Deer Country Network

[ After much consideration, she's decided to put herself out there and do a little research. Of course the matter is a personal one and she's a little embarrassed, so she'll hide behind text and her role as a doctor. ]

Has anyone here ever thought about having children? It's not as if there aren't children here, it's just seems that they all belong to native families.

From a medical standpoint, I've been wondering if it's possible, but if not I want to figure out what's making it impossible. Or is everyone just on really good birth control?

Thoughts? Has anyone looked into this before? Did you find anything useful?

[ It's night, late into the evening actually and her room is lit with candles, so there is a light glow illuminating her face. She looks happy, satisfied even, and it's not necessarily difficult to put together why, when Sasuke, who is at least partially covered by a blanket, can briefly been seen sleeping on their mat behind her as she adjusts to get more comfortable.

Sakura, who is dressed in a robe, is settled by the window next to her bed. Her cheeks are rosy and she's content, and maybe still a little bit tipsy from too much sake earlier, which would explain her comfort level. ]

Does anyone else ever watch the cycles of the moon? I've always watched it when I couldn't sleep. In a few days we'll have the new moon. Then I realized that the next full one marks the Rinne Matsuri, a celebration of rebirth from Sasuke-kun's and my home where we pray for loved ones that we've lost and celebrate those we still have in a grand winter festival. We decorate trees, give gifts, and have large gatherings with family and friends.

Sometimes I miss my friends and family from back home, but I have so many people that I cherish here, so I'm never sad for long. I think I want to throw a little Rinne festival here, with a celebration party at the clinic. There must be many of us who have lost loved ones to remember, those who have died of course, but also those who are simply not here with us. Oh and of course new friends and family to celebrate. I want a chance to celebrate all of you, those who I've been blessed to get to know, but also perhaps those I haven't yet had the chance to meet. So please mark your calendars to join Sasuke-kun and I at the Wellness Clinic on December 7th.

It also seems like this is a time of year when many people celebrate one holiday or another. Will you share with me the stories of your traditions back home?

Normally I prefer to speak face to face, but this will all have to be in text because I can't hear a thing.

Anyway, there are a couple of things I've documented this month that I think might be of assistance:

First, everything this month seems to be about working together, even working together with people you don't normally interact with. If you'd like to meet up in the Gaze to get to know someone new, I'm Uchiha Sakura.

[ She turns the video on to give a small bow to the network. ]

I'm happy to help anyone earn one of those bracelets.

Secondly, I think if enough people were to set our individual plots of land from the bracelets beside one another, we could actually culture a big garden, maybe with enough people we could create small farmland. Does anyone out there know anything about farming? My knowledge rests more with the medical properties of plants.

Finally, it seems like the focus of the blood changes this month are making people vulnerable in a way which requires them to rely on others. It seems best to support each other on a personal and interactive level, so that everyone's needs can be met.

There are worse things this place could push us towards than cooperation with one another. I hope I can help facilitate that in any way possible.

Why hello there! May I just have a little bit of your time?

[Snow is, as always, surrounded by her animal friends and companions. She gently straightens her hair bow a bit and then puts her hands back in her lap.]

I was just wondering if I might have some help from people who are much more further in the timeline than I am... that is, people who are past the 1500s.

Is it alright for women to request courtship first in your time period by any chance?

[Why yes, Snow would very much like TO JUST DO THAT, she's just not sure if that's even a thing yet, or if it'd be as much a shock nowadays as it currently is in her own time. Although, since they're both women, she's not sure how that would even work if they COULDN'T request it first.]

I'm afraid modern courtship is still utterly unknown to me, though from what I have seen and read, it does seem to have a lot of things called pick-me-up lines, oh! Do people still serenade one another or is that not really what's done anymore?

Still, thank you so much for any help you might be able to offer!

[ While he's trying his best to keep up his usual even, monotone façade, anyone who pays attention to detail will notice that Sasuke's looking a little more on edge. Maybe disoriented, even.

He clears his throat slightly before speaking. ]

For those who have been learning taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu, I may need to put lessons on hold temporarily. I've been having... memory lapses and apologize to those who may have come to the dojo and waited for nothing.

I will pick up lessons and take on any interested new students once I feel more like myself.

