Deer Country Network

[ CW: Character death. ]

( The Death Star shook... )

[ The dark fades away, leaving Luke standing in front of the omni in stunned silence. Tears were falling from his eyes, though he didn't seem completely aware of them as his mouth moved, struggling to say something, anything, about the deeply personal memory that was just broadcasted for all of Trench to see. ]

[ Finally, he clicked his mouth shut, quietly reaching over and deactivating the omni without saying anything. ]

PIZZA MARKET RESEARCH SURVEY #1

1. What are the best pizza toppings (and nothing weird like anchovies)?

2. Thin crust or thick crust?

3. Do you like orange soda?

4. Do you know how replicate orange soda here?

5. What are your preferred pizza eating hours?

6. How often would you use a horse-based delivery service? Would it depend on what kind of horse showed up at your house with the pizza? Would it matter if the horse was fucking terrifying?

Thank you all for your input.

[ Naturally Kaneki doesn't feel comfortable enough to show his face or tell others who he is. He is also not sure how this whole thing will go, but he has to try, doesn't he? ]

We are now squids, I try to understand that. That's our true form.
But when we get out of the ocean, we transform into something else. Humans, trolls [ he met one, yes ] elves, vampire, and maybe even something else. It's the form we remember once being, I think? I wasn't properly explained that part.

But my question is: can we change that form? If I don't want to be a vampire or a werewolf, can I just be human?

Is there blood magic or powers to make me human?
I used to be human, so I could become human again, right?

I need help.

[ There's a faint sound of wind in the background of his broadcast, as if he's sitting somewhere up high. ]

Hello. Again. [ Oof, okay, not the strongest start. ] I'm Anakin Solo, a knight of the Jedi Order, at your service. I sort of remember being here before, and I wanted to thank everyone who helped me out.

They offered me a bed at the orphanage, but I don't want to take it from someone who might need it.
How does housing work here, exactly? I don't mind sleeping outside, but that doesn't seem wise in the long run.

[ A pause. ]

By the way, I don't remember the sky being like this before-- is this normal? As normal as anything is here, I mean.

[ Another pause. He's clearly not in his element. ]

Thanks again.

[ The feed ends. ]


( ooc: let me know if you want to keep his tdm thread! i'm cool either way. )

cw: discussion of frogs, small emeto reference



Some of you are getting Very Dramatic about frogs. So they're big? So what?

But, I understand that most people don't know much about them, and that they can really freak people out if they're not expecting them. They can be very startling when they jump and get stuck in your clothes or hair.

Now, I don't claim the title of 'expert' here. There's always more to learn about everything, and calling yourself 'expert' just narrows your thinking. But, I'm certain that I've studied frogs, other amphibians, and their habitats for longer than many of you have been alive. So if it helps, call me your 'local expert.'

I don't have access to my full archive right now, so we'll keep this simple.

FROGS 101: THE BASICS OF SURVIVING AN ENCOUNTER

Frogs are a unique creature that has adapted to life both on land and water through multiple means which serve as a double edged sword for them. Their strengths can also in fact be their weaknesses, and knowing how to exploit these will increase your odds of safely surviving an encounter with the giant versions of these creatures.

1) Frogs have a very thin, permeable layer of skin. This is what allows them to breathe underwater, but it also makes them susceptible to injury from materials we would not think twice about. The very oils on our hands can injure smaller frogs if they're handled improperly. This also makes them incredibly sensitive to topical pain relievers and changes in temperature, which will be discussed below.

2) Along with their delicate skin, frogs also have a quick metabolism which is aided by the impressive supply of blood that is supplied to their skin. Topical pain relievers can quickly render them unconscious.

3) While most people, mammals, and birds can regulate their internal temperature on their own, frogs cannot do this. They are usually called 'cold blooded', but this just means that they regulate their body temperature through their environment. Making them too warm will slow their reaction time. Making them too cold will make them sleepy.

Use this information as you will.

Other factors to remember:

1) Frogs have incredible strength in their rear legs, which they use for leaps that can be up to fifty times the length of their own body. Do NOT try to engage if they are fighting with their legs. You will not win. Outrunning them in a plain foot race might also be difficult. Use your wits to find your escape.

