reddosmod: (Default)
Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] countryclub2022-04-27 07:28 pm
Entry tags:

APRIL 2022 TEST DRIVE MEME

APRIL 2022 TEST DRIVE MEME
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: Delicious, Gelatinous Fruit Treats]
[Image Two: Women in white dancing around a May Pole (Animated)]

Prompt Two
[Image One: A woman turning away from a mirror. ]
[Image Two: A woman trapped inside a mirror with disembodied hands grabbing at her. ]

Prompt Three
[Image One: A Forked Trail on a Wooded Path]
[Image Two: The Grim Reaper at the end of a sewer tunnel]

A MOSTLY PLEASANT ARRIVAL
WHEN: May
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk
CONTENT WARNINGS: Forced honesty, personality changes, physical changes.


Congratulations, sleeper! You're one of the lucky ones to arrive in a month that is not awful to come ashore. The transformational process is almost alarmingly quick and painless. In fact, it is so quick that it is deceptively easy to change back into a squid and do it all over again! Partial transformations are not uncommon during this month for the first twenty-four hours after arriving, and even brief transformations of minor facial features like hair color, eye color, height, weight and a few more extreme possibilities have been known to happen. Don't worry, because the transformations are all temporary and none are inherently monstrous (Unless you already are a monster, in which case good luck with that!). Greeters are present in force to help accommodate you as you make your way, your welcome backpack and items all freshly and neatly cleaned and ready for you as they put the robe on. Everything is so welcoming and inviting that it almost seems like they're having a party.

This is, in fact, because they are. The Wild Moon is about and festivities are in full swing throughout the month of Bauphomette. May poles are set up and it is possible to dance around one if you should wish. Doing so can help to ground oneself in their current form, which may help new arrivals settle in a bit better. Even ignoring that, it feels good to sing and dance, and everyone is very friendly. Even the usually grim Hunters who guard the roads and entries to the shores seem to have less stern smiles on their faces, though their eyes are ever watchful to keep the peace of the festivities.

SEASONAL DETAILS ON THE BOARDWALK

Decorations this month are decidedly floral in nature. Everyone is dressed in white, regardless of their usual preferences. Flowers adorn many of the people of Trench and the weather throughout the first week of May is pleasant. Even if it rains, it is a refreshing, light and pleasant rain, and there are many awnings and umbrellas to take shelter underneath.

And of course, there's refreshments. What festival in Trench would be without them? The foods this month have a very floral theme to them. Edible flowers have been grown and prepared especially for this time of year. They've been used to help create infused and gelatinous sweets, Floral spring rolls and edible flower cookies and the like, along with floral teas that are meant to calm the mind. Additionally, the people of Trench will note that any of the foods present can have a beneficial, albeit transformative effect on the mind and body. They promise it won't last long, but if you're really concerned there is hard tack and water available that's quite filling.

Changes from Food will last a few hours at most. There are several options available among the drinks and foods. These may be combined as the player sees fit. Drinks have mental effects, while Treats have physical ones, the Trenchies will inform:

Pomegranate Juice: Sweet and tart, anyone who drinks it or has some of the fresh pomegranate and seeds will feel compelled to speak nothing but the truth. Pomegranates are found littering makeshift shrines to Bauphomette throughout the party, and Trenchies insist they are free to take.
Petal Infused Hot Tea: Pungent and aromatic, it is relaxing. The heat gives a warmth and vibrancy that fills a person with confidence, to the point of arrogance and fearlessness, leading the emboldened to try something that they might not otherwise do, even if it's very risky!
Floral Iced Tea: While refreshing, it feels like there's something just a little lacking, and anyone who drinks some will feel that they need more but not what they need more of at first, making them clingy and affectionate towards other people, especially strangers.
Iced Water: It's not the tastiest, but has a way of washing things away. Water can cleanse and remove the effects of other drinks, though it leaves the person feeling emotionally drained if it is used this way.