[ He frowns, his hand reaching up to rub at his temple, the way one does when they're getting a headache behind their eyes. ]

Unrelated: if I'm understanding the timeline correctly, those of us who have been here the longest would be coming up around a year in this place. Given the influences of the moons and seasons leaving the possibility for repetition, what sort of things were happening this time last year? What should those of us who arrived after be prepared for?

[sansa is once again in front of her customary backdrop with the stark sigil embroidered over weirwood branches. she wears a black dress with wolves picked out at the shoulder in shades of charcoal and grey. lady sits next to her on the couch in a matching embroidered collar, but...there is another wolf, bigger and tawnier, looking mournful in a simple braided leather collar. and there is a spaniel, too, wearing a collar of black velvet with 'GUCCI' sewn in pale bloodstone, in sansa's lap, which she pets absently. occasionally the spaniel tilts her head up for more petting if sansa's hand seems to still.]

Hallo, this is Sansa Stark. I'm very sorry to have to tell you my good friend Richie Tozier has gone back into the ocean––but he has friends there that he missed very much, and I know he'll be glad to see them again.

[she draws a breath.]

It would be well if we could keep the Painted Turtle Clinic running in his honor. Richie had been looking for a Blood Minister to work with for some time, but we'd welcome any sort of healer. Lady Ange is working there now, and she will help you to get settled.

We may need additional wards on Turtle Cove itself, as Smores will be staying with me, and assisting at the Sanctuary as well as the clinic. She's very clever and trained to be of service. If anyone has temporarily lost their sight, she should be glad to come by and guide you.

[now sansa hesitates. various animals nudge her reassuringly.]

If you are a Paleblood who has lost their sight or hearing, it may be that I could teach you a genjutsu technique that might help. You will need to have good chakra control and a pet or animal companion besides your omen. Dogs are said to be best, and hellhounds are very well-suited, but we do have batcats still in need of homes at the Sanctuary, and ravens are good, if you have one that will stay with you. You can find me at the Sanctuary, or ask the lantern imps for the Rookery, and you only have to follow the rocks with turtles to the Painted Turtle Clinic. Thank you.

CW: Drug and Alcohol use, including with a minor. Insensitive Language

( Post is BEHIND the cut. )

(OOC: Vira-Lorr is purple and Minako is blue)

[The Video feed started with Vira-Lorr and Minako Aino in Vira-Lorr's living room. It was small, just a bit cozy and currently the three-eyed seer was draped up close to her fiance, positively beaming as she started the post off.

Below, at the bottom of the screen? The words appeared in a text format. Vira-Lorr had suggested it, in case any of the palebloods they knew might have lost their hearing.]

Hello everyone. After a few things we noticed, Minako and I decided to nudge up the date of our wedding just a teensy bit. We just can't trust Trench to behave itself, so we dare not risk October and ... well, I think a few of you might have noticed some problems with some of your senses. So we wanted to make sure nothing else happened beforehand. Just in case. Minako, do you want to tell them?

[Minako currently was showing like she hadn't had any sense missing whatsoever, but that was far from the fact. It just helped with the other being close to her to know where she was and where to turn to. Doesn't mean she knows which way she is meant to be facing though. She could take a guess based on body position though. So currently she was looking over to her fiancee briefly.]

I thought we were going to announce together? Though if you want me to say it I will be more than happy to. You know I love a good announcement after all.

[The fact that she was in this state worried Vira-Lorr a little. She'd been without senses in the past, so she could only imagine what Minako was dealing with right then. Still, it made her feel a lot better that she was able to smile like this. Grinning over at her, she rested her forehead against the other to help guide her facing when she turned it a little with a gentle nudge towards the camera.]

You tell them the big news, and I'll tell them the date and place. That way we're sharing the fun.

[Minako felt like she had said something about it a couple months back, but then again even if she had she just enjoys being able to say it honestly. Mostly because it had never been something she had ever expected.

Bright and bubbly as ever Minako through a couple of misses managed to clap her hands together finally.]

Okay~! As I might have mentioned a while back there is a super special romantic day that isn't Valentine's Day happening. A wedding~ Vira's and mine to be exact.

