countryclub | November 2021 Test Drive Meme

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meme: tdm

November 2021 Test Drive Meme

NOVEMBER 2021 TDM

Another month, another test drive meme! Our test drive memes are open to anyone interested - regardless of whether or not you join our game!

All Test Drive Memes are game canon. Players can choose to keep their TDM threads canon or not. TDM threads can be used for AC and can be used as your writing sample for your application.

Our TDMs serve as a way to build into the actual lore and worldbuilding of Deer Country and we strongly encourage everyone to enjoy and participate! Current players are always welcome to pull prompts from the TDM to reference on the Network or bring into logs as well as tag out to new characters top-leveling on the TDM itself.

Characters will always be able to actively die during TDMs as this is an extremely dangerous world. You can still have this be game canon! Check out how character death in Deer Country works here.

If you have any questions about the TDM, please ask down below!

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Perfect dog curled up in falling snow, tilting head to side.]
[Image Two: Dead man floating in water with signs of hypothermia.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Frozen ship wreck.]
[Image Two: Frozen staircase.]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Bloody tentacles attacking soldiers.]
[Image Two: Tentacles coming out of astronaut suit.]

[NAVIGATION]

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NOT SO STANDARD ARRIVAL

WHEN: November - December
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk
CONTENT WARNINGS: Drowning, freezing to death, trapped under ice, hypothermia, frost bite.

Washing up on the Farther Shores towards the end of November and the beginning of December isn't the best experience. Normally there are some Sleepers who can show up without a hitch, but as winter nears, the waters begin to freeze and it gets increasingly dangerous to arrive on the Farther Shores. Many Sleepers wind up trapped under ice. Wakers must especially be diligent this month to make sure they don't lose valuable Sleepers. Drowning and freezing to death is extremely probable. If you're lucky, you might be able to break through the ice to shriek for help. Let's just hope someone's around to hear you!

Most of the Boardwalk has been converted to save the Sleepers that do make it. Tents have been put up and inside are mattresses stuffed with hay and blankets made from wool and furs. Contained coal and wood fires keep the tents cozy, but it might take a while before you get feeling back into your toes. If you have warmblood or coldblood you will not have nearly as bad of a time with all of this. Some coldblood Sleepers might not even notice the cold! Might be good to put them on the frontlines for helping people out.

Another oddity this month is that most Sleepers seem to arrive at night rather than the typical daytime arrivals. Maybe it's because daytime hours are much shorter in December...But maybe it's something else too. This has led to Wakers making search parties to try and find Sleepers in the pitch-black night. It's a precarious situation and all hands on deck are strongly encouraged.

The Dog Keeper has come out to help the efforts. His dogs can be seen running frantically around the beach to help find people buried under ice and to help break through the ice to get them to safety. Dogs are available to help Sleepers swim to the Farther Shores, and they are also available to help Sleepers warm up by cuddling up afterward. There isn't much food to offer at this time, but you can still expect to be greeted with some hot soup. It might leave you hungry, but it definitely seems to help warm you up!

FROZEN RELICS

WHEN: End of November, early December
WHERE: Farther Shores/Pthumerian Ocean
CONTENT WARNINGS: Mutilated corpses, frozen bodies, possible frost bite/hypothermia, disaster-centric setting.

Sleepers aren't the only thing struggling in the Pthumerian Ocean this time of year. Boats come crushing in through the ice, frozen over completely by blistering winds. The ocean seems to be spitting up boats from times long past, leaving their skeletons strewn along the Farther Shores. Some are small boats, barely worth a second glance, but others are massive vessels, cutting intimidating shapes against the dark sky beyond.

Some Sleepers may even wake up in the water-submerged bowels of these boats, having to navigate a metallic graveyard. Other Sleepers might just have the sense to go and scavenge the boats for useful supplies and parts. Valuable metals can be extracted from the boats as well as other mechanical pieces - but not just that. Sleepers who explore thoroughly will discover small non-magical items from their home might be on the boats, floating in the water, or in random debris. Some boats are trader boats, having entire crates of sealed food goods like rare chocolates, fruits, and other food that is difficult to find this time of year.

You will want to thoroughly bundle up for this trip because it's much colder inside of the boats than it is outside. It's as if they have been transformed into giant freezers. Coldbloods may be able to provide their companions with steady warmth, even if their abilities are typically more ice-centric. It seems like coldbloods can manipulate the cold in these boats to be less intense. Some of the boats may have more grim discoveries: dead bodies, some skeletal, others still with the flesh intact and frozen over. It's never easy to discover the corpses of those who have tried to brave the ocean and failed.

It's easy to believe that what killed these people was the ocean or the cold...But the more bodies you discover, the more thoroughly you explore these shipwrecks, you begin to have a creeping feeling that these aren't ordinary crashes. These weren't natural causes. Some of the bodies look as if the chests had been ripped open while others, the faces have been completely distorted beyond recognition. There is an undeniable presence of something on these ships and you have a feeling whatever killed these people has now been brought to Trench...Great!

