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singillppl2024-02-05 02:31 pm
singmod) wrote in singillppl2024-02-05 02:31 pm
Entry tags:
February 2024 Test Drive Meme
FEBRUARY 2024 TDM
PROMPT ONE — ARRIVAL: METHUSELAH'S FEAST: Yet another new group of arrivals find themselves lost in the frozen wilds and vulnerable to the dangers of nature. With luck, they make it to the town of Milton, and to a friendly face offering food, warmth and shelter — not to mention the fact they are not the first to come here.
PROMPT TWO — OF FAIR FORTUNE: After spell of bad luck, finally, the Interlopers find A Very Good (albeit slightly spooky) Boy.
PROMPT THREE — BAD PICKINGS: An error is made when foraging for mushrooms that have been altered by the Aurora makes for some interesting situations for the Interlopers.
ARRIVAL: METHUSELAH'S FEAST
WHEN: Mid-month.
WHERE: Milton, Milton Outskirts.
CONTENT WARNINGS: potential animal attacks, potential injuries, potential cold injuries/hyperthermia risk.
'You are the Interloper. You are not part of nature’s design.'
It’s the last thing you hear. A dark, deep voice. Impossibly ancient. You feel afraid. Maybe you’re dreaming, maybe you’re wide awake. You saw the lights, and then your world went dark. But you hear it in the blackness, you won’t forget those words.
You awaken. You are not where you were before. It’s different for everyone, there doesn’t seem to be much of a pattern in where you find yourself. You may open your eyes to find yourself in a cold, dim and dank cabin. The air is stale, dust hangs in the rays of weak sunlight that shine through the tiny windows. Someone lived here once, but they aren’t to be found. You look around, it seems like no one has been here in several weeks, maybe longer. The fire is stone cold, the dishes in the sink are mouldy — it's possible the place has been ransacked, as if they've gone through the drawers and cupboards looking for something. It is quiet. The wood creaks around you. Or perhaps you may awaken to find yourself shivering in the yawning maw of a cave, the freezing stone below you. Or maybe you’re unfortunate enough to sit up to find yourself lying in the snow, in the middle of the wilderness. Snow lies thick around you. It’s freezing out. You haven’t felt a cold like this before in your entire life. Cruel and biting. You have no idea where you are, and what’s worse — you are completely alone.
You may feel different, too. Any powers or magics you may have feel... absent. Disconnected. Things that may not have affected you previously now do. Something in you has changed.
You know you can’t stay where you are. You’ll need to move, try to work out where you are and how you came to be here. So you walk, head out into the unknown, in hope of finding a trail or a road. Interlopers who arrive during the month of February will find themselves especially likely of falling foul to accidental injuries and the like. It's as if the bad luck of finding yourself in this place only gets much worse. Maybe you get yourself horrendously more lost than you mean to, maybe you end up with a sprained wrist or ankle after a fall, torn clothing from fighting through the thicker parts of the wilderness.
But soon enough, you'll be able to find a path to town. A little more worse for wear, but alive. It’s here you may find someone else in the same boat as yourself, equally freezing and confused — battered from the journey. You’ll both need to keep going. It won’t be easy. You hear howls of wolves around you, and the terrain is difficult: slips and falls are likely. You’re completely vulnerable out here in the open.
Or it’s possible you may come across someone else here. Someone who looks far better prepared to deal with the freezing cold and frozen landscape, out hunting or gathering. They’ll likely offer help and get you into town. However, for the unlucky ones who don’t come across anyone, you’ll carry on until you see it: the lazy trail of smoke rising in the air. Fire. Not just one, but several. Civilization...?
Follow it, and soon enough the way you’ve taken will certainly become a path or road. Unfolding before you in the mountainous forests, you’ll see the most welcome of sights: a small mining town tucked up in the valley. Battered, rusted road signs will direct to “MILTON, POP. 947”. You’re almost there, you keep going, and it looks like other people have had the same idea as you. In fact, you’ll hear the muffled sounds of life. People! In the town!