Floral Spring Rolls: Trying one of these surprisingly edible treats will have the added effect of giving a person plant traits temporarily. Hair may convert into tresses of ivy or carefully manicured moss, or perhaps a mushroom cap! Skin might become bark-like or chlorophyl green. The more that one eats, the more that they change.
Gelatinous Sweets: These curiosities come with a note. “Have you ever wondered what it is like to walk in someone's shoes?” Eating one has a profound physical effect, causing a person's appearance to transform into that of another person in Trench! It may not even be someone they've met, or seen yet! It would be awkward to meet someone, not looking the way you're supposed to, or worse? Looking like them!
Edible Flower Cookies: They come with lovely notes saying “Eat Me!” What could be sweeter? Well, like something out of Alice and Wonderland, eating one can cause a person to grow or shrink by a foot. More cookies can cause the height difference to become worse and worse, though if you're only a foot tall, it's a good way to end up an inch tall! So, maybe eating more to fix the problem is risky.
Hard Tack: Like the water, it can fill the stomach and remove prematurely any physical effects, though if it does so, removing a physical change physically drains the character.

A DIM REFLECTION
WHEN: May
WHERE: Throughout Trench
CONTENT WARNINGS: Paranoia, existential dread, hallucinations, possession-related horror.


They warned you about mirrors. Every once in a while, one of the locals in Trench might have whispered it, made a sign of warding when they passed by mirrors, but nothing seemed out of place. They told you that you might see yourself in it, and you would never be the same. However, every time you've looked it's been fine. So, maybe they were being superstitious about something? It certainly wouldn't have been the first time someone had gotten paranoid about nothing in Trench, would it?

How wrong you were. Maybe it was when you were looking down at a puddle rippling in a light breeze. It might have been a formerly polished piece of bronze covered in tarnish that adorned a building. Perhaps it was that lovely bit of obsidian in the shop where you caught your reflection garbled by the shape. It happens only when a reflection is seen in a distorted surface, especially those that are naturally occurring, though occasionally damaged and weathered surfaces that were polished will work. When you were looking at the image, it seemed to look back at you and something was wrong, distorted, imperfect. By then it was too late.

The natives were right. You saw some part of yourself there in the mirror. It might be something that you've hidden from others for a long time, or it might be an exaggeration of a single part of yourself that you aren't proud about. What it is, is a distorted and incomplete part of yourself, something that you try to keep controlled and in check, and it was there, smiling at you and winking. The moment it winked, it was like you were riding in your own skin, watching and unable to act as you changed into a self that reflected that distorted, unnatural and incomplete side of yourself. What shadows do you hide from yourself?

This effect lasts for, at most, one solar cycle. From the rising of the sun to its setting, or the moon to its setting, the effect can last no longer than that. Especially strong-willed people, particularly palebloods, can end this effect sooner through force of will, though it usually lasts at minimum an hour. The character is, for the duration of this effect, changed in personality to behave in accordance with some singular aspect (of the player's choice) of their personality that they do not usually focus on in their day to day behavior. This change can be subtle, or it can be drastic and even dangerous. Its goal is to make sure that everyone sees and witnesses this change, and goes out of its way to impact others in a memorable fact, making sure that they see there is more to the character than what they are revealing. This could be relatively innocuous or extremely dangerous, depending on the person, and the whole while the dominant personality is riding inside their skin, forced to watch what is happening.

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
WHEN: May
WHERE: Dream worlds
CONTENT WARNINGS: Existential dread, disturbing visions


It happens when you are asleep one night. There is no warning for this effect, and it comes without apparent cause. One night, you go to sleep, and then suddenly you find yourself in a dreamscape, on a path. You can sense eyes on you the whole time that you are present in this field, and though they have a sense of benevolence to them, there is a deeply alien element to the experiment, almost like you are being observed by a scientist through a microscope. You are not alone on the path, either. One, or possibly more than one, other people that you may know or not know, they seem to have entered the same dreamscape. Behind you is nothing but shadow, and before you is a path. Might as well get going if you want to wake up, right? That's how these things work.

Introductions and questions aside, there's nothing but the path and dense, impenetrable woods on both sides, so eventually you and your companion start walking. As you do, shortly you see a branch in the path ahead of you. The fork has two paths, one of which shows the traffic of many feet, footprints grooved well into the worn cobblestones and mud. One of you will somehow recognize that the footprints are their own, and will notice that the other path has no footprints or very few. That is when the compulsion hits. It is inexorable and impossible to deny, the curiosity to see what is down the path that those footprints do not travel.

