reddosmod: (Default)
Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] deercountry2022-01-08 12:48 am

Gain the weight of you then lose it

JANUARY 2022 EVENT
IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Prompt One
[Image One: Woman in an elaborate blue dress with high collar staring at camera while people dance in background.]
[Image Two: Woman in pink dress touching chest and smiling at camera while people dance in background.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Explicit gif of snake shedding its skin and a new viperlike snake coming out of the old skin.]
[Image Two: Gif of eyes gazing at camera and right eye turning yellow.]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Image of rock snake with fire glowing in its mouth.]
[Image Two: Gif of a snake made entirely out of flames hissing.]

SNAKE DEN
WHEN: Evenings throughout January
WHERE: The Red, Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Alcohol/Drugs, possible NSFW scenarios, forced honesty, mood altering substances.


Around Trench, Sleepers will find a gold-edged flyer pinned to most doors, lamps, and posted around stores and throughout the market. Some may even find the flyer pinned to their front door:

MADAM GENEROSITY INVITES YOU TO THE SNAKE DEN
Hello darling and dearest Sleepers! Do not let the cold dampen your spirit or weaken your hope. Do not allow our differences to divide us; do not let the frigid drive you to isolation; do not hurt your soul by forgetting one another. They say snakes cannot thrive in the cold, yet here I am, defying it, thriving despite it. You can too. We must persist. We shall persist. Not with violence and bloodshed, not with pollution and corruption, but with unity! With compassion and fun.

I invite you all to join me at The Red every odd evening of January! Welcome to the Snake Den! A little Talent Show I throw occasionally to remind Sleepers of their profound potential for greatness and awe! Come be flashy on stage or to support your friends. After the Talent Show is our famed Fashion Show. Do you have eccentric outfits you would like to show off? Now is truly your time to shine!

The evening will be filled with plenty of food and drink for all. We shall dance, we shall show off, we shall persist and defy corruption together. Let my lovely Night Walkers shine and keep you company for the evening. Find some new friends, have an illicit affair, or just come so you don't have to be alone for a night. You are all welcome...And don't worry, I've enchanted the Red so that none of your powers can cause any damage while inside the building. Feel free to really make a light show with your fire! It won't hurt anyone.

I so look forward to seeing all of you there.

With Love,
Madam Generosity
The Red has been elaborately decorated for the Snake Den spectacle. Enormous golden statues of snakes have been placed throughout. Golden lights glitter above. Servers carry about golden flutes of champagne, soda, and sparkling water. You can order other drinks at the bar. While the invite has gone out to Sleepers, there are some regular Trenchies who have come to show their support. To perform in the Talent Show portion, one simply needs to go backstage to prepare with the rest.

A female Trenchie named Dorothea seems to be directing the acts. People can perform multiple times. Talents performed can include music, comedy, dance routines, or little skits. After the Talent Show concludes, a Fashion Show will be put on, and everyone is encouraged to join. You can get your hair and make-up done elaborately backstage and find eccentric outfits to try on if you're not so happy with the one you showed up in.

Going to the Snake Den at this time will cause incredible stress relief. Even those who are typically shy or introverted will find themselves soothed at the Snake Den. Giant pillows have been thrown about so people can puddle in together and snuggle up. Private rooms have been created out of silks for some private conversations or interactions.

There must be something in the drinks or the snacks going around because it becomes easy to become a much more outgoing version of yourself at the party. It may increase friendliness or touchiness and relax people's usual reservations. Who knows? It might encourage you to go up on stage and show off a bit or talk to that handsome stranger who has been eying you the whole night. Regular intoxication from alcohol/drugs is possible as well which means some people might not need the additional encouragement.

Regular dancing occurs after the Fashion Shows with various musicians performing on stage to fill the night up with plenty of mood melodies. As the evening prolongs, the lights dim and things become quiet and soothing. Since paleblood magic is exceptionally strong this month with honesty, attendants of the party may find themselves being more open and honest about themselves. Hopefully, you don't confess anything too vulnerable about yourself...

FAQ:
1. Characters with mental abilities may be able to resist the honesty sway if they consciously realize it is happening.

