reddosmod: (Default)
Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] countryclub2022-09-25 09:57 pm
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SEPTEMBER TEST DRIVE MEME!

SEPTEMBER 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: Bread Cornucopia filled with fruits and veggies]
[Image Two: Creepy glass eye embedded in sand]

Prompt Two
[Image One: A Lone Lighthouse by night]
[Image Two: Ghost Ship in dilapidated condition]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Wasps, Wasp Nest made from human Mask screaming terror, swirling eddies in wasp Nest]
[Image Two: Horribly mutilated Cenobite in Latex gear with exposed teeth]

STANDARD ARRIVAL
WHEN: First Week of September
WHERE: The Farther Shores/The Boardwalk, Koz's Orphanage
CONTENT WARNINGS: Creepy Prosthetics buried in the sand


On some level, you are one of the fortunate ones. The storms of August are now a distant memory. It is the waning of the Blood Moon and the tempestuous state of the Beast Moon this year is fading finally while the harvest is being collected. Sleepers arriving find no particular difficulty in actually reaching the shores for the most part, and transformations back into their natural state of being are relatively easy. They are met by happy Trenchies and fellow Sleepers with robes of white and their bags as normal, and motioned towards the waiting tents set up along the

What is strange, however, is that when Sleepers arrive, they may find their eyes drawn to something disturbing amongst the sand. Water washes with the waves and tide, and reveals a body part! They are always prosthetics of some variety, and many are glass eyes that eerily stare at the person. They can be retrieved with some ease, though they're in bad need of cleaning. Perhaps they belong to someone in town? If not, however, asking around will get a suggestion to bring those to Koz's Orphange in Crenshaw. They have a Lost and Found there, and it is the season of finding what and who is lost. If they do, they might catch a glimpse of Koz floating mournfully through the area, and one of the children will gratefully take the item, saying that they will add it to the rest of the Lost and Found, before coming back with a photo in hand. "Here, I found this, and I think it might be yours?" The photo is, indeed, of the giver and someone from their past. Perhaps it is an actual photo taken, or one they cannot remember having been taken. Regardless, it is offered to them in a cheap wooden frame. How it got there, the orphan does not know. It was probably there when they arrived.

SEASONAL DETAILS ON THE BOARDWALK

The Boardwalk is quite the spectacle this time of year, and those who were here the prior year will remember many of the decorations and festivities. Pumpkins have been stacked on spikes lining the Boardwalk with grotesquely realistic carvings of faces decorated on them. Massive white linen has been hung in the air to look like ghosts floating back and forth against the ocean wind.

Delicious smells waft from the Boardwalk as fresh donuts, candied apples, and hot apple cider are sold at every other booth, along with complementary cornucopias given to each new Sleeper made out of bread that has fruits of all varieties but always seems to have a small jar of the favorite fruit, seed, vegetable (or even meat) of the person receiving it. If asked where it is from, the Sleepers shrug and say "The Orphans took up a collection to give a welcoming gift to new arrivals." If what is in the jar is eaten by the person given it, it will help to ease their mind and give them a calm that can last up to a week as they acclimate.

Preparations are in order for this year's Black Parade. An annual celebration, it is promoted among the excited locals as something that people can participate in. Face Painting booths and costumes are available to those who wish them, with the statement by the Trenchies, "We do it to disguise ourselves from roaming spirits and hungry beasts."
A FADED MEMORY
WHEN: Mid October
WHERE: In Swimming distance (Barely) of the Farther Shores
CONTENT WARNINGS: Ghostly Ship & Lighthouse, Threat of Corruption, Remains of Ghastly Murder and Dismembered Corpse


It is by accident that your eyes chance to look towards the Farther Shores. There, you happen to see a lighthouse, but you know for certain that it cannot be the lighthouse that is normally there and manned by the fishermen. You can't usually see that from this angle. The moment that you see it, a feeling of mounting dread falls upon you, and you realize that there is no light in the lighthouse. Though the compulsion to investigate can be resisted, there is an almost overwhelming urge to go, to investigate, to re-ignite the flame before it is too late!

