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Deer Country Mod ([personal profile] reddosmod) wrote in [community profile] countryclub2023-01-25 12:08 am
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JANUARY TEST DRIVE MEME!

JANUARY 2023 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: Bloody Candles]
[Image Two: Anatomically Correct Chocolate Hearts in a Coffin]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Woman in restaurant, dressed in pink, surrounded by mannequins.]
[Image Two: Creepy looking mannequin staring]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Hands touching and holding at sunset]
[Image Two: Girl Screaming with her Mouth Fused Shut.]

A TYPICAL ARRIVAL WITH A SWEET TWIST
WHEN: Last Week of January through all February

WHERE: The Shores, Boardwalk and throughout Trench

CONTENT WARNINGS: Mild Body horror for arrival, additional warnings for Blood Bonds and the Chocolatier:
* Blood Bonds: Blood ceremony, bodily ceremony, telepathic/empathetic connections, possible forced/coerced relationships.
* Choclatier: Themes of temptation (non-sexual and/or sexual), addiction, blood sacrifice, severely warped personality/reality including temporary amnesia, inability to use body, paranoia, vomiting organs, homicidal feelings, mild body horror.



For those who are arriving, they are fortunate. The worst of the ice and chill of the Season of Bone is fading. Any ice flows are breaking up and it is safe for little squidlings to come to shore, wakers present to help them with cups of hot cocoa and heavy robes to ward off of the cold. Nothing, however, removes the almost bleak and dreary state of the world. All of the beach seems washed with a sort of white that remindes the mind of bleached bone. Transformation from squid to the sleeper's natural form is slower, because of the cold, but does not pose any real difficulty.

Warm Food is prepared in the form of stews, complemented by bread that tastes heavily of mushroom. Unlike prior years, no roses are given to the new sleepers, though there are roses found throughout the city of trench. All of them, however, are black as midnight and there is an ominous sense to them should a sleeper think to reach out and pluck the blooms. Should someone do so, they will feel an increased paranoia about their relationships for the next few days and the natives of Trench will give them a wide berth, refusing to sell them anything at the shops and shooing them away, though there is no outward sign of anything being amiss. Whispers in town hint that the Doorway is in a poor mood this year.

Nevertheless, the patron pthumerian of the month can be seen around Trench. Bonding Rituals remain very popular this month and many seek to curry her presence during their rites. She shows no outward sign of discomfort or disapproval, yet there seems to be more blood than usual on her ivory blade as she stands in silent vigil wherever a ritual is performed.

Anyone who yearns for a bit of sweetness that they might associate with the waning chill of winter will find themselves meeting a sudden and disturbing fellow (CW: Some Blood/Disturbing Content in some chocolates. Please check warnings in prompt). The chocolatier, who was seen in past years, still wanders about and appears to any who yearn for a happier time in the otherwise gloom of the month. His offer is simple. A little bit of blood, for a little bit of sweet. What is the harm in it? Why his sweets even have mystical properties to make life interesting!

FAQ:
* The Chocolatier option remains identical to what happened in 2023, and is available throughout the last week of January and into February. The chocolates offered have not changed this year.
* Blood Bonds are available all year round, and the method of getting one is easily learned from any local in Trench, or from a Sleeper. While they can be performed every year, they are more powerful if performed in this month (Player discretion) and the Doorway is more likely to be present to bless them personally.

WAIT FOR ME
WHEN: Anytime in February

WHERE: Anywhere in Trench

CONTENT WARNINGS: Body Horror, Loneliness, Depression elements, Being Trapped in One's Own Body, Psychological Horror



Sleepers have been working to put an end to the strange plague afflicting pthumerians. Still, while there has been success, something seems off this month nevertheless. Even if she is not ill, the Doorway appears to be in a foul mood and it is felt by many. There is a moody, brooding sense that permeates the whole of the city, as if something were supposed to happen that did not. It's the awful sense that one gets when they expect to meet up with someone for something important and, without warning, that person does not show and there's no explanation. That light gnawing at the pit of the stomach when worry or irritation sets in grows steadily worse. Is this about someone specific, or a general malaise? It's hard to tell what sets it off. For some, it comes waiting by the coast in the hopes a loved one arrives this month. For others, maybe someone was just busy and ended up late for lunch. It might not even have a visible cause.

