: you are not in your bed.
1.0 White walls, clinical yet clean, sparsely-furnished rooms. You may wake in one of three rooms: a room with only one bed, a room with two beds, or a room with four beds. Those waking up in rooms with more than one bed notice that they are very much not alone. Perhaps the other occupants of the room are still sleeping, dreaming the same dream as you just did, or a regular one after returning to the station just barely a week ago … or perhaps you wake to the other person in the room watching you.
What you do is entirely up to you: yell in surprise when you wake to someone staring at you? Or maybe you’ll try to sneak away before anyone notices you...
2.0 Those with life-threatening injuries find themselves awakening in the infirmary, in a regular hospital bed. Most of their injuries have been treated, and any lingering illnesses or conditions will have designated medicine bottles on the table next to the bed.
White curtains surround the bed on both sides, giving an illusion of privacy. But is that a rustling sound you hear? Some footsteps? Perhaps you’re not the only one in need of some medical attention... or you've attracted the attention of those with experience in medical aid, and they rush to your bedside, surprised about this sudden new patient.
It is not just for your injuries that you may want some company, but also for leaving the infirmary — you can’t stay there forever, after all, and will have to make your way through the hallways of the station to the living quarters, and claim a room and a bed there.
Once you’re up, you may notice there’s something in your ear: an earpiece that, when you become aware of it, quickly runs you through the instructions for how to use the network, a recorded message by a female voice that explains exactly why you’re here… and leaves you with a map of the station.
So what else is there to do but to explore? Best get to know what is now your new home.
3.0 When trying to decide where yo go, you may find your way to the armory, where you can try to work the machine there to make yourself a weapon — perhaps to replace one that didn’t come with you to the station… or maybe you want to be prepared for the future. The recently-returned team members will surely recommend having a functional weapon with you.
4.0 After you’ve exhausted yourself training, it’s time to grab a bite. For that, you should head to the kitchen, which is equipped with all the basic appliances you might need, and ingredients for most regular dishes.
5.0 A welcome reprieve to the cold, dark space that surrounds the characters can be found in the sunlight room. A skillful illusion surrounds anyone who steps inside the room: you can hear the trilling of birds, feel a light breeze caress your skin as you walk through a grass field. The illusion has been programmed to reflect the seasons — the leaves in the trees are currently bright with all the colours of autumn: orange and red and yellow; and the air is crisp and clean. If you follow the path, you'll be led to a bridge rising over a sparkling, babbling brook, a few fallen leaves floating on the water and falling around you like very bright raindrops.
With an illusion so authentic you can almost taste the pumpkin spice, it is easy to forget you are in space at all. Perhaps that gives you comfort, or just makes you miss the real nature all the more.
6.0 If you’d rather choose tinkering over nature, the lab is guaranteed to provide you with some entertainment. Glass vials and jars of chemicals sit on shelves in a surprisingly beautiful display of colour on one side of the room, while the other side of the room contains stacks of boxes containing assorted equipment: cords, bolts, panels, buttons, gears, gadgets, gizmos, and thingamabobs. The downside is that the parts available seem to have no apparent method to their sorting. So get digging, and you may just find exactly what you need to make what you’ve always wanted to make!
7.0 As you wander back towards the common areas, you may notice there seems to be a room there that hasn't previously existed... not that you, a newcomer, would be able to tell. The room takes up a chunk of the common area, and on its unassuming door is a little plaque that reads, 'The Ximusic room'. Should you enter, you will find a sound-proofed practice room that contains — yes, you guessed it, band equipment that even the most musically inclined should be satisfied with. So pick up an instrument, saunter up to the microphone to belt out your favourite tunes, or take a seat at the side of the room and enjoy others' playing.
8.0 If it’s items you’re lacking, though, some time after your arrival, the earpiece alerts you to a new message.
But something strange happens, then — the message turns into an incomprehensible jumble of sounds: at first, it is just static; then, whirring noises follow, as if something rewinding... and then, there's a knock.