The question is getting out there. The fishermen, when the lighthouse is mentioned, will make warding gestures and look terrified. All will resolutely refuse to sail out, muttering incomprehensible curses and lashing their boats securely to the shore. There will be no fishing tonight. The lighthouse, from the docks and shores, is out in the water on a rocky outcrop that nobody remembers being there, though any Trenchy asked will pale at the mention. The only way to get out there is to swim. It is a hard, dangerous swim, but the tide is coming in, rather than going out, so the riptide is not pulling down. It can be done, or a raft can be hastily made. When clambering up the stone steps to the lone lighthouse, it is apparent its door is ajar. And within? Horror awaits.

The insides of the tower are caked in viscuous, green blood. The Lighthouse itself is barely standing. It looks as if a thunderous, colossal fist has battered it repeatedly, the building nearly collapsing at every step. It does not actually break apart, but those who ascend the steps find themselves fighting not to slip on old, caked and thick blood that smells of roses. The contact with the blood isn't doing anything good to the person's sanity and hallucinations of the screams of the dying can be heard, along with shrieks of "What is it?" at the top of someone's voice. An increase in corruption is possible here, though not required. The more one contacts the blood, the greater the risk is. In the top of the lighthouse, dismembered, skeletal remains lay in gobs of what may once have been flesh. One of them holds desperately a torch in their hand, and there is a lighter present. One look out into the night will see a great vessel approaching, broken, its sails tattered and ruined. there is little time, and hopefully the lighter works!

The moment the torch lights the lamp in the lighthouse, the ship veers away from a collision course that would have destroyed the lighthouse and likely the flimsy rock outcropping on which it stood. Shades of dead sailors stare in horror at those who man the lighthouse today, the ship sailing away into the night. All are pointing beyond, and if you look over your shoulder, you can barely see a collosal figure in shadow walking into the town beyond, seemingly confused and wailing. Nothing further happens, and when the people in the lighthouse reach shore again, they will find upon turning back that it is gone, as is the outcropping, though a close inspection does see the remains of a shallow of stone there where the island once stood.

Note: The Ghost ship cannot be interacted with. If someone has the ability to reach it, they will pass through it only to realize it is nothing more than a memory in the land. Fragments of rotted wood and broken masonry can be found in the water below, covered in countless barnacles. Nothing within them shows any proof of what once transpired. There is a risk of corruption from blood exposure, though this is very much up to the players if they wish to incorporate it.

No Trenchy will willingly speak of what transpired, though a careful investigation at the Pale Sanctuary may find a tome among the sacred texts associated with Cloverfield. Reading from it, one might find a forgotten marking that the first sighting of Cloverfield, long ago, saw the collapse of the original lighthouse. No Disciple recalls the incident, and none will speak of it.

FRIEND OR FOE
WHEN: Anytime in October
WHERE: At the frindges of the main districts
CONTENT WARNINGS: demonic bugs, Bug Horror, Grotesque death, Self mutilation, Bug Infestation


The first thing that alerts you to the danger is the screams. They are agonizing, gut-wrenching and full of naked horror. When traveling near the edge of any of the districts, particularly the Crenshaw district, it is possible at times to witness a truly horrifying sight. The screams, if investigated, come upon the grisly attack of a horde of not exactly wasps but closer to demonic insects swarming over a person. They shriek, their whole form shrouded by the terrible creatures as they're being stun and the things seem to be extruding some sort of substance to cocoon them while still alive to one of the trees. There is no cry for help, as the person is clearly unaware of who is there, but do you reach out to save them?

