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

Sakura | Naruto | OTA

[creationrebirth]

[ Snake Den ]

[ Sakura can be found around the event wearing the dress that was showed up for her. It's not as elaborate as some of the outfits that she's seeing, but she likes it, and she feels pretty, so ultimately that's what matters.

She can be found throughout the evening resting on the pillows or over by the refreshments. You might even find her to be a little tipsy, letting the relaxation of the evening relieve the stress of her arrival a little too much. Due to the fact that she's still new to this place, she's searching, so she might accidentally come in on you in a private room, to which she will blush and quickly bow while offering an apology before offering to leave. Later, she might be out on the dance floor, dancing by herself or with you as her partner. ]

[ Shedding Ceremony ]

[ At some point during the month, Sakura will be dealing with the issues related to the shedding ceremony, where her skin will be dry and brittle and she'll be trying to offset it with moisturizers. It won't concern her too much, after all, it's just dry skin and she's seen a lot worse things as far as being a doctor goes. However, for a few days, she'll wake up being a younger version of herself, around eight years old or so.

During the time that she's a young child, she'll be more prone to emotional outbursts and upsets, and a little more withdraw. However, if she's comfortable with you, you may also find she's a bit more hyper as a child. This will last for about three days and then she'll go back to normal, but it could be an interesting way or meet her. ]

[ Wildcard ]

[ Sakura is brand new to the area, so she can be found around the area, trying to get herself settled and learn about her surroundings. If you want to show her around, or have a place them meet in around town, I'm happy to jump into some things outside of the event. ]

shedding ceremony

[retsuden]

[ Ending up having to watch over a small version of one of his best friends was not exactly the way that Sasuke had wanted to spend any part of this month. He had never paid Sakura much attention when they were both that age, given how uprooted his life had become around the time. Perhaps this was the universes way of punishing him for having shut her out for so long.

He's been trying to keep her fed and safe and warmly dressed, but he's not particularly used to taking care of kids, even with his volunteering at the orphanage. He's at a loss a good chunk of the time and mostly ends up just running after her whenever she gets into one of her hyperactive bursts and dashes away from him.

When he sees her running towards the sketchier parts of the city, Sasuke reaches out and quickly picks her up in his only arm. ]

You'll get yourself killed if you're not careful.

[creationrebirth]

[ At least for the most part Sakura was trying very hard to be on her best behavior for Sasuke. It had taken her a little bit to realize that he wasn't quite the Sasuke she knew, but rather was an older version of himself. She'd been nearly devastated to see he'd lost an arm, though that didn't seem to be stopping him much.

She gives a squeal of embarrassment as she's swept up in that one arm, her cheeks turning red from the absolute humiliation of it all. She supposes that she should count herself lucky, after all, she's getting to spend time with Sasuke. The thing was, she wanted the Sasuke that was the same age as her to spend time with her, to pay her attention other than to scowl at her.

She debates between flailing or reigning her frustrations in, something she wouldn't offer just anyone. Finally, she lets out a sigh of defeat in his arms and deflates. ]

Understood. Can...you put me down now?

[retsuden]

[ He's been able to sense that theme of disappointment in Sakura the longer he's been watching her. He can't say as he blames her for it; he would rather she was back to the nearing twenty year old woman that he knew and had fought beside (and against) for years now.

But things were what they were and he was doing his best to wait it all out. At least, he hopes it's his best. He's sure she'll have a laundry list of ways he can improve his approach to little kids when she's back to herself.

In the meantime, he finally relents, stopping so he can set her down on the ground again. ]

You're bored.

[ It's more of an observation than a question. He's nailing this. ]

[creationrebirth]

[ At least Sakura was gentle in her approach to any of the things that she felt that he could improve upon. She never gave out her advice in a way where she was trying to correct him. She only ever wanted to help him and the way she offered advice was gentle because of it.

And as a child, Sakura had no suggestions at all really. He was the grown up and she just had to accept wherever he was, because that was what was expected of children, to accept grown ups and their way of doing things.

All the same, his comment gives her pause. Back on the ground, she digs the heel of her shoe into the earth and looks down embarrassed, as if she's done something wrong by being bored. ]

No. I'm not. Or well, not really. [ But it wasn't like there was a lot of children around. ] If you were younger, would you play with me if I was the only kid around?

[retsuden]

[ She's a far more well behaved child than he'd been. While he had certainly obeyed his parents orders, the instructions of other adults had always been met with some digging in of his heels, a reluctant acceptance that they were the authority, and he always treated them with an air that made it clear he thought he was better and knew better than any of them. Sakura seems to believe that adults have her best intentions in mind and he can't seem to feel all that surprised by it.

She really was the responsible one in their party.

The question catches him off guard and he looks at her with some surprise, blinking for a moment, before he lets out a sigh. He may as well be honest. ]

No. [ Nice, Sasuke. He realizes he should probably explain. ] Not because of you. I didn't want to play with anyone.