Silence.
Another knock.
A sweet, lilting voice poses the question, the words sounding as if through a filter — soon after, a woman's laugh follows, lingering as its echoes fade away slowly.
After that, some may decide it's best to not look at the supply drop at all, while others may be even more curious — but as you make your way to the platform, you'll see there is nothing amiss in the neat piles of items on it. There’s clothes, shoes, dishware, skincare, books… even a couple of CDs, and a few cute stuffed animals. So sort through what there is and grab what you want, before someone else does!
For those on the antsier side, maybe a trip to the simulation room is just the thing to address all that restlessness. Here you’ll find a preprogrammed mission to get those orb-snatching skills of yours in tip-top shape.
Fortunately, the simulation gods have decided to smile down upon you this time around; there’ll be no need to search for the orb, you already know exactly where it is: in the hands of the High King of Selrahines. The good news? His Highestness has already graciously agreed to part with the orb. The bad news? He requires a bit of a favor first…
Every year, High King Ghythih celebrates his awakening day with a party. But not just any party. For three days and three nights, the entire kingdom of Selrahines rejoices His Noblestness’ life with drinking, dancing and debauchery — the most anticipated and talked about party of the entire Gamga Galaxy. Everyone in the cosmos is invited, which is good because everyone in the cosmos wants to attend.
Now if it weren’t for that pesky assassination attempt, everything would be perfect! You see, just two weeks prior, His Royalestness received a warning that this year’s awakening day celebration would be His last. Obviously, that absolutely must not happen because talk about a killjoy. Be good dears and thwart His would-be assassins, would you? Then the orb’s all yours.
9.0 Even though you’re here for a job, you’re still expected to dress up for the occasion. Ghythih has offered you full access to the royal tailors, but if you don’t mind off-the-rack, Selrahines has many boutiques and shops in the merchant district. Go big! Go bold! Just don’t upstage the High King, or He’ll have you thrown in the dungeons. (No, really.)
10.0 During the three day celebration there is plenty to do. The first two days serve as primers, consisting of street celebrations that close down all four roads leading up to the capital. Up in the north you’ll find the carnival, where a menagerie of exotic and dangerous animals from neighboring planets are showcased and — should you happen to know the right people — put up for sale. Over on the west is for the theater crowd, where plays are put on depicting all of the High King’s conquests and achievements throughout his 800 years of being awakened. Across that to the east is for those who prefer to be part of the action; riches and fame can be won during tournaments of jousting, melees, spell-weaving and pageantry. And finally down south, by the lowlight district, are where the sinners thrive and the saints go to forget their values. Here, everything and anything is not only allowed, but encouraged.
11.0 The main event, of course, is the High King’s Gala. For the entirety of the third day, the castle’s expansive ballroom opens its gilded doors to all who wish to celebrate Him. Here there are live bands, delectable foods and a dancefloor that never seems to feel too crowded, no matter how many attend. The atmosphere of the ballroom is effortlessly jovial and contagiously hedonistic — literally. The High King hates a party pooper, see, so nearly every inch of the ballroom is enchanted to encourage celebration; sometimes it’s a melody in a song that gets your feet moving, or the bubblies in your drink that have you smiling wide, or maybe it’s that pastry you snuck a bite of in between polite smiles making you feel warm all over. Whatever it takes, the longer you stay in the ballroom, you will have fun.
(—but “fun” is pretty subjective, isn’t it? Hopefully your idea of fun doesn’t ruin the party…)
12.0 But hey, don’t forget you have a job to do. Enjoy the festivities all you want, but remember you have to ensure the High King’s survival and the capture of His assassin(s). As His special guests, you have full access to every part of the castle and all the authority you could want to question anyone and everyone. Of course, that doesn’t mean everyone’s okay with that so you may find a couple of citizens and guests less than thrilled about being questioned when they’re just trying to have a good time. Remember, the High King isn’t a fan of Draduak Downers, so covertness is key here.
