Deer Country Network

[Oh hey, it's anonymous sender time again. Jun's been doing some thinking in the last few days.]

What does family mean to you? Like... what counts? Is it your blood family? What if you're adopted?

What if you don't know you're adopted? Does family become something like a lie in that case?

Do dead people stop being family?

I don't really know what family means anymore. It's confusing and there's too many emotions tied up in it.

Hello~! I'm Himiko Toga. 17. The real one. Hi.

Is the party finally over? Done killing? Everyone back in their body? Right mind? Okay!

Newbie 101 with questions, JUDGE FREE ZONE. After washing up here, did you all stick with your plans from home? Your goal? Lifelong dream? Or abandoned that for a life seemed a better option? I mean, did you stick with your habits, change it completely, or evolve it? Are you happy with the new change in you? Or regret it? What about your 'purpose'? Found it here? Back in the other world? Ambition? Made a difference here?

Me? I'm new and trying to get some ideas. I want to hear your story. And hang out with people around my age. No gross weirdos (you know who you are), kthnks. <3

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?

[Ryan is on the stage of the Raccoon Room, a place he’s been dozens of times before, but typically announcements about the venue don’t come from him. They come from Wu, or maybe even Mako.

But Ryan is standing on the stage, his otter omen Tomo curled up in his arms. They know how hard this announcement is going to be. He’s dressed pretty casually, but a deep green raccoon brooch stands out against the red of his shirt. He takes a deep breath.]

So...Wu, Mako, and Bolin all went back to the ocean. They’re gone.

[That hangs heavy in the air.]

They’re, um. They’ll be really missed around here. But...they wanted the Raccoon Room to keep going. Before they left, they put me and Min-Gi in charge. We’re still going to be performing, but we’re also going to be doing all the stuff they do - hosting, the business stuff, you know. All that.

[He’s clearly trying to pivot into the practical side of things to avoid making it sound like a eulogy. Tomo nuzzles into the crook of his elbow.]

The Raccoon Room is going to be closed for a week while we figure out uh, all of…that stuff. But after that, we’re going to reopen business as usual. If you perform here, or if Wu or Mako had you as a business contact, hit up one of us? Just, y’know, trying to get our ducks all in a row. I’ve been performing here for ages and even I don’t know everybody.

[The smile he gives is a little hollow. But, public speaking is more his thing than Min-Gi’s. He’s not going to make him do it alone.]

Wu was one of my best friends. I asked him once what I’d ever do without him, and...he just hugged me and said I’d be okay.

[He doesn’t feel like it, but it’s giving him the strength to stand up on stage right now.]

All of us are going to be okay. The show must go on!

[The camera cuts there, wrapping everything up in a nice emotional bow...but then it cuts back in sloppily all of a sudden.]

--Fuck! Sorry, hang on– [A camera adjustment and a small ‘dude, what are you-’ from behind the camera. Then:] Also, uh. If anyone knows anything about directing musicals, we super need a new one of those to pick up where Bolin left off. Me and Min have the music piece kind of under control but like, we don’t know anything about acting? Seriously, hit us up if you know anything about Chicago. The musical, not the place.

[Ryan throws the rock and roll devil horns, and just before the camera cuts a final time Min-Gi steps out from around the back of the camera. Ryan is the front guy and graciously took the role for this, but it seems wrong to not appear at the very least. ]

Double hang on, actually. Sorry. I just wanted to say that we’re still processing payroll from last month but Mako left his ledger, so all our performers are still getting paid and we have the budget for the musical pretty laid out, too. So, that’s still on the table. If you really think you could direct it, there’s money. Whatever passes for- [A small sigh. Min looks pretty damn rough but he is doing his best okay. ]

You all know what I mean. Anyway, the point is we’re not going to leave anybody hanging.

Okay, that’s it. If you have any questions, like Ryan said, let us know either here or via Omni-Mail. Thank you.