THE THINGS THEY CARRIED

WHEN: During Bone Season
WHERE: Throughout Trench
CONTENT WARNINGS: Parasitic monsters, tentacle horror, crushing/bursting styles of death, a form of beasthood, mild auto-cannibalism/self-harm.

You notice specks of blood that seem to appear from nowhere among the snowdrifts. When you pay closer attention, you may see more blood dripping...up. It doesn't look like any Sleeper Blood you're familiar with but instead appears to be black-blue colored, reflecting like glass, bubbling up out of the ground. It makes a small, glass-shattering noise when it appears before it bubbles back into the ground. It leaves a rotten odor in its wake.

The moment you get too close to the blood, even a foot away, it will expand rapidly. Bloodied tentacles will grow out of the blood and start violently lashing around at whatever living creatures are nearby. These tentacles are powerful, impervious to any weapons not reinforced with Sleeper Blood. They will grab up people and break their bodies, throwing them through the air or tearing them apart, seeming to nourish from the bloodshed.

However, some people are less lucky than a swift death. Some of these tentacles may snap right into your chest, opening up some blood portal into your soul, where this Thing will consume you. On the outside, this looks like a rush of this black-blue blood rushing into a Sleeper and then nothing. You'll feel disoriented and strange at first but will become increasingly agitated, violent with those around you. You will start to gnaw at your fingers to shed your new temporarily altered blood. Eventually, you will begin to attack other Sleepers, able to summon these bloodied tentacles and destroy anything in your path.

But this is a parasitic monster you carry. It eats away your sanity until nothing is left, and then the tentacles will burst out of you, your body left to ruin. Parasitic monsters can be removed by Blood Ministers or by forcing vileblood into the infected's body. The vileblood seems to purge the parasite without killing the host body...As long as you don't use too much. Once the parasite has consumed the body, there is no saving the Sleeper except through death. These parasites can be tracked back to the boats where people can find streaks of the unusual black-blue blood throughout the boats. This blood can be contained and isolated by darkbloods and/or Architects.

CODING

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Because of the comma placement's ambiguity... perhaps intentional... it depends on how you read it. It could be a taunt, addressed to the person who would have liked to find the contents... or this could be the signature of the one who removed them.

[He stares, shaking his head.]

"N.P." Could be the "Japanese Police," but. That, I doubt.

[If only because they could never beat L to a conclusion or a discovery, not with a head start of a thousand years.]

The Japanese Police?

[ Chin Yisou tilts his head to the side. Ever since coming to Trench, he has forgotten the names of other locations that may have once been familiar. Yet, with all of that aside, it seems that a new concern is raised. ]

Perhaps, "N.P." has made entry in some of the other frozen vessels. We may gain more insight while investigating the nearby ships.

[ The demon tucks the letter inside his bag. Turning towards his fellow investigator, Chin Yisou grins. ]

Does that sound like a good plan to you, Lazarus?

[ Clearly, he anticipates a positive response. After all, the case must be solved. With a new clue, what doors will open to the unexpected duo? ]

[He nods, considering the work that would involve, the potential reward of uncovering some truth that was previously hidden. He lives and aches for that, where some others might ache for food, drink, or lovers.]

It sounds like a starting point to establish a pattern... regarding matters such as these, it's one of the better plans, all things considered.

[More cold, more wetness, and possibly more danger, but the notion of an answer heartens and encourages him.]

That sounds splendid!

[ The demon gives a broad smile. Lazarus is truly the best person he could have found on this strange land. Two curious minds are able to uncover more mysteries when collaborating together. Chin Yisou pauses for a moment to think about necessities. ]

Should we camp here for the night, or do you have another vessel worthy of providing rest?

[ The demon forgot all about food and sleep. The excitement of the case overwhelmed his senses. Yet, finding a place to rest now before the adventure continues sounds pleasant to Chin Yisou. ]

You're tired?

[He sounds surprised.]

The body starting to falter is a sign that efforts up until that point have been effective. It's hardly the time to quit.

I am feeling a bit peckish.

[ The demon remarks while placing a hand above his stomach. Admittedly, Lazarus's question confuses Chin Yisou. ]

You are human right, don't you need food and sleep?

[ Of course, this demon requires sleep and sustenance as well as any other living creature. Yet, Chin Yisou smiles to show his appreciation of his fellow investigator's determination. ]

I am, but... not constantly.

[He needs both more often than he's ever willing to admit. It's probably part of why he looks the way he does, like something that crawled out from under a bed rather than spending a restful night in one the night prior.]

You're not human, then. I can't think of any other reason you'd ask that.

