deercountry | and my heart went 'boom!'

and my heart went 'boom!'

FEBRUARY 2023 EVENT

Due to the cyclical nature of Trench, prompts from the PREVIOUS FEBRUARY are available for use again. Please note when you are using this years prompts vs last years prompts when plotting or writing top-levels to avoid confusion.

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: A broken mirror with a woman looking into it, pressing her fingers against the glass. ]
[Image Two: A rose lit up like embers. ]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Neon hearts glowing on a wall. ]
[Image Two: A pocket watch on top of a book page. ]

Prompt Three
[Image One: A young woman with dark hair standing in the snow with red flowers. ]
[Image Two: Footprints in the snow. ]

[NAVIGATION]

Prompt 1 • Prompt 2 • Prompt 3 • Plotting • Newsletter

[JUMP TO COMMENTS]

BAD LUCK OF THE EARLY WORM

WHEN: February
WHERE: All around the city
CONTENT WARNINGS: Curses, violence, danger, misfortune

Everyone has their own streak of bad times. There are some days or weeks whre it feels like nothing is going right. Most people would try and tell say that it's just the tendency to focus on the negative. That it can be relieved by writing down all the good things that happen in our lives, because we have a tendency to only ever focus on the bad. And maybe most of the time, people are right! Maybe the idea of luck really is just perspective.

But not in Trench. Not this month.

No matter what way it's looked at, bad luck seems to be clinging to some people. It might start out small, with simple things like knocking over a favorite drink or snack, or ruining a project that had hours invested into it. Then it might become bigger. A person might start to trip over things and injuring themselves, they might get lost in a blizzard and nearly freeze before finding their way home or to someone they know. Eventually, it could even become undeniably dangerous. The person impacted by bad luck could start to notice corruption levels rising quickly, they could start to turn into a beast at random, they could start to attract violent beasts to them and put themselves or others at risk with heavy battles. The possibilities seem to be endless and none of them are good. Did someone break a mirror? Or twenty?

It will be easy to see that this isn't just impacting one person. Sleepers and Trenchies alike seem to be being plagued by streaks of bad luck across the board. Luckily, the locals seem to know what to do about it. Bad luck pops up from time to time, and of course there would be a ritual to help cleanse it.

Small vendors will start to pop up through the city selling wooden carvings that they promise will absorb all the bad luck that's been going around and dispell it with a simple ritual. A drop of blood from the person impacted and a drop of blood from someone they are close should be placed upon the carving. The blood types of the persons involved should not match (i.e. Coldblood/Coldblood would not work, but Coldblood/Warmblood would). It must be left to soak into the wood overnight, leaving behind deep red stains. The carving must then be placed with a fully bloomed rose and burned in the entrance doorway to the home of the inflicted. The ashes should then be placed into a container and kept somewhere in the home for the duration of February, to make sure that the bad luck stays away.

It seems like it really works! The tricky part is making sure that the bad luck following doesn't get in the way of the ritual while the blood is soaking over night. It may be best for both parties involved to hunker down together until morning, just in case. Time to break out the small talk. Or the deep, meaningful conversations that can sometimes happen in the middle of the night.

[JUMP TO TOP] • [JUMP TO COMMENTS]

GETTING TO KNOW ALL ABOUT YOU

WHEN: February
WHERE: A magic room in the city.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Reference to mild shocks. Forced honesty. Embarrassment. Lots and lots of embarrassment.

Honestly, after being in Trench for so long, people should be used to not ending up in the destination they initially intended for. This month, it seems like the city is trying to encourage people to social, to form new bonds, whether they're romantic, platonic, familial, or any other option one could think of. The bright idea this month for that sort of thing?

Speed dating.

