Deer Country Network

[ elster hasn't been much for posting on the network. she's done it here and there, but largely she just keeps an eye on things.

the video starts with a stylized symbol of a bird and an acronym beneath on a black background, while a voice calls for attention—achtung. achtung. achtung. static, then—

it's another dreary midday on some distant corner of the beach. a dark-haired woman with polymer and metal climbing her neck, crossing her face, stands in a black jacket next to some rusted metal... thing. a wreck? her speech comes with a light german accent, almost musical even with her largely flat affect. ]

For those I haven't yet met, my name is Elster. This is a call for any other engineers or technicians in the city. A derelict spaceship came through one of the portals; its nuclear reactor is heavily decayed and unshielded. The radiation on board has fallen to relatively safe levels, but I'm concerned about the long-term effects if it starts to leak into the water. I'd... prefer to avoid that problem.

[ the camera shifts, pulling out into a wide shot of the ship, showing the crushed and buried nose of the machine in the sand and the fuselage extending out into the water. finally, elster's facing it again. ]

Any assistance would be appreciated. If we can salvage something of the reactor itself, you're welcome to it.

[ something flinty and serious enters those electronic eyes. ]

One rule. You avoid the other areas of the wreck, and try to keep your curiosity to yourself. I can answer any relevant questions for the work, and I have the ship's technical documentation.

[ if someone wants to snoop and explore, that can be on their own time. ]

Once the problem's solved, I'm scrapping the ship.

My name is D, for those of you who aren't familiar with me, I organized and designed the Outpost.

For several months Snow White and I have been speaking with the beast commonly called Deerlona, the first Sleeper to arrive in Trench, named Ramona.

She says that when she was released from the nightmare world the waking world was already soaked in blood pollution but beasts were just beginning to emerge, but she could tell they would be permanent. Most things were in chaos, but that as corruption and beasts became more common the world became more balanced.

When we asked, Ramona also said she believes Pthumerians are part of maintaining that balance.

She hated Riteor as well. She called him a power hungry hack and she's glad that we chose to get rid of him.

I have sent further questions to her on the possibility of Hali's offer, but Ramona doesn't always respond quickly.

Anyone who wishes to ask her anything should seek Deer to act as messengers; She is very protective of Sleepy Town and also feels a compulsion to attack people.

There are more construction projects this month at the Outpost, but I also wanted to announce that Manabu will be leading a project to construct a road between Trench and Riteor's city.

And on that subject, I am going to ask Hali to take over or prevent Pthumerian influence on that city.

[ The feed opens on a young man seated cross-legged on an expanse of black scales, framed between two spiralling white horns against a backdrop of more black scales interspersed with charcoal dark feathers. His Hunter's armour is nearly of a shade to match, covering all of him but his vaguely familiar face.

He smiles warmly as he runs a soft cloth over a plain knife to clean it of the black blood all over its flat metal grey. ]

Good evening, fellow Sleepers.

( throne-speech )

[ asriel has been described as an imposing figure, and the harsh lighting in this place does nothing to dispel that. it's a spacious room, and what light there is seems swallowed by the darkness of the shadows. the lamp on the desk beside him provides most of what there is, and it also illuminates the mess of books and papers he did not bother to tidy before making this.

his snow leopard daemon sits calm and still at his side, all except for her tail sweeping back and forth. there are the sounds of ravens chattering nearby unseen, but as the cat seems more attentive to asriel, they don't seem to be the cause of her anticipation. ]

I am Lord Asriel Belacqua. Few of you will know me, as I only recently found myself in this world, which is why I am here now.

For various reasons, I am interested in the pthumerians, but my research will take time and is more limited in some areas than I would like. I would rather hear it from the rest of you since the people alive here right now are more relevant than the opinions of authors who may no longer be with us. Do you consider them friends or foes? What role does their presence play in your lives? Do you approve of their influence on you? Consider me taking a neutral stance, so all sides have value; if it is worth mentioning, I would hear of it.