Whatever happens, the dreadful reality settles in almost immediately. As they wait, the person begins to feel their body stiffen. It does not feel like the lockjoint disease, but rather a sudden and whole-body hardening of the person. Within seconds, they feel their body solidifying into a state almost like a mannequin. Unable to move, they can feel a dread cold leeching into their heart as they are forced to watch, to wait for whoever was supposed to be there. Why aren't they here? The longer that they are there, the colder that they feel, and if they are in a secluded place it could feel quite perilous. However, no monsters can seem to harm the person, their body nigh indestructible. The frigid state, however, denies them the ability to sleep or even blink, forced to watch the world as a prisoner in their own mind.

Palebloods are somewhat fortunate in this state. All palebloods trapped this way find themselves able to telepathically communicate with loved ones or people close, regardless of distance. Their voices, however, are always in a state like the wail of a ghost regardless of their mental state. For anyone else, they can manage to mentally connect through the network to plead for help using an omni on their person, though only in Text form until they are released. So, at least they are not trapped without escape, unless by chance they forgot their omni, but you wouldn't be so foolish as to leave home without your phone would you?

HOW TO CURE THE CONDITION:
Several options exist. Anyone with a "Blade of Mercy" (a gift given last February) could use it to sever whatever connection caused the person to feel like they are waiting, though that might very well sever the emotional connection entirely! The very person that they are waiting for could arrive, in which case a kiss (on the cheek, on the lips, gallantly on one knee to the back of the hand. Whatever works for you!) or an apology for tardiness should suffice to warm the heart. If there is no source, or if that person cannot arrive (or chooses not to), any friend or even new acquaintance can try to help the person not feel quite as alone in their waiting through some reasonable means. Any cure-all for corruption will also help with this condition.

The locales do not have any idea officially how to cure the condition, but they may suggest some of the above simply because it seems helpful at the time. At the worst, the condition does eventually fade with time.

FAQ:
* This can happen in a public location, or entirely remote, wherever you wish.
* The above "Cures" are not exhaustive. Any reasonable act that establishes or re-establishes empathy for the person trapped will cure them.
* Paleblood Telepathy is not limited by distance. However, non-palebloods must have their omni on their person in order to mentally link to it.
* This condition does not lead to death, but if allowed to persist is a reasonable source of higher corruption.
* If untreated, it will usually clear up in a couple days, or at most a week. If a player wishes to use this as a form of hiatus in February, they may, in which case it can last all month.

YOU TAKE MY BREATH AWAY
WHEN: The First Week of February

WHERE: Anywhere in Trench

CONTENT WARNINGS: Choking, Asphyxiation, Body Horror, Dependency, Possible Death



Self-reliance is a powerful tool in the city of Trench. You have to be able to take care of yourself, lest the dangerous elements on the fringe of the city overtake you and claim you in the night. Right?

The Doorway could not disagree more. To her, people depend upon each other. Corruption is only cleansed through the presence of others and conversation, connection. Cures and potions are, in her thought, unreliable. Even going to the Blood Ministers is more of a last-ditch effort when all else fails as she sees it. Sometimes? People need a little gentle reminder, a push to get them to rely upon each other more. Unfortunately, what a Pthumerian considers a gentle push to be tends not to be so gentle.

It happens at random, though it seems to happen most of all when it involves people who might not want to be close. You come into contact with a person, and just as you start to speak, you feel your throat throttle. It is like there is an invisible noose around your neck. No visible rope exists, but the air is cut off. You double over, gasping for air that will not come. Even if you don't or can't breathe you find yourself choking like a flopping goldfish out of water! As you reach out for help, you can see to your horror that the person you are trying to meet is choking too! What do you do? There is only one cure to this situation. You have to get to the other person quickly. There's still time. Maybe you can find some sort of solution if you get there. Deep down, you know you just need to be closer.

