The Eighth Trial

[hot_mess_express]

Who: Heroes
When: Day 17, morning
Where: the party zone The Fairy Circle

Come hither, Heroes. Prove thy worth.

Just like always, the train shudders in response to some foreign power. You’ve been here before, haven’t you? You know what will happen when you venture out of the train and into the dark forest beyond in search of some old house, or a tower, or whatever fresh nonsense awaits you.

But there’s no inexplicable new castle or what-have-you. Instead the air outside the train is filled with glittering bubbles floating lazily above what appears to be a collection of large white mushrooms grown in a circle.

Obviously there is no door, and touching any of the bubbles will simply cause them to burst. Should you step into the circle, however….

Foolish heroes, destined to be swallowed by the encroaching malice… can your hearts truly withstand the nightmare that is reality?

Darkness overtakes you.


When you wake up the first thing you may notice is this game has a soundtrack. The music appears to have no discernible source and fills the entire room. ... and what a room it is.

It appears you’ve been transported to some kind of… children’s… birthday party?

At the far end of the room is a large table with a sign above it reading HAPPY BIRTHDAY. It’s a pretty impressive set up with a variety of goodies including noise makers, party hats, disposable plates and cups, and enough sugar to fuel a whole room full of grade schoolers

The biggest and arguably most important party refreshment sits right in the middle of the table, however; a giant bowl of fruit punch. Don’t worry children it’s non-alcoholic. It's also not suspicious at all.


For now, don't worry! Mingle! Eat food! Don't think about all the bad things going on right now!! And don't forget to read the rules near the punch bowl.

RULES ☆ EFFECTS ☆ Q&A ☆ TURN-IN ☆ WINNERS & ENDGAME

Comments

[desirestruth]

[Well, here she is. With a glass of punch. Squinting at the piece of paper. And then the punch bowl. And then the piece of paper.]

What in the world...?

[malignstar]

That's what I'm saying.

[desirestruth]

This...Why are we playing children's games now? And how is this supposed to work for the amnesiac crowd? I have concerns.

[malignstar]

Can't say I'd not rather have kiddie games over the usual.

[desirestruth]

This is the second trial I've been in. I'm not seeing much of a theme.

[malignstar]

The ones before it involved maiming.

[desirestruth]

...Charming.

[WHY. WHY THIS.]

[malignstar]

Might as well make the most of a nice one.

[desirestruth]

I...suppose so. But it doesn't make much sense to me, either way.

[nihilmancy]

[She rolls her eyes, but looks a little relieved.]

...As long as certain questions are off limits, this should be okay.

[desirestruth]

[Naeva pauses. And then pulls a bottle of gin out of her coat and just pours it into Hlasoh's cup.]

I'll try to be careful, then. Do you want to start?

[nihilmancy]

[She nods gratefully.]

Yes, lets do so.

[desirestruth]

[...]

What's your favorite food?

[nihilmancy]

I really like those large green sweet olives that I get at market, sometimes.

[desirestruth]

Olives....ah. I think I've seen those come in from the south, sometimes...

[She is trying to think if she's ever bothered to eat one.]

[nihilmancy]

They're wonderful in tagines and other stews, or in salads, or just eaten on their own. They have firm but oily flesh, and a salty flavor because they must be brined before being eaten. Many of them are quite bitter, but it pairs well with a subtle, nutty flavor.

[desirestruth]

I don't believe I've tried them...they're not common, where I come from, and I don't need to eat, asides.

[newmodelblade]

It seems fairly straightforward, honestly.

[desirestruth]

[Don't blush don't blush don't blush don't blu--

she squeaked a little. Nailed it.]

I'm not certain how this is meant to be a competition.

[newmodelblade]

Then we'll play earnestly, won't we?

[Yipper you gotta not be awkward here because he certainly isn't going to be.]

[desirestruth]

[Look, she's been having a weird week, Lucien, she'll definitely complain at you about it later when you've got some more memories.]

Seems so. Would you like to start, then?

[newmodelblade]

Sure. We may as well begin with the obvious one... did everything go as you imagined?

[KILLER RIGHT OUT THE GATE, HERE.]

[desirestruth]

[LUCIEN? LUCIEN THEY CAN'T GET SPARKS IF YOU KILL HER. LUCIEN!

She just choked on air and started coughing a little, give her a second.]

Really?!

[newmodelblade]

It seemed prudent, given how everything has been going. An honest answer can go a long way, you know.

[He is deeply amused by this, though!]

[desirestruth]

You can fish for compliments without bringing my daydreams into it, Lucien.

[She's pouting at him.]

I was deeply satisfied with the result. And you already knew that.