reddosmod: (Deer 2)
Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] deercountry2022-08-08 09:32 pm

he ate my heart

AUGUST 2022 EVENT
EXTRA WARNING:

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Prompt One
[Image One: The shore line lit up by some sort of bioluminescent organism. ]
[Image Two: A sunken pirate ship covered in algae, seaweed, and suffering from wood rot. ]

Prompt Two
[Image One: A tentacle wrapping around a persons hand. ]
[Image Two: A close up of someone's shoulder which is turning black and cracked and dripping water. ]

Prompt Three
[Image One: A statue of a human face, split in half, with a golden devil mask between the two halves. ]
[Image Two: A number of golden hands reaching up for a white sphere. ]

WE GLOW SO DIM
WHEN: August
WHERE: The Ocean
CONTENT WARNINGS: Deep diving, possible drowning, possible death


Early on in the month, the waves start to have a strange look to them. They seem a little brighter, even at night, and it's then that it hits you: the waves are glowing. It's easy to at first to brush it off as the bioluminescence of certain types of plankton, but the way it moves and sparkles has an other-worldly quality to it that can't be explained by science. Those who look even closer at the glow will notice that it seems to be forming some sort of path into the watery depths.

Those who choose to follow the path despite the angry waves and awful storms that plague the seas this month will find that the ocean seems to be at its calmest along these illuminated, watery roads. Diving down to follow them won't require any equipment, as Sleepers will find that staying within the glowing path allows them to breathe under water when they might normally not have been able to. The pressure changes don't seem to be impacting anyone who follows the light either, allowing them access to deeper depths of the ocean than may have previously been explored.

Continuing to follow the path will lead Sleepers to a series of ship wrecks under the water. These ancient vessels are rotted and covered in seaweed, but anyone who is familiar with the cultures of Earth will notice that they seem to come from all over the world and their styles vary by multiple centuries. But all the ships seem to be covered in this same, strange glow that has brought people here.

Exploring the ships will lead to multiple different discoveries. There are chests filled with ancient artifacts: carvings of squids, statues of various sea creatures that feel a little off somehow, and stones carved with a strange text that is almost impossible to decipher. The artifacts are covered in strange, rust-looking stains that penetrate deep into the materials they're made of. These artifacts can be brought back to shore, and if someone were to try and ask the Trenchies what the writing said, they would only be able to say that these are clearly texts of the Old Ones from long before any recorded history that Trench has in its Archives. When asked about the sea creatures, they'll think it's obvious: these are Mariana's various forms from over the years. The off qualities are her unique takes as a Pthumerian on the creatures of the ocean.

Prolonged exposure to these statues of Mariana will cause people to become more bluntly honest, more open with their emotions, and often much more prone to large outbursts from said emotions, both good and bad. However, Sleepers who keep these statues near them will also find that they are able to keep more control of their blood powers. It's up to each individual if it's a worthy trade off.

If you leave the path, two things can happen: Sleepers will either turn into their squid selves and can continue to swim or they will drown. There will be nothing of interest outside of these paths, just typical ocean creatures, and maybe some of those monsters that have been crawling out of the watery depths as of late.

MONSTER WITHIN
WHEN: August
WHERE: All over
CONTENT WARNINGS: Body horror, mentions of potential cannibalism/vore, possible death, contagious curse


Soon after people start to explore the ships, a strange occurrence will start to sweep through the city. Locals start to mutter something about a curse, one that seems to only be impacting Sleepers. The early signs that there's something off is an increase in strength and stamina. For example, Sleepers will find that they might go to pick up a chair or a mug and it shatters in their hands. Some people may find that they are incapable of sleeping. Others might find they're able to move quicker and for longer periods than normal.

If they look themselves over, they will start to find small patches of skin that have started to gray and blacken. These patches will be cracked, almost scaley, and will be consistently damp no matter how hard you try to dry them off. As time passes, this odd rash will start to spread, taking over more and more of the body. The torso might start to swell and distort, making Sleepers feel particularly top heavy. And eventually, suckers will start to form on the arms and legs.

This curse isn't beasthood in its usual forms; instead, it seems to be some sort of malady in of the magical blood that Sleepers have been granted. If the blood of an infected Sleeper is looked at under a microscope, there will be black patches clinging to the cells, similar to the patches that people see on their skin. If it isn't stopped, the person suffering from the curse will ultimately turn into a monstrous form of their squid-selves: these monster forms are large, aggressive, and able to move on land. They will feel a hunger for destruction and some Sleepers may find in these forms that they are only satisfied if they feed on other, uncursed Sleepers.

There are two ways to lift the curse. One is through a thorough blood transfusion with a blood type that is compatible with your own. This becomes more difficult to do the closer to the monstrous form people get, both due to aggression from the curse, and also due to the fact that the black patches of skin are highly difficult to puncture. Once the blood is completely replaced by fresh blood, the skin patches will disappear over 48 hours and the Sleeper will be left feeling thoroughly exhausted.

The second way to lift the curse is through death. While these monster squid forms are difficult to kill, it is not impossible, and they are particularly susceptible to magic over weapons. Once a Sleeper has died, they can be reborn, and their blood will be completely free of the curse.