2. Any talent can be performed on the stage.

3. The flyer is magically enchanted so that people who touch it will feel unusually excited to go to the Snake Den.
THE SHEDDING CEREMONY
WHEN: Begins in January - Effects may be permanent. Players choose when the effects wear off.
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Forced modification of body, possible themes of body dysmorphia, shedding/peeling skin, burning/eating dead skin, alternate versions of characters, possible genderswapping, possible alteration of personality/memories.


[A passage from Rituals and Reality; Chapter 2: The Shedding Ceremony. Found exclusively in Gaze:]

"Worshippers of Madam Generosity believed that the shedding of snakeskin was symbolic to the shedding of an old life and the acceptance of a new life. The skin left behind was a reminder of past trials and tribulations, and the skin you walk away with is evidence of all that you have learned and experienced. In ancient times, Sleepers would ritualistically select one of their own to sacrifice to Madam Generosity. Eventually, Sleepers would come to learn that Madam Generosity did not appreciate blood sacrifices. Due to her gentle nature, she encouraged Sleepers to pay tribute to her in other ways.

Thus came the Shedding Ceremony. Sleepers would rub away chapped skin and set it afire in a bowl. They would reflect on lives left behind and the new life they had been given in Trench. Over time, this created a powerful magical experience that persisted beyond the original ceremony. The Shedding Ceremony is both a ritual and an enchantment.

As January begins, Sleepers may find that their skin has become dry and brittle. The generous application of lotions and oils may soothe the skin, but neglected skin can begin to peel off. Although it is a painless experience, it can be rather gross to look at and a bit itchy. Then one day, you simply fall asleep and when you awaken, you are an entirely different version of yourself. You will find a nearly perfect replica of your old self in a shed skin nearby. Your new body may be stronger, faster, more powerful. Old scars may be healed, lost limps replaced...Or you might be an entirely new gender. Some have even experienced becoming a different species. Some awaken as an older or younger variation of themselves while others find that they have become an alternate version of themselves.

These effects have been known to last for a few days up to months at a time. In some scenarios, the effects have become permanent. Some believe it to be a curse while others believe it is a gift. It may happen multiple times and take a few sheds to return to your original body. It is believed that ingesting your old skin or burning it alleviates the changes and brings you back to your original body faster. Generous application of lotion and oils can prevent the Shedding Ceremony altogether for some - or at the very least, slow it down."

FAQ

1. Characters can avoid this prompt altogether via the application of lotion.

2. If you decide to permanently change your character in a big way (ie; changing their species/gender/age) then we do ask that you update your character on the taken page to reflect that they are now an Alternate Version of a character. This would open up the original character to be applicable to new players.

3. This can change blood types for those interested in trying on a new blood type. You can either temporarily change a blood type or permanently. If you permanently change a blood type, let us know on the Blood Type page and update your information on the taken page.

4. You can play out the transformation as explicitly or non-explicitly as you want. Maybe characters see the changes happening under their peeling skin or just wake up in their new body. The peeling does not need to be any more graphic than what you would typically see on dry skin.

5. You can alter a character's gender, species, age, blood type, or switch to a general alternate version of a character (ie; Coffee Shop AU, an AU of your character but with different powers, an AU of your character if they came from a different canon or timeline.) Please have fun with this and explore the possibilities for as long as you like!

Unsnakely
WHEN: All of Bone Season
WHERE: Anywhere outside
CONTENT WARNINGS: Possible injuries or death from burns/fire.


[A journal entry from the Wayward Watcher that can be found in the Archaic Archives reads:]

"Do not trust the naked snake trails of January. They exist to trick you into a sense of Madam Generosity's comfort. The Good Pthumerian leaves snow tracks in her wake, but the Unsnakely leaves melted trails of snow. This creature has spent centuries cloaking itself to rope in those who devotedly follow Madam Generosity. The kind people of Trench look to snakes as a trustworthy, compassionate symbol filled with good intention.

There are many ways to anticipate the Unsnakely's presence. Besides its melted trails (that eventually turn to ice in the cold), you may notice pockets of comfortable heat. While many believe greenery is a good sign, do not be fooled by the melted patches of grass you find. These are not symbols of an early spring. They are symbols of incoming destruction.