The moment that the two choking sleepers make contact, they will be able to breathe. The relief of oxygen entering the lungs comes instantly, though there is a problem. Any time you break contact, you begin to choke again. So long as you are able to stay in contact, you're safe but any attempt to break that contact is potentially life threatening. There is no solution other than to hold onto each other, hold hands, whatever it takes to maintain contact. For how long you ask? Oh, for at least an hour. But it's not like anyone's actually going to give you a timer on this. Will you just put up with it, or will you keep experimenting only to be choked repeatedly.

FAQ:
* Anyone can be affected by this, no matter physiology. It defies magical powers, biology and even blood powers.
* The effects last no more than 6 hours at the absolute max and most of the time it will end within 1 hour.
* Effects will cease when the two participants go to sleep (No accidental chokings). As a result, the effect will always start at least an hour before you might normally go to sleep.
* Yes, you can choke to death if you want.
* There is no knowledge of the effect amongst the locals and no warning about it, so there is no real warning on how to "cure" this other than the compulsion to get close to the other choking person and trial and error. Or Patience!
* No, the Doorway isn't sorry.

CODING
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (standing; walking into a trap)

Ash Lynx | Banana Fish | Paleblood

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-01-25 01:34 pm (UTC)(link)
a. wait for me

[ This new world is exactly that: new. Ash's circumstances makes more sense than most, some of who don't seem to remember dying. Of all the stories and reassurances given to him in life, no one had told him he'd get reincarnated via squid. But he did, and he now has a second chance at life or another life he has to live, depending on the perceptive.

No matter the outlook, this world is strange in so many ways. For examples, it has having very human life mannequins in the streets.

Very, very human like. Ash pauses and waves a hand in front of the 'mannequins' face, sure he looks ridiculous. ]


Is this some kind of horror movie setup?

b. you take my breath away

[ He doesn't know them, the person he glances to briefly as he makes his way through town. It's the sort of random look that happens when two people are crossing opposing paths. Ash is about to look away when it hits. If not for the hand that goes to his throat, it would almost seem like he isn't experiencing the same choking sensation, but Ash and his partner loses the ability to breath simultaneously.

The next rush of information comes quickly. He's choking, someone else is choking, and only the two of them. Instantly, a memory from earlier in the morning resurface and receive clarity. At the time, Ash assumed the two people were drunk and fumbling. Now, he's the one reaching for this person he doesn't even know.

Or, if he's unlucky enough to experience it more than once, he doesn't even bother waiting before reaching out.

It's annoying for someone he keeps to himself by default, but it's also necessary. ]
madgamerhat: (Default)

Re: Ash Lynx | Banana Fish | Paleblood

[personal profile] madgamerhat 2023-01-28 06:02 pm (UTC)(link)
A. Wait for Me

[ The old man approaches the two strangers. At least, that's how the scene first appeared. With a confused look, the old man regards the mannequin. Very lifelike. He muses. As the other talks, he cannot help but to smile. ]

More like a chapter out of Junji Ito.

[ He sighs. ]

I'm Sato and it's clear that you must be new here.

[ Sato makes an effort to meet new Sleepers from time to time. After all, coming to Trench can be quite the experience! ]
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (in prison; having to explain again)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-01-28 07:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The name sounds Japanese, but Ash isn't familiar enough with any other Asian culture to tell much of a difference. ]

You can tell that by my fascination with weird mannequins?

[ It's obvious that the comment suggests there's more to the situation than Ash currently understands. Is there an artist famous for these kinds of statues? ]
madgamerhat: (Looking back)

[personal profile] madgamerhat 2023-01-28 08:17 pm (UTC)(link)
One can say that.

[ Sato crouches beside the mannequin. While studying the doll, he is still caught in bewilderment. The old man rises. ]

How long have you been here...if you don't mind me asking?

[ Without asking for a name, Sato seems more interested in time. Seems to me that Trench has an odd way of 'welcoming' Sleepers. He tilts his head to the side. ]
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (hand on door; repimand)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-01-28 08:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It should be an answer question, but Ash isn't an easy person. He's not prone to revealing even the most simple of details, but the man has already correctly guessed the fact he's new. It's definitely more suspicious if he hesitates in answering so in spite of the internal pause, his answer comes immediately. ]

Day two.

[ Yesterday was baby's first steps all over again. ]

Day one of seeing freaky mannequins in the street.
madgamerhat: (My pleasure)

[personal profile] madgamerhat 2023-01-29 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
Understood. I've been here several months.

