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

[firstroar]

[being witness to Yuri performing has been profound enough for a single night - it's something Blue will carry with him for a long time, grateful to have been witness, and kind enough to not prod a more easily-fussed Yuri later on. even if it is some effect of this place, of that serpent...Blue's grateful for it. this is a kindness, isn't it? especially after all the harrowing things that keep happening.

he'd been resolved to remaining comfortable in his spot and is a little surprised when Yuri approaches with such intent. his eyebrows lift, questioning even though he automatically reaches for the hand offered.]

I have a sense of what you're on about, but... Yuri, I don't know how to dance. [and no matter how nice he feels, he certainly isn't going to have the stamina for some of the wild moves some people get down with here.]

[vibing]

Hey, funny thing. I don't either.

[ He grins brighter, pulling Blue gently with him. It is a slow song, Yuri knows that much, and if Blue gets too tired, Yuri can always pick him up. He's too keyed up and happy to let this go so easily, unless Blue tells him "no" straight out. ]

Figure it out with me.

[ The dance floor is less packed with a slow song, some couples swaying, others trying a more sophisticated dance, which Yuri certainly doesn't know. He pulls Blue in against him, a hand on the small of his back, keeping their hands tangled together like he thinks they're supposed to be. ]

[firstroar]

[well, that's not so bad, is it? something of a level field between them in this space swirling with such an encouraging energy. Blue smiles, resting his free hand on Yuri's shoulder while stepping in, tickled by the novelty of the moment. after all, wouldn't Yuri be too squirrely for this otherwise? he hopes it won't lead to regret in later, lucid moments down the road.

small paces, simple swaying...Blue had already gleaned the appeal of this kind of thing from the other folks participating throughout the days sitting in here, but first-hand experience is always best. he keeps his eyes on Yuri's countenance and what motivates it, the swirl of strangers' own good times painting an abstract background to mingle with the music and colors created by the dappled light bouncing off of golden scales.]

I wonder... When these kinds of happenings...stop feeling so strange, hm? Or...just surprising.

[vibing]

[ It's nice, dancing with Blue. Yuri is feeling more willing for touch, more open to experiences, smiling more. It might be the atmosphere of the Red, but he's been feeling this way since he shed back into an adult, leaving the strangeness of being a child behind. They sway slowly, slower than others on the floor since Yuri doesn't want to push Blue's body just for a dance. He doesn't care if they're off beat, it really doesn't matter. It's just about being together, enjoying the music.

He laughs softly, shaking his head. He even did up his hair for this, pulling most of it away from his face in a neater-than-usual bun on top of his head, some gold sticks pushed through it to keep it in place ]

We just have to get used to it. It's like when we were on the road, my and my friends back home. Shit just happened, and kept happening. You learn to roll with it after a while.

...granted, it was less weird than here. [ And less traumatizing, too, but he doesn't want to think about the Sleeper farm just now. ]

[firstroar]

I do appreciate...how quickly many are to hold out a hand to help amidst the madness. [or even the milder things, like this; it's far different than life where he's from. much broader, noisier...more alive, in a lot of ways. or at least free to be alive.]

And I do wish...you could see it. The way everyone's feelings are blended here right now. [but it's an atmosphere Yuri can feel in his own way; it's part of what compelled him to pull Blue out here on the floor!]

[vibing]

Yeah. There are good people here. We're lucky. [ They could have been saddled with a bunch of self-serving people, but instead, no matter people's backgrounds, they just want to help. ]

You like that, don't you? Feeling all those feelings. [ It sounds kind of awful, to him, all that noise all the time. And he knows that Blue can get overwhelmed by it, too, but he also seems to enjoy it.

He wheels them in a slow circle on the dance floor ]

[firstroar]

Most of the time. [his smile pulls into a faint smirk for just a brief moment in the latest turn, obscured as he ducks his head.

lifting it back up:] Sometimes...you don't want to see or hear the things around you. But even when it's inconvenient...they still ground you in the moment. Make things real. For better or worse.

If I couldn't feel that layer...things...wouldn't feel real anymore. I wouldn't feel real.

I don't remember what it was like without it anymore.

[vibing]

[ Yuri nods along. While he can't quite understand it, hasn't lived it, he still gets it. ]

It's like a sense for you. Like seeing or hearing or touching stuff. Maybe more like that, right? Because it's constant. Man, I don't know how you do it. It must be like, like hearing buzzing all the time. Is it?

[ He leads Blue slowly across the floor. There's a gentleness to this dance, like the music is moving them, instead of moving to it ]

[firstroar]

No, it... Hm... [how do you explain sight to the blind? music to the deaf? this isn't the first time he's has to consider it, but it is the first time he's done so while dancing. even this far along in his life, there's still so much new to experience, isn't there.]

