reddosmod: (Default)
Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] deercountry2021-12-08 02:19 am

I'd go back in time and change it, but I can't

DECEMBER 2021 EVENT
Hello! We are trying a new style of event this December with archival-like entries that characters can ICly find in the Archives. This should allow characters to be able to plan against certain events that occur in-game and do research ahead of time, during the event, or after the fact.

The idea is that these prompts will provide you with all the possibilities characters could theoretically face from the prompt. We hope this leaves more open-ended opportunities for people to engage with. Anything mentioned in the excerpts could be an experience characters encounter. You can always ask for clarification on any prompt on the plotting page.

This is a way to keep all event prompts relevant since new characters would be able to "read up" on these events/excerpts by visiting the Archives or other such resources for information about past events and what they can anticipate from the setting.

We hope this new style makes sense and is fun for players to work with! They will rely on players creating more of the atmosphere than the prompts, but we think that the prompts will provide the perfect guidance as to what the atmosphere should feel like. Enjoy!

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Prompt One
[Image One: Holiday themed antler decoration.]
[Image Two: White stag with perfect, circular antlers with bits of ice attached.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Sculpture of white rabbit with neck caught in a snare. Non-graphic.]
[Image Two: Person in red cloak and wolf mask turning around.]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Puppet making bloody snow angel in snow.]
[Image Two: Bloodied hands wrapped in bandages clenching.]

WINTER MOURNING
WHEN: Begins in December and can last until the end of Feb.
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Spoilers for various canons, survival situations, forced memory share


[A passage from Rituals of Trench: Remembering Our Pasts reads the following:]

"A long-standing tradition to celebrate Bone Season is for Deerians to collect antlers and bones salvaged from natural resources and create decorative home accents. These antler-bone decors are known formally as Winter Mournings and can be found in almost every residential home throughout Deer Country. Winter Mournings can be made to look like wreaths, candle holders, or simply an antler with a bow hung up on a wall.

Winter Mournings is seen as a way to honor one's past tribulations and how one has managed to survive and overcome hardships during their life. Winter Mournings serves as a testament to survival and a willingness to keep surviving even when things look bleak and dismal.

Creating Winter Mournings is considered a blessing to the Pthumerians Dorothea, Remina, and Argonaut. You will know if the blessing was accepted once your Winter Mourning begins to glow like the moon. Touch your Winter Mourning and you will be pulled back in time to a memory of a specific time when you or someone else had to survive something physically or mentally challenging. For some, it is merely a memory that cannot hurt, but for others, you may want to proceed with caution as it has been known to pull people physically back to times of war.

One cannot choose which memory they wind up in if it is their own, a friend's, or a complete stranger's. Winter Mournings was designed to create a sense of union and empathy among residents and is meant to open your mind and heart to those who have suffered around you. It is time you explore your past, or someone else's past, with an open mind and see how the other side has lived through hard times. These memories are known to be from adolescence, adulthood, or sometimes even futures that have not yet happened or timelines you have never known. After all, Remina sees all past and all history. That means they see all of your past and history too.

No memory lasts forever though. Once the memory has been concluded, you shall be brought back to the present by the Winter Mourning Stag: a great white beast with a circle of frozen antlers. It will come to you when the time is ready, and you will return to the present like waking from a dazzling dream.

Experiencing Winter Mournings can stabilize one's mood and provide restful sleep after, even if the memories may be difficult to swallow. It truly is a tribute to honor past horrors and traumas. Some memories are painful to remember, but forgetting them will never do anyone any good either. So hang your Winter Mournings and remember what matters.

Survive another day. You are worth it."

FAQ

1. Winter Mournings can produce new memories every time you touch them or the same memory.

2. Characters cannot choose what the memory is.

3. Characters can arrive in each other's memories regardless of if they already know each other. Multiple people can experience the same memory.

4. You can either experience the memory as a memory you can't touch or experience - or you can physically be in the memory and have to survive the situation as well. If you die in memory, your body will die wherever you had been touching the Winter Mourning.

5. Palebloods are capable of altering memories or how they or others experience memories.

6. Characters can be pulled into memories at random - as long as one of the characters in the memory share is touching a Winter Mourning at first.
RUN, RABBIT, RUN
WHEN: Month of December
WHERE: Everywhere/the woods
CONTENT WARNINGS: Themes of hunting, ghosts, curses, attempts at animal violence, hunting people based on blood types.


