pedalbike | Fourth TDM: Winter's breath

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Fourth TDM: Winter's breath

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As a quick note: This will be the last TDM and Application Round of the year! Have fun everyone!

Arrival

Not all characters (known as Wickie, singular or Wickies, plural) arrive at the same time, surprisingly enough! That’s life for you. Some Wickies find their way to the island at a pivotal (or very mundane) point in their life, or even after or during their death.

Wickies who were standing or walking often find themselves entering the town South Sister, located on Lighthouse Isle, through an open doorway. Those that were laying down, or sleeping, tend to be found lying prone in beds, bathtubs, showers, couches, and similar places within the cottages on Cottage Row. There’s no rhyme or reason to it all! To Wickies familiar with the era, they will realize that everything looks as if it’s come from the ‘90s.

The house which a Wickie finds themselves within could already be occupied. This includes walking into a fellow Wicke, waking up in the same location, or accidentally scaring a room full of people with their sudden appearance.

Oops.

Start of Winter

Thankfully things have more or less dried out, for the seasons are already changing. Or at least, the weather is, and with it...comes snow.

The grass on the island is covered, various trees lose the last of their leaves, the sand becomes crunchy, and even a portion of the ocean water becomes frozen solid. (Take THAT, water!). And with it, Wickies wake up at their feet (or suddenly in their hands if they don’t sleep) warm clothing and various ways to keep warm- or at least keep the cold from messing with their joints!

And with it, there are snow shovels and boots that are set out neatly by the door. It seems more snowk is expected, and foot protection is more important than ever. While it is possible for some (those who are not infected by the Silence at least) to use the teleporter to get from town to their homes, there are pathways that need to be cleared for everyone.

It might be a good time to offer a helping hand! Especially with some Wickies who are snowed into their homes.

Or it could be a good time to use the shovels to gather snow for snow ball fights, snow forts, and similar winter activities. The nice thing about the winter shovels is that they’ll have them for a few months.

Too bad the ground is nearly frozen solid, and these particular shovels are not good for digging into the ground.

Frosty Protections

While there may be the snow and the quiet that’s coming in, there are other things that are coming into the island too. There are tables that linger day or night, which have tangyuan. Some in the shape of various animals, and some of them that are simply balls of colored dough. They are edible, and thankfully they don’t have a negative consequence to eating them (unlike the mooncakes from before) but there are written instructions, which also proclaim outloud to a Wickie if they linger for awhile:

“For the use of protective talismans! Stick it on your chair, your door, your window!”

Interestingly enough, they do seem to work. Wickies who are Silence infected are repelled by them, feeling uneasy and nauseous around them and touching the tangyuan even with covered hands will cause a burning sensation.

Infected Wickies who eat the treats...they’re in for a rough time. Really rough.

There are also little tables with various drinks, some being fruit juice, sparkling fruit juice, champagne and of similar ilk- but not ever with water. That’s just bad luck after everything.

The inscription for this table, which is again read out loud, “Toast to others health”

Picking up the cups, they will be unable to drop it, and the fluid will refill in the Wickie’s cup until they find someone to toast to- whether it’s in humor or in earnestness.

For the next twelve hours after the toast is made, even if the drink is not drunk after, the Wickie toasted will find they will have better luck in that subject, whether it is in health, love, or friendship, or just in general.

The same applies if Wickies toast together to a group of people as well.

Of hooves and horns

The strangest thing of all isn't the sweet rice balls, nor is it the smell of evergreens heavy in the air. Instead, it's the masks set to everyone, and the ruckus music that thrums through the air, deep into the night.

The masks are of a haggard old woman, well worn and aged, and that of a man with horns and facial hair similar to a goat.

There are different effects when it comes to the masks, both happening at night with the music starts.

