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Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] deercountry2022-01-08 12:48 am

Gain the weight of you then lose it

JANUARY 2022 EVENT
IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Prompt One
[Image One: Woman in an elaborate blue dress with high collar staring at camera while people dance in background.]
[Image Two: Woman in pink dress touching chest and smiling at camera while people dance in background.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Explicit gif of snake shedding its skin and a new viperlike snake coming out of the old skin.]
[Image Two: Gif of eyes gazing at camera and right eye turning yellow.]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Image of rock snake with fire glowing in its mouth.]
[Image Two: Gif of a snake made entirely out of flames hissing.]

SNAKE DEN
WHEN: Evenings throughout January
WHERE: The Red, Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Alcohol/Drugs, possible NSFW scenarios, forced honesty, mood altering substances.


Around Trench, Sleepers will find a gold-edged flyer pinned to most doors, lamps, and posted around stores and throughout the market. Some may even find the flyer pinned to their front door:

MADAM GENEROSITY INVITES YOU TO THE SNAKE DEN
Hello darling and dearest Sleepers! Do not let the cold dampen your spirit or weaken your hope. Do not allow our differences to divide us; do not let the frigid drive you to isolation; do not hurt your soul by forgetting one another. They say snakes cannot thrive in the cold, yet here I am, defying it, thriving despite it. You can too. We must persist. We shall persist. Not with violence and bloodshed, not with pollution and corruption, but with unity! With compassion and fun.

I invite you all to join me at The Red every odd evening of January! Welcome to the Snake Den! A little Talent Show I throw occasionally to remind Sleepers of their profound potential for greatness and awe! Come be flashy on stage or to support your friends. After the Talent Show is our famed Fashion Show. Do you have eccentric outfits you would like to show off? Now is truly your time to shine!

The evening will be filled with plenty of food and drink for all. We shall dance, we shall show off, we shall persist and defy corruption together. Let my lovely Night Walkers shine and keep you company for the evening. Find some new friends, have an illicit affair, or just come so you don't have to be alone for a night. You are all welcome...And don't worry, I've enchanted the Red so that none of your powers can cause any damage while inside the building. Feel free to really make a light show with your fire! It won't hurt anyone.

I so look forward to seeing all of you there.

With Love,
Madam Generosity
The Red has been elaborately decorated for the Snake Den spectacle. Enormous golden statues of snakes have been placed throughout. Golden lights glitter above. Servers carry about golden flutes of champagne, soda, and sparkling water. You can order other drinks at the bar. While the invite has gone out to Sleepers, there are some regular Trenchies who have come to show their support. To perform in the Talent Show portion, one simply needs to go backstage to prepare with the rest.

A female Trenchie named Dorothea seems to be directing the acts. People can perform multiple times. Talents performed can include music, comedy, dance routines, or little skits. After the Talent Show concludes, a Fashion Show will be put on, and everyone is encouraged to join. You can get your hair and make-up done elaborately backstage and find eccentric outfits to try on if you're not so happy with the one you showed up in.

Going to the Snake Den at this time will cause incredible stress relief. Even those who are typically shy or introverted will find themselves soothed at the Snake Den. Giant pillows have been thrown about so people can puddle in together and snuggle up. Private rooms have been created out of silks for some private conversations or interactions.

There must be something in the drinks or the snacks going around because it becomes easy to become a much more outgoing version of yourself at the party. It may increase friendliness or touchiness and relax people's usual reservations. Who knows? It might encourage you to go up on stage and show off a bit or talk to that handsome stranger who has been eying you the whole night. Regular intoxication from alcohol/drugs is possible as well which means some people might not need the additional encouragement.

Regular dancing occurs after the Fashion Shows with various musicians performing on stage to fill the night up with plenty of mood melodies. As the evening prolongs, the lights dim and things become quiet and soothing. Since paleblood magic is exceptionally strong this month with honesty, attendants of the party may find themselves being more open and honest about themselves. Hopefully, you don't confess anything too vulnerable about yourself...

FAQ:
1. Characters with mental abilities may be able to resist the honesty sway if they consciously realize it is happening.

2. Any talent can be performed on the stage.

3. The flyer is magically enchanted so that people who touch it will feel unusually excited to go to the Snake Den.
THE SHEDDING CEREMONY
WHEN: Begins in January - Effects may be permanent. Players choose when the effects wear off.
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Forced modification of body, possible themes of body dysmorphia, shedding/peeling skin, burning/eating dead skin, alternate versions of characters, possible genderswapping, possible alteration of personality/memories.