2) Frogs have tongues that are incredibly soft, flexible, and are covered in a special substance that both hardens and liquifies in reaction to the movements of the prey they have captured. It is extremely difficult to escape this substance, as it can be hard enough to hurt if you approach with force and yet it turns into something soft and pliant if you move slowly and take your time. This may or may not be possible. Do NOT engage. If you do get caught, your best defense will be to trigger the gag reflex. It is Unpleasant.


With everything said, I will close out this primer. Feel free to ask any questions, and I will see if I can answer.

- Perell

P.S. If any of you manage to learn anything interesting, please tell me. I want to work on rebuilding my archives. Thanks.

[The video switches on, and the woman in view may well be unique, what with the vibrant purple face painting - or...or is it tattoos? There are feathers in her air and while her eyes are clear, anybody with instincts will have a bit of a moment with them - and that eager, lopsided smile.]

Well, well, well. Talking through a rock, whatever will they think of next.

[She's been working to gain knowledge of this place, but it's time to dangle things in the water and see what happens next.]

So, gentle souls and not, tell me of this place. For I am newly arrived. Another in the litany of lost souls, it seems.

[By her standards, this is practically pleasant.]

Tell me - has anyone even seen a Pthumerian?


[OOC: If you'd rather have already met her, or meet in person, she arrived Here]

I can't say it is quite what I was expecting...

[As she starts to record, Padmé offers a gentle smile. There is a quiet calm to her, although any that would know her well knows that it is a countenance that she wears and that within, brews a storm. She is dressed in a manner that is known in her own galaxy but which might well seem a bit strange to others. Yet they are clothing of a style that she dons on a regular basis to Senate meetings- a thick rich layered gown of velvet with an ornate hair piece haloing her head.]

While I'm not certain how long I will remain here, I do admit that I haven't been planet-bound since I was younger, and even then, it was not for long.

[Her voice is soft but also strong and those brown eyes are drawn away from the feed, regarding the sky for a moment. It is an atmosphere that holds no meaning to her, at least as its stands, but there are some things in this place that she can understand, that are universal no matter where one is. She does begin to speak again, her focus still out there on that great unknown, wondering just what lays beyond... Yet her gaze is drawn back and she gives a little nod of her head, before making eye contact again.]

My name is Padmé Amidala, a Senator for the planet of Naboo, and I offer a greeting. It seems, if I am to understand this correctly, that we are all here by the same means, caught in the same situation. As it seems I may well be here for some time, I would be interested to hear more about the places you call home, for any willing to share.

[There is a genuine warmth in her voice and her smile grows ever so. The situation may be foreign, but she can find some common ground to begin with while remaining true to herself. The rest... She will with piece by piece.]

I would, of course, speak of my own as well, for those who wished to hear of it. I am curious to see just how far a reach this place has, and whether Naboo or Coruscant or even any of the other planets that make up the Galactic Republic are known to anyone here.

[Maul looks as serious as he's ever been and at first he doesn't seem like he wants to speak. It takes Venge giving him a very hard headbutt to give him the impetus to start talking. There's a pensive quality to his voice like he's been practicing what he wants to say in his head but still isn't sure if he's gotten it quite right yet.]

I was in Deerington for over a year and a half. Including the time here in Trench, that is now over two years spent away from my home galaxy. That can change a person no matter how resistant one is to it. Some of you have been right. I have been acting like an unrepentant monster. [Which might be one of the hardest things for Maul to ever admit publicly. Everyone here knows getting him to admit when he's wrong is like pulling teeth.] But I've had a great deal of time to think and have come to the conclusion that I don't want to be that anymore. It is not a decision I make lightly or one that I was forced into by anyone. I think that has been the crux of why I have been faltering in my attempts. No one can make me become a better person. That has to come from within. So I'm going to prove the ones that have stuck by me right and show their eternal faith in me has been warranted. I never would have even gotten this far or come to this decision without them. To that end, I am making you all an offer which will be good from now until this city collapses into dust like Deerington did.