Wickies wearing the devilish mask find themselves wearing a ragged fur suit, prancing in the streets, ready to whip other Wickies whose behavior has been suspect or bad as of late. Finding the wicked and punishing them is an impulse, neigh impossible to ignore. And, too, there is a sense of wicked glee when they do punish someone with their reeds and whips. Krampus masked Wickies thankfully can be pacified with rum or brandy. They'll need the help of another to pull of the mask. But once it's off, the costume vanishes, and the chagrin of what happened ( or the satisfaction) follows.

Wickies wearing the woman’s mask will find that they’re not trying to scare people, but instead, they find themselves loping in and out of the crowds, searching, scanning, for certain people, all the while wearing ragged clothing, and often a scarf on their now ratty, graying hair.

It’s with a sickening horror that Wickies will realize there is something in the mask that is watching through the mask itself, and is nodding to itself far away and writing their names on a list.

And it’s not Santa Claus.

The Wickie’s wearing the old woman’s mask can be distracted by scattering seeds or threads in front of them- one inducing a true distraction to count and pick up the seeds, and a rage that comes over that of wasted thread.

Seeds make it easier to pull off the mask, and thankfully popcorn counts as a seed! But thread...well, it is a distraction too, but one that can lead to violent consequences. It might mean some rounds of bait and switching until the mask is taken off.

And that’s when the Wickie who had been wearing the mask realizing the list is of ‘bad’ Wickies, But…

how bad could they be?

Confession network

Yet again, the phone goes off. Doesn’t look like it’s anybody in town, but it’s that weird, cheesy app called The Heart Game. And it’s persistent, too: it doesn’t want to be ignored, making a series of beeps and chirps, much like a pet that wants attention.

The message that pops up is as follows:

We’re back! It’s the time for everyone's favorite game- Confession! So beloved users, our question is:

What do you love about winter? Is it the nip on your nose? The hot drinks? Playing in the snow? Tell us!

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[Xie Lian is already chewing one, covering his mouth with the tips of his fingers as he nods. They're good, after all, and how can one say no to food freely offered?]

The sweet sesame filled ones are particularly good.

[He holds out the bowl toward his new companion, offering the scant two that remain in the bottom as he wears a guilty expression.]

Please, go ahead.

( There’s no judgement from Claude. Who can blame anyone for enjoying free food? He notes what’s left though which mean Xie Lian must have eaten quite a bit, right? And he doesn’t seem to be feeling any ill effects?

He eyes the bowl and then looks at Xie Lian, )

Are you sure it’s alright? It would be a shame if you and I both ended up poisoned~

( He hums and smiles. He’s teasing! But also serious. )

[Not going to try it? Xie Lian feels bad taking more, even if the other man isn't going to eat them, so he folds his hands in his lap instead.]

Oh- did you think it might be? No, no, I would definitely recognize if it had been poisoned.

[Not that Xie Lian can be poisoned, not really. His stomach might struggle a bit, but over the years he's found there's very little he can't survive eating.]

They're imbued with some spiritual energy, perhaps, but unless you're secretly an evil spirit, I doubt you'd even notice.

(Does he think it's poisoned? He wouldn't rule it out after being kidnapped. They aren't exactly getting off on the best foot here.)

Would you?

(How? Besides feeling the actual effects of being poisoned. Regardless, this stranger seems to be fine still. He isn't keeling over, clutching his stomach and crying out in pain or anythign like that.

...

Hm.

He'll take one of the two in the bowl,)

I guess this is the moment of truth then, huh?

(Is he actually an evil spirit? They'll have to find out. And what does it even mean by imbued with spiritual energy. Anyway, the dumpling is sweet and he hadn't expected it to be so... seedy? Not that he doesn't like it but wow, this sure is unlike anything he's ever had before.)

... I'm not tasting any divine protection or righteous judgement.

[There's a familiar sort of pain associated with most poisons. He supposes it might be one he doesn't know, but it does seem a little odd to invite them all here just to poison them with spiritually imbued tangyuan. Of all the worries he had right now, that was certainly not one of them.