It's not traditional speed dating, necessarily. No one is here to exclusively seek romantic partners, although there are certainly options for it. And it's not something people are signing up for out of their own free will. Instead, people seem to simply show up at the event, with no real recollection of how they got there. Maybe they just woke up on one of the comfy couches and found a "Hi, my name is..." sticker slapped on them. Or maybe they were wandering in the snow and got lost, ending up finding shelter in this strange place, and are now forced to participate until the blizzard passes. All in all, it's harmless fun, isn't it? Who doesn't need a few new friends.

Each person will have a small information blurb given about them that can't be seen by the naked eye, but will appear as soon as someone looks at the other party through their omni. What the blurb says is unique to each person, but it might become clear pretty quickly that they didn't write it themselves... Deerington survivors may find themselves having flashbacks to the days of DeerlyBeloved.

Pairings are completely random. People will be given a series of random questions they can ask one another or they can always feel free to make up their own. Anyone who tries to lie or avoid answering a question might feel a small shock from the chair they're sitting in, one that gets stronger with every lie they tell. The after effects of the shock seem to encourage the need to answer the question with full transparency. It's important to tell the truth when getting to know someone, after all.

After five minutes, both parties can either press a button beside their chair to continue talking to the person they're paired with, or they can move on to the next pairing. Both parties have to press the button in order to stay where they are.

Have fun and remember to always be honest!

[JUMP TO TOP] • [JUMP TO COMMENTS]

LONELY HEARTS CLUB

WHEN: February
WHERE: Trenchwood and throughout the city.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Violence, abuse of power, jealousy, possession, supernatural events, possible death from elemental exposure

There's a tale that comes up around this time of year, one that seems to be an old favorite in Trench. Long ago, in the heart of a blizzard, a young woman was found wandering in Trenchwood. She wore only thin fabrics to keep herself warm and had no shoes. Her skin felt cold as ice. The Hunters who found her quickly brought her into town, giving her shelter in a local in to try and get her warm. She stayed for many nights and it didn't take long for the inn keeper to fall in love with her. But she did not seem to return to his feelings and so he was heartbroken and jealous of all the other men who gave her attention. He demanded she offer him something in trade for her stay and when she could offer nothing, he threw her back out into the snow. The woman went back to the woods and some could hear her howling in anguish, carried through on the strong winds of the blizzard. The Hunters tried to find her, following her cries, but they were unable to, and had to return home before they too might freeze to death. The innkeeper was shunned from the town and forced to leave the city for his cruelty, but nothing stopped the howls of the snow woman.

Throughout the month of February, people will start to hear that the sound of the wind blowing strongly through the streets is starting to sound a little more human-like. The woman's cries will be heard in empty alleys, will be loudest near the edge of the woods, and can even penetrate into dreams. The cries might sometimes sound like cries for help, begging for someone to help save her from the cold. There will be a compulsion that sets deep into the bones of some and many will find it hard to resist her call. Eventually, they may even go looking for her in the woods, trying to brave the winter storms to help the lost snow woman.

Those who give in to that temptation will eventually find the snow woman, but she will not be friendly when found. Her skin has turned a pale white, her lips blue, her eyes glowing a bright red, her long hair blowing every which way in the wind. She will rush at whoever she sees, but instead of giving a physical blow to guard against, she will go through any solid objects and latch on to the soul of her target, possessing their bodies. Male or female, it doesn't seem to matter, she simply wants a chance at life again.

Those who are possessed by the snow woman will not realize they are possessed. They will forget why it was they came out into the woods looking for and will return to the city in a daze. As time passes, they will find that they become irritated by any signs of affection, will become physically aggressive towards couples they see around them, and will attack those who care about them most. The spirit does not necessarily hate love: instead, they see affection as a possible risk for all those who love others. Jealousy kills and she wants to save everyone around her from it, as well as keeping herself safe from losing this new chance at life.

Signs of possession outside of the aggression can be noticed by others. The possessed person will have: ice cold skin, blue-tinged lips, they might shiver even when inside where it's warm, and an aversion to fire or warm/hot water.