[ it's intended to be some encouragement to those who might wonder if their information isn't important enough (because it is), but asriel being asriel means it comes out sounding more like a command. ]

You needn't answer all the questions either, just whatever you like.

[ yes, the snow leopard talks too, but stelmaria's manner manages to be gentler, at least. ]

Given the implications of the illness problem, now seems an appropriate time for an exchange of information, don't you think?

[ When the feed starts, it’s at a bit of an awkward angle, a teenage boy half-staring at the camera, but still clearly fiddling with the Omni itself. At least he does seem kind of aware he turned it on, since he mumbles: ]

So you send a message this way..?

[ In fact, if you look, the teenage boy may look faintly familiar - just a few decades younger than people who know Daniel may be used to. But that sure is Daniel LaRusso as a teenager, seemingly trying to figure out the Omni– though he doesn’t get too far with it before he is suddenly lifted up by a dashing, handsome young lad in a red leather jacket with a distinct cobra design on the back of it, making Daniel drop the Omni as he’s startled by it. But just as quickly as he is lifted up, the boy turns and dumps the other kid in a steel trash bin. There’s a lot of banging, clattering and shouting that gets cut off as the blonde boy puts the lid on it and holds it down with one arm.]

What the hell was that loser doing anyways?

[Teen Johnny then steps away from the trash bin before suddenly pushing forward and shoving it down. There’s a crash and off camera it sounds like the can is rolling down a hill. Johnny steps back and notices the camera rolling. He smiles an 80’s heartthrob smile and fires finger guns at the camera.]

Hey babes.

Johnny Lawrence here, Ace Degenerate.

Me and LaRusso here are throwing a badass party once we find a place to host it. He’s a dweeb, I know, but trust me. I’ll make sure it’s awesome. It’s going to blow that other big party out of the water.

[ There’s a suspicious sound in the background, if you can hear it over Johnny Lawrence chewing up the scenery over here. Something akin to more clattering, and then a rush of footsteps. ]

Be there or be squa–

[ Unfortunately Johnny doesn’t get to finish that sentence, because Daniel suddenly runs back into the frame, tackling the blonde straight to the ground– and onto the Omni, meaning the feed cuts out. ]

[ Off-center on the screen is a small freckled child with an impressive green bedhead. His T-shirt, of a suitable size for a teenager, is now as long as a bedgown. He fitfully rubs the sleep from his eyes. ]

Please... Anyone we know who can watch us... and reach high things... and cook katsudon? Paul-kun and I are seven years old now. Kaworu-kun is two whole years younger than us. He’s so little...

[ Tears prick at the edges of his huge green eyes. He just woke up like this, he misses his mom, he barely remembers how to work the Omni, but he must make his case. He has to ask for help for the sake of his friends, one of whom is very tiny!

However, the tiny one seems unconvinced.] Someone always comes. They leave you alone for a bit and then come back when they need you.

[ The other seven year old in question stands behind Izuku with his arms crossed over his chest, an effect somewhat undercut by the fact the sleeves of his too big sweater flop over his hands and dangle towards the floor. He glares from underneath a fringe of messy curls that match Izuku’s except for their dark colour, and amends Izuku’s statement with a crisply pronounced: ]

Which doesn’t mean we can’t defend ourselves.

Oh! [ Izuku remembers, ] And I’m very sorry, but you can’t watch us unless you’re our friend. Mom taught me not to talk to strangers.

[ Paul nods emphatically, then turns away from the screen to disappear to the left. When he does, the end of a sheathed knife that’s almost comically large for his small frame is briefly visible under the hem of his sweater. He is not kidding around about self-defense. ]

[ Izuku glances offscreen after him. ] Paul-kun, what do you have there—

[ Cheerfully, without an ounce of hesitation, Paul answers: ] A knife!

[The pale haired boy tilts his head curiously.] What’s a stranger...?