If you do not, the scene is horrific and grisly beyond reckoning. The wasps trap the hapless victim against a tree, grafting the extruded paper all over their screaming visage to form a new wasp nest before they ultimately begin crawling inside of them, devouring them from the inside out and implanting their eggs in the new 'home' created for them. It is at this time that the palpable danger may dawn upon you. The infernal bugs have not yet seen you, but they seem to be aware that there is other life around. Do you take this moment to try and beat a hasty retreat, or do you fight it out with the bugs? They can be destroyed, but only by means of abilities and powers that destroy multiples at once, such as great gouts of flame. Hopefully you have a coldblood present! Fleeing them is easier, but can you leave this person to their fate? Still, if instead you observe and take no action, eventually the bugs seem to notice you, and though they swarm near, as long as they are not attacked, they seem to do nothing.

Strange.

If, however, you try to save the victim, a very different scene plays out. The same rules apply to fight the swarm, and if you stop them short of killing their victim, you will see just who it is that you have saved. There, mutilated through self scarification and brutally altered in horrible ways that seem almost fetishistic, is one of the blood crazed zealots. Despite being weakened and badly injured, they lash out at you, their defender. The power that they wield with their blood is incredible, and they demonstrate an ability to wield it that is well documented. The only note is that no Cold-blooded Zealots are present, and so their powers are not represented this time. However, they are drained and though they pose a threat to your life, they can be killed here with a bit of care, can be resisted with great difficulty and certainly be escaped. Either way, there is no true reward for having killed them other than knowing that you have done so. Why are they here? Alone?

It is almost as if they were an advance scout, and the wasps were someone's defense against them, someone's early warning.

CODING
individualist: (pic#16011668)

tinker tailor

[personal profile] individualist 2022-10-13 07:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[The man who had approached does not flinch at the outburst; his composure is unbroken as if to match his immaculate and well dressed figure, the only dissonance in his appearance his mismatched eyes. The way he stays silent even comes across as if he were simply being polite, as if he were exactly aware of when Venus was to finish speaking, replying calmly in turn.]

No apologies necessary. [With a voice as smooth as butter it's david bowie] You'll have to forgive me for startling you, actually. I enjoy people watching, you see, and I was quite taken with your work.
wingstosee: (covering)

[personal profile] wingstosee 2022-10-13 07:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh?! [ and then, after a moment, when it's clear that he's not in trouble: ] Oh! That's... I'm probably not very interesting to watch, but I'm glad I was entertaining you, at least?

[ his eyes glance back down to the arm, and after a moment's hesitation he continues his work - his gaze darting up and down, just enough focus on the man to be polite and just enough focus on the arm to guarantee he's not misplacing anything. ]

Do you... like taking things apart? [ it's a polite question, if a novicely worded one. the boy isn't very used to keeping a conversation going, evidently. ]
individualist: (Default)

[personal profile] individualist 2022-10-13 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah, now that's a question to ask...he can't help but chuckle as if Venus just said something funny, but funny is the operative word here. It doesn't come across as mocking, as if he said something stupid.]

Piece by piece, at times.

[The oppressive hegemony of heaven that is!!!!!!!!!]

Though we are quite different in our respective fields of interest when it comes to that, it would seem. For you, it seems it's something closer to engineering perhaps?
wingstosee: (idlethoughts)

[personal profile] wingstosee 2022-10-13 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[ GIRL SAME. except venus is a little babe, still within a shell, and so he just nods and unslots another gear. ]

I guess? Though it's not really that I like it? It's just all I'm any good at. [ he cleans the gear quietly, not minding the gunk that ends up on his robe as a result. ] And... Hm. It might sound weird, or a little dumb? But someone might end up using this arm. And if they do, they should have an arm that works right. Feels right. You know?

[ it'd be a terrible feeling, to have a body that didn't fit. terrible in a way that makes him sad to even consider, even if he can't quite word why. ]
Edited 2022-10-13 20:05 (UTC)
individualist: (3)

[personal profile] individualist 2022-10-13 08:10 pm (UTC)(link)
So what you really like is helping people?