Information on how to banish the snow woman from another's body can be found in a book of local legends. This book is sold in stores or can be found in the Archives. To save someone from the snow woman, people must tell the possessed person the things they love most about them. It will cause the possessed person to react violently, so it is suggested that they be restrained during the process. The longer they are forced to hear the positive messages about love, the feelings that they can stir up in another (whether platonic or romantic), and the safety that can be found in that love, the more weakened the hold from the snow woman will be. When the possessed person eventually stops struggling, a cut must be made on the back of their neck, before a cloth soaked in warm rose water must be placed on top of the wound. Their skin will begin to steam before a large gust of snow will pour from their mouth, swirling around the room, and smash through the window. It's suggested to leave it open if you'd like to save the glass.

[JUMP TO TOP]

CODING

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Neo's own blurb was a little old, though the age had been updated to her mid-twenties after so long in this world and others. If she only knew it was listing her as single she'd have been seriously pissed off about that.

Flopping over into the other chair across from Caitlyn, she winked over at her and had one look at the omni before typing quickly with her thumb, a silent chuckle on her lips. Yeah, this crap again. Ah well, she wasn't going to take it too seriously.

Name's Neo. Hope you're a quick reader.

Despite the surface comfort and confidence, though, she was a little uncomfortable, knowing the kind of angle the Doorway probably meant. She didn't like being pushed, but that was hardly this girl's fault was it?

Well at least with the blurb there was a point they could start with since Caitlyn had a rather tasteful selection of hats as well that she enjoyed. And while it was complicated she probably would have told anyone asking that she was taken as well.

Looking at the message, Caitlyn returned the smile,

"Caitlyn, it's nice to meet you Neo. And I've always been an avid reader so I'm pretty quick. Should I type as well?"

Caitlyn made the motion as well, not certain if maybe Neo was deaf as well, or if the other was able to read lips. It was moments like this that she'd wished she knew sign-language. Though there was no promise it would have done any good in this instance.

Oh, don't you worry about that.
I can't speak, but I can hear you just fine, so I'll just type away.

So, in this case? It would have worked. She and Emerald had learned sign language eventually, and been using it privately. Neo kept up some practice, but she still preferred to use text as her way of speaking.

So, since we're doing this whole chitty chatty thing, I'll start?
What food do you miss the most now that you're stuck here, eating mushrooms and fish?

Because she would put good money on there being something she missed. Everyone did.

Alright, I suppose that will make things a little easier, especially since we only have a few minutes to make a decision.

[Which lead to Caitlyn putting hers away, to show that her full attention was dedicated to the current conversation and company and not being diverted between multiple things. At the question, she chuckled a little, drawn back to thinking about Vi's comment about prison food when she had first gotten out.]

It has become an acquired taste with the selection available here. I definitely miss the drinks of home, and as far as food. I'd probably say the Veal Parmigiana, or fresh boar with potatoes. And fruit, the fruit here seems. . . questionable.

[She chuckled silently and nodded, making a hand motion for her to continue and then listening to what Caitlyn actually said. she wasn't about to tell the enforcer, but she had every intention of pressing the button to continue for at least a little longer. You couldn't learn much in such a short time, and besides. She wasn't unattractive. So, as long as she didn't annoy her, there was no hurry.

Veal Parmigiana though? Brothers, that sounded like the kind of fancy shit her parents would have eaten. But the mention of the fruit got a quick nod.]

You have to watch the fruits around here. Anything sweet really.
Not like any of it's going to ruin either of our lives, but might be a bad night.
Careful if you run into that freak with the chocolates this month.

They can be fun, but they can also be a whole lot.
Your turn to ask.

I'd been warned about the chocolates, and have actually joined a watch on patrol trying to keep an eye out for that same suspect. So far I've only caught a glimpse right after he'd given someone else a box of them.

[Luckily she hadn't had any other experiences with the sweets beyond that. Since it was her turn, Caitlyn went to the list and relied on one of the random questions.]