[She did her part at least and the smile honestly wasn't going to be leaving her face anytime soon.]

That's right. And, well thanks to some recent wiggles? We decided to give it a week and not chance waiting longer. October's October, and we're not sure what the rest of the month may bring. So, we're setting the date for the Ninth of Never Mind's month. So, the ninth of this month!

[She reached back and coughed, her cheeks coloring a little as she smiled in a very self-aware sort of way. She knew that she'd wanted a little more time for folks like Usagi and Makoto to fuss, but this month was already shaping up... safe, but odd and they were hoping that Minako's eyesight would clear up by next week.]

We know it's a little last minute. But here in Trench, you never know what could come. At least none of us have to travel abroad, so we have all week right? And of course, you're all invited! Am I forgetting anything, dear?

[Uh... location, Vira-Lorr? You might want to tell them WHERE this is going to be? Minako chuckled slightly.]

You forgot the most important thing that needs to be mentioned. Venue. Where it will be taking place, which is at your place because my place is too small.

[Which was pretty much everything that she was aware of.]

I hope to be able to see everyone in such a special moment.

Oh yes, of course! We'll be hosting it out back, weather permitting. We hope to see all of you there!

(OOC: Replies can come from both Minako and/or Vira-Lorr! Minako will be blind during this post, so expect Audio replies. We'll post the Log of the event up on Sept 9th!)

[ She's a blushing little ball of happiness. ]

Happy Birthday, Sasuke-kun!

[ It kind of sounds like a private message, but it's not. How else is she supposed to let all his friends know that it's his birthday? ]

Oh...uhm...I meant to make that private. [ Such LIES... ] But since, it's not, and the cat is out of the bag, I might as well let all his friends know it's Sasuke-kun's twentieth birthday today! You should all wish him a very happy birthday...and then hide me until this blows over.

[ The video starts out with a stoic looking Shouto staring at the camera. His omen isn't exactly the type to sit still these days thanks to a recent setback involving a nightmare demon, so he gets straight to the point while she's in one of her rare moods. ]

My name is Todoroki Shouto. I can generate ice. 

[ To demonstrate, he raises his right hand and - CHINK! - a pillar of ice bursts forth rising beyond the recording's view. Shaking off the frost from his hand, he continues. ]

Heatwaves in my country lead to many hospitalizations every summer. They're especially difficult for the elderly, so I'm offering ice to anyone who needs it, and ice shelters for those who can't get to a Cooling Center in Trench. 

[ The camera angle abruptly turns 90 degrees when his omen turns on her back, head tilting sideways, watching him curiously. ]

I'll be patrolling through the city during peak hours offering ice to local homes and businesses, and emergency aid to anyone who needs it. You can contact me through my Omni. 

[ He's ready to end the call there when a thought strikes him and he continues.  ] 

Any public centers offering a Cooling Center should advertise their hours of operation. A posted list in a public space would be best. 

[  Behind him a blue butterfly flutters by and the recording hones in on it. A few seconds later, his camera runs off, chasing after it. ] 


( Action )

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the surrounding areas. The places beyond Trench. I'm thinking about doing some traveling and was curious to see if I could get some information while I make a plan.

So just a couple of quick questions.

How far have people traveled? And idea of miles would be particularly helpful. Are there any specific risks to be aware of? And what advice would you offer?

I think that should cover it.

Oh and thank you in advance!

Hello, my name is Erwin Smith.

I have some questions about prosthetics in this place.

For people that had/have gotten prosthetics while here, how steep was the learning curve of use compared to one's natural body part, when applicable? Of the choices of materials, why did you choose what you did and what do you feel are the biggest benefits or drawbacks?

I'm in need of an arm, but I'd like to go into the undertaking with as much knowledge under my belt as possible. I've gotten used to using only one arm, so if the drawbacks outweigh the benefits I'd be more likely to leave things as they are.

Thank you for your time, should you choose to engage.