As you head into the outskirts and then further into town, you’ll find it’s a little easier to walk but the cold has gripped you hard. You’ll find the buildings, both shops and homes, some are dark and lifeless, some of them are boarded up, some of them are occupied. People are going about their business, or stood watching from their tiny porches of their small, timber homes. For a town this big, there doesn’t seem to be many people. Several dozen at most, but no more. Some of them will direct you to the Community Hall, tell you to head there — you've been expected.
There is a sombre mood to the town. Although you can't quite place why, maybe you should ask?
Towards the center of town, you’ll find the building from which the biggest of the smoke trail rises: a community hall, by the looks of it. You’ll find more and more people all drawn to this place, each and every one of them in the same position as yourself (and your companion, if you’ve found one). Some are in worse states than others: some are bloodied, nursing bite wounds or cuts; others might have some other kind of injury sustained in the journey here from falls. Others may look as if they could faint from the cold at any second.
The door opens, and you’re greeted by the gnarled, wizened face of an elderly man, dressed in thick furs. He has a kind face, but looks sad. He smiles warmly despite the sadness in him, and with pity, ushering you in with haste.
“Another batch of poor souls from the wilds.” he nods gravely. No, this is not the first time that this has happened. “I am Methuselah. I welcome you Newcomer, although I’m sorry for how you’ve come to find yourself here. The lights are changing things, bringing more of you here. Come, we must get you warm and fed. Mother Nature has not been kind.”
The room is dim, lit only by natural daylight through the windows. A roaring fire sits at one end of the huge hall. It crackles, bright and cheerful... and warm. Even as big as this place is, the room is pleasantly warm. You’ll also find basic cots set up down one side of the hall, and while it seems there's a few people already living here, there's enough space for those in need of them. There's places to rest for a moment and get your bearings, or just trying to recover from the cold. Down the other side are tables and chairs, and long tables laden with food, drinks and bottled water similar to one might find at a soup kitchen. Once again, Methuselah offers a feast, aided by some of the other Interlopers.
There are canisters with hot herbal teas and perhaps a rare canister of coffee, along with soup and stew and trays of charred deer and rabbit meats, plus some grilled fish, instant mashed potatoes, and tinned vegetables. It’s very basic, but it’s hot and filling. A feast. The old man has been busy. And Methuselah will continue to busy himself, still; there is plenty to do. He will fetch blankets, tend to wounds, serve food and drinks. He does not have much time to talk. More and more people seem to be coming in from the cold. He will not stop to sit and rest until everyone is seen to, taking up a place by the fire to gaze silently into its flames. He is very troubled, thoughtful. Much has been happening. The others from town will eventually trail in too, to eat and warm themselves, and search among the new faces.
He will encourage newcomers to get warm and eat, and when they are ready to — they can explore the town and find one of the many empty homes to call their own. He will not speak much, his mood is... low, mournful. but perhaps you might be able to get some answers from those fellow arrivals who’ve been in this place for some time now.
This time, if he is approached, particularly by those who have been in Milton for some time, he will frown in thought. He is… considering something. Finally, he will speak:
“I had hoped that the secret cache I and your fellow Newcomers had found two months past would be enough until the spring comes.” He hesitates for a moment, his gaze moving to one of the many windows of the Community Hall. “If she ever arrives, that is.”
He doesn’t believe it will.
“More and more of you come. Life will continue to get harder with the numbers rising.” Methuselah explains. “Milton is but one town, and the way out to the south is blocked.”
He means the road out — the one that follows out of town, past the gas station and through the mountains. The tunneled road ends there, caved in with snow and stone. There is no way out that way. Methuselah is quiet for a few moments.
“... There must be another way out. For all of our sakes. It must be found."
OF FAIR FORTUNE
WHEN: The month of February.
WHERE: Milton Outskirts, Milton area.
