deercountry | All men must die, but first he must live.

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All men must die, but first he must live.

SEPTEMBER 2021 EVENT

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Woman holding skull in bag. ]
[Image Two: Plants sprouting out of earth.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Woman rocking back and forth in dark.]
[Image Two: Woman rowing down river with corpses on stakes on horizon.]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Beef cake man breaking arrows off of shield with a sword.]
[Image Two: Beefy man slamming axe into troll-like creature, spraying blood.]

[NAVIGATION]

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

[JUMP TO COMMENTS]

GROWING PAINS

WHEN: September
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Minor blood ritual.

September, for many in Trench, is considered a month of personal sacrifice. It is the month of self-actualization and promise. To grow your future, you must first be willing to sacrifice your past. You cannot walk forwards while walking backward. All throughout Trench, natives can be seen in yards and on plots of land digging small holes and planting a variety of items. Some plant seeds, some drop in a ring, others bury small parts of a body. But the ritual is simple: bury something that represents your past and seal it with a promise for your future.

You can write yourself a note or cut off a lock of your own hair. The ways in which people do this are limitless since it's a largely personal experience. Find a small patch of soil and dig yourself a shallow hole. Bury the item inside, say goodbye to who you used to be, and cover the item up with dirt. Once you are done, you must shed at least one drop of blood onto the sacrifice. It must be your own blood willingly given. Once the blood hits the soil, a small flower will miraculously grow out of the earth within seconds.

A single, powerless flower, but this flower will be completely immortal. You can either keep it on the patch of land or dig it up and bring it home. The flower will be a representation of your progress in Trench: if its petals wilt, you are lingering too much in the past. If it is in full bloom and vibrant, you're on the right path to a better future. If the flower starts to rot, you're heading down a dangerous path.

The flower may not be able to sway you one way or another, but it may serve as a valuable reminder of the kind of life you wish to lead. Some people abandon the flowers entirely and never bother with them. After all, there are no real consequences if you let the flower rot. If a character is dropped, their flower will fleck away like dust. Many believe that the flowers are made of the same stuff omens are made of.

You can dig up other people's flowers and watch their progress (make sure to get player permission) instead. After all, not everyone will care enough about their own flowers to really observe them closely. The flowers can come in any species or size, even fictional flowers, but they will only be replicas. Meaning if your character's flower is typically used for healing, there will be no healing properties in this replica. The flowers cannot be destroyed.

Many natives in Trench will repeat this ritual a few times every couple of years since the ritual is for letting go of the past. After all, the promises you make to yourself now won't be the same promises you make to yourself ten years from now. People change and so too will their flowers. What the characters bury is largely open to interpretation.

RIVER OF REGRET

WHEN: September
WHERE: Some obscure location within Gaze
CONTENT WARNINGS: Mangled corpses of loved ones, birds eating corpses, themes of regret.

You will find raven feathers all over Trench. They may drift through the air, lightly touch you, or you might decide to pick one up. The moment you come into physical contact with a feather, a conspiracy of ravens tears through the air and scoops you up into a whirlwind of feathers and caws. It only lasts a few seconds before you're deposited into a canoe drifting along a still river. Another Sleeper is in the boat with you. You pass beneath massive stone walls carved into the likeness of Never Mind and his ravens.

The world is silent around you. There is no rain here. Instead, sunlight pours through breaks in the clouds. Sunlight dapples across the water and golden-red leaves of nearby trees. It's more serene than most places in Trench.

You turn a corner and smell it before you see it. The picturesque summer day is dampened by the stench of rot. Then you come upon them: corpses. Corpses tied up to posts with barbed wire, corpses put through spikes and suspended in the air. Ravens flutter to and fro, picking at strips of meat. It isn't until you're close enough that you realize you recognize the corpses.

They are the corpses of people you have hurt. And that doesn't just mean people you killed or physically harmed. These are the bodies of people you have deep regrets towards: a lover you wronged, a best friend you lied to, an enemy you wish you had forgiven. Not everything is as black and white as murder, after all, and this grisly graveyard of mangled bodies says as much. Sometimes our regrets haunt us like the dead, and it seems like yours have followed you to Trench. You might even see your own body up on a post or the body of your canoe companions.

You have one of two choices: ignore your regret or face it.
Choosing to ignore your regrets doesn't seem to have any ill consequences at first. You pass by the corpses and continue on your river voyage. But the water grows thicker, and you come across the same corpses only in a worse state. The situation gets progressively worse each time you ignore it, and the river gradually becomes a river of blood and gore. The stench becomes insufferable and you will become increasingly corrupt. Some may even turn into beasts right there on the river.

