[closed] meanwhile, at telophoroi tower...

[trollophoroi]

WHO >> The Telophoroi guild and their +1s.
WHAT >> A dinner party that will surely be calm and enjoyable for all involved.
WHEN >> 9/15, evening.
WHERE >> Telophoroi @ home.
Content Warnings >> May make you hungry, more added if needed.

ARRIVAL

[ Welcome! Welcome to the Telophoroi Tower, as the guild leader likes to call it, even though only the interior itself will give that impression. It is, after all, instanced like every other guild @ home. The interior is... curious... at best. It's ominous, not even a little bit friendly-looking, all sharp corners and metal floors and walls. Metallic alien-like tubes curl around the walls and the pillars, crisscrossing the high ceilings, and creeping along the edges of walls; it could easily be a dungeon interior, provided it had actual monsters inside.

Greeting the guild members and guests alike is the Guild Grunty with a bowlcut and, just for tonight, a purple butler's outfit instead of its usual cultist robes. It still wiggles its hooves at people as they enter, though, as proclaims, ]

OoOoOo! Welcome... to your doom! [ Wait, that isn't right. It visibly sweats for a second during a pause, then remembers to add, ] And your dinner! Yes, and your dinner, hehehe~

[ It will also offer to take coats if needed, then lead them to the meeting room (now masquerading as a dining room); it's only slightly less intimidating than the rest of the tower and that's only because the lighting is nice, candles have been added, there's some very low classical music playing somewhere in the background, but it is still definitely part of the tower with the table being wicked metal with thinner imprints of those alien-like pipes running wild in the design, and the chairs are massive metal thrones, difficult to move, although green and purple cushions have been added to offer some comfort.

They will also find that there are, in fact, assigned seats.



There are some little Coronation Chicken Pies and Blue Cheese and Pear Appetizers for snacking while they wait as well as Cultist Grunty offering to pour them either champagne or, if they aren't interested in alcohol, some sparkling lemonade.

If asked about where the guild's leader, Fandaniel, is, Cultist Grunty will assure them that he's only putting the finishing touches on tonight's meal and will be with them shortly. ]

IT'S TIME TO EAT

[ And after about a half hour of arrival, the lights of the room... flicker, flicker, and then shut off, plunging the party into pitch darkness. Even the candles go out, though only long enough for people to exclaim or react.

When they come back on, Fandaniel, dressed up in his own butler skin (although it doubles quite well as merely looking fancily dressed), has made his appearance at the head of the table, where his seat had been left empty right up until now. He's standing, arms spread out wide, a grin on his face, and the starter course set out on little plates before them. ]

Hello! Hello, my dear friends. I am so glad that you could all join me for our little dinner party. I do hope you have been enjoying yourselves thus far. Now! [ And lowers his arms so that he can clap them together upon saying that word. ] Let me introduce you to our meal for the evening.

[ And he'll go over what they'll be having tonight! The menu is as follows:

Starter Course: Hot Tofu, a simple dish of tofu and dashi kombu with a little bowl of sauce to pour over it.

1st Course: Chawanmushi with Matsutake Mushroom, a savory egg custard flavored with dashi stock, soy sauce, and mirin, steamed in a cup.

2nd Course: Unadon, grilled eel brushed with sweet and savory unagi sauce and served atop a bed of rice.

3rd Course: Shoyu Ramen, made with a flavorful pork-bone broth with wavy noodles and topped with bamboo shoots, meltingly tender pork belly, and thin-sliced green onion.

4th Course: Tempura Vegetables, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, Kabocha squash, lotus roots, and eggplant deep-fried in a crispy, crunchy tempura batter served alongside a dipping sauce.

And every time a course is finished, the lights will, once again, go off and, when they come back on, the course will be swapped out. It's quite a bit of showmanship, but only possible thanks to Cultist Grunty changing up the room's configuration on the fly as well as the timing it had worked out with Fandaniel. Still! It offers a very mysterious bit of ambiance to the meal. ]

Bit of a Beastly Dessert, Isn't It?

