deercountry | Gain the weight of you then lose it

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.]

[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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[with the lack of ability to see out of his left eye, and a lack of desire to turn his head away from his glass, nehan simply turns one ear to show that he's listening. in a manner of speaking.]

I cant imagine why you would think to ask me that, unless you're absolutely drunk. [he isn't, not yet. he's only had the one glass so far, after all.]

[ oh, it's his fellow healer buddy! nice to meet another familiar face around here. he's far from being drunk though; he's just naturally chatty. ]

Well, I thought that your tongue would be loose enough by now. [ a chuckle. ] I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I am surprised that you came here, though.

Why? [an raised eyebrow-- the only one people can see, in any case.] Do I look like the type to hide away indoors while people celebrate out in the streets?

[except... he actually is. but he will not be taking criticism about this today, no.]

I came for the free meals. It's good to not have to cook for once.

[ answering that rhetorical question is mighty tempting, tbh. ]

You're not wrong. Madam Generosity sure lives up to her name. [ pauses to take a sip of his drink ] The words on the flyer almost sounds too good to be true, right? That's why we're all here.

[nehan takes a moment to polish off his glass and refill it with more of the same wine, then wipe off the pads of his hands of moisture, before he responds. the ever-present left glove is not present at all, because of those soft pads on his palms and the tips of his fingers, and the nails that have turned black and sharpened into points. he would have torn a glove with the act of putting it on.]

If the other shoe is to drop, I would rather be in the same place as everyone else. [because then, he wouldn't be helpless. he has no convenient meat shields at home, no one to order around to help if he needs to work as a doctor.]

[ it's hard to ignore the scars littering the glove-free hand, but the sharp nails are something else entirely. he's some sort of wolf-man, eh? that'd be a nice icebreaker to talk about. ]

True, but the entire celebration is all about defying corruption. Hopefully no one will crash this party with an ill-timed fit or transformation.

Speaking of party, how do you find everything so far?

[that's not what he means, he thinks. madam generosity is most generous, yes, but what does she consider blessings? what would she give to everyone here, just because she thinks it would be a "good" thing, even if it's actually harmful? she's not mortal, she's an unknowable being, they don't understand her, and she likely doesn't understand them in turn.

but if someone comes here wholly trusting a pthumerian simply because she's a patron... well, nothing he can say can sway them.]

Noisy, rowdy. But the food is filling. [nothing about the taste, because of course.]

[ ah, he misheard. looks like he is on his way to drunkenness after all? nonseeense, he can still go on for a couple more glasses! ]

Just the food and not the drink?

[ he calls the bartender's attention for two more glasses of mojitos. it's on him, don't worry about it. ]

Going back, it is rather hard to turn down an invitation to this place. Even if people like you would want to. [ a shrug as he drains his glass. parties are nice and all, but it is rather odd to meet people who obviously don't want to be here, unless they were being forced to by their own peers. it happens. ] There might be something more to her generosity after all, but I'm not too well-versed to her kind just yet.

I already told you my reasoning, if you think I'm lying. [and he was entirely truthful about that.

and he ignores the mojitos for now, in favor of his wine. he's not in a hurry to have a cocktail, when he cant even taste anything. even if it goes flat from being exposed to the air, or the ice cubes melt and it turns watery, nehan wont care.]

Edited 2022-01-10 13:38 (UTC)

[ but... but...!!

oh well, no skin off his nose. figaro is all too used to be given the icy treatment -- he has more than enough energy for two people as it is. ]

I don't think you're lying at all! But you should be careful either way. It's not just the drinks that's loosening our tongues.

I know. [his second glass down, but while he refills it with plently of wine left from the bottle, nehan makes no move to drink again just yet. instead, he asks the bartender for peanuts, or anything else he can snack on. he would rather be responsible with his drinking, because no one is bringing him home tonight, but himself. otherwise, it would be a disaster. he can barely walk properly, he cant support a drunken mess at the same time.]

In case the alcohol has gotten to you already-- we have the same blood. I've seen the results myself.