[Just curiosity in his voice, nothing else. He asks as if Venus is the most interesting person for miles.]
manyone: (055 »)

[personal profile] manyone 2022-10-13 08:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Beatrice leans forward a little to get a better look at Venus' cheek. The spark in his eye, the shining light that comes with being called pretty--it's impossible not to notice it, especially if she's investigating the cut on his cheek. ]

Mmm. A little. It's not serious, though.

[ The boy is restraining himself, holding something back. Whatever it is, Beatrice finds herself drawn in and intrigued, curious. ]

You'll survive. You might want a bandage, though.
wingstosee: (understanding)

[personal profile] wingstosee 2022-10-13 08:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah. [ he says, and then, ] Maybe? [ and then, a bit hesitant, ] No, I don't really think that's it. It's more like...

[ it's weird. he shouldn't be talking about this. he knows he shouldn't be talking about this. it's the kind of thing that got in trouble in the first place - being a weird kid, thinking too much and saying the kind of stuff nobody actually wants to hear. when someone asks you a question, it's so much easier to just let them think they were right. that's what you're supposed to do. that's what a good kid does.

but he's not good. not really in any respect. so he says, after a few moments of silence:
]

I don't really care whether it ends up helping someone. [ a beat. ] I mean, it'd be nice if it did? I think I'd like that. But it's not really important. What's important is that it's all messed up in the first place. That's the part I really hate.

[ "hate." a strong word for such a quiet boy. but he's not done yet. ]

It's so easy to make things better. So why does nobody bother? Everyone just watches, and shrugs, and says "oh well, I guess there was nothing we could have done." Except there was something they could have done, there always was, and if they weren't so content to just watch and say "they probably deserved it" then maybe-

[ his fingers fumble; the gear drops. for a moment, there's a spark of light in his eyes, an angry flash of passion and vitriol and please see me that burns as bright as the morning star itself.

and then it's hidden away, and he reaches down to pick up the gear and carefully wipe it again.
]

...sorry. I'm rambling, huh.
Edited 2022-10-13 20:41 (UTC)
syncopathic: (and your love of danger)

b | cw for this whole ass thread: Dito being Dito (aka fetishization of violence and gore)

[personal profile] syncopathic 2022-10-13 08:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[Unfortunately the Scouts-- whoever they might be-- are not here to aid Venus in his hour of need. Luckily for him, he gets Dito. And Dito is having the time of his fucking life. The disciple's blood pounds a triumphant and savage battle hymn in his ears, a perfect tempo to accompany the horrifying screams and the intoxicating odor of spilled blood.]

HERE COMES PERFORATED DEATH, YOU FUCKING WALKING CORPSE!

[Dodging a few insects as they attempt to dive-bomb him from above, Dito charges straight for the zealot with almost preternatural speed, knocking its weapon off its trajectory with a large and wicked looking spear. Wisps of inky-black smoke stream off of his shoulders as he moves, like some sort of shadowy cape.

He takes a second to flash a wild and bestial grin at Venus, his eyes bright with mirth.]


Hope you don't mind if I cut in. I can never resist a good dance! Ahahahahaha!
individualist: (Default)

[personal profile] individualist 2022-10-13 09:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[Venus apologizes, yet the whole time Lucifer simply listens patiently. His demeanour doesn't seem to indicate he's only being polite this time either; there's a genuine interest on his part, his eyes seeming to ask for the youth to continue, though if he's disappointed when the "rambling" is suddenly cut short it doesn't show. With his same smile, Lucifer simply moves his hand from his chin to his chest with a gesture, shaking his head.]

But I enjoyed hearing you talk.

[Humans are His most fascinating creations. Lucifer will never tire of them.]

It's not about helping people. [He lowers his hand then, gesturing to the arm.] It's about stagnation. Complacency. The willingness to accept "how things are" because "that's how they've always been". Because people fear change.

