reddosmod: (Default)
Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] deercountry2022-07-08 11:02 pm

magic, madness, heaven, sin

JULY 2022 EVENT
IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Prompt One
[Image One: A statue of Lady Justice with her sword against a man's throat. ]
[Image Two: A pair of hands covered in blood. ]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Two people trying to reach one another being pulled back by multiple, disembodied hands. ]
[Image Two: A feminine figure lying on a boardwalk above the ocean. ]

Prompt Three
[Image One: A pair of black scales held by a statue. ]
[Image Two: A single hand reaching up from the water, implying drowning. ]

GOOD AND EVIL
WHEN: July
WHERE: All over
CONTENT WARNINGS: Violence, revenge, possible torture, possible death, mental manipulation


An excerpt from the book Thus Comes the Reckoning:
Are we inherently good or evil? Are we hard-wired for empathy? Or is violent behavior our innate reaction when the world has done us wrong? This is something that has been debated for centuries, even in the times Before Sodder. Have we evolved since the Dreamless World? Since the Nightmare? Have the Pthumerians and their blessings made us more peaceful and understanding?

While it is true that our world is more generous and caring than the ones we have read about in the Dreamless World, where in spite of our shortages, we want for nothing that we truly need, the very existence of corruption and beasthood should speak of our true natures and of the true natures of Sleepers. There is no time that this is more prominent in our world than in the month of July, when the Reckoning holds sway.

It is unclear if it is the unbearable heat, the Pthumerian's influence, or perhaps just our true selves coming forth, but each July is the prelude to chaos. The pleasantries die off, the generosity wanes, and we forget the lessons of our more kind and gentle benefactors. Fist fights over minor disagreements, people attacking one another with weapons when they don't get their way or wait too long in line, and murders over the loss of a game. Does the summer make monsters of us all? Or does the Beast Moon simply encourage what is already inside of us?

Sleepers will find themselves encouraged towards violence. Many will be drawn to do evil. They will feel a pull to hurt others, particularly those who have hurt them first. Anger will seem like a natural state and many will find that they have lost all ability to reason when they become even minorly frustrated. Vigilante justice will seem like a great idea. Did someone hurt your loved one? Then tear them apart! Did a person borrow something from you and never return it? End them. Criminal activity will skyrocket, particularly violent criminal activity, throughout the month of July. People will feel more inclined to steal, to damage property, to kill, and to get revenge. Torturing others will seem like a perfectly reasonable idea. It is the month to do so and it might even feel good to hurt other people.

Sleepers will also feel violently protective of those they love. They will want to make sure that the violent crimes happening to other people doesn't happen to their people and they might go to such extremes as locking their loved ones up so that nothing can get to them. It's an obsessive need to protect and not let go. Someone might even feel so inclined as to kill their friends just to make sure that no one else can hurt them.

On the flip side, those who manage to resist the violent urges will be more inclined to help those who are violent. Even if you are someone who has never wanted to help another person, you will be drawn to do good. It's not impossible to talk others down, to sway them to being better people and to remembering who they are. It's just a lot of work. But still, those who are impacted by the good will feel that same need to protect others; only for them, it doesn't have to necessarily be someone they know. They want to do the right thing, to protect people from themselves. Unlike the evil, they will know there are limits, and they will not hurt others in their attempt to protect them. But they may end up being willing to, possibly uncharacteristically, sacrifice themselves to do so.

QUICK FACTS: 1. You can only be impacted by The Good or The Evil at one time. Someone who is Good can be corrupted into becoming Evil. If someone is talked down from being Evil, they can either go back to being their normal selves, or they can become impacted by The Good instead. This can happen as many times in the month as possible, but they can only be Good or Evil at one time. You can not be both at once.

2. Characters who can usually heal demons/possessions/etc. can cure Evil in people. Their powers will work the same as they would in their canon/from their blood powers. Game based items that would normally cure corruption however will NOT work to cure Evil. They will still work to cure corruption/beasthood.

