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

kylo ren ⋆ star wars

[warfares]

LIBRARY.

[ There's a map spread across one of the reading tables, its edges pinned in place by one several heavy volumes. The novelty of finding this many books (actual books, made of actual paper) in a single place had given way quickly to a low-burning frustration. He didn't know the layout or the language.

It had taken a long time to find what he had needed.

Hunched over the table, Kylo pauses to double-check his mobile device before moving to circle a location on the map in blue ink: Palais du Tau. ]

LIP-LOCKED. (Kylo is one of those immune to the newcomer's charm effect. )

[ Night settles and once again the people of Reims gather at the fountain in the Town's Square.

As ignorant as he is of Earth and its customs, it's clear that some kind of celebration is being held—the arrival of the newcomers, perhaps? Or perhaps the people of Reims are simply resolved to enjoy what life they have, in spite of their self-imposed restrictions and the terror they live with.

Curious, he plucks up one of the jars and twists off the lid; he leans in, inhaling, and is relieved to find that it lacks the harsh chemical bite of Lorem's moonshine. Still, he's willing to bet that it's alcohol all the same. Something syrupy-sweet, better suited to a celebration.

He doesn't drink. As trying as the previous few days have been, there are better ways for him to pass the evening than blasted out of his mind. ]

WILDCARD.

[ Firstly, here is Kylo's permissions post. Secondly, if there's something you'd like to try feel free to sling a starter my way or hit me up either via pm or at resurrectionist . I don't bite even if Kylo might. ]

liplocked

[steal]

[Rey, on the other hand, has had a sampling. Not much, but enough for her to be feeling the effects. At first she stands off to the side of the others, observing the natives and their behavior. She can sense that Ben is there with her, his presence steady and comforting with the slight disorientation she's feeling. She allows that odd sense of familiarity to wash over her, until she feels steady enough to look his way.

Their eyes meet through the crowd and her breath catches.

There's a pressing need for her to go over to him, and before she can talk herself out of it her feet seem to moving of their own accord. When she gets in closer, he can see that her eyes are slightly dilated and her bottom lip swollen from her worrying at it with her teeth. It almost seems like she might say something to him, but words out loud aren't needed between them. So she extends her arm, tentatively, meaning to press her fingertips against his. ]

[warfares]

[ His attention snaps to her immediately, eyes narrowing slightly before he straightens himself. The jar is momentarily forgotten. ]

I see you've been partaking of the festivities, [ it's said after a moment, another glance hazarded in her direction as he draws his hand away. ]

[steal]

[There's a frown on her face as he pulls his hand away, and she doesn't understand where the feeling of disappointment and longing come from. Typically, this sort of confusion might make her more difficult to speak with. Tonight, she's just left wanting. ]

They said it was tradition.

[She shrugs a little, shifting so she can try to ignore the urge she has to force him to take her hand. The need to be close to him is overwhelming, making her dizzy. So she steps in closer, until she's standing right in his personal space. ]

It isn't poison, if that's what you're worried about.

[warfares]

The concern had passed my mind, [ he makes no move to deny the suspicion even as he is ready to admit that it is the least likely of the possible outcomes. Death being temporary, the inconvenience of managing a revolting population would be enough to have them reconsider anything too permanent ㅡ or so one would hope. ]

Do not let me keep you from them, [ mild; he can feel the lazy rush of warmth spreading through her thoughts like ink in water. She is young, likely unused to the heady effects of it and if it tastes half as well as it smells he can't begrudge her the curiosity.

Even so, he returns the lid to his jar for now. ] I will only be poor company.

[steal]

No.

[She's not sure if she's arguing against his being poor company, or the fact she doesn't want to actually be around the natives. Watching all of them be so affectionate, she only feels comfortable enough to be like this with him. And even still, she's just barely trying to touch his hand and standing in his space. It isn't anything like the way the others are acting.]

I want to be here with you.

[warfares]

That's the drink talking, [ he says, measured and patient; it falters, however, when she continues to press him.

His mouth thins, discomfort warring with bitterness; the latter triumphing briefly, ] You made it clear that you wanted anything but that, before.

[ Much as he might crave the contact, crave the acceptance, the rejection still stings. Surely she cannot think he can simply forget?

Still, he will not draw back from her a second time ㅡ not yet, not unless there is no other way ㅡ and instead asks: ] Unless you've reconsidered?

[steal]

[He manages to make her tense in a matter of seconds. She doesn't want to talk about this, doesn't even want to think about that day. Being here makes them have to move forward. Looking back only makes her angry.