[From off-screen:] Literally no one calls it–

[And then, finally, off the camera goes.]


[Replies will come from both Ryan and Min-Gi]

[It's disgustingly hot and humid and even with most of her hair pulled up and twisted back away from her face, she's got curly tendrils hanging down and a light sheen on her forehead. Ugh. But at least she's back to finding things to keep herself busy.]

My chair is open at Ursula's again, if anyone is looking for regular tattoos or some runework. Want anything more intricate let's talk and we'll see what I need and what deal works for you.

[Best way to act like nothing is wrong is to go right back to what she was doing before, right? Right.]

Catching up on the insane shit y'all love to get up to, but what little changes, a lot stays the same, doesn't it? Like how I still don't know who most of you asses are. Keeping track of the coming and goings ain't easy. Anyone keeping a list?

[Ladies, Gentlemen, and Others, it's that time again!

Bolin starts the feed, sitting in The Raccoon Room as per his last grand announcement. It's luxurious emerald decor makes a fine backdrop, and for this special occasion he is wearing his sequinned tail coat from the last production.]

Hey all, Bolin here. I know there's a lot going on right now.. adventuring... general tomfoolery... baking competitions! just wanted to take this moment to announce The Raccoon Room's new musical!

After all the success we had doing Rocky Horror I've sat down and read through a mountain of scripts. Literally a mountain. You would be amazed how many scripts there are in this place.

Aaanywho, introducing our latest and greatest, the one and ooooonly CHICAGO!

[Jazz hands! He throws glitter! Where did he get the glitter from! He dusts his hands and goes right back into story telling mode. There are lots of gestures. You're enthralled, surely.]

It takes place in the far off faaaaanasy land of Chicago. It's the golden age of Jazz, and a young woman, our lady heroine, Roxie Hart is desperate to become a successful performer in a place not unlike our Cellar Door. Only our heroine has a dark, terrible secret. SHE KILLS A MAN! And goes to PRISON! Where she meets the infamous Velma Kelly and the other merry murderesses of... murder rooooowwww.

It's got everything, catchy tunes, swell courtroom dramas, slang I actually understand! And now, I know what you're thinking, oh Bolin~ There are so many women in this production and most of us Sleepers are men! Well it DOESN'T MATTER because we don't care about the limits of gender roles and it'll be fine. Just trust me!

So c'mon now! Auditions are now OPEN and will be held this weekend right here at The Raccoon Room. Scenes are attached! Any questions you come right on in here and give me the ol' honk.

[And now, for one grand, final gesture.]

THEEEESPIANS ASSEMBLEEEE!

Hey everyone. Mako here.

[ The voice clips in just before the actual video appears for reasons that become clear in a moment: Mako steps back from where he's clearly set the Omni on a table to record what looks like a garage sale right outside the Raccoon Room.

A long table absolutely covered in little bits and baubles glints in the sun. In the center of everything sits Fritter the raccoon, Wu's omen, looking contrite and also sort of like she would like to leave. Her little ears are back and her tiny arms are crossed.

Scowling, Mako steps back to stand in front of the table, crossing his arms to match Fritter. ]

Some of you might have noticed some stuff going missing in the last couple months.

[ A pause. Mako glances back at Fritter, who huffs at him and holds up a winking blue heart-shaped gem on a sparkling chain. That... sure looks important. ]

Can't promise that what you lost is here, but there's a good chance it is. We'll be out here all day.

I'm sorry! [ Wu's voice pipes up from behind the camera ] It's my fault, really.

[ He turns the Omni around at a very selfie angle, pouting at the camera ]

I'm sorry that Fritter stole your stuff, it wasn't her fault! It was mine. Corruption just got me! I'm sorry, I'm sorry that I was mean to so many of you. Shiro, I'm sorry for making fun of your hair; Jessica, I'm sorry for throwing you out of the Raccoon Room. Manabu, I'm really sorry that I made you get a tattoo. [ Big grimace there ] I mean, I still think it looks great on you—

[ Mako clears his throat and Wu wrinkles his nose ] but that's not the point! I'm sorry for all of it. I'm better now! No more corruption here, no sir.

