reddosmod: (Default)
Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] deercountry2023-02-08 06:25 pm

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. ]

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.

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!

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.

CODING
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (I bet he get the gist)

2/2

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-02-10 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
( beatrice isn't the only one who is slightly blushing. the pinks of her eyes shine vibrantly with a very quick look away to... somewhere else in the room. a wall seems pretty interesting. the very disgusting paint work that could be redone. )

N-Not me, stupid!!( and still avoiding eye contact, she grabs onto her omni and holds it up. )

Your profile says you're into threesomes and I was just... repeating what it says...!!
Edited 2023-02-10 17:02 (UTC)
manyone: (101 »)

Re: 2/2

[personal profile] manyone 2023-02-11 04:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Beatrice huffs, her cheeks flushing brighter as Jinx responds. She leans forward to look at the omni and squints. ]

What? I didn't--I never wrote that!

[ Her voice is indignant, perhaps even a little shrill. ]

N-Not that I'm against it on principle!
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (like the ocean)

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-02-11 09:35 pm (UTC)(link)
( well now that's all cleared up, jinx roars out a laugh while setting her omni back down on the table. )

Ha, ha!! — Well, guess here's your chance to find that third, huh?? I'm waaaay into a girl right now and I'm not into sharin' so count me out.
manyone: (034 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2023-02-12 08:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Well. That's totally fair. I understand completely!

[ Beatrice is still blushing, embarrassed by that whole display. She grumbles indistinctly and crosses her arms, half-turning away from Jinx in a distinct pout. ]

Who is it you're currently dating, anyway?

[ CHANGING THE SUBJECT NOW. ]
opheliac: ヽ(✿゚▽゚)ノ (Spare the sympathy)

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-02-12 09:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Chizuru. She's not that hard to miss. Cute lil' thing with a cute voice who wants to help everyone she sees. She tends to squeak when you compliment her.

( speaking of her, where is that little rabbit anyway? hopefully, she'll come across her during this whole "speed dating" thing. but she also hopes no one is putting their disgusting hands on her... )
manyone: (045 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2023-02-13 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Ohh! Miss Chizuru! Yes, I think I've met her a time or two. Very enthusiastic girl. How fortunate for you to have someone like her~.

[ Beatrice speaks with genuine admiration and affection. The mercurial Witch is in a good mood, apparently! ]

Those who get flustered when complimented are really just the cutest! You want to keep complimenting them until they just pop!
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (in Geneva)

cw: d/s dynamic

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-02-14 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
It's tempting. But I don't want my pet to pop 'less is the kind I want her to, ha ha!

(the grin on her is with sinful intent as she leans back -- twirling her braid swiftly like a cane. )

She's savin' herself for marriage, so I can't poke too much. Don't wanna have her running off despite the chase can be fun on its own.
Edited 2023-02-14 02:00 (UTC)
manyone: (028 »)

Re: cw: d/s dynamic

[personal profile] manyone 2023-02-15 05:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, marriage is an important step in a girl's life, so I sympathize with her.

[ Beatrice absently fiddles with the wedding ring on her own finger. ]

I hope it all works out well for the both of you, really.
opheliac: ヽ(✿゚▽゚)ノ (with a little girl's dream)

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-02-16 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
That's the thing. I, uh... ( she nibbles on her lower lip -- nerves seeping through. ) — I do love her. Actually, I think I'm in love.

But... marriage is too woof, y'know? Eh heh heh... I just turned eighteen this year and uh. I kinda just wanna fuck around and have fun for a while. And she's so...( what's the word? )

So old-fashion. Noooot really use to being patient and not have my hands do what they do.

( translation: she wants to be a typical teenager. get wasted, get wild, do a couple of bad decisions, dancing on table tops, make out with people she won't remember, or have sex with someone she's interested in without tying the knot or intensely serious. )

For her, I'm going slow 'cuz she's new to this and I'm new to this. But I also wanna... go wild with her. And I know she isn't ready for that or who knows if she ever will be.
Edited 2023-02-16 00:21 (UTC)
manyone: (100 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2023-02-17 04:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Mmm. I can understand that, too. You're young!

[ Says the girl who doesn't look more than a year or two older than Jinx. ]

It's very kind of you to respect her wishes, though. I hope that it all works out for you two!
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (when marimba rhythms starts to play)

cw: murder talk

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-02-18 11:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks. ( and now time for the questions. ) So what's your reason for not axing off everyone here in Trench?

