Deer Country Network

[For the most part, Nox had been far too occupied to bother addressing the network, but given even he'd noticed things getting a little too confrontational for his liking--especially in the wilds--he thought it prudent to make at least some sort of announcement. He hadn't arrived alone after all, and the last thing he needed was for some overzealous hunter to go and get themselves torn limb from limb in a way he'd be blamed for.]

For those who do not know me, I am Darth Nox.

A certain companion of mine has apparently arrived on this world alongside me and, unfortunately, there is a non-zero chance she could be mistaken for a corrupted beast by anyone who encounters her while she's exploring her new surroundings. Given the nature of this place, I thought it best to ensure she would be recognized before anyone does something foolish.

Jen'Taral!

[Considering the nature of the creature that bounded up to him once called, it wouldn't be hard to see exactly why Nox was convinced this particular nexu could spark a misunderstanding. In addition to being large enough to comfortably carry one to two people--and by extension, large enough to quite easily rip them apart--she already looked corrupted. With eyes burning like embers, darkened fur, and several obvious patches of burned and necrotized flesh it would have been a fairly easy mistake to make.

Since Nox did not expect his companion to understand the specific reason he'd called her, or even to sit still for long, he made sure to toss a large fish her way as an incentive to linger around a bit longer. An incentive that was very, very enthusiastically torn apart before eating, which also had the benefit of serving as an excellent demonstration of just what sort of damage the creature's massive jaws were capable of. Even though she was fully capable of swallowing most things whole, she evidently preferred to play with her food by tearing it into smaller morsels for no other reason than her own enjoyment.]

Jen'taral is hardly docile, but in her current state she's been trained well enough that she will not pose an immediate threat to anyone she may come across even if I'm not present to rein her in. Given the sort of conditioning prized by her previous "caretakers," it took considerable effort for her behavior to even progress that far.

So I hope I don't need to explain why giving her any reason to reconsider whether or not you qualify as an acceptable meal would be a bad idea.

[ Hi, yes, it's Dean showing his face on the network, which is rare as hell. He looks like bagged shit, but he's ALIVE, and he's grateful for that. His omni is set up in the kitchen, facing him at the table and yeah, sorry, he's low key surrounded by disassembled weaponry. ]


So my brother, Sam, has been a friggin' menace to Trench the last few months, as I'm sure most of you are aware at this point. No worries, he's currently in therapy. [ ignore the monster roar there. ]

My question to you guys is this. [ He holds up a charm bracelet, wiggling it around. ] This is my moms charm bracelet. It's missing three charms. Has anyone seen them? They'd be silver, vintage from the 70s - so kinda worn, probably sterling.

Anyway..yeah. If you've seen those charms, let me know as soon as possible. Please.

[ He hesitates, like he's not sure if he should add this or not, but. Some people probably wanna know. ]

My little brother, Sammy. The fourteen year old. He's gone home, voluntarily. He said...bye.

[ okay thats it bye ]

Today is Raleigh Becket's birthday. It's an ongoing tradition to get him a lot of beans. He'd be sad if nobody did.

You can drop them off at [ his address. ]

Thanks.

[ Totally disguised your typing style, Mako, great job. ]

[there is some ambient, tidal noise, intermittent dog-barking, and the occasional woosh on the speaker thanks to rogue gusts of wind. but other than that, this guy! he sounds a little winded himself, but no worse for wear.]

Uh--he-hey, folks. Those of you...super-good or into food storage? If you can get to the boardwalk, there's...a lot.

Let's see-- [there's some creaking and a CRACK. then a huff.] Tomatoes, onions...potatoes...onions...ahh--uoh! Scallions, too! That's lucky...

[a beat.]

...Sure hope nobody's allergic to onions, though...there's a ton...!


[anybody out n' about on Boardwalk is happy to action in as well!]

...no no, it's alphabetical, sillies! We don't want the cherries next to the gooseberries when there are blackberries and blueberries and elderberries to think of first!