3. The Reckoning can still punish you. Just because you're being influenced by outside forces won't matter to her. If she catches you doing something bad and it isn't for revenge purposes, she will punish you as she sees fit. This is left up to player interpretation.

FORTUNE'S FOOL
WHEN: July
WHERE: All over
CONTENT WARNINGS: Star-Crossed lovers, encouraged suicidal ideation, possible death


Love. A complicated feeling that puts people into complicated circumstances. And yet, people will find themselves focused on this emotion more so than usual this month. For someone who is already in love, the emotions will become even stronger, almost overwhelming, wanting to burst out of them like a song. For those who were not in love before, they may find themselves suddenly easily falling for others. Maybe they will love multiple people or maybe just one, but love will be an all consuming emotion to those who fall victim to it.

The only problem is that love isn't always accepted. People who are deeply in love will suddenly start to feel persecuted and judged from those around them. They will feel as though their love is unallowed, that the person that means the most to them is being rejected by their family, their friends, by society itself. It doesn't matter if that's the truth: there's just something inside of people that makes them thoroughly convinced that their love is not meant to be. Star-Crossed. Unattainable.

There will be an increased urge to solidify that love as being real and unbreakable. Maybe this is done through fighting back against those who are saying no. Maybe it comes in the form of secretly saying vows and loved ones spiritually tying themselves together forever. Or maybe in the end, the only true way that lovers feel they can truly be together... is in death. All of these will seem like reasonable options— or maybe even the only option. Love is never ending, after all, even if life is.

QUICK FACTS: 1. Anyone can fall in love with anyone else. It doesn't have to be the character that you're already shipping with if all players agree! You can fall in love with someone you know, someone you've just met, or even a total stranger. Love is a gift to everyone, right??? Who needs pesky things like introductions.

2. You do not have to commit suicide. You can, of course, and many will definitely feel drawn to it with the basis of the prompt, but it is not required. Please make sure to mark all threads accordingly!

3. The persecution against your relationship does not have to be real. You can, however, tie this into the first prompt, and have even the smallest slights be reason to think that your love is persecuted. Similarly, people who are impacted by the first prompt may be more likely to actually shun those who are in love. Feel free to work with it however you see fit!

OUR OWN PRISONS
WHEN: July
WHERE: All over, but particularly by the ocean.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Self-hatred, judgement, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, possible drowning.


Everyone has personal flaws. Things about themselves they don't like, reactions they wish they didn't have, habits that they want to break. Sometimes the awareness of flaws can outweigh the awareness of our strengths as well. It's easy to get caught up in the feeling that we're less then perfect, that we'll never be able to fix ourselves no matter what we do.

This month, those feelings seem to be amplified. Sleepers will see flaws everywhere; in the people they love, in the Trenchies, and most heavily in themselves. Feelings of self-hatred and judgement will be amplified and even those who are usually confident in themselves will find that they're suffering from it. Sometimes these feelings may manifest as a simple bout of anger and depression; but for others, it can become more severe quickly.

Those who find themselves suffering heaviest from these feelings will feel called to the ocean. Maybe it's a desire to go back to a squid form, a place that's simpler and more straight forward. Or maybe it's the unbearable heat that's putting these thoughts in someone's head and they'll feel like going for a swim would cure it. But there's something inside everyone that knows that if they go into the ocean, they might not come back out again.

Sleepers will feel like the ultimate judgement is waiting for them out there. If they are seeing flaws more in themselves, being by the ocean will amplify feelings of suicide. If they're seeing flaws in everyone else, they might feel compelled to bring those people down to the ocean to drown them. The ocean, associated so heavily with rebirth, could be the very thing to cleanse people of their imperfections, after all. Maybe it would be a favor to everyone if someone just gave in and tried to fix themselves and others. For the good of Trench.

QUICK FACTS: 1. These feelings can cause people to become more corrupt. The longer they are exposed to these feelings, the closer they will get to high levels of corruption, and eventual beasthood.