It would be as if...what you are seeing right now...was painted with some extra color here and there, where a person stands. And the color has a tone and temperature to fit their mood, their thoughts...and those thoughts...you could see them written nearby, blurry from afar, sharper up close. And the words they say...there's a music behind them...the music of their colors and writing.

And while...there are only so many colors or letters...they are different in each person. Because each person has lived a different life, feeling and thinking their own way...

[he slows a little for just a pace or two, leaning more into Yuri's lead for it.]

It's...it can be overwhelming here. Where everyone's minds are free. Freer than even mine, I think.

[vibing]

Like... their aura? [ That's some shit that Judy would say to fuck with him, but he believes Blue. Blue isn't the type to mess with people for the fun of it. He thinks he sort of gets it, nodding slowly ] What's mine look like?

[ If it's actually colors, he can't quite hold back his curiosity.
]

...and how much of our thoughts are you talking, here?

[ Because he knows that Blue can see his thoughts sometimes, but all the time? That's... he would have to think about that.

He doesn't mind the slowness, supporting as much of Blue's weight as he needs him to. They're off beat with the song, with the rest of the dancers. The song ends, and a faster one starts, but Yuri doesn't bother to speed them up ]

[firstroar]

Surface level. [he smiles apologetically, knowing the notion isn't the kind of thing Yuri's comfortable with, friend or not.] I don't know...any hidden, deep secrets. But I know...that my having that much...makes you worry about what I could learn. That would shed some...dark light on you.

[and he has it already. those flashes of murder. he has yet to fess up to owning those yet, however, and he hardly feels like doing so in this place.]

And your 'aura,' as you put it... [hm. he gives Yuri a thoughtful look.] Some of the colors are heavy...wariness and doubt...of self, of people...little flecks of hope...

It's warmer right now. In this place. Everyone's are.

[vibing]

[ He hadn't quite put it into those words, himself, but the truth of it strikes him a little too hard. His eyes flick away from Blue, as if to high his emotions, but he knows that's impossible anyway. ] I guess... I just want you to think well of me.

[ Which isn't something he would usually say, and it strikes him when he does say it, eyes glancing back to Blue with a slight frown. It's out there, now, and clearly Blue already knows it. There's no reason to retreat again, even if a big part of him wants to. Another part of him is comfortable with Blue, in general, and the atmosphere of the party makes him even more so.

His "aura" doesn't really surprise him. If he were honest with himself, that might be what he'd say. A lot of the world does feel heavy to him, a heaviness weighing down on him that he tries to ignore, to go on in spite of, to be driven by, but it's still there. ]

I'm pretty happy, now. Seems... kinda weird to be. We were all ripped from our homes, and some awful shit has happened here, but, I dunno. You and Flynn, and my other friends here, not having to mess with the Empire or what I did. [ That last part slips out without him meaning to say it, and he averts his eyes again. ] I guess it's nice. I miss my friends back home. I miss the lower quarter and Hanks and everyone. It's weird to think that I might not ever see them again. That, that really hurts, but it's kind of bittersweet. [ He won't be a burden on them anymore, but he also can't see them or help them anymore. He hopes that someone else will step up and defend the lower quarter, in his stead. ]

Shit, sorry. We're supposed to be having a good time. [ His lips flicker in a small smile, leading Blue in a slow circle now ]

[firstroar]

[despite the somber turn to his talk, Blue smiles - perhaps he even smiles because of it, because of the pride he feels in hearing Yuri openly speak to it to him. offering it, instead of it just being a piece of him Blue can perceive without asking. it's more valuable that way, isn't it? because of the way humans operate. in this way...it's a gift.

two steps into that turn and Blue doesn't follow the next, stopping still. his hand lifts off Yuri's shoulder a bit so he may draw in and wrap his arm around him in a small hug, radiating warmth.]

When you can tell me these things...it makes me happy. That you trust me to hear them.

And I feel them, too. Those kinds of bittersweet things... I understand.

[vibing]

[ Yuri isn't expecting the hug. He never really is, but he doesn't pull back. He doesn't even really think about it, warmth spreading through his chest at the touch, at the words that don't even need to be spoken to be understood. It is strange, the closeness he's been able to find in Trench, and even back home. For so long, it was him and Flynn and the people of the lower quarter, who cared for them, sure, but it wasn't like this. A few, yes, but a few he's known his whole life. But with Brave Vesperia, and now with Blue, it's something deeper. It's a choice. There's no necessity here, not really. Blue could find another place to live, he could find other people to care about, but he chose to live with Yuri, and to care about him, and that strikes Yuri profoundly. Being chosen isn't something he's used to.

Slowly, tentatively, Yuri returns the hug. He still isn't totally comfortable with it, there's still tension in his spine, but he wants to. He wants to return that trust, and that's really what it's all about, how hard it is to say things, how hard it is to be touched. He doesn't trust how people would handle him, his truth.

