Hallucination Caves and the surrounding lands of Lazuli Falls, Cattail Creek and Grapevine Cathedral are all affected by a magical autumn, additionally, each land seems to have manifested hallucinogenic gasses, bright colors and if you look up at the roof of the cave you can see a sky full of stars. Under that stary roof you find a statue:

A gleaming marble statue rises lavishly from the ground atop a glass stage. Surrounded by fruits, mushrooms, and crystals in various shapes, this statue is wreathed in indulgence. Its three eyes glimmer sightlessly in a multitude of holographic colors. The ears, long and pointed, trail behind the crown like two sharp whips. No matter what the angle of viewing, something about this statue seems not quite right. Maybe there's an extra paw? Is the snout too long? It's not certain, but something is up with this statue.

All around the statue are butterflies of all colors who appear to be rearranging the decorations of the statue and altar, lifting things significantly larger than themselves, under what power you're not sure. They flutter expectantly, you should probably offer your decoration of choice.

---

Make an IC post in this thread of your character decorating the altar or statue found in Hallucination Caves. Each character may only decorate one altar. Each player may only participate in six total events this week. Note: For the purpose of not making people read and memorize every single post, you can assume the familiars are actively shuffling things around to make more room, and it’s totally fine to say that you put down flowers on the same area where someone else just put a pelt. Collaboration and discussion between site members is not required, though it is allowed!

Deadline for decorating: October 23rd 9PM PST

All submissions must be posted by the deadline with no exceptions

A strange, magical autumn had started to affect the lands of Auster. Even the Falls, that Bellamy had claimed for their pack, their home, had started to change. All of a sudden, as if under some magic spell, Bellamy had started to feel less anxious. Almost… giddy. She even swore she saw the Allmother, Celeste, as if she was blessing her family, their pack… and to make things more interesting? The word of a statue cropping up came from a pair of cats and curiosity got the better of the woman. Summoning any children who were curious she left the autumn touched land of Lazuli Falls and made off with them to the Hallucination Caves. There were bright colors in the air and, despite stepping into the caves, it appeared that there was a sky full of stars above. "Would you look at that…" Bells murmured under her breath. Soon they would come to where something even stranger still resided, and Bellamy's eyes widened. A marble statue, set on a glass stage, was surrounded by fruits, mushrooms, and crystals. Three eyes are shown, mushrooms on its shoulders, and the ears were much like a crown. Something about the statue seemed off… and yet? Bellamy drew in a deep breath and then let out a giggle. The butterflies fluttering around seemed to rearrange the objects… how she had no idea. "Come," Bellamy bade those who were with her. She stepped forward, reaching out to place feathers, one each from her husband's wings, on one of the paws. "Here… a gift, a gift from my own, from our heart. May these feathers grant you swiftness, and grow into wings to aid you." The woman backed off, glancing at the statue. She would wait for any of her children to make an offering and then they would go home. "Speech" 'Thought.'

NPC:

The familiars skitter around curiously as the wolf puts down the feathers, looking at them with tilting heads. The wolf spoke words of professions and the critters nodded solemnly before whisking the offering away and tucking it behind the one of the altar's long ears, removing a shard of excess gemstone that looks both fragile and dangerous. A large-eared mouse scurries up to Bellamy, placing the shard on her paw before nodding decidedly and scampering away to another task.

You have received:
169 Gems
Gems added to credit.

10% Bonus Fight Score Pass
Staff: Transferred to Sea

Mercury made his way towards the statue. He looked to the butterflies, and witnessed the incredible feat of them moving decorations about. He looked at the statue, with its bright colours and strange illusionary impressions. He wasn’t sure if his gift was the right one, but perhaps the thought would be appreciated. He had worked on the wind chime/dream catcher contraption for hours. It held little crystals dangling from rope that swayed in the wind and twisted and twined together to make little peels of music. It caught the light every which way you turned it, and the binding centre was the criss-cross pattern of a dreamcatcher. Perhaps it suited this statue, perhaps it didn’t.

He approached and hooked it against one of the crystals of the statue's base. High enough that it could move and whisper. Satisfied, he nodded to the statue, and backed away.

