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sticksandbones2023-12-01 09:16 am
sticksandbonesmods) wrote in sticksandbones2023-12-01 09:16 am
EVENT 007
EBB AND FLOE
A WINTERFUL LIFE
cw: food scarcity
The December snows roll in heavy, and with it, the fear-monsters and little pranksters that harassed you all month disperse into black mist. Whether they were about to kill you, stalking you, or pulling your hair, as soon as the moon hits its zenith, the beasts are gone. The mists float harmlessly into the air, hopefully to never be seen again. Hopefully.
For now, you’re free. The Forest and the Creature within slumber, as the cold seeps into every corner of the confined space you reside in and beyond. No longer will the entities within the woods try to kill you just for putting a toe past the fog wall. No longer does anybody sense a lingering danger. Finally, the Grove is peaceful. You can only hope it’ll last.
Unfortunately, while no mysterious monsters are working to murder you in cold blood, nothing can be done about the river freezing over, cutting off access to fish, and nothing can be done about the General Store running out of meat. The river’s ice cannot be broken nor melted. The grasses and flowers have shrivelled under the extreme cold; the trees are twiggy and leafless. Mysteriously untouched are the gifts from the Guardians — the blackberry bush on the opposite side of the river and the apple tree on the bank near the school continue to fruit throughout the month. Remember to say “thank you” before you feast from what remains.
At the very least, the General Store has plenty of trail mix, vegetables, and crackers. It’ll be a difficult month — but so far, you’ve endured much worse. Surely a little hunger can’t kill you now?
The December snows roll in heavy, and with it, the fear-monsters and little pranksters that harassed you all month disperse into black mist. Whether they were about to kill you, stalking you, or pulling your hair, as soon as the moon hits its zenith, the beasts are gone. The mists float harmlessly into the air, hopefully to never be seen again. Hopefully.
For now, you’re free. The Forest and the Creature within slumber, as the cold seeps into every corner of the confined space you reside in and beyond. No longer will the entities within the woods try to kill you just for putting a toe past the fog wall. No longer does anybody sense a lingering danger. Finally, the Grove is peaceful. You can only hope it’ll last.
Unfortunately, while no mysterious monsters are working to murder you in cold blood, nothing can be done about the river freezing over, cutting off access to fish, and nothing can be done about the General Store running out of meat. The river’s ice cannot be broken nor melted. The grasses and flowers have shrivelled under the extreme cold; the trees are twiggy and leafless. Mysteriously untouched are the gifts from the Guardians — the blackberry bush on the opposite side of the river and the apple tree on the bank near the school continue to fruit throughout the month. Remember to say “thank you” before you feast from what remains.
At the very least, the General Store has plenty of trail mix, vegetables, and crackers. It’ll be a difficult month — but so far, you’ve endured much worse. Surely a little hunger can’t kill you now?
FREEZE THE DAY
During the day, the cold isn’t that bad. Sure, there’s a foot of snow on the ground and more keeps falling, and sure, snowball fights aren’t exactly fun anymore because your fingers get way too chilly way too quickly — but the sun still shines, and sometimes you can stand out in a sunny spot and feel a whole five degrees warmer than you were a moment ago. It’s tolerable. During the night, however, the temperatures dip well below freezing, and the air is so frigid that it dries your skin out on contact. Frostbite threatens to set in within minutes if you aren’t properly dressed.
Fires are harder to light, too, even if they’re indoors. You’ll find that, should you get one lit, it’ll go out within half an hour. None of the buildings stay warm for very long past night, and though they aren’t completely frozen-over, it’s the least bit uncomfortable for those who aren’t cold-faring to cope with. What is there to do, other than grab as many blankets as possible and make a nest or a fort, or maybe even grab a friend and leech their body heat? They don’t need that, right?