The blood malady can be spread outside of those who come into contact with the ship wrecks. People who touch a cursed Sleeper, particularly the scaley patches of skin, will also run the risk of being cursed. It takes roughly a week for the signs of the curse to show, and can spread as slowly or as rapidly as players choose.

LAVISH DESIRES
WHEN: August
WHERE: All over
CONTENT WARNINGS: Personality changes, mental manipulation, hoarding, obsessive anxiety, disassociation, depersonalization


The high waves seem to just be getting higher at the beginning of the month. Rougher and rougher seas start to cause something anyone who's lived around water will be familiar with: flash floods. These floods are large, powerful, and fill the streets of Trench. First-floors of buildings may get extreme damage, though they can be protected with physical and magical barriers if people are smart about it. The floods happen multiple times throughout the month without warning, so it may be good to get that protection built up sooner rather than later.

The after effects of these floods aren't just structural devastation though. People who get caught up in the water, particularly those who end up swallowing it, will have one word echoing in their mind on a regular basis: More.

More of what? That seems to be different for each individual. Maybe one person wants more and more food, anything from an extra slice of cake after dinner, to wanting to stuff themselves until they just might pop. Or maybe they want to hoard all of their favorite objects or pieces of clothing, filling more and more of the space in their homes until they're ready to burst at the seems. Some might find it's their emotions that come in excess, with over the top anger, or irregular excitement that leaves them unable to sleep for days. Anything and everything can come in excess and it certainly seems to be this month. Some people may get these obsessive needs to such a degree that they start to feel disconnected from themselves, fractured by the overabundance that has taken over their lives.

If people ignore these desires, they'll start to find they're plagued by hallucinations. Strong, life-like visions that riddle them with anxiety and leave them petrified of what might happen if they don't partake in this gluttonous behavior. They'll feel shaken to the core and slowly go mad with need and desire for whatever it is they've been craving. This feeling of madness can make them become violent, lashing out at those around them, even killing those who try and help them out of belief that they're trying to force them to give in to their vices.

The impact of the water will wear off either after one week without re-exposure, or by using a Moon Drop to help to cleanse the mind.

CODING
imaglyphwitch: (mah bebe)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-12 12:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, Chizuru! Great! She's really nice!

[They'd met, and she'd been one of the people to remind Luz she was not all powerful and needed to tone her whole adventure streak down].

Yep, who would have thought? The month I decide to go slow, she messages me to ask about dangerous Trench stuff, and lets slip she's opening a bookstore, which I love! We start talking about that and other things, and then I start messaging her on her Omni and stuff, because I realize I kind of can't get enough of her?

[Luz looks down, turning red]. As it turned out, she sort of felt the same way, but didn't know how to ask me, so I kinda asked her first, and then we sort pf revealed that we both really are into each other! We've been dating since, and I'm slowly getting her to meet my friends now!
cuddlery: (where do i begin)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-12 02:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[Scorpia nods along in confirmation as Luz uses Chizuru's actual name. And then she excitedly listens to Luz's story, grinning and even rising into the air with joy.]

Awwww. That sounds so sweet! I'm so happy for you, Luz. I love that you found someone! And you sound like such a cute couple too. I have to meet her sometime!
imaglyphwitch: (EEEE)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-12 05:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[Yup, those two had certainly run into each other. Luz was surprised (pleasantly) that Scorpia would care about her previously uninteresting love life, which was nice]!

It was honestly a shock! We just sort of stumbled into each other, and some of it still doesn't feel completely real yet! But sure Scorpia, just say the word. Or! You can see us when the bookstore opens up!
cuddlery: (Default)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-13 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
Great! I mean, I'd be happy to make this happen anytime! And I want to check out that bookstore either way. I could always use a good new book to read! How's it shaping up?
imaglyphwitch: (HUH?)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-13 03:28 am (UTC)(link)
We're almost there! I'm hoping we'll get it up by the end of the month!

Great, I can show you a few!

Hey, how come YOU don't have someone special? You're one of the nicest, sweetest people I know!
cuddlery: (understanding with tea)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-13 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
That's good to know! Let me know when you get your opening day set, and I will mark my calender. I look forward to your recommednations!

[Her smile fades a little, as she shrugs her shoulders.]

Aw, thanks Luz! That's very nice of you. But I have plenty of special people already. A whole bunch of the best friends anyone can ask for!
imaglyphwitch: (squinty eyed)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-13 05:19 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I will! Just ask for me and I'll have a few waiting!

[Luz saw the fading smile and gave her friend a extra long hug].

Well. That is true, but I'll be waiting for the day someone learns how to properly spoil you, ok?
cuddlery: (salute)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-13 12:17 pm (UTC)(link)
I look forward to it!

[Ah, some good old hug time! And she laughs.]

I already feel spoiled by such amazing friends! But I- I'm sure I'll find the right person for me someday!
imaglyphwitch: (Plenty excited)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-13 01:14 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sure you will too!

[Luz looked down at their non anchored bodies and grinned].