Snake Den

[getsmy]

[Though Ives wasn't one to drink, he'd been casually observing the merriment of the evening at the Snake Den. He mostly enjoyed the shows and talent on display, politely clapping from the back of the location since... sitting up closer with over seven feet of height on him is just rude to anybody stuck behind him.

He eventually stepped away during and intermission to a private room, adjusting with a piece of jewelry on his horn. Unfortunately, he fiddled too much with it and it came loose... and he couldn't quite return it into place even with a mirror-

Sakura wandering into the room surprised him briefly and the piece of hardened, shimmering paleblood slipped from his fingers and bounced across the floor. He turns quickly to catch it gleaming over towards her and wedge itself at one of her shoes]

... please don't crush nor kick that away. [he heeded, holding a couple fingers to plug the hole it left on one horn.]

[creationrebirth]

[ Being so new to the situation, Sakura, herself a paleblood, wasn't quite sure how the whole thing worked. However, the last thing she would want to do would be to cause damage to anything of importance to someone else.

She glances down at her shoe, immediately stopping what she's doing and once she's sure what he's referencing, she pulls her foot up off of it and takes a step back. ]

Oh yes. Of course. Sorry about that.

[ She figures maybe she startled him and he dropped it. ]

May I ask what that is?

[getsmy]

Thank you. [Ives' tone is very stern, but honest. He'd immediately worried she'd step down onto it or kick it, either out of playful spite or mere drunkness. The woman seems enough in her right mind... or at least, is a conscientious drunk.

He moves over towards it, needing to take a knee to reach down and pick it off the floor. All while one hand remains on his horn, which looks somewhat awkward... but leads into her question well enough. While he's still kneeled down, she can see what he's referring to as he moves his fingers away briefly. There's a fracture in one horn, about the size of a coin slot, and when he's not holding it a sort of glittering smoke escapes out of it]

A paleblood cap, to keep my magic contained while my horn heals... [He lifts it to try and fit it back into place. Alas, he still just can't get it to line up, the piece of jewelry a bit too small and delicate for his large fingers to finesse back into place]

[creationrebirth]

[ She hums a note of assent, nodding to his thank you. She wasn't in the habit of cruelty, but she knows that trusting didn't always come easy to everyone.

Seeing the fracture in his horn she gives a concerned look. ] Does it hurt?

[ She doesn't know much about magic, though she's sure some of what can be done in her world sounds similar, and she's still getting familiarized with the blood terms. ]

Oh, can I assist?

[getsmy]

Mn... Would you, please? [Ives would appreciate it, at this point. He turns it over into his hand and offers the piece out toward her with an open palm. The fingers over the fracture won't move until she has looked it over and is moving to actually try and place it. The piece of jewelry is hardened, but there's a certain softness to it. He might have been having such trouble because it was slightly warped out of place, which would be easier for Sakura to make note of from her vantage than himself]

Not so much painful as... exhausting. Like slowly bleeding out. [because that's not something associated with pain, sure, Ives....]

snake den

[entreats]

[ It doesn't take long until after Sakura has decided to rest on the pillows that one of the people in the more elaborate outfits seems to appear. After all, it's quite hard to miss such a large dress, especially when it's so golden on top of it all.

But the person wearing it just seems to smile at Sakura as she, too, takes a spot on the cushions, apparently taking a break from the rest of the bustle in the Snake Den. ]

Getting away from it all for a moment? [ She asks Sakura with that same smile still on her face. Usually Ange isn't one to go up to strangers at a party and talk to them like this, but it's as if there's something here in the air tonight - or honestly, it's just in her blood, and she isn't quite realising it. ]

[creationrebirth]

[ Sakura's eyes widen as she looks at the other woman and that marvelous gown she's wearing. Dresses like that aren't exactly common where she's from, but it looks stunning.

She's definitely a bit overwhelmed by everything going on around her, so there is truth that Sakura was trying to take a moment to get away from it all. She offers a small smile and tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, before offering a nod. ]

It's quite a party, but it's a bit of an adjustment. I only just recently arrived here and I guess I needed a few minutes to get away from taking it all in.

[entreats]

I don't blame you. I suppose it can be quite.. [ Ange pauses, as if she's seeking the right word, but then adds: ] Overwhelming.

[ Usually it would have been that way to Ange too, but today she's able to handle it a bit better for some reason. She's not sure why, but.. on the other hand, she isn't bothering to question it either.

Shaking her head, she decides to instead focus on the other. ]

Although I suppose everything about this place must be, if you're so new. Have you managed to settle in okay so far..?

[creationrebirth]

[ Overwhelming was a good way to put it. Sakura had definitely been feeling overwhelmed as she tried to adjust to life in this place. Thankfully, she wasn't an individual who needed much to be comfortable and she was highly adaptable, so she knew she would adjust.

