INTRO LOG #2

[bequiet]

INTRO LOG #2
Put a Sock in It
Content Warnings: Disorientation, memory loss, confusion
Themes: Arrival, survival, exploration, horror

You wake, standing. A thick, muddy red dust coats your skin and clothes - it sticks to your tongue and blocks your vision. Inhale and it chokes you, exhale and your breath puffs out in front of your face in a transparent maroon cloud. It tastes of copper, tangy and harsh. Movement is difficult, every limb tingles and aches. Look to your left, your right. Evenly spaced in each direction stands another person indistinguishable in every way from the next. You're disoriented and lethargic, unable to grasp onto a single thought. A pinprick of light blooms ahead and grows steadily larger; a door has opened.

Hands grip your wrists, push at the small of your back and guide you out of the darkness into a room with four walls and a thin, sagging ceiling. The plaster is peeling, the air is musty, and the floor is slick. White plastic piping juts up from the center and curves into multiple spouts, clean water flowing in uneven streams. Those hands pull your clothes off and clear the dust from your body, redress you in handsewn jumpsuits. By the time they’re through, you will have begun to come back to yourself.

A finger is pressed to your lips. Kind eyes meet your own and a single word is whispered - hush.

Led out of the room in a line, you’re taken down a short hallway and into another, much larger room. There’s a woman waiting for you there, a child hugging her leg, and a cloth bag in her hands. She reaches in and pulls out a device, passes one to each of you. Once finished, she begins to move both hands in graceful gestures, a language. One of the people who helped you lifts their device and the screen lights up, tracks the woman’s hands. Letters appear on the screen and you understand the device’s purpose. She tells you what she knows and it’s not much.

This world is haunted. Noise attracts them, so it is not allowed. Communication is through body language, soundless writing, and the device. She tells you that your feet must be light and your mouth never used. There is a community outside these doors, where you can survive together, but only if you agree to one thing: complete and total silence. You'll have time to talk it over. You may ask one question and receive one answer.

Acceptance allows you to journey outside. The ground is marked in pathways of sand, lining the paths to each building and everywhere in-between. You notice that the locals hold their devices always, aloft and glance to it often. It will not vibrate or make a sound to signal a message. Notices appear. Rules. Guidelines. Feet on the sand and never anywhere else. To open a door you brush your fingers along the hinges - oiled and you may enter. If not, take the brush from the can sitting nearby and coat the metal with the dark liquid.

Now, you're to settle into your new home – with or without the help of those who have come before you.

The Place Inside
Content Warnings: Disorientation, hallucinations, body horror
Themes: Plot, exploration

Have you been to hell. And more importantly, have you been back. We all know this pain but are too scared to recall. This horror controls us, pulls at our strings to ensure how our life plays out. So, let me rephrase my question: have you been to Ile Lacrox. And more importantly, can you come back.

In the community, if you hear something you're not supposed to hear, you learn to look the other way. If you see something you're not supposed to see, you pretend it never happened. If you feel disappointed, you learn to never ask for more. So, through good times and bad, famine and feast, the natives held fast to their rules until one common day a sly wind blew in from the south...

That same red dust twists through the streets, curling up in faint, little plumes of familiarity. The farther south you go, the thicker it becomes. Those willing to explore far enough will find it coming from an island in the middle of the river. Once there, doting every available surface is the evidence of Sound Eater births, and the closer you are to the island, the harder it is to avoid being coated in red. Even if it's not rubbed into the skin, it doesn't take long for the effects to take over. Every sound is amplified. Your breaths are deafening, the slightest step echoes. But no Sound Eater attacks. Your vision blurs, and it's as if your mouth is sealing itself shut. Those you traveled with seem to be similarly affected, and you know you have to be quiet. Anyone who brought supplies with them might discover that a drink of water subdues the symptoms.

OOC: Only characters who entirely submerge themselves in water will be free of the dust effects. Just remember that noise will attract Sound Eaters.


Liplocked
Content Warnings: Violent tendencies, mind alteration
Themes: Love, romance, obsession, sex

The natives are of French origin, and with that comes a love of romance. Residents will find treats and valentines at their doors. That same night, there will be a small, red-glowing fire built near the fountain. There will be jars pressed into the dirt and filled with a sweet, red liquid. Some natives can be seen drinking it and being very affectionate with one another. Anyone who drinks this is inspired to show endearment or lust to others, and it will wear off after sleeping.

There's also the noticeable addition of a new arrival. They came through the Reset Room just like everybody else. They understand the rules and follow them to a tee. They are the perfect example of what the natives want in their residents. They are charming and captivating. They say nothing, and they don't have to. When your eyes meet, you feel seduced. There's a nervous flutter in your stomach. You can feel your heartbeat in your throat. Pounding, constricting. They smile and then turn away.