He decides not to answer the first question, allowing the other to try his dessert first. If he's that worried, Xie Lian doesn't mind finishing the bowl, after all.]

No? Well, you're probably not an evil spirit then. I think you're fine to finish them.

[Xie Lian tries to keep a bit of lightness to his voice, just so the youth knows he's mostly teasing. He doesn't rise, but he does bow faintly from his seat, finally remembering that he should probably introduce himself.]

I'm sorry, where are my manners, Xie Lian, and you?

(Why not just invite everyone to poison them? You don't have to kill anyone exactly. Maybe just enough to keep everyone weak... know who's boss... you know? #grim)

Thank goodness. (He sighs, relieved! ... And clearly playing,) I was worried for a moment there.

(He was never worried about being an evil spirit. He's just a good ol' human with a fancy name and Crest.)

Claude von Riegan. (He wasn't going to bow but since Xie Lian's started it first, he'll tip his head, bending for a small, casual bow of his own,) But just call me Claude. Riegan's my grandfather.

(There's also no need for things like titles here from what he's gathered. He's just an ordinary guy!

And judging that these aren't poisoned, he's going to finish off the bowl himself. Oooh, the inside of this one is filled with some sort of sweet paste. Interesting.)

[Xie Lian's smile grows a little more genuine, amused by Claude's humor. The man's name is definitely foreign, but Xie Lian has wandered through countless kingdoms and villages, cities and towns. If he wishes to be called Claude, and nothing else, Xie Lian will do just that. Going by his own given name feels casual enough.]

It's nice to meet you then, Claude.

[He folds his hands in his lap as the youth finishes up the remaining tangyuan.]

I don't suppose I could further trouble you, or any information you might have about this place? I woke up here this morning, but it seems, so have many others.

(Claude's a hilarious guy. Please, laugh at him. Appreciate his humor!)

The pleasure is mine.

(He's a polite young man. Ah, but getting right to the point of things, huh? And Claude's posture changes ever so slightly. He's still relaxed and casual as ever but his posture straightens just slightly as he stretches, raising his arms up high and resting them behind him, his hands on the back of his neck. There's a thoughtful sort of look in his eye. He's alert and reporting, even if he's taking things easy,)

I'm afraid I don't have much. I only got here the other day. (And he shrugs,) It would appear mass kidnappings are fairly regular here and there's no limit as to where everyone can come from.... different nation, different worlds... There are people here from all over. Take you and me, for example.

(It's clear from their clothes they're from different places! And anyone who doesn't recognie who Claude is by name or appearance obviously isn't from Fodlan.)

I've also been told this world can be.... unpredictable and not in a nice way.

[There's something in the youth's stance that reminds him so much of San Lang, and he can't help hoping the man is around here somewhere. He tilts his head a bit as he listens, though it's just as he'd feared, unfortunately.]

Ah, I appreciate it all the same, Claude. You're right, I admit, it was pretty confusing, still is, seeing so many different people and styles; even the mundane here seems rather fantastic to me.

[Like that fridge this morning. Or the toaster. Indoor lighting without candles?]

Unpredictable? You mean dangerous, yes? In what way?

Tell me about it.

( Lighting without oil or candles? Devices that can send messages instantly through ??? whatever means instead of ink and paper? Wild! He digs it. )

From what I’ve heard, there was a flood with monsters not too long ago and it’s not uncommon for the food here to be tampered with. ( Poisoned? Hence his suspicions earlier. ) But through some magic, things went back to normal quickly. That’s why we can’t tell.

( Despite there being a flood before, there doesn’t appear to be any sign of water damage anywhere! )

I met a girl earlier who was possessed by a mask, as well.

I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling overwhelmed.

[His body language grows more relaxed, even if the topic matters are slightly more serious. The idea of monsters is hardly out of the ordinary.