Facing your regrets means talking about them, even mildly, to your canoe companions. You simply need to acknowledge the corpses, acknowledge the slightest truth to your feelings towards those regrets. When everyone in your canoe has acknowledged their regrets, the ravens will come for you once more. You will be brought back to Trench and awaken in the School of Mutter. Those who faced their regrets will discover that they have been gifted a white gold compass. The compass's needle will always point in the direction of the nearest Lamp Friend no matter the chaos going on in the world. But the compass only works once you have calmed down and focused.

QUICK FACTS

1. Each boat can hold up to 4 people. There can be multiple canoes in the same area.

2. If you try to leave the boat, you will drown in the River of Regret.

3. This does not have to encompass every regret someone's had. It can only represent one or two things. The regret should have to do with another individual or one's self. Something like "I regret not going to college" wouldn't necessarily work within the parameters of the prompt.

4. The river can only be accessed by touching a fallen raven feather. Touching a raven feather attached to the bird or a quill does not count.

5. Characters can engage with this prompt as many times as they touch a raven feather.

6. Characters with no regrets will not see corpses, but they will still be able to interact with characters who do have regrets.

BLOODSPORT

WHEN: During the Blood Moon
WHERE: Everywhere but specifically, The Gate
CONTENT WARNINGS: Violence, fighting, forced aggression/violence, forced fighting.

The Blood Moon invokes religious reverence among Trenchies. September and October are the ultimate months of sacrifice to pay tribute to the gods and the blood that rules this world. An energy begins to swell among Trenchies and you keep hearing the same word whispered excitedly around the city: "Bloodsport."

As the Blood Moon floods the streets in red, you begin to feel antsy, like you don't know what to do with yourself. You're not necessarily angry, you just have an abundance of energy. You don't need to be told what it is: your blood is reacting to the moon. The Blood Moon enhances blood powers significantly and you're simply not used to that yet. You don't feel in control of your own power or maybe even your own mind. At least until you exert some power, some force. Slam a door shut or swing a sword, shoot some electricity or spit some poison and you'll feel at peace with yourself. That nervous energy will ease out.

Only to come back twice as strong. It starts to put you in a real fighting mood and you start to realize why the locals call this Bloodsport. Hunting down beasts and monsters might seem like the fun thing to do right now, but the real attraction for Bloodsport takes place at The Gate. You can hear the roaring crowd blocks away. Hundreds of Trenchies have settled in to watch Sleepers duke it out with each other or with locked-up monsters. Maybe join in the fight. At least you know the other Sleepers there want to be there...Right?

Unfortunately not. Those who resist Bloodsport will find themselves passing out more and more frequently. Eventually, they will be taken by Mysterious Forces to The Gate to be pitted against other Sleepers and monsters. Some Sleepers will be forced into a gladiator-style fight that they either must win or die trying. Most fights at the Gate do end in death, but there are some circumstances where someone surrenders. Of course, that never stops their opponent from killing them anyway...Hopefully, you're fighting someone who is still relatively reasonable. Both parties can be resistant to fighting, but they will feel obligated to fight each other. If they don't, monsters will be unleashed into the arena and your situation will get a whole lot worse.

Bloodsport can greatly enhance a Sleeper's ability and many believe it is a gift from the Pthumerian gods. It is generally considered an advantage to Sleepers during the Season of Blood to prepare them and train them to hone their skills for the Season of Bone. Many believe it is wisest to submit to Bloodsport and let yourself get used to the motions of violence in order to survive the remainder of the year.

QUICK FACTS

1. Casual physical training will alleviate Bloodsport feelings. You could get through the month just by jogging around a lot.

2. Characters forced to the Gate will not remember how or when they arrived - they will just wake up and be thrown into the Gate by some shadowy force.

3. Characters who willingly participate in violence/fighting will feel temporary relief from Bloodsport only for the feeling to increase.

4. Effects of Bloodsport last as long as the Blood Moon shines through September and October.

5. You can treat symptoms of Bloodsport with calming techniques such as aromatherapy, meditation, medications, etc. Can be based on what would ICly help calm your character but it should require a lot of it.

6. You can invent the monsters/beasts that are at the Gate. They should be killable creatures and easily captured for the purpose of the Gate.

CODING

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Rei reached for Winter's hand, glad to have brightened her up just like that. Something that, apparently, isn't all that easy for Ruby and other people. Apparently.

"It doesn't need to be anywhere special, I was told. We could use the back yard, if you wanted something more private. Or a park? There's a space in one of them that seems to be where a few locals are doing this. It just depends on what you feel comfortable with."

She's leaning towards the back yard herself, though.

Things were complicated with Ruby, when they first met Winter was attempting to remain professional as a representative of Atlas at the Vital tournament and Qrow had ruined that. Afterwards, it was training and there was too much to be done; too many complications. With Rei things had been different, their first meeting had been a situation where Winter was expected to perform or act a certain way, she was able to just be herself. And since Rei had made her feel comfortable with who that was, understanding that there were just certain things that Winter wasn't the best at.

