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singillppl2024-02-05 02:31 pm
singmod) wrote in singillppl2024-02-05 02:31 pm
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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
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.
arrival II;
Remembering how much a little display of friendliness had meant to her when she was cold and in dire need of winter clothing, Snow's already making the rounds, a heavier blanket draped over one arm, to see if she can recognize anyone currently hunched over a bowl of soup. The blanket isn't for her; it's for the first person she sees who looks like they might still be shivering, and after a moment, she pulls out a chair to sit in front of a young man with dark hair, ducking her chin slightly to meet his gaze before offering a small smile.
"It's a little more complicated than that," she admits, trying not to let any frustration seep into her voice. "But there are people here who are working on a way to get us all home. Until then..." She shrugs her shoulders briefly, then extends the blanket out in his direction.
"Would this help, or are you all set with the soup?"
no subject
It was clear that just like his dad, his mom didn't remember him, though at least this time Connor had the good sense not to blurt anything out right off the bat. Instead he just started rambling. "Um, no, I mean yeah, blanket would be good. A blanket I mean." Connor, just stop talking.
To any outsiders, it might have looked a bit strange, the two of them talking to one another. There was a close enough resemblance one wouldn't have been blamed for thinking the two were related, perhaps Connor being a younger brother of Snow's if they didn't know any better. With his dark hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, he'd been one of the cubs along with Winter who had the closest resemblance to their mother.
no subject
That said, none of it is worth burdening the younger man sitting across from her, and Snow herself is in a worthy position to provide immediate assistance in the best way she knows how, through resources she can share and a willingness to offer an open ear.
"Take it. There's more where that came from, I'm sure," she admits, carefully setting it down on the table in front of him without inadvertently bumping into his soup bowl. "Besides, everything feels a little less overwhelming when you're not freezing from the cold."
no subject
"What's your name?" He asked, trying to seem very normal about this whole thing, knowing exactly who Snow was while she didn't have a clue she was talking to her own son. Should he have said something? Then again, maybe that would only make things worse somehow. He was still trying to figure out what was going on here, how his parents and he had arrived in the same space despite being decades apart.
no subject
Her expression shifts into a commiserating frown when he mentions having a bad reaction upon his arrival — in truth, Snow hadn't even been able to let herself freak out about anything until much, much later, but she understands the confusion he must be experiencing. When he asks her for her name, though, her thoughts are pulled away from offering him sympathy.
"I'm Snow," she murmurs, brows lifting slightly — not that she expects him to have any outward reaction, but there's a reason she doesn't offer her full name at first, even as she gently encourages him to introduce himself in kind. "And you are?"
no subject
After the first meeting with his father hadn't gone as well as it could have, he was worried about what happened if his mom didn't realize she was his mother after his last name made his connection to Bigby clear. Then again, Snow had always been much smarter in certain ways than her husband, so perhaps she'd take it better. He'd have to keep testing the waters until he had a better idea of what to do here.
"I got the basic summary of what was going on here on my trek through the woods. But do you think there's any specific I should know?" So he didn't run off and do anything stupid or impulsive. Connor knew himself well enough to know that was a distinct possibility with him.
no subject
"For starters, if you don't have any place to stay yet, the Community Hall has a few options for newcomers. I've taken a room myself until I find something a little more long-term."
While Snow hadn't originally planned on staying that long, she's found that the reality of leaving isn't going to happen as quickly as she'd like — and she's already made up her mind that she's not leaving without Bigby, especially after finding out he'd been here for months prior to her arrival, without anyone from home to lean on. So, until they can both find a way home together, she's resigned herself to staying, though she's already made up her mind to try and find an actual house she can make her own.
no subject
At least now he knew where his mom was staying as well, which meant he'd be hanging around the Community Hall a lot more. In that regard, he didn't have to make up any excuses for coming often, as it appeared this was a central hub for all the Interlopers to stop by on a regular basis. "I'm guessing finding supplies is pretty much up to whatever we can scavenge?" Cause he was going to need to some new clothes stat before he completely froze into a wolfsicle out there in the cold.
no subject
"Well, if that's settled, then you're right. The only thing you really need now is probably a much warmer wardrobe," she admits, glancing over at him with a more direct nod toward his tux.
"Let me guess: some kind of fancy party before all of this started, right?"
no subject
He fiddled with the edge of the tie he'd been wearing. "Sort of. A fancy party that turned into a big fight." He hoped the rest of the team had fared alright without him, though he was certain Bobby would have been able to make up any gaps that Connor's sudden disappearance would have caused.
no subject
Then again, now that things have been completely turned upside down in the wake of Crane's crimes, there'll probably be less time available for those kinds of parties when Snow needs to focus on cleaning up all the mess left behind. Not that she can really even think about all of that now, as her attention returns to Connor, and one eyebrow slowly rises. "You weren't a part of that fight, were you?"
no subject
"Um, maybe?" Oh yes, because she wasn't going to see through that answer immediately. He was such an idiot sometimes.
no subject
Unless he's feeling somewhat embarrassed about it, or ashamed for having gotten caught up in said fight to begin with, and what's more, she wasn't even present for it herself, so there's no reason for her to be questioning him about what happened.
"Besides, you look like you're still in one piece, so I think I can guess how it ended."
no subject
"Yeah, me and my teammates got it all sorted without too much trouble." It had just about been wrapping up by the time that Connor had been dragged to Milton, so he felt his teammates had been able to handle it with no problems. That had been in sharp contrast to the other assignments he'd been on, where they'd been lucky to make it out of there alive.
no subject
(Giving credit where credit's due, however; Bigby has actually seemed to be on better behavior lately, but she doesn't know what to attribute that to.)
"Your teammates?" she asks, since that particular phrasing piques her curiosity.
no subject
"I've only been with them a little while but it's pretty cool!" He said, Connor's usual enthusiasm shining through. Despite arriving and being in such a disorienting situation, he wasn't going to be kept down for long.
no subject
"Cool in a way that's... not life-threatening or dangerous?" she asks, almost hopefully; for some reason, she feels the instinct to make sure that whatever Connor's doing in terms of a job isn't a significant risk to him, but maybe that's also wishful thinking.
no subject
It was a good thing he'd had his Fable healing back home cause otherwise Connor would have long since been deceased thanks to all the shenanigans he tended to get up to. No one in the Shadow Players had managed to find a way to get him to calm down yet.