[ ooc: Due to last year's recurring event, these are temporary AU versions of Deku wannasmash, Kaworu peripheries, and Paul terriblepurpose ]

[ Looking like a little gentlemen with his tiny suit and hat to match, a boy perfectly split in half stares nervously at the camera with mismatched eyes. Behind him is a wall of snow three times his height and he's nowhere near dressed for the weather with his tailored checkered pants and thin socks covered in shoes meant for indoors activities instead of the winter he finds himself in. Yet, he doesn't look cold. Just a little nervous. ]

Okaasan? 

[ He stares at the camera, looking lost, hoping to see his mother's face pop up on the screen. Near the outskirts of Prufrock, he hasn't yet made it far enough inland to see anything but snow and forest after two hours of roaming the area. ]

I-I... don't know where I am. 


[ ooc; all replies will come from strawberry_shortcake . ]

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!]

[The feed opens up to Johnny Lawrence staring at the screen like he isn't aware that it's currently life. He's looking incredible thoughtful as his fingers type down a message. It's... very uncharacteristically thoughtful of him. It would almost be hard to peg him as the same person if not for the occasional pause to take a swig of beer.

After a moment he stops. His eyes scan over the screen again as he carefully reads back what he's written. Then there's a little flick of annoyance that shifts to frustration.]

No this is stupid.

[He whacks the screen before standing up putting and shoving it aside lightly.]

You don't apologize. That shows weakness-

And there's no wea-

[The feed shuts off.]

[And a moment later another message comes through via text.]

Dear Robby,

I just wanted to apologize for what happened at Miyagi-Do the other day. I didn't want things to break into a fight, especially not like the one that did. I wanted to come and support you and what you had chosen to do. But I thought if I showed up in any sort of Eagle Fang gear it would be taken as a challenge. It turns out it did anyways as well an insult to your training ground.

All I can say is I'm sorry. You have every right to be mad at me.

If you can find it in your heart, don't blame Paul for this. He's a good kid who just got roped into the mess I made.

Johnny.

-

Dear Daniel LaRusso,

I'm sorry for the scene I caused at your dojo. I didn't mean any disrespect to Miyagi-Do and, I wasn't looking to reopen any can of worms between us.

I've been trying my best to support Robby and respect his wishes to give him space since he got here. And even though he told me that he'd be helping you reopen your dojo. It still hurt that he chose to stick by you instead of give me a chance to prove that I can be there for him.

It's why I showed up to the dojo in the fucking plumbers get up. I panicked and thought if I showed up doing anything karate related it'd be seen as disrespecting your dojo or a direct challenge to what you were doing.

Turns out it was both either way. Go fucking figure I'd screw it up that bad.

I'll do my best to keep my distance from your dojo. But don't blame Paul for this. He's a good kid and he just got pulled into my bullshit.

Johnny.

-

Dear Paul,

I'm sorry for dragging you into that mess. My relationship with Robby and LaRusso is a shit show on the best of days. And instead of owning up to that like a sensei should, I threw you into the middle of it. I put you in a position where you had to face the consequences of every bad decision I've made in my life. You didn't deserve that.

I keep telling you that I'm not going to fail you again. And then I go and do it all over again.

The way you stood up after all of that and apologized for what had happened. I just

I wish I could be half the man you were in that moment.

Don't blame LaRusso or Robby for what happened there. They were just trying to get at my while I hid behind you.

You're the real badass here.

Johnny

[L and Light did have a conversation earlier about their plans for aiding Never Mind.

Unfortunately, their omnis are both behaving very, very badly, warping and posting this conversation to the network once it no longer resembles itself. L is blue, Light is red, and both are posting under their regular usernames.]

( Innuendo and suggestive, sexual content )

[The video opens up on Adaine, stood in front of a board with a map on it. The map is of Trench, but it's old and worn and brown. Still, she has helpfully marked the part of interest with a red X, over a temple in the Trenchwood.]

I think it's been a rough couple of months for us. We've had local assholes stabbing the ocean, we've had the ocean being really mad about that and blaming all of Trench for it because she's kind of an asshole too, there were a lot of murders, houses burned down, uh, been tossed into alternate universes where everything sucks - [She's maybe regretting her choices to bring that all up.] Anyway. One positive thing is that we've established a lot of good things in the last six months or so too. The Sanctuary, the Outpost, now the Academy.

