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

[voreaciously]

[She swallows politely, her tone of voice the same, but there are threads of iron. Seriousness.]

It is a trial. I will do my utmost to win it.

[desirestruth]

Then it is your turn to ask a question.

['Win'. How do you 'win' this kind of game?

If she knew 80H better, she'd be worried about her ideas on that. But she doesn't, so RIP.]

[voreaciously]

What is your favourite food?

[desirestruth]

I do not need to eat, and don't often do so... [She pauses.] But I am fond of anything sweet, regardless.

[voreaciously]

Your turn, then.

[desirestruth]

What is your favorite food?

[You seem like a madam who enjoys food.]

[voreaciously]

[fuck this was a bad idea--

she finishes eating and does not refresh her servings.]

It is difficult to have a favourite.

[desirestruth]

...Is it?

[She doesn't see the problem here????]

[voreaciously]

That is another question. If you wish me to answer it I will ask two in succession before we can proceed as usual.

[desirestruth]

I don't see a problem with that...but if you would prefer not to answer it, that is also fine.

[She is so confused right now, 80H.]

[voreaciously]

[she takes trials super serially]

Yes, it is difficult when there are so many things to enjoy.

[god she doesn't want to talk about food why did she bring it up.]

What is your favourite colour and what is your favourite season?

[desirestruth]

[The color question makes her blush, but she's not going to drink again, just reflect that Crow is a jerk.]

Green, and I prefer autumn.

[She takes a moment, then, to think of another question.]

What is your favorite flower?

[voreaciously]

[she...has to think about this. She is silent a few moments. She really does enjoy flowers, and it is a feminine thing to indulge.]

Wisteria.

[desirestruth]

Oh...they're very pretty.

[You have to understand, 80H. Naeva loves flowers. Her expression softens even thinking of them. She is ridiculous.]

[voreaciously]

[naeva you're a nerd]

Yes, they are.

[like raining beauty. she has always liked that about them.]

What is your favourite flower?

[desirestruth]

[you have no idea]

Roses.

[voreaciously]

I see. Very well, it is your question.

[desirestruth]

Hmm...

[She's thinking about this for a moment.]

What do you do to relieve stress?

[Hello, Landmine, meet Naeva.]

[voreaciously]

[she's fucking determined not to take one damned drink if she can help it.]

I become productive.

[IT'S TRUE, SHE ABSOLUTELY DOES SO SUCK IT, GAME.]

[desirestruth]

I...I see.

[THIS IS A GAME WITH SPARKLY PUNCH AND QUESTIONS, WHY IS THIS SO INTENSE, WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS.]

[voreaciously]

[because she is a hypercompetitive shit

it's literally a goddamned party and yet here we are

but look, she's still perfectly polite and does not miss a beat regardless of naeva's feelings on whatever]

Can you use any weapons?

[desirestruth]

Whips, spears, staves, short swords and knives. I prefer hand to hand combat, however.

[She pauses.]

...That is, I should be able to, but right now I believe my body would no longer remember it's training. So I'd kindly ask you don't make me prove any of that, right now.

Can you use any?

[voreaciously]

This is hardly the venue for that, I would not ask that of you.

[please, she does have manners and a sense of propriety.



most of the time.]

Yes, I can.

[she would be content to leave it at that, honestly, like too bad for naeva but also two things occur to her. and she supposes, perhaps, that she could stand to give a little more.]

Polearms, swords, daggers, bracers.

[desirestruth]

Bracers...[The others are familiar to her. But, she supposes, that wouldn't make for a very interesting question.]

It's your turn.

[voreaciously]

How many moons are there where you are from?