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
onerthes: (Default)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-05 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
She reached in and collected one of them with a curious look. It was smaller, perfect for her home as opposed to anything much larger. She idly stared at it before laughing softly. "I don't know if you can ever truly take the Trench out of Trench. But you can certainly try. I want to study this. I wonder what mysteries it holds. Is it from somewhere older than even the pthumerians?"
imaglyphwitch: (is this real life)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-05 06:23 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, I WILL try! For Lexi's sake, anyway."

It was a good choice! Luz couldn't help but stare at it a bit herself.

"You know, I'm not sure. It does look very menacing, but I think that's part of its charm, don't you think?
onerthes: (Default)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-07 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"I think the sinister part is that it's so alien. It's very unlike us. Surreal. It reminds me of the Pthumerians, but not really. It's like it's something else," vira-Lorr said, not noticing the next thought just sort of blurted out. "Part of me is a little nervous about it, but they're not pulsing with power so I'm sure it's fine to study them for a little bit. What's the worst that could happen? We get turned into fish for a week?"

Huh, had she meant to say that out loud?
imaglyphwitch: (grag)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-08 08:46 am (UTC)(link)
"No, I agree! It is like that! And honestly, I kind of like that, you know? It's otherworldly, like those monsters in the water! Like if you went too far underwater and found yourself in their domain!"

Actually, Luz knew, thanks in part to Scorpia, that the ocean wasn't the only place where she felt that sense of disquiet.

"Ha ha!...I hope that doesn't happen now that you said that."

That was the kind of luck they had sometimes.
onerthes: (05)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-09 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"Fish would be bad. At least squids have tentacles and are surprisingly smart." She could definitely agree with that wish. "And yes. I would prefer to stay out of Mariana's realm as much as possible. The coastline is close enough normally."
imaglyphwitch: (creepy fingers)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-09 09:03 pm (UTC)(link)
"True. Being a fish would probably be the best way to accidentally get you hunted for food."

Being eaten by Luca would be traumatizing, for a lot of reasons.

"Same. Seeing one or two of those monsters up close was bad enough!"
onerthes: (12)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-13 11:12 pm (UTC)(link)
"That and the whole lack of hands would be traumatizing in its own way." She shook her head, not even thinking much about the getting eaten thing. She had her own experiences with a lamia at one point... nope, not thinking about it.

"It is a place that is... hers. She is welcome to it. I will explore other realms."
imaglyphwitch: (UH OH)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-14 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
Luz shuddered. "Ugh, I didn't even think of that! I didn't even think of that! I need my arms! I do so much with them!"

Luz hasn't even MET a Lamia yet. She'd have to learn Vira's adventure someday.

"I think that's probably how she wants it, too."
onerthes: (Default)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-15 08:23 pm (UTC)(link)
That misadventure probably wouldn't be one she shared oh so willingly, since it had been one of her fatal experiences. but perhaps one day. "Arms ARE useful aren't they?" she opined with a bit of a laugh.

"And yes. She absolutely wishes what is hers to remain hers, and she can have it."
imaglyphwitch: (Yo no quiero.)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-16 06:22 am (UTC)(link)
Oh. Luz did not know that. Well, luckily, she hadn't asked Vira to be too specific.

"I've been a bird enough times to know that yes, arms are VERY useful."

You could only carry so much in your beak.

"No problem there! Scary monsters and sunken ships are all her stash!"
onerthes: (14)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-17 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
"I saw a statue in the Archives of a bird with claws on the middle of its wings. Some sort of dinosaur? I think that would be interesting... but yes. Life without hands is much more difficult." She chuckled as she said it, then looking out into the depths from the shoreline.

"She likely has still more treasures hiding away, things to entice us deeper. I wonder what she hides down there, and the price it asks..."
imaglyphwitch: (fairy pie?)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-17 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
"Ooh, no kidding?! I'm going to have to go look those up, or at least ask Luca what he's researched! He's the one that wants to become the archivist, you know!"

Luz was sure she didn't need to harp on that, not when she saw a situation without hands.

"Right, but if she's going to make it really hard to find them, you'll have to make the choice whether you want to risk getting them, and what that would mean to you."

