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
knowsvinewhip: (Want you to remember)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-02-12 05:44 am (UTC)(link)
Mm, I understand.

Would you have any interest in studying at all? [He holds his hands up in a sort of apologetic gesture.] I was a tutor back home, actually.
in_loveless_memory: (Time to Eat)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-02-13 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I love reading and studying. [His ears perk up and his tail swishes.] I like learning as many new things as I can.
knowsvinewhip: (And I want you to remain)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-02-13 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
What a refreshing attitude!

[No zaps. That's the truth.] Usually I have to track students down while they fuss about having to learn to read.

If you're ever interested, I should be happy to offer you what I know.
in_loveless_memory: (Kya)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-02-17 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
Wait... really? Like, really really? [His ears perked and his tail wagged.] You wanna teach me? What would you teach me?
knowsvinewhip: (Don't we?)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-02-17 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
Certainly!

[Why wouldn't he? He was a tutor before everything. It still feels good to do.]

What would you like to learn?
in_loveless_memory: (Simple joys)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-02-20 10:34 pm (UTC)(link)
I like to learn everything, but I'm especially fond of philosophy and literature.
knowsvinewhip: (Throw forward to later)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-02-22 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
Well, literature I am more than versed in.

[Philosophy is for monks. Normal monks, Sanzo]
in_loveless_memory: (A good surprise)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-02-24 05:23 am (UTC)(link)
Then let's do literature. They tried to get me into the literature club back home at school. This is really so nice of you.
knowsvinewhip: (I want you to surrender)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-02-24 06:38 am (UTC)(link)
Tried?

[A beat - ] Ah, perhaps it's best if I ask whether or not I may ask about that.

[Prying into grown adults' business is one thing, but this is a kid. A kid who would like to learn more, and engage in schooling - he really doesn't want to cause the poor guy to answer things against his will!]
in_loveless_memory: (Curious Kitty)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-02-28 03:36 am (UTC)(link)
You can ask about it. It's... I couldn't attend after-school clubs back home, mom needed me back early when I wasn't visiting the doctor once a week.
knowsvinewhip: (You wanna feel how it feels?)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-02-28 07:00 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, I see. You needn't say more, if you don't wish.

We can certainly do our best to restart your literacy studies here, however.
in_loveless_memory: (Time to Eat)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-03-02 05:33 am (UTC)(link)
What do you like to read? [He takes Hakkai's 'out' and doesn't let it go any further if he doesn't have to.]
knowsvinewhip: (It can't be helped!)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-03-02 06:10 am (UTC)(link)
Fiction, usually. Longer novels that require focus and concentration.

[Things that yank him out of his brain for a while. Hakkai and his issues with overthinking strike again.]

Unfortunately, I haven't had much time as of late.
in_loveless_memory: (Why are you still talking?)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-03-04 09:25 pm (UTC)(link)
I like fiction, I prefer philosophy, but all books are good books... except romances. [His nose scrunched up.]

We could go to the archives they have.
knowsvinewhip: (I'd seen it all before)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-03-05 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
Haha, yes, romance isn't to everyone's taste. Sometimes they can be entertaining, but I doubt the authors meant them to be comedies.

[That's the only reason to read them - they're really funny on occasion.]

Oh? They have fiction? I assumed they were all nonfiction texts.
in_loveless_memory: (Explain please?)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-03-05 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
They have everything if you know how to look.
knowsvinewhip: (C'mon baby - C'mon darlin')

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-03-05 06:03 am (UTC)(link)
Well then! That sounds like our first destination.
in_loveless_memory: (Kya)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-03-05 06:09 am (UTC)(link)
Can we leave now? The speed dating is over then, right?
knowsvinewhip: (I'd seen it all before)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-03-05 07:18 am (UTC)(link)
I'm not certain...

It appears we have to push a button, or else move on to the next encounter.
in_loveless_memory: (Explain please?)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-03-05 07:49 am (UTC)(link)
So that means we have to both press the button and then I don't have to talk to anyone else, yeah? Are you okay with that or did you want to meet more people?
knowsvinewhip: (It can't be helped!)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-03-05 07:53 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I don't mind staying.

I'm not interested in dating. Not in the least.
in_loveless_memory: (Laaame)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-03-07 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
I don't want to date anyone, either, my age or not.
knowsvinewhip: (Don't we?)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-03-07 05:16 am (UTC)(link)
Well then!

[He reaches over, and presses the STAY button on his end. Best to spare this poor kid meeting someone who actually wants to date him...]

What would you like to talk about? Perhaps the weather? Hahah!
in_loveless_memory: (Please go away)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory 2023-03-10 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
I'm actually not very good at small talk. [He offers honestly. He hates it, in fact.] Um... I guess... you've learned a little about me, is there anything you're okay with sharing about yourself?
knowsvinewhip: (Throw forward to later)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip 2023-03-10 07:10 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, certainly.

Well... my name is Cho Hakkai. My companions and I were driving across the world to stop it from ending.

[He spreads his hands, like that's the most normal thing in the world to say.]

What can I answer?

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-03-12 04:16 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-03-12 06:13 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-03-13 04:49 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-03-21 03:49 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-03-21 06:12 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-03-26 03:33 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-03-26 05:16 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-03-27 02:24 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-03-27 04:29 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-04-01 05:12 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-04-01 23:33 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-04-03 04:45 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-04-03 04:50 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-04-03 04:53 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-04-03 04:57 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-04-03 05:00 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-04-03 05:04 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-04-06 02:00 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-04-06 04:30 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-04-10 05:55 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] knowsvinewhip - 2023-04-10 06:01 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] in_loveless_memory - 2023-04-12 06:00 (UTC) - Expand