[A passage from Rituals and Reality; Chapter 2: The Shedding Ceremony. Found exclusively in Gaze:]

"Worshippers of Madam Generosity believed that the shedding of snakeskin was symbolic to the shedding of an old life and the acceptance of a new life. The skin left behind was a reminder of past trials and tribulations, and the skin you walk away with is evidence of all that you have learned and experienced. In ancient times, Sleepers would ritualistically select one of their own to sacrifice to Madam Generosity. Eventually, Sleepers would come to learn that Madam Generosity did not appreciate blood sacrifices. Due to her gentle nature, she encouraged Sleepers to pay tribute to her in other ways.

Thus came the Shedding Ceremony. Sleepers would rub away chapped skin and set it afire in a bowl. They would reflect on lives left behind and the new life they had been given in Trench. Over time, this created a powerful magical experience that persisted beyond the original ceremony. The Shedding Ceremony is both a ritual and an enchantment.

As January begins, Sleepers may find that their skin has become dry and brittle. The generous application of lotions and oils may soothe the skin, but neglected skin can begin to peel off. Although it is a painless experience, it can be rather gross to look at and a bit itchy. Then one day, you simply fall asleep and when you awaken, you are an entirely different version of yourself. You will find a nearly perfect replica of your old self in a shed skin nearby. Your new body may be stronger, faster, more powerful. Old scars may be healed, lost limps replaced...Or you might be an entirely new gender. Some have even experienced becoming a different species. Some awaken as an older or younger variation of themselves while others find that they have become an alternate version of themselves.

These effects have been known to last for a few days up to months at a time. In some scenarios, the effects have become permanent. Some believe it to be a curse while others believe it is a gift. It may happen multiple times and take a few sheds to return to your original body. It is believed that ingesting your old skin or burning it alleviates the changes and brings you back to your original body faster. Generous application of lotion and oils can prevent the Shedding Ceremony altogether for some - or at the very least, slow it down."

FAQ

1. Characters can avoid this prompt altogether via the application of lotion.

2. If you decide to permanently change your character in a big way (ie; changing their species/gender/age) then we do ask that you update your character on the taken page to reflect that they are now an Alternate Version of a character. This would open up the original character to be applicable to new players.

3. This can change blood types for those interested in trying on a new blood type. You can either temporarily change a blood type or permanently. If you permanently change a blood type, let us know on the Blood Type page and update your information on the taken page.

4. You can play out the transformation as explicitly or non-explicitly as you want. Maybe characters see the changes happening under their peeling skin or just wake up in their new body. The peeling does not need to be any more graphic than what you would typically see on dry skin.

5. You can alter a character's gender, species, age, blood type, or switch to a general alternate version of a character (ie; Coffee Shop AU, an AU of your character but with different powers, an AU of your character if they came from a different canon or timeline.) Please have fun with this and explore the possibilities for as long as you like!

Unsnakely
WHEN: All of Bone Season
WHERE: Anywhere outside
CONTENT WARNINGS: Possible injuries or death from burns/fire.


[A journal entry from the Wayward Watcher that can be found in the Archaic Archives reads:]

"Do not trust the naked snake trails of January. They exist to trick you into a sense of Madam Generosity's comfort. The Good Pthumerian leaves snow tracks in her wake, but the Unsnakely leaves melted trails of snow. This creature has spent centuries cloaking itself to rope in those who devotedly follow Madam Generosity. The kind people of Trench look to snakes as a trustworthy, compassionate symbol filled with good intention.

There are many ways to anticipate the Unsnakely's presence. Besides its melted trails (that eventually turn to ice in the cold), you may notice pockets of comfortable heat. While many believe greenery is a good sign, do not be fooled by the melted patches of grass you find. These are not symbols of an early spring. They are symbols of incoming destruction.

The Unsnakely is not of blood or soul; it is a blood curse of the earth, a product of Blood Pollution. It's a creature made out of rock, with no pulse, no soul, no mind. Molten lava pours through its body. It moves in and out of the earth without disturbing the surface, transforming from rock into small beasts or a snake the size of your home. It looks to spill blood to freshen its own magic and its choice of weapon is its size and the fire it breathes. A furious Unsnakely will light up in flames and can bring great destruction to its surroundings. People have lost their homes to the Unsnakely and of course, people have lost their lives.

The Unsnakely, no matter the size it takes, is as fast and lethal as a typical snake. It cannot truly die, as it is a curse of the earth, but it can be physically destroyed by immense blunt strength or coldblood abilities whether fire or ice. Typical ice abilities will not work against the snake - they must come from a coldblood source. Enchanted coldblood items will be effective against the Unsnakely.

