deercountry | there's a monster in my closet

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there's a monster in my closet

MAY 2022 EVENT

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Half man, half goat gazing through the sky in front of mountain.]
[Image Two: Deer-like skeletal creature talking in a forest.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Bees crawling out of and over a calm man's cheek.]
[Image Two: Humanoid figure with honeycomb skin.]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Skull beside dried flowers.]
[Image Two: Red wilting flowers. ]

[NAVIGATION]

Prompt 1 • Prompt 2 • Prompt 3 • Plotting • Newsletter

[JUMP TO COMMENTS]

SELF EVALUATION

WHEN: May
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Body horror, heavy themes of dysphoria and body dysmorphia, acceptance of self, forced physical transformations.

An excerpt from Book of Bausphomette:

"They say you should walk a mile in someone's shoes before casting judgment. The true rhetoric can be applied to Bausphomette's version of 'self-evaluation.' It shouldn't come as a surprise that a Pthumerian would have a very different idea of self-evaluation than the typical person, but here we are and I'm going to give you a heads up: don't freak out about the fur.

Or scales. Really, it could be anything, but when your body starts to change into something you can't recognize, you're not going crazy and you're not turning into a Beast. Or okay, you're turning into a beast but not a Beast with a capital B. You will be yourself, have your normal personality, your normal thoughts, your normal habits...You just...Won't exactly look like yourself. People have been known to turn into minotaurs or sprout ten wings or become half-goat on top and all fish on the bottom. Either way, you're not going to be physically recognizable.

But you will be yourself. You will just have new vocal cords or have to learn a new means of communication. Telling your loved ones about your sudden transformation might be a bit alarming, but I think that's kind of the point. Bausphomette seems to believe the monstrous transformation will allow people to consider different parts of themselves that are usually hindered by social judgments. Are you really happy with yourself enough to not mind being a beast? How does this impact your relationship with your body? Does your body matter to you as much as you believed? Can you adapt to this new body and come to love it?

Granted, not everyone has hated this process. It has made some parts of life especially exciting...If you know what I mean. Thankfully the process doesn't last! The general idea is that once you have accepted something about yourself you will begin to turn back to your usual body! Of course, for more stubborn folks, this has been known to take a few months...Try not to be too stubborn or resistant to the new change! ...It will only make it worse."

QUICK FACTS 1. Your character can have various monstery attributes during May. They should be monsterous - not cute little ears or a non-distracting tail.

2. The lesson the characters learn can vary greatly and depend on what players choose to explore.

3. Feel free to go as heavy-handed with the body horror. Your character can magically just wake up with the body or go through some painful transformation.

4. Characters should NOT have mental alteration during this period. The point is that they are still themselves regardless of their new appearance.

5. Have the size of the beast be appropriate to the setting's size.

6. Temporary powers can be gained through the beast's body for the month. Do not break the setting.

HUMMING IN THE SKIN

WHEN: May
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Increased bouts of mindless violence, optional insect-based horror, insects in skin, honeycomb in skin, bodies as hives for insects, extreme body horror.

An old article clipping was gathered from a newspaper that used to run in Trench. It seems like the rest of the article is missing except for the end:

"And, he said, "They will say that I have shed innocent blood. What's blood for, if not for shedding?"

We do not know what this Sleeper's intent was, but we do know the impact lasted. Reports of symptoms include feeling as though your skin is humming, that there's itchiness you can't quite get rid of like something is always crawling over your skin and around inside of you. Some people claim that this remains a mental only terror that keeps them up at night. Some have been known to scratch open holes in their skin and pull themselves apart just to make sure they aren't filled with bugs. We wish we could say that it was only a paranoid curse, but it seems there is some foundation to the concern.

Some who have gotten cuts or other injuries at this time will discover various insects, but especially bees crawling out from exposed wounds. Once you have gotten an injury, the humming seems to get worse. A descent to madness happens swiftly, but all at once, you become calm and content with the situation. Your skin slowly becomes honeycombed, bees moving in and out of you freely. You become a walking, talking hive.

But of course, that's just the worst-case scenario. For the most part, people who are itching mindlessly seem to be driven to bouts of violence, wanting to get rid of the feeling by randomly attacking those nearby. Strangely enough, the bloodshed during these attacks does not seem to contribute to blood pollution.