As they're walking, you notice you're not the only one looking at them, and in their expression, you see your own mirrored. What started as sweet infatuation and longing dissolves into a jealousy unlike any you've ever known. All you understand now is that to win their affections you have to come out on top—so you're the only one they see. Your actions are not your own, but they're still yours.

OOC: There are two ways to break the "spell". Your character fights it out with someone else who is feeling the same way OR they're approached and physically touched by someone who isn't affected by the newcomer. A third of the community will be completely unaffected (everyone else is affected unless the player is uncomfortable with playing out the scenarios). The newcomer can be of any gender the player wishes. For those partaking in drinking, the players can choose what effects it has; it can inspire feelings of lust or boost paternal/maternal instincts or devotion towards friends.

OOC
From your mods:

Please be mindful of content - if something triggery comes up or if it goes up a rating to say, something sexy, mark your threads in the subject line. We're very flexible and allow any material; we just want our players to be respectful of each other. If you have questions, pp the mod account, use the faq or comment to the appropriate post below. Have fun!

NAVIGATION

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Comments

( b. )

[clarius]

[ for her part, lorem has been sticking to the walls and the edges of the celebration when she's not with friends or with the children who were still out and about for some reason. it got tiring after a while, the constant dodging of invitations and offers of the strange, strange drinks so she thought it'll be best if she just... kept clear by being constantly on the go.

which is perhaps how she finds herself running into faith. after the initial shock wears off because she had been this close to knocking into her, lorem's face lights up with a friendly smile at a familiar face. ] Enjoying yourself so far?

[rockypath]

[If Lorem is trying to escape the strange drinks, she'll find nowhere better than near Faith as she's all to glad to drink them all in her stead. But it does come with a few other potential hurdles. Namely the way Faith's eyes are dragging up and down Lorem like she's deciding how best to eat her. She smiles, the flirtation clear and heavy in her gaze.] Always. You want to join me?

[clarius]

[ she just happens to have a jar of the red drink in her hands, occasionally turning it around and around as if unsure of what to do with it.

noticing the heavy gaze directed at her, lorem can feel her face burn hot as she ducks her head. at least she has the ready excuse to type out a reply for faith. ]

I’ll be happy to. Do you want a drink? I’ve been stuck with this for a while.

[rockypath]

[Grabby hands! Faith reaches out for it, gladly.] Shit, yeah. You don't know what you're missing. It's great! You sure you don't want it? [Her loss.]

[clarius]

[ she's happy to hand it over, relief clear on her expression though her smile shows playfulness as well. ]

I'm sure. Promise! I decided a long time ago that drinking isn't my thing. Lightweight, through and through.

[rockypath]

[Faith is quick to crack it open and take a swing, grinning as it disappears down her throat. She moves aside, reaching for Lorem to pull her to sit beside her. She wants her closer. As close as possible.] It's sweet though. I don't think it's alcohol. So, Lorem. How are... things? Tell me everything. [Faith isn't actually interested, her eyes dark with something much thicker than curiosity, but she wants to keep her there a bit longer.]

[clarius]

[ the heat that lorem feels radiating off her face can, no doubt, rival that of the bonfire when she notices the quality in faith's gaze.

oh.

okay. um. this is a lot to take in. she's- lorem has- the only other person she was sure who had- only laura but even then-

she remembers radiance and its enough to remind her to please calm down. she rubs the back of her neck, flush red as a rare apple back home as she forumlates a response: ] I've been keeping myself busy with a project I've been thinking of for a while. Beyond that, I've been helping the townsfolk more by mending things beyond clothes like their sheets and tarps. I'm pretty good with a thread and needle so if you ever need a fix- Let me know?

[rockypath]

[If anything the red flush of skin seems to spur Faith's ever further. She always liked to watch people squirm... whatever that said about her, she isn't going to spend much time dwelling on. Instead she'll keep her eyes fixed on Lorem, eyes trailing over skin, and ultimately fixating on her mouth, lips...]

Could have used you a couple days ago. Needed some stitches on myself. Cut my hand on a broken mirror. [She also hadn't broken it entirely silently, obviously. At least she's still here though, no Sound Eaters came.]