[ Good Memory ]

[ When it comes to her good positive memories, few are as positive as the time she finally felt equal to her teammates, Naruto and Sasuke. On top of that, it’s a positive memory for her because the team she loved was finally back together. When she sees it, it fills her with a sense of pride, so there isn’t anything wrong with anyone seeing that. ]

[ Bad Memory ]

[ Her bad memory however, took place only a short time after that. It had been a crushing moment, because she’d thought the team was back together. Thought that Sasuke was finally coming around to his senses and leaving his darkness behind. Having him reject them immediately after winning the war, and continuing his path to revenge was soul crushing. It’s not something she wants to relive, or watch unfold, let alone see the moments after she’d been put under a genjutsu.

Having those two things put up on the network has her feeling very emotional, and she figures she has to offset the feelings somehow. What better way than to focus on more practical issues. Wiping her eyes she keeps her voice upbeat. ]

Many of you know I’ve been working on building a wellness center. Well…it’s almost done. Not long now before people can have a place to mentally recharge from all these…sorts of things.

But see, I’m trying to utilize the things that happen every month to use them for our benefit. This month I’ve noticed the fruit seems to have special properties. I’ve learned about some through trial and error, but would you all be willing to share your experiences with me so that I can catalog the information so I know what to avoid and make medicine out of the ones that are beneficial?

[ The video opens to a young man with longish snow white hair tied back in a fluffy ponytail, dressed in a distinctive sort of black, red, and white uniform. He's sitting at an old Victorian desk, and there's an embroidered banner behind him, the same sort of one that can be seen hanging outside of Sanctuary. His pale eyes are clear and steady, and his gloved hands are folded neatly in front of him. ]

Hello. My name is Allen Walker, and I'm one of the persons who specialize in purifying and saving Beasts at Sanctuary in Crenshaw. If you haven't heard about us, we seek out those who have become Beasts in order to help purify and save them, as well as help people who might be struggling with corruption.

Beasts are not just monsters. Many of them were once humans or humanoid, natives of this place, and don't come back like we do. But they can still be made themselves once again. [ He speaks very gently, but clear and adamant. ]

Some of you may have noticed you've been having bad dreams -- nightmares, and more than usual. They aren't normal, and in fact seem to be caused by a certain kind of invisible Beast that attaches itself to a person, or something similar made of corruption itself. While they can be purified and that seems to work... they can't be saved, whatever they were before, and it can be dangerous to the person they're attached to.

[ He taps the left side of his face with a black-gloved finger, the one with the bright red scar that stems from what seems to be a star on his forehead, or a sort of solid, filled-in inverted pentagram. ] I can see them, so if you think you might be suffering from abnormal nightmares caused by such a thing I'd like to offer my services. I can attempt to purify them as well.

If they can't be purified in such a manner... [ he pauses, shifting a little restlessly ] It's possible for another person to enter their nightmares as well and try to confront it in that manner. It likewise purifies the Beast.

A number of people have mentioned apparitions or spirits haunting them as well, also abnormally all at once and apparently of people who haven't died here... Some of us here can calm the spirits with our abilities, but it doesn't seem to fully lay them to rest. There is a blood ritual of spiritual cleansing that can be done though? And that seems to stop them and let them be at peace.

That said... if there is anyone who needs any sort of assistance, or just a calming place to come and ease their thoughts for a while, Sanctuary always has its doors open. One of Lady Amaterasu's cherry blossom trees is here, which is comforting and can help ease someone's corruption. Even if you're just hungry, Miss Abigail and a number of other volunteers help provide a lunch and dinner to people in the area. And if you know anyone who has become a Beast, or who you're worried might... we can help.

Likewise, if there is anyone who would wish to help, we will always want to hear from you. Especially anyone with purification abilities, but even if it's just helping to calm someone's distress, tending to the wounded, or researching purification methods... even just making dinner sometimes, it all helps. Lady Alayne has also mentioned she'd like to organize a sort of "canning drive" or jam baking week soon, for any Palebloods who'd like to contribute their ability to make anti-corruptive jams. And any Hunter who wishes to find another way than killing... those ways exist.

[ Chin up, demeanor gentle. His pale grey eyes are steady though, and determined. Stern yet delicate. ]

Thank you, and good evening.

