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Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] countryclub2022-08-25 10:45 pm
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August Test Drive Meme!

AUGUST 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: Hands making a fish net]
[Image Two: A Skyrim Mudcrab staring menacingly]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Dingy, empty and creepy old backroom]
[Image Two: Cryptic, Creepy words scribbled on yellow wallpaper]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Skull on top of book]
[Image Two: Book with pages shaped like a whirlpool]

STANDARD ARRIVAL
WHEN: First Week of September
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk
CONTENT WARNINGS: Monstrous Crabs, Environmental Threat


Normally, the people of Trench would say that September is a fortunate time for sleepers to arrive at it's shores. However, the aftermath of the violent and inconsistent storms in the last month continue to batter the city. The waters are choppy, though they are beginning to calm. The swim is difficult and unsafe, waves threatening to crash unwitting squids into the rocks. It is unlikely to be fatal, but many arrive battered and bruised, gasping as they awaken from their squid form.

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

With theme music!
The weather is awful, and so the mood of the beach is a bit more subdued than on other occasions. Food is hearty and dry, easily packaged in oilcloth, and containing mostly hard tack, mushrooms and dried, cured fish. Bottles of water are included with the food, enough to ensure that the sleepers are well fed, and enough packets are offered for a few days in case they need them, but they are certainly not the most flavorful or exotic, reflecting much more the day to day food of Trench.

The people leading the waking are gathered and huddled around makeshift structures and lean-tos to deal with the awful weather along the coast during this period. Sleepers are brought here, to fires to warm. Among those who are present are the fishermen and women who work at the docks. They, along with several of the Architects from in town, have set up booths. Though they do not demand it of anyone, they politely hint that in the season of change, it is good to learn new trades and to find a place in this strange world the sleepers have been brought to. As part of this, they are willing to offer a chance for the sleepers to help craft fishing nets and other gear for those who will brave the waters to bring back food in the season.

The task is arduous and taxing, but it is not without reward. To those who choose to participate, one of the fishermen will approach them and wordlessly drop a waterlogged box into their lap. It looks dilapidated and in poor condition, but they will say nothing more, staring off into the sea from which it was dredged. When the sleeper opens it, they will find that there is one additional item within the box, which might have been included in their welcome bag normally. If pressed, the fisherman will only say that they found it dredged up along the shores in the midst of their work.

For those who brave the coasts or the waters, there is an increased threat of monstrous presence, though nothing compared to the prior month. Poisonous crabs lurk along the edges of the waterways. Much larger versions of small crabs known to live in caves along the shore, these beastly adult versions stand about three feet tall, and have particularly strong pincers which secrete a hallucinogenic venom. Victims of it are prone to paranoid delusions of danger around every corner, and known for mistaking those around them as threats. The crabs are themselves carnivorous to boot, so they are certainly a threat on their own, though they are very much killable, and supposedly very good eating. Bring in some crab meat, and it should be good to trade for additional food and supplies this month, if you dare! As with their lesser cousins, the venom of these crabs is particularly dangerous to the psychically sensitive, Palebloods and Darkbloods.

LOST BETWEEN STEPS
WHEN: August 31st-September 29, January 2, February 4, March 6, April 8, June 10, July 12, October 20, November 1, December 24
WHERE: Somewhere, you're not certain where
CONTENT WARNINGS: Labyrinth, Liminal Horror, Severe Disorientation, Autophobia, Monster Horror, Fear of Falling


You just took one step back. That's all. A step backwards while you weren't paying attention, and the sensation of falling assailed you. With a grunt, you found yourelf landing hard, but not hard enough to actually break or turn anything. Around you is a carpeted space. There are old, stained wallpaper walls on every side, set up in variable sized cubicle spaces that look like they should be occupied by an office of some sort. Everything smells like mold, stale and sharp. The carpet is a little bit moist and the wallpapers all seem to be hiding hints of mildew. It feels familiar, but even if you have been in this "place" before it is not quite the same. The wallpaper shades are not exactly right. It always feels like you should know it, but you cannot quite place it.

You are not alone in this place. Another seems to have fallen in this place, thank god because the muffled sounds of these halls are already getting oppressive. The electric hum of fluorescent are buzzing in your ears like a plague of locusts and you can practically feel the migraine coming from the unremitting light, but you dare not take shelter to let your eyes rest in the gaps in the lighting. It feels like there is something there. You should probably be leaving, though that's where the problem really begins. No method seems to clearly work. There are no identifiable features to pick out. After several turns, you might find yourself facing impossibly thin hallways or a dead end. Attempts to keep track of your passage with writing, torn wallpaper and balls of twine fail, as it becomes increasingly and inconsistently disorientating, inevitably causing the lead to be lost, or worse? It might seem to be going the wrong direction. Did someone move it? Magic compasses, even those given by the Pthumerians do not work in this "place" This should not be possible, but it is true.