She nods, which is sort of a combined response to both questions. ]

It is, but I don't need much. I've been settling in alright, and thankfully I've got a companion here who is also from my home, so I'm not alone. I don't think I really have any right to complain, honestly.

[ She offers a warm smile, full of the authenticity of that statement. She really was alright when it came down to it. ]

Snake Den - Private Room

[onerthes]

[Who she'd accidentally happened across this time was a bit later in the month. In the room, she looked almost ghostly pale, her three eyes closed for a moment and a glass of sparkling water in her hand, swirling around. The woman looked like she was in the middle of a sigh just as she heard a voice, one eye opening for a moment to regard the stranger.

She managed a wan smile and motioned to the cushions with a soft smile.]

No... no, no need to run off. The crowds were just a little much. It's been a longer month than I expected. Please, join me. I am Vira-Lorr, miss...?

[creationrebirth]

[ Sakura has just been trying to take a break from the crowds herself, so she's grateful that the other woman doesn't seem to want to rush her back to them. Vira-Lorr, she thinks maybe she's heard that name as she's been trying to get information about who is who in this place. She can't entirely place it in the moment, so she lets it go.

With the invitation to stay, she comes in and takes a seat, allowing herself to get comfortable. Unlike her companion from home, she actually enjoyed meeting new people and was willing to sit down and have a conversation. ]

Thank you, I could use the break myself. I'm Sakura, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[onerthes]

[Vira-Lorr's posture eased back as the other joined her, relaxing one of her arms on top of a knee and sort of lounging. It was, as much as anything, an intentional act to keep her posture casual as it was just the air of the place that surrounded them right then. Her hand gestured from there while the two talked, her lips set in a small smile.]

Even in the midst of a party meant to relax us, sometimes we find a need for a little peace. A pleasure, Sakura. So... I don't think I've seen you around. Freshly arrived, I take it?

[creationrebirth]

[ Sakura knew many people who would find a party, no matter how much fun, a very taxing event. Sakura never really minded them, she enjoyed being around people. If it weren't for the fact that everything about this place and the event felt a bit over the top, she probably wouldn't have even needed the escape. For now, though, she's glad to have it. ]

Yes. By just a couple of weeks. I think I'm still getting used to the surroundings and all the new people I've met. Though, I'm doing alright, I'm not easily intimidated or anything.

Snake's Den

[azurestar]

[Lance is currently Altean, bright blue marks on his face and cute pointed ears. But he's dressed pretty normal for Trench and has an earring in one ear. His memories are altered, but many things are the same, like his outgoing charm as he approaches the girl with the pretty pink hair dancing on her own and looking a little tipsy.

Though he can be kind of a chaotic party boy, he's a gentleman first when it counts. So his first move is to offer his hand in case she needs to steady herself and smiles.] Hey, can I get you a glass of water?

[creationrebirth]

[ For some reason charm had never been the thing to win Sakura over. Apparently she was far more used to men who didn't pay her much attention. So when she's approached by someone who is a bit outgoing, she's actually a little surprised.

She takes the hand gratefully as she stumbles a bit, and at the offer of water she chuckles softly. ] Probably not a half bad idea. That punch had a little more alcohol in it than I am used to.

[azurestar]

[Well, she is extremely pretty, but he has no intentions towards her besides to help. He's been to enough parties and clubs by now as both a man and a woman to want to be helpful to people who look kind of impaired and maybe prevent them from getting in a bad situation in the process. But her grip is pretty strong and that has him blinking in curiosity, thinking perhaps he should reassess how vulnerable he worried she might be.]

Hey, I've totally been there. Call me a party expert. [He grins and gestures to a nearby table at the edge of the dance floor as a wordless suggestion if she wants to sit and take a breath.] The name's Lance.

shedding

[fusrodaaaah]

[Right so. Itchy skin is nothing new to an Argonian. Melius especially - with his scale picking habit and all. That just means he needs ingredients for salves. Which is, precisely why he's out and about, in the market areas. Bartering mushrooms for things he needs.]

[And turns around.]

[To collide with a pink-haired child.]

Sorry! Sorry - I'm sorry!

[creationrebirth]

[ Sakura had been collecting a few things to bring back to the tent that she was staying in. She's quite surprised to see Melius. For the moment she's unfamiliar with anything from her time here as an adult, so her eyes widen when she sees him.

She quickly recovers and shakes her head. ]

No no, it's okay. I'm fine.

[fusrodaaaah]

[Tiny child. Here, alone. What... does he do here? She's not selling flowers or uh. Summoning Sithis to avenge her dead parents. Not that he had anything to do with the latter, he'd kind of run out of the house then.]

Are you um. Are you... alone...?

[WHERE ARE THE ADULTS.]