[ This much more polished and diplomatic broadcast was brought to you by Sansa Stark Alayne Stone, PR Consultant. ]


[ Sanctuary Members Filter ]

( Read more... )


[ Action ]

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[ ooc: Anyone who's contacted me before about their character being interested in Sanctuary/we had a thread go this way/who filled out their character info on the Info Page is welcome to presume they're included in the locked filter! Also if you haven't filled out your character's interested roles on said info page yet, I'd greatly appreciate it for my own sanity... And please feel free to use the member filter to chat with each other as much as anything. ]

( The feed opens to a woman sitting in a bright cottage kitchen, with a cup of something warm and a soft smile. )

Hello. Some of you may know me already, but to those who don't — I'm Rose Da Silva. Sharon's mom.

( Her smile warms, and she gently sets her mug down so she can turn her full focus on the video she's making. )

I've been here for... a while. Half a year now. I have to admit, this place isn't like where I come from at all, and I'm still... trying to adjust.

I know a lot of you are from worlds that may be similar to this one. You've probably been able to settle in a lot easier than me. But... I wanted to offer something. Because I know there are a lot of young people here, people... on their own.

( Her smile wavers, brow knitting slightly. A lot of people without parents, without help. And maybe they've been doing quite well on their own; Rose has certainly witnessed almost disconcerting levels of independence from the Sleeper youth. Often, it suggests that... many of them might not have had a strong parental presence back home, either. Several of them have directly told her as much, or she's seen... memories, shared by accident. )

I can't make things, but I can show you how to buy and use them, if you like. Like... well, if anyone might need some more clothes and could use a hand, I'd be very happy to show you the shops I've discovered around here.

( She's.... offering to help take you shopping, yes. This month, there's a growing compulsion to teach, and maybe Rose is....... filled with the need to do some Mom Teaching Things for others! )

There are some really nice shops in certain parts of the city. I'm sure we could find something to fit your personal style.

( Her smile brightens again; she seems excited. Back home, before she was venturing into the depths of Silent Hill to rescue her daughter, she was one fancy suburban mom. Shopping was her thing. And maybe it seems a little silly, considering so many young people around here are... warriors, fighters, have some sort of strong power.... do they really need something as simple as a shopping trip while she's Mom For A Day?

....The offer is there. She wants it to be there, just in case someone does need it. Because maybe she doesn't have a lot of Trench-appropriate skills to put out here, in comparison to others. But being a mother... that's what she wanted to be for her whole life. She's not explicitly framing it that way, but that's what she feels the most comfortable offering, guidance that might fall under the "maternal" or "guardian" category of teaching. )

I'd be happy to treat you to lunch or dinner too, or show you around other places in the city, if you like. The weather's so nice lately.

[ happier memory ]
( Don't you wanna see it??? )

[ worst memory]
[ CWs: mass murder, parent death, mental torture, ptsd, violence ]
( I can't believe the elite Uchiha clan would just be... )

. . .

[ Sasuke should say something, right? Acknowledge that this just got blasted everywhere?

But instead he sighs in irritation and goes to toss his Omni into the ocean. It'll come back. But it at least made him feel better for now. ]

So. Little Trenchlets. I've been here for awhile- [She has been here four days]- and it's hard to keep track of all these people I keep hearing about. So many rumors flying about and it's all so fucking juicy.

So, I'm alone, horny for context, and ready to show mine if you show me yours.

I heard there was a huge party thrown at a house in gaze. A bunch of teens drinking, doing drugs, and kissing with tongues that they just don't know how to use, and providing uninteresting details about alien worms. Completely trashed the place.

Even worse, I heard they robbed the man who let them into his house. Thankfully, he'd warded the objects so if you see a shifty-looking kid or two with their hand blown off, now you know why! There's a moral lesson in there... probably.

Now it's your turn. You don't even have to sign your name. I'm that thirsty for the D(eets).

((Feel free to have your character post "anonymously" about rumors they may have heard about events or themselves in the trench or rumors they want to make up! I highly encourage threadjacking and silliness. Of course, keep it IC, civil, and consider asking permission from others if you think you should.))

[The video opens on Sasuke, Lance is “directing” behind the “camera” (omen) with cue cards for him to read, and this music starts playing in the background. Lance gestures widely off camera in an urgent miming to Sasuke to start reciting what is written on the cards.]