"Speech"

NPC:

The dark wolf brought a chimey thing and hooked it to the base. Familiars of varying sizes surround the object, a few braver ones giving it a nudge and the more squirrely ones immediately fleeing when it makes a noise. One of the fleeing critters- a small cat, by the looks of it- pauses to hastily shove a gift into the wolf's paws before continuing to flee the spooky musical object.

You have received:
166 Gems
Gems added to credit.

+4/-4 Inch Height Pass
Staff: Used on Shaye to 40"

Given the events of the long night, Hattori could not say he was at ease in this place. Stars shone overhead and he half expected to see a looming moon as well, but instead found himself noticing the mushrooms that sprung up along the ridge of the statue's back. He resisted the urge to purse his lips, to bite down on the paper lantern he'd brought as an offering, perhaps a polite request that supernatural happenings may not ruin his life once more. This was not his forte and yet he felt a deep and unsettling urge to do it anyway, perhaps as a result of being nudged in this direction by unseen forces.

Maybe or maybe not, who knew?

The lantern itself was a pretty thing, sheet thin paper near clear enough to see through in a sweet hydrangea hue. Soft bluish, lilac, almost a perfect match to some of the butterflies that fluttered about the place. It was lit up by a small vial of fireflies that bounced about in the hanging container within, granting a soft light that did not ruin the ambience of this place. Simply...made it glow a little more.

He approached the altar with furrowed brows and with a degree of care, since the paper was fragile, he hung up the lantern on the tip of the statue's tail.

The Kaicho could not help but wonder if this would suffice, whether it would be enough in the end, as he moved out the way to make room for other visitors.

"Speech"

NPC:

The multi-splotched wolf hung a fragile and delicate lantern on the tail of the statue. A small band of fireflies and butterflies led by a sleek bat swoop in and lift it gently, hovering it above the statue's face, illuminating the gemstone eyes eerily. The bat chirps in approval before swinging over to to the horned man and giving him a gift.

You have received:
104 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Grow Potion
Staff: note when claimed

Beckoned forward by the fog that nearly reached the edges of the maze, Rheum wouldn't hesitate to follow in the steps of her Kaicho. Keeping her distance, the young wolf kept her eyes peeled for anything peculiar that was going on. While just the other day the weather had been dismal and frigid, now was cheery and crisp with brightly colored leaves. It was as if autumn was here all over again. Her curious mind sought to find the answers to this strange occurrence, but the call of the altar and its familiars soon took over.

It would not take her long to find the cave where a brilliant light twinkled from inside. Stepping over the threshold, the plum girl let out a breath of awe. Around her, the walls and ceiling dazzled with a million stars that shifted and flashed as if they were real. As her bright yellow eyes traveled over the room, her paws drawing her closer to the marble statue, Rheum had to hold back the gasp when her gaze met the three-eyed one of the peering statue looming over her. Unsure of how to feel or what to think, the flutter of butterfly wings urged her to make her offering.

Removing from her own ankles, she presented two bracelets. Both were made from vines and seaweed that she found among the maze and the bay. Intertwined in the woven green and brown pieces were small shells and beach glass that she had carefully whittled holes into. She had taken her time to make sure the bracelets had been perfect and was happy with her offering. Setting them down gently atop the glass stage that gleamed purple beneath the starlight of the cave, Rheum backed away slowly with a nod of her head.

Speech

NPC:

The woman took two of her own anklets and presented them to the statue. Several mice scurried up and began to try to adhere it to the statue's ankle before thinking the better of it and propping it on the statue's head like a small crown. As they balanced it on the stone, they swept another item from her head. One of the mice grabbed this and handed it to Rheum before being called back to help stop the anklet from sliding off again.

You have received:
116 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Two-Round Skill Pass
Staff: note when claimed

Alexander’s mother had asked for those who were willing to follow her to come to the Hallucination Caves. For Alexander, the chance to leave the falls was all that he needed to hear about. He’d been in a good mood ever since the pretty colored gases had appeared, giggling over pink squirrels and the like scurrying throughout the land. His cough was starting to sound better too, and now he rarely even had to clear his throat! His dad said that he could go outside too and that was all Alex needed to hear. The boy scrambled after his mother eagerly, carrying the gift he’d selected to offer up. Rock candy, his father had called it, from the cave that they were sleeping in.

