Gain the weight of you then lose it

[reddosmod]

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.]

[NAVIGATION]

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

[JUMP TO COMMENTS]

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

Comments

ahiru/duck | princess tutu

[danserai]

( i. mingling - girl )

[ this was ahiru's first big party and she was excited! she bounced from place place, taking in all the sights with a wide-eyed smile and a blush on her cheeks. she might accidentally bump into someone with a gasp. ]

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to — Wow you look so pretty!

[ let her shower you and your outfit with compliments. ]

( ii. dance performance - girl )

[ normally ahiru would be too scared to take the stage. but she got this cute dress from madame generosity and for once, she felt buoyed by confidence. it helped that she told her house mates the truth and they have accepted her the way she is.

and she loved dancing. what did it matter if it was a stage or anywhere else? she missed it and there hadn't been many opportunities to do so. she would have loved to dance with her friends, pique and lillie but as she climbs onto the stage, taking a deep breath, she knows they would be with her in spirit.

and she leaps.

once she's done, she immediately scampers off stage, face completely red. ]

U-Uhm, how was that?

( iii. wildcard )

[ got a prompt in mind? pm this journal or hit me up @ timmtams ]

Mingling

[imaglyphwitch]

You think so?

[Luz in typical Luz fashion has decided to forgo the dress for something simpler and more her, but she absolutely loves seeing some of the other girls in their own dresses].

Thanks! You look all too precious in yours! Are you enjoying the party?

[danserai]

Absolutely!

[ dress or no dress, it is a very cool outfit. ]

And this is my first party.

[imaglyphwitch]

[Darn right! Luz was stylish]!

Aw, no way! Congratulations! It seems like a fun time so far, don't you think?

ii

[enblightened]

[There is clapping eagerly from Bigby after she is done, and he smiles warmly at his young friend. No matter how she fairs, he's glad to see her dance. Ahiru has always been friendly and kind to him, as well as to others. How could he not celebrate and rejoice in her performance?]

Beautifully done, Ahiru. Though I am far from a professional, I adore what you have to show all.

Have you had much a chance to practice?

[danserai]

[ her face goes completely scarlet. ]

T-Thank you, Mr. Bigby. And no, I haven't found a place to practice yet.

[enblightened]

Oh. That is a shame. I am bewildered there are so few places to practice.

[There's a pause as he thinks about this. Ahiru has a clear passion, and he would want nothing more than to encourage it, of course.]

What manner of setting would you need to practice ballet? I know little of it, and really the only dance I know is for ballrooms of a court.

dance performance

[unphase]

[Tinya's found herself a white, full-slip like dress to wear, edged in white lace. over that, she's wearing the black mink coat she'd found on her first day. honestly, it's not like she needs the coat, she feels like she'd be just fine in the slip-dress, but she doesn't know how "normal" that is here. and until she finds out, she's behaving as normally and passable as possible.

that includes not showing off her own dancing abilities, much as she's loathe to pass up the chance. however, seeing Ahiru dance makes her deeply curious and more than a little pleased, no one else could dance the ballet back in the other world.

Tinya moves so that she's within the path of going off-stage, hoping to catch the girl's attention. which seems to have worked?]

You were wonderful, simply wonderful! I'm so pleased to see you perform, no one else where I was from last knew the ballet. Maybe...[she smiles encouragingly] we can practice together sometime?

[danserai]

[ she blushes. ]

Really? You want to practice with me?

[unphase]

[Tinya smiles reassuringly]

Of course I do! You were very good, I think we can learn a lot from each other.

ii

[the_obedient_servant]

[Chara watches with their arms crossed and a small smile on their face and when she steps off stage, they are there to offer her an iced tea after her performance.]

Well, it certainly met my expectations. I'm sure Princess Tutu would be proud. [Sorry Ahiru, they are still a bit of a motherfucker.

But the lack of LOVE in them does make them want to give more sincere praise. Some part inside of them that still carries that hollow cruelty calls them a whimp.]

It was very good. You clearly have a gift for it.