The Unsnakely can spit fire like venom and boil the air around it. It can be difficult to get physically close enough to land a blow due to the suffocatingly hot temperature rolling off its body. It traditionally hunts in the streets and in the woods, by the beach and among the cliffs. Once someone has slain the beast, it returns to the earth where it rebuilds itself over a period of 2-3 days. It primarily hunts during Bone Season, preferring to use the cloak of Madam Generosity to its advantage.

Since this is not a traditional snake, it has no desire to "eat" anyone. It will simply roast you alive - which is arguably worse for some. Its fire burns hotter and brighter than regular fire, and it is a slow, agonizing death that has caused absolute madness in some. People have claimed to see strange visions in the smoke that pours off of the Unsnakely, causing distortion in battle. Do not inhale too much of the Unsnakely's smoke as it will cause intense vertigo. Remember: this is a creature of deception.

Lastly, it would be beneficial to know that the Unsnakely cannot hear or see. It responds to the vibration around it. Some who stay still may get the upper hand, but the creature can feel the vibrations of your heartbeat if your pulse is unusually elevated. Good luck, fellow Hunters. Treat burns by the Unsnakely with vileblood. I know it sounds mad, but the vileblood seems to attack whatever cursed heat comes with burns from the Unsnakely.

Take care of yourself,
- The Wayward Watcher"

FAQ
1. Characters who can manipulate earth can contort/stop/fight against the Unsnakely's natural body. It will take great control to fully control or dismantle the body.

2. Coldbloods with fire abilities can similarly control the fire of the Unsnakely with great control.
CODING
firstroar: (ɢᴜɪᴅᴇ)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-11 01:58 am (UTC)(link)
[delight is in abundance in this building, but none more enjoyable than that of a child's. Blue's eyes crinkle with warmth as he watches the lion enjoy the attention.

to the first question, the Mu nods. to the second, he tilts his head just slightly.]


He's never told me. Do you think...he'll tell you?
unmelting: (Default)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-11 02:20 am (UTC)(link)
Oh! I don't know. Maybe! Rime told me his! Do you think he will?

[He sounds intrigued by this before adding, thoughtfully.] Maybe it's a secret.

[He's still petting the lion, and he looks back down at the beast.] Some things have to be secrets.

[His smile falters slightly then and he leans closer to inform the Omen.] It's okay if you don't tell me, okay?
firstroar: (pic#6892313)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-11 02:25 am (UTC)(link)
[a soft rumble escapes the lion's throat as he lifts his head to nose at and lick the boy's face with that big, coarse tongue he has - a sight that gets a soft chuckle out of Blue.]

He's appreciative of your good manners.
unmelting: (Default)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-14 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
[Kaeya squeaks in surprise before laughing. Wet! But also kind of nice. He's still laughing when Blue speaks and he peeks back to him with a smile.]

Adelinde says manners are important!

[He nods. And he takes that very seriously because getting scolded by Adelinde is devastating. She gets disappointed. It's awful.]

You look kinda familiar.
firstroar: (pic#5951962)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-14 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
[after that sweet and endearing sight, Blue's head tilts just slightly, feeling a small beat of encouragement at that simple remark.]

Do I remind you of someone you've met before?

[it may be too much to hope that somewhere, somehow, the memories of his time here is still stowed away within this childlike form, isn't it? but Blue has always been one to reach for hope, no matter how far out-of-reach it was.]
unmelting: (Default)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-14 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
Mm! I think so.

[He looks at Blue thoughtfully for a moment.]

You look like a friend.

[And then he blushes a bit.] That probably sounds weird, huh?

[He fidgets a little, fingers still petting at the lion's main.]
firstroar: (pic#6165264)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-14 08:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[Blue shakes his head gently.]

It doesn't to me. I'd rather look like a friend than an enemy.

[he pauses for a moment, pensive.]

Would it be strange...if I told you...that you look like Kaeya?
unmelting: (small)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-15 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
[That gets a puzzled look before a quiet giggle. Kaeya shakes his head.] Mm-mm. Not strange, since I am Kaeya.

[So that makes perfect sense to him.] It is funny though. I feel like I know you.

[He'll take that as a good sign.]
firstroar: (pic#6891970)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-15 02:29 am (UTC)(link)
[that is a good sign, Blue thinks. it's heartening to feel like he isn't utterly lost to the Kaeya he knows, here in this smaller one.]

You might. How did you come to be here? Do you know that?
unmelting: (Default)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-15 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
I woke up here!

[His brow furrows as he tries to think further back.] Which was really weird since I went to bed in my room and was in a different room when I woke up.

[But he's rolled with it, because he's a resilient kid, and because he has some experience being dropped into a life he doesn't know without much warning or preparation.]

