singillppl | February 2024 Test Drive Meme

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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

ARRIVAL: METHUSELAH'S FEAST

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.

OF FAIR FORTUNE

1. Please Do Not Pet That Dog.

BAD PICKINGS

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.

TALES FROM THE NORTHERN TERRITORIES NEWSLETTER

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

on the way to milton (cw: blood, injury)

[He's never been so cold in his life. Something isn't right. His heart feels like it's beating slower; his blood is heavy in his veins. His body feels sluggish and wrong. He has no memories of his father's, or of Kruger's, or of his own future.

[In the snowy, bitter woods on the path to Milton, he doesn't notice that someone is nearby, likely watching. They'll see an odd sight - Eren, raising his right hand to his mouth and biting down. It isn't a soft bite. Viciously, his teeth tear at his skin, ripping out chunks as blood blooms and drips down his injured hand. He tries again - again and again and again, mangling his right hand into a bloody mash of torn flesh.

[Nothing. He feels just like an idiot kid again. This isn't good...]

Goddammit.

methuselah's feast(cw: blood, injury)

[Warmth. That's all he cares about. The community hall is a reprieve that's more than welcome, the roaring fire momentarily assuaging Eren with its crackling warmth. He lingers by it, warming his hands. The right looks mangled, stained with blood, covered in vicious bite marks, clearly human. It hurts. And it hasn't healed yet. He's not used to that.

[It takes a while to break away from the warmth of the fire long enough to find a hot drink - also welcome. He feels like his insides are frozen solid. He's used to a higher natural body temperature - gone.

[Back to the fire. The time to relax is ending. As someone approaches nearby, perhaps with their own plate of food or cup of tea, he glances at them sideways. When he speaks, his voice is low - cold, but not cruel. It betrays very little emotion whatsoever.]

You. You're from the town, or somewhere else? [A face from another world, maybe.

[There's a question on Eren's mind. Has he caused all of this?]

bad pickings

[Eren grew up in a starving world. He knows how to forage. Of course, this world isn't his own, so it took some time to figure out what types of mushrooms were safe to consume. He doesn't think twice about eating one as he continues to search - feels he needs to, even, the second he picks it up.

[It's a chanterelle mushroom, and the effect is immediate. Eren doesn't particularly notice the change, but feels...good. That's...strange. He can't actually remember the last time he felt good. Has he ever? It doesn't matter. He feels good now, enough so that there's a smile on his face - you won't have seen that before. Even to a stranger, it looks strange on his face, unfitting. When he sees you, it's like seeing an old friend - except it's better than seeing an old friend, as seeing old friends back home made him feel more sick than anything.

[His greeting is...amiably, casual, lighthearted - nothing at all like Eren.]

Hi. [He extends a hand, full of other mushrooms of various kinds.] Try one. They're filling.

wildcard

((ooc: I'm happy to try anything! Hit me up on plurk at

pantheraliam for plotting, or PM this journal! Or just write a starter and go for it.))

[ It's strange to have been here long enough to see the wave of new arrivals. According to everything she's learned in the past weeks, this is how it works — new people arrive, waking up in the cold with no memory of how they got here, and two months later, another group finds themselves in the exact same situation. Lather, rinse, repeat. And still, they don't have any better idea of what is causing this.

It's strange, and frustrating, and horrifying. So, of course, Daisy has to try to do her part to "welcome" the newcomers. As if any of them are truly welcome here when that thing is just waiting to pick them all off.

With a worn purple backpack hanging off one shoulder and a slightly hideous, oversized plaid coat wrapped around her, she moves toward the fire, a cup of coffee clutched in one hand. The voice catches her attention and she turns to one of those new faces and decides she might as well start with this one. ]

Everyone from the town died before the first of us arrived. [ Her tone is practical, providing information in the way of someone used to working with facts that aren't always easy to stomach. ]

[Facts that aren't always easy to stomach is what Eren deals in. On some level, he appreciates the concise, practical answer. What he needs is information - Daisy is providing it.]

The first of "us"?

Interlopers. That's what it calls us, anyway.

[ He'd probably heard the voice like all the rest of them, that dark ominous thing echoing in their minds as they woke in this frozen hell. She can still hear it, that memory resurfacing in her nightmares. ]

We only know of a few natives to the area still left alive. Everyone else here is from somewhere else. [ That was how he'd phrased it, though it remains to be seen just how he'd meant it. ]

"Somewhere else." [His tone is flat, but it's a thoughtful utterance - distant, almost.]

Other realities?

["It." That voice. Yes, he heard it, but Eren still wonders if some error with the Founder's power is what did all of this. He's no stranger to alternate realities - he's the one that crafts them.]

Yes. [ It's a relief that he's the one suggesting the idea. There are so many people here who struggle to grasp the concept, let alone accept it as reality. ]

Some people know each other from before, but most of us are from different times and different worlds. I take it you have experience with that sort of thing?

[Not something he was necessarily trying to reveal so readily, but she doesn't need all the details.]

Some.

My guess...[He turns to properly face her. His eyes are...empty, dull, a churning gray sea awaiting a storm.]

It isn't simple to return to our own realities. Is that right?

[ Sighing heavily, she takes a seat near him and shakes her head before setting her backpack on the floor beside her feet. This is going to be the hardest part every time, she can already tell. ]

I wish I had a different answer for you, but no, it isn't simple. To be honest, none of us know how we got here or where to even start trying to get home, and some people have been working on the problem for more than six months.

[When Daisy takes a seat, Eren takes a seat nearby.

[Six months. He's spent lifetimes sitting in one place. It won't be a pleasant wait, but it's nothing he can't handle. If she's expecting him to look disturbed, he doesn't - only wears that same vacant expression.]

I suppose if any of the interlopers have disappeared you could just as easily assume that they're dead.

[Meaning that the loss of a familiar face doesn't mean that anyone actually managed to escape, or so he figures.]

Eren Jaeger | Attack on Titan | New Player, New Character (please read CWs in journal)

the feast —

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on the way (hey girl)

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cw: casual ableism

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to Milton!

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The feast

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