[Good morning, Trench. What you are witnessing right now is a giant hawk alongside several songbirds, chipmunks, squirrels, and all sorts of other forest animals all along the shelves with jars and jars and JARS of fruits, vegetables, and various other items, putting things in alphabetical order while there are meats drying and curing above in bunches hanging from bars just above the shelves alongside plants like sage, willow bark, lavender, and more. Snow is putting up another row of meat to dry out on the bars.

Her Omen, a giant stag, stomps a hoof and Snow turns to look at him.]

Oh! Yes, thank you Faramund!

Why hello everyone!

[There's some chittering from behind Snow White, two raccoons holding up a bowl of washed strawberries.]

Oh, yes, I'll get to the strawberries in just a moment, thank you dears, why don't you start on the cucumbers? We're saving the fish for pickling last.

[She turns to look back to the stag.]

Where was I? [One of the songbirds tweets behind her.] Oh yes, thank you.

I was speaking to my friends, and they said it would be best to prepare for winter!

[Snow, for her part, is quite in her element, being from the 1500s and Germany, winters could be particularly harsh and it wasn't all that strange to dry and cure and jar and pickle things to survive the winter.]

Well, when we went foraging, my friends and I gathered such a large amount that I have plenty to spare!

So, would anyone like some preserves? I have all sorts of fruit and vegetables, and the meat isn't done drying and curing but there should be plenty of that to share as well! And there will be pickled fish and crab. We're going to go mushroom and truffle hunting once we have this all done!

[Snow giggles when there are cheers of excitement around her by the animals.]

Well of course we'll get enough for everyone!

In any case, please don't hesitate to ask if there is something you would like!

[The feed turns on and Willow gives a little wave.]

Hi everyone. So, uh, I was talking to one of the younger Sleepers here about Halloween. She's never been trick or treating before - and I bet she's not the only one.

[She pauses for a brief second.]

Huh. I guess I should probably explain what that is - since we're all from different places, and I bet everyone has different traditions.

So at home, on the thirty-first of October, kids usually dress up in costume once it starts getting dark, and go around and knock on doors say 'trick or treat!' and people give them candy, or other treats. There doesn't really seem to be a shortage of kids around, and a lot of them are here without their parents - and there's the orphanage to think about too. I bet they've have never been trick or treating before in their lives, since it doesn't seem to be a thing here.

Anyway, I wanted to suggest that maybe we can put something together for them as a community - we'd need people to hand out candy and stuff, and probably people to make sure everyone stays safe too. I mean, from what I've heard, this isn't a regular Deerington October, but that doesn't mean we should totally let our guard down, right?

I figure it's probably a good way for anyone who knows about Halloween to get to do something that feels familiar for a night, and for anyone who doesn't know about it, it's a fun way to get out for a night and get our minds off... Well, everything else.

[Cloverfield's curse. She means Cloverfield's curse.]

So what do you think?

[ Oh hello, it's your friendly neighborhood egyptologist slash mummy hunter tuning in. Evelyn's hair is windswept and framing her face, cheeks pink from what is prooobably either whiskey or wine. She's tired of visions and migraines and soul crushing loneliness and has thrown herself into re-establishing her shop.

She's sat at one of the little tables in the back by the fireplace, the culprit of her pink cheeked, rosy glow sat on the table next to her. She's got her little device propped up against a book to properly frame her. ]

Hello, fellow residents. I just wanted to let you know that my bookshop, Spellbound Book Co., is open once more. By all means, please come in any time, have a look around.

[ She leans back in her chair, a little roughly, picks up her tumbler - the question is answered, it's whatever passes for whiskey - and smiles. ]

Who else has a business here? Let's all discuss our business endeavors, feel free to chat amongst yourselves.

[ Is she drunk? Maybe a little. ]

Good morning, everyone. [ said a polite but hesitant young man's voice offscreen. ] I might have a problem. Does anyone know how to sew?

[ The Omni hovered over a freshly laundered dark green jumpsuit. There were rips in the side where something with long nails or claws had scratched through. ]

I know it's bad, but this means a lot to me. I would really appreciate it if someone could help me out in time for the festival. Thank you very much.

I suppose it is an understatement to say that it is quite an uprooting to be be reborn in another world; there are certainly marked differences between this world and my own.