An hour in, because it always takes longer than that, or does it? Time can be hard to keep track of and omnis don't tell time properly here. Whatever, an hour in, and the need to get out of this place will be getting to those trapped within. They do not belong here, and must escape. The harder you run, the more that the dank odor gets under the skin, worsening even if you should not be able to smell it. Occasional items can be found, but all are useless. If you are fortunate, perhaps you will eventually find a hole in the floor. But, looking down it, you cannot see the bottom. Do you dare leap down, not knowing the end? If you do, the passage seems to go far too long to be healthy. The rush of air and the feel of fraying wallpaper comes until you find yourself deposited on the ground of Trench, in front of the statue of the Tower, or in front of the gates of Gaze.

The less fortunate may finally find writing on the walls. Someone else has been in this place. But, as the cryptic words proclaim the need to S̵̨̡̟̗̰̝͚̲̦̗͔̥̞̈͂̆̿̐́̅̓͐͝T̸̠̥̰̭͎͙̮̬͋̀͛̓̽̚Ā̷̧̮̣̪̤̠̫̤͔̩̥̾̊̍̊̀̇͋̍̚͜͝͝Y̶͓̟̍̆̍ ̴̭̲̀͘͝S̵̨͖̩̻̰͇͎̠̻͚͓̱͇̭͖͒̋͆̀͐͋̾̆͝͝T̴̮̹̫̞̘̈́̏̐̒̋̎͛̂̽̅Ĩ̵͙̖̟̥̤̲̆̈́́͘ͅͅL̵͖̣̫̙̹̊͜L̷̫̠̒̽͌͘͠. A ghastly sound erupts from behind you, complete with unnatural, horrid breathing. Steps come towards you unnaturally fast. If you move, look to turn, there is a vision of something black moving into your field of vision, just before a bone-crushing force claims life and in the next moment you wake, screaming at the feet of the gates to Gaze, or the Tower's statue. Remain absolutely still, and the puff of a breath, the smell of cow hair and breath grazes over the shoulder before eventually storming away behind, until the sound is gone, and the unlucky are left to continue searching until they find a hole leading out.


NOTES:
1. Any step backwards can cause someone to end up between places, participating in this event. Exiting requires either falling through one of the holes in the floor or being killed by the unnamed creatures residing between spaces.
2. If a character dies in this event, they do not undergo normal death effects. They awaken in one of the locations indicated, gasping for breath. While harrowing, and possibly a source of nightmares for the next few days, not to mention chills for an hour or two, there is no further apparent harm.
3. It is possible to encounter this prompt throughout the year. At one random, unpredictable day each month (listed above), the space between spaces is accessible. A person could theoretically fall in on that day, following the rules as above.
4. Mapping the space between spaces is difficult, but not impossible. Perhaps there are other locations within the labyrinthian mass, but for now at least they are not findable.
5. If the natives are asked about this place, they will make a warding sign and refuse to speak of them. At most, they will say something about the "veins of the tower."

ABSOLUTE IMMERSION
WHEN: Last Week of August through all of September
WHERE: Gaze, and somewhere else
CONTENT WARNINGS: Possible Life-threatening experiences, Distorted Realities, Fourth Walling, Content Depending upon the Canon Referenced


As the month of September approaches, and Mariana shows signs of having cooled in her wrath, the people of Trench begin to relax once again. Hoping to keep level heads and to promote learning, the Arcane Scholars of Gaze have opened the private stores of more rare texts from the Archaic Archives. Trundling carts of books are being brought out by roped and masked individuals who kindly offer one to anyone who wishes to partake. They limit each guest to three, though they seem happy to trade a book for a book, so it's always possible to get more. They ask only that the books be returned by the end of the month for cleaning and maintenance. Whispers among the Disciples still with ruffled feathers at Mariana's wrath are that this is Never Mind's way of reasserting himself after strange magical books have been found around town. No Arcane Scholar will acknowledge such gossip, however.

The books seem harmless enough. What is wrong with a little light reading? The fiction within is quite enthralling, though after a page or two, a creepy familiarity to the book's contents comes to whoever reads. There is a sense of deja vu, and only when it is too late do they realize that it feels like they are reading the memories and recollections of someone else, perhaps someone that they know! In that moment, they will feel an inexorable pull as the book seems to literally suck them into it, along with anyone unlucky enough to be next to them!