The funny, fuzzy, feel-good feeling only grew more intense to the boy as they reached the caves themselves. Alex was focusing the best he could on his mother’s form, hoping that she wouldn’t suddenly start moving faster or something. He could see strangers too, and the bugs… his green gaze shifted to the butterflies that were moving things about on the statue. Finally, it seemed that it was his turn. He frowned, furrowing his brow as he wondered how such tiny things could move such big objects.

But finally, it was his turn. With a gentle nudge from his mother, Alexander padded up to the statue. Then, rearing up on his hind legs and placing his forepaws on the statue he dropped the slobbery rock candy onto the altar proudly. “I hope you like it!” He barked as his tail gave a little wag behind him. Then, as his mother called, he dropped back down and moved back to her side.

"Family"

NPC:

The pup offered slobbery rock candy and a swarm of butterflies took it, flying off into the distance, never to be seen again- or so you thought. After a while, they return with a small, sticky gift that smells oddly sweet as they usher the young boy onward.

The spot where the candy was if thoroughly scrubbed by a discontented rabbit who appears to be sporting antlers and fangs. After the spot is- well- spotless, he thumps his foot approvingly and leaves it open for the next offering.

You have received:
135 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Companion Accessory
Staff: Used in Prezzies for Players 2022 - nyx

Áskell's heart raced and he took a deep breath to steady himself, taking comfort in Ari's hand on his shoulder. Supposedly this was the place he'd lost his memory. They had made a decision to return, to retrace his steps and along the way found a number of small creatures as well as other wolves heading for the cave. Apparently they were decorating a statue? Áskell had wracked his brain and he certainly didn't remember a statue but then he didn't remember all that much of the caves apart from the colors.

Relieved that at least there would be a number of other creatures present as well as his alpha, Áskell decided to participate. He'd returned to the bamboo maze long enough to grab a strange item he'd encountered in old temple. It was a prism. It was a neat item though he had never really known what to do with it. Being practically minded it did not lend itself well to his crafting or his fighting but here among the strange statue and butterflies he felt it fit in perfectly. He set the quartz prism in front of the base of the statue before adding, and lighting a small candle. The prism immediately split the light, casting a rainbow on the cave floor.

NPC:

The man with mismatched eyes approaches and leaves a sparkling stone with a candle. The familiars crowded, as if debating on how to best move it or where to put it. They 'ooh' and 'aah' at the light casting from it. The chitter chatter fills the cave for a moment before a butterfly flies over the flame and ends thusly. This quiets the clamor as the familiars decide to leave it where it is. An odd-shaped cat gives the man a gift and urges him on his way.

You have received:
103 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Two-Round Skill Pass
Staff: note when claimed

Usagi..had to be dreaming.

Stumbling upon this strange cave was one thing, but its contents were beyond anything the hohei had ever encountered. Dizzying, alluring, and incredibly dangerous if one should be unable to re-trace their steps the further in they went. Accompanied by his boyfriend, the koi pair had ventured off from the maze, surprisingly encountering a scent trail, or several, indicating that some of their pack mates and their Kaicho had come here as well. Not too unexpected, considering the cave’s approximation to their land. The stars on the cave’s ceiling were jarring to the male, who narrowed his chartreuse gaze in suspicion. The various colors and fauna and flora - unnaturally glowing and bright in color - made him feel just a tad nauseous. He pressed against his love’s side, wondering if the taller male felt similarly uneasy as well. He wasn’t enraptured by the sights, instead only swallowing down his distaste for the bizarre environment to pad towards the altar in front of them.

Butterflies were flittering sbout the strangest statue he’d ever seen. Usagi couldn’t help but raise a brow as he scanned its features, unable to identify was exactly was so off about it. Perhaps it was one limb too many. One eye extra. The strange tentacle-like appendages that erupted from its head. A strange knot twisted in his stomach as the male pressed forward, only parting from Kunai’s side to present his offering that he had nearly forgotten was in his grasp. It was a well-crafted flute, made from high-quality bamboo he’d chopped and carved himself. If one were to play it, it would have soft, delicate notes - lilting and gentle. He placed the bsmboo flute on the base of the altar with everyone else’s offerings, and should Kunai step up and offer his piece as well, he’d dutifully press back to the chimera’s side as they would set off from the caves together. Usagi, of course, being a bit hurried - the place made him uncomfortable.