Travel, walk and taking that path, you will be treated to a vision. It is a moment in the dreamer's life, where they see something that happened in their life, which involved a choice. Did they go left or right? Did they say yes, or no? A choice they made, even one that seemed immaterial at the time, had some profound effect, and now you and they watch as the other choice was taken. And, within the hour, you will see the results, to your horror. Something terrible will happen to them. It could be anything, but it will be life-shattering, perspective altering and ghastly. They might even die from the experience or see a loved one die. The horror of it will still be in your hearts as you stand there for a moment, trapped in the sight of the aftermath, trying to come to terms with what you have just seen, and just at this moment, after a few parting words are said, both will wake up in a cold sweat.

The event that plays out can be from either character. Close CR is not required. Bauphomette has summoned the characters into the dream directly, and is sharing a distorted mirror of an opposite choice that could have been made. Actual “What if” canon events such as alternate timelines in Supernatural could be used for this, or the entire event can be concocted for this scene. The characters themselves are witnesses, and cannot be personally harmed in any physical way, but the horrific ending for the 'vision' version of the one whose dream this can be as awful as desired and take any form wished so long as it is unpleasant. Please be aware and mindful of each other's Content Warning Preferences in setting these scenes up.

CODING
onekindsoul: (pic#15019276)

Boardwalk

[personal profile] onekindsoul 2022-04-29 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[There was something incredibly familiar about this guy. But Ruby couldn't quite put her on finger on it. Something about his... it had to be his nose that reminded her of someone she knew.

She shrugged it off and instead decided to get huffy about the crazy words coming out of his mouth.]


I don't know who told you that but they're dead wrong. There is no such thing as too many treats. If you get a tummy ache it just means you're out of practice.

You'll be able to eat more next time.
checkmater: (Oh it hurts oh how it hurts)

[personal profile] checkmater 2022-04-30 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
Haaaaah? Are you a competitor at this or something?

[Okay, despite his apprehensiveness, that was an amusing remark to get in return. Battler would've been caught off-guard if it wasn't somewhat of a familiar one, too. He knew a fair few people with their sweet tooths...sweet teeth? Anyway, they liked sweets a lot.]

I was meaning more about I think I heard they might have weird effects on you...but I can't stop you if you're determined. Just don't say I never warned you.
onekindsoul: (All memories are dark)

[personal profile] onekindsoul 2022-05-04 03:23 am (UTC)(link)
You could say that! I'm a professional snack eater!

[She taps her chin in thought because he did have a good point there.]

Okay. You're not wrong. This place does have a habit of messing with you. But the last time I ate any of these I just got stuck in a rap battle with someone else. So they aren't always super bad.

I mean unless you don't like rap. Which is pretty reasonable if you ask me.
checkmater: (Don't come near don't come near)

[personal profile] checkmater 2022-05-07 12:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Ihihi. Wish I could get a good profession like that.

[But that second bit has him staring in thought. ....How do. Those work???? The gears turning his head are like, plainly visible on his face. dialuptone.wav

And then he shakes his head.]


I don't not like it. But I don't know it that well...

[Someone show Battler Fresh Prince of Bel-Air he'll totally get it then.]

If you're confident, though, hey, go for it. Just, ah, don't expect an opponent here...?
onekindsoul: (into the face of fear)

[personal profile] onekindsoul 2022-05-11 02:19 am (UTC)(link)
Honestly- They are pretty open to what you do here for a job.

I know a place that might hire you too. My girlfriend has been doing some work here.

[Who this guy oddly looks like for some reason. She hasn't quite put that together yet.

She gives a shrug.]


No that's fair- I don't think I could do it without the help of some magic chocolate myself.

But that's just some of the things you should be on the look out for here. It's not always awful, but it can be weird.
checkmater: (Tell you how it hurts)

[personal profile] checkmater 2022-05-11 02:51 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm open to suggestion on that front now that I'm here. [Not that he's necessarily used to having a job, but he's used to being able to do hard work. And, to be honest, he's always thought that he probably should have done more - hell, the entire Ushiromiya family should have done more, but....it always goes back to Grandfather and his nonsense. Tch.

He nods.]