With Rei, Winter wasn't the ice queen. She wasn't big sister or an elite Atlas soldier, she was just Winter. And so Winter let down her guard and smiled more around her.

"The backyard sounds good."

The added privacy was welcome, as was the close proximity.

"We can put them next to each other and keep an eye on their progress."

"Fair enough. Let's be off then."

Gathering up a small trowel, Rei makes her way to the back door, letting Iris snuffle out into the yard ahead of them and the two crows that flapped out the door. Phobos and Deimos, the Warg, and the two of them made for a lively house at least.

"In the back garden, you think? Or would by the windows be better?"

The house had been an adjustment, but Winter had adjusted to the presence of Iris. The warg not unlike the summon that she often called herself, and Deimos and Phobos were quiet enough that Winter didn't much notice them save when they made themselves known. It was very different, but then so many things were when you found yourself in a new world.

"I think they might be better in the garden, a small personal touch."

And keeping the windows clear was always a good idea in case of emergency.

"We will still be able to check on them regularly, and monitoring their growth with the others will give us a better idea of how they are fairing."

Because Winter knew nothing about gardening besides needing to water plants.

Rei's Omen, a strange doglike creature, was rarely to be seen...but when they step outside and into the garden, Aika appears out of a shadow to sniff at them. Just for a moment, before melting back into her own space. It only felt a little strange to have so much company, but for it to be so quiet.

"Yes, that's fair."

Rei knew a bit about tending plants, and so she had a plot picked out. It was something of a habit from Deerington, and Oscar's talk of Victory Gardens made sense.

"Over here," she gestures to a bed. "We can see them from the house that way."

"You've given this a lot of consideration, I appreciate that."

It was nice, to have someone with a similar attention to detail and forethought. Who was as steady and confident as Rei was, and at the same time wasn't dominating or commanding. Though there were certainly times her opinions were known it was much the same with Winter. Looking at the spot, at the animals, and the house, it was surreal. Winter found herself more willing and wanting to bury this part of her old life, and wanting to embrace the one that she had found.

She'd found her voice again, and her confidence to stand on her own, all because Rei stood next to her. And because Penny and Ruby had shown her the path to take.

"I'm sure that they'll bloom beautifully."

"As I try to always do, when it comes to you."

Winter has really brought out something in Rei, and she knows it. She feels more confident, more capable, when she's with her partner. She doesn't feel like she's alone, even when they're apart. Knowing that there really is someone set on a similar path, someone who's way of viewing the world is like hers...that's not something she's ever had, even among her friends. They're all so disparate, but not Winter.

"I have faith that they will."

Walking over, she grips one of the little trowels taken from her basket tightly and kneels to begin digging.

"Let's...do this."

Edited 2021-10-03 16:20 (UTC)

Winter takes a spot next to Rei kneeling as she sets the uniform to be buried next to her. For a moment Winter considers the soil, as well as the trowel in hand. This is what she wanted, and it was the path that she was choosing for herself, but there was still a moment where she wondered if all of this were real. But then she looked at Rei, at the garden and the house, and at clothes that she had on currently. This wasn't Atlas, this wasn't Remnant, and she wasn't bound to those decisions or that life, that was why she was burying it. This was a chance for her to start free from those shortcomings, a chance to protect the people properly, and to protect the one that become closest to her.

With one last deep breath Winter began to dig, a spot just big enough for the uniform that she had worn during her time under General Ironwood.

"I have faith that we will as well."

Rei made short work of her own burial, scooping deep into the soil with her trowel, focused on the significance of what she was intending to bury. When she was finished, she unfolded a piece of cloth she'd stashed in her pocket, revealing a small silver locket held by a golden chain. Popping it open for one last look, her finger traced along the edge of a photograph inside, one of her father. This was the only memento she kept from him, a little something to remind herself that he still existed. But he hardly mattered, now.

Pressing it into the soil, she carefully covered it up, moving quietly and methodically. Once that was done, she sat back on her haunches and waited for Winter.

Winter's took a few moments longer simply due to the size of the token she was burying. She was precise in getting the hole the proper size and depth, ensuring it would be concealed completely without chance of being uncovered by rain or slight disturbances. And she carefully and meticulously refilled the space, taking the time to level it completely and leave the surface smooth and undisturbed.

When finished she stood up, offering a hand for Rei. It was done, the next step of the new lives, and their new beginning was here.

Rei took the offered hand, giving Winter a gentle look. What came next wasn't exactly fun, but it was necessary. Reaching to her belt, she pulled out the ritual athame that had been given to her in Deerington. The long knife glitters in the early afternoon sun.

"I think we just need to prick our fingers with this, and give it a few drops. Would you like me to do you, and you do me?"