[danserai]

[ she takes the ice tea while blushing profusely. ]

O-Oh no, I definitely missed a few steps and I nearly tripped over a few times and I need to work on my timing too . . .

[the_obedient_servant]

[They lightly bonk her head.]

Well, I didn't notice and I'm very observant, so I can guarantee you that nobody else did. You're allowed to just take the compliment.

II

[klawful]

(Karkat has never seen ballet live before, but he now knew what it was because of Ahiru. He wasn't one for artistry exactly. He winds up watching from a corner, dressed carefully so as to not draw too much attention to himself. It was good to support your friends even if you had no fucking idea what they were actually doing. It reminded him of Kanaya showing him outfits and his complete lack of ability to differentiate between good fashion and bad fashion.

Sometimes it's just the thought that counts.

So, obviously, when she gets off stage and is red-faced? He does the only thing any friend would do.)

You didn't eat shit, so, obviously, it was pretty decent.

[danserai]

You really think so?! I felt I came really close to falling over! It was a lot of fun though!

[ she has no idea what "eat shit" would be in this context, but she can guess. ]

Dance Performance

[threelayers]

[the look in Neo's eyes was something of a testimony to what she thought of it. Ahiru was really really good at this, and she was just a tiny bit jealous. Neo could move incredibly agilely, and she was very adept with the control of her body. But that was a whole other level.

She nodded quickly, though, eyes still kind of wide and typing.]

You're really good at that.
I didn't know you were a dancer.

[danserai]

[ ahiru giggles sheepishly. ]

Oh, I wouldn't say I'm a very good dancer, ehehe . . . I just know the basics and I'm still in the intermediate class . . .

[threelayers]

[She reached over to give her nose a tap and grinned at her while she leaned back, beaming some. Honestly, the kid couldn't have been more than 14 or 15 by the looks of her. She was about the age when she went off to boarding school to learn all her real tricks.]

At your age? I was still getting my feet wet.
Keep it up and you could be a real expert one of these days.
So don't sell yourself short.

i. mingling!

[possessum]

( Parties 100% aren't Peter's speed, but the Darkblood within him has him feeling a lot more relaxed about.... well, everything. Plus he's been freshly de-Corrupted thanks to his witchy girlfriend. Not to mention the overall effects of this place in general, helping to coax away lingering anxieties.

He's feeling good, which is rare, and he's enjoying it. Even if the suit he'd been gifted does make him a baby bit unsettled. It'd be fine if it was all black the way he likes, but the fact that half of the jacket is a sparkly glittery gold.... Well. He knows who that's for.

Still. Peter's enjoying himself, and doesn't even scream or flinch when someone very small bumps into him! Instead, he's looking down at the young girl with concern, before a smile makes its way onto his face. )

Oh— thank you! You do too, I really like your dress.

[danserai]

[ she does a little pirouette, her cheeks a rosy red from the praise and the excitement of the party. ]

Thank you! It's like the Sugarplum dress from the Nutcracker ballet. It's nice to get to dress up because this is my first party!

[possessum]

Oh, that's cool! The Sugarplum Fairy, right? I remember watching the movie version of the Nutcracker when I was a kid.

( He's continuing to smile as he watches her do the little spin, tone easy and conversational for once in his life. )

You're really good. Are you gonna perform tonight?

ii

[swornto]

[Oz politely watches for dance performance, clapping softly when she asks for comment. He's been carted around to ballets in the past and knows where Ahiru compares, but she's charming enough for some sincere praise.]

Amazing, Ms Ahiru~ I can tell that you really love dancing!

[danserai]

T-Thank you!

I really missed dancing a lot.

ii-ish

[anagnorises]

[Fakir is backstage himself, warming up with a series of stretches before he goes on stage. He blinks up at Ahiru in her costume and smiles.]

The sugarplum fairy?

[danserai]

[ she flushes a deep red, fidgeting with her fingers. ]

It's too much, isn't it? I know it doesn't really suit me and I'm not really that pretty . . .