[ A beat. Mako narrows his eyes even more.]

Uh, please come get your stuff!

(( ooc: absolutely feel free to assume your character's random trinkets and stuff is here even if it wasn't called out in the post! Fritter is a monster. Also feel free to respond in action if anyone wants to wander by and/or come get their stolen stuff! ))

If your presence in this place only brought corruption and made everything worse, would you return to the ocean? Blood can not be shed here, but if you can't avoid it, then what are you meant to do?

I know I am selfish for wanting to exist, but I still would like to, even in a place like this.

I'm just not sure how.

[sansa looks just as fashionable and polished as ever, but there is something tired in her eyes. she wears a long-sleeved grey dress embroidered with silver dragonflies and a wide leather belt with a small bottle of vileblood threaded through the thin inner strap. next to her sits lady in a matching embroidered collar, almost a head taller than she was in sansa's first video some months before.]

Hallo, for those who don't know me, I'm called Alayne Stone. I make fine clothing for Night Walkers, by trade, and I'm glad to make things for my fellow Sleepers as well. Of course I would be glad to alter anyone's clothes to accommodate any physical changes they've experienced this month, though I should like to have my blood hound Knight check you for corruption first. He can remove it from your blood, and it's quite painless. He's a gentle beast.

[sansa pauses, frowning slightly. she'd hate to be wrong about this, but she's already worked out her own curse with the help of her friends and omen, and she really would like to help...and perhaps bausphomette will stop turning her into stone if she's more open about her experiences?]

I know that my own curse served as a sort of moral lesson, and my omen was able to work some of it out. Perhaps you might consider what lesson could be taken from yours, and try to learn it. Likely you'll have to do something important that you wouldn't have done otherwise. You might like to discuss it with Bausphomette; they can be found very often on rooftops at night.

[sansa-as-lady wasn't not going to talk to the giant white wolf exuding comfort and emotional availability...]

[The video starts off dark. There's some shuffling sounds, like someone dragging clothing on hangers across a metal rack. Then, a pair of eyes, one bright gold and the other white look into the feed, wide and startled. The camera blurs out, but the tiniest, panicked voice can be made out.]

Alcaid! I said textIsaidtext!

[It cuts and then a moment later a text post is attached.]

Ignore that, thanks.


I just want to give a quick heads up, especially to anyone who saw my uncle's post about my other uncle leaving: He's back.

Sort of.

He's thirty years younger and doesn't have any memories of this place so, try not to be too alarmed if you see him. If you could also avoid bringing up Bill (If you know who I mean) to him, that would be great.



It makes me wonder... how many of us from the Dream are still here? It seems like a lot of us have gone back to the ocean. I went through the doors because I didn't have a place in my own story anymore, hoping this would be the place where I fit. Maybe that was just wishful thinking and we don't fit anywhere anymore.

Anyway, that's all.

fuck mushrooms and fuck bugs

this place sucks

PIZZA MARKET RESEARCH SURVEY #1

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

2. Thin crust or thick crust?

3. Do you like orange soda?

4. Do you know how replicate orange soda here?

5. What are your preferred pizza eating hours?

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

Thank you all for your input.

[When the video flicks on, Rapunzel... isn't staring at it at all. She's huddled on the windowsill in her room, knees pulled close to her chest and her cheek resting against the cool glass of the window. She's staring outside, into the now-constant night, her eyes locked on the moon hanging above.

She seems... defeated. Anyone who's met Rapunzel before, even in the terrible jungle they escaped last month, would know that she's a constant beam of bright and vibrant energy. Rarely does Rapunzel's smile leave her face, and rarely does that aura of unending optimism leave her. But now, that bright and vibrant look to her is gone; her shoulders sag, and her expression as she gazes at the moon is akin to a painful yearning bordering on heartbreak.]