[An excerpt from Legends of Trench: Curses and Causations reads the following:]

"One of the most notorious legends of Trench is without a doubt the tale of The Huntress and the Hare. Most Trenchies have been told this tale since they were children, but for those unfamiliar, settle in.

This story begins with a mischievous god and an ambitious huntress. The Pthumerian Dorothea loved to play tricks on hunters trying to survive the Bone Season, setting animals free from traps and remaking the traps to catch the hunters instead. One day, a darkblood Huntress was fed up with Dorothea preventing her from catching food for her family and decided to settle the score. The Huntress began to hunt for Dorothea specifically, but it is no small feat hunting the god of trickery and survival.

The Huntress started to rely on her darkblood powers to alter reality to make the perfect traps. Innocuous trees turned into glue traps that anyone would stick to until they were freed by a darkblood or death took their pain from them. Walking through bushes would snag legs and necks, effectively trapping whatever creatures were unfortunate enough to wander for food. Magical snares and beartraps lock around victims with unrelenting force, leaving people and animals to try for help until they cry no more. While this took many innocent lives in the woods, animals, and people alike, it never seemed to work on Dorothea.

Dorothea continued to outwit the Huntress until she eventually drove the Huntress insane. The Huntress died without ever catching Dorothea, but they say her vengeful spirit awakens in winter and begins to set her traps yet again. The Huntress sends her traps and her dead animals after vilebloods and warmbloods to spite Dorothea and hope to maybe catch the god's attention. But Dorothea is no passive god. Dorothea spurs vilebloods and warmbloods to defend themselves against darkbloods and coldbloods.

Infamously, this has created enormous tension between the blood types during December some years, and it is said that the blood lust has caused the types to begin hunting one another regardless of old friendships and alliances. Beware the Huntress's curse. Some believe darkbloods and coldbloods can still hear her haunting commands and cries from the Trenchwood.

They say there is no ease for the tension between the bloodtypes until December has passed, but some believe palebloods may provide relief if they are willing."

FAQ

1. Characters will increasingly feel the urge to actively hunt one another using traps/etc.

2. The Huntress's curse includes undead animals/beasts chasing after warmbloods and vilebloods and magical traps. Players can invent unique traps for their characters.

3. There will be an innate urge to chase/hide from one another.

4. The curse can be broken by paleblood intervention, character death, or a gradual wearing off by the end of the month.
LOCKJOINT
WHEN: All of Bone Season
WHERE: On Sleeper bodies
CONTENT WARNINGS: Mild body horror, blood magic curses, physical curses, cures through blood ministration/blood letting, possible skin removal, injuries, possible death via starvation/exposure.


[An passage from The Sleeper Condition; Chapter 13: Bodily Aches and More. Found exclusively at the Lumenarium:]

"Generally speaking, Sleeper blood allows Sleepers to navigate this world without the fear of illness and disease. However, no organic body is perfect, and Sleeper blood has its own set of ailments to fret over. Blood Ministers have studied the phenomena of Lockjoint for years now and believe that it is linked to the crystalization found in Sleeper death, though the exact connection remains unknown.

Lockjoint tends to begin and last throughout Bone Season. Some Sleepers may never experience it, but for many, it becomes a reoccurring issue to dread each season. This condition forces blood magic to gather at the joints and effectively lock up. Sleepers find it difficult to move their bodies at the bends, fingers, knees, shoulders, etc without some form of discomfort. Minimal lockjoint can be painful and annoyance, but critical lockjoint can be fatal.

The most severe cases of lockjoint documented have shown Sleepers to have crystalization form over their joints, rendering parts of their bodies completely immobile. Some Sleepers have been found dead in this condition, all their joints crystallized, and it is believed most died from natural causes thereafter.

One can determine they are experiencing lockjoint when the coloration around the joints begins to darken in color, typically looking like a bruise. Calcification may occur rapidly the more magic a Sleeper uses or the more they expose themselves to outside elements. It is imperative that Sleepers remain properly clothed during Bone Season, even if they are coldbloods, and to invest in enchanted clothes that can lock in heat.