But there are also striking similarities.

It certainly leaves one with a considerable amount of questions so I shall not dally;

In my wanderings I have stumbled across flora both familiar and quite alien - I would suspect some of it is native to this world? Back in my own I am an apothecary of sorts; I would be most appreciative if any other herbalists better acquainted with the plant life of this world would recommend texts on the matter.

I would be more inclined to simply experiment on my own, but there is the confounding matter of blood pollution. I am uncertain how it manifests in local vegetation, how to recognize it, and how to neutralize its effects when crafting medicine - if the latter is even possible. So again, I will ask for any recommended reading on the matter.

Furthermore, I come with an offer.

I am an apothecary, yes, but I am also a craftsman of incense - something it seems is of vital import in surviving the many oddities of Trench. Materials provided, I will happily offer my services in either role in exchange for food or shelter.

[The feed opens to that sound of frantic splashing and the sound of the ocean.]

[Loud rapid-fire meows begin right at the source of the video. In view is the farther shores and a large grand piano anchored in the shallows like it had somehow washed up. Behind it is a harried teenager who looks like he's trying to figure out how to drag it out of the water.]

I'm trying, but it's sunk into the damned sand. If the bloody tide rolls in who knows what will happen to the piano case! Have you got the Omni on? I-

[A very pleased, affirmative Mrrooaahhhh!]

Shit!

[He rushes around the piano, slips and face plants into the water before he makes for a dash towards the feed. After a moment it focuses on his face.]

[He clears his throat with some dignity despite that he is drenched in sand and salt water and has a crab climbing up his shoulder. He looks like he's about to make a very formal address before he sighs in frustration.]

Oh, to hell with it. I need some help on the farther shores.

[He swipes the crab off his shoulder before it snatches his ear.]

My piano just washed up and I'd sooner eat calamari than leave it to rot. I can't offer any coin, obviously, but I'm willing to negotiate other services in return. Whatever it fucking takes.

[It's her first time on the network. She has been, to put it mildly, avoiding this moment. The woman on the screen certainly looks better than she had in Deerington. Better rested, more attuned with herself. Those that know her well may have talked to her about this, or seen it in the way she moves. Instead of running about trying to catch up, instead of being dragged along by events - this is what the Avatar is, and who Avatar Korra is, specifically: ready, confident, and radiating inner strength.]

[The other part, of course, is hidden away, as it always is - she knows, now, just how far her powers extend...and in a world that runs on blood, is working to keep the knowledge of bloodbending - and her ability to do it - strictly secret. Such an ability has the potential to be...well, an ultimate weapon, in her conception. But the scope pales to her view of it as a violation, and she - having been bloodbent herself - knows the agony that comes with it.]

[So, she keeps that hidden. And the normalcy can be layered over top until it is pushed down and, hopefully, forgotten. Though...arrangements have to be made.]

Well, hello everyone!

[She waves, with a gentle smile.]

So I made it over, bit late getting on here. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Korra and...well, I'm here to help. We'll see what this place throws at us, but if you ever need support, please let me know.

[Then there is a shuffling sound down by her feet, and a muffled sort of noise.]

Oh, right. To those who do know me - I finally figured out the omen thing.

[She bends down out of sight, before coming back up...and holding her tiny omen:]



So this is a turtle-duck. They're pretty common where I'm from. Her name is Toph. She's got a hard shell, is probably sweet underneath, and just sort of does what she wants. Kind of like her namesake. But what really put the naming over the top was just finding her eating some bread, and that's how I knew she existed. It also explains where various other bits of food have been going. I thought it was mice.

[The turtle-duck quacks at the camera.]

Anyways, that's about it. To the friends I haven't seen yet, I look forward to seeing you. To everyone else, greetings and I hope this place is better than the last one.

[Private to Mako]

So you know how we were talking the other night. I've...been thinking. And I need a favour from you. It's not an easy one, either. But I've been doing a lot of thinking and you're the only person I trust with it.

[Private to Asami]

So you know how we were talking about living spaces? I think I may have found a spot. Come look at it with me?