A flood? He can't help wondering if Black Water is involved; if Xie Lian has been drawn here, who's to say how many others might have as well?]

Monsters? Like, sea creatures?

[It's definitely familiar territory, but it's hard to be sure He Xuan has a hand in any of it. At the mention of a mask though, Xie Lian's posture stiffens, hands tightening in his lap.]

I'm sorry to question you so thoroughly, but-

How so? What sort of mask was it?

Just monsters from what I’ve heard.

( He should ask around about that more later. )

A mask of an old man with horns and a second one of an old woman. The old man mask turned her into the mask’s image. She became a figure that that attacked others without any remorse. ( He speaks grimly, frowning as he does so. He doesn’t like it and even he can’t pretend to be completely unbothered by it, ) I assume the woman’s mask does something similar.

Removing it broke whatever enchantment or spell was on her, though.

Hmm.

[It's hard to know what he's up against with just 'monsters,' but most mortals just don't know the difference. He makes a mental note to ask around and look into it though, if he can find othere residents who know about it.

The possession seems fairly straightforward. None of the signs he'd been worried about, but still troubling, all the same. Especially if it was making someone attack the other people here.]

You were able to help her? Thank goodness for that. I'll certainly be on the lookout.

(Hmm, the kidnappers here sure have picked a helpful bunch of victims, haven't they? Just a whole bunch of people that want to help and look out for each other.

Claude isn't complaining. It's good to work together in situations like this but he wonders if the ones responsible for this planned for this or not... )

Yeah, keep an eye out. (He nods,) The last thing we'd want is to hurt someone who's already a victim.

(He might have... been ready... to fight an old man before he realized what was going on.)

I'm still trying to gather information but it's clear that there's something going on here.

[Xie Lian gives a thoughtful hum in agreement. Possessions can be a nasty business, and generally the victim is lucky to make it out at all. If there's such happenings here, it's something he'll want to put a stop to, as soon as possible. Especially if the only thing standing between the residents here and the supernatural was some dubiously enchanted dumplings.

On that note, Xie Lian reaches into his sleeve, and offers Claude a protection charm. It's just a bit of string and painted characters on paper, certainly handmade and humble compared with most others, but he's certain of its properties.]

Oh, I promised you this, didn't I? It won't go bad, like the tangyuan, and should be useful if you run into the same trouble again.

[Especially if Claude was intent on gathering more information. It sounded like it could be dangerous to common people, should they dig too deep.

There was just one more question he had in mind, though this one was of a more personal nature. He'd yet to find Hua Cheng, let alone any of the other heavenly officials.]

In your gathering, have you come across ah... well, I'm hoping to find my friend, H- San Lang? He's rather tall, pale, with long black hair. He usually wears a lot of red and black, and a patch over his right eye. Oh- and his boots make a jingling sound when he walks. If you see him, will you let him know I'm here?

(He was promised a talisman, even if it isn't what he came here for. He accepts it graciously! He might not believe in talismans but he'll never turn down a free lucky charm. Everyone can use a little luck.)

Thanks.

(And carefully, he'll tuck it away in his coat pocket or something. Don't ask me how this uniform works I genuinely do not even know if this FE universe is allergic to buttons or what magic is keeping their clothes together.)

... Sorry, I can't say I've met anyone like that. (He shakes his head and frowns, apologetic,) But I'll keep my eyes and ears open.

[Xie Lian nods. Maybe customs and cultures are different here, so he adds a bit of explanation, just in case. Nevermind that most people, even in his country haven't heard of him.]

It's from the temple of the Crown Prince of Xian Le. I doubt there's any shrines here yet to offer prayer, but- it's still good for protection.

[As long as nothing here is messing with that much, at least. He can't contact the heavenly communication array, but what qi he has seems to work well enough.]

I appreciate it. Oh- and I'll be sure to share, if I've learned anything new next time we meet. It's been a pleasure, Claude.

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Fourth TDM: Winter's breath

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