2. Because these feelings can cause corruption, they can also be relieved through the same methods as corruption. Talking, touching, Moon Drops, get some therapy, whatever the player chooses.

3. People who do not address their feelings and/or who spend too much time by the ocean will inevitably deal with feelings of suicide and/or homicide. Please be sure to handle these topics appropriately and content warn your threads.

CODING
thevengefuldoll: (nonthreatening)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] thevengefuldoll 2022-07-09 10:08 pm (UTC)(link)
The demon decides to venture to the beach. He has been busy with investigations and matters of survival. Yet, today Chin Yisou wants to unwind.

A curious encounter appears in view. He remembers the girl on the shore. That winter was harsh, I wonder how she is now? He walks up to her and notices something off. Even when she had blood crystals destroying her leg, Luz was optimistic. Her gaze seems...morose.

"It has been awhile hasn't it, little sister?"

The demon is unsure of how to react emotionally but he attempts to be welcoming.
imaglyphwitch: (stirring up bravery)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-07-10 06:37 am (UTC)(link)
Luz looked up, surprised at the voice. They may have only met once or twice, but Luz had felt strangely compelled to this demon, one that she had bestowed kindness to her that she felt indebted to. She hadn't seen him in so long, she thought he'd gone back into the ocean.

"I didn't know you were still here! Maybe I should have been paying more attention."

She stared into the water. "A lot goes on in such a short amount of time."
thevengefuldoll: (Delighted)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] thevengefuldoll 2022-07-10 07:06 pm (UTC)(link)
The demon is moved by her sense of sorrow. As a big brother, he believes that it is necessary to help her. After all, sometimes people just need to talk. He does not blame her for not being aware if his presence.

"I do tend to live by myself. I have a cabin in the woods...Well, it's more of a lean to though makes for better shelter than a tent."

As her gaze turns back to the ocean, Chin Yisou gives a sigh.

"Would you like to talk about it, little sister?"
imaglyphwitch: (defeat)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-07-11 07:17 am (UTC)(link)
Luz was very much in her feelings right now. She was also only vaguely aware that the feeling of helplessness wasn't just her own, but something that felt bigger somehow, as if it was being made stronger on purpose. That in itself was hard to fight off, because the month had been pretty rough to begin with.

"I feel like you should live in a more stable house," Luz said, thinking on that a moment. "Not that I don't like the idea of a cabin in the woods personally, I love the rustic feel. But it should probably be stronger than that, right?"

She sat in the water a moment, closing her eyes.

"I just had a heck of a month. Beat up a few times, definitely wound up being around people out of their senses. I feel like I used to be able to help people better, convince them to, well, ignore their worse impulses. But somehow, the bad stuff wins out. And that makes me wonder if I'm still ME anymore, if something about me is just...changed, for good."
thevengefuldoll: (Smiles)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] thevengefuldoll 2022-07-12 12:11 pm (UTC)(link)
The level of concern Luz has softens the demon. In all of his time in Trench, only a few seemed to be interested in his well-being. Rather than speak of himself, he decides to address her worries.

"Nothing in Trench is easy. It's as though we all are brought to this world to challenge ourselves- as though there is some trial to undergo."

He kneels down beside her.

"I'm not sure I like that idea much because there isn't anyone who should be left to judge people- from us Sleepers, to the Trenchies and even the Pthumerians. I have put myself on the line multiple times, but I was taught that I was wrong."

Chin Yisou looks pensive at the sea.

"I was killed by my own recklessness and nearly put others at risk of the same fate. Though we come back ashore during some revival process I understand nothing about- the life we have is important to care for."

He places a hand on her shoulder. With the concern of an older brother, the demon continues.

"You worry about change, but change is inevitable. We are never the same person years back, but can strive to be better versions of ourselves. I for one, don't recall what I was like in my own world. Yet, maybe that's because the person I was had issues beyond repair."

The demon brings his hand back. With sad eyes he begins to tear. What is this emotion? He asks himself in confusion. Chin Yisou can't remember a time he cried.