I - and a few others - have a similar venture in mind. An archive where we can research and compile information about Trench, so that even if people disappear into the ocean it's not, you know, lost forever. To start with however...

[She points at the map, tapping on the location in question and bringing the Omni closer.]

A while ago - back in April - there was an expedition into a temple called 'The Temple of the Forgotten Mother'. We didn't get far, barely cleared out the entrance before we had to leave. But I've done a bit of research and there's a giant labyrinth of dungeons beneath it, and beyond that, it was the domain of a cult older than Trench as we know it that worshipped Mother Superior. [And, because she's a dramatic bitch, she smirks for emphasis.] Which brings me to the point.

We're going to put the archives - our archives - The Sleeper's Archives, right on the top level of her system of dungeons. [Objectively an insane idea BUT, consider... it would also be cool as hell.]

So basically, all I need is people who are interested in helping with research, clearing the top level of monsters and traps and treasures and warding away any influence from the lower levels. We'll be going deeper, but it'll take some time, so for now I'm only asking for help with the top level. We need excavators, people who are good at bringing others back from corruption, fighters, architects, investigators, seers, healers... If you think you can help, just let me know and we'll figure something out.

To Trench's newer Sleepers,

 

Most especially those who are strong in their compassion ḟ̶̮õ̴̙r̷͍̆ ̸̲̐t̷̞̊h̵͚͆i̸̳͊s̶̠͘ ̸̥̿s̶̢̑ǘ̷͔f̶̥͆f̵̬͘ȩ̶̄r̷͔̓i̶̻̓ṋ̷̆ġ̷̜ ̴̤́ẁ̶̻o̵̗̍r̵͕͐l̵̯̊d̸̫̅,

 
The great Beast known as the B̴̨̝̘̽ư̶̦͙̳̻̽g̸̥̹̹̯̑g̶̳̺̞͚̒̒ȩ̴̩̀ cannot be healed without imperiling this year's harvest and threatening the city w̷̳͍̫̄í̵̬̹t̸̡̥̺̽̚ẖ̷̦͈̌̌́ ̶͔͇̈́̕ͅś̸͕̙̳̃t̶̤͇́͆a̷̧͙̼͛ṟ̴̡̀͊v̷̛̯̖͂a̷͙͑͗͑ṯ̷̗̒̇ì̴͓̗͗o̷̟͆̈́͝n̸̥̣͠ over the winter to come. You may have witnessed already that attempting to help it rouses the ire of farmers and Hunters both.

 
I do not write this to dissuade you from acting on your consciences. Those of you who seek to protect and heal Beasts rather than kill them out of hand act commendably.

 
B̶u̶t̵ ̸i̴t̵ ̴i̶s̸ ̴i̸m̴p̴o̸r̵t̸a̷n̷t̵ ̴t̷o̶ ̸u̷n̷d̶e̶r̸s̷t̷a̶n̷d̵ ̴t̵h̸e̴ ̸f̶u̸l̷l̷ ̴c̷o̵n̶s̵e̶q̴u̸e̸n̵c̷e̸s̴ ̵o̸f̴ ̵y̸o̶u̸r̸ ̵c̶h̵o̶i̶c̶e̴s̷.̵

 
Those who wish further information on the necessary rituals of the Blood Moon--or to argue the morality of killing or sparing the Beast--might respond to this with inquiries or invective.

[The black eye-and-feather symbol attached to the post in lieu of a signature is also heavily distorted, its edges trending toward an uncomfortable pink.

An edit shows up several hours later with the uncorrupted text attached and a brief note: "Apologies."]

Salutations!

My name is Tenya Iida and before my arrival here I was previously enrolled at the preeminent educational institution called UA, which is one of the premier schools meant to hone our techniques and enrich our education in not only the matter of Heroics but also the general enlightenment that most High Schools are required to provide. The reason for making this post is to have a single directive to look at instead of having to search various messages to answer my questions. I humbly ask for your patience and to answer a few questions. The first question of mine would be: where does one go when they wish to continue their education? The next question would be, where is the best place to find residence?