How do you define a good night?

Good luck stopping that one. Basically unkillable.
Most of the worst that'll do is nudge people to screw or something silly, though.
Most of the time.

[Of course, when it happened at times people were less than happy about, that was a serious problem, so she was glad to just avoid the bastard right now. She liked to think she didn't need magic chocolates to enjoy herself. Crossing her legs, she patted the handle of her umbrella and winked over at Caitlyn.]

My little lady Hush here and I take down a monster or two.
Afterwards, I tip one back at Sapphora and hang out with the huntresses or a friend.
Usually don't end up going to sleep until damned late.

What about you?

[Late enough that when she crashed on her bed she barely noticed the fact that she was alone. A good night was a busy night.

We're just hoping to detain, not kill. As you said nothing has been that harmful yet, we just want to minimize the damage that the effects will have, and that people aren't being influenced against their better judgement to use them.

[Despite that there would always be people who would want to try them no matter what just to have something exciting to experience. Looking at the umbrella, she raised a bow a moment, it didn't look much like a weapon but she'd seen a number of dangerous thing concealed before, so this might have been something similar.]

I have a rifle, but I didn't bring it with me. I'm a hell of a shot with it, quick and accurate, even at a range that most wouldn't even think about trying. I enjoy getting a chance to get a little time in at the range, maybe chase down a few leads here and there, then a hot shower some tea and maybe a bit of reading to put in the mood for bed.

[She chuckled silently and nodded. Yeah, Neo was pretty sure that the beast wasn't going to be detained, but keeping an eye on it wasn't necessarily a bad idea.]

Sniper, are you? Oh, I get that.
I'm more of the acrobatic type and I absolutely love getting into the thick of it.
But I bet there's something to the feeling of control on the other side of the sights.
You're in absolute control, aren't you?

Sounds like we're both workaholics aren't we?

[Yeaaaaah, very different reasons probably.]

It's not really about being in control. I'm just an excellent shot, and getting in close like that can be a bit, messy at times. Being able to detain someone from a safe distance or dispatch them is safer for all those involved.

But I suppose we are.

[Even if a part of it was just in spite of her mother, and trying to actually accomplish something outside the woman's smothering grasp.]

What is it that you do here?

Ironically, considering my past? A Huntress.
You're not wrong about things getting messy, but I've always been more of the up close sort.
I patrol the streets for monsters just in case.

Only really one marketable skill, other than being adorable.
So I might as well put it to use, right?

[The truth was that she probably had a few other skills, but Neo really didn't ever think of herself as being good at anything other than B&E and killing. It kind of made it hard to find 'regular work.' But in Trench? Killing 'paid well.']

So, might as well ask given the nature of this little shindig?
What are you hoping for, coming to this little party?

[Sure, they'd been abducted, but who cares?]

It is hard to adjust to, and trying to find just where you fit in a strange new place so suddenly. So the work is at least a little familiar.

[Though not entirely considering hunting monsters was far different than hunting down criminal and smugglers. Granted both presented many of the same risks. At the question Caitlyn couldn't help but glace off a little, over towards a pink haired woman with tattoo that happened to be across the room.]

I'm not really sure, like I said things are kind of, complicated right now. For now I suppose it's just to meet some new faces and hopefully make a few friends and contacts.

[She nodded, her gaze following after Caitlyn's, trailing in the direction that she was looking. It was hard to miss Vi, and when she caught a little bit, she considered for a minute and then her smirk widened a little. Curling one leg up, she winked over at the other one.]

Oh? You have good taste.
That, and you are totally not good at hiding those glances.
Good plan, though, especially in this town.
We all need each other I hear.

How about you pick the question?

Really? If you ask her she say's we're oil and water. But I don't know, I thought there was something there, something more. But we haven't had a chance to talk about it, not after everything.

[Not after what her sister did, the same sister that was also here and likely ready to ambush Caitlyn at any moment. One of th reasons she checked the corners of every room, even her own bedroom now.]