[ figaro could help bring him home, though? assuming that he won't get plastered till then. look, he'll prove by consuming his twelfth glass for the night.

in any case, he offers nehan a wan smile. ]

Exactly. That means double the effects. But like I said, I'll most likely forget everything you might say in the morning, so you've got nothing to worry about.

[ is he telling the truth? who knows. ]

I'll pass on that, simply because I don't trust that statement. [did he mean to say that last bit? no, no he did not. something merely compelled him to-- clearly the effects of paleblood-- but now that it's out, nehan just has to roll with it.

he merely shrugs at the man and takes the food he's offered, cheese, deli meats, and biscuits. fancier than expected, but much more filling than peanuts, and he can appreciate the texture of the cheese, even if he cant taste.]

[ ehh, he doesn't mind the bluntness. in fact it gets him to laugh. ]

If you say so! But I doubt that there's nothing bothering you in general. Most people often drink their sorrows away, you know?

Yes, I know. But in the culture I grew up in, drinking was a social pasttime revolving around food, and not one meant to embarrass yourself in. [even if... nehan is not being overly social at the moment.

but he tries to remedy this by sliding the cheese and meat platter between them, as if to share. then he pops a bit of cheese into his mouth.]

[ figaro blinks at the offer of food as if surprised, then happily takes a biscuit. thank you, my good man. ]

It can be both. Doesn't matter when or how you consume it, so long as you're enjoying yourself. That's the beauty of alcohol -- it shows a glimpse of yourself that you wouldn't display to anyone, even if it is only for a while. It brings people together that way.

[if his mouth weren't full, nehan would have snorted. as it stands, he simply swallows and chases it down with wine, before speaking.]

That's best done in private, but it seems like you're forgetting that we're in public.

[ he shakes his head with a chuckle, the diamond irises in his eyes seeming to glimmer in the dim light. ]

Does it matter that much? You need to live a little, just saying.

No. [he would rather be dead, but true death is impossible, here.]

It's the only sort of answer you'll ever get out of me, when it comes to that subject. You should change it.

[and, really, nehan would have clammed up by now... but paleblood calls to paleblood, and he's compelled to speak something.]

[ ...you know, normally figaro would've been used to being rebuffed like that, but nehan may have responded too quickly at that question.

he hums. ]

All right, if you say so. Do your hands always look like that?

[ he may or may not mean just the scars. ]

[nehan looks down at his hands, the too-pale skin on his right and the too-scarred skin on his left, and then the black nails, the soft pads that make them more resemble paws, and him a beast. then he looks back up at the man, an eyebrow raised.

and handles his glass with one of his hands, pads pressed against it.]

You'll have to be more specific than that.

Oh, the uh... Everything, I suppose. Since you have the ears and all.

[ points the top of his own head to indicate nehan's scalloped ears. he's being honest for the most part so far, but he's awfully good at bluffing if the situation calls for it. ]

Are you some sort of wolf-man? I apologize if that's asking too much, it's just that I've never really seen a kind like you before.

[nehan's ears twitch, and pull back slightly as he hears that description. really now.]

That makes me sound like a werewolf. [then he has to shake his head.] I'm not an animal-- but I'm not some human with a curse or spell, either. Or even a hybrid between the two.

[which is... hm. it's a concerning thought to come to, but then again, some people just... have strange brains.]

My race is called Erune.

Erune...

[ he repeats it under his breath. okay, got it. makes sense that there are other races in other worlds. ]

All right, thank you for clearing it for me. I really did think you were a werewolf with the scars and paws and all. It's just that I don't remember you having those the first time we met.

[ aiya, he didn't mean to let slip the last bit. guess he's still not immune to paleblood honesty 2x despite his mental barriers. ]

[looks like someone is onto nehan already-- but then again, what did he expect, wearing only one glove... and people are bound to notice if you don't have a certain article of clothing on you after all previous meetings show that you did have such a thing all the time.]

The scars, I've had for years. The paws... These are new.

[... ah, he really did not mean to say that.]

alcohol b

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