Deer Country Network

I would like to pose several questions regarding bloodstone gems.

Robby has had some luck in gathering information from Nevermind when discussing blood pollution and attempts to balance it. The pthumerian stated isolating specific abilities from the bloodtypes into gems could be an avenue. Darkblood comes to mind, the reality bending abilities used to warp the pollution or corruption directly from the environment.

I've done some initial testing with little success, hence this post. Does anyone have experience with making bloodgems they can share?

Are there bloodgem jewelers in the Trench you can recommend? Any information found in the Archives that can be useful?

For that matter anyone interested in the research is welcome to help or get involved, I am hardly an expert in blood magic itself, in truth. Donations of blood are welcome as well as we continue to look into this.

[ooc; here is the ooc plotting post for this player plot!]

[jin guangyao prefers to limit his engagement with the network, but occasionally needs must when the devil drives, or however that idiom goes. anyway here he is.]

Greetings. I am called Jin Guangyao.

[k off to a solid start, where u headed next]

I have come to understand that lockjoint is a seasonal malady that any of us may experience, though using one's unique blood powers may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. If I am interpreting the recommendations described in The Sleeper Condition correctly, while there is no cure for lockjoint, keeping warm nevertheless reduces the severity of mild to moderate symptoms.

As a cultivator, I am capable of creating paper talismans which, when activated by spiritual power, can generate warmth for a limited period of time. I have already had success modifying these talismans so that a Sleeper's blood capabilities should be a sufficient replacement for a cultivator's qi when activating the talismans. However, to be effective, a talisman's runes must be written either in cinnabar or blood. I am reluctant to make extensive use of the latter resource as, even if the risk posed by extensive bloodletting for this purpose was not high, blood is not an unlimited resource.

[because if you let blood from someone long enough, they'll run out of blood and die! hah hah! a little joke. anyway,]

I am willing to create a substantial number of these warming talismans for use by the residents of Trench in exchange for assistance sourcing cinnabar, or a functional alternative, in sufficient quantities to make the work sustainable. If you are willing to provide support, please respond to this post so that we may discuss the specifics in more detail.

[Good day, Trench, and welcome to... whatever this is going to be. Here is one Palamedes, sitting at his desk in what may be broadly recognizable as his office in the Sanctuary, whether or not one has been in it before (it has, these days, a distressing worm-on-a-string curtain in place of a door). Palamedes shuffles through some papers, tsks, and gets up to simply walk off screen, although this is not an accidental post, for he does call back:]

Damn my filing system! Hold on, don't look away.

[So now: the sounds of shuffling, and also, footsteps on a ladder? Then the eventual soft thump as he hops back down, and finally his several layered cardigans masquerading as a torso coming back into view, before he sits back down in the chair with a hearty squeak of rusty metal.

He has even more papers now. A small pile of notebooks, actually, which he folds his hands atop before properly regarding the camera.]

So! I wrote a book. Are any of you in the publishing business? Here, locally, or otherwise? My wheelhouse is firmly the academic, and literature— while a passion project— is a field I know far less about. As such: publishing. Any tips welcome.

I am also in the market for some cover art, I think. My artistic talents leave a lot to be desired, but I've produced some helpful mock-ups, somewhere around here...

[Just kidding they're right here ready and waiting, and so he holds them up side by side:

( cut for Incredible Artwork )

...So, yes. His handwriting is, of course, perfectly legible.]

Like I said: I'm an academic, not an artist. I'll pay you in whatever you like, blood or stone or- [and he leans briefly off camera again, to mutter, then he's back] -or scones! Good ones, for people into that kind of thing.

[Yahoo... Draw him a horny squidmance cover page... This is ordinary.]

Obviously, children need not apply.

Oh, and the working title is Ceasefire of the Senses: A Treatise on the Juxtaposition of Passion and Reason, unless you happen to be my cruelest critic and dearest spouse, love of my life, in which case "that title is ridiculous" and it's actually called "that story in your fifty notebooks." Regardless.