While you’re bothered by the weather, the Shopkeeper, Trader, and the two Guardians present within the Grove are entirely unaffected. Rusty, however, is merely a dog. He’ll help himself to cuddling against you whenever he can, including letting himself into your room at night and getting under the covers while you sleep. He will thank you in the mornings by leaving you a simple gift at your feet: A bone he found outside, because he loves you.
…one has to wonder how he broke in in the first place, though.
Fires are harder to light, too, even if they’re indoors. You’ll find that, should you get one lit, it’ll go out within half an hour. None of the buildings stay warm for very long past night, and though they aren’t completely frozen-over, it’s the least bit uncomfortable for those who aren’t cold-faring to cope with. What is there to do, other than grab as many blankets as possible and make a nest or a fort, or maybe even grab a friend and leech their body heat? They don’t need that, right?
While you’re bothered by the weather, the Shopkeeper, Trader, and the two Guardians present within the Grove are entirely unaffected. Rusty, however, is merely a dog. He’ll help himself to cuddling against you whenever he can, including letting himself into your room at night and getting under the covers while you sleep. He will thank you in the mornings by leaving you a simple gift at your feet: A bone he found outside, because he loves you.
…one has to wonder how he broke in in the first place, though.
PARTING IS SUCH SLEET SORROW
Midway through the month, the snowfall begins to pick up. While the Grove hasn’t quite hit blizzard territory yet, the snow is consistent and unending, especially late at night. On occasion, mixed in with the delicate snowflakes, are tiny golden lights. Should they go untouched and unobstructed, they’ll simply fade away when they flutter to the ground. But should you, say, catch one on your tongue with the other flakes, or have one brush your hand, or purposely try to grab one?
It will float through you, into you, and your mind will be transported elsewhere. To the past, as you were when you were here originally. It is a vision of your past life, of memories long lost, of a “you” that isn’t “you” as you are now. Whether the golden light has you spectating as if you’re seeing yourself on a television screen, or acting the part of the old “you”, that matters little to the vision the golden light wanted to show you. It will end when it wants to end, you see. You could get an hour of a memory, or a single minute, or three whole days. It might have even dragged in another with you, someone nearby who was hit with a ball of light themselves or happened to pass by.
For those of you who have avoided this fate, you get to bear witness to those that are affected — they’re standing stone-still wherever they last touched the golden lights, eyes closed, as if asleep while standing up. You can try to rouse them, but they won’t wake until they’ve fully experienced the memory being shown to them. The best thing to do might be to drag them inside so they aren’t icicles when they come back to reality.
It will float through you, into you, and your mind will be transported elsewhere. To the past, as you were when you were here originally. It is a vision of your past life, of memories long lost, of a “you” that isn’t “you” as you are now. Whether the golden light has you spectating as if you’re seeing yourself on a television screen, or acting the part of the old “you”, that matters little to the vision the golden light wanted to show you. It will end when it wants to end, you see. You could get an hour of a memory, or a single minute, or three whole days. It might have even dragged in another with you, someone nearby who was hit with a ball of light themselves or happened to pass by.
For those of you who have avoided this fate, you get to bear witness to those that are affected — they’re standing stone-still wherever they last touched the golden lights, eyes closed, as if asleep while standing up. You can try to rouse them, but they won’t wake until they’ve fully experienced the memory being shown to them. The best thing to do might be to drag them inside so they aren’t icicles when they come back to reality.
SPARK NOTES
CLICK TO EXPAND!
A WINTERFUL LIFE
The Forest has gone to sleep for the month. Unfortunately, the river is frozen, and it's hard to come across much food, save for what grows upon the Guardians' gift plants by the river. Luckily, the General Store seems to have some sparser amounts of food throughout the month.
FREEZE THE DAY
It's cold outside! Below freezing, actually! And for some reason, heat indoors just doesn't stick. Luckily you can cuddle with friends, in your own nest of blankets, or with Rusty, who is somehow breaking into everybody's bedrooms even if you've locked all your doors and windows. Hello, hi, he loves you and he is cold.
