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Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] countryclub2022-07-25 10:37 pm
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July Test Drive Meme!

JULY 2022 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: Colorful paper lanterns shaped like jellyfish lit up and hovering in the air. ]
[Image Two: A person with long hair wearing a crown dedicated with shells and rocks. ]

Prompt Two
[Image One: A GIF of waves breaking roughly out in the middle of the ocean. ]
[Image Two: Strong waves crashing into a lighthouse and rocks. ]

Prompt Three
[Image One: A large Ningen (a sea creature that is half human, half monster, and has no face except for a large slit for a mouth) towering over a deep sea diver. ]
[Image Two: A person standing out on the rocks with their arms out stretched as the tentacles of a large sea monster wave in the air above the ocean. ]

STANDARD ARRIVAL
WHEN: August
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk
CONTENT WARNINGS: N/A


You're one of the lucky ones. Your journey is smooth sailing and you wind up exactly where you're supposed to: on the Farther Shores. You grow out of your squid body without a hitch, either with the help of another Sleeper or one of the Wakers, and you get to discover this new world. All new Sleepers might take some time to find their bearings. It might be tricky to remember how to use your body parts the way you're supposed to. You might stumble around the beach or forget how to talk - but don't worry! It'll come back to you sooner or later.

Hopefully, you've found something to wear, either in your Welcoming Bag or otherwise, and can start familiarizing yourself with your surroundings. Maybe you help some other squids out on the beach. Waking up sucks! You feel for the little guys. And hey, maybe you're hoping one of those squids is a good friend...Stranger things have happened.

SEASONAL DETAILS ON THE BOARDWALK

This month has an entire festival dedicated to Mariana. The people of Trench seem to be quite enamoured with her, despite her often cruel and unpredictable behaviors. The festival has gone all out with decorations. The boardwalk will be lined with lanterns in the shape of various sea creatures, such as jellyfish, dolphins, seahorses, and (of course) squids! These lanterns will be lit every night throughout the month and will burn through the night. They are bright beacons to a month that is otherwise becoming more and more gray and chilly as time passes.

The people of Trench are also decked out for the occasion. Blues and greens are the popular color choices for outfits, and many people will even decorate their hair with pieces from the ocean. Whether it's with full headpieces that are worthy enough for mermaids or just something as simple as weaving shells into a braid, everyone seems to have something on them that ties them to the sea. There are stalls set up to help newcomers (or oldies who just want to have some fun) decorate their hair as well and face paint for those who want to go the extra mile.

The festival comes with all sorts of celebrations that can be partaken in at absolutely no cost. There are food vendors, though they seem to be short on seafood this month. Likely it's due to the rough seas with waves so treacherous that not even the most skilled of sailors seems to be able to get out into them. They'll remark on how difficult is must have been to swim to shore in those awful waves. So instead of fish and shrimp, there are other sea-dedicated dishes: seaweed salad, noodle dishes made with seaweed broth, caramelized chicken in a fish and ginger sauce, etc. There are also ocean themed desserts, such as cupcakes with blue frosting shaped to look like a great wave. There are games such as dunk tanks, dart balloons, ring tosses, and other typical carnival entertainment. If you can think of it, it's probably there. At the end of the night, there's often a fireworks display over the rolling waves.

rough seas and high winds
WHEN: Last Week of July, First Week of AugustT
WHERE: Beach and Nearby Oceans
CONTENT WARNINGS: Threat of drowning, severe weather phenomena, Environmental hazards, possible death


For some reason, Mariana is particularly wrathful even as the month begins. Even leaking into the end of the month of July, the sea begins to foam and rage in ways that are almost impossible to imagine. As you stare out int the beachheads, you may see vast waves and surf that would daunt the most professional of surfers. Water crashes into each other in colossal spouts. Waterspouts can be seen as storms occasionally buffet the coastline and just out into the ocean itself. However, the one thing about this chaotic energy is that it is just that, chaotic. One moment the sea may be calm, and the next it is a roiling, seething force out to destroy everyone.