"Kunai Speech." & "Usagi Speech."

NPC:

The red-topped man offers a flute. A few small rodents roll it back to him as if expecting something from him. They urge him, their beady eyes flickering in the candlelight before a few fireflies fly pointedly at their heads, thunking softly against their bodies. The rodents seem to understand and take the flute to the glass stand once again, one of them returning briefly to press a gift to Usagi's paws.

You have received:
174 Gems
Gems added to credit.

+4/-4 Inch Height Pass
Staff: note when claimed

Avantika was not a very imaginative creature, and even rarer did she actually listen to those impulsive ideas that might flutter within her chest. There was far too much fear -- it clutched at her heels and formed weights in her stomach as heavy as boulders, holding her back from lurching forward off a cliff or something similarly dangerous. She was not an explorer, nor a spiritual wolf. She had her home and she liked it, darn it!

But on a regular patrol that day, she had veered further out from the territory of the Hallows than usual. It wasn't an odd thing for her to do, really. And hey, if she was too dependent on the Hallows, maybe it was a good idea for her to at least physically explore a bit more of the world. She couldn't stay holed up in the Castle her whole life. These happy thoughts -- mixed with not a small amount of pride in that she could actually go farther and farther without getting so anxious that she had to turn back -- pressed her onward; but then, a strange smell wafted towards her. It didn't smell bad, just interesting. Which should have been a red flag, but Avantika kept going, following the smell. As summer turned suddenly to fall, long before she knew it should, nervousness and curiosity mingled in her gut. She felt somehow like she was holding her breath, though she obviously wasn't. She had to know where this smell was coming from. It only got more fervent as she kept moving, but not in a way that would give her a headache; it was a pleasant aroma, still.

Eventually, she found the caves, and the second she saw the starry sky above her at noon, she knew this was the right place. Her eyes landed on the statue. It was decorated. Could Avantika add something? She decided yes -- the owners of the statue could just take off any decorations she put on anyway. She didn't have anything with her, so she left the caves.

She returned a couple of hours later, the sky barely beginning to turn pink on the horizon. Carried carefully between her teeth was the sprig of lavender on her door that had represented Audra -- she had left the cinnamon stick -- and draped over her back were two of Avantika's favorite blankets that were not the ones on her bed: one a quilt with depictions of different scenes with strange furless creatures in bright colors that she sometimes liked to try to figure out the stories behind, the other a clearly once pure white blanket, with very old bloodstains marring -- or enhancing -- its fabric. She noticed the butterflies fluttering around rearranging things and folded the blankets near the statues' base, the lavender sprig resting on top of them.

She then bowed low. "I don't know much about spirits," she began a bit awkwardly, head still tipped downward. "if that is indeed what you are. But I do know something about stories. These blankets and this bit of lavender all represent tales; the blankets are before my time and the lavender is a story of my own. They're a bit like altars, I guess." With that, she found she had nothing more to say and simply left.

"Speech"

NPC:

The wolf brought blankets and herbs. Quickly, hurriedly, the herbs were whisked away to the statue. One blanket- the one with all the pictured- was filled with butterflies and fireflies and other flying critters as it was positioned almost as if a cape for the statue, with some of the creatures remaining to keep it looking as if it was blowing in an imaginary wind.

The bloodstained blanket was snatched, taken, and disposed of as quickly as humanly (critterly?) possible. Gross.

A bat returns to drop off a gift. It avoids making eye contact.

You have received:
171 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Half Word-Count Seasonal Pass
Staff: note when claimed

Strange things were happening. Phantom found himself somewhere he'd never been before, his mother lingering somewhere nearby while he went to investigate the trail of wolves that were surrounding what appeared to be some sort of strange statues. Things were different though as he got closer to these caves. He swore there were colors in things where it normally didn't exist, and his head felt light and fuzzy. Stars adorned the roof of the cave, and all around him were butterflies fluttering around him. They were mesmerizing, but not as mesmerizing as the strange statue that he now stood before. Purple gaze moved over every bit and piece of the statue, and he felt pretty drawn to it.