And anger turns all of that affection for him she feels into conflict. Conflict makes her reconsider her every action the past month of being here, from their holding hands while watching stars to confiding in him about Kilgrave. Rey isn't good at playing dumb,
but she wants clarification.]

Reconsidered what, exactly?

Library/Wildcard

[thatsruff]

[Teddy has taken to shadowing the human known as Ren when allowed. He follows close to the side of Ren's leg as the man moves through the town, mixing his patrol duties with his instinctive need to locate and assist his handler.

Ren is easy for him to be around, a familiar sort of presence that had a sense of purpose to him Teddy gravitated toward. He glances up briefly as they walk toward the library, a pack loaded with first aid and ration packs hanging off his back for his patrols and his ears sharply twitching and turning to listen for any sounds that shouldn't be there.

His focus turns back to the path not long after, curious to explore the new building he hasn't yet been able to gain entry to, unable to enter any of the buildings but the house they shared on his own.]

[warfares]

[ As surprising as Teddy's favor had been in the beginning, it had quickly become just another factor of existence in Reims, something readily accepted without too much thought; it helped, of course, that the dog was easy company and seemed to instinctively know what was required of it.

They fell quickly into step with one another and Ren allowed himself to bask a little in the canine's acceptance. Most were not so quick to trust.

He'd learned of this particular library during one of the weekly town meetings; there were other libraries, he had been told, but this was by far the largest and easiest to access.

He shoulders open the gate, allowing Teddy to pass first before making his way toward the doors. ]

[thatsruff]

[Teddy shifts into full alert, his head turning with his ears and his nose to the air as they pass the gate. This is an area he hasn't been yet, and he is determined to ensure it is safe for both of them as they proceed.

His paws silently pad across the sand to the doors, and he sits at attention beside them, watching Ren's back as he approaches. His head tilts up to acknowledge his handler, but his eyes do not move from looking beyond him to the gate and the city behind him.]

[warfares]

[ He is careful as he twists the knob — it's been awhile since he's had to deal with something quite so archaic, too used to modern convenience after so much time spent aboard Star Destroyers — and glances back over his shoulder, checking his blind spot, before easing open the door.

Once again, he holds the door open for Teddy first before entering himself.

The interior of the building is brighter and more modern than he had expected. Well-maintained, thankfully. No ancient labyrinthine corridors to navigate. If anything he's reminded of his visits to the Temple Archives on Coruscant. Finding what he needs should prove easy enough — if only he had an idea where to start. ]

[thatsruff]

[Teddy pads carefully into the building and shifts into his on duty mindset. Nose to the air, he disappears between the stacks without looking back, covering the entire lower floor from one side to the other to check for threats or uneasy scents in the air. He finds nothing but dust, leather, glue and traces of mouse. Nothing dangerous to his handler.

His task complete he seeks Kylo Ren out once more, and takes a seat beside his leg, his head tilting up to acknowledge the man before his attention is back on the interior of the building. He makes sure he is facing the opposite direction of his handler, determined to keep him safe while he continues whatever tasks brought him to this place of strange shelved items.

Books were not something often seen where he came from, and Teddy's education had all been neural, digital, or interactive. He could read, but his reading had always been screens and signs, not books with pages no canine could hope to turn with any reliability.]

[warfares]

[ Several books are plucked from their shelves and set down on the table. Most of them pertain in some way to the area itself (Reims, which he knows to be in France, a continent of Earth) with one weighty tome dedicated to history added to the mix.

He then pauses, scratching behind Teddy's ears in unspoken praise, before arranging the books carefully. Satisfied, he then removes his device and opens the translation app; he decides starting with the most pressing concern and working outward might be best.

Charting out potential new routes means gaining some understanding of the city itself and what was already within reach -- and, perhaps more importantly, what wasn't. ]

end

[thatsruff]

[Teddy sits at the man's side, studying the books that Ren has before him. He observes silently, letting his device translate the words for him as well, what he can see from his position, and watching the charting as Ren does it. He'll stay there as long as Ren does, not leaving until his handler does, and learning what he can while they spend their time within the library's walls.]

Library

[cronusian]

[Hux spends a lot of time in the library these days, pouring over maps and the various more useful books on the shelves. It's time consuming and annoying having to rely on the devices to translate the text in most for him, but it feels like some kind of progress is being made. If he doesn't forcibly keep himself distracted, he'll never survive being sequestered to this planet.

He pours over the map from the other side of the table, his device open to a digital copy covered in notes with a few books to his side. The pages are leafed and marked with slips of paper bookmarks.