This is, naturally, dangerous for those who are just hapless squids trying to reach shore. They may find themselves inexorably being flung towards sharp rocks and shoals, threatened with being dashed upon the stone near to the coast, or they may find themselves constantly swirling in eddies and whirlpools to the point of near exhaustion. However, they are not the only ones so threatened. Even those on the coast are in near constant danger of being washed right back out to see by an unexpected wave and sudden rip-tide. There are wood planks and other detritus to grab hold of, but it is very much a battle for one's life out there!

The sea's rage, the locals say, is because Mariana is particularly incensed over something that occurred. They do not know what exactly, but many have said that sleepers have felt a particular brunt of this ire lately. For now, it is a game of survival and a constant battle to bring people in safely.

Notes:
-Any natural weather occurrence is possible in the first week of August and last of July. Seemingly impossible combinations may occur (A waterspout in the middle of the eye of a hurricane, almost anything.
-These threats will be upon anyone who is not far enough inland to enjoy the festivities. The beach is not truly safe and sleepers are hustled inland quickly.
-Death is possible, though sleepers who die in the ocean find themselves returning very quickly as squids for some reason, within 24 hours, only to be threatened again before they eventually find shore.

of monsters in the water
WHEN: Throughout August
WHERE: The coast and waterways
CONTENT WARNINGS: Monster Horror, Possibly Getting Eaten, Threat of bodily harm, Unnatural Physiology, Existential Dread


Something has been dredged up from the deep by the storms that rage. It is said that Mariana not only presides over the oceans, but also the most powerful monsters that dwell within the deep. Some of these, it is believed, may be the remains of Pthumerians whose minds and lives were lost during the hard times before, or the spawn of their mating with things other than humans. Whether these rumors are true, eldritch things have begun to emerge from the depths and darkness, things best left unseen.

Throughout the month of August, it is possible to encounter creatures that can only be described as monsters emerging from the water. With every passing storm, another emerges. Some are as large as small kaiju, while others are closer to human size, and each shares very little in common with the others, save for two particular details. The first of these is that they are all aquatic in nature and bear at least a passing similarity to sea monsters of ancient legend or particularly large and dangerous aquatic animals. Giant cuttlefish, Megalodons, Plesiosaurs, Octopi, Sea Cucumbers, Whales, or any of a number of other sea creatures appear to be their basis. The other similarity, however, is that all are hideously and grotesquely deformed. Tentacles, second rows of teeth, great clawed hands and feet enabling them to walk on dry ground, a thousand eyes all over the hump of a hunchback whale all shooting laser beams in the full moon, almost anything seems to be possible, though the changes are all chtonically horrendous in nature.

These creatures are violent, dangerous, and horrifying to behold. Just looking at them jars the mind and threatens to damage one's psyche while they try to understand what they are seeing. Bones are in seemingly impossible angles, bodies moving in ways that they shouldn't. Just looking at them can cause nausea, vertigo or mental breaks, though the danger does not stop there. They are agents of chaos, seeking to destroy mind or body, on a rampage whenever they reach ground, though they do not delve far into Trench beyond the waterways and beach, almost as if they are prevented by something. When one strays too close, an ominous light glows from the tops of the tallest spires in the city and they are inevitably repelled, but until they are killed or sent back to the deep from whence they came, they remain a threat outside of the city.

CODING
cuddlery: (pose)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-12 05:21 am (UTC)(link)
[Scorpia's relieved that the squid seems to be calming down. And starting to reform more! She smiles cheerily as the eyes appear, a sight that would be unsettling to anyone unfamiliar with the process of changing from a squid.]

There! Much better, right? You're starting to change... to be yourself again.

[With the squid untangled, Scorpia pulls back and sits nearby while she watches her.]