But you don't. Because you want change, don't you?
Edited 2022-10-13 21:26 (UTC)
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (to the edge now)

[personal profile] opheliac 2022-10-13 10:27 pm (UTC)(link)
But that's the thing, Little Man. I'm not like you. (and when she pulls her gaze to her hands, her fingers every so often ice over but a simple curl of them cracks the icicles apart.)

We can't change our destiny. I realized that after I... (a beat.) I killed Silco. I'm a walkin' curse and "Jinx" is who I'm meant to be. That was decided when I was born. So instead of fightin' against it, I need to become one with it.
jedies: (The beat of her heart)

[personal profile] jedies 2022-10-14 12:18 am (UTC)(link)
Yes. We all go through the process. It's considered to be a sort of rebirth process.
hauntedsavior: (⚡ the spirit's alive (tonight tonight))

[personal profile] hauntedsavior 2022-10-14 01:37 am (UTC)(link)
[focusing on the arm thing is way easier. she doesn't often party with downers, and if she can sort of glide right past that one and move towards something funnier then all the better.]

Not my spare arm. I don't have any spare parts. Only one of me around here. [she pauses to consider how accurate that actually is, and looks out ahead of her for a very quick moment.] No, there's my sister. But it's not hers either. I think that's just an arm that you found. And I think that legally means you can keep it. Not like whoever it is is gonna be able to hurt you—I mean, they're 'armless.

[christ. she is a dad.]
gotaknife: by <user name=everchased site="tumblr"> (16)

[personal profile] gotaknife 2022-10-14 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
The tension drains out of his shoulders as Ange agrees to try again. He doesn't really have much for solutions in terms of resolving the awkwardness, they'll just have to muddle their way through. But if they were friends before, obviously she's nice enough for him to want to be friends in the first place. Even if it was a different him.

"Well... I think I'm staying here? I mean, since the alternative's being a squid, I think I'd rather just be me?" He'd definitely rather be him. "So, you won't lose me. Not if I can help it anyway."

He offers a smile, and extends a hand. If they're going to do this, they may as well do it properly. "Martin Blackwood. It's nice to meet you."
gotaknife: by <user name=everchased site="tumblr"> (01)

[personal profile] gotaknife 2022-10-14 02:13 am (UTC)(link)
Really? Must be a bit of a change, especially weather wise, coming to a place like this.

[He sounds genuinely interested. It might just be small talk, but it helps keep his focus on something other than the horrible lighthouse around them.]

London, England. Felt, uh, like this, actually. At least some of the time.
hacktivated: + ᴘᴏsɪᴛɪᴠᴇ (Default)

[personal profile] hacktivated 2022-10-14 02:25 am (UTC)(link)
[ 'Maybe' isn't perfect, but Penny can work with it! She gives a nod and steps closer. ]

If flying makes you too sick, there are some other things we can try as well!

[ But for now, unless Nona protests, Penny will step closer and carefully pick her up bridal style. ]
foulhussy: (pic#6671673)

C

[personal profile] foulhussy 2022-10-14 02:32 am (UTC)(link)
what

gods dont talk thats stupid
shiro2hero: (right ok pretend to listen and look cool)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2022-10-14 04:05 am (UTC)(link)
[It's fine, frankly. Shiro's more used to people not laughing at all, so. A late one doesn't hardly faze him.]

Welcome to Trench, Venus. [Sincerely, warmly.] Has anyone filled you in on this place yet?

[Because he's fully prepared to park himself here and have that chat. He's happy to, really. It's hard to not want to help this kid, for him.]
wingstosee: (shouldntsay)

[personal profile] wingstosee 2022-10-14 04:06 am (UTC)(link)
Your... [ "your sister," he starts to say, right before her pun hits. he giggles, not a chuckle or laugh or a snicker but a full-on giggle, covering his mouth and looking to the side. ] Oh, wow. That one was pretty bad.

