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Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] deercountry2021-09-08 06:20 pm
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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.]

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
incandescentfaith: <user name=cupcakegraphics> (Deeply Concerned)

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2021-09-15 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[Rei's brow furrows a little, her eyes tightening at the edges. She's curious, but as with all things, she doesn't like the idea of rushing in.]

...what does it do, Luna?

[It's as close to an admission that she's been caught and is interested as can be expected. Rei, of course, hates the idea of admitting weakness.]
Edited 2021-09-15 22:41 (UTC)
creidim: commission, dnt (☾ 064)

[personal profile] creidim 2021-09-16 03:16 pm (UTC)(link)
It's a Calming Draught. [ She reaches into her satchel and produces a small vial filled with a pleasant blue-looking liquid. Holding it out to Rei for her to see, she explains further: ] A potion from my world. It's usually used to calm someone after they've had a terrible shock, but I've found it's been helping with agitation too.

[ For a time, at least. ]

You're not alone in how you're likely feeling, you know.
incandescentfaith: <user name=cupcakegraphics> (♂ Wistful)

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2021-09-17 01:32 pm (UTC)(link)
I am unfortunately aware of that.

[Rei taps her head, exhaling slowly to keep her thoughts collected, a focusing exercise.]

I was already a psychic, and this...Paleblood...nonsense has only made it more acute. Everyone around is fighting some sort of anger. But not you. Is it because of this?

[Reaching out for the potion, she'll turn it over in her fingers.]
creidim: commission, dnt (☾ 101)

[personal profile] creidim 2021-09-21 07:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Paleblood. The one that smells like... warm milk—? [ She looks down at her hand, turning her fingers to show a small cut on her index finger. She rubs at the half-healed wound with her thumb thoughtfully. Hers had smelled like that, when she'd bled for the ritual. ]

I didn't do that, become psychic, I mean. [ She doesn't hear anything, actually. No voices or emotions of others. Nothing. How... strange. But she nods quietly. ]

Mm, yes. It's not a permanent solution but it keeps the anger at bay for a time. I've found doing some breathing exercises have helped too.
incandescentfaith: <user name=cupcakegraphics> (Deeply Concerned)

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2021-09-22 03:10 am (UTC)(link)
Yes. That's the one.

[Rei smiles a little, holding up her own fingertip to show Luna a similar cut. She'd been experimenting a little with the local magic, focusing on her powers where Mars was seemingly failing her.]

It doesn't seem to affect everyone the same way.

[But...]

Breathing exercises I can do. I would appreciate your help, Luna. Do you need anything from me to make the potion?
creidim: (☾ 051)

[personal profile] creidim 2021-09-25 02:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh—! I don't think I've noticed anything... different. [ She frowns thoughtfully for a few moments, considering it. ] Although now I think about it, I tend to feel a lot better at night? Which is strange, considering I'm more of a morning person...? It's a bit strange, the whole 'warm milk' smell, though.

[ Honestly. Why... why does blood smell like that..? ]

Oh, no. It's fine. I do have enough of a stock for a short time, so not to worry. [ She's working on getting more ingredients. A beat. ] Although if you do happen to come across some crocodile heart, I would greatly appreciate some.
incandescentfaith: <user name=cupcake_graphics> (Eyebrow)

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2021-09-27 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
It is strange. I don't really understand it, it does seem to affect people differently.

[The mention of the ingredients makes Rei pull a face, but she's learned to listen to Luna and take her seriously. It's hard not to, given how earnest she is.]

I can see about going in to the sewers and hunting one down, but that seems a little uncommon.

Unless there's a reagent shop in Gaze, maybe. Have you looked there?
creidim: commission, dnt (☾ 060)

[personal profile] creidim 2021-10-04 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
I wonder what's changed with me. [ There's a faint look of amusement. ] I suppose I'll find out sooner or later, I hope it's not something too terrible.

[ Crocodile heart's probably one of the least strange potion ingredients, at least. Just as well she's not asking for Abraxan hair or dragon liver. That's another thing entirely. ]

Don't trouble yourself too much, especially with dubious places like the sewers. [ Although that's very kind of her to offer and Luna smiles gently. ] Mm, it's possible. It seems to be mostly places of study but there's still quite a lot of this place to explore.

