deercountry | The House Always Wins

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The House Always Wins

MARCH 2023 EVENT

Due to the UNIQUE NATURE of the Moss King, previous March events are NOT available during this month's event. Please keep that in mind.

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Fanged, smiling carnivorous plant from little shop of horrors ]
[Image Two: House overgrown by roots.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Person covered in glistening film that seems to be suffocating.]
[Image Two: Woman's face splattered in blood. ]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Poker chip with an anime girl's face on it. ]
[Image Two: Dogs Gambling Painting, but it's famous horror monster villains instead of dogs. ]

[NAVIGATION]

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

[JUMP TO COMMENTS]

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING

WHEN: March 8-31
WHERE: The City of Trench and surrounding regions
CONTENT WARNINGS: Plant-Based Peril, Isolation, Entrapment, Carnivorous Plants, possible but unlikely death.

The plentiful and bountiful harvest of plants that started to blossom towards the beginning of the month has continued, and if anything? It's getting more and more troublesome. The old saying goes that too much of a good thing is too much, and this is definitely the proof of that pudding. Plants are literally growing everywhere. Trenchies can be seen cutting branches out of impossible locations, and vegetation is beginning to grow inside of established businesses and homes. There is an ever increasing market for vileblood based defoliation options that are being offered by entrepreneurial Trenchies, but the fact that more than a few of those selling the stuff have gone missing under strange circumstances calls into question their efficacy.

For Sleepers, this means that the possibility of encountering enlarged and potentially dangerous plants such as those seen in the earliest parts of the months grows ever more real. A human-sized venus flytrap might very well try to snatch one up, with all of the peril that entails. However, while it is possible for any exotic plant to carry with it potentially lethal threat, most of these are able to be dealt with by even the untrained with a machete. The real problem is the root systems and the plants that ones that talk. The former are the most likely to be encountered. Root systems grow over entire buildings during the mid to late month, choking over light sources and blocking windows to dim houses. They clench their grip over doors, making getting out of one's house an act of willpower and muscle that may have to be repeaated over and over again. Worst of all is the fact that many of these root systems almost seem to be intentionally creating barriers around the Lantern Network! The little moaners are safe, but their sphere of protection becomes a dome of wood, shielding and keeping them away from those naughty sleepers trying to hack their way to a teleport.

The talking ones, though, are downright disturbing. They're not very large, at first they do indeed seem to whisper and beg to be fed. Naturally, only blood will do, and the longer that they're fed the larger and more dangerous that they can become. But, so long as one doesn't feed them, they're harmless, right? Wrong. True, they can bite and it's easy enough to avoid them. However, it's what they start to say when they're denied their food that becomes disturbing. “There is a consequence of your actions, you know.” “Do not think that you are immune.” “Saving the Moss Brat seems wise now, but have a long memory.” Things like that. The voices they take on are eerie, unnatural and do not match the plants' normal begging voices. They never clear up who is speaking or what they're speaking about, but surely it's not a big issue, right?

By the end of the month, the plants wither away and break off of the various homes and businesses, leaving no visible damage behind, as if whatever caused them has faded entirely.

[JUMP TO TOP] • [JUMP TO COMMENTS]

THE LEECH

WHEN: Second Half of March
WHERE: Anywhere in Trench, but not the Outpost.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Magically Cursed Ailment, Severe weakness, Anemia

You didn't think it would be that easy, did you? From the moment that the first talking plants appeared in Trench, there has been another ominous presence. Unbeknownst to the people of Trench, but the Moss King is recovering from Riteior's attack and, while they are safe and slowly getting back to their normal self, this has allowed for Riteior to offer a little payback in an effort to cause trouble to those seeking to stop his attacks on the Pthumerians of Trench. In the night, while characters are sleeping, the plants strike. They wake to find a thin film over them, but otherwise it appears harmless. The next full day, there's nothing wrong and they feel hail and hearty. In fact, those pesky little talking plants are gone from their house. Of course, the next day the horror begins to settle in.

Within 48 hours, Sleepers will find themselves weak and lethargic in the extreme. The condition is not fatal, but it is problematic and irritating. They will find that no amount of food, water and rest quite gets rid of the malaise that they are experiencing, a strange drowsiness and lack of energy plaguing their every moment. The longer it persists, the more dangerous it becomes. However, there appears to be no obvious cause, at least until they visit someone capable of treating their condition, be they a Blood Minister or trained physician. Victims of this curse appear to be suffering from a severe, but not life-threatening anemia. There is no obvious cause, but the Ministers are certain that it is not natural and is likely a result of a curse of some kind. They can offer stimulants and high energy food, which will help the person experiencing the condition, but the real danger comes if they try to use their blood for a blood ritual of any kind. The insidious reason becomes obvious. Someone is attempting to stop them from safely having enough blood to perform the rituals to seal them away!

Victims are “fine” in the sense that they could get through the month safely without risk of death and just be weaker. However, if they attempt any form of blood ritual or blood letting, they risk running out of blood, which would indeed be a life threatening concern. The only solution, then, is a blood transfusion of another type. The Blood Ministers are willing to provide blood from their banks, but caution that it is better if a fresh supply is used. Do you have a friend willing to lend a hand? Or, do you miss one of the deadlines this month for fighting back Riteior?