A known cure for lockjoint is the art of bloodletting. Puncturing the joints with small incisions seems to allow a release of the built-up magic and can provide immediate relief to the Sleeper. Catching lockjoint early is imperative. Alternative methods are soaking in hot springs and salted water.

Those who are in a more severe state will have to carefully have the crystals removed. This will likely remove the skin as well. Local anesthesia is highly recommended for the procedure. This process is known to leave scarring. The crystals can be saved and used as bloodstones from whoever they were harvested from. If you find a Sleeper dead from lockjoint, make sure to harvest the crystals as they are incredibly valuable.

This curse is believed to stem from Sleeper blood magic congealing within the body in contrast with the atmospheric magic of Bone Season. There is no known prevention for lockjoint. Lockjoint can impact all Sleepers regardless of bloodtype or the material their bodies are made from."

FAQ

1. This impacts characters regardless of blood type or their body - meaning it can impact characters with metal/plastic/plant/wood/etc bodies.

2. Players can choose how rapid or severe this gets and how quickly they can be healed.
CODING
danserai: duck (148)

[personal profile] danserai 2021-12-13 08:31 am (UTC)(link)
Quuu.

[ a non-verbal response but a telling one. it's not often ahiru is scared out of her mind, but this time she really was. ]
spiritwalks: (Boy I want you to be happy)

[personal profile] spiritwalks 2021-12-13 08:39 am (UTC)(link)
A dull ache, huh. Like bruises?

[He's heard of a blood ailment that affects the joints. An arcane scholar mentioned it during one of Vyng's visits to the Archives...specifically because she learned the purple fractal scars running up Vyng's hands and arms are crystal veins. Her vivid description stuck with him. He still remembers the painful pinching of crystal overtaking his own body, before the Dream. It sucked. He'd hate to see it happen to somebody else.]

We should get you warmed up.
spiritwalks: (You'll feel the ghost)

[personal profile] spiritwalks 2021-12-13 08:43 am (UTC)(link)
[Vyng reads the fear response loud and clear. Being hunted would be scary for most people. Of course a little duck who waddles close to the ground would be terrified.]

Quack quack. Quack quack quack, quack quack. (Don't worry. You'll be safe with me. I promise.)
danserai: duck (47)

[personal profile] danserai 2021-12-13 09:05 am (UTC)(link)
Quack. Quack quack quack (If you can take me to Fakir, I'll be okay).

[ might as well get mileage out of that weird post. ]
jedies: (Kidnapped)

[personal profile] jedies 2021-12-13 09:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ obi-wan glances at him curiously. ]

Yes. It certainly feels that way. Do you know what's causing it?
grice: (pic#14450847)

falco grice | attack on titan + crau

[personal profile] grice 2021-12-13 09:20 am (UTC)(link)
( open log including an open player plot, general prompts and memories! )
facultative: (pic#14638944)

[personal profile] facultative 2021-12-13 09:23 am (UTC)(link)
How can you be so calm?

[How can he stand to be around him?]
spiritwalks: (You'll feel the ghost)

[personal profile] spiritwalks 2021-12-13 09:24 am (UTC)(link)
Crystallization of the blood. Lockjoint, is what one of the locals called it. It sounded like a Sleeper thing.

[Magic blood can be kind of a pain in the ass. Who would have guessed.]

As long as you catch it early, you should be okay. [Quieter, he adds:] ...You said your knees locked up without warning. Are you sure you haven't had any other trouble before now?
jedies: (Shattered)

[personal profile] jedies 2021-12-13 09:27 am (UTC)(link)
I don't see any reason why I shouldn't be.

Unless you know something I don't?
facultative: (you but angstier)

[personal profile] facultative 2021-12-13 09:28 am (UTC)(link)
...It's easier to be angry.
jedies: (The Lost One)

[personal profile] jedies 2021-12-13 09:31 am (UTC)(link)
[ yes. anger and fear are easy emotions to give into. to make excuses for. ]

And who were you angry at?
jedies: (Robots)

[personal profile] jedies 2021-12-13 09:32 am (UTC)(link)
The Fanged God?
spiritwalks: (Don't you know you got my eyes)

[personal profile] spiritwalks 2021-12-13 09:33 am (UTC)(link)
Quack quack? Quack qua quack? (Fakir? Should I know who that is?)