The Unsnakely is not of blood or soul; it is a blood curse of the earth, a product of Blood Pollution. It's a creature made out of rock, with no pulse, no soul, no mind. Molten lava pours through its body. It moves in and out of the earth without disturbing the surface, transforming from rock into small beasts or a snake the size of your home. It looks to spill blood to freshen its own magic and its choice of weapon is its size and the fire it breathes. A furious Unsnakely will light up in flames and can bring great destruction to its surroundings. People have lost their homes to the Unsnakely and of course, people have lost their lives.

The Unsnakely, no matter the size it takes, is as fast and lethal as a typical snake. It cannot truly die, as it is a curse of the earth, but it can be physically destroyed by immense blunt strength or coldblood abilities whether fire or ice. Typical ice abilities will not work against the snake - they must come from a coldblood source. Enchanted coldblood items will be effective against the Unsnakely.

The Unsnakely can spit fire like venom and boil the air around it. It can be difficult to get physically close enough to land a blow due to the suffocatingly hot temperature rolling off its body. It traditionally hunts in the streets and in the woods, by the beach and among the cliffs. Once someone has slain the beast, it returns to the earth where it rebuilds itself over a period of 2-3 days. It primarily hunts during Bone Season, preferring to use the cloak of Madam Generosity to its advantage.

Since this is not a traditional snake, it has no desire to "eat" anyone. It will simply roast you alive - which is arguably worse for some. Its fire burns hotter and brighter than regular fire, and it is a slow, agonizing death that has caused absolute madness in some. People have claimed to see strange visions in the smoke that pours off of the Unsnakely, causing distortion in battle. Do not inhale too much of the Unsnakely's smoke as it will cause intense vertigo. Remember: this is a creature of deception.

Lastly, it would be beneficial to know that the Unsnakely cannot hear or see. It responds to the vibration around it. Some who stay still may get the upper hand, but the creature can feel the vibrations of your heartbeat if your pulse is unusually elevated. Good luck, fellow Hunters. Treat burns by the Unsnakely with vileblood. I know it sounds mad, but the vileblood seems to attack whatever cursed heat comes with burns from the Unsnakely.

Take care of yourself,
- The Wayward Watcher"

FAQ
1. Characters who can manipulate earth can contort/stop/fight against the Unsnakely's natural body. It will take great control to fully control or dismantle the body.

2. Coldbloods with fire abilities can similarly control the fire of the Unsnakely with great control.
CODING
forwantofahorse: (Default)

[personal profile] forwantofahorse 2022-01-20 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[The sparkles in Sayo's eyes brighten at the notion of an actual, factual magic school... then fade back into dull cynicism as she flops against the couch, sighing.]

I'd love to, but... if any of my roommates caught me, they'd have more questions about why "sweet, precious Shannon-chan" is studying something as odd as blood magic. I could maybe dodge Ange, but Willow is a major bookworm. An admirable trait! But one that makes it difficult to conceal my real class schedule, especially since she's so insistent on helping me study.
the_obedient_servant: (* Who would even look me in the eye.)

[personal profile] the_obedient_servant 2022-01-20 09:31 pm (UTC)(link)
It's not odd here. [They scoff a little irritably, but they similarly also flop back against the couch.]

If you haven't noticed, there's monsters all over the place, and beyond that "Shannon-chan" actively choosing not to use power that she already has inside of her takes her from sweet and precious to weak and stupid. You can use it for perfectly benign reasons, it's just how everything works here.

Why do you live with them if you don't mind me asking?
Edited 2022-01-20 21:32 (UTC)
forwantofahorse: (Blank)

\

[personal profile] forwantofahorse 2022-01-23 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, if I'm any indicator, "Shannon-chan" is indeed weak and stupid so it would be in character... but you have a point. [Still, Sayo drags her hands down her face thinking about it. She can guarantee that if she started learning magic, she would not be able to contain her Beato-like excitement, and that would raise far too many eyebrows for her comfort.]

There's somebody I need to... I'm not sure if "protect" or "serve" is the word, but... I owe her too much to just leave her alone. I've taken too much away from her, I can't just... turn away and pretend that my mistakes never ruined her life.
the_obedient_servant: (* Maybe it's all about YOU.)