CONTENT WARNINGS: otherworldly animal;
The Interlopers have discovered that it is not best to trust the canines in this world. The wolves and volatile, aggressive — prone to attacking the town, people. There has even been an instance of a dog leading Interlopers off the beaten track some months ago, into trips and falls and all sorts of mischief. To come across any sort of dog these days would draw suspicion, perhaps even aggression from Interlopers.
And certainly, coming across this particular dog is enough to turn plenty around and start heading in the opposite direction.
There is something…. Otherworldly about this dog. In terms of breed, one might recognise it to look a great deal like an Old English Sheepdog — but far bigger and hardier. It almost looks as if moss and vines are matted in its long fur, which seems ridiculous — but it’s true enough. The dog does not bark, but instead will stop and look at you silently when you come across one another. If approached, it will not run off, but it does not want to be petted and prefers to keep a respectable distance between you and it.
Then, it will turn to look in one direction and begin heading that way. It looks as if it wants to take you somewhere, but it won’t run off for you to catch up. It keeps to your side, silent and steady as you head through the snow, the woods. Wherever you’re going, there seems to be no rush in getting there.
It’s a little unnerving: where did this dog come from? Why does it look so… strange? Where is it going? Where is it taking you? But even with these questions, it doesn’t seem like you’ll find much in terms of answers, not at first.
Soon enough, you’ll find it. It’s different for everyone, but it seems like it all has some recurring theme. Perhaps out in the cold wilds of the Northern Territories, you’re in desperate need of shelter or warmth — you and the dog will find yourselves facing an abandoned cabin, a place of safety from the cold, perhaps with warmer clothing within. Or perhaps the dog may lead you to some secret stash: a metal cache half-hidden in the snow, a small stone cairn — with vital loot hidden within: matches, flares, maybe even food. It may even lead you to foragable foods: mushrooms, berries or of the like — all safe to consume.
Whatever the strange dog leads you to, it is a fortune. A small one, but a fortune nonetheless. It seems as if it wanted to bring you to something to aid you in your time here. Upon finding whatever it is the dog leads you to, the dog disappears — never to be seen again.
BAD PICKINGS
WHEN: Mid-month onwards for a few weeks.
WHERE: The entirety of the Milton area.
CONTENT WARNINGS: altered food/foraged foods; drugs/hallucinogens / negative hallucinogenic trips; severely altered/warped moods; temporary amnesia; personality switches; loss of senses
The Northern Territories may be harsh, difficult conditions to survive in, but certainly not impossible. There is an abundance of wildlife, hardy enough to withstand the weather — even in the extreme, unpredictable times such as these. Foraging will soon come to be a staple for those stuck here in this world, and is just as important as hunting down any deer or rabbit. Flora is not only useful in terms of sustenance, but in its use in medicines and tinctures.
Mushrooms can be found here and there in particular areas: taking advantage of the wet, rotten wood of downed trees, or nestled in the sheltered undergrowth of the more densely wooded areas where it’s a little more suitable for fungi to grow. But not even the flora of this world is safe following the recent Auroras. The world is changing, and for the next few weeks — foraged mushrooms will have some… interesting effects, when consumed.
Interlopers that come across these mushrooms in the wilds will find themselves compelled to pick and eat these mushrooms right away. They're perfectly fine to eat raw, just more enjoyable to eat once cooked.
The effects of the mushrooms will last between eight hours to a full day, depending on how much was consumed. Nothing can be done to alleviate symptoms. You will feel incredibly hungover the day after the effects have subsided, and feel completely fine after that. The Aurora’s influence on mushrooms is only temporary, and the mushrooms will cease their effects after a few weeks.
Reishi mushrooms This mushroom will temporarily take away one of your five senses: sight, touch, smell, taste or hearing. You may find yourself feeling completely numb to touch; or unable to hear or see anything.
Oyster mushrooms Eating one of these mushrooms will give you temporary amnesia. You may forget yourself, things about your life, even your own name. Or maybe you will forget those around you. Or perhaps both.
