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: (Coming at cha)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-12 05:40 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh? I'm sorry to hear that. You're taking it pretty well though! I would probably not be doing that half as well!"

Having a relationship was a new thing to Luz, so if she were to lose Lexi at this stage, she'd probably be more than a little devastated. This let her know that Makoto was in a place where relationships didn't have to define you to your core. It actually gave her hope that one day she'd be able to move past her loved ones going in at least a more positive direction.

"In this case, it's less about the size and more about what they're expressing! I want something that has an air of age and story in it somehow, you know? Something that looks like it's part of a bigger story!"
thunderingcourage: (♃ Question)

[personal profile] thunderingcourage 2022-08-12 11:57 pm (UTC)(link)
"Usagi and some of the others helped, it was pretty hard, but this time it wasn't as bad as last time."

She didn't get drunk and go off in the woods fighting monsters trying to punch away the pain. It still ached but this time it was a duller ache, one that came from knowing Atsushi wouldn't want her to be upset. As for statues, there were one or two small ones in the chest itself, figures that looked like they would sit on a desk, figures of Mariana and her various forms. But there was a larger one that would be a bit harder to get out but wouldn't be much of an issue with Makoto.

imaglyphwitch: (Ai que lindo!)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-13 12:13 am (UTC)(link)
Luz nodded, though she did look a little sad at the mention of Usagi. She really...messed up with trying to be a friend to the girl, and it bothered her to think about how she was beginning to understand how bad she messed up there.

It was a constant reminder she still had growing up to do.

"Can we get the bigger one? It looks like it has the most...history behind it."

Was she thinking about the other ones too? Yes, but one thing at a time.
thunderingcourage: (♃ Preparing for battle)

[personal profile] thunderingcourage 2022-08-13 12:34 am (UTC)(link)
They had all had their shortcomings, and it didn't help that Trench itself added evermore to the difficulties of friendships and relationships. There were several times Makoto herself had failed to notice something she should have until it was too late, and there were those she had wanted to keep closer tabs on that had fallen through the cracks as well.

Walking over to the larger statue Makoto gave it a push, having to put a little more into it where barnacles and settlement had begun to fuse it to the floor of the ship. But when it broke free the statue itself wasn't too bad, it would be a bit awkward to swim with and would present a challenge getting to the surface, it wasn't all too heavy. Something she'd definitely be able to manage.

"Not sure it will fit through the door. So we'll have to take it out another way."
imaglyphwitch: (This should make sense and yet...)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-13 03:36 am (UTC)(link)
Luz thought that Trench was always putting a wrench in things, but she couldn't help thinking it had to be her fault. She kept intending to try and help Usagi, but instead wound-up saying things that sounded more like they were about HERSELF, and obviously Usagi noticed this. To Luz, Usagi cared about people more than herself, and failing to help her meant she wasn't doing what she was supposed to.

Even if she seemed to help others, failing to help one person meant to Luz she was doing something that wasn't working.

"Another way? How? Will we have to take it apart?"
thunderingcourage: (♃ I'll stop you)

[personal profile] thunderingcourage 2022-08-13 03:55 am (UTC)(link)
"Either the windows or an opening in the side. The ship's already sunk, so it's not like it would hurt anything."

There were probably also another set of double doors or cargo opening somewhere, but Makoto just figured that taking the most direct route would be best. Plus they might be able to use something to help get the statue to be a bit more buoyant and easier to get up to the surface.

imaglyphwitch: (can't quite place it)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-13 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
"Alright. I'll try and help getting it through a side opening. I think I might have a glyph combination that will help."

It wasn't one of the most impressive ones she knew, but it managed to bring out a smallish water cyclone that would at least help bring the statue up and through where they needed it to.
thunderingcourage: (♃ Question)

[personal profile] thunderingcourage 2022-08-14 02:59 am (UTC)(link)
The cyclone was a big help in moving it, pushing the statue across easily as Makoto kept it from crashing into anything, and once it was out she kicked along to keep it from sinking as they began to head back towards the shore.