That's true, a demon I was and a demon I am.

[ Should Chin Yisou not feel comfortable, then he would not have admitted much to the human. He only wants to ascertain that the party is well sustained- from food to rest. ]

Yet, I still eat and sleep. My main concern was how you are holding up. I have some food in my bag, but only enough to hold on for a few days.

[The demon remarks. Chin Yisou looks from his bag to his fellow investigator. He sighs. ]

If you are fine, then we can search for our next boat of interest. Though, I would like a snack.

I see...

[He watches for some wink, whether or not it's blatant, some indicator that the other man might mean that figuratively. He finds none whatsoever; no, this is earnest enough.]

If you're hungry I don't mind taking a break.

[Generally, he is better at gauging his needs by the limitations of others. Maybe knowing that Chin Yisou isn't just a mere human makes it more acceptable to him to take a break.]

So...

[He crouches, reaching into his back for a fistful of candy.]

How does that work, in your world? Being a demon. Are you a demon of something?

[ Chin Yisou smiles as he sits down to peer in his bag for a morsel. He pulls out a wrap that covers salted fish. He thinks about Lazarus's question. The demon's memory from the life before is still fuzzy. Yet, he can recall some details. ]

A demon in my time have more magic and longevity than humans. As for my lineage, I recall being the son of a great demon lord. Perhaps, more details would come as time progresses.

[ Chin Yisou bites down a salty fish. With each bite a new question comes to mind. ]

Do you remember your old time Lazarus?

[ The demon asks with a polite manner. He has been open with the other. However, Chin yisou can understand if his fellow investigator would be uneasy to share information. He merely watches Lazarus eat candy and waits to see if he will reply.]

[Salted fish looks wholly unappetizing, but what others choose to eat is not his circus, not his monkeys, so to speak. He starts to unwrap a toffee.

He nods, that information largely in harmony with what he knows or would guess about a demon according to his world's lore.

He pauses in his toffee-chewing at the question posed to him.]

Isn't it the case for everyone who comes here? Or is it possible to forget, once in the waking world?

[ The demon pauses to reflect on the remark. The case does seem valid, not everyone who is reborn in Trench may have their memory of the life before. Yet, perhaps there is not enough study in the manner. Then again, Chin Yisou has not interacted with many of this world. ]

You have a point. I know for myself, my memory seems to be more broad. Specific details pertaining to people, for instance, are blurred. Yet, I'm sure that, like amnesia, people may regain more information regarding their past.

[ Chin Yisou ponders in the dark for a moment. ]

What if it doesn't matter? I mean, curiosity's sake aside, perhaps this rebirth is an opportunity to set foot on another path. I know that all living thing's have their own personalities and interest. Yet, what do you think: is this strange land a chance to be different from who we were or embrace the person that we have always been?

[ The conversation feels heavy with contemplation. However, Chin Yisou is comfortable engaging with the other. Lazarus was a stranger once, but as the investigation continues, he may prove to be a great friend. ]

[He squints slightly, thinking.]

When I was more recently washed up on the shore, I think it was hazier, but like you said, I've regained much. I think I know who I wa-

[He really hates the way that sounds.]

Am. Who I am. Is that your intention, then? To set foot on another path, right past wrongs, search for a new opportunity you might not have had before?

One may say that...if one recalled all of their past wrongdoings.

[ The demon appreciates the answer and inquiry. Perhaps it is better to have a limited memory of days before Trench. Yet, one cannot speculate much especially without a frame of reference. Regardless, Chin Yisou finishes his fish. ]

Who we are, is definitely a better statement then who we were. Right now, we're investigators, a role previously unfamiliar to me. Yet, I enjoy the adventure.

[ The demon stands up. He holds out a hand towards Lazarus. ]

Are you ready to continue?

[He quirks a brow at an answer he perceives to be... odd, to say the least. In no small part, because he does not disagree.]

The human mind, anyway... is probably prone to forgetting the worst things, as a form of self-defense. I'd never presume to remember everything even at my best.

[He is human. He has done terrible things that he has tried to forget. Both are very reasonable implications.

He takes Chin Yisou's hand.]

Yes, I'm ready. It's a role that suits, I think, and an enjoyable adventure as they go.

[He's hopped up and jittery from the sugar, exactly the right mindset to be in while on a dark, cold, and dangerous shipwreck.]

[ Chin Yisou gladly helps his fellow investigator up. He holds out the lantern and notices that the flames are flickering. Perhaps, their light is nearly gone. Regardless, he continues to move towards the exit of their current station. Chin Yisou leads on with care, noting that his friend is following safely. Once the two reach the deck, the lantern turns into smoke. ]

Looks like we're lucky.

[ The demon smiles while gazing at a full moon. There are numerous stars glinting across a clear sky. Chin Yisou peers around to find their next point of interest. Fortunately, they seem to be in a boat graveyard. The frozen remains of a large ship appears to float lifeless in the sea. ]

That looks like a good catch.