[He pats the pile of notebooks, like, his title is good actually? This might be a thinly veiled opinion poll about the title.]

And as it's the season, again, if anyone needs a professional hand with their lockjoint, come down to the Lumenarium- or Sanctuary- and ask for Palamedes. I'll take care of it with a silk touch; you get to keep the stones. Drawings of squids entirely voluntary for that one.

(the video begins of a zoom up of a pair of eyes. an animal to be exact. they blink curiously before it gets pulled back -- revealing it's a spider monkey holding the omni. he holds it up above him and even turns it upside-down and other various angles. hopefully the lovely people aren't easily to become motion sickness upon viewing this but if they do, their own fault really.)

Got it workin'?

(there's a voice coming from off camera; familiar to some or not. but the monkey looks off to the direction of the voice before turning the omni over so whoever is watching can now see jinx sitting in a chair -- slouching with her arm hanging over the top railing. there's a grin that slowly grows on her face, however, it's not... exactly a friendly kind. impish? troubling? dangerous? you'd be the judge. nevertheless, jinx hunches over now with both her arms drape over her knees -- looking directly at the omni.)

So! — Greetings people of.... whatever this place is. Kiiiinda forgot the name but not really important. I've been hearin' a lotta here and there that I've been here before. Don't really remember it, though. (a brief pause as she thinks.) Except the last time. I remember the last time but not the other times.

Buuuuuuuuut ♪! Since I've been here a whoooole BUNCH of times that means I gotta have some friends here, right?

(she bites her bottom lip to hold back a giggle as the video suddenly wavers around. but quickly it straightens up and focus with a closer look of jinx (it seems she's the one holding it now) in a bird's eye view. her spider monkey climbs on her body then curling himself along her shoulder and neck while also looking up at the feed along with her.)

So if ya know me, contact me. OH! And you got like, thirty minutes to convince me why my former self even bothered wasting my breath on you. Don't keep me waitin' too long 'cuz I get bored easily.

(a beat.)

ACTUALLY, NEVERMIND!!! — Decided to change it to twenty minutes. (her spider monkey seems to be screeching in laughter at jinx's sudden time change but resumes on nuzzling it's head against her cheek.)

OH OH! One more big thing. There's someone here by the name of Vi. If you know her, contact me too. So we can aaaaalll be friends and get along. No shame in that, right?

(she says this but there's something about that smile that really makes it... off putting. regardless though, jinx hums quietly as she cocks her head to the side.)

Tick-tock, tick-tock.

CONTENT WARNING: psychological changes, hoarding, and obsessive behavior related to lavish desires

[ this video opens up with the blink of two eyes and a disgruntled chitter. perle is filming falco and focusing on . . . quite a mess of books in various assortments, stacked upon each other until they were in danger of tilting. among the open spines on the floors pinned with bookmarks were scrolls of paintings, sketches, statues, sepia photography— anything resembling a loving relationship, falco has seemed to have snatched it and keeps it all hostage in his little cabin home's attic like a greedy little dragon buried in precious, hoarded gold. he's pacing left, right, and has been caught mid-explanation as he works a red thread between his fingers. ]

( he rambles and an omen goes ham )

[Kazuma is obviously in the Archives. The looming shelves, claustrophobic framing, and dim lighting is more than enough to give that away. There are open tomes around him, but he isn't reading any of them; instead, he's considering the camera with a quizzical look, chin in his hand as he leans on the table he's at.]

Before the patrons of this place decide to plague us with more of the same, I have a mundane question for all of you.

We have many places we can choose to make our homes here. I am currently in Crenshaw, previously in Willful Machine...I moved with someone I know well. The point being, there are reasons we choose these places, correct?

What drew you to yours? What merits does it have to have others consider it? Is it because of people you know, or something else?

[He sighs and drums his fingers on the tabletop.] I just never really gave my own lodging much thought...I am wondering if most of us settle where it is convenient, or if we find other reasons to gravitate to where we end up.