A little blood to seal the deal, Winter had been a little put off about the fact that so much seemed to focus on that but it was necessary for this and so she would comply. Pulling off her gloves, she glanced at the blade that Rei produced.

"That is a good idea, I'll let you draw first blood."

If it was just a prick of a finger then it wasn't too bad. Winter offered the pad of her ring finger. It would be the quickest to heal and least likely to have the wound continuously agrivated through use; unlike the index and middle finger. And the pinky helped to secure grip with her sword, so it was the one to make the most sense to her.

It wasn't difficult for Rei to accept the blood aspect. That was just a part of most occult traditions, and she was deeply steeped in such. So, without any hesitation she draws the blade from it's sheath.

"Here we go."

Gently, she presses the tip against Winter's fingertip, slicing it just deeply enough to draw a dot of red.

"Squeeze it over the bed, and then do me. And that should complete everything."

Winter didn't flinch in the least when the blade made contact with her skin, even as it cut across and drew blood. Though there was a brief flash of aura, and a small drop in temperature and Winter only had a moment as the drop crystalized almost as soon as it hit the ground where the items had been buried. The little that had been left on her finger freezing over the wound even faster than her aura could work to heal it.

"I'll be careful and quick, just as you were."

Winter took the athame holding her other hand out for Rei's, the ritual almost complete.

"Of course."

Rei held out her hand, offering it up for Winter to do what needed to be done. She trusted her partner, and her own body to heal quickly. So, she locked eyes with the other woman, nodding.

"Do it."

Winter kept her eyes on Rei's own. And with those words Winter did what was needed. The sharpness of the blade combined with the speed and care that Winter took left a clean cut. Just big enough to draw the requisite blood but that would be easily bandaged and quick to heal.

She then released Rei's hand so that she would be able to add a few drops to the soil which was waiting. Taking a moment Winter cleaned the blade as Rei made her offer, remaining quiet and respectful as she did so.

Rei turned her finger up after the cut without any trouble. Squeezing the tip, she let several droplets of blood ooze from it, leaving a dark stain that soon paled as it seeped into the group. Closing her eyes, she brushed away the remnants of the blood and reclaimed her knife, her fingertip already healing over. Blood magic and senshi magic easily overwhelmed such a small cut.

"...And now we wait."

"It seems that's usually the hardest part."

Though generally, it's because of the uncertainty and because what they were waiting on was something they knew wouldn't be good. This time though, it wouldn't be so bad, and she was waiting there with Rei, so they could pass the time together.

"Unless you have something to keep yourself occupied."

"Well..."

Rei turns with an impish smile on her face, reaching up to touch Winter's cheek and draw her closer.

"...It's not supposed to take very long. But I have the perfect distraction right here."

"Things always seem to happen in a short period here. But I'm here for whatever you have in mind."

Winter brought her hand up to Rei's, wrapping the other around Rei's waist as she was pulled in closer. The warmth and confidence of her partner drew her in as much as the motions and guidance.

Rei slid into Winter's embrace, tilting her head to press her lips to Winter's. Slow, deep, and filled with all the passion she contained, she allowed it to linger...ignoring the budding flowers at their feet.

This was way more important.

Winter slide into the embrace, closing her eyes as Rei's head tilted and their lips met. At this point, the two of them had kissed often and been intimate with one another in a number of ways, and yet each time that was that warmth that drew Winter in. Each time it still contained the passion and exhilaration as it did at first.

It made Winter forget about the ritual, and the flowers, about the patrols or anything else that might have been on her mind. It drew her in so that all of her attention and thoughts were turned towards Rei.

Rei gave everything she had to the moment, savoring the intimacy, enjoying the press of someone she loved against her. It was like taking a drink from an oasis after days in the desert, every bit as sweet and soothing. Her hands held tight, her eyes remaining closed, her world narrowing down to just Winter.

No patrols, no soldiering, no scholarship, no ritual. Just two people sharing a quiet, deeply affectionate moment.

Rei's taste, her scent, the feeling of her aura and warmth, they were all that Winter noticed in that moment. It didn't matter where they were or what world, in this moment everything was alright, everything was perfect and Winter was exactly where she wanted to be. She was at ease and not in conflict with what she was supposed to do, there was no doubt of whether this was the right choice or not, because of course it was.

The hand that had taken the one Rei cupped to Winter's cheek now pulled it down slowly, fingers intertwining with the other. Winter's other arm still holding her close, and a smile coming across her lips as she took a break and the kiss broke for just a moment.

Rei's fingers laced tightly with Winter's as she drew back, her smile remaining fixed. She loved these little moments, when her partner let go, when she could allow herself to let go. They were something she wouldn't trade the world for.

Her eyes flitted down, and she couldn't help herself.

"...That was so nice, you made flowers bloom."

All men must die, but first he must live.

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and fade to black?