( jinx leans back in her seat; manspreading a bit with her hands folded over her stomach. )

A lotta townspeople get a lil' sensitive when I go on about murder, guns, and my methods of killing. But not using their dumb brain that if I was just some lunatic, they wouldn't be breathing right now. I got a reason. Do you have one?
manyone: (038 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2023-02-19 11:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Eh? It's too much bother to try and murder everyone here. None of them have wronged me seriously enough for me to want to.

[ Beatrice doesn't exactly look bored by the idea, but she seems intensely uninterested. ]

Only those who cross the Golden Witch have reason to fear me~.
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (the stories that are told)

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-02-20 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
Right, same here! If I'm killin' anyone, it'd be people from the same realm as me. And even then, I'm lettin' them breathe.

( she drums her fingers along her mid-drift. )

Pranking 'em is what I love to do, though. I might give 'em a lil' fright here and there. Nothing too big.
manyone: (037 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2023-02-20 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes! Someone who understands!

[ Beatrice sounds genuinely relieved to find someone who gets her. ]

And yes! A little prank here and there is just the thing. Keeps them on their toes.
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (Come out wherever you are)

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-02-21 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
Can you believe some people around here think pranking is cruel?

( she scoffs and throws a hand up in frustration.)

I brought up wanting to prank my sis and I got told, "No, it's too mean." I even tried to level with 'em by making it harmless. And ya know what? It was still a no!
manyone: (086 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2023-02-21 09:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Pranking is just a bit of fun! How can anyone think it's cruel?

"Oh nooo I lost my keys, now what do I do? The head butler is going to be soooo mad!"

[ Beatrice imitates a whinging feminine voice. ]

Pff. We should pull a prank together.
opheliac: ヽ(✿゚▽゚)ノ (Spare the sympathy)

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-02-23 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
We oughta. And as much fun as that sounds, I gotta say, "no" to that. Rabbit doesn't think pranking people is a good idea.

( a shrug to her but with a light smile. )

It's a dud, I know. But I don't like seeing her so down. Who knows? Maybe after a while, she'll ease up and let me do the super kid-friendly kind.
Edited 2023-02-23 05:05 (UTC)
manyone: (061 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2023-02-25 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Aww~. Battler didn't think it was fun at first, either. I got him to come around on it, though.

[ It only took multiple murders repeated over and over. Don't worry about it. ]

Maybe she will! She sounds like she has a very kind heart. I can see why you like her~.
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (i might be nice)

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-02-27 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
Maybe she will, maybe she won't. Who really knows!! But I'm workin' with her.

( there's a smile to her and for once, it's a real natural one. )

I'm just hopin' she likes me, too. I mean, more like a friend thing. If not, it'll suck but... it'll be nice.
Edited 2023-02-27 05:07 (UTC)
manyone: (050 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2023-03-05 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
Well, I do hope it turns out well for you.

[ Beatrice has one of her soft, gentle smiles again. The lovey-dovey one. ]

Love is a beautiful thing.
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (When I show you what it's like)

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-03-05 02:37 am (UTC)(link)
I wouldn't go that far. It's a pain the ass, too. But I'm guessin' it's not ALL bad right now.

( but then she comes to realize something. )

— Hey, aren't we suppose to be askin' questions?
manyone: (014 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2023-03-09 05:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh no. It's the most beautiful thing there is. After all, without love, one canno see or perform magic.

[ A smug smile that somehow also manages to soft, warm, and fond. ]

...I suppose we are! Is it my turn or yours?
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (Your words up on the wall)

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-03-11 05:37 am (UTC)(link)
Gag. ( and that's all she will say on that matter. but when it comes to asking questions, jinx gives her a bit of a... clueless look. )

Uuuuhhh... beats me! Kiiinda forgot. You wanna go? 'Cuz I got nothin'.
manyone: (037 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2023-03-11 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Kihihi! You shouldn't doubt magic, Jinx~.

[ She's so pleased. So, so pleased. ]

If you could be any animal, what would it be?

[ She asks, glancing down at the little prompt cards. ]
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (She keeps calling)

[personal profile] opheliac 2023-03-12 03:18 am (UTC)(link)
Ooooo, that's easy. A man-eating shark that will gobble everything that goes in my path...!! — My razor sharp teeth is no match for anyone. Harpoon me, crash into me all ya want, but I'll just come back a million times stronger. ( ... ) And hungrier.

( and speaking of those sharp teeth, she seems to be flashing her own with that wide grin of hers. but with this question, it's got jinx a little curious. )

Whaaaaat about you, Bee?

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cw: nsfw....

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Re: cw: nsfw....

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