It looked almost like the statue itself was swimming with only glimpses of Makoto being visible.
imaglyphwitch: (EYES)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-14 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
Luz did have to make her glyphs bigger and put a little more strength into this: normally, it would have made a weaker verion of what she actually wanted, so this was going to take quite a bit more of herself. Thankfully, Makoto was strong as ever, and it helped the statue move along more easily.

"You're amazing Makoto," Luz gushed, still concentrating her magic. "I hope I'm strong as you one day."
thunderingcourage: (♃ Jupiter on the scene)

[personal profile] thunderingcourage 2022-08-16 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
"You're just as strong in your own way."

Jupiter knew that it wasn't likely that Luz would ever match her physical strength, even among the Senshi she was physically the strongest thanks to the protection of the power of Jupiter; but then it was the largest planet in their system. Besides the glyph magic that Luz used seemed a lot more versatile and useful.

"We'll have to borrow a cart or something from the boardwalk."
imaglyphwitch: (I got this (maybe))

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-16 06:39 am (UTC)(link)
In one way, Luz understood this, but in another she really did admire girls who were super strong, able to kick as much butt as any guy who typically was a towering pinnacle of strength. She couldn't help it: physical strength required a kind of discipline she knew she didn't have, and was always in awe of.

"Thanks! I try!"

A cart? That would work better than her trying to magic things along.

"Do we know anyone who has a cart?"
thunderingcourage: (♃ Too much)

[personal profile] thunderingcourage 2022-08-17 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
"I know where we can borrow one. I've used it a few times for getting supplies or making deliveries."

There were a few times she'd actually had pretty large orders for pies or cakes, especially for some of the larger events that took place at the boardwalk. Getting the statue to the surface, it was a bit easier since now the waves were helping a god bit to push in towards the shore. It was a pretty good statue, standing about as tall as Makoto.

"Are you going to be able to get it in though?"
imaglyphwitch: (is this real life)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-17 06:24 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, great! It's been some time since I've done deliveries, and those were usually on the staff!"

Luz did do her best to help it crack the surface and get it to shore. Once they had it in the cart, they'd be able to get it moving to the shop, and then they'd hopefully get the place up and running.

"The door's fairly large, we'll be ok. After that it'll be a matter of where we put it. I wouldn't mind help though, if you have the time?"
thunderingcourage: (♃ Preparing for battle)

[personal profile] thunderingcourage 2022-08-21 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
It would be hard to deliver large bags of flour and sugar on a broom, or dozen of cupcakes and muffins at a time. Makoto was just pleased that Flour and Bloom had taken off and was doing as well as it was, and she was certainly helpful for Snow-white's help with it too.

Getting the statue loaded was the last hard part, from there it should be easy enough.

"I don't have anything else going on, I don't mind helping at all. Plus I haven't been over in a while so it's time for a visit. Besides who knows, something strange might still happen."
imaglyphwitch: (small not small fears)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-21 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
On a staff! But it was an easy mistake to make. Witches were always associated with brooms, after all. She would have been happy to know that Makoto's bakery had Snow White's help though. That girl was a peach.

Yup, it certainly was. Luz was doing her best to lift and make sure that it was stable and in place. She was pretty lucky to have Makoto helping her.

"That's true, and I totally want you to see the new place anyway! Let's...hope nothing weird interrupts us though."

They could use a little break, really.
thunderingcourage: (♃ Huh neat)

[personal profile] thunderingcourage 2022-08-22 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"If anything weird was going to happen it would have already done so by now right? I mean we already got it out of the water and all loaded up."

Securing it in place, it was pretty obvious the statue wasn't going to move anywhere without a hefty nudge, and it wasn't top heavy enough to topple, so they were good to do.

"I'm sure it looks great."
imaglyphwitch: (myao myao!)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-08-23 01:08 am (UTC)(link)
"That's usually how it works!"

Which is why she was glad it was very much not doing that at the moment. She didn't know about what Makoto had gone through, but a break in bad fortune was just what she needed.

"It's not great now, but it's getting there! Soon it'll be perfect!"