[ Chin Yisou smiles. He taps the bottom of his chin.

You do have a boat nearby, don't you?

[ The demon asks. He didn't think of the possibility that Lazarus may have been reborn on the frozen vessel. Surely, he has a boat. ]

[An odd expression passes over L's face.]

I came with others, who have likely left, since.

[Those bony, stick-thin arms don't look much for rowing. This is one who is typically driven, escorted, and chaperoned, and may just take it a touch for granted.]

Was it the same for you?

Hmmmm....

[ Chin Yisou closes his eyes. It seems that matters have taken an unexpected turn. He opens his eyes and scans across the ocean. ]

I had a boat...but now, it seems missing.

[ Chin Yisou gives a nervous grin. What are they to without a working vessel? ]

We may need to improvise, but with what?

Everything is shifting with the wreckage. Even if you'd tied it up somewhere, it's entirely possible that it drifted off.

[He offers the worst thing that could happen to someone who made all the best possible choices, took all the carefullest precautions. It's a generous offering, he thinks, almost benevolent; that's how much he's enjoyed the investigation.]

In spite of the ships' fates, there's plenty aboard that floats.

[He's not even talking about the dead bodies!]

Life rafts or boats are idea, but barring that, there are bound to be buoys, planks, and rope. It doesn't have to be beautiful, just seaworthy, and temporarily.

That is plausible.

[ Chin Yisou sighs. He muses about the next best solution. He peers back at the broken door that leads deeper into the decayed ship. There's nothing else better to do. ]

Looks like we must make a raft. At least there are usable items here.

[ Chin Yisou grins. He brings out another grey creature. Once the little humanoid touches the floor, it marches in a circle before turning into smoke. A lantern is ready to guide the new task at hand. ]

Maybe we can use one of their arms as an oar.

[ Chin Yisou gives a grim joke just to lighten the mood. Yet, shakes his head after thinking back on Lazarus's response to his previous disregard of the dead. ]

My apologies. I'm not being serious.

[L stares, for a moment, seeming to weigh the possibility that Chin Yisou is serious. It's a long and heavy several seconds.]

I didn't think that you were.

[Just considered it. Truly.]

Look for a door; cedar is preferable. Oak, less so, if we want to stay dry.

Cedar? That's good to note. Perhaps we should recheck the cargo area.

[ The assumption may be valid. Regardless, the hunt for materials ensues. Chin Yisou uses the lantern to light the way back into the ship. In the cargo area, the two are able to find rope. There's also a damaged fabric raft. Chin Yisou places the lantern on the ground. He picks up the craft. ]

Do you think this is salvageable?

[ The demon holds out the raft towards Lazarus. It's always good to have a second opinion. ]

Perhaps...

[His agreement isn't quite eager; it's likely that he hoped the doors would just make themselves available and apparent, popping off their hinges to volunteer their services to marooned demons and detectives.

He waits, with baited breath, as Chin Yisou goes and returns with a dubious-looking life raft.]

It depends... we'd have to test it for leaks.

That sounds like a plan.

[ Chin Yisou smiles. Eager to test out the raft, he walks briskly outside. He dunks the old vessel into the water. Chin Yisou leaves the raft submerged until his hands begin to turn red from the icy sea. Once he pulls up the raft, he pauses for a moment. ]

Path I

What luck!

[ The demon cheers. He holds the vessel towards Lazarus. ]

There doesn't seem to be any deterioration that would deem this raft unseaworthy.

[ The two received a small fortune. With a stable craft, they can further their investigation. The raft is small but will fit two passengers. Though, what is needed now is...]

An oar, you found one near that body before. There may be another close by.

[ The demon tries to minimize his excitement, but is betrayed by the glint in his eyes. He follows Lazarus to the other room. Sure enough, there are two oars: one next to the dead man and the other thrown in a dark corner. ]

Now we can embark!

[ Chin Yisou smiles, all in earnest for their next set of clues.

Path II

Hmmm, seems like this raft is of no use after all.

[ The demon let's out a sigh of disappointment. It seems that making a new vessel is their only option. ]

Ready to bust down some doors?

[ Chin Yisou tries to make light of the situation. Making a new raft may take time, but at least they can find some security in their own handiwork. Then again, the demon hasn't made a boat before. ]

Edited 2022-02-07 23:22 (UTC)

That is lucky.

[So much that he sort of can't believe it. When do things ever go this well without some kind of drawback?

Maybe it's kismet for the disappointment they experienced when they opened that chest. They deserve a win, considering.

He holds onto one of the found oars.]

You're sure that it can bear weight?

[Not that they're heavy, but there are two of them, and he's still wary of why the raft is defective, if not a leak.]

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Path I