Hey, everyone! Spider-Man here — AKA your favorite Peter! Sorry to all the other Peters, but them's just the breaks. I've worked too hard the last three years around here to not get top-billed spot as Peter! ... Alright, alright, maybe I'll share with Peter Graham. But only because he's as old and tired as me. We're like a thousand years old in spirit, right? Right. The Peter Pack old boys.

Anyway, I used to give people informational packets, back when we lived in, uh... Deerington. You know, in Maine? You remember that old chestnut? Yeah, me too. Lucky me, my house and lab came with me! A little less furbished, but I do what I can. I'll be starting up my new job as a teacher here at the school soon, because old habits die hard, but I suppose I don't mind doing some teaching outside of the school, too, sooooo...

If you wanna know anything about the world that existed before Trench, I can answer questions as best I can. You guys all deserve that. And, uh. If it helps — I've attached a copy of the PPPP(S). Yup, that's right! The original! The O.G., as the hip kids call it.

[FILE ATTACHED.]

Super sorry if anything's confusing; I can fill out any of the weird blanks or things that don't quite make sense. And for everyone who doesn't need this info because they swam their little squid tuckuses behind me.... Hey! How's it going! Tell me a good joke, if you've got one. Let me know how you're settling while you're at it. I've been pretty good, personally. Lots of fighting, y'know. Creepy monsters away from the outskirts of town.

So basically nothing's changed.

Well, nothing other than the month, I guess! Wow, wait, is it already a new month? Can't believe...

[He trails off, and seems to realize, belatedly, loudly, and with great concern:]



OH NO, NOT OCTOBER!

( OOC: example of samatoki rapping/singing a bit in a solo song and rapping with his division. )

I need some music therapy.

( Samatoki has a cigarette hanging out of his mouth; he lights it and pulls it out after an inhale. He had a conversation that sparked some thinking.

Even though he was kidding about the rap battle thing, he thinks having some kind of show or gathering of musicians might be nice. )

I used to rap with my division back in Yokohama. Part of it was survival and necessity, but part of it was just dope to do with my homies. Miss it.

( He takes another drag. )

I can sing too, if there's anyone who doesn't vibe with rap as much. I just wanna jam. Don't know if there's anyone out there much inclined like that, but I wanted to put the call out there either way.

Anyway, hit me back if you wanna jam.

[At first, the image is that of just an absolutely giant stag. The stag's antlers are absolutely covered in songbirds, crows, ravens, and even a hawk, while a squirrel and chipmunk sit on his back next to a raccoon. And that's just some of the animals, there are creatures that look much meaner and nastier with infinitely harsher fangs and claws and mass. The stag huffs and shakes his head, the birds fly up for only a few seconds before going back to sitting on his antlers.]

...Now then, did I get it right this time?

[There are resounding tweets and chirps and squeaks and outright screeches from the animals.]

Oh! Wonderful!

[The picture turns around and then Snow White smiles bright and wide at the camera.]

Why hello there! It's so wonderful to meet you all! Or well, not meet you, not yet! [She giggles.] But I hope to meet you all properly soon.

My name is Snow White!

I was hoping someone here might have a very definite answer for a question I have! You see, I just arrived here not too long ago, but I'm not sure if this is the afterlife for all of us or not.

[Straight to the point this one.]

Some have said yes, others have said no! So I'm afraid I simply just don't know! I was so sure I was dead, after all, but what wonderful news it would be to know I'm not!

Would someone be so kind as to let me know? [Snow White asks all of this with a bright and cheerful smile. For a girl who thinks she's dead, she's frighteningly cheerful.

But that's Snow White for you.]

Thank you so much!

TESTING TESTING

Man, I hope this works. Okay. Here goes!

Greetings to the city of Trench, the survivors of the Nightmare, and any of you that just apparently washed up here with no connection to any of this. My name is Dipper Pines and I have a few very important questions for everyone. Firstly:

Sup?

And secondly:

Tell me about your blood. As much detail as you can! What color is it, what’s it do, is it reactive to anything? Does it smell funny? Does it taste weird? Anything you’ve noticed!

Thanks!

PS - I think I’m gonna change my username, so if you see responses from “Alcaid”, that’s still me.