The people who disappear... [She's seen some folks talk about that, the past few days. One man had said someone he lost "returned to the sea", so Rapunzel can put the pieces together in her head.] They turn into those squid things again, right? And they just... go back to the water?

[She's not sure if she believes that. She has no reason not to, of course, but Rapunzel is still holding onto some shred of hope that she can one day see Corona again. Maybe if they disappear, they really go home, and it only looks like they turn into squids again?]

What happens to them after that? Can they still, y'know... think and feel? Do they still have their memories? Are they still them?

[There's a long pause. Rapunzel's hands grip tight into the fabric of her skirt, and a soft squeak can be heard; Pascal, her ever-present chameleon friend, uncurls himself from his spot on her shoulder so he can snuggle up against her neck, just under her ear. It's the only form of comfort such a little creature can provide for her, but he still tries.]

Can they be... happy like that, even if they weren't happy before?

Hey, all - I see there's some new faces. I'm Shiro, longtime resident here.

[He's seated on a sofa - well, seated is probably the wrong word. He's propped up by a lot of soft things, thanks to being a Warmblood this month.]

If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer - usually I'm on the Waker team, but ah, didn't get a chance this time around.

[Because of feeling like speaking, like moving, is too much effort.]

Anyway, I had a question. I'm pretty good in a fight, usually prefer hand-to-hand. [He is. Hilarious.] Weapons are a little more rusty, and this thing...

[He turns the omni to face a sword propped against the couch.] ... showed up at our house yesterday. And I could use a few pointers in swinging it.

[The video turns on and Glitch is just sitting at a desk, hand on cheek as he's tapping it all the while.

He's tired, bored, maybe even feeling moody. Who knows nowadays?

But, one thing's for sure he wants something else to focus on that isn't the horrors of Trench, Maul threatening everyone, and well.

The general anxieties of growing up. So, here he is on camera and he starts to talk;]

Okay. I wanna do the healthy thing and ignore what's going on outside for like an hour so;

poll time.

The poll question being;
Yes or No


And if Yes;

How much dad energy does Shiro have?

Ten percent?

Fifty Percent?

One Hundred percent?

The number is incalculable?

Please answer with your remarks below. It's for science.


[A pause before Glitch says;]

For those who don't know what he looks like, this is Shiro.

[ A picture appears right beside the poll. Just so it's clear.] Okay, get to it people.

Hello, hello Trench! If you don't know me, I'm Wu, and I run the Raccoon Room, Trench's exclusive Sleeper performance venue.

[ Wu grins at the camera, talking a bit fast, clearly excited about something. The excitement palpable even through the Omni with his paleblood power projecting his emotions. Fritter the raccoon is perched on his shoulder, holding on to some of his hair as he talks ]

I come to you today with an announcement. A very important announcement! I know a lot of us have baggage we're carrying around from back home, and after a while, you might be like, hey, this isn't super important anymore! And then something happens, and it's suddenly really, really important again.

[ Wu puffs himself up a bit, sitting up straighter, putting his free hand solemnly to his chest. Fritter mimics him, doing the same action with her little paw to her heart ]

So, today, on this, February second, of the Egg Moon in Trench, Deer Country, I, Wu, King of the Earth Kingdom back on my world that doesn't have it's own specific name, I hereby formally abdicate my claim to the Earth Kingdom throne and title.

[ As soon as he's done, the formality breaks and he lets out a bright laugh. Fritter chitters excitedly, crawling up into Wu's hair. ]

Whew! That felt good, really good. [ But then his eyes go wide and he adds, conspiratorially: ] Oh, but if you're from home and you somehow go back home and there's another Wu there, he didn't do that, not yet at least! He still has some work to do.