Those who read these magical books will find themselves trapped in an event within another canon reality. The intent, of course, is to broaden their horizons and experiences, to teach moral lessons through new memories, but as always Never Mind seems not to understand the possible perils. The scenario that they find themselves in, which may be of any canon, is always one of immediate and very real peril, a time in which the character's life is put into immediate and very real peril. They have to prevail or flee successfully to escape the chapter and end the book, though for their troubles it is quite possible that they might bring something back with them. Hopefully it's nothing dangerous!

NOTES:
1. Any Canon may be used, including canons not present in the game. Players are encouraged to use their imaginations, though it is worth being aware that the entirety of the Cthuluh Mythos may be found among these collections, should one wish to utilize these books.
2. There is an actual physical threat that is present in whatever scene is viewed. If it is necessary, a threat is fabricated from the fringes of the memory, even if this changes the canonical scene. It is a real threat and can cause death or harm. However, these threats are killable through all normal fashions, and can be escaped by clever captives. Once escaped or defeated, the sleeper is deposited out of the book.
3. The books are absolutely indestructible, and even if the sleeper does not return them, ravens will break into their home (ruining a window and making a mess) to retrieve all books by the end of September. Multiple books can be enjoyed throughout the month.
4. Items retrieved may be anything from any canon which does not count as a significant power acquisition. Weapons can be brought, though they will be mundane once they emerge in Trench. Players are limited to retrieving one item from another canon per character during the month.

CODING
freckled_doll: (Freckles: Laugh)

[personal profile] freckled_doll 2022-08-28 07:46 pm (UTC)(link)
A single blue eye went from the wolf to the other that was kneeling in front of her, the other eye hidden the brown bangs that were swept down and forward to hide half her face. Ah so she wasn't lost or just roaming, she was with someone, it didn't keep Doll from giving the wolf attention.

"Their name's Kage, where d'ya come up with a name like that?"

Watching the metal canister appear, she seemed cautious at first. Not really sure what might have been inside, and drew back just a little at the steam. The smell was nice, a lot nicer than most things that she'd been offered that day.

Moving her hands from Kage to the cup she took it and breathed in the scent. It was nice, and it reminded her of the circus and fragrances of flowers and incense that would be in her tent.

"Is it a broth of some sort?"

Blowing light she tilted it a little getting a small taste with a pause, and then just pouring the whole thing as quickly as she could after seeing that it was actually pretty good.

stoicsilhouette: (47)

[personal profile] stoicsilhouette 2022-08-28 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's a tee-a-- "the boy's words trail off as the girl quickly downs the canister. His eyebrows raise and fall a bit surprised by her vigor. Judging by this, he takes it that she must have either: really enjoyed it, or very much needed something to drink. Dehydration is bad. Drink more, it's good for you! Either way he's glad to see her take to it so well. "It's homemade tea. The recipe is from my homeland."

Speaking of origins, the boy remembers her question about the wolf's name. "Kage means shadow in my native language. She tends to watch out for people and stick by them." God knows how many times she's done that for him.

Extending his arm slowly, careful not to make any abrupt movements he reaches to retrieve the empty container. "How long have you been here?"
freckled_doll: (Freckles: Huh)

[personal profile] freckled_doll 2022-08-28 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
It had been a combination of of all of the above. Water was easy enough to find, and scraps of food were easy to pick off throughout the boardwalk. But something warm and proper to eat, a drink that didn't have a slight after taste of something more from before ice melted. She listened as he explained the name, handing the container back with a smile and a nod.

"Thanks, and that's a name tha makes sense shadow. Big brother Joker named me doll, but all my friends call me Freckles. So you can too."

Resting in her lap now she was content with one cup, taking a moment to look up and think.

"It's been three days since I washed up."
stoicsilhouette: (90)

[personal profile] stoicsilhouette 2022-08-29 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
Doll. What an interesting nickname. As he leans forward to take the cup he gets a closer look at the tiny freckles scattered along her exposed cheek and nose.

"Hmm I see. " Bowing his head ever so slightly forward out of habit, as he introduces himself. "Well I'm Fushiguro Megumi. You can call me Fushiguro. "

Having run into quite a few people who confuse the order of his name, he finds it easier to just be direct with what he wants to be called.

It's been almost a year and he recalls just how difficult and lonely his first week here was.

Turning towards the rolling dark waves of the ocean, he notices the large bulbous crabs scuttling and plaguing the black sand beaches. It's a reminder, a reality check of sorts.