Black Morel Eating this mushroom will seem to switch your personality to its complete opposite. Introverted sorts will become extroverted, those prone to anger will become more calm and chilled out, cheerful sorts will become more morose — and vice-versa.
Chanterelles Your mood is lifted and you become more cheerful and affectionate with those around you. You may even become more enamoured with the next person you happen to meet, regardless of your feelings towards them previously or your own orientation/attractions.
Amethyst Laccaria There is nothing supernatural or strange that happens when this mushroom is consumed. You just have a super bad hallucinogenic trip of your own horrible making. This mushroom is literally a nightmare. Sorry about that.
FAQs
1. Arrival threads can be treated as game canon.
2. Items characters have brought from home can be found either strewn around them when they awaken, or in the community hall — as if someone left them out for them to collect. Methuselah will not know how they got there, and will be quite bemused by the happenings.
3. Reminder that all characters are now depowered upon arrival. They can choose not to notice it at first, or can immediately sense something is different about them.
4. If asked any personal questions, Methuselah will smile and say "Oh, you don't want to know about an old man like me. But I have lived all over in these parts for all my life." He will be more concerned with trying to help Newcomers, and is genuinely concerned for them and their well-being. Other Interlopers will say much of the same — there's little to know about him.
5. More information about Milton can be found here.
1. Please Do Not Pet That Dog.
1. Interlopers that pick a variety of the mushrooms and cook them together to eat will suffer the effects of whichever mushroom was in the largest quantity.
2. The mushrooms are fine to eat raw, and characters will feel compelled to eat them raw.
no subject
So — realized? Yes. Accepted? No. But she'll know that about him.
And of course she's here. It would be her, wouldn't it? A ghost, a memory, a reminder of moments that were fleetingly good, but the promise of terrible things to come. Always just a moment away. They'd begun at the end, she was always an ending to him, and the day he didn't hear those words anymore was looming just around the corner. Not today, though, no — today she's here, holding his hand, and as ever, he gathers close an abundance of emotions beneath the surface that he'll barely give away in favor of putting on a show for a moment.
Stroppy, before sentimental. ]
River. I might have known. [ He snags her hand a little more tightly, though. Never mind that she's warming his, he's more focused on the warmth emanating from her hands, something he's never felt before. Distracted, him? Never. His eyes narrow as he notices her fingertips. ]
Does it hurt?
no subject
Unfortunately, avoiding the other's concern is a habit they share. )
Hmm? ( Glancing down at their hands as if she's just seeing the burns across her fingertips for the first time, she shakes her head. ) Oh, I hardly noticed.
( It's a lie, mostly, but she's had her practice, in both lying and hiding the damage. )
You, on the other hand, are going to freeze to death.
( Technically, so might she, but at least she's had the sense to find a decent coat, despite feeling comfortably warmer these days. )
What do you make of the place so far?
no subject
That would be a way to go. Haven't tried it yet, don't care to now, so I won't!
[ Simple as that in his mind. He can be flippant about it, particularly when (in spite of the very clear odds against him now), he's absolutely sure he'll be just fine.
It's possible, perhaps, he's not the best at looking after himself either. Okay, fine, yes, he does need a coat.
Still distracted by her burnt skin, though, his thumb gently moves across for a brief second and despite knowing she'd scold him for it, he makes an attempt at healing the damage. And of course he can't. But he had to try! He squeezes her hand, still holding on. ]
What do I make of it? Well, could use a refresh, perk the place up. Dead of winter, I realize a bit of color is asking too much, but! Lanterns? Garland? Twinkly lights? Anything! And their welcome committee out in the forest is appalling. Other than that, no complaints.
[ This, is of course, him just getting started. Complaints? Loads of them. Concerns — oh, many. ]
How long have you been here? You're...settled. Ish. Handy, isn't it — ish. The little adverb that could. Anyway! Do tell, where are you right now? Or rather, where were you right before?
no subject
She nearly scolds him anyway because, despite his gentle touch, despite her tolerance for pain - of many kinds - it hurts. She probably should make more effort to tend it, but maybe the Doctor isn't the only one ignoring the fact he may not be as resilient as he's accustomed to being.