He approached the statue, reaching out a paw to touch it and felt a strange energy coming from it. Or maybe he thought he felt a weird energy...he wasn't sure. After all, the night sky was shining inside a cave and butterflies were lifting things they shouldn't have been able to lift. He placed down a crown made of little purple flowers that looked like stars themselves. He couldn't remember what they were called, but he had found them and made something out of them. Who better to give it to then this statue? He watched as the butterflies lifted it onto the strange wolf statues head, and then he sat back and watched it in awe, wondering what sort of beast this was and if it was ever alive at one point in time.

NPC:

The dark pup brought a purple crown of flowers and the creatures chirped excitedly, taking it and promptly replacing the seaweed bracelet with the new crown. The all stood for a moment and made approving noises, the seaweed anklet nearly all forgotten. After their moment of awe passed, a shiny-looking hedgehog scrambled to give the wolf its gift before gently ushering him on.

You have received:
186 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Small Accessory
Staff: Claimed 11/27/22 for Akuma ~Beau-tifullyWritten

Skorgek walked forward having found herself slowly pulled back into the cave. The voices in her mind dancing and alluring her to enter the cave and see the new statue. Unaware that they weren't hallucinations and actual spirits speaking with her she slowly walked in.
Her mind gently driven by desire she reached forward and gently touched the statue before pausing with a new idea. Returning quickly afterwards with a set of small bowls filled with various dyes. Offering them to the butterfly as they were mostly potent berry and vegetable colors. She dips a paw in and draws a circle on the floor. Hoping to show how the dyes worked. Her tail wagging as she slowly stepped back giving a bow before retreating to the shadows of the cave. Curious about what might happen next.

NPC:

The small wolf offered some dyes and showed how to use them. Delighted and immediately carried away, many rodents began to dip their paws or tails into the dye and painted makeup on the statue. Some blue here and some red there... yes, yes! Perfect! The animals chipped and chirped in excitement before a large dark cat hissed and chased them all away. It turns to the young woman, giving her a gift and eyeing her cautiously as she moves on.

You have received:
163 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Date Night Kit
Staff: Transferred to Beau

Perhaps Kunai was a bit more curious about the sudden altars appearance, but he wasn't any less skeptical. Usagi however seemed uncomfortable in the strange cave with the galaxy ceiling and butterflies with world record strength. He would admit that the statue itself was a little unsettling, but for Usagi's sake he kept it to himself. The smaller man had brought a handmade flute he'd carved and suddenly broke from his side to place his offering amongst the rest. Kunai followed behind and set his offering, a small bottle of saké, down at the base of the altar alongside Usagi's flute with a short, respectful bow.

Turning to find his boyfriend waiting, he offered the man a small smile and hurried back to him. Although he wanted to stay and explore the cave more, he was certain Usagi was ready to head back. Nuzzling the shorter man's cheek as he pressed back into his side, he walked with him but nipped playfully at his ears the whole trip back.

"Kunai Speech." & "Usagi Speech."

NPC:

This wolf- who came with the flute boy- offered alcohol and a small ushering of butterflies and humming birds tasting it with their long spiraled tongues. After seemingly approving, they dump it over the statue, washing off much of the dye in colorful rivulets. A hummingbird gives the halloween-colored wolf his gift before retuning to sip a blood-red rivulet of alcohol dye.

You have received:
177 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Two-Round Skill Pass
Staff: note when claimed

Her mind was beginning to clear, but as the fog lifted, her mood took a turn for the worst. How was she supposed to reconcile everything that she had lost? She could never make it up to the wolves, the children, the packs she had let down... and yet, there was a selfishness deep inside of her that reminded her you have never been so free. Free of expectations. Free of responsibility. On her better days (were they the better days?) she stuffed this feeling down deep and wallowed in her misery. But there were other, lighter days, where she was almost relieved. What a feeling - freedom. To make choices that only effected herself. To feed her own mouth, her own desires. Today was a lighter day and she was exploring lands she'd never had time to visit before. These statues had been the talk of the continent and she was intrigued by the commotion they had generated. Theory slipped through the cave system, a pouch jingling quietly at her flank. Wolves approached and seemed to offer small trinkets or other means of decor, and she was glad she'd come with something a little extra. Once the space in front of the altar cleared, Theory offered up the contents of the pouch: glittering sea glass, polished so delicately that it gleamed in the dim light of the cave.