FAQ:

This condition strikes after the mid-month, when the latest batch of rituals further weakens Riteior, and ensures the Moss King's safety.

This condition is not life threatening, unless a person attempts to use blood for a ritual or other purpose without first receiving a transfusion.

If a person attempts to perform a blood ritual before getting a transfusion, their anemia can become life threatening very quickly.

It is possible to completely avoid this prompt by not being targeted by Riteior. His cursed targeting is not that precise and he is clearly becoming desperate.

When a transfusion is given, both participants will be lightly anemic for another 24 hours, but the condition will fade afterwards completely.

It is suspected strongly by some of the Blood Ministers and Arcane Scholars that this is a curse brought about by a brief moment of control over the Moss King by Riteior. This can be learned easily in conversation with members of the orders in Trench.

[JUMP TO TOP] • [JUMP TO COMMENTS]

HIGH STAKES

WHEN: Second Half of March
WHERE: Goat Turning in The Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Gambling, Possible Coersion, lowered inhibitions, Risk of Character Death

The Moss King appears to be 'on the mend' by the latter part of the month, or at least he seems to be his usual self. A flyer advertising a special for all Sleepers and residents of Trench at the Goat Turning, his personal gambling hall, circulates throughout town. The doors of the Goat Turning will be open to absolutely everyone, and nobody will be turned away for an event that will last the last two weeks of the month! Anyone who comes will be given a complementary set of chips for free, along with a very special commemorative poker chip embossed with their own face on it which they are assured they can keep afterwards, assuming they don't lose it betting! In fact, that commemorative chip is the only way that a person can return to the Goat Turning during this period, and has to be shown to get admittance, though you don't need to bet it even if it appears to be worth quite a lot! Every night, a new allotment of chips is offered to gamblers. It isn't much, and if they're willing to trade a few goods to get more, they can supplement their stash. What could be more fun than a friendly game?

The drinks and food are free for those attending, and even better? They don't seem to have a lot of strange effects. The drinks seem to ease the symptoms of corruption, in fact, and make a person more relaxed and at ease, along with lessening their inhibitions. The food is filling and pleasant, but salty, making one crave the drinks more. But, honestly, compared to Generosity's botched and spoiled food in January it's almost heavenly, even if it does make it easier to want to keep gambling and gambling. After all, those prizes for the big winners of the night are certainly something to behold, and the kinds of luxuries that Trenchies drool over.

The Big Prizes: (Maximum 1 big prize per character for the month)

A Lunar Orb

A Vial of Pthumerian Blood that can leave a person feeling sickly and weak if they come in contact with it

A Genuine Lantern, enabling a second teleportation location to be placed!

A Blood Enchanted Weapon or Armor.

An Item from Home that a character might not normally find washing up on shore

The Lesser Prizes:
Players are encouraged to use their imagination on lesser prizes that could be won. Food. Supplies. Furnishings. Weapons. Tools. Clothing. Any number of valuable could be won throughout the month.

So, what's the catch? There's always a catch. Well, like any gambling hall, the saying goes that the House Always Wins. This isn't true universally. You could have a hot streak at the Craps table, or you might just win on your lucky number in Roulette. It is very possible to walk away with enough chips to win a big prize all in one night, or build up over time to claim such a lofty goal. But the trick is that commemorative chip. It's the admission, and it's also the only way you can leave the gambling den each night. The chip must be presented both at entry and leaving, and only then does the reality become clear. That chip is so valuable because it represents your life! You might literally be betting with your life here! Should you lose your chip and not have it at the end of the night, the impressive and powerful bouncers at the door will bar you from exit, and once the hall closes there is nowhere to go but the basement. Anyone who enters the basement after hours will find that their life is indeed forfeit, and their debt is called. They will die down below. How will they die? Well, considering the fighting pits down below, any of a thousand deaths, some more gruesome than others, are possible. And, if another player holds their chip, they will be given a special pass to remain below, to demand their price themselves.

So, if you lose your chip is it still possible to get it back? Absolutely! It is a gambling hall, after all. Someone just has to be willing to give it back, or to win it back from another player or the house. What could be simpler? Of course, because there are no compulsions in the commemorative chip, and no rules about how it is to be used or transferred other than that it must be won from the house in a fair game, it is almost as if the Moss King is testing his own guests to see just how far they will go, and what they will do if their life or the life of a friend is on the line.

FAQ:

Players are limited to one grand prize per character. Please record this prize on the prompt below.

Characters that die because of this event may die in any reasonable fashion in the basement. Tools are provided. This may be handwaved.

Because this event involves the potential of players bargaining for their lives and death, we remind players to be mindful and communicative with others regarding permissions and preferences during this event. Do not break permissions.

Lesser prizes can be won in quantity, but we ask that you be reasonable about this.

The Commemorative Chip is non-magical and there is no compulsion to gamble with it. It is simply worth a lot more.

The Event is not age restricted, so underage gambling is possible.

