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
firstroar: (ᴇɴᴅᴜʀᴇ)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-23 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
There you are...

[there's a note of relief in that thought that floats into Equius' head.]

You found a safe place to work, then?
alternia_strength: (02)

[personal profile] alternia_strength 2022-01-24 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, voice in my think pan.

[There was a pause in the cacophony for a moment. Floating images of various doomsday devices seemed to linger in the mind. He was actually quite good at this sort of thing. There was a lot of serious detonation triggers, though the substances looked less than stable as they flitted away.]

The foundry is unharmed, but it is not entering the Willful Machine. I can prepare an arsenal for my next encounter here.
firstroar: (pic#5952003)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-24 05:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[with no sign of danger, Blue ought to leave the troll be. but he's curious...a strange and studious mind like this is interesting to linger near.

it's why he makes the extra effort to manifest a spectral form, a pale blue, ghostly figment of himself that can be seen. red eyes flit down to where schematics are laid out.]


You are an engineer, then...?
alternia_strength: (10)

[personal profile] alternia_strength 2022-01-24 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmmm. Yes. That would be an excellent description of my technical vocation. Presently, I am assisting in a forge as a blacksmith, but I prefer to think of myself as more of a technologically savvy variety than the beating of crude met... ah, there you are.

You are, then, deceased? And this is your spectral form?

[Because that was actually totally normal to him.]
firstroar: (pic#6891970)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-24 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, no-- [he smiles apologetically, putting a hand over where his heart would be.

with a polite nod:]
This is a mental projection. My body is safe in Crenshaw at the moment. Are you familiar with psionics at all? [they come in other colors besides mustard.]
alternia_strength: <user name=appearify site=livejournal.com> (04)

[personal profile] alternia_strength 2022-01-25 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Distantly. Lowbloods are known to have such powers in my world. Mental projection is ... well, that's at least believable of our kind? I would not know. Higher blood performance tends towards the physical or mystical, and I am more the former. So, you could say I am aware of the possibility.

...

Is your body not at risk of muscular atrophy?
firstroar: (ʜᴇsɪᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴs)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-25 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
['lowbloods'...? blood performance? is this person...from a world where blood typing plays a strong role, like Trench? it seems that way.

he'd ask, but--]
It's already too late for that worry. But since coming to this land...the decay has halted, perhaps because of the change of blood. I can't be certain.

[with a head tilt:] Did you change, too? From what you were before.
alternia_strength: <user name=appearify site=livejournal.com> (04)

[personal profile] alternia_strength 2022-01-26 12:01 am (UTC)(link)
[To put it mildly, yes.]

Ah, of course. A commonality of places like this. Some form of defensive capacity generally exists to avoid life-threatening impacts of our biological limitations from impeding our capacity to interact with the environment, conditional to the desire of the local forces responsible for our presence.

[...which was weirdly not a fourth wall reference. he was talking about the pthumerians there. He assumed they brought them here for a reason.]

A profound alteration to my sanguine capacity began with my arrival here as an aquatic lifeform. [Shudder] Other than that, I am close to the state of being I was within the city of Asgard. Very little alteration beyond that stage for now.
alternia_strength: (06)

2/2 suddenly!

[personal profile] alternia_strength 2022-01-26 12:01 am (UTC)(link)
Oh... wait... of course.

[He suddenly grinned.]

I am still not dead.
firstroar: (pic#5951967)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-26 01:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[blink.

blink blink.]


Those are all good things. [to put it succinctly; goodness, this creature is verbose!] I'm glad you're safe. Please be careful; there are very deadly things here, that monster besides.
alternia_strength: (08)

[personal profile] alternia_strength 2022-01-27 01:41 am (UTC)(link)
Why yes. There are quite a few lethal creatures in this place. I like to think of myself as being one of them. [Flex.] Though that one generally would be fought in groups I think.

In any case, do you require equipment? I doubt I need to utilize all my power today on this.

[Yeah, he tended to be on the wordy side on the best of days.]
firstroar: (ᴜɴᴋɴᴏᴡɴs)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-28 02:36 am (UTC)(link)
Equipment? Do you mean...weapons? That's...what you came here to prepare, yes?
alternia_strength: <user name=appearify site=livejournal.com> (03)

[personal profile] alternia_strength 2022-01-31 03:11 am (UTC)(link)
Hmmm. Well, to clarify I am capable of alchemizing from a drawing what I require. [he gestured to the paper.]

So long as my drawing is clear, and my understanding of the object is good enough, I am capable of creating inorganic matter of varying complexity with my power. So, it could be weapons for strife, or actual equipment depending on one's needs.
firstroar: (ʟɪsᴛᴇɴᴇʀ)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-02-02 12:18 am (UTC)(link)
That's quite impressive... [but it seems this person already knows that; the confidence is as clear and sturdy as his physical form.]

I can't say I'm in need of anything myself, but I would imagine there are many others who washed up here who could benefit from your talents.
alternia_strength: (14)

[personal profile] alternia_strength 2022-02-02 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
I am attempting to keep myself available. There are limits before I am out of stamina for a solar period, but the ability to craft useful equipment has proven to be lucrative at least in meriting some pleasure from the locals.

[They weren't even jealous, given that he was using them without much concern for his own personal gain.]

But if you do find this situation changes, you may contact me. Hmmm... are you familiar with tubular explosive ordinance? Bazookas I believe they are called? I wonder if that would hurt this worm.
firstroar: (ɢᴜɪᴅᴇ)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-02-02 03:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[unfortunately...Blue doesn't know what a bazooka is, or how rad it would be. alas. so he shakes his head.]

It is hard to say... It has no emotional presence to read or interpret, so I couldn't tell you what sort of force or form would hurt it more or less. It does move quite freely, so perhaps anything that could slow it down or trap it entirely would be the most ideal. To keep it from surprising unsuspecting people.
alternia_strength: (14)

[personal profile] alternia_strength 2022-02-02 11:04 pm (UTC)(link)
I will most likely go for high ordinance. I just need to make sure not to have something that will damage structures in the process. I'll think on the form of explosives to utilize.

Do you require anything else?

[because he didn't seem to realize this was a wellness check.]
firstroar: (pic#5952026)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-02-03 02:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[the specter's head shakes one more time.]

No. I simply wished to be certain...you had managed to find somewhere safe. I can leave you to your work.
alternia_strength: (10)

[personal profile] alternia_strength 2022-02-03 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmmm...

[He tapped at his lips before simply letting it slide. Nope. He could return to the topic if it came back. He was unused to people taking concern for his well being. It was ... strange.]

Remain safe, and I recommend returning to your body, to perform some calisthenics. To keep the blood flowing.
firstroar: (pic#5951962)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-02-03 10:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[Blue smiles.]

Be well, Equius Zahak.

[he bows, his form growing more transparent before vanishing outright, and Equius is left alone.]