In the meantime, we have a lot of exploring we can do!
cuddlery: (chipper)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-14 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
We sure do!

[She floats around gleefully as she speaks.]

So, uh, where - where should we head to? [It's just so exciting!]
imaglyphwitch: (figuring it out)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-14 06:40 am (UTC)(link)
Yup!

[This was a good question].

I mean, we can go anywhere, within reason! What place have you always wanted to visit but haven't had the chance to?
cuddlery: (pondering)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-14 01:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Wow, that's a good question! I think I've visited just about anywhere in the city...

[She pokes at her chin thoughfully.]

But I guess if we can just fly around, we can check out the tops of buildings, and clouds, or fly out over the ocean water...
imaglyphwitch: (EEEE)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-14 03:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Really? I don't think I've even done that! Some places are still a bit too scary for me."

[Luz suddenly had a thought].

Actually, there IS one place I'd like to go to, and its probably only like this that we can.

cuddlery: (eh? eh??)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-14 04:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[Scorpia clasps her claws together with excitement as she comes up close.]

Ooh! Do tell! Or show!
imaglyphwitch: (Fiendishly clever!)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-14 07:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Ok, so you know how there are a lot of places we can go, and some we can't, right?

[Luz produced a map of Trench, because of course she had a map].

The one place I've been told to never go, the one that's supposed to be off limits without being heavily masked and stuff, is this area called The Unfathomable Mass. It's not a pretty place from what I've heard, and is actually pretty toxic, but like this, I think it'll be OK!

You up for it?
cuddlery: (did i do that)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-14 07:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[She gasps lightly, suitably awed like a kid being asked to explore an apparently haunted building.]

Wow, that does sound unfathomable! Is- are you sure it'll be alright? We... can't get poisoned like this, right?
imaglyphwitch: (whatevs)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-15 06:42 am (UTC)(link)
Not while we're intangible. I wouldn't even try to attempt this if we were. I haven't heard good things about unprotected people going out there. But in these forms, we'll be able to at least see it without being affected.

[This would not be the first time Luz attempted to explore something haunted in Trench, actually]!
cuddlery: (pondering)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-15 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Right, right. That does make sense! [There are a number of concepts that can go over her head, but she thinks she has a grasp on this one. They don't have physical bodies right now, so they should be fine.]

If you're sure, then... sure! Let's go for it!
imaglyphwitch: (small not small fears)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-15 03:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[Luz nodded, then looked into Scorpia's eyes with utmost seriousness].

This is going to still be pretty dark though. I say that we hold onto each other for this, and if it starts to feel wrong, we get out of there as quickly as we can. I know the way, but...that doesn't mean I know what we'll see. So I think its important that we stick together.

To get there, we'll have to float over to Trenchwood, and from there? It's going to take all of our power to get where we need to go.

[OOC: Since getting to Unfathomable Mass is probably beyond their capability, let's have them just get to Trenchwood. Sound good]?
cuddlery: (frown)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-15 10:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[Scorpia nods intently.]

Yeah, sounds like... like good precautions all around. We'll take this real carefully! And we'll do it together.

[It's starting to sound a lot more serious than she thought, but Scorpia is still game for this. She extends and open pincer towards Luz's hand.]

I'm ready when you are.
imaglyphwitch: (What is this)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-16 07:16 am (UTC)(link)
[Luz would never have done this alone or would have even attempted it if Scorpia wasn't with her. Luz was wary of doing very far traveling outside of her body, wondering what the limit of it was.

Looks like she was about to find out].

All right. Take my hand!

[Luckily, Luz had traveled around Trench, even at night, to know which way they were going and how far they had to go to get there. They went past most of the cities, but Luz knew enough to follow the Staggering Path. Strangely, though Luz was a pretty fearless girl, she found herself clinging to Scorpia a bit more here].

It's...way quieter than I expected, heh.
cuddlery: (hmmmm)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-16 12:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[Scorpia moves along, diligently following Luz's lead and keeping a good hold on her. This was very new and scary, but also exciting for Scorpia. She had never really ventured outside of the city much to begin with. But now, she keeps on moving with Luz.]

I guess so. But that's a good thing, right? [She suggests nervously.] Nothing like some... good old-fashioned peace and quiet!
imaglyphwitch: (can't quite place it)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-16 01:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure! I mean, how often is it that we're actually outside of Trench, to actually go to Trenchwood? And its totally fine and relaxing.

[Luz paused].

A little bit creepy though, I have to admit. Do you see the salt lake out there?
cuddlery: (yes?)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-17 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
Not often at all! Practically never for me!

[She chuckles.]

Well, to be honest, I think a lot of things here come with some level of creepiness... [She squints.] I think I see it? That lake over there?
imaglyphwitch: (whoa)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-17 06:42 am (UTC)(link)
Me neither. Mostly. I had to do some deliveries out there every once and a while. But those are usually during the day.

[Luz gazed out, sighing].

Yeah. It's really pretty at night, under the moonlight, and very strong! But you wouldn't know it during the day. It's dead looking, and nothing seems to live in it.

[And that wasn't the only unsettling thing to see].

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