[Hi, Trench. It's been a while since this display name surfaced on the network. This time, there was accompanying video instead of just text-- And the dour man frowning into the screen, with dark bags under his stormy ocean green eyes and his cheekbones prominent in a manner that suggested recent illness, exuded nothing short of the stony sense of a man that was done with watching the madness of recent weeks.

--Or, perhaps, someone that had actually worried himself sick over the last month. Literally.]

... Not that anyone cares, but watching all these pompous assholes call themselves 'teacher' is making me want to pull my hair out.

Humans talk so much about love, but how do you know what love is? And if a feel you feel is love?

The first time I felt what I thought was love, it was someone else's will. And it was sticky, heavy like my chest was constricted and I couldn't breathe, like I was choking on it.

The next time, I felt elated and weightless, like all pain and sorrow had vanished from the world and my memories. I knew eventually, I'd be hurt but... in that moment, I believed nothing could harm me, and it still cut like a knife when it happened.

Could both of those feelings be love? Or is love something else entirely? Can you hurt someone and still love them? Is being hurt by someone you care for and accepting that hurt a form of love?

How do you know if you're even capable of such feelings?

[The video isn't of D, but instead a carefully drawn map of Trench and its close surrounding areas with rough lines indicating the tunnels. The video zooms back to show a rough outline of a path leading from Trenchwood further inland, denoted as '30 miles' and then a point circled and labeled as 'outpost lantern'.]

Earthquakes and underground tunnels last month, and severe storms this month. If this city sinks into the ground or is washed away, there's nowhere to go.

[D puts another sheet of paper down in front of the video, this one showing a rough outline of ruined building and some sketched in structures and a perimeter wall.]

Last month, Manabu Yuuki led an expedition, this lantern point is as far as we went before we had to return. The wilds are full of aggressive plants and animals, high levels of corruption, and even the plants that don't attack will probably kill people.

But this is a chance to make an outpost. Every time I've gone out there I've come under attack almost immediately, but if we made it that far, we can make this work too.

I'm looking for anyone who can and will fight, anyone who can aid in building fortifications to make defenses easier, and anyone with the ability or knowledge to provide magical protection and reduce corruption, or who can provide supplies and support.

I'll provide food and shelter or items for trade to anyone who works on turning this outpost into a haven.

My name is D. I'm setting up a staging point for people and supplies in the house near the Watch Tower with the red door and cloth banners. Contact me here, or look for me there between mid afternoon and sundown.

[OOC: Plotting post for this open and approved player plot here and location post and information here. An open log post will be going up sometime in the next week.]

How many people are familiar with a festival called "Tanabata"? And "wishing trees"?

Lady Amaterasu isn't here anymore, but her guardian trees still are. What she would have wished I think was for people to still enjoy them and find hope in them, to keep them strong, so a few of us were going to do a small festival to honor her at the Sanctuary tree. From what I've been told of the tradition, which would be taking place around now anyway, it's something that would suit her her wishes I think. It'd be nice if we could do something at the other trees as well-- turn them into "wishing trees" as well maybe.

It'd be good for people to have something happy to look forward to as well, with everything that's been going on. I don't think she would want anyone to be sad.

[ And we're going to pointedly ignore all the Actual and Avoidable Shit going on because he'll get mad and start lecturing, and that's not his place. Wars and revenge between humans never are, and it's why his tone is as sober as it is gentle. ]

Moon Presence appeared to Miss Luna and Lady Alayne. [ He pauses. ] Sanctuary has been blessed by her, so anyone suffering ill effects for the time being might find some added relief here. Anyone meaning harm to anyone or anything inside will be repelled as well, so people needing safe harbor should please seek us out. [ Which means any party crashing assholes... Try it. He'll deadpan from the door. Is it forever? No, just for "the Beast Moon." Is he going to let that on? heck no ]

We're clearing out some extra rooms if anyone needs a safe place to stay for a while. There's no cost-- just help out however you can.