NPC:

Glittering sea glass clinks before the alter. A small mouse tries unsuccessfully to eat it and is thwacked on the back of the head by another, presumably smarter, mouse. They, instead, take to stacking the shards carefully, trying to balance them like a terrible game of Jenga. The smarter mouse returns to Theory, giving her a gift as the smaller, dumber mice continue- and fail- to make a glass tower.

You have received:
123 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Shrink Potion
Staff: note when claimed

"Speech" Tsunami was admittedly pretty rattled, the long night was still fresh on the minds of most of the wolves who'd lived through it and she rankled at the idea of more strange magic changing the world around them, but more than that her mind kept returning to her cousin... He was back and he'd aligned himself with some group of wolves... Were they his pack? Or was he just a random warrior for them? She couldn't know and the idea that he might have realized she was at the challenge herself and might decide she still belonged to him... That fear plagued her. The woman wasn't totally sure how she felt about these altars but at least it was something to do to keep her mind off her paranoia. The woman brought with her a set of reindeer antlers, Kimuy shed them at the start of the season and Tsunami decided they might make a decent decoration as the familiars had instructed them to bring. She watched as butterflies carried about items they had no right to be able to list and even let them take the antlers from her, nodding.

Art by Vhitany

NPC:

The small wolf offers antlers, which butterflies take and float to the statue. They position them here and there, seeming to think on it for a bit. From somewhere, a butterfly carries in some sticky rock candy and with the help of some mice, make a sort of glue to hold the antlers onto the statue's head. It doesn't work and the butterflies are left to hold onto the antlers to keep them afloat where they think they look best. One spares a moment to return and offer the wolf its gift before returning to balance the antlers again.

You have received:
180 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Date Night Kit
Staff: note when claimed

This was by far one of the loveliest things Sota had ever seen. The way the opalescent statue rose up made it seem truly alive in a way none of the statues in the courtyard back home did. He was transfixed on it when he finally approached, following behind the rest of the wolves that had gathered to offer a decoration of their choosing. Something about it was otherworldly and strange, and as he approached it he worried his offering was far too simple for such a grand statue. But it was too late for that now, he decided. Waiting his turn he finally approached and laid down what he'd brought. At the foot of the altar he placed a simple woven twig basket. Inside it were three small crab apples he'd managed to scrounge up. It wasn't exactly a fancy decoration but it had a certain charm that he couldn't deny, even if it didn't really fit this statue. Oh well - how was he supposed to know? Waiting his turn, he finally moved to set it down and back up, taking some time to marvel at the way the butterflies fluttered about and moved the decorations about, working together tirelessly.

NPC:

The striped man offered a simple basket and some crab apples. Some of the rodents tried the crab apples, made bitter faces, and discarded them. They did, however, seem to enjoy hiding in the basket, after the fruits were tossed aside. One popped out and ran to the wolf, pressing a gift into its paws before returning to the safety of the basket.

You have received:
165 Gems
Gems added to credit.

Two-Round Skill Pass
Staff: note when claimed

Tate could see his siblings, as well as his alpha around and placing their offerings.  Though out of character for him, he was a bit shy in regards to Ivy's presence by his side as well.  Still, the two boys walked in time as they brought their wreath forth and laid it at the altar.  It smelled nicely, and cut through the musty sort of cave-smell.  Right, well, that had to be good enough.  The butterflies fluttered about as well, enough to distract Tate.  To absolutely no one's surprise, the boy... well, he was easily distracted.  

"Potato"

NPC:

The small boy offered a wreath, which was immediately deemed to be a necklace by the familiars. They took it with great grandeur they maneuvered it around the ears and snout of the statue until the wreath settled around its neck. This was met with many sounds of satisfaction. A butterfly found its way to the pup and presented him with the altar's gift.

You have received:
145 Gems
Gems added to credit.

+4/-4 Inch Height Pass
Staff: note when claimed