Now just keep it up! Keep thinking about yourself, and who you are and what you look like... and your body will catch up with you before you know it!
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (destroying my life)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-12 08:15 pm (UTC)(link)
('think about herself. who she is...' it's the one key thing she is struggling with, really. there's a voice that screams, "jinx" while the other pleads, "powder". so which is it? jinx or powder? powder or jinx? she feels she made that decision sometime ago. but what was that decision? the eyes to scorpia are sad and conflicted -- not at all sure which to lean on. but maybe... if she just continues to sit and think, it'll all come together?

but. at least there's someone here beside her and being patient-- it's comforting. the eyes shift upward to the sky; tentacles flop every so often just to have them something to do. would it be funny if she flop them in a rhythm in a dance in a party? ... party. tea. party. the squid blinks rapidly as a memory flies back slowly. blue hair, pink eyes, tattoos... slim figure. jinx shifts again -- the squid now longer except small. a 5'3 kind of squid which is probably horrifying to someone if this was their first time seeing this.)
cuddlery: (chipper)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-13 02:11 am (UTC)(link)
[Scorpia remains seated in the sand and looks over the squid as she starts to form more of her body. Definitely a good thing that she's used to this or she'd be feeling siuck right now! She starts to stand up and backs away to give her room as she grows longer.]

Good. Great! You're making progress. Keep it up! I'm here for you, and I am rooting for you! [Scorpia's a natural at positive reinforcement!]
opheliac: ヽ(✿゚▽゚)ノ (with a little girl's dream)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-13 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
(if jinx could smile, she probably would. maybe just a little. this weird lady is rooting for her and giving her praise. recognition she is always chasing after, honestly. right, so. focus. what else about her? there was a point in time -- somewhere before this "tea party" she was looking at a mirror? it was cracked beyond belief but one could still see her reflection.

can she place it? blue hair, check. braids, check. height, check. crop top.... boots pistol... pink and blue nail polish nails. and then suddenly, the change is very quick and sudden. before scorpia knows it, there lies a full human jinx and completely bare. and she hasn't noticed she is human yet, either. her eyes are closed while still trying to vision herself.)
cuddlery: (happy scorp)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-13 12:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[And there she is! That- that sure is a full person alright! Scorpia cheers.]

You did it! I think. That... that is you, right? Everything's... back alright?

[Scorpia will also take this opportunity to pull a white robe from her bag to offer to her!]
opheliac: (⊙o⊙) (I gave you the benefit)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-14 12:05 am (UTC)(link)
(wait, did she get it right? opening her eyes and sitting up, jinx peers down at herself -- lifting her arms and wiggling her legs. from what she can tell by without a mirror, this feels and looks right.)

I... I think so.

(oh the robe is offered and she will gladly take it even though nudity isn't that big of a deal to her.)

Uhm. Thanks.
Edited 2022-08-14 00:06 (UTC)
cuddlery: (salute)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-14 03:00 am (UTC)(link)
She speaks! [Scorpia says with a laugh.]

Hey, I'm glad to help. And glad you're back in one piece! I know this whole squid thing can... It can be a process! [Another small chuckle. And now she extends a pincer for her to hold onto.]

I can help you try standing! Or, unless you're not ready yet!
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (hold me close)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-14 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
(there's a hard look for a small moment at her pincer and then at her. is this lobster really suggesting she should grab onto that? well on one hand, jinx would still be a suffering squid without her aid so she should give her some trust. she will grant her that but the look doesn't fall.)

... Pinch my finger with those and I'm gonna find a way to cook 'em.

(wow, rude ass. but despite those words, jinx holds onto her pincher and very carefully pulls herself up to her feet.)
cuddlery: (oh gosh)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-14 05:11 am (UTC)(link)
Wow, that... is threatening, alright! [She remarks that very casually.]

But hey, no need to worry. No pinching to worry about here! I'm committed to that whole 'helping' thing I mentioned.

[And so she cautiously helps Jinx to stand. With no pinching!]
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (If I'm playing with your mind)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-14 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
(there will be death if there is pinching. but anyhow with her help, jinx gradually gets to her feet; wobbly legs and all. and although she is standing, she is still pretty clingy to scorpia as she doesn't feel quite comfortable with letting go yet.)