I have also come to an understanding that monetary remuneration has no value here, so I am also offering my services in lieu of payment. I am uniquely gifted with the special ability called a quirk and my quirk is named Engine. Engine is a mutant-based quirk, which means it is a permanent alteration on my body. In my case, my quirk provides my family along with myself with engine-like protrusions somewhere on our bodies that allow us to move at extraordinary speeds. I am offering to provide quick delivery services or to provide someone with a combat-trained guardian of sorts.

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

( Post is BEHIND the cut. )

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 )

CW FOR MASS MURDER OF UNARMED CIVILIANS, RELIGIOUS FANATICISM, THEMES OF NIHILISM AND UNREALITY, GASLIGHTING, "MERCY KILLING", THREATENED HARM TO CHILDREN, CHARA IN GENERAL, MOTHER MERCY IN GENERAL

( SHOW NO MERCY. )

[The feed opens up to the front of a brick building with a sign hanging out the front that might look familiar to anyone that had been around in the dream.

A beat passes before Ruby Rose steps out in an old checkered suit looking very much like a used car salesman.]

Are you fed up with feeling defenseless during crazy judgement fueled rampages?
Tired of weird guys claiming to be god pissing off the local deities?
Sick of toddlers coming around and burning down your house?
Absolutely annoyed with the fact that your sword isn't also a gun!?
...Miffed about the usual monster related problems plaguing our world?

Well have I got a solution for you!

[Ruby whips out her massive scythe which she swings once before it folds up into it's rifle form. She cocks it and aims at the camera.]

Come on down to The Roses Thorns and solve your problems the good old fashioned way! With high powered weaponry!

I've been making weapons ever since I was baby- Or well maybe like eleven to thirteen to be more accurate. But that's pretty much baby. And I have a proven track record of making awesome weapons back in the dream just take a look for yourself!

[She steps inside the building revealing a very classy forge decorated with various weapons, and large cold blood gems of roses, butterflies and little dogs.

She approaches the table and picks up a guitar.]

Like this! Just a normal guitar, right? WRONG!

[She flips a switch on it and strums a note only for a burst of flame to shoot out from the guitar head.]

And just incase the fire doesn't do the trick, it also doubles as a spear!

[Don't mind her as she demonstrates the guitar turning into a spear. She twirls it around and accidentally knocks over a pile of other weapons. There's a light yelp as everything clatters but she's quick to go back into character.]

We've got tons of options and can make you the perfect weapon for you!

[She holds up a few examples including a circular shield that sprouts out into a Buzzsaw blade. A prosthetic arm with a gun in it's forearm. She stops briefly on a a cane and looks confused for quick second. ]

Huh, How did that get in there? That's Ozpin's- It's kind of lame and boring- but-

[And she gives it a twirl before pointing to the camera.]

Come on down to The Roses Thorns and check out our inventory or get prices on custom weapons!

Because if you aren't armed you're doing it wrong!

Is this thing on?

[ The camera opens on a man, but there is something horribly inhuman about his eyes: they are black from edge to edge, the iris burning with a ring of white light. He is flanked by two skeletons which stand at attention, each with a speck of glowing red in their shadowed eye sockets. ]

Been a while since I had to do this. Hey, hello, kia ora. You face the King Undying, the Necrolord Prime.

( cw: mild body horror (corruption); religious themes; topics of mass death, violent imperialism, human sacrifice likely )

[ A familiar song starts up, and the video opens to reveal a lone young woman, dancing in an abandoned warehouse. The cots on the floor only add to the ambiance. ]

Hey, what’s up, Trench? [ The dancing continues. ] This is a callout post for John Gaius. You might know him? Shit sense of humor, black eyes, calls himself Teacher. He fucked over the ocean, recently. Hard to miss.

( cw: mentions of child death, extinction events, gaslighting, abuse, locked tomb spoilers )

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?