Instead, blood shed during this time of month seems to be instantaneously soaked up by your immediate surroundings. The bees from these people have been seen flying everywhere, and instead of collecting pollen, they seem to be collecting blood magic. Either to bring it back to their walking hives or using it for other deeds..."

IMPOSTERS

WHEN: May-June
WHERE: Outside where flowers can be found
CONTENT WARNINGS: Demonic, violent, blood thirsty flowers?? Parasite style monsters.

From Plantlife and You: Trench Edition:

"This is a tricky subject as it does not technically have to do with actual plantlife but rather the nefarious imitation of plantlife.

As spring begins be cautious of the plants around you. It might be lovely to see tulips popping open and other spring delights coming to light. We all like to see the splashes of color pop up around Trench, especially after such cold, long months...But be wary.

Among these flowers are insidious imposters. Telling them apart from the original flowers is almost impossible. You can only do your best to be careful around any plantlife you interact with. They look like flowers, but these creatures are demonic beasts who have perfectly cultivated a flawless mimic. Instead of sunlight and water, they soak in the blood of Trench up through their roots. If you pick the wrong flower, blood will squirt out from the roots and vines.

The bees from Sleeper bodies seem intent on pollinating these exact flowers with blood, leaving little bloody streaks in their wake, but the bees jump between normal flowers and the imposters, making it difficult to properly figure out which is which.

I know what you're thinking: okay, so what? They eat blood, big deal, they are just flowers...

Ha! Did you really think it would be that simple? No, no, these imposters will invade your gardens and your homes. Their little vines will wrap around your foot when you're in the garden or taking a walk. It's not evident at first, but it doesn't take much for a flower to grow on your body. Harmless, painless, but they will suck your blood dry. They have been known as silent killers, parasitic, draining you of life and energy and magic slowly but surely.

And the catch is once you have one flower growing on you, more will come, and it can distort your personality and make you feel or act as though you are drunk. Things won't make sense and you won't exactly know how to ask for help. Your only luck is that someone else will notice. Taking the flowers off requires an icy bath or shower and some serious salt scrub. To prevent this in general, you will want to keep your skin covered thoroughly and not allow pollen to brush against you since that's all it takes. Good luck!"

CODING

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[ Baptism? The demon thinks. He is not familiar with the word. Yet, he nods in reply. ]

Perhaps.

[ Carefully, he helps guide his friend under the water. The ocean appears to rush through the honeycombs of his skin- removing the many bees. As the salt water runs through his skin, Lazarus can feel a change. Chin Yisou lifts him above the surface. He smiles. ]

It worked!

[ For whatever the reason, the salt water helped reverse the magic. Now, dozens of bees float dead above the waves. ]

Let's dry off now before we continue our case.

[L hadn't spoken the word "baptism" out loud, so it's uncanny that the two of them are thinking the same thing about this particular odd ritual, especially when Chin Yisou is not familiar at all with it.]

It worked...

[He concurs; the sensation is still bizarre, and he hopes that whatever internal fire is running this demonic body isn't suffering for the sudden wash of water. He surveys the bees, dead and floating around them.]

Yes... yes. A case.

[He wades toward shore, anxious for what otherwise keeps him running, glancing back to ensure that Chin Yisou is following.]

[ Seeing Lazarus slowly return to his old eager self, bring the demon delight. To investigate without heart and a distracted mind would be no fun. As Chin Yisou follows his fellow investigator, he notices an object in the water. ]

A bottle?

[ The demon picks up the mysterious glass. He wades to shore with excitement. The note! Eagerly, Chin Yisou announces his find. ]

Look! I bet this is the evidence we were looking for.

[ He opens the bottle despite dripping with water. He unravels the note. He reads: ]

Greetings buccaneers! For our next hunt, we shall meet in the far reaches of Trench. Tell me, what happens to old oddities once they are lost or unwanted? Should you know the answer, then you can find my next location! Otherwise, you will be at odds end without an adventure. Until then, N.P.

[ Chin Yisou finishes the letter and glances at the other. ]

Quite the peculiar riddle, no?

[ The demon smiles. ]

[That's convenient, so much that L wonders briefly if Chin Yisou had put it there himself. Then again, if this thief has chosen to be invested in them, who's to say that this wasn't timed intentionally on his part?]

It certainly seems that it could be...

[He listens as Chin Yisou, perhaps the drier of the two, reads the note aloud. His brows raise with each completed sentence.]