PARTING IS SUCH SLEET SORROW
Golden lights fall amidst the snowflakes. If you come into contact with one, you'll close your eyes and dream of your past life within the Grove. You might even unwillingly pull someone else in with you.
OOC
Y'all how is it already December. If you'd like to plot with people for this event, head over to OOC plotting. Reminder that AC for the month of December is check-in only, which means that if you're not feelin' it you can simply put in a "hi I still go here" comment and exit for the rest of the month. It's the holiday season, after all, so we don't expect you to give up family time for our silly little game. Regular AC will resume in January, and that will also be when our next TDM occurs. Happy holidays!
UPDATES
❖ None yet!
A
The diagram at Sesa's elbow catches Vash's attention as he moves through the various buildings and areas that make up his apparent new home. He feels a little guilty, snooping like this but... this is his special interest! And this poor guy looks so exhausted anyway. Maybe he can just help out a little!
His intention had been to silently put the rocket launcher back together. Unfortunately, Vash very quickly not only drops a screwdriver, but also proceeds to bonk his head on the table with a yelp.
Uhh... Good morning Sesa?]
no subject
Despite Vash's own knowledge of weaponry, he may notice that there are things about the weapon he can't quite understand. It seems like it's been tampered with, modified to function on a higher level than it would be able to normally, and the components inside...well, they're Originium, which isn't present anywhere but on Terra. It's a curious thing, and would warrant some questioning, perhaps...
Which may get to happen, because as soon as Vash hits his head on the table and causes it to jostle, Sesa jolts awake with a start. He's lucky he doesn't go tumbling out of his chair wholesale, managing to catch himself with his claws gripping the edge of it, looking around frantically like he's expecting to be attacked.
But there's no danger here. No shadow monsters or Reunion members. It is just......a man.]
Ah- hello? My apologies, I hadn't meant to fall asleep in here, if you needed to use the lab for something.
[Then he notices the screwdriver Vash is holding...and the parts of his weapon that have been reassembled.]
...what are you doing?
no subject
Eep! [He jumps with enough force to send the screwdriver flying off into the distance. It lands with a tink. Vash stares after it, shame creeping up from the base of his spine and settling at the tips of his digits.]
I, um. Well, you see I just - [He takes a deep breath. Focus.] You looked pretty worn out! And I know my way around a gun so I figured I could help put the thing back together. Only I didn't get very far and uh -
Is this weird? This is weird, isn't it.
no subject
Hohoho...I think I understand.
[Sesa brings a hand up to his forehead, looking Very Serious suddenly.]
You perceived me as someone in need. Well, fear not!
[And then Sesa suddenly stands abruptly, causing his chair to fall over behind him.]
I, the Great Sesa, whom needs no introduction, also needs no assistance!
[Then he goes to sit back down, realizes his chair is Gone, and awkwardly picks it back up before sitting again.]
...that is, I'm fine. My gun isn't broken, I just took it apart to make a few adjustments.
no subject
You must be pretty awesome! [He grins at this.] But I didn't think you broke it! I just figured you nodded off while putting it back together! And everyone needs a hand, even the greats! Like me, see!
[He holds out his cybernetic limb. He curls and uncurls his fingers, then gives a wave.]
I mean technically I need a whole arm but who's really keeping track, right?
no subject
Because Sesa is also lighting up when Vash just completely buys into his persona, even going so far as calling him awesome! And great!! Which yeah, he is!!!
You, sir, are his new best friend.]
In that case, your assistance is much appreciated. I can see you too are a man of culture.
[But when Vash shows off his arm...that immediately gets the Vouivre's attention, his tail whipping excitedly behind him.]
Well now, what do we have here? May I see?
no subject
I had to knock a whole ion cannon off course before I got here! Might have caused a bit of surface damage, but nothing too terrible! It still gets the job done, and it's not like I have to deal with anything like that here!