● ● ●
N O T E: Additionally, personal tasks are provided to each character as they enter the simulation. In-game, each character will be given one task. For the purposes of the test drive, we’re leaving it to players to pick a task from the following list for their character and run with it.
A Pretend to be (or become) inebriated and make a scene.
B Ask three strangers to dance.
C Reveal to a teammate an embarrassing story of your past.
For those looking to do something a little less involved, there is always the training room — though there’s something off about it this time around. What is normally a large, mostly empty room lined with benches and wall racks to hold weapons now resembles more of the simulation room upon entering.
Try to fiddle with the control panel as much as you want, but nothing seems to set the room back to the way it was. Seems like the only way out is to let the simulation play through, but rather than any of the preprogrammed missions the simulation room is known for, these simulations draw on all of this team’s previous missions, as if you yourself were a part of it.
Seems you’re on an unexpected walk down the orbers’ memory lane… Maybe you’ll get lucky and someone will act as your tour guide.
• MISSION FILE: BRASS DEVIL — Bright lights, extravagance, and liquor-soaked evenings keep the city of Braccia alive. Three crime families rule the streets, and if you want to get anywhere here, you have to make nice with them. They may play nice on the surface, but there's something tense pulling at the heart of the city... Can you figure out what it is?
• MISSION FILE: THE SLEEPER — To sleep is but to dream; at least, that's what they say, but the inhabitants of Kilnan may not agree. A strange sleeping illness has taken over the kingdom and no one can figure out why. To make matters worse, the royal wizard, Remi, is unresponsive. How will these sleeping beauties save their kingdom from ruin?
• MISSION FILE: BAD COMPANY — Welcome to Scorpion's Bend, the wild west with a curious and melancholy twist. Something isn't right about this place, but you can't figure out just what it is. There's bandits wandering around looking for some kind of fortune, so you might want to avoid them. Oh, and, be wary of the food.
• MISSION FILE: UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS — A tale as old as time: "good" vs "evil," up vs down. Giva is a world steeped deeply in tradition and culture, so it stands to reason that the afterlife would be, too. Taeum is where the "good" souls go, Sedorum is where the "bad" souls go... or so everyone's been told. But, it won't take long for you to realize something isn't quite right about that distinction.
• MISSION FILE: 4:50 TO VREFESEA — Productivity and innovation have been the hot topic of Novis Nox lately, as new and amazing things are being produced in a way that almost seems like magic. If that was even a concept the locals understood, anyway. Craemore and Vrefesea are separated by a vast ocean and traveled between by train, usually easily with no interruption. And yet, suddenly, you find yourself in the middle of a family whodunnit. Hopefully, you can make it out of the finger-pointing.
• MISSION FILE: THE FOX & THE HARE — E-23b is a city on the brink of mass destruction, and yes, it's because of the government. A revolution is set to break, and you can help them. There's something deeply personal about this mission, and best discovered by connecting with The Fables. Can you manage to assist and help them begin to rebuild? Or will everything fall apart?
• MISSION FILE: WISH FULL — Qruria City is one of the many kingdoms scattered throughout the world of Xrisora, a beautiful place with a well-loved monarchy. There are new things to learn, new things to meet, and hopefully, you're not afraid of the ocean...
F Y I
• This TDM takes place during the downtime between missions from the middle of September to the rest of the year.
• TDM threads can be used as samples for apps. In fact, we encourage it!
• Reserves open on September 20 at 6PM GMT!
• Apps open September 25 and will remain open until September 30.
• For any questions regarding TDM, please direct them here. For questions about the game, please refer to the FAQ.
FOR SOME FUN:
Have a clue for October's mission:
no subject
[ Well, that explains some of why Dean's so affected by his arrival. It's concerning, also, that Castiel's last encounter with Dean as he remembers it was only hours ago. And after a year of trying to accomplish whatever it is they're asking of him, Dean, of all people, hasn't managed it? The foreboding feeling Castiel has only deepens.