I swear by everyone here I told dear-- [And that's how one can tell he's dead serious about this. Maul would never make a vow he doesn't fully intend to keep.] --I will protect almost any and all of you against any monster that ever threatens your life. No questions asked, I will simply be there to defend you from danger. Just contact me and ask. It is that simple. All I seem to be good for is death and destruction, so I am going to channel that in a positive manner. There are a few exceptions to this, of course, but I'm sure you already know who you are. I'm making a change for the better but I'm not a saint and I do hold grudges. This doesn't apply to any conflicts that involve other Sleepers. I'm not getting involved in your petty squabbles. But anything inhuman which threatens your life will be dealt with in a swift manner, of that you can be assured.

[He goes to turn off his Omni when he adds on almost as an afterthought.]

Oh, and my offer to use my powers to get you to sleep or pull corruption out of your mind also still stand.

[Maul pauses and thinks of adding on something more but he's afraid he might dig himself into a hole he can't get out of if he does so. Instead, the Sith Lord just ends the feed a bit abruptly right there.]

( cw: forced bonding, allusions to sexual assault trauma )

( cw: forced bonding )

[ Terry's wearing his Cobra Kai gi, his hair tied back neatly in a ponytail. He looks neat and sharp, and so do his surroundings. There isn't a single particle of dust in sight, but there are enough personal touches - a slightly tilted photograph in a frame, an opened bottle of wine on the shelf - that it's not too mechanical. He's approachable, he's friendly, he knows how to market himself. ]

I suppose I should introduce myself. I'm Terry Silver, also with the Cobra Kai dojo. I see Sensei Lawrence has already made quite the introduction.

[ Derogatory. The neutral and abrupt tone with which he says it is perhaps more biting than any sneering or snarking could be. ]

My style differs from his [ It's way, way better is what he means. ] so I'd also like to extend an open invitation for any students interested in learning karate who might prefer my approach. This won't conflict with Sensei Lawrence's classes at all. The more the merrier, I always say.

[ He absolutely intends to create conflict with Johnny's classes. ]

My personal approach emphasizes the psychological elements of fighting as much as the physical. That doesn't mean my training regimen is any less intense, we'll just be adding some extra elements of strategy into the mix.

There is no initiation test in my dojo; it's my job to make sure you succeed regardless of where you start. Willingness to show up and commit is proof enough for me.

I'd especially like to invite anyone who is interested in learning but worries that they may not be strong enough, anyone who needs help facing their fears, and anyone who has been a victim of bullying. [ You know, if you've ever been bullied by people like Johnny Lawrence. ] Of course, I will gladly welcome anyone who is interested in my methods, those are just examples of students I've excelled with in the past.

[Jacob Stone comes from a world of both smartphones and magic (and sometimes those smartphones had magic in them), so he isn't entirely unfamiliar with this. The Omni is a little awkward at first to deal with, but he's managing.

What he isn't managing, is the rattlesnake that seems intent on curling around his shoulders in a cozy fashion.]

Hi. My name is Jacob Stone, I just got here, so there's a lotta new things I ain't quite got the hang of yet.

Uh.

So.

So can y'all tell me if there's an incantation or something to get rid of--of whatever this little critter is?

[The snake looks just as grumpy as he does, for a moment, and hisses at him. He looks mildly offended at the gesture, or maybe the snake might have said something rude.]

I'm not--I don't use magic, I mean, but this thing just sort of appeared outta nowhere and now it won't go. I didn't mean to summon it! But I guess I did and now I don't know how t'make it go away.

[He's just...a little stressed. Being a Librarian whose job it is to find magical artifacts and hide them from the world and as a rule doesn't use magic because he's terrified of it is now in a world absolutely steeped in it, and he just accidentally summoned a smoky creature right out of his chest.

It's fine. He's fine?]

[There are two things that will probably become immediately apparent once this post goes live on DeerNet: whoever's posting it is almost definitely using a voice-to-text function, and they are almost definitely having a Paleblood Truthiness Moment™ that's become so relatively commonplace this month.]