"The ocean and boardwalk can be really dangerous, especially this time of the month. But, you see that tree way out there over by the rocks? Megumi's finger is pointing directly at a large black trunked tree with green leaves standing proudly, as the branches sway in the salty wind. Its size still remarkable even at a distance.

"That is sort of like a safe haven here. It's actually the tree that tea you just had was made from. Anything living that goes by it will find a warming sense of comfort and peace."
freckled_doll: (Freckles: Conern)

[personal profile] freckled_doll 2022-08-29 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
If he looked closely enough there was hints of darker skin, for less fair and freckled hidden under the hair covering her face. Just the edges being visible for the care she takes to try and keep it hidden.

"I haven't made it much further yet. Yesterday there were a few men who needed help with a net, had to climb the rocks and avoid the crabs to fetch it. Other than those angry things it hasn't seem ta be dangerous."

She did follow the direction he was pointing towards the tree. Looking at it, from there it didn't look anything special.

"So yer saying I just hafta make it to tha tree and I can more of the tea you made. And I'll feel all warm and safe? Even though it's all the way out there on its own?"
stoicsilhouette: (114)

[personal profile] stoicsilhouette 2022-08-29 06:43 pm (UTC)(link)
A small sigh escapes Megumi's lips. He shoots her a look before returning to gaze at the tree.

"Just know that losing blood here is probably different than in your homeland. Here spilling blood can lead to corruption and beasthood."

His tone serious and a bit somber. He pauses collecting his thoughts as he continues to look out at the epic tree.

"Yes, you will feel warm and safe in the proximity of that tree. The flowers I used to make the tea only bloom in the spring, but it heals all year round."

As the boy speaks, Kage's head tilts, muzzle facing downward, her large golden eyes fixed on Freckles' ragged clothing.

Not surprised the young girl hasn't ventured too far from the shore, Megumi offers her a proposition.

"I'm heading into town after this, you can come if you want? There's plenty of shops and better food."

At this, Kage perks up and looks at Freckles inquisitively. Her tail wagging back and forth excitedly waiting for her answer.
freckled_doll: (Freckles: Huh)

[personal profile] freckled_doll 2022-08-30 12:20 am (UTC)(link)
"Really you wouldn't mind me comin? I ain't got anything to give for it. Unless you'd like to see my act. 'Fraid it won't be quite the same since I won't 'ave a fancy pretty costume, but I'm the best at it. Or I can do any other chores you need, I can peel potatoes, clean, anything ya need."

Doll really did seem more concerned about being a burden and not being of use than anything else. The thought of not sleeping behind one of the boardwalk stalls, or under the planks trying to find shelter was a bit more welcoming.

"I won't be any trouble. And I'll even help look after Shadow."
stoicsilhouette: (15)

[personal profile] stoicsilhouette 2022-08-30 06:35 pm (UTC)(link)
The wolf excitedly circles about. "Kage , emphasizing her name, doesn't seem to have any complaints. So we'll figure it out."

He doesn't stay long on the topic. When it comes to contributing, Megumi isn't particularly picky and he's been extremely self reliant from a very young age.

"How good are you at picking vegetables?"

There's a small garden he's been working on, preparing for the winter that's to come. No stranger to the unbearable ground at that time of the year, he's made it a top priority to get it done in time for the harvest season.

Placing the container back into his shadow, the young man begins to take a few steps in the direction of town.

Turning to Freckles, he wonders what her "act" could be. She spoke confidently of her abilities and said something about a fancy costume, but her way of speaking doesn't come across as a stage actress. So maybe some other type of artist. But then again, a good actor could be pretend to be anyone, right?

"So you're some kind of preformer? What's your act all about?"
freckled_doll: (Freckles: Laugh)

[personal profile] freckled_doll 2022-08-31 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
"Kage. An yers was Fushiguro. Never met anyone with a name like that either."

Repeating the name, it was strange the way that it sounded and way that it felt saying it, but there were stranger names that she called people. Following she stuck close to Kage, just a step or two behind Megumi.

"Never had to pick 'em, anywhoo I know what ta do once they're picked. Had kitchen duty plenty a times an' had ta help with preparations. Shucking, chopin, snapping. But I reckon if once I know what ta look for it'll be simple."

Besides picking vegetables meant food, and usually warm for that was properly prepared.

"I was in a circus. Did what big brother called Aerial Ballet. Basically, I'm on a tightrope and do a bunch of stuff where I'd keep my balance. Up there above everyone. For really tough crowds they'll even drop the net. Usually only when the Baron was there though."

And with that she effortlessly climbs onto the rail of the boardwalk and begins walking along it with ease, occasionally doing a little spin or cartwheel.