[ Then comes the last course, the dessert course. Once again, the lights go off, they come back on, all the dishes are cleared and new plates and utensils sit before them all. There's more on the platters set across the table but each dish has a serving of sweet potato pie, done in the Japanese style, which is a far cry from what more Western types may expect from a pie like that. It's a flaky pastry, nice and sweet, but not overly so.

Cultist Grunty goes about a glass of a dark dessert wine for all. This time, there is no alternative, but seeing as dessert wines are meant to be savored in a small amount, those who want less will certainly get less. The reason why they're insisting everyone has wine will be apparent soon enough when Fandaniel raises his glass to offer a toast to them. ]

And this is where we end the night, I fear! Our last course, our dessert. Fai was kind enough to lend a hand in the kitchen with it. I would also like to thank him and Hien both for making the little treats we had before the dinner began. They were quite good, were they not? Ah, and, of course! [ He'll nod towards Cultist Grunty in his cute little tuxedo. ] Our dear Cultist Grunty has been an infinite source of aid during the past two days in getting this all set up. He handled all those little light tricks and all the dish swaps.

[ And then to the rest of the party. ]

And to the rest of you, for better or worse... [ At this point, probably worse, let's be real here. ] We've been having an interesting time in this game but I am glad you all took the time to humor me and my desire to hold a little dinner party like this. So, to all of you!

[ And that's the cue to drink and... now for the real reason he wanted everyone to drink the wine. See, Fandaniel has laced it with one of the game's potions, only! Only, well, originally the Potion of Fang and Claw, which should have given them nothing more than some cute animal ears and tails, ends up doing something wildly different.

Everyone who drinks the wine will find themselves turned completely into an animal.

Glasses will tumble to the floor, breaking and spilling wine everywhere. Armor and clothing will pop off as items, unequipped, as they no longer fit their bodies. Surprise! Enjoy spending the next 24 hours as a talking animal! ]

Comments

[worldbent]

Do you fancy talons in your shoulders, Hien-kun?

[Is he referencing something in particular here? Hm. Maybe, maybe not. Or maybe it's just a general threat.]

[Matoba hops with a flutter of wings, first up onto the back of his chair, and then with a stronger beat he flies up to the chandelier over the table, causing it to sway a little. Lions and wolves, too many predators!! He's staying right up here.]

What a pain... [And fandaniel squawking below...] What did he do with that wine?

1/2

[selfconcept]

[ Hien just shrugs. Not like anything he said ever stopped Matoba from doing it!!! ]

I'm not sure... probably a prank. I'm actually surprised that we already had animal model assets for all these.

[ The reason why he gave black dogs to everybody was because that was the only thing available to him!! The fuck, devs.

But he's not sure how the wine alone could have triggered it, so he tries to inspect the coding— ]

[selfconcept]

[ --and promptly gets punched by a human hand that suddenly shoots out of the wine glass. It goes back in after punching Hien in the face. Hien didn't expect that at all, so he rubs the center of his face. Ow??? ]

What the fuck...

[ Hien is more pissed that the punch connected at all. ]

[worldbent]

Yes, I suppose you're right. Ahh, what a shame... I would have really enjoyed some kitty ears.

But... Didn't you generate shirokuma ice assets at the beach last time....?

[He's so confused. Sounds like excuses to him, Hien! Matoba is preening his feathers when he hears Hien curse and glances down again. WTF was that.]

What did you do to that!? [At this point he doesn't know if he means 'you' fandaniel or 'you' Hien! Speaking of pranks, though, that one seemed quite targeted. Hmmmmmmmm. He'll keep his beak shut.]

[selfconcept]

I was just trying to inspect it...

[ In which, yeah, he'll attempt it again, and the same fist comes flying out. Despite how Hien tries to dodge it, it keeps managing to punch him in the face. Ghhhh..... ]

Fuck it.