Eh. I'm pretty used to weird, so that's the least of my worries. As long as it's not painful, it's fine. Probably.

[Probably.]

...Ushriomiya Battler, by the way. And you?
onekindsoul: (pic#15034863)

[personal profile] onekindsoul 2022-05-11 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Well- Everyone has to pitch in a little to get things done around here. We don't use money but trade is kind of the name of the game.

...I can't promise it wont always painless either- But- I guess you learn to manage.

[And then she stops flat in her tracks when he gives his name and just stares briefly. Ange had been getting a lot of family showing up here lately and Ruby was aware it had been more of a mixed bag. Between Jessica and the person who had killed Ange's family it had been the best and worst.

...But this- Well she was pretty sure it was a good sign but it still left her a little startled.

When she ends up regaining the ability to speak she fumbles out the words.]


I'm -Well I'm Ruby Rose.

Uh- You don't happen to know a Ushiromiya Ange, do you?
Or Jessica?

...Because if you do well- Hi. You're probably going to see a lot of me around here.

And we probably have a lot to talk about.
checkmater: (Why doesn't this pain ever go away?)

[personal profile] checkmater 2022-05-11 05:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Ahh...the barter system. Gonna have to get used to that.

[Though after hearing his name, the girl freezes. Battler arches a brow, but when she asks if he knows those people--]

Jessica is my cousin, yeah. And Ange is my little sister.

[And now he definitely looks skeptical.]

...From the sounds of it, yeah, we very well might, Ruby. Go on.

[That feels like a certain weight being dropped on top of this conversation...]
onekindsoul: (pic#15218821)

[personal profile] onekindsoul 2022-05-11 05:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ruby sets the rest of their conversation to the side for now. Instead focusing on just how she was going to break all of this to Battler. There was a certain amount she was sure Jessica and Ange would like to tell him on their own and she could respect that.]

Well... They're both here. Jessica only for a few months but Ange has been here for about three years now.

Both me and Ange got here around the same time and well... We've been friends ever since.

She's told me a little about you here and there.

I think she's missed you a whole lot. Both here and back where you came from.
checkmater: (The pain is stuck in my chest...)

[personal profile] checkmater 2022-05-11 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
I see. Thank you for keeping Ange company. She...doesn't like to admit it, obviously, but I know she gets lonely easily. She's just that way by nature - don't tell her I said that.

[But he nods.]

....I'm sorry I wasn't here. It's not something I could've helped, but I'm sorry all the same. I'm glad people were here when I couldn't be. For both of them, assumingly.
onekindsoul: (But through a simple soul)

[personal profile] onekindsoul 2022-05-20 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
It's the very least I could do.

[And she feels a smile curl up on her lips as he says that and she can't help but giggle a little.]

Oh yeah. It took her a long to really open up about that, but boy howdy do I know now. She'd probably get all flustered and yell at us if she heard us talking about that her like this- so your secret is safe with me.

[Until it's super convenient for her to tease Ange about it. Then it might slip. She gets a little more serious from here.]

It's okay, but don't beat yourself up about it. This place has a weird way of bringing people in or taking them away when you least expect it. When Jessica showed up we opened our doors for her as best we could. We'll do the same for you too.
checkmater: (into something more a pleasure)

[personal profile] checkmater 2022-05-25 09:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Well, something he can immediately pick up is that Ruby does at least seem to wholeheartedly care about Ange. In a similar way to him. That's something he can trust in, though it also makes him wholeheartedly confident in the fact that - in a rare Battler selfaware moment - they're both the type to get themselves into trouble and need to get fished out of it if they can't solve it themselves. Well. Maybe it's like that old saying 'two wrongs make a right'? ...Is it proper to call yourself and your sister's fiance wrongs (affectionate)? Who knows.]

Ihihihi. I'm glad you're aware enough to know when to keep stuff to ourselves...unless, you know. It's the time to poke fun.

[He smiles, even if this is serious.]

Thank you. I really do appreciate that. And am very lucky for it, because I am so not the sort to live off the land. Having an established little sister and her fiance is easier! ...Not that I won't help support things too. I'll just need time. But I guess that's what everyone needs around here.

If this place is willing to give it to us.

[IT isn't always, he'd reckon.]