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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
chickenchoicejudy: Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy - Queen (Will do quite nicely)

[personal profile] chickenchoicejudy 2022-01-16 02:11 am (UTC)(link)
[Ryan follows. Without even trying, Shiro commands a very calm and gentle authority that makes it easy to follow his lead. He takes the other side of the bench, but he climbs up a little so that he's sitting on the armrest facing Shiro instead of looking out at the water.

Talking it out is painfully awkward though, and Ryan is never actually sure how to start. Frankly, he's not even sure what he wants or needs to say. Isn't most of it covered by Shiro just figuring it out?

He nervously drums his fingers on his knees, as if tapping out chords.
]

So. This...is a thing that happened. Somehow?

[It's a start?]
shiro2hero: (last day on earth sucks ass)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2022-01-16 07:32 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, sure is a thing.

[He exhales, leaning forward slightly. Enough to rest his elbows on his knees. Staring fixedly at the water for a while. It's definitely a start, but it doesn't really give him much to go on. Whether Ryan's okay with it, or whether it's really bothering him.]

[He laces his fingers together. Metal and skin.]


It's happened before, you know. To a lot of people back in Deerington. And... back then, it was never permanent. They always changed back after a while.

[There's an opening. If Ryan wants to take up the thread, he'll listen. There's no judgment in the words, either. He's just stating a fact.]
chickenchoicejudy: If It Makes You Happy - Michael Cera Palin (A long way from here)

[personal profile] chickenchoicejudy 2022-01-16 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ryan sighs heavily.]

Wu said there's a book about it here, and I guess it said it can last from a few days to...forever?

[He does not sound thrilled at the prospect of forever. Though, it might be for different reasons than others might imagine.]

But... [He hesitates and frowns, trying to put the thought to words.] ...I don't get why I'm not, I dunno. More different? I still feel like myself. It's like, the biggest thing that changed is the only thing I really care about.

[He rubs his neck a little, as if a tiny massage will be enough to make his voice sound like it used to.]
shiro2hero: (gonna pet the shit out of that cat)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2022-01-17 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
[Ah, there it goes. He hums in acknowledgment, keeping his eyes on the canal. In case it's easier to talk if he's not staring Ryan down.]

Not much here has lasted forever. At least, to us.

[Not that he's seen anyway. Nothing except the blood powers - or lack thereof. His hands, still laced together, tighten their grip on each other in unconscious reaction to that thought.]

Well. I think you just figured it out, man. You only really ever cared about one thing - why would it bother you if the rest changed? [It comes out in that Shiro Voice - the calm, quiet way of his. Pointing out what he sees. Listening, if he's wrong.]

I think you'd be a lot more upset if you cared more about the rest. And there's nothing wrong with that, either way.

Whichever part bothers you the most - we can probably find someone to help. At least until this works itself out. All right?
chickenchoicejudy: Bang Your Drum - Dead Man Fall (I don't know why I can't get back)

[personal profile] chickenchoicejudy 2022-01-17 03:10 am (UTC)(link)
[Ryan rests his chin in his hands, and his elbows on his knees, but he looks at Shiro curiously. At first, he's not really sure what Shiro means by that, but it sinks in slowly. Maybe it didn't change...because he isn't as bothered about most of it as he should be?]

I...don't know. I mean, I think it would bother me if I changed more? It's cool that all my clothes fit, and that I can look in the mirror and recognize myself. But like, does it mean I already looked like a girl? I don't look super girly now though...so...

[Ryan shrugs. He has no idea what any of this means. He tries to chuckle at Shiro's offer, but it comes out more like a giggle and he clasps his hands over his mouth and flushes.]

Don't know if anyone can really help with my voice but, um. Thanks?

[He really does appreciate it, even with the embarrassment. Then, because if he has to suffer he's taking Shiro down with him--]

Wait. ...Did you think I was talking about something else?
shiro2hero: (shit i can't believe that worked)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2022-01-17 06:22 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, listen. If you're okay with yourself right now, maybe then... there's not a lot to examine here. You still look enough like you, feel enough like you, to be comfortable. Doesn't have to mean anything one way or another, I don't think.

[Personally, he didn't think Ryan looked at all like a girl before. Looks a bit more feminine now, sure, but still like the teen he knew before.]

I think... all it really means is you like your physical appearance. You like you. Believe me, you'd know if you didn't.

[Ryan would be wearing more concealing clothing, like hoodies, if he came out of the house at all. But hey what would Shiro know about that. Then again, he won't bring it up, not now.]