[JUMP TO TOP]

CODING

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"If I remember right, last October was weird, but not, like. Especially weird. I know Deerington was different. But I know I can't imagine how different," Lexi replied seriously.

"November is the most dangerous month of the year, we're finding." She shook her head. "It's a strange change from the nightmare. Monsters flooded in October usually. But here, the zealots rise in November."

"Typical. Thanksgiving for stolen land," she said with a dark chuckle. "Zealots. Great." But Lexi visible steeled herself. "This time, I'm ready for them."

She snorted and nodded. "We're never fully ready, but we'll get more and more prepared every time. They won't catch us by surprise this time."

"They won't. Sooner or later, they'll have a routine which can be planned for."

"In the end, I think that's the case. They're ultimately sleepers like us. This means that they have the same predictable qualities. Even the insane have them. So, we can find their patterns eventually." Just a matter of time.

"Yeah. I just wonder how many people are gonna get hurt in the meantime," Lexi says with a sigh.

"Nobody for the moment, but we will remain forever vigilant. there are always threats here, and they're simply one of the more serious ones." She would remain firm in her resolve. Nope, not caving into them ever.

"That's true, I guess. I don't want things to get worse, that's all." Because she was worried that if they did, Luz would throw herself into the middle of things. Lexi knew she could defend herself (mostly), but herself and Luz? Doubtful.

"Speak to me when we reach the month of Never Mind. We'll be approaching the time of the Zealots in about a month, and we'll have enough time to prepare then." She figured two months was ample time for this, especially if they used those strange backrooms.

Lexi's expression screws up into one of dismay and she groans. "Oh, fuck. I'd almost forgotten, almost let the last time he was in charge slip my mind. Now I'm reminded all over again! And zealots as the cherry on top of the turd sundae."

She may or may not be pouting.

"The Tower's month is the worst of it. But yes, it does kind of give a sour note to his month of dominance. A bit of a pity, since that's not his focus." She shook her head and sighed. "But, two months in advance gives us time at least."

"Then the Tower and I need to have words. Even if they boil down to 'you prick.'" Lexi said ruefully. "And that's a gender-neutral name, anyone can be a prick."

"He's quite capable of it. His level of inaction is impressive at times. He's the least involved, and yet one of the most important." She sighed. "at least some of them are better than him."

"I seriously wonder what's going through all of their heads. Granted, it's probably impossible to understand even if I did know, they're probably like phenomenal power with morality which doesn't make sense." Lexi sighed. "Like an ant trying to figure out a person."

"I think only the half-breeds truly have a chance to understand us, and even then they're probably still far removed from our level of understanding." She nodded. "The ant illustration is a good one."

"Wasn't the person who started the dream half and half? Julia, right?" And again, Lexi felt guilty for not arriving earlier so she could understand what was going on better. "Thanks. It seemed accurate since they like to knock down our ant hills with no real reason behind it."

"She was. She was the original half-breed, but we learned from the Dog Keeper that there were actually others." There was a frown, like there was something on the tip of her tongue.

"Let's hope to avoid that. We're the ants in this equation."

"Others? Grrrrreat. Do we know who they are," Lexi said, trepidation clear in her voice.

"Yeah, and I really don't want my house to be knocked down. I really like it."

There's a fidget and she finally breathed. Yeah, she could offer this guess she had. She'd had multiple years to pick it out and it made sense. "All Pthumerians are female. Their method of reproducing involves occultic blood rituals. So, while I'm not certain? If a Pthumerian is male? They are almost certainly half-breed."

"None of them has confirmed this."

"Well, that would explain a lot about ones like Argonaut. He's nice, he's kind, he tries to be 'good' to us. If half of him isn't Pthumerian, maybe he doesn't buy into the party line about 'rar, be mysterious and creepy' and so on," Lexi replied thoughtfully.

"And I'm sure they won't. It's like one of those big time major secrets which could make this place blow up. Well. Not literally. But it would be a lot."

"Well, that is also impacted by the nature of the Pthumerian. That one is centered on hope. So, of course they want to think they're helping us have hope." At least that's what made sense to her. "But ultimately, it's just a guess. They're not clear about this sort of thing. It's likely even offensive to some, if they understand offense at all."

And the ones more human might? She wasn't sure.

"Well, it's kind of hard not to when you see him around. He's adorable. I kinda want to pet him, like he's a--an adorable giant moth. Which is exactly what he looks like, but he's still cute." Because cute equaled trustworthy, right? Probably not. In fact, definitely not, making Argonaut the exception which proved the rule. "I don't think they do. I really don't think they understand us and our motivations much better than we understand them."

"You wouldn't be the only one to think that, I believe." She didn't add that this wasn't her perspective. She thought Argonaut could be very willful at times, but she didn't add that. He was cute.

"A few of them seem to comprehend us a fraction better, but they don't experience it the way we do. Not that I know how they think really."

"Probably not. Little fluttery moth Pthumerian." But Dorothea, her month's Pthumerian, was cute, too. For a giant jackalope, at least. It was sort of like one of those dumb taxidermy things they had at flea markets.

"I don't think any of us do. Even if we asked a straight question, they'd turn it into an Escher print of an answer."

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