Instead, she only murmurs a quiet, ) Leave it, Sweetie.
( It's more gentle than commanding, and soon after, she's laughing. )
Twinkly lights? You always did like Christmas.
Oh, it must be a few months now. Who would have thought doing it the long way 'round would make it harder to keep track? ( His next question isn't so easily answered. Oh, she knows he knows it's coming, has known all along. Still, it hurts to say it out loud. At least, it hurts to say it to him. ) An expedition. To The Library. You were being an idiot, as I recall, and I was saving you from yourself.
no subject
That's not what he really wants, though, even if he does let go of her hand now, in favor of crossing his arms loosely over his chest.
It would be then, that moment. It would be her, it would be them here, now, when he'd been trying so hard all this time to outrun the inevitable, the fixed point always just over his shoulder. ]
No, no, that can't be right, you're missing a detail somewhere. When did I ever need saving?
[ In this very moment, he's living up to that word — idiot. They both know exactly what she's talking about, and suddenly being outside in the cold is somehow preferable to anything else at all. He's not sure he'd quite be able to catch his breath otherwise, and she's suddenly both too close and not close enough.
Oh, here's a thought — let's just not talk about it! Excellent. Well, he can try. ]
You've been here months?
no subject
They've both been running, so fast and for so long, but the inevitable has caught up to her. She's at a tipping point. And now she's here, and she doesn't know what that means or what it might change.
She mimics his stance, crossing her own arms in a poorly disguised attempt to keep herself from reaching out to him again, drawing him back in. )
You always need saving.
( For the moment, they're clearly on the same page. )
I'd say it gets better, but it doesn't. You do get used to it. Not really. Supplies are scarce, the technology's ancient, the weather's dreadful. Just look what it's doing to my hair. ( She gestures to her mass of curls that look no more or less frizzy and wild than usual. ) But considering the alternative.
( Or maybe not on the same page. )
no subject
How many times had he run from that moment? Skirted around it like the clever boy he thought he was. Coming so close to it, that last night. The very last. But she was there, right there on the precipice, where it's all about to be gone for her, for them, and yet...here they are. ]
If that's true — and I'm not saying it is, no I wouldn't because that means you're right and you're absolutely not about this — but if, if — then you have terrible timing.
[ It's all cruel, isn't it? That they're here at all now. And isn't the saying that misery loves company? Something like that. But what if — oh, that timing...what if, what if. Those are the worst words, though, and there lies a crooked and dangerous path if he lingers too long on it. ]
Well. We've always been good at making the most of it, haven't we? At least the trees are lovely.
no subject
Terrible timing, indeed. This is some of the worst. But unlike someone she knows is only capable of seeing what he's always seen when he looks at her, now more than ever, she can appreciate this extra time she's been given. )
The air is crisp.
( It's a kind of agreement, but she steps closer, leaning in. )
And you know, Doctor, I'm always right.
no subject
Occasionally. Maybe. When you're not wrong.
[ How is that any different from what she just said? It's not! But he had to "Doctor" it up.
As she steps closer, he feels frozen for the briefest of moments until something takes hold of him; a desperate need, and he reaches out for her hand again. This time, though, he turns it over and just rests his index and middle fingers against her wrist, where he'd feel the thrumming of life that shouldn't be there anymore but it is. Oh, it is, and it breaks him and it's beautiful. ]
You're alive here, River. You're so alive.
[ And I don't want it to go away. ]
no subject
She knows what he's doing, can almost tell what he's thinking even before he says it. )
Yes.
( It's only a whisper, and with her free hand, she reaches up to stroke his cheek. She'd made her peace with dying, but the Doctor...had he ever made his peace with letting her go? This one, he's still so young, full of grief and guilt and fear. )
Technically, I don't think I ever actually died. I expect time will want to correct that eventually. But for the moment, neither of us is going anywhere.
You're allowed to enjoy it.
( At least this part of it. )