[worldbent]

[Can birds laugh?? Kind of. Hien is really just bringing it upon himself at this point, repeatedly trying over and over again.]

It doesn't appear to be going very well, [He manages out dryly when he can stop squeak-laughing. His wings flutter a little.] Oh, well. We will just have to log out and hope that it goes away after a while.

Although, judging by these bugs lately, who knows if that will even work........

[He's still sulking that he couldn't enjoy dinner. Huff.]

[selfconcept]

[ Hien is so offended by this wine... but anyway, he looks up at Matoba and holds out a hand. Land on his finger? Pretty please? ]

[worldbent]

[Tucking himself into his feathers, Matoba glances down back at Hien, who has kind of a hopeful look on his face with his hand outstretched. What?? He wants him to come back down?]

[Matoba casts a dubious look down at all of the big cats and dogs roaming around down there.]

You'd better not let any of them eat me. [His wings flutter and he dives down towards Hien, landing with his talons clutching onto his shoulder instead of his outstretched arm. At least Hien's shoulder is a little better protected than his bare hands, because even without trying to dig them in too much, those talons are sharp!]

[His big, sharp bird feets adjust a little awkwardly, getting used to gripping onto things, which probably doesn't help.] You might want to equip whatever gauntlets you have, Hien-kun. It's unwise to handle hunting birds without protection. [Don't ask about how he knows this.]

[selfconcept]

It's fine. I won't feel pain.

[ After those punches? Pain sensor is off. Maybe he should just leave them off forever. ]

Sounds like you know a lot about them... did you own some yourself?

[ He glances over at Matobird on his shoulder and reaches over to scratch below his beak gently. ]

[tablescraps]

( mithrun gazes from the background )

[worldbent]

[.....Ah... Matoba's head cocks to and fro as he inspects Mithrun. That's a mighty tasty looking rabbit.......]

[Is this predation instinct?? Fascinating.........]

[tablescraps]

( Mithrun slowly, slowly turns his single eye toward Matobird - or, rather, his whole head in that direction, subtle in its gesture - his nose twitching very slightly. He can't tell what it is, but the vibes ... are off. Hmmm. Combat ??? Though, he can't access any of his skills like this...

He is still for a moment. Then, with his little bunny speed, he kicks off and scampers for the table, with the intent to get beneath it. )

[worldbent]

[That's certainly a disadvantage to have, huh?? With his eyepatch having fallen off somewhere, Hawktoba is revealed to have a perfectly functional eye beneath.... Although whether that's just true to his human in-game model or true to real-life is hard to say!]

[The way he leans on his perch as Bunrun starts to sniff at the air makes it pretty obvious what's about to happen, so that by the time he makes his sprinting leap, Matoba goes diving down towards the table with rocketing speed, talon outstretched--]

[SWOOP. He almost runs into the tablecloth on the way, since there's not a lot of runway for a bird to swoop down and back up again, but he manages to snatch a little bunrun up in his talons. This would be kinda neat for the experience of flying, except he could just use the wings boon instead of ...this.]

[There they go... flying up to the eaves of the tower.]

...Ah. I didn't actually think about what to do with you after this, [Matoba comments idly after a moment, looking for a perch to deposit his quarry on.] I just think it's fascinating. Don't you?

[tablescraps]

( Though he doesn't feel fear (fear would ask him to have an anxiety about death or injury, and consequently a desire for life and wellness, and he has none of these), his instinct stills him in Matoba's talons - for the best, because a violent wriggling mid-air would not have ended well if he'd fallen loose.

His little bun instinct tells him he's in vital danger, and to do something about it. Mithrun, more reasonable and unafraid, considers there's not much he can do. He looks down below them, and then tries to crane his head up to view his captor(?) a little better. )

... Following instinct, you mean? It's interesting. My instinct is a constant suggestion to flee, even now, when it's unreasonable.

What does your instinct tell you to do once you've landed?

[worldbent]

Haha, it'd be pretty bad if I dropped you now, huh?