[ The old man beams. He raises a finger to indicate an important point. ]

As you are new, this is what you must remember- the Trench is a place of unrelentless mystery.

[ He glances towards the mannequin. ]

One can never be too certain of what will happen...

[ The old man pauses in his thought. Down the street, another mannequin appears in view...]
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (in prison; having to explain again)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-01-29 12:51 am (UTC)(link)
That's some pretty cryptic stuff. If you're planning to help, it's usually easier to skip the games.

[ But it's a warning of sorts, isn't it? Or, is he saying that the mannequins appear all over town? That's definitely something that fits into the horror movie trope. ]

What do you know about them?
madgamerhat: (Confused)

[personal profile] madgamerhat 2023-01-29 08:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Actually, not much.

[ The old man taps his chin. He regards the first mannequin in contrast to the next. Perhaps, we need to look deeper in this matter. He sighs. ]

Care to look at the new one closer?

[ He suggests. ]

We might be able to understand them the more we observe.

jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (no shirt; listening and thinking)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-01-30 01:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ So he's doing this, huh? His eyes move from mannequin to mannequin. ]

I came from that direction. It wasn't there before.

[ His answer comes not in a verbal reply but in movement as he heads toward the new mannequin. ]

You knew I was new so you're not.

[ He could also just recognzie a mutually lost face, but the man also seems comfortable in his surroundings. ]

Does this place have a history of pulling something from the House of Wax?

[ Ash isn't a movie buff, but it's an infamous movie. ]
madgamerhat: (Default)

[personal profile] madgamerhat 2023-01-30 06:37 pm (UTC)(link)
That's interesting.

[ The old man ponders. ]

You don't remember seeing someone from that direction initially?

[ Sato has only been here for several months. If I was here longer, then I may have a clear answer. He attempts to piece the bits of this riddle together. ]

I wonder, what happens if they break...

[ Sato's last musing is uttered in a mumble. ]
jadedlynx: (looking to the side; talking)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-01-30 07:26 pm (UTC)(link)
That's what we call inside thoughts, Old Man.

[ Ash doesn't actually think these are people made of wax; they're obviously not, but he doesn't know what they represent. ]

If you're really in the dark, we shouldn't touch them. If there's not the world's best artist around, these things might be alive or might represent somebody who is.

[ A life size voodoo doll. ]

Have you ever heard of anything like that?
madgamerhat: (Looking back)

[personal profile] madgamerhat 2023-01-31 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
Ha, ha! You do have a point.

[ The old man chuckles. He gives a warm smile. ]

It's good to have someone new around. Fresh input can bring such a surprise.

[ As Sato compliments the young man, another voice chimes in. At least, the sound only approaches Ash. ]

Thank you! I was sure that I'd be killed!

[ A young voice enters Ash's mind. Who could it be? ]
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (even more surprise;)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-01-31 08:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ash doesn't immediately reply to either voice, but a follow-up comes quickly after. During that short pause, he has to accept that the voice isn't his own. From there, it becomes obvious who'd spoken.

They really are alive. ]


Yeah, he's alive.

[ That's confirmed. ]

Which means the other guy is, too.

[ How does one cure this? What is this? ]

If he can hear us, maybe he knows how to unfreeze him.
madgamerhat: (Confused)

[personal profile] madgamerhat 2023-01-31 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Is that so?

[ The old man looks from Ash to the mannequin, and back again. Odd, but not too unusual for this world. He takes a moment to reach a new connection. ]

If that's the case, then maybe they know what happened before this occurred.

[ Before Sato can make a formal inquiry, the mannequin expresses their woes to the other. ]

Young man, where is she? All I know is that she was supposed to meet me at the inn.

[ Ash can hear slight sobs echo in his mind. After realizing their loss, the afflicted person loses telepathic connection. Sato observes the look on his acquaintance's face. ]

Did they speak with you again?

[ Despite not typically wanting to interfere with another's affairs, the old man cannot resist his curiosity. Should the condition occur to himself, Sato would like to understand its end. ]
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (hard to hear stupid)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-02-01 07:00 am (UTC)(link)
She, huh?