It was kinda scary at first, but then I decided to be brave.
firstroar: (pic#6892313)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-15 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
So it seems. [his eyes crinkle with warmth.] You walked right up to a lion with no fear at all. Most don't dare, no matter how docile he is.

The Kaeya I know was like that, too. No fear meeting this creature, no fear approaching me. You have a lot in common. You may even be the same.
unmelting: (Default)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-15 02:54 am (UTC)(link)
I guess I did.

[He looks pleased at this. Kaeya's weakness to even the smallest praise started early, honestly.

He's curious about this person who has his name though.]
The same? Because we have the same name? [The logic checks out.] Is he your friend?

[Wait.] Why would someone be afraid to approach you? You seem really really nice.
firstroar: (pic#5952037)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-15 03:10 am (UTC)(link)
Because some people find me scary. [his expression shifts with an apologetic shade.]

I have the power to feel other people's emotions...to hear other people's thoughts. Lots of people don't like that. But Kaeya was not afraid, even when he wasn't sure if he liked that or not.

I think of him as a friend, yes.
unmelting: (Default)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-15 03:30 am (UTC)(link)
You can hear what people are thinking?

[Oh wow that's definitely something. Kaeya fidgets. He's not been thinking bad things at least!!]

I don't think you're scary either. Even if you can hear thoughts and stuff. I'll just think nice things, okay?

[Lots of nice thoughts so that this nice person doesn't find out that he's a fake and not want to be his friend or let him pet his lion anymore. Not that he worries about people finding out about that all the time and leaving him alone again. Nope. Of course not. Except of course he does.]
firstroar: (ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴡᴀʀᴍᴛʜ)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-15 03:41 am (UTC)(link)
[that struggle is so earnest and well-meaning that Blue can't help but smile.]

It's alright, Kaeya. Think however you wish, feel whatever you want. I won't be troubled either way. And those things...they belong to you. I won't hurt them. I promise.

[the lion chuffs, nudging the boy's cheek with his nose.]
unmelting: (Default)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-16 03:10 am (UTC)(link)
Really?

[A hopeful little question and a smilee that shares the same sentiment. He nods.]

Okay!

[He laughs as the lion nudges at him and seems more at ease again for the time being.] Is that your magic then? I have magic now too. I can make ice things!
firstroar: (pic#5951989)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-16 04:00 am (UTC)(link)
[he nods. it's an easy enough explanation, even if 'magic' isn't what he'd call it.]

A handy gift... You'll find lots of ice to work with outside already, too.

Does it make you cold, though?
unmelting: (small)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-16 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
Lots of ice outside. It's definitely winter. It wasn't winter where I was before.

[Very puzzling really, but he's rolling with it.

He considers the question for a moment before nodding.]


Really cold, yeah! But I guess I'm usually cold anyway, even if I like it best when it's warm. Like in the summer when we go to the beach and look for seashells.
firstroar: (ʜᴇsɪᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴs)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-16 08:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[another indulgent nod, but...his smile starts to ebb.]

Kaeya...how long would you say...you've been in this town, then? Do you remember?
unmelting: (Default)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-23 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
[He considers for a minute, frowning.] A couple days! But umm... Diluc said I was here before. But old. Like him.

[So old. It's weird as anything.]
firstroar: (pic#6891949)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-23 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[ah...]

So you are the Kaeya I know who has changed. [how strange. how...worrying. but...this boy...he says he has some faint recollection - or at least the intuition - of trusting Blue...so maybe it's not all lost? it could be the way it was when Kaeya first arrived, memories all hazy.]

I'm sorry. It must've been very confusing. But you are being quite brave about it, I see. I trust...you've found safe places to stay. That Diluc has been looking after you.
unmelting: (small)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-25 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
I am? That makes sense. That's why you're familiar. We're already friends, right?

[Yes? Adult him still makes friends, right?

He squares his shoulders and stands up a little taller at being called brave.]
Mmhmm! I'm okay. Diluc is around, and even if he's old like Master Crepus now, he's still Diluc.
firstroar: (pic#6891947)

[personal profile] firstroar 2022-01-25 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
We are, yes. [despite any efforts or claims to the contrary, Kaeya's in this. too bad for him! the bond is quite tightly formed at this point.] And I'll help you however I can, if you find you need it.

[the lion chuffs.]

...He will, too, of course.
unmelting: (Default)

[personal profile] unmelting 2022-01-25 03:59 am (UTC)(link)
[Kaeya smiles at that.] I'll help you too, if I can!

[He's small but mighty, clearly. And this Blue and his lion seem pretty great.]

It was really nice to meet you. Meet you again, I guess.