He doesn't know how to put that into words, isn't able to coherently say or think it back to Blue, but it is there, on the surface, that trust, that gratitude that Blue is here, that Yuri chooses him in turn. ]

[firstroar]

[it's there. Blue knows it. knows and accepts it, because it's still Yuri. because despite hesitations, he's let him linger. despite the fears of doing harm, he's let Blue stay so close in his orbit. despite the fear of being too well perceived...

there's a layer of affection for him that's been inadvertently informed by Flynn's, and it paints a skewed impression of impulse to be softer still, but Blue does not rise to that occasion. instead, he simply enjoys that hesitant embrace a moment longer before withdrawing, smiling warmly, but with a tinge of apology. not for having done it, but:] I may...be at my limit for now. Standing up. Even leaning on you...I don't want to fall.

[vibing]

Oh-- yeah. Shit.

[ He feels kind of bad for pushing Blue to that limit. He nods, and offers his arm for Blue to lean on. At least this is a distraction from the rawness of the emotions he's feeling. He doesn't usually let himself feel things like that in public, around a lot of people. That's usually when he retreats, to feel those feelings in the safety of being alone.

But, he still doesn't want to retreat. The party offers something he enjoys: he likes being around all these people, he likes watching their joy, likes reveling in other people enjoying themselves. Honestly, it's not that different from how Blue feels, even if he gets something different out of it.

He does his best to support Blue back to where he was sitting, weaving them slowly through the dance floor ]

[firstroar]

Ah, don't regret... [Blue breathes it out in a smile as he's helped away, back to a soft place to sit.] I'm so glad...I could do that. I never danced before.

[once sat down, he gives Yuri's arm a gentle squeeze before releasing him. the lion scoots in and plops down near them, nosing at Yuri when he's just barely been released.]

Thank you, Yuri. For this.

[vibing]

Never? Not even once?

[ Yuri sits down with him, not exactly keen to go back out just yet. He's not really here for other people. He's here for his friends, his little family. He could meet new Sleepers any day ]

Yeah, no problem, Blue. That was... it was really nice.

[firstroar]

[not even once. dancing in a room with such an atmosphere...it just wasn't possible. the Mu children skipped and twirled about, but Blue was never taken by the hands to dance with them.

he understands the appeal easily, and he's grateful to have that experience for himself, to have shared it with Yuri. some of Flynn's affection for him has definitely rubbed off on Blue, but even without it, the Mu's certain he'd be just as fond of this moment all on his own; that extra layer just cements things for him, informs the truth.

after a few moments to settle:] ...Could we come back again? Another day.

[vibing]

Yeah. Yeah, sure we can. I think this party is rolling all month long.

[ He relaxes back into the couch, eyes skating uninterestedly over the other people here before they turn back to Blue with a little smile ]

It's good, that you want to get out. [ Not that staying in the house is bad, necessarily, but Yuri worries about him sometimes. It's good to get out and see more people ]

[firstroar]

[what other people is he looking at, Yuri. he's looking at you.

but anyway:] The atmosphere here helps. Being so cold...saps energy. But here, it feels...lighter, somehow. Invigorating. [lost in the psychic sauce in a way.]

[vibing]

[ Being completely present with someone you care about is hard, okay?! ]

Yeah, good. It kinda is, huh? I haven't been to a party like this in ages. You can really get lost in it. [ His lips flicker in another small smile ] A lot of this must be pretty new for you, huh? Do you like it, being able to do this stuff? Or, y'know [ do you miss being home? ]

[firstroar]

I do. Being able to experience these kinds of things... There was little cause for celebration or parties on the Shangri-La, and any joyful moments we had...played out a lot quieter than these.

We had nothing to compare to, of course...so it makes some sense we wouldn't think to. [and he does wish his people could experience these nicer facets of Trench for themselves, to interact with humans safely, without fear of reprisal or death.]

I like it, though. I wish...I were a bit younger. Stronger on my feet. [he'd dance all night!]

[vibing]

Man, you would probably like the parties back home. Any excuse to throw a party, the lower quarter went all out. Every festival, every big birthday... [ He shakes his head, the nostalgia tangling with the bitter tang that he's never going to get to celebrate with the people back home again.

But he shrugs that off. Now isn't the time ]

Maybe it's a Mu thing. Humans, I'm pretty sure we always find an excuse to be loud.

Y'know, I've known you for this long, and I still can't really wrap my head around you being that old. I know you are, but you don't look it.

[ And Blue isn't really his idea of an old person. He isn't sure what that is, but someone like Hanks or Raven, not Blue who's so composed and works with his body instead of against it ]

[firstroar]

[Blue's eyes crinkle with some mirth at that.]

There was a point, long ago...where I just stopped outwardly changing. My peers gradually stopped, too, but at a later point. It may just...be a quality of Mu longevity.

If it helps sell the truth...I certainly can't move about as a younger man.