[And shrugs.]
You never know. Someone out there could be a voice coach.

[Wait.]

No? Something... about your throat, though?
chickenchoicejudy: Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy - Queen (Come on and get it)

[personal profile] chickenchoicejudy 2022-01-17 07:20 am (UTC)(link)
["You like you."

Those three little words feel so loaded, for some reason. They feel a little too simple and easy, and the back of his mind wants to counteract with all the ways he doesn't. But, he shoves those thoughts aside and a small shake of his head is enough to erase the bewildered look on his face. It was only there for a moment, but now it's gone and he's grinning.

Plus, it's not like Shiro's wrong. It's just that the things he doesn't like about himself are mostly internal.
]

Guess you have a point. I am pretty hot, after all.

[He jokingly nods, as though those were the exact words out of Shiro's mouth. There's an awkward blip in their conversation though, and Ryan snickers at a pitch he usually can't reach.]

Good! Good, that's all I meant. Never mind. Don't worry about it. Just, um. Thanks. I mean it.

[Ryan's brain just lives in the gutter apparently - what else was he supposed to think Shiro was thinking of when he said "whichever part bothers you the most"?]

Ugh, I have to be a vocal coach though. If this doesn't go away soon I have to redo like, my whole song for Rocky Horror. And that's not counting anyone else who might be a new gender now! Plus there's my regular sets for the Raccoon Room...

[He tilts his head back and groans. Obviously this is the actual worst part of all the gender swapping - the ways it is personally inconvenient to him and his career.]
shiro2hero: (which selfie filter do i use)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2022-01-17 08:02 am (UTC)(link)
I did not say that.

[But he won't shoot the kid down for thinking that. The confidence there is a good thing. More people should be that confident about themselves. Especially after undergoing some kind of big physical change. Or... small, in this case, since it didn't really seem to bother Ryan.]

[Good for him.]


Right. I'm not going to ask.

[Definitely not touching that with a ten foot pole, thanks. But he exhales, at the rest, pushing his hand through his hair. This, he has no idea how to navigate. He's not a singer, he just sings in the shower sometimes.]

No one else in the show knows about vocal coaching? There's just you?
chickenchoicejudy: Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy - Queen (Dining at the Ritz we'll meet at 9)

[personal profile] chickenchoicejudy 2022-01-19 06:38 am (UTC)(link)
You basically said that.

[Ryan's just teasing him now though - he knows perfectly well that he didn't, he's just being a pest because he can, and because it's fun.]

And...yeah, it's pretty much just me. I'm not just playing Eddie, I'm doing all the music for the show too. I'm even getting a credit for it on the poster!

[Not all of this is terrible! He's very, very proud of that particular accomplishment. He's never had an accolade like that before, and honestly? It's pretty rad.]

But apparently Bolin's a girl for now too, and I guess not everyone's been shedding at the same time? I swear, I'm gonna get everyone's parts fixed and then like three more people will stroll in with new voices and need to relearn their songs because they can't hit the same notes anymore!
shiro2hero: (no really i don't get it)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2022-01-20 06:53 am (UTC)(link)
I'll elbow you for that.

[If Ryan moves any closer, that is. Right now, he'd probably just get the teen's shins.]

Hm. [He hums quietly, in thought. It's not a bad thing - and it's actually something to be proud of, really. He is proud.] Have you thought about asking around? Seeing if anyone can help pitch in?

Not take over for you. Just help. Because that's a lot to put on your shoulders, especially with everything changing like it is. An assistant vocal coach, maybe.
chickenchoicejudy: Art is Dead - Bo Burnham (That everyday can't be about him)

[personal profile] chickenchoicejudy 2022-02-01 06:16 pm (UTC)(link)
I guess that makes sense. I dunno if there is anyone like that, but it might make it a little easier? Plus it's not like I've ever actually been a vocal coach before. I barely knew what I was doing before all this. I've just been winging it!

[It's been kind of fun though - Ryan thrives on winging things and jumping on new opportunities and it's a pleasant surprise when things work out for the best.]

Do you know anyone? Or like, if you hear about someone, can you point them my way?
shiro2hero: (which selfie filter do i use)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2022-02-02 06:38 am (UTC)(link)
It's a big town, and we keep getting new faces on the shore every month. There's got to be someone.

[If he took the time to actually examine things, the hypocrisy here would be staggering. Shiro, urging someone to ask for help, that they didn't have to do it all alone.]

I can point them your way, sure thing. Can't think of anyone right now, but... I'll keep an ear out.

[Isn't he funny? Get it? Ear, vocals?]