Luz was not sure she was ready to pay that steep a price yet.
onerthes: (Commission: Pls Ask first) (18)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-21 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
"I think at the moment I'm quite safe from her temptations. It helps a lot that we're not under threat right now. this is merely curiosity and ... well," she held it up and squinted at the object in her hand. "This will almost certainly curse me in some fashion. I'm already prepared for that. I'll just burn extra incense and make an appointment for some blood treatments for next week, just in case. Honestly, she's being too damned obvious with these, but it might teach me something. Who knows?"

...

"I just said all of that didn't I?" She really didn't usually get quite that cynical.
imaglyphwitch: (small not small fears)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-21 05:16 am (UTC)(link)
Luz looked at her friend, concerned but also mindful of the things she was saying. All of these tended to be possibilities whether they liked it or not, and it was pretty bothersome that Vira was already planning for a time where the worst might happen.

"You did," Luz said, "but you know, I didn't even think about what if all of this was a trap at all. Maybe I OUGHT to think that way?"

It would hopefully avoid traps.

"Do you think extra incense burning would actually help?
onerthes: (06)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-21 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmmm. No. No, she'd definitely said it, but it wasn't that bad to say it was it? Nah, nothing wrong with being a little blunt. Probably just the stress of the ocean. "I actually don't know. Curses are funny things, and they tend to surprise me. If it is cursed, they won't hurt at least..."

Hmmm.

"Until one of them decides to create a curse that targets incense." Because that was a thing that would happen one day.
imaglyphwitch: (Did I miss something?)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-22 06:21 am (UTC)(link)
Luz wasn't going to hold that against her. Enough strange things had happened during the influence of several Pthumerians that being naive about them was just inviting danger. Luz could do without that, thank you.

That was, however, a pretty awful notion.

"You don't think anyone would actually create a curse that wouldn't let us use incense, do you?"
onerthes: (06)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-24 04:06 am (UTC)(link)
... "Mother Superior would," she muttered, shaking her head. "But I doubt she would do it intentionally as Mother Mercy. For now we don't truly have an enemy, not of that sense. Just threats. So for the moment I think perhaps I'm just being paranoid."

Fidget. Fidget. Damn her brain. "except maybe the zealots, but somehow that seems off."
imaglyphwitch: (small not small fears)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-24 05:52 am (UTC)(link)
Luz made a face. She had not thought of that, not for at least a few weeks now.

"It's not the Pthumerians that startle me these days anyway. I expect them to be indifferent. It's the Sleepers that I worry about."

Luz winced. "You think they'd come back?"
onerthes: (12)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-25 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
Fidget fidget. She sighed. "I don't think they've ever left. I don't know what they're planning, but there were other documents that referenced them, so I'm quite certain they're still here. We'll need to be ready for them..."
imaglyphwitch: (i'm having a miserable time thank you)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-25 08:03 am (UTC)(link)
"That's probably true."

Luz said this rather dully, and didn't realize the color had drained from her face a bit.

"We should probably be on high alert that month."
onerthes: (Default)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-28 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
She reached over to pat her friend on the cheek. "We'll be ready. I won't let them get thee drop on me this time. we at least know they're there, and we have time to prepare," she assured her. That, at least she was confident in. Mostly.
imaglyphwitch: (wanna be startin somethin)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-28 06:46 am (UTC)(link)
Luz took in a breath, but did feel a little bit better with Vira having said that. She always had confidence in her older friend, and if she said that they'd be OK, Luz knew she'd try her hardest to believe that.

"Right. Yes. Yes! I'm sure that we'll do everything to make it a smooth month!"

She'd try her best?
onerthes: (Default)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-09-29 07:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's the idea. We do everything we can, and if there's anything to cope for? We're there forever," she replied, nodding as firmly as she was able and giving a little pump of the fist. "We really should come up with a motto for the people of Trench one of these days along that line."
imaglyphwitch: (its simple)

[personal profile] imaglyphwitch 2022-09-30 06:26 am (UTC)(link)
"That sounds like something right up my alley!" Luz said, feeling much more positive than when she had started! "And you leave that part to me! I'll have something that we can use when I've had time to think about it!"
onerthes: (10)

[personal profile] onerthes 2022-10-01 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
"Good. I look forward to whatever your idea is. Something that speaks to our ability to endure the impossible certainly sounds good don't you think?" She thought it was clever enough to think of a motto, since they went through so many things as it was.

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