[ Sasuke was clearly not expecting the music and he already looks so tired before he even looks at the cards. He’s trying. Honest. His forehead scrunches as he starts to recite, but it’s coming out in his usual flat tone, which is probably not helping anything. ]

Have you ever wanted to be cool… like the other side of the pillow? [ Sasuke looks off camera at Lance with irritation. ] You said you wouldn’t make me sound like an idiot.

[Lance is giving Sasuke the flattest look, then in a hushed urgent voice:] Dude, don’t make it weird, just keep going. No turning back now.

[He has more cards and they go with the music, stop messing with the flow! They haven’t even gotten to the memes yet.]

[ He gives him a look that makes it clear he doesn’t think he’s the one making this weird. Deep breath. He knows people better than you, Sasuke, remember?? ]

Awesome at kicking ass and taking names? Show off some cool ninja moves here. [ … Oh. Wait. He gets it. He rubs his forehead before going to takes a deep breath, and then blows a ball of fire on the cards to burn them.

There. Ninja move shown off. ]

Ninjutsu isn’t about blitzing chakras or becoming one with the shadows. I’m not using these.

[Lance isn’t affected by fire, so he just holds the burning cards in his hands and uses his powers to toss the burning pile into frame as he squints in annoyance.] Oh come on, we hadn’t even gotten to the best part!

[ Sasuke takes a deep breath, before deciding to just do what he probably would have from the start. ]

I’m offering to teach people ninjutsu and taijutsu; it’s the way the ninja in my world perform battle techniques and focuses on utilizing one’s inner life force, also known as chakra, to manipulate the physical chakra around you. Taijutsu is basic martial arts techniques that use chakra to increase the strength of both your offensive moves and your defensive blocks. I believe it will be able to help people who need to learn how to control their new found blood powers and, for those who are dedicated enough, will grant similar abilities to those who have no special blood powers at all. [ He forms a ball of water in his hand, quickly warps it with a wind current to freeze it, and then melts it by heating his palm. ] If you are interested, please let me know.

[ Boring!! But to the point. Sasuke gives Lance a look, like he’s offering to let him wrap up with whatever he wants here. Is that wise?? Probably not.

Lance rolls his eyes offscreen and adds, poking his head into frame: ] Super Awesome Ninja School, suck it Cobra Kai!

[Then he exits frame and has his Omen project a certain video, and the music is still playing:]

[ The feed comes on to show a pink haired girl, smiling warmly. She tucks her hair behind her ear before addressing everyone. ]

Hi. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Haruno Sakura and I've recently become a temporary resident of this place. It's come to my attention that I have some skills which might be put to good use here. First of all, I'm a medical ninja back home and I have an extensive knowledge of medicine, poison control, and emergency medical treatment. I think medicine works a little differently here than it does back home, but I'm happy to assist wherever I can.

The other thing I've noticed about this place and I know I'm calling attention to the obvious, is that it seems to enjoy dragging up and forcing it's residents to face their traumas. Either that or it's creating new traumatic experiences for people. I'm entirely too familiar with what happens when repeated traumatic events are dragged up over and over again for an individual. It breaks a person down mentally and physically and that manifests in some unique ways here.

People so often misunderstand trauma and they place blame on the sufferer, despite that it is born out of a need to protect oneself against very real threats to one's wellbeing. Back home I've been developing a model and treatment program that hopes to intervene before the behaviors of trauma become so self destructive that they harm the individual suffering from them, or those the individual may otherwise care about.

While I am sure that everyone here has developed coping skills of some sort, and that there are avenues that one might use to calm down or decompress, it never hurts to have more outlets and resources when dealing with mental health and trauma. So I'm hoping to utilize my knowledge and skills from back home to create a program that would offer further assistance in maintaining a healthy mental balance and perhaps even treat more severe trauma.

If there is an interest, not only would I like to create a safe space for people who suffering with mental health, but I'd also like to create a team of people who would be interested in learning how to professionally help others. While a base understanding of mental health is helpful, I've developed my program from the ground up and trained countless individuals in how to use it to benefit patients. So I can happily host workshops and seminars.

I just think that if we stand mentally at our strongest, then we'll be so much better prepared for the challenges that we consistently face. Treating trauma patients is a passion of mine and if I can help ease the burdens of anyone here while I am stuck in this limbo, I welcome the opportunity.