Though it's good to hear that Dean's made friends and gathered items that bring him joy, despite the trauma he's obviously endured. Things like that are important to Dean. ]
I'm glad to hear that whoever it is that's responsible for bringing us here as at least has seen it fit to keep you comfortable.
[ Because Dean mentioned it, and Castiel's curiosity will wear at him not to know— ]
Who is your new roommate?
[ You really missed this huh Dean ]
no subject
[ He guides them closer to the exit, slinging an arm around Cas' shoulders, a surprised laugh bubbling up out of his chest, something heavy feeling like it's been lifted, even if only a fraction. ]
You, duh. Who else?
[ There's no one else he'd be willing to let into his room permanently. ]
no subject
If you're sure that I won't, ah... interfere in any way.
[ Like Castiel is going to be stalking around in Dean's room anyway, but he wouldn't want to go and make it weird by being visible while Dean is... involved. He knows how much Dean values his privacy. Though, speaking of— ]
I take it Sam isn't here.
[ Surely they'd be sharing a room if he were, if Dean's willing to share a room with the likes of Castiel. Obviously he'd prefer his brother's company, if it were available. Or Lisa's. That seems like pertinent information, so Castiel mentions it now rather than wait to find out Dean's memories of the time he left later one. ]
The last memory I have before arriving here was seeing you on Lisa Braeden's doorstep.
[ Give or take. ]
no subject
[ They'll have to share a bed, not that Cas sleeps.
...He doesn't think. It could be different here, he's not sure. Who knows. ]
No Sam. [ Sam would have his own damn room if he were here, but Cas...well. Cas is Dean's, as selfish as that is. He wants his angel near. Within sight, in earshot - not just prayershot. ]
You saw that? [ The moment at his weakest, most vulnerable, after Cas gave him some cheap ass 'tHiS iS wHaT yOu WanTeD' bullshit? ] Last I remember we were having dinner. It was a few months after, y'know.
no subject
Alright.
[ Castiel says, reluctantly, still concerned that he'll be imposing despite being thrilled by the idea of not only sharing Dean's personal space but being welcomed into to it.
As for the bullshit LOOK. He caved and went and got Sam after. Not that Dean is allowed to know about that. And Castiel doesn't acknowledge that yes, he saw that moment. And many others. But anyway. They aren't that far off from each other's timelines, then, despite Dean claiming a year has passed. ]
Strange. And I imagine you were also offered the undoing of some regret, just prior to your arrival?
no subject
Yeah. Everyone is, it's the whole gig here.
[ He wonders what Cas' is. Involving the Winchesters into apocalypse? Does he regret falling for Dean? Could be any number of things, he guesses. ]
no subject
And after a year, you haven't accomplished it?
[ That probably sounds judgemental, though it isn't. If there's anyone who could manage it, it would be a Winchester. Castiel's more judgemental of the entire idea, which he expresses freely as they walk. ]
Have you see anyone undo their regrets, in the time you've been here?
no subject
Obviously not.
[ But, it’s Cas, and sometimes Cas says dumb shit in mildly offensive ways. ]
No. Not that I know of.
no subject
[ It's not his intent to piss Dean off, though, considering Dean's been struggling, so Castiel leaves it at that. He's sure if Dean has any valuable information about the orbs and everything going on in this place, he'll share it eventually. First: alcohol.
When they reach what Castiel presumes to be Dean's room, he lingers outside the doorway like a vampire waiting to be invited in. But even from the doorway, he can tell: ]
You've settled in.
[ Go on, Dean, tell him about all your Stuff. ]
no subject
[ Cause he's tired of this fucking shit, to be honest. It's exhausting. ]
I guess so, huh. [ He reaches to tug Cas' sleeve, pulling him in the room and closing the door. ]
I got records, a player, a guitar, a cool sound system Viv put in. And a bunch of liquor. [ that he's hoarded. He should really ask her for a minifridge. ]
no subject
[ Like usually things are fully resolved for Dean within a year?? Except the Mark of Cain, let's not speak of things that haven't happened yet, thanks.