[Just giant sea serpents and Moosens. That's totally different!]
no subject
[Sesa sort of half mumbles that as he takes Vash's hand carefully in his, yet despite Sesa's long, thick claws, he's surprisingly delicate as he looks over the structure and design of it. It's unlike anything he's ever seen before, and that's what really fascinates him. His claws lightly trace the surface, catching along the cracks.]
Hm. This does seem like something that might be difficult to replace. If it's functioning for you without issue, it should be fine...but if you find yourself having issues, you're welcome to come by the lab. I would be happy to take a look and see if there's anything I can do.
no subject
I’ll be sure to keep you in mind! My old repairman is back home, obviously. And hey, as long as you aren’t bonking me over the head for breaking it, it’ll be even better! He gets real worked up when I mess with his hard work.
[Not that this was Vash’s fault. Or at least, he doesn’t think so. Brad would probably think otherwise.]
no subject
[Terra is kinda fucked up right now don't worry about it.]
I would be happy to help, you're more than welcome to call for me and my powers any time. [Powers...] You shouldn't be struggling with your arm simply because you aren't home to have it repaired.
[He glances up at Vash as he says this, grinning.]
What was "home" for you, then?
no subject
So... just who was this guy.]
Aw, don't go worrying about me so much. I've dealt with worse for longer! At least I still have it! Things'd be real annoying without it.
[He tilts his head at Sesa, looking him up and done. If he was familiar with Earth, then he doubted he'd know No Man's Land. Especially given how his fleet had arrived there.]
Uh... Call it a colony planet some few galaxies out! Not a very nice place, don't go visiting or anything!
no subject
Who says there isn't? To say that ours is the only planet is rather close-minded, I would say.
[And sure enough!! Vash goes on to talk about other planets, which basically means Sesa was right, look at him he's so smart.]
Haha, not to worry. Space travel isn't exactly my area of expertise. But to be more specific, the planet where I reside is known as Terra. I specifically hail from the deserts of Sargon, which are hardly what I would call hospitable. It seems we have that much in common.
no subject
[He tilts his head, expression thoughtful. His eyes brighten at the mention of a desert!]
Guess you know a thing or two about getting sand in unmentionable places, huh? Or all the sweat! Can't say I like the cold, but at least the snow melts and goes away
[He tilts his head back, chuckling to himself. He really does think he's the funniest guy ever.]
no subject
[Honestly the REAL answer is that Terra is probably a post-apoc version of Earth to begin with but hey, Vash would probably know what that's like!]
Haha! Oh, my friend...I know plenty. You wouldn't imagine the chafing when the sand gets caught beneath one's armor, or in the grooves of your tail.
[He wiggles his little dragon tail for emphasis. Vash probably cannot relate.]
no subject
[Vash laughing nervously in the background.
anyway uh. Vash has no reason to know what a tail feels like. He's never had one. He never will. And yet he still finds it in himself to be absolutely horrified by this.]
Not the tail!! [He puts his hands to either side of his face, gripping it in proper terror.] How do you get by?
no subject
I manage. I've lived on the sands enough to learn to deal with it. And most of the time, a good bath is plenty to get it all out.
It makes me stronger. Like the sands that will one day create a pearl.
no subject
[It's a very knowing chuckle that he offers.]
It's a good way of thinkin' about it. Though I don't have the pressure or water to make a pearl, I think it still counts!
no subject
[Sesa puts his hand on Vash's shoulder. Then he swaps to his shoulder that doesn't have the prosthetic because his claws accidentally banged against it like he slapped the door of a metal safe, he's so sorry.]
This is how I think about all of the hardships I encounter in my life. That loss you suffered? Someday will become a pearl of wisdom. A pebble in your shoe? It was actually a rare gemstone. Finding that the toilet paper has been placed the wrong way around? Gold.
[He's lost the thread of what they were talking about, stop him before it's too late.]
no subject
You are... so right for that.