"We can't force people to change, Luz. However, we can surround ourselves with people who want to bring more joy and adventure, than harm. Don't think so poorly of yourself, Little Sister."

With a sad smile, he turns to Luz.
imaglyphwitch: (mortified)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-07-12 05:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Luz couldn't help it: even in a time where she was in a pretty bad state of duress, she still would prioritize someone else's well-being over her own. In this case, it had been some time since she'd seen Chin, and it saddened her that he wasn't at least living a bit more comfortably.

"I know that. I mean, I'd have to at this point, right? But it feels so much worse after taking a break. You get to a point where you feel like things might start to work out, and then WHAM! This place just makes you start to feel worse and worse!"

He might have had a point there, except there was one person left to judge: Luz herself. She judged herself fairly harsh too, given the circumstances. Even she deserved a break, but given how things were shaking right now, and the power of suggestion this place was giving her, here she was, at the waters right now.

But what he was saying made sense, and it was appealing to Luz's better sense right now. She could see the years of experience in his words, and more importantly, the understanding that he'd made mistakes he could not take back.

"I'm just afraid of becoming someone I don't know, someone worse. I saw a version of me like that, but maybe...my mistake was thinking she WAS worse. Maybe that was just another part of me that can exist, a timeline that happens because I make a choice."

And that choice, thinking about it, made a difference. Of course she was in pain and hating herself and the things that she was. That wasn't just this place, but what she had to do to feel at ease. It was possible that maybe she could start to just make peace with some things she needed to change.

But she absolutely DID notice Chin Yisou tear up, and looked up, concerned. Was he maybe remembering something that might have happened in his own past?

And now his words sank in. Because once she was reminded that there were people, obviously still people here that cared about her, this whole thing was stupid. Luz wasn't cursed, not with the people who'd been here for her.

Korra had told her she was the little sister she never had, and left her a HOUSE, one that she'd made with her own hands and love for Asami. What was she even doing here?

"Thanks," she said softly, and looked out into the water again. "I think...I miss them. You know. The ones that did make a difference, and then went away. And I think I'm done being sad about it, but I'm not. I loved all of them, and it hurts to not see them again."


"
thevengefuldoll: (nonthreatening)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] thevengefuldoll 2022-07-13 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
The demon reflects on her words. Luz may be young, but she has a lot of heart. Plus, the Trench may have forced her to miss out on the importance of being a child. He places a hand above his heart.

"I understand that your loss is difficult. You have a right to giref because, that's how you can respect their presence and the memories they gave you. Yet, at a point, it's important to remember the fond experiences you've had with your friends. That way, they are...honored in a way."

Chin Yisou's thoughts turn into an unfamiliar territory. True, he values the idea of family, but can vaguely remember being closed off to people. He gives a heavy sigh. After another though, he reaches an idea.

"I believe that The Ranger is hosting a Tanabata festival at The Sanctuary in memory of one who left Trench. Perhaps, you could find peace at the event."
imaglyphwitch: (befuddled)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-07-13 07:15 am (UTC)(link)
Sadly, it was Deerington that had managed to sink its teeth into Luz first, but Trench had continued where it left off in its own way. She may have retained a little bit of her childishness, but she was still damaged in several different ways.

"I know that. I mean, I know in my head, they don't really leave. They're there, still taking care of me, or talking to me, or giving me advice. But it's hard, when you try to hear their voices and the only thing that stay in your head is...silence."

She understood what he meant though, and she didn't feel like going into the river. If anything, Luz understood this moment was for the ones who'd left recently, and the last thing they'd want was for her to go into the sea as a squid again.

"There's a Ranger?" Luz looked up, fascinated. "Maybe. I mean. I think a place called The Sanctuary is probably a good place for me to end up. I think you have a point."
thevengefuldoll: (Smiles)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] thevengefuldoll 2022-07-13 04:05 pm (UTC)(link)
The festival brings Chin Yisou mixed feelings. Yet, he knows how important the Tanabata event will be to his friend. Plus, he believes that Luz would have a better time there. Despite not liking large crowds, the demon is firm in his stance.