Not to mention, Dean's here without Sam, without Lisa, or Bobby... And unlike the rest of them, Dean doesn't do well on his own. So really, Castiel's not entirely surprised to be invited (pulled) intp Dean's space. And though he's no replacement for Dean's real family, he still smiles softly to be so easily welcomed. Once in the center of the room, he looks around at everything Dean's acquired, as Dean denotes it. ]
It suits you.
[ Is there somewhere to sit? He should probably... not awkwardly stand in the middle of the room like this. (See, he can be taught.) There's only the one bed in the room, but like, he hasn't been taught that well, because he just sits right in the middle of it, to try to be less awkward. #nailedit ]
What liquor have you acquired?
[ Not because Castiel wants any of it, but because he's still convinced it's the key to Dean's calming down. Though, strangely, Dean seems more relaxed already, even without a bottle in his hand. ]
no subject
[ A fucking lot.
Cas being so awkward is cute, and Dean just gestures to the bed for him to sit -- there's a little chair in the corner next to a table that's piled with books, but the bed's better, because Dean can sit next to him with a bottle he's retrieved from the little cabinet under his nightstand. ]
Just some standard stuff. It's better than the normal crap we used to drink.
[ He doesn't even ask if Cas wants one, he just pours it and offers the glass as he sits down beside the angel. Holy crap he's so glad to see him. ]
no subject
He blinks at the offer of a glass, but accepts it with a quiet "thank you" because Dean was generous enough to offer. Always so selfless. Castiel rests the glass on his thigh; his attention is entirely on Dean, though he is mildly curious about the drink. ]
What makes it better?
no subject
Doesn't burn like hell on the way down, for one. Not as rough on the stomach.
[ Brandless, but definitely on par with Makers. ]
I'm really glad you're here, Cas.
no subject
Castiel nods at the explanation, a little window into the human experience. He takes a sip of his own cup and tries to imagine which combination of esters and acids must make this liquid comparably "smoother" from the bourbons the Winchesters usually drinks. It's the oxygenation of sulfur, he thinks, and the appropriateness of The Winchesters preferring the bourbon with less free sulfur molecules has him smiling slightly, before Dean's comment prompts an even warmer smile. ]
Me too, Dean.
[ He looks down at the clear liquid in his glass. ]
I was worried at first, by that voice that found me in the emptiness. Whatever it is that's trying to make itself whole, it is incredibly powerful. Far more powerful than Michael or Lucifer. It may be more powerful than God.
[ It scares him. Selfishly, he'd like to accomplish his own regret and then leave this creature to its devices, hopefully in a universe separate from his own's devices. But Dean's presence here is a reminder that there is much more at stake. ]
I don't know if there's anything we can or should do about this powerful being, but... it's a relief to be in your company, all the same.
no subject
It's creepy, right? But I guess if there's truth in it, then it's worth it.
[ He gently nudges against Cas' shoulder, relishing the touch, the proximity, the heat of his angel. It's awesome, having Cas here, but above all he feels profound relief, a smidge of the weight lifted from his weary shoulders. ]
Honestly, I don't care. They brought you here, so I'm happy.
no subject
Dean's regrets aren't something that need to be discussed now, anyway. From what Castiel can surmise, they're a long way still from collecting all of the orbs needed to reassemble the creature, even a year (or more) after starting.
He smiles again at the sentiment. ]
That's kind of you to say. You deserve happiness, Dean.
no subject
That's--well. Not really, but thanks.
[ His cheeks pink, he stares at his glass before emptying it and reaching to get the bottle to refill. ]
We'll have to get you some stuff. Make this your home too, y'know? Viv's good at getting whatever you ask for.