[It's possible he should. Vyng doesn't check the network as often as he probably ought to. But when you're a working druid dad who would rather dick around on the beach than on social media, that's sort of how it goes.]
jedies: (Shattered)

[personal profile] jedies 2021-12-13 09:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ lockjoint. this is the first time being here has robbed obi-wan of his senses. he's very much not a fan.

but having an idea at least helps. he reaches out to the force and asks it for its help. the gentle tug gives him the strength to unsteadily climb onto his feet. ]


Quite sure. I'm not usually so reckless with my well-being. Usually.
danserai: duck (152)

[personal profile] danserai 2021-12-13 09:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ oh. er. ]

Quack quack. Quack quack quack quack. (He made a post on the network. We know each other)
the_obedient_servant: (* To the stabbing and gnashing)

[personal profile] the_obedient_servant 2021-12-13 09:37 am (UTC)(link)
[They repress the urge to argue further about assumptions, considering it seems to be a fruitless task. Of course they will see the face of the human child they knew. Chara remembers all the times Flowey called Frisk by their name, how even Toriel and Asgore acted as if they were being reacquainted with a dead loved one.

All sentimental fools. Including this woman.]


Seeing them sounds like a good idea. [They say with a sigh, crossing their arms.] Seeing as most of what you just said means nothing to me, including the last sentence.

There weren't any of these patrons over there then?
facultative: (pic#14638868)

[personal profile] facultative 2021-12-13 09:55 am (UTC)(link)
Oh.

[Anakin's doesn't want to take his own life, but he had offered it and had it rejected.]

That didn't work out for me.
torpour: (033)

[personal profile] torpour 2021-12-13 10:06 am (UTC)(link)
If you think that will deter me... [then nehan shrugs, and turns back to the scene. no need to continue that thought.

not with what he's about to witness.

really, at first, he doesn't actually know what he's looking at except for a fight between two very young men, barely adults. and clearly, there are secrets between them that are too hard to bear-- were secrets, but clearly still too hard to bear, if diluc's expression beside him is anything to go by.

they're both powerful boys, to be certain, even without magic... but that's what gets nehan. is a show of power required for someone to catch the attention of the gods and be given a vision?]


How cruel and thoughtless, your gods are.
facultative: (pic#14638919)

[personal profile] facultative 2021-12-13 10:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Sorry Wu, but Anakin doesn't care whether or not he deserves it. Other methods of appeal need to be used here.]

I keep wanting to hunt someone. I thought they got it out, is this all me?
facultative: (pic#14638912)

[personal profile] facultative 2021-12-13 10:23 am (UTC)(link)
[Does he really have to say it?]

He names me. Talking won't change that.
facultative: (pic#14638934)

[personal profile] facultative 2021-12-13 10:42 am (UTC)(link)
Everything. Nothing. Anything.

Take your pick.
jedies: (Valiant)

[personal profile] jedies 2021-12-13 11:33 am (UTC)(link)
I rather not and have you explain it to me.

No more taking the easy way out.
jedies: (Trespass)

[personal profile] jedies 2021-12-13 11:34 am (UTC)(link)
Did you want him to name you?
undermoonlight: (237)

[personal profile] undermoonlight 2021-12-13 12:38 pm (UTC)(link)
So a welcome party...

[When he frames it that way, it becomes nostalgic. They had thrown a similar welcome party for Kyouka when she joined the Agency. He still remembers how nice it had been to all come together and celebrate a person. It had been a food potluck on the surface, but what Atsushi saw was a promise to take care of Kyouka and be like a family to her.

He can't shake a pang of loneliness when he remembers that he'll never see those people again.]


Everyone looks really happy. Keiichi-san must be... the boy? [Atsushi twists his body to look over his shoulder,] Your village seems rural..?
undermoonlight: (pic#)

A

[personal profile] undermoonlight 2021-12-13 01:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[So much for doing the groceries. Atsushi should know to be more on guard by now, but he had thought he could at least walk through the habituated parts of the Trench in relative peace. Fortunately he hasn't purchased anything expensive before he falls through one of the manholes.

The Tiger reacts faster than Atsushi could. He falls into the net, but not without his tail appearing to assist in balancing him. Atsushi struggles to get his footing, grumbling in annoyance as he shuffles around in the net. When he sees Ruby, that annoyance turns to exhaustion.]


Ruby-chan..? What the hell... What are you doing?