Riddles are meant to be peculiar... absurd on approach, mundane in hindsight. The "far reaches" means probably on the outskirts, or just beyond the city limits... and "old oddities" could be objects sold or discarded in a location for that purpose, or living creatures. It could refer to the Pthumerian who is patron saint to "lost things"; there are a few possibilities and I suppose that it's a matter of winnowing down the most likely, and working from there.

Those are all valid points.

[ Chin Yisou muses while placing the note away in his bag. He finishes wringing out the water from his robes. While glancing back at his fellow investigator he wonders. ]

Perhaps the riddle best suits lost artifacts. We have know N.P. to enjoy taking trophies.

[ The demon smiles at a passing thought. ]

He must know about a hidden treasure that he seeks. Yet, what if he intends to use our help to find it for him?

[ The idea may have been rushed. Despite Chin Yisou's enthusiasm, he dislikes the concept of finding someone else's treasure for them. ]

If that's the case, then we will have to take measures to guard what we find. Does that sound plausible?

I tend not to make the other kind of point.

[He shoots this back without missing a single beat. If there's one thing this ugly, shabby lean-to of a man has to feel confident about, it's his intelligence and the way it ties so seamlessly to instinct.]

N.P. and I have that in common, I think. If we find it first, I'd say we're within our rights to keep it, or sell it and split the difference.

[Haggling out spoils is always a messy business, but fortunately, that's not why L does what he does.]

I won't let him take it without a fight; ordinarily, I'd avoid a scrap, but given my current condition, I think I can justify one for the right reasons.

I enjoy your conviction!

[ The demon praises. He thinks for a moment then rummages through his bag. Once the object in question is retrieved, Chin Yisou opens the parchment. ]
Trench Map

Where shall we search?

[ Chin Yisou holds up the map to his fellow investigator. He enjoys seeing the other's input. A way to confirm or refute my own inkling. The demon scans with his eyes. ]

To the ends of Trench. Perhaps we should try someplace that's far removed from our current position. Though does any particular location comes to your mind?

[ Good investigations work as a collective. What knowledge one lack, another may be able to provide. ]

Conviction? I don't know that it's the right word. Excitement, perhaps.

[He's almost always up for a challenge and a mystery. Regardless, he'd be lying if he claimed that he didn't enjoy the praise.]

"Artifacts" leads me to think the Archives in Gaze, making it a smart and intuitive place to begin ... but Odd End, in the corner of Cassandra, is where unwanted things tend to wind up. It also better fits the description "farthest reaches of Trench." Not to mention the name of the place is mentioned in the riddle. I'd call it too obvious if N.P. struck me as the subtle type at all.

[ Excitment that is definitely the word. The demon regards the other's input with fascination. ]

Perhaps, the answer lies in both!

[ Chin Yisou grins at the prospect. ]

He does seem to enjoy stringing along notes. There may be a text in the archives relevant to the next clue.

[ The demon holds his bag tighter eager for the quest ahead. A journey is always worthwhile to relieve the mundane. ]

Although, I don't recall the way. Do you know how to reach the Archives?

[ Chin Yisou gives an awkward smile. He has been trying to find the study for a long time. After all, a certain Ranger frequents there and the demon enjoys seeing what he is up to. There is no time for distractions. The demon turns his attention back to the present case. ]

It's possible...

[And the notion seems sweet to L; his smile is the same one he'd wear if he tasted honey with an unexpected but appreciated orange blossom note.]

I'm there often; there's a straightforward route if you know how to use the lamp points to their most efficient end.

[And it goes without saying that he does.]

Not to brag...

[As he starts off toward the nearest one]

...but I'm somewhat known for my ability to find whatever I'm looking for in the Archives. The method is a combination of logic and intuition; a lot of people who only have a firm grasp on one tend to flounder when asked to use them in combination. I'm not like that.

That's swell!

[ The demon cheers while happy with his companion's sense of direction. He motions for Lazarus to lead the way. As excitement builds he asks: ]

Do you know if there are any books pertaining to treasure there? I'm sure that's the topic worth searching.

[ To find a clue within a clue is a fascinating concept for Chin Yisou. His eagerness for the venture at hand provides the demon with a childish glow. Yet, there is no wrong in learning more. ]

[There's a lamp point just ahead; the scattering through Trench is both efficient and convenient.]

There are books on virtually every subject you can imagine, even if it's from your own world or the world of another. Finding it is what's difficult for most people, but I've found some luck with association and free, creative thought. Counting the ceiling tiles and picking the number on which I have to blink, and starting there in the card catalogue... that sort of thing. It seems insane at first but there's a method to it, and it truly does work.