Yes, well having a team does make things easier, many hands and all.

Alright, how about this one. 'Would you rather someone be honest and hurt your feelings or lie to protect them?'

Opposites can definitely attract.
You've got time to do that talking around here, so there's no hurry.
And if you decide to spread your wings, well the sky's open here I guess.

[ZOT, fuck!]

Ok, not totally open and I'm trying to psyche myself up a little.
But I'm a big one for honesty, even brutal honesty.
I live with illusions and tricks all the time, but if you care about someone?
No lies.

What about you?

I prefer a bit of honesty myself too.

[Caitlyn shifted a little as there was a small electrical jolt.]

Well occasionally the little white lie doesn't hurt. It can be scary to know the truth at times though, especially when it changes everything that you know. But I'd still rather know the truth, and to have someone be honest with me, than for them to lie and cover up something worse.

Partners are supposed to be able to work together, and to do that, you have to be able to trust one another. So yeah, honesty is important.

[She chuckled and nodded. Look, white lies were fine when you didn't have electric collars holding you back. She tended to focus more on half-truths and brutal honesty to perfect effect, but she could appreciate a little white lie now and again.]

Heh, you kind of sound like you treat a partner in a fight like you do a date.
I can kind of get behind that sort of thing, since I only ever dated a partner myself.
You get to know someone pretty well in a pinch, guns at the ready, eh?

I guess I do. Maybe it's because I don't really have much experience with dating, and both require trusting and opening up to the other.

But you find your heart pounding or skipping a beat and you're not quite sure if it's where you are, or if it's the way they're looking at you. How close their face is to yours, nowhere to go as they lean in a little closer.

Nah, I wouldn't say it's a bad thing personally.
I'm definitely in the same book and someone can be really sexy in a fight if they get you riled.
Get you in close, slap their hand up by your head, pin you to the wall.

It's a whole thing, no question.
My wife and I used to duel a lot, after all.

She must have really kept you on your toes then. I can't imagine what it must be like, having someone to trust and believe in you that much.

So what is she like, your wife?

[She reached up and tapped her lips. How did she describe Emerald? In a word?]

She's one of the cockiest girls I ever knew on the surface.
She was braver than I could ever be, and more willing to take risks when it counted.
And she was a hell of a lot more sensible, and knew when to give up.

She's literally what I'd call my better half.

Sounds a little familiar.

[Brave, head strong, willing make reckless choices, and cocky those certainly were Vi. But there was something that didn't quite fit, and it probably made a pretty big difference between the two.]

Well except for the sensible part.

But it sounds like you have an amazing partner, hopefully she won't be too upset about you being dragged into joining in this.

[There were definitely a few similarities, though Emerald was absolutely much more cutthroat by nature. Neo nodded and smirked, shrugging shortly afterwards.]

She had to learn the hard way herself, but she learned.
And I'm pretty sure that if she were here, she'd be insanely jealous, but that's the thing.
She's not here, and I've been talking with people who knew her, and we're both sure she'd understand.
At least as long as we're apart anyway.

Doesn't make it easy for me to get out there though.

Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize that she wasn't, I'm going to stop talking.

[Caitly picked up her glass and took a nice long sip of whatever was in there, which was apparently pretty strong because after she couldn't help but give a little cough.]

I think it was your turn.

[She laughed a little, silently, and leaned forward to wink, giving her a tip of the hat. Ok, that was kind of cute in that awkward 'put your foot in your mouth' sort of moment. She thought it was kind of obvious Emerald wasn't here, but Caitlyn had just met her.]

You'd have probably hated her, before you liked her.
We're both crooked little bastards on the surface and a little deep down.
But she's my conscience even when she's not here.

My turn, eh? [Hmmm]

What's your perfect place to have a date?

[Ya know what? Corny as it was, this one was a good card.]

and my heart went 'boom!'

Getting to Know You

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