[clarius]

[ her jaw drops open in shock when she reads the message; the flustered expression gives way to shock and worry. her eyes somehow becoming bigger than they already are as she looks up at faith, brow furrowed together in anxiety and concer. ]

You cut your hand? Really? Does it still hurt? Did someone treat it proper? There are no signs of infection, right? [ she may not know a lot about medical procedures - ironically enough. maybe she should have taken auntie ruby's offer up. - but she knows what to check for when it comes to infected cut or wounds on a human.

lorem tries to lean forward to get a better look of faith's hand, her expression one of worry. ]

[rockypath]

[Faith doesn't really want to be talking about her injuries, but if it'll get Lorem to lean closer she supposes that's alright. She held out her palm, there's a clear cut there. But it looks like a long healed wound, not something that someone could have gotten only days ago.] I heal quick. I also know first aid... just didn't have anything to do stitches with. Bled all over for a bit. Looked like a remake of Psycho in my bathroom.

[clarius]

[ lorem hand hovers faith's when she sees the cut, wincing a bit at the sight of the wound. she lowers her hand, almost as if she wants to touch faith's hand to make sure it wasn't that bad, but she pulls back when she realises that maybe faith wouldn't like that. ]

From the title of that film, I can hazard that it wasn't a pleasant experience for whoever got cut. [ there weren't a lot of movies where lorem was from. took up too many resources and time and effort that could be focused on other things. ] I'm sorry I couldn't help you earlier. If you ever need help in anything like this, you're free to call me. I promise I'll do my best.

[rockypath]

You've never seen, Psycho? You from outer space like Poe and Rey or something? [Shit. She's gonna have to watch her pop culture references around here.]

[She smiles though at the offer, leaning closer yet again. Seeing it as a perfect opportunity.] I bet you will do your best. There is something you could help me with now, though... if you're interested? [Sorry for Faith, but she can't help herself the growing desire impossible to ignore. She moves forward to kiss her.]

i'm sorry for lorem!!

[clarius]

[ she's in the middle of explanation that essentially boils down to 'yes, i've been in space for the last eight or so years' when she sees faith get closer to her. she looks up in time to realise what is possibly about to happen and-

do you know what time it is?

it's force field time.

lore has enough time (and sense) to pull back, her arms flailing just a bit while she summons her force field. ]

Ha! Faith getting thwarted left and right! Love it.

[rockypath]

[Faith's face smashes up against the force field and can't stop the sputtering sound that escapes her lips as she smacks it. She bounces back and nearly falls over. Shit. Did no one in this place want to make out with her? Girl is gonna get a complex! As if she needs another.]

[Rubbing her face, Faith is more subdued now, but the drink is still working it's magic. That desire is still there. Only now she looks like a kicked puppy on top of being still aroused.]

This thread is so cute; Lore is very sorry Faith for the possible future bruise-!

[clarius]

[ ohhh- that is going to leave a mark and possibly then some? they'll find out in the next few days or so.

lorem winces when she sees faith is forced back by the field, a surge of guilt running through her. she hates causing anyone pain or trouble, accidental or not.

she almost wants to set it down and help faith up but. something - something that sounds suspiciously like laura - tells her that she should stay where she is and first get a question out: ]

What was that about?

Her ego will be more bruised than her face ;)

[rockypath]

[She's not sure how to answer that question, still rubbing her semi-injured nose. Faith shrugs, looking moderately sheepish, but still flirtatious despite everything.] I wanted to kiss you. I couldn't help it. [She kind of wants to try again, honestly.]

Poor Faith! There are better fishes in the sea. Fishes who can't summon force fields.

[clarius]

Yes. I noticed that.

[ she hopes she didn't look sour as her words must come across.

lorem sighs, a soundless sound even when in her force field, and types out another message. ]

I'm sorry that I hit you. I really am. It took me by surprise.

[rockypath]

Sorry. I'm just... [Just what? She's not sure what she is right now. Other than, well, let's be honest... horny. Faith just looks confused about the whole thing now.] I should have asked. [And yes, she's fighting the urge to ask. It's really hard.]

[clarius]

[ okay. the apology gets her to calm down enough to think about this situation with a kinder approach.

with a gesture (or three, she's still getting the hang of this) of an arm, lorem finally allows the force field to quietly dissolve, the pearlescent dome shimmering away into the air, but she stays where she is for now. ]

It's fine.

How about we sit down? Maybe that'll help.

[rockypath]

[Faith doesn't look so sure. If Lorem sits next to her, she's not confident she'll be able to control herself and not try again.] I don't know... we could try? Just don't sit close or I'll be tempted.

You're very pretty. [Wow. So much game right now, Faith. Come morning, she's going to cringing so hard.]

[clarius]

[ lore’s eyes begin to narrow now, looking up from the message she just recieved so she can get a proper gander at faith's appearance.

she’s been around her mom long enough to pick up the signs of someone being drunk or 'secret' drunk. those weird jars are nothing but trouble at this point, she's sure of it.

while she wants to think more on what's behind this, she decides that focusing on faith and her well-being is more important. ]

I'll keep that in mind. I don't want to leave you alone like this so I'll take the chance.