[ We're back to casualness, and a bright, wide grin. ]

I'm glad that's done with. Oh, boy. You know, that super important thing? Mako and I are getting married! And he doesn't want any pesky titles following him around like mine was. So, we're just going to be two regular guys. Just two guys, getting married. [ He sighs happily, clearly deeply, disgustingly in love. Fritter rolls out of his hair and he casually catches her in his arms.

Then he gasps again, sitting up: ] Oh, and you're all invited! February 20th, at the Raccoon Room. I'll see you there!

((ooc: originally posted on Deerington's network, oops. If you already tagged, I've move them all over here))

( Content Warnings: discussion of death, trauma/ptsd, past torture, psychosis, mental health crisis )

[The video opens up on Lance in the arena at The Gate breathing heavily, there's a bleeding bullet wound through his left shoulder and a bruise forming on one cheek. It's clear, he didn't start this video by the angle that it's being filmed at and how he's bent over with his hands on his knees. Those who have discovered Omens can double as phones may figure out that is how this is being filmed. On some level Lance wants to share this moment and his omen answered his subconscious mental command.

In the corner of the screen there is a black smoke floating in the air, dissipating but forming what looks like a... middle finger? Lance then leans down and picks up Reaper's mask off what remains of his corpse and looks at it. Then he speaks to Reaper's remains, his voice sounding rough and in a weird sort of shock.]

For two years I thought I deserved what you did to me, that it was my fault. You tortured me... for hours. [He takes in a shuddering breath holding the mask tight and shaking.] Then you suffocated me to death with your body's smoke and you've haunted my dreams ever since... But Moira- Moira told me it wasn't my fault, that... the nightmare took over my mind and made me hurt her. You knew it too, but you did that to me anyway. Funny how it took killing you for me to realize maybe she was right and you were wrong.

[He practically snarls the last part and then turns to face his omen and sees it's broadcasting something to someone. Now that he's snapped out of the shock of it all, he grins triumphantly at the "camera", the bloodsport high returning and he's devolving into a bit of a hysterical meltdown.] You hear that?! I, Lance, Paladin of Voltron, actually killed Reaper! The big, bad, scary smoke man in the stupid mask who killed me and Chloe is dead. And I conquered his ass! ME!

[He holds up the mask he took off Reaper's body like it's a both proof and a trophy.] I'm keeping this to remind myself I don't have to be afraid anymore. You guys should all totally try out killing your demons, it's great!

( ooc: lance is replying to all responses after he's had time to come back to a little bit more mental stability/coherency. )

[ The feed opens to black, and then the lights blast on, shining on Wu, standing on a stage with green back panels framing him, a green flowering hat on his head, a green tailcoat on his thin frame. There's a small raccoon in a matching hat perched on his shoulder. He’s holding a microphone even though this is, you know, a video ]

My good people of Trench! Sleepers, locals, all, I am thrilled to introduce to you: Ryan Akagi, of Chicken Choice Judy!
( Cut for length-- click for a sweet song )

( 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.

cw: cannibalism kinda, underage sex jokes, brief nondescript ref to animal violence

Hiii everyone.

(Have an enthusiastic wave from a girl speaking in a perfected baby voice.)

My name's Jennifer Check and I'd like to put it out there that I'm now accepting human sacrifices. Sexual or otherwise.

(She smirks at her own joke, but really, she's starving.)

And I mean human specifically. I don't do that animal sacrifice bullshit. I'm not some psycho white boy who got turned down too many times by the pretty girl at school and who's weirdly obsessed with making Call of Duty half his personality.

(A big sweeping eyeroll. It's amazing how quick her voice went from Baby-Uwu to Frigid-Bitch. It's not a talent everyone could master, admittedly.)

Anyway. Is everyone around here a prude or something? I haven't seen any cleavage outside of my own in like a whole day. Holy shit. (...DRAMATIC REALIZATION...) Did I get kidnapped by the Amish...

(The last part is muttered to herself.)