Do you know what this little trinket reminds me of? A magic mirror. My stepmother had one of those. She thought it could tell her the future if she asked questions of it, all visions and prophecies. She used to use it to spy on me. Watched my every move and jotted it all down so she could hand it over to my father's wizard. And of course everyone knew that mirror showed the future true, so anything she reported back, well, that must also have been true, hadn't it? She could just say she saw it in her mirror. Who would question it?

[The sarcasm is palpable.]

I wonder, though, how many people around these parts believe in that sort of thing. Prophecy, that is. Ever had one told about you? Someone you know, maybe? Did it come true, or was it all just fluff and superstition wrapped up in some pretty rhyming couplets?

I found my omen recently. It doesn't like its own shape much, and I can't say I do, either. Do you suppose it's trapped that way forever, regardless? Or do you think it can change?

[Here, too, there's a sense of hesitation, like the person posting isn't precisely sure how to end it — like a proper letter, or to just cut off, or what.]

Right, then.

[CW: Now with discussion of death in the comments!]

[ There has been a great deal of things that Sasuke has learned about in the few weeks he's been here just from talking to new people. All of them have been extremely confusing concepts, like therapy and the idea that people take care of children when they don't have anyone else to take care of them.

Some of these conversations where he's learned things have ended in more questions than answers. He could ask for more clarification from the few he's already made contact with, but the more possible answers he can get, the better. He thinks.

He hopes.

This could be a mistake. ]

How would you suggest someone improve their communication skills?

If your go to response is "talk to people", spare me. I'm only interested in more thorough answers.

hey has anyone ever like manifested something into existence just by thinking about it hard enough?
like getting your dream job or a girl you like finally looking your way
or say you for example miss your son back home a lot and then one day he appears like you summoned him

you know?

this ever happened to anyone for real?
anyone here ascribe to the secret?
its a self-improvement method that's been sweeping the principalities back home
is it actually real?
can someone again super hypothetically manifest their loved one into existence?

asking for a friend

[The video starts off with Maul looking angry, as he usually does, and he starts in with no introduction or insults. There’s a definite sense one gets watching that he’s doing his best to keep himself from pissing off the population at large.]

It appears that recently there was a misunderstanding over who had killed someone named Flynn. I am here to make it clear that was not me. While I have no issues with being accused of things I have actually done, I won’t stand for people speculating that I am the cause of all your miseries here--

[He pauses, visibly restraining himself from saying anything further that he knows won’t help his cause here.]

--But no matter. I knew who actually did it and so I have brought the miscreant forth to tell you himself.

( More Jedi and Sith drama under here! )

cw: grief, talk of death, suicidal thoughts, language

[ The feed clicks on to ragged breathing, too close to the Omni ]

Who the hell killed Flynn? Some guy with a light sword. Give me names.

[ Yuri's voice is low and rough, somehow both heated and emotionless. His emotional state has been degrading since Flynn's omen led him to Flynn's corpse. He growls and there's rustling over the Omni ]

If you killed him, be at the Gate at midnight.

[The time away from Deerington has definitely not improved Ariadne's skill with a camera. The feed immediately pops on too close to her face, more or less framing nothing but her gray eye. She quickly realizes her error and pulls it back, the feed shaking and rattling until she manages to steady it.

And there she is. The face of an idol. Or possibly someone familiar.]

Just to be clear, I'm not Padmé Amidala and I'm not Jane Foster.

[Her voice is light and airy, like a little, trilling bird. She offers the feed a sympathetic look, as if apologetic that she's neither of these women. She's heard so much about them. They seem pretty great.

Ariadne is...not as great.

But she clears her throat and continues.]

It's me, Ariadne. I...well. I'm sure everyone is confused. I know I am. And if you need to talk about it, I'm happy to listen.

But, uh, what I really wanted to say is that somehow, my orchard is here. All of my trees. And some of them even have fruit. So if you need something fresh to eat or...just something familiar, you're welcome to come spend some time with my trees.

I think I might start a garden. One that everyone could use. Someplace to think. I don't know...

[And she's lost in thought for a moment. Ariadne knows nothing about starting a business or anything. But how hard could it be?

After a moment, she shakes her head.]

I hope everyone is all right.