How long does it usually take for my legs to not feel like string?
cuddlery: (hmmmm)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-14 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[Scorpia remains steady as a tree trunk while she patiently lets Jinz find her footing.]

It depends, really. But it shouldn't be more than... I think a few hours max? I guess not being a squid anymore, it just takes some getting used to!
opheliac: (•_•) (This is beginning to feel good)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-15 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
Do you know why I was one in the first place? Did some kind of warlock strike me while I was asleep or somethin'?
cuddlery: (totally gets it)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-15 01:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, no. Not- there's no warlock involvement, to the best of my knowledge.

See, now... You're actually in a different world then wherever you remember? Whenever anyone shows up in this world, they start off as a squid! It's just, it's a thing here. Kinda like a rebirth sorta situation?
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (Run up on me)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-16 04:34 am (UTC)(link)
But why a squid? Couldn't we be somethin' cooler like, a shark or a huge whale?

(if she could had been rebirth as a shark, it would be one of her fantasies coming true. and jinx probably wouldn't had been curious about the shore. a life of a shark would had been a million times more exciting than wiggling around as a squid doing nothing at all. what a ripoff.)
cuddlery: (hmmmm)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-16 11:57 am (UTC)(link)
Now that's a good question! Good, good, very well asked.

[A beat.]

I wish I knew the answer! It'd be good, a great question to answer. It's just the way things work in this world? Squids do seem to be very culturally important! Me, I'm fine just being my normal Scorpioni self. But being squiddy wasn't the worst change of pace!
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (This a suicide mission)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-16 03:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Hm, well. (thinking she can finally handle standing on her own, jinx slips on the rope; tying the knot.) — Thanks for the help. I owe ya one. The name's Jinx, by the way. You ever need somethin' fix or need a bomb, look for me.
cuddlery: (pose)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-17 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
[Scorpia stands to the side, watching carefully as Jinx makes her stand!]

Happy to meet you, Jinx! I'm Scorpia. I don't exactly have much of a 'bomb' need? But I am very familiar with things breaking, so I will keep that in mind! And if you need any more help, I'm here for you!
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (to be words spit in a mic)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-17 08:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks. So, uh... what does one do after becomin' a human, again? Do I raid a house or what?
cuddlery: (confident)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-17 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Something like that? There's plenty of empty places around the city that you can just claim. Or you can find friends to move in with!

[She realized she should also mention.]

Oh! Also, there's no money thing here. It's all bartering. So if you want something, you can give something you have, or offer to do something for someone... Like how you said you'd do something for me a little while ago! That's, it's pretty much how everything works around here.
opheliac: ヽ(✿゚▽゚)ノ (Let's blow this city to ashes)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-17 11:22 pm (UTC)(link)
You're an exception. Why ask or give up a trade when I can just take it off their hands?

(stealing is way more fun then trying to be a team player or a good bean. from her experience, doing the goody-good way never lead to much.)
cuddlery: (beats me)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-18 03:21 am (UTC)(link)
Oh. That's - this is a stealing thing.

[Scorpia's eyes widen with slight concern.]

Well, I, uh, I am honored to be an exception! That's not really something I approve of, but hey, I do respect you being honest and upfront about it?
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (in Geneva)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-18 10:03 pm (UTC)(link)
You oughta try it some time then, Clamps! It's a rush that's not like anything you ever experienced.
cuddlery: (totally gets it)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-19 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
[She smiles a little at 'Clamps'. Now that's a cute nickname!]

Y'know what, I... I am just going to pass on that and take your word for it! It's just not my thing.
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (sway me more)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-08-19 05:38 am (UTC)(link)
Suit yourself. If you get stuck in a jam 'cuz you didn't want to take in on this stealin', don't come crying to me about it.
cuddlery: (understanding with tea)

[personal profile] cuddlery 2022-08-19 12:52 pm (UTC)(link)
I doubt that I will, but - noted! And on the flipside, you can feel free to come to me with any of your troubles or problems that don't involve stealing! I will still be here for you!

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matching icons a-go!!!

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