[ He's going with text because it seems easiest. It's nice that this communication device isn't tech, and he probably won't attract any monsters. Probably. ]

My name is Nico di Angelo, a new arrival here and I'm interested in finding some sparring partners. Fighting monsters at The Gate is fine, but it's different from fighting against someone who has a weapon or powers. I typically fight with a sword, but wouldn't mind working on my hand-to-hand skills.

Also, I'm wondering what people do here for fun. I guess I should ask what teens do here for fun, as I'm not old enough to visit any bars. [ Technically, anyway. ]

The other thing I wanted to ask is kind of morbid, as I'm looking for answers about death in this place. If anyone's willing to talk about it, let me know. [ Considering the subject, Nico will just let people come to him. ]

Anyway, that's all for now. Bye.

[ Not being used to this form of communication, he keeps it short. ]

[ 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 ]

( Read more... )


[ 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 video starts focused on a shelf, and on that shelf is a doll. absolutely the kind that just exudes 'listed on ebay for having the spirit of an angry victorian child in it' vibes with its dead eyes.

when viktor speaks his tone could not be more dry.] Some of you might have noticed the unpleasant dolls that, when ignored instead of bought, come to life violently. This is a matter our household is not entirely aware of because Palamedes continues to gladly buy any unpleasant doll he sets his sights upon.

[offscreen, but not like, very far offscreen (it is not a big living space), palamedes chimes in with a pointed, 'While I respect your aesthetic tastes, you're wrong, they're delightful,' that viktor will pointedly ignore as he continues.]

He will not stop bringing them. Some of them vanish after a week or two. He calls this one Sensible Bethany.

['She calls herself that, actually, I explained this already,' from the peanut gallery. the camera shifts as viktor turns to address him back]

Is this entire place not haunted enough without ugly dolls, I ask again? There is a limit, Palamedes.

[in the unfocused corner of the camera the doll absolutely turns its head to stare directly at the screen.]

Um, hello.

I've been gone for a few days and I'm sorry to those I know who might have worried, but I'm back now and I need to ask a couple of questions.

For starters, is the inability to not be able to walk or talk normal after bad situations happen and you come out of the ocean again?

Second of all can someone please come and pick me up. I have the previously mentioned inability to walk currently so I don't know how else I would be able to get home.

Finally, I wanted to thank all of those who spoke to me last time when it came to occult based stuff or just being helpful in general. I really did appreciate it and was glad there were so many nice people.

Hang in there, everyone... This should just be only a couple weeks more right? The darkness at least. I've been on a planet for so long I forgot how to manage the darkness effects at first...
But take it from me and some other folks who worked or lived in space-
Try your best to keep a routine of "day" and "night" hours so your body has some sense of cadence
It should help you feel less messed up when theres no daylight to rely on
(To say nothing of the bugs which you should already know to be avoiding by now)
I'll try to think up any other good tips but the sleep cycles a big one
If you need help getting around too let me know
I don't mind lending a hand

Sparing you all the sob story, but there's a few people who went missing and don't look like they're coming back.
Don't worry, I'm fine, this isn't going to be another breakdown post. I know we're all tired of me making those.
Anyone here any good with flower language? Looking for some help representing a few people.

Follow-up question, anyone here ever gotten a tattoo before?
Anything I should prep for if I'm getting, like, three at the same time?
Was gonna go with a buddy, but, well. See the first part of this post.
I was a little worried about pain, but I think I can probably take it. Just got a bit of a limited canvas.

Man, I don't even know if the ink's gonna take on my skin.
Could get stuff etched instead, I guess.
Anyway, yeah, thanks, Trench.
Hold tight to the ones you love. Never know when you won't get the chance again.

A quick question.

I see we're dealing with some sort of unending night scenario. The pirates and the squid thing are easy enough, but I've got to know:

Is this a Vampire kind of darkness or a Werewolf kind of darkness? I can figure the rest out accordingly if someone has an answer.

Also the convenience stores here suck. The tea is weak, I can't find a decent sandwich, and all of the rival shops are out of a proper cleaner to get the salt stains off my glasses.

Anyone feel like sharing any tips?

- V