Although I've heard there's a market district? Something about a machine..?
incandescentfaith: (Conversationally)

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2021-10-05 02:30 am (UTC)(link)
Well, you haven't sprouted a second head, or a mouth on the back of your existing one, so you've got that much going for you, at least.

[It's a bad joke, but, you know. Levity is important sometimes.]

I...haven't been to the market much, really. I was fortunate enough that my house came with me from the dream. So I've had most everything I've needed for the first few weeks.

But, that's something we could probably find out about together, if you want.
creidim: commission, dnt (☾ 062)

cw drug mention

[personal profile] creidim 2021-10-12 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
It's quite a silver lining, yes.

[ Oh, it's all good fun. Luna doesn't mind. ]

I managed to get my house too! [ So she had a few things left which has kept her going. ] It's been nice to have some familiarity in the new world. Although in the very final days of Deerington, Peter and I kind of... were a bit reckless with what I had left.

[ Meaning these two teenagers basically just ate whatever they wanted and napped and had some of Peter's 'The Weed'. Just... tried to have time together, like that. It was quite glorious. ]

That'd be nice, I'd like that.
incandescentfaith: Icon by <user name=palpos> Colors by Naoko (Ready Smile)

So scandalous.

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2021-10-13 04:26 am (UTC)(link)
There's nothing wrong with indulging at the end of the world.

[Or what they'd thought was the end of the world, anyway. It may as well have been.]

Winter and I did the same, but I'd been canning and pickling food for almost a year. There wasn't any shortage.

[She turns her head towards the district gate.]

Let me get that potion from you, and then we can go, certainly.
creidim: commission, dnt (☾ 102)

kids these days, man

[personal profile] creidim 2021-10-15 02:31 pm (UTC)(link)
I suppose none of us knew what to really expect when the end finally came. And considering how awful the final months of Deerington was. [ Honestly, the least they could do would be afforded a little indulgence. Especially how difficult things were between them with Paimon, with the final throws of pain the town sent their way with the Wastes and such. The whole time between March and June was just... a lot for them.

Luna smiles, nodding. She hands the little vial of blue liquid to her. ]


Better to drink it now, if you need it. I can always get you more, later.

incandescentfaith: Icon by <user name=palpos> Colors by Naoko (Ready Smile)

Such troublemakers!

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2021-10-15 04:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[Rei takes it, and in an act of extreme trust...doesn't even hesitate before unstopping it and downing the entire vial in a single gulp. Luna is a friend, a sweet person she knows means well, and she's a talented little witch too. That's been obvious since they met.]

Thank you, Luna.

[The potion works, setting in immediately. Some of the tension leaves Rei's neck and jaw, her whole frame seeming to deflate a little.]

That's...so much better.
creidim: (☾ 119)

[personal profile] creidim 2021-10-20 10:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She practically beams, very pleased (and relieved on Rei's behalf) that it's actually worked. Of course, she could hardly blame the woman for apprehension in the face of strange magical potions. ]

You're rather welcome. [ There's a little chuckle. ] I'm quite glad, and also quite glad they're working on different people as it should, considering there's a bit more variety of people here than back home.
incandescentfaith: (Conversationally)

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2021-10-22 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
Are you worried about them interacting with our new...ah...blood?

[That's a thing she's considered herself. It's troubling, knowing that their physiology has changed.]
creidim: (☾ 034)

[personal profile] creidim 2021-10-28 01:40 pm (UTC)(link)
A little bit. And I suppose not everyone's a human witch or wizard. We tend to stick to our own, back home. [ There's definitely all-sorts of folk in this place. Luna's never done so much mixing with others in all her life. ]

But yes — with our blood changing, how much else exactly changed, too?
incandescentfaith: <user name=cupcakegraphics> (Thoughts)

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2021-10-28 03:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Is...that on purpose? The sticking to yourselves.

[People like her have always intermingled, though most people didn't really believe that priestesses had power.]
creidim: (☾ 042)

[personal profile] creidim 2021-11-03 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Essentially, yes. People generally don't know we exist. It wasn't always like that, Muggles and Magical used to get on— [ There's a weak smile. ]

Until the Muggles started burning people alive, of course. So we went into hiding and remained living in secret ever since.