"I'll definitely be there," he says with a smile. "And I'm sure there will be good people who will attend. Who knows, maybe we can meet new friends."

The optimism in the last statement is guided to give Luz the opportunity to find new folks to reach out to. After all, as old relationships fades, there will always be new ones to fill the emptiness left behind.

"Is there anything else you would like to talk about?"

Chin Yisou asks. He wants to be sure that she is in a better place before leaving.
imaglyphwitch: (Plenty excited)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-07-13 06:11 pm (UTC)(link)
If Luz knew about a festival ahead of time, not only would she go, but she also absolutely had someone she'd take with her now! In fact, just thinking of Lexi now gave Luz the push she needed to really distance herself from the water. Why had she even been thinking of going in there?

"That sounds great! Boy, I was really...kinda going through some weird thing just now. Why was I even doing that?"

It would occur to her with some prodding, but for right now Luz is thinking she just had a lapse in judgement.

"Oh, well, nothing except don't expect to see me at the Pâtissier anymore. Lysithea seems to be gone for good. Now I'm working at the Used book store Satellite of Love. Come look us up if you have some books to get rid of, or if you want to get some new ones! And, uh, say hi to the owner, Lexi Howard! She's great!"

Luz thought she was more than great, but her reddened cheeks probably said what she didn't.
thevengefuldoll: (Chisai)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] thevengefuldoll 2022-07-13 06:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Her change in demeanor brightens the demon's heart. He feels happy knowing that she is doing better. I guess...sometimes people just need to be heard. He thinks with a smile.

"I'll be sure to drop by sometime."

Chin Yisou likes the idea of an old book store. Definitely will be more helpful than some of his past shop experiences. He gives Luz a quick pat on the shoulder.

"Thank you for the recommendation. I'm glad that you are feeling better. I'll be sure to see you at the festival."

While rising from the ground, the demon gives a formal bow.

"Enjoy the rest of your day."
imaglyphwitch: (eyy)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-07-13 07:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Some people also need to not be influenced by a bad month, but that came about obviously because Luz already had things going on in her head that pushed her to that point. Luckily, there were people looking out for her!

"It'll be worth it, I promise!"

Oh, was he leaving so soon? Aww. But she made sure to keep the festival in mind.

"Hey, don't be a stranger, ok? I'm still in Cassandra, big decorated house with a tower sticking out of it. You can't miss it!"
thevengefuldoll: (Smiles)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] thevengefuldoll 2022-07-13 07:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Cassandra?"

The demon smiles. He has came back from a trip there recently. He tries to remember the area.

"Big fancy house, I'll remember."

Chin Yisou waves goodbye to his little sister with a smile. He must handle some chores back at the campsite.

"I'll be sure to visit, and bring some of my new pets over too!"

imaglyphwitch: (Plenty excited)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-07-14 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
"Yup, Cassandra is where I live! Definitely come by to visit!"

And she hoped by then he found a better place to live.

"Fancy from the outside maybe! The inside is a bit more, ah, rustic!"

She gave him a big wave, smiling. Boy, she was nothing like the girl that was thinking about going into the ocean, was she?

"Great! We have a barn for them! I have to show you mine too!"
thevengefuldoll: (Default)

Re: Luz Noceda | The Owl House

[personal profile] thevengefuldoll 2022-07-14 07:32 pm (UTC)(link)
"A barn? That's splendid!" The demon smiles.

The idea is becoming more concrete. Chin Yisou is curious to see what critters his little sister has come across.

"I'll be sure to bring extra food over too," he remarks with excitement. "Take care Little Sister!"
imaglyphwitch: (figuring it out)

I'm pretty sure Luz learned his name and I can't just have her call him "demon dude" or something

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-07-15 10:10 am (UTC)(link)
"Yup! It's a pretty interesting barn now!"

Wait until he sees the Fathiers.

"That's be great! We could always use the food! I'll see you later, Chin Yisou!"