[ but he sounds a lot calmer for it, to be honest. and when he tries again, he doesn't look like he's panicking as he says: ]

I'm sorry your sister is here. Or... Maybe it's a good thing? I guess it's not really my place to decide that.
wingstosee: (curiosity)

[personal profile] wingstosee 2022-10-14 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
they absolutely do though?
or i mean. our God does.
i guess i don't really know if other religions have gods that talk through the radio. i didn't really learn that kind of thing in high school.

does God just not talk at all for you?
wait. are you an atheist
wingstosee: (smilingsoft)

[personal profile] wingstosee 2022-10-14 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ this guy feels... safe. he's got a voice like a youth counselor, but one of the ones that don't get to stay for more than a year because they're too nice and give the youth sinful ideas. nothing like the bonfire captain. ]

Sort of? It's more like they told me all the hard stuff and didn't let me know any of the easy parts. [ a beat - and he elaborates. ] Like, I don't have any money to buy anything with? And I don't really know if there's a shelter, or anything like that. So I'm just... Trying to not freak out, I guess.
foulhussy: (pic#14871155)

[personal profile] foulhussy 2022-10-14 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
you sure thats not just some guy on a network like this
theres this weird wizard guy here thats supposed to be a god his names john
but most he just fucks around with skeletons and tells bad jokes and ruins things for people like a jackass

i bet ur gods probably just some guy
probly named john too

whats an athiest?
Edited 2022-10-14 04:17 (UTC)
wingstosee: (dismay)

[personal profile] wingstosee 2022-10-14 04:17 am (UTC)(link)
ok wow there's a lot to take in here
um.
it's definitely not a guy on a network. if you heard His voice you'd probably understand
He definitely doesn't f around with skeletons either?? that is. very much not what He does
i mean i guess aside from lazarus? lazarus came back from the dead so

i can't imagine Him making a joke. like, ever. i think it might be sacrilegious to even imply that

and an atheist is someone who doesn't believe in god
or gods?
it's. complicated i guess??
shiro2hero: (disappointed dad eyebrows)

[personal profile] shiro2hero 2022-10-14 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
[Shiro finally grimaces. Of course that's all they tell people. The very basics. He pushes his hand through his hair.]

Ah - sorry about that. [What, Shiro. It's literally not your fault.] There's a couple options for where to stay, and, for the most part, money's a barter system. I've actually paid for groceries with agates.

[Seriously. Shiny rocks.] I think a few people are still running a Sanctuary, or there's always Koz's Orphanage. [He holds up a hand, a slightly self-conscious laugh behind the words.] Which, honestly, is better than it sounds. I volunteer there, and they take in pretty much anyone who needs a place to stay. Especially if you help out a bit here and there.
foulhussy: (pic#7613909)

[personal profile] foulhussy 2022-10-14 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
well if you can here him on the radio why the fuck would you not believe?
whats complicated about that
you can hear him
easy enough to believe thats happening
maybe you want him to stop fucking talking or something but thats not the same

i dunno if there are any gods but if they are im pretty sure all existence is just some sick fucking prank theyve been pulling
if god cant joke why iss anything real thats just science biiiitch
wingstosee: (neutral)

[personal profile] wingstosee 2022-10-14 04:29 am (UTC)(link)
[ this guy... enjoyed hearing him talk? well, that's a first. it's probably just him being polite, he gets that much, but... it's still nice to say. maybe he should thank him later?

-ah, wait, he's talking back. venus blinks, his eyes refocusing as he tries to catch the few words he's already missed.
]

...yeah. I guess I do. [ and then, a bit hesitant and a bit fearful- ] I mean, not everything needs to change, probably? But that's... That one thing. "That's how things are, that's how they've always been." That needs to stop.

[ he clicks the gear back into the arm. he gently wraps it in his robe. then he looks up, trying to give the man his full attention. ]

It's not like it's just part of the world, is the thing. It's not. It's a thing a human made that way on purpose. [ he hesitates - then his gaze steels over. ] And- and even if it was just part of the world, why shouldn't it change? "The world's not fair." Of course it's not. So why shouldn't it be changed?

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