Edited 2022-06-28 20:36 (UTC)

Fascinating.

[ The demon finds himself caught with intrigue. ]

So, the knowledge found within the archives are timeless in a way. This will be quite the fun!

[ Chin Yisou follows his fellow investigator. Once they approach the archives, the demon stands confused. Hmmm, it's rather small isn't it? He observes. Yet, as the door opens, Chin Yisou's eyes widen. ]

What an impressive building! Which way are the books?

[ His gaze glances around like a child in a toy shop. There are many strange objects to regard with awe. The very size of the place brings the demon a new thought- finding the note will be challenging! Yet, the reward will be great. ]

Timeless... and yet constantly changing. It's difficult to explain, but I'd compare it to a living system of information.

[More organic than the internet, more mysterious than a card catalogue. He smiles lightly, indicating that he, also, does believe that it will be fun. He knows Chin Yisou to be somewhat playful in his approach to many matters, and that kind of attitude staves off the rigidity that can make navigating the archives a headache for more classically "logical" types.

He stands aside, allowing Chin Yisou to enter the Archives first with an incline of his horned head.]

We should start in the "N" section. It could just as well be in "T" for treasure, or "H" for hidden, but... I've found that if it is the case the approach we pick first will guide us to the one it becomes. Dead ends don't happen here as long as you stay creative.

Splendid! Let's begin.

[ With excitement, the demon follows Lazarus into the designated room. There are countless of texts and shelves that bring Chin Yisou a sense of awe. He scans for the designated letters. Upon what feels like hours- Chin Yisou finds an odd book of Relics. ]

This one talks about the Pthumerians.

[ He shouts towards his fellow investigator. While flipping through pages, Chin Yisou notices a torn sheet. He studies it closely and realizes that a message is inscribed. ]

What a strike of luck! I think we found the next clue.

[ Chin Yisou shows his friend the paper. In the margins is a handwritten note: ]

Greetings good folk! Here is the next piece of the adventure. You may notice in the photo that the item in question comes in a pair. Yet, for one you will find it already found. Once you reach the end, a new clue will be offered. Good luck. N.P.

[ The demon regards the letter with confusion. On the page is a drawing of antlers. Chin Yisou raises a brow. ]

What's so important about this?

[ In haste, Chin Yisou fails to read the harsh typeface on the page. He gives the note to Lazarus for inspection. What Lazarus finds is a myth pertaining to Dorothea's Antlers. With one, the holder has poor luck. Yet, with both exceptional fortune is bound to happen. ]

It seems like a regular pair of antlers, no?

[ The demon asks. With a hand to his face, he admits. ]

I cannot read the characters. N.P.'s scribe is understandable, but the ones from the book itself are harsh.

[ Chin Yisou bows his head in embarrassment. ]

[With high vaulted ceilings and countless shelves, calling the Archives a "room" is in fact very generous.

He turns at the exclamation, brows raising under his shaggy bangs.]

You got the hang of that quickly.

[He takes the letter and the photo and squints at it.]

Antlers are significant here, even sacred. It's possible that he means they're still on the head of a living deer, or... at least, the skull, if they're guaranteed to be together. Let me....

[He takes the book, going to a table and setting it down to take a closer look. If there's one thing he usually has got, it's strange scripts.]

...ah. Dorothea. She's a Pthumerian... known for cleverness and an affinity for animals. I suppose we could be intended to seek her out, or else a likeness of her, perhaps at that shop.

Maybe it's a sixth sense. Pair that with your intellect, and we make a great team of investigators!

[ The demon smiles. He regards the new information on Dorothea with fascination. She must be the key to this riddle. After hearing more of her personality he recalls a friend. ]

An affinity for animals? She sounds a lot like The Ranger.

[ Chin Yisou laughs lightly.]

I wonder what N.P. would expect us to do- it's not like we're going to kill an animal for its antlers...

[ The thought is unsavory. Carrying on with the investigation is one thing, but trophy killing is something the demon never catered to. ]

The next stop should be the shop then?

[He offers a pale smile; clearly, he agrees that as investigators, they could certainly be doing worse.]

The Ranger? I'm not familiar... but my thought is that at the odds and ends shop, there could be a toy or model of Dorothea, or some other talisman. I doubt N.P. would ask us to profane this world with the taboo of killing for antlers.