He glances up as Ren returns, and quietly slides a jar lid being used as a marker over a section of interest further out from the city around them. It was a large building and from what Hux could glean was some sort of enforcer headquarters. It is possible there could be weapons stored there, though he isn't getting his hopes up too high.]

[warfares]

It will take time to reach, [ he says of the map point, still bending to mark it all the same. ]

Sand. [ Still, it's a promising start and he's already considering just how he can slowly steer the pathways in that direction.

He's still new, will need time to build up trustㅡand stockpile sand. ]

Perhaps, we should look at smaller checkpoints, [ a finger drifts to a point on the map just outside the current reach of the paths: Palais de Justice. ] Less likely to draw notice that way.

[cronusian]

[Hux has found it's the small noises that are harder to keep from indulging in, more than words. The little, almost meaningless communication noises that came almost without thought and had to be stopped. He stops himself from a sound of agreement, following Ren's finger to the place suggested instead. It isn't far from existing sand paths, and the name makes it seem like a place that could prove useful.

He opens the math on his device, placing a note on the location, and traces the nearest streets back to the current sand paths.]

It should not take too long to collect enough sand for that trip. [He agrees, tracing the roads beyond it. One of the existing paths ended practically at the building according to the maps. It would not be difficult to extend it and then it was just a matter of getting into the building silently.]

We will need to work fast when we have enough sand for the further locations. If the last rain is anything to go on, the paths will not last for long and could be washed away at any moment. I would rather not see our work erased before it is completed.

[If they were going to collect enough sand to make the trip, they would need somewhere to store it. Hux's jaw locks together as he considers the options. Even with the assurance of his room and the work he had done to better sound proof it, he did not trust that things would remain untouched when he left the room. He would have to try and angle for more private quarters once he had built up more trust with the natives. An irritating task but not beyond his abilities.]

[warfares]

[ A brief nod of agreement, then: ] I can keep it in my room. It's unlikely to draw much notice.

[ No more than a stockpile of sand is liable to. ] If pressed I have my new position to offer as an excuse. [ Though, given his bedroom door locks, it's unlikely that anyone but the most determined person would attempt to snoop. ]

[cronusian]

Very well.

[Hux sends the map to Ren's device and continues to pour over the rest of the labelled locations, looking for other areas of interest. He is getting ahead of himself and he knows it. They will need time as Ren had said, and Hux was no closer to figuring out the best angle to attempt to ...endear himself to the natives. Teaching the children Dejarik had only managed to catch the eye of a few of the adults, and had drawn suspicion from the others. He had not gathered nearly as much intel as he had hoped to, either.

The app, too, was only useful in as far as other people actually used it. It had failed to provide any diplomatic leverage. Not all had been lost though. He had used the rain to better search local buildings, and had even made himself a glass dagger, fragile but deadly, should he ever need it.]

We need to work toward a more sustainable system. The sand is useless to us if it washes away. There are methods I would test with the proper volunteer. I have one in mind that might suit the task.

[warfares]

[ He switches over to the inbox, opening the image and comparing the two maps. ]

Who? [ He wonders if they are aware of what it might mean for them, involving themselves in this project. If Hux would bother to inform them. Still, he is more curious than concerned for the moment. These people are not his people, and death is still impermanent. ]

[cronusian]

An informant. He has already died and returned twice and has been very cooperative with sharing information on the subject.

[Hux doesn't particularly care whether or not that translates into a willingness to risk life for an experiment. Better the dog than either of them.

He measures out the distance to their next goal with a curious spread of his forefinger and thumb, trying to compare the distance visually. He isn't sure he fully trusts the measurement system used by this planet's people. It isn't standard.]

I do not doubt he'll make a good first trial for testing it out. In either case the information gained will be worth it.

[warfares]

Convenient.

[ He mentally runs through the (admittedly small; he would have to remedy that later) list of people he knows to have died, in an effort to figure out just who Hux's informant may be, and just why they are so willing to share this information. ]

A long-term study, then?

[cronusian]

As long as it takes to find an alternative solution.

[The inefficiency of the sand paths bothers him more than anything else. There needs to be a more reliable method available to them. He doesn't even question whether or not Ren will take issue with his choice.

The animal is a soldier, more so than anyone Hux has had a lasting conversation with. It's not as if the sacrifice would not be without merits if it did work, and he's willing to attempt multiple experiments at the expense of the dog's life if it means finding the answer that works.]

We may need a few trials to find the right materials.

[warfares]

Somewhere discreet, in that case.

[ Leaning over the table, again, he searches for an area just out of the way enough to escape notice. ]

A pity we can't use the island, [ once the interest has died down (which, admittedly, might take awhile) it was removed enough to suit their purpose. ]