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

[wontforbidtherain]

So far, I haven't seen anything that seems discordant, at least, with how I see myself.

[grimpa]

Mmh. Even things like family ties, or careers, however... There's so much I still don't know. But, Thyme has been lucky with winning games. Hopefully that will continue.

[wontforbidtherain]

Yes. I've remembered that I have a brother, and other family whose exact relationship I'm less certain of and that I work in a bookstore.

What would you like to remember most, if you don't mind me asking?

[grimpa]

Any skills that could be useful for Thyme. I'm still not clear on how I spent most of my time at home.

[wontforbidtherain]

Considering we regain sparks by teaching others, having something to teach would be useful.

[grimpa]

Yes. Eliza and I have talked about doing swimming lessons, and I know that I could teach woodworking, but I'm not sure anyone would be interested.

[wontforbidtherain]

I would be. I think I know how to swim, but having someone who knows how when I attempt it would be wise.

[grimpa]

...I'm only assuming, myself. In one memory I helped a girl cross a river. It should come back to me when I'm actually in the water.

[wontforbidtherain]

Let's hope so. Why were you swimming across a river?

[grimpa]

I didn't swim, but carried her on my shoulders. She was going to try and cross herself, but she wouldn't have made it. A silly girl.

[wontforbidtherain]

Why wouldn't she have made it?

[grimpa]

The water was too deep and rapid. It came nearly to my shoulders, so it would have been over her head. Are there any other skills you'd like to learn here?

[wontforbidtherain]

I don't know yet. It depends on what would be useful. So far, I've seen we've had to improvise a play, make terrible decisions, and interrogate each other over punch. And do things like cooking.