That's fine.

[ Chin Yisou doesn't expect people to know The Ranger, after all, he tends to keep to himself. As for N.P's intentions, he is suspicious. If killing is his game, then would he want others to do the dirty work? The thought is slightly irritating. As much as Chin Yisou enjoys the riddles, he does not like the idea of being manipulated- regardless of what's considered taboo or not. ]

We must see for ourselves then.

[ The demon smiles. He pulls out his map to observe the next location. ]

If we are here, then that means the shop would be up here, No?

[ He vaguely recalls the shop being near Cassandra. To double check with his knowledgeable investigator is always a plus. ]

Would you be fine with this journey, or would you need some food?

Yes... it's in the northeast. A lamp point will get us there quickly enough.

[But now that Chin Yisou mentions it...]

...I haven't eaten since last night, though. Coffee at least will be something I need, now that you've reminded me.

[He can run on fumes for quite some time, but brought back down to earth just as quickly.

Especially if someone else might be paying.]

A break it is!

[ The demon smiles. He may not be familiar with the area, but with some help, the two cross upon a Cafe. Coffee isn't cheap. However, Chin Yisou doesn't care- good food deserves good trade.

The demon takes some scones and coffee. Once the party is ready, Chin Yisou is sure to get scones for the run. ]

Never know where we'll end up with a hungry belly.

[ He adds with a smile. As before, Chin Yisou follows along his fellow investigator. Lazarus seems to know the best path to navigate Trench. This is much appreciated . Chin Yisou thinks with a smile.

Once they reach the small shop of Odds End, the demon stops to wonder.]

Do you think it wise to ask about the antlers?

[L operates largely on stray cat rules. He fends for himself and seems a little mangy and isn't always in a position to reject free food, but does, when it's not to his precise tastes.

Cafes are usually safe. Scones are safer, regardless of where they're from. He eats one as they go, walking a sure path as one who has investigated various cases on various twisting and turning streets throughout this city.

Once at Odds End, he glances sidelong at his companion.]

Let's have a look around first; people lie, and what we can see for ourselves is always going to be untainted by that kind of misdirection or bias.

Much agreed.

[ His fellow investigator makes a valid point. We can't really trust people, can we? After all, there may be a chance that no one has heard of N.P. before. As the two rummage through the antiques and odd haunted artifacts, the demon notices something above Lazarus's head. ]

Antler

Well, that's interesting.

[ The demon points towards the mounted antler. He scans for any other clues. However, he falls short. ]

There must be more clues around here. Have you found anything?

[Even though Chin Yisou fails to eye other pertinent details, his friend experiences a stroke of luck. While perusing through various items, Lazarus comes across a hidden note. Yet, he must have noticed the wary eyes of a stocky merchant.

(ooc. Have fun sharing your find! :D ) ]

[L glances up above his own temporarily-present horns and the heat hovering around his head, toward the impressive antler hanging from the wall.

He lays upon the first object to catch his eye: a rabbit's foot on a keychain with a small antler engraved.]

This seems promising. It's on-theme, at least. Head-to-toe... I wonder if that's relevant.

[There's a drawer in the vanity on which the rabbit's foot is set, and L, on a whim, opens it. There's a note, alright, and it's just a compass rose with a smiley face on it.]

What I think is that the antlers are north... as the head... and the foot is meant to represent south. We don't have east or w-- hello.

[The merchant sure is watching them closely. So blatantly that L sort of has to greet him, after a certain point.

L's great at not greeting people; it really was pressing.]

Fascinating...

[ Chin Yisou begins to say. He's thrown off by the stranger. The demon attempts to be as polite and inconspicuous as possible. While walking in front of the note, he deems to help Lazarus pocket the find. ]

Mr. Grousse

[ The merchant casts a wary look. With a booming voice he dismisses Lazarus's greeting as a feeble effort to stay out of trouble. ]

What are ye doing, o'er thar?

[ The demon raises a hand to his heart. ]

Simply browsing Sir.

[ The burly man lifts a brow. He peeks at Lazarus. The sight of the two 'customers' leads the merchant to suspicion. ]

I don't think I reckon seein' ye two befor'. What brings ye to Odds End?

[ Chin Yisou casts an eye at his fellow investigator. He seems to wonder what they should say. It wouldn't look good to fight...then again, we could both probably take him. The demon muses over the possible outcomes. He cannot be too sure that the crude compass is the only item they need.]

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