[personal profile] the_obedient_servant 2022-01-24 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
[They don't know how to deal with the self deprecation so they're moving past it.]

So your solution is to live with them? Wouldn't that just make it worse for both of you?
forwantofahorse: (Default)

[personal profile] forwantofahorse 2022-01-24 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, and there's the rub. She doesn't know.

...part of the reason why I'm still living with her is that I'm trying to find the courage to tell her the truth.

[A pause.]

Also, she was the one who extended me the offer in the first place, and I didn't have anywhere else to live at the time, so there's that too.
the_obedient_servant: (* My partner says they're killing us.)

[personal profile] the_obedient_servant 2022-01-24 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
...

You think that will help anyone?

[They almost want to make an offer for Sayo to stay with them in the home they share with Frisk. But first, they'd have to ask Frisk about that, and second... they'd have to offer it out loud, which is a bit much.] Maybe it's something you could discuss after maintaining distance, if you regret it. But if she's in your life, the betrayal would hurt all-the-more.
forwantofahorse: (Blank)

[personal profile] forwantofahorse 2022-01-24 04:05 pm (UTC)(link)
It might be because I'm a masochist, if I'm being honest. I think that with how much I've done, I deserve to get hurt when I finally let the truth come out. It wouldn't sting as much if I was blabbing to a perfect stranger.

[She sighs.]

...that, and I'm a coward. I don't want to do it, so I'm finding any reason to put it off that I can. But knowing I'm a coward doesn't make me any braver.
the_obedient_servant: (* Maybe it's not about the dead kids.)

[personal profile] the_obedient_servant 2022-01-24 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
I meant it would hurt her more.

[They cross their arms.]

That way of looking at it, making it all about hurting you the most, that's hopelessly self centred.

I've done far worse things than you possibly could have, anyway.
forwantofahorse: (Default)

[personal profile] forwantofahorse 2022-01-25 06:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm aware. It's a self-fulfilling cycle of self-hatred.

Also, while what you did to that abomination in the "hotel" was impressive, er...

You're eleven, Chara. I doubt you've sunk to the depths of depravity.
the_obedient_servant: (* This world isn't for me)

[personal profile] the_obedient_servant 2022-01-25 09:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[They scoff, especially at her second comment. It angers them to be condescended to by a fucking amateur, especially since they thought she at least acknowledged their abilities. But no, apparently not.]

You know next to nothing about me, but I'm at least learning you're painfully naive. If it would make you more comfortable I can put on my precocious polite and well behaved child act?

I'm speaking literally when I say you couldn't possibly have matched me. You're not strong enough.
Edited 2022-01-25 21:22 (UTC)
forwantofahorse: (Blank)

[personal profile] forwantofahorse 2022-01-26 08:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Sayo can tell that there's a seething shadow within Chara, one that's painfully familiar. It's almost like gazing into the eyes of a witch like herself.

But also, they're eleven years old.]


I'm not discounting what you've done and what you've been through, Chara. But it's very easy to convince yourself that you're far more worthless and evil than you actually are.

[She says this without a hint of self-awareness.]

the_obedient_servant: (* But I fake it anyway.)

[personal profile] the_obedient_servant 2022-01-27 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
[They bristle even further at that, but only for a minute before they kill any visible emotional response. They honestly thought they were past someone being able to hurt their feelings.]

I never said I was worthless. I don't need your projection. Or your pity. Save it for yourself.

[They let their voice go up an octave or two, puting on their precocious victorian child act.]

Oh, but I need to go home now. It's probably my bedtime, and the mother I murdered always was insistent on me sticking to curfew. The father I murdered was a bit more loose with that sort of thing, but sometimes even he'd get cross with me and my brother stayed up too late. My brother, who I also murdered! Rather brutally too, he was really begging for mercy and forgiveness, weeping and whimpering for help from anyone left and I just ripped him apart. His pleas were a bit pointless, I'd already killed everyone after-all, but it was at least a bit funny. But you're right, I'm just a little kid, I couldn't possibly understand what the grownups are talking about.

Goodbye, Belinda.

[And with that, they'll turn on their heel and walk off, silently seething behind their pleasant smile.]
Edited 2022-01-27 01:51 (UTC)