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]

[Just burying her face in her hands.]

I am unfamiliar with this euphemism but we had sex, yes.

[bad_crowmance]

That's what I meant. So what, he bat those green eyes of his at you and your willpower turned to dust?

[desirestruth]

...I offered him someplace quiet to sleep, in Senna's dorm. And he did a great deal more than bat his eyes.

[Dragging her hands down her face.]

That's two questions again.

[bad_crowmance]

Go ahead and ask away.

[desirestruth]

...It's unfair, I can't even ask you who mauled you the other day, that'd be dragging someone else into it.

[Puffing air into her cheek. She wants to embarrass him back, but he has no shame...]

Who do you like least on this train? And do you have any combat abilities?

[bad_crowmance]

I don't have anyone I particularly dislike? I could tell you who I'm grumpiest with but that doesn't mean I have a problem with them. As for the other question....

[ He puts his hands by his hips and draws a pair of guns from-- thin air? Don't worry about it. ]

I've got some, yeah.

[desirestruth]

Ah...huh.

[She tilts her head a little, leans forward to squint. She doesn't really recognize this kind of weapon, so she's curious about it.]

What are these...?

[bad_crowmance]

They're orbal guns. I've remembered fighting with them, along with using arts with my battle orbment. I'd show you how they work but guns are not an "indoor" weapon.

[desirestruth]

I imagine not, from the look of them...

[She really is fascinated.]

[bad_crowmance]

Maybe I'll show you sometime.

[ He puts them away at his hips. ]

[desirestruth]

Maybe someday after I have back some skills useful for combat. I'd rather not be dead weight.

[...Naeva, don't pun.]

[bad_crowmance]

[ He lets out an amused snort at that. ]

Well, it can wait. What combat abilities do you normally have?

[desirestruth]

Mmm...magic-wise, I know some elemental magecraft, although I'm self-taught, not strictly combat-trained. My witchcraft is much more useful for fighting, given most living things have blood.

[Wait--]

Beyond that, I have combat training in hand-to-hand combat, staves, spears, swords, knives and whips. I largely prefer hand-to-hand, but it's important to be adaptable. Furthermore, my full shapeshifting capabilities give me natural advantages to barehanded combat.

[JESUS.]

[bad_crowmance]

You know the "given most living things have blood" bit sounds ominous, right?

[ Though he doesn't sound threatened. ]

Haha, I'd love to see you in action someday, though!

[desirestruth]

It's not my fault I have an innate control over life energy and that usually means blood, Crow.

[No less ominous, Naeva.]

Well, I have some of it back...and there are those geckos. We should probably bring backup, in case I'm worse at this than I expect?

[She's practical, if nothing else.]

[bad_crowmance]

That doesn't make it less ominous. Heh! I'll let you pick the backup.

[ Congratulations, Naeva, you're the party leader. ]

[desirestruth]

I'm not trying to be less ominous.

[Considering this.]

...Lucien or 80H, I'd say. Both, if they'd agree to it. It appears those without memories retain their skills, so I can vouch for the former, and miss 80H appears quite powerful herself.

[Aw, she likes her!]

[bad_crowmance]

Works for me! Just let me know when and I'll be there.

[desirestruth]

Sounds like a plan.

[Murder double-date quest: accepted!]

...It's hard to think of more questions. What's your thoughts on the team uniforms?

[bad_crowmance]

I wouldn't mind Licorice's if we had pants. Most of the uniforms are okay, but I wouldn't really want to wear 'em myself. What about you?

[desirestruth]

Mmm...putting aside I'm not sure I've seen all the uniforms. Everything's much different than what I'm used to--Licorice's looks most familiar, but the construction of the dresses is different. As far as Senna's, the color isn't great for me, but there's nothing particularly wrong with them, aside from the pants being orange, I just wanted a more practical outfit, if we're going to be working.

[...so let's review. a thigh-length coat, waistcoat, cravat, blouse and leather pants, with knee-high HEELED BOOTS, is more practical, Naeva?]

[bad_crowmance]

That sounds pretty reasonable to me.

[desirestruth]

Besides, I'm not going to save the world looking bad, Crow.

[bad_crowmance]

I respect you for that stance.

[desirestruth]

You better, my taste is impeccable.