[Flap flap. Matoba soars and spots a wide window ledge in the tower's walls. It'd be a nice spot for a nest, he thinks.... odd as that is. But for now, he deposits Bunrun there on his paws, although his talons still remain gripped over his back to keep him in place.]

It'd be very foolish of you, for example, to try and escape from all the way up here. [His beak clicks, preening feathers, then glancing down at his prey.] I suppose normally, I would be taking you back to my nest and tearing out your throat, but I don't really have any reason to do that.

How fortunate for you. [His talons adjust, like flexing knuckles.] Shall I bring you back down, before my instincts tell me otherwise?

[tylorific]

[ Time doesn't exist so Tylor's ears prick up at the sound of scampering, the sight of something small and fluffy. He'd seen Morgan transform too, so there isn't much mystery when the massive wolf drops down to wriggle his top half under the table to get a look. He reaches a paw to pin the bunny if he can.

There's a Tylor laugh, muffled by a raspy wolf whisper of a bark, more of a friendly teeth gnash as he leans his snout down to sniff at Mithbun. ]

I forgot how tiny you are now. Is it scary being prey? Or is it fun?

[tablescraps]

( He can successfully pin the fluffy, dwarf hotot! His ears indicate he's startled at first, but the laugh gives Tylor away quick enough. His instinct tells him to be on alert, but Mithrun isn't too worried. )

... It's different. ( He closes his eyes as Tylor noses him like >< ) I'm in tune with all my senses all the time... It's a little tiring. Is being a wolf any different?

[selfconcept]

[ MA, THERE'S A WEIRD RABBIT OUTSIDE—

Hien eventually locks eyes with Bunrun and holds out a hand, calling him while clicking his tongue. Come here, bunny... ]

[tablescraps]

( Mithrun, fluffy hotot that he is, simply gazes at Hien with his one good eye. Fortunately for Hien (at this specific animal-loving juncture), Mithrun doesn't really hold grudges. Fortunately, also, his bunny skittishness is tempered by the fact that Mithrun has no desire to live, and so holds no fear of death.

After a long period of staring and nose-switching, he finally decides to scamper over to Hien's hand. Sniff sniff. The scent profiles of the whole world are so rich and complex right now... )

... You look like you're enjoying yourself.

[selfconcept]

I am.

[ Hm. That sounds like Mithrun. ]

I'm glad you're alive, by the way. I'd like to fight you one-on-one.

[ Priorities. ]

[tablescraps]

( Sniff sniff sniff... Oh. bnuuy peers up at him. )

Is that why you stayed by my body?

( protecting future battle partner... )

[gluttoning]

[A bnuuy...

The lion that turns the corner around the table goes very still, ears suddenly forward.

...Pounce?

...

It slowly lowers closer to the ground, shoulders drawn. Very still. Watching.

bnuuy morsel...]

[tablescraps]

( Oh. Danger. Ears up. Goes very still. He gets the bad vibes, seeing the big lion in apparent position to pounce. Fight...? No - bad idea.

This statement continues for a short time. Then, with a snap, he darts to the side - trying to dive under the table. )

[gluttoning]

[Brown eyes blow wide and black the second the rabbit runs.

There's a crash of furniture and dishes as the lion pursues, tail lashing, a paw the size of its prey just barely missing as it darts under the table and out of sight.

There's a low rumbling growl as it starts to pad back and forth beyond the tablecloth, too large to properly pursue.]

Rabbit. [It's Barrett's voice. The lion licks at its muzzle. The pacing doesn't stop.] Which one are you?

[tablescraps]

( Safe, but trapped. He remains still at the centre of the table, furthest from all sides as maximally as possible.

However, his ear goes up when he recognizes the voice - though the low growl and the sound of Mr Misteaks licking his chops is not lost on him, either. His instinct tells him to be cautious, but Mithrun himself has no fear of injury or predation. )

It's me. Mithrun.

Are you hungry?

( we are genre shifting to beastars for a moment )