[ It would likely be more polite to respond to Sato, but Ash is already looking in the direction of the previous mannequin. But, to avoid future questions, it's probably best to explain his actions as he reaches to pull the closest mannequin over his shoulder. ]

He said he was supposed to meet somebody at the inn. If that's what he's trying to communicate like this, it must be important.

[ Ash would definitely be saying something very different in this situation. ]

I'm going to move him closer to the first one we saw.

[ In spite of not being particularly muscular, he seems to lift the guy with ease. ]

If this works, I don't know what's worse: realizing it's a horror movie or realizing it's a romance story.
madgamerhat: (Cheering on)

[personal profile] madgamerhat 2023-02-03 11:20 pm (UTC)(link)
What an idea!

[ Sato's expression is lost at first. Yet. Once he realizes that Ash has came across a theory- he cheers. When the two mannequins come face to face, a sort of magic courses around them. Soon they're bodies fidget and return to normal...well, almost. ]

It...worked! Thank you!

[ As both strangers collapse to the ground. The young man wobbles into a seated position. He gives Ash a broad smile while holding back tears. ]
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (hand on door; repimand)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-02-04 06:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Even Ash, who has the fully realized idea, is a little lost. This feels ridiculous but so does hearing a voice inside of his head that seems to be coming from a frozen person.

Welcome to his new life, he supposes. ]


That's why you don't break weird mannequins in the street. They might just be people waiting for somebody to pack them back to the other mannequin.

[ Ash only nods in response to the thanks; he's not great at accepting gratitude. Instead, his response, sarcastic as it may be, is to Sato. ]
madgamerhat: (My pleasure)

[personal profile] madgamerhat 2023-02-05 09:08 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll keep that noted!

[ Whether or not Sato picked up on the other's sarcasm. The other two rise and support one another as they take leave. The old man waves them goodbye. He turns back to he gives a chuckle. ]

You know, I don't think that I caught your name?

[ Sato smiles. Surely enough, the prospect of human mannequins is quite distracting. Before leaving, the old man would like to know who has helped uncover more truth to this odd phenomenon than he had known. ]
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (wearing shades indoors)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-02-06 05:32 am (UTC)(link)
Ash.

[ In spite of not fully acknowledging their gratitude, there's a moment in which he watches to make sure they walk away without too much issue. He can't imagine that the body would feel too pleasant after that ordeal. ]

Ash Lynx.

[ With a name that doesn't actually mean anything in this world, Ash turns back to Sato in full reply, attention shifted. ]

Defreezer of mannequins.
madgamerhat: (Pleased)

[personal profile] madgamerhat 2023-02-07 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
Well, it was nice meeting you.

[ The old man gives a bow. As he walks away Sato turns back to say- ]

Welcome to Trench, stay as safe as you can!
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (in prison; having to explain again)

he's been a joy; Ash was accepted, and I'd love for them to meet again <3

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-02-07 06:16 am (UTC)(link)
Try not to break any hips.

[ No matter the intent, Ash doesn't use the kindest words to convey 'you too'. ]
romancekiller: (pic#9429911)

a

[personal profile] romancekiller 2023-01-31 06:28 am (UTC)(link)
[it was undeniable how unsettling it was seeing the very human like mannequins on the street so hearing the statement she can't help but nod at his words] Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised with how this place can be.
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (in prison; having to explain again)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-02-01 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
I don't really want to know if I want to know, but I'll bite: this place has a habit of putting weird mannequins in the streets?
romancekiller: (pic#8640878)

[personal profile] romancekiller 2023-02-01 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
No but just weird things happen here in general. [she gives a slight shrug before glancing over towards him]

Did you just arrive here?
jadedlynx: commissioned; please dns (standing; walking into a trap)

[personal profile] jadedlynx 2023-02-01 07:07 am (UTC)(link)
[ There's little reason to hide it; he'll stink of new the moment he says very much at all. A couple of days isn't enough time to do the research required to blend in. ]

Fresh squid.

[ His answer is idle as his eyes finally move from the mannequin. ]

But I've walked around town, and this is the first mannequin I've seen. I'm guessing you've been here longer.