Baymod Helpers (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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bopbay2025-05-10 10:00 am
bayhelpers) wrote in bopbay2025-05-10 10:00 am
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003 ⟡ MAY TEST DRIVE
⋆✩ test drive 03 ✩⋆
The day begins like any other.
Routines, eventful scenes, and boring errands — no matter what you were in the middle of, there's a moment where everything begins to feel wrong. A searing pain tears through your body, so intense that it feels like every nerve has been struck at once. Muscles spasm, joints scream in protest, and as you double over, you find yourself clawing or clinging at anything within your reach. As your attempts to maintain composure fail you, your bones begin to twist with an agonizing force, the pain rising in a crescendo until it becomes unbearable to even breathe. Then, as quickly as it began, everything stops.
For a single, terrifying moment, there's nothing. No sight, no sound, no touch, no taste, no smell — just the weight of nothingness swallowing you whole. The absence of sensation might even be worse than the pain, leaving you adrift in a void you can't escape. Hopelessness threatens every fiber of your existence, and try as you might to fight it, your darkest thoughts begin to surface, flooding your mind in an onslaught of suffocating feelings and ideas.
In the darkness, you hear a voice.
It's faint, a gentle flashing of something warm along the edges of your mind, like sunlight itself. It's a voice, but you can't identify who or what it comes from, how it sounds, or what it means — still, you know it's directed at you. Something tugs at your heart, a powerful ache that throbs once and ripples outwards. You can feel the aches again, like fresh sores throughout your body. You feel off, like something isn't quite right, like you're not where you should be, or who you should be. But the voice continues, whispered just beyond your understanding. The sound is warm like hope, and it wraps around you, distant yet intent, before you wake up.
i. arrivals
FROM TUNNELS DEEP
The scent of must meets your nostrils, perhaps more strongly than it normally would. To open your eyes is to meet the dark — though if you're fortunate it could be that something about this new body, or perhaps the body of another, leaves some faint illumination to see by. Either way it soon becomes clear that where you are is somewhere underground. They are deep and sprawling tunnels, with corners of some unknown civilization storied away in their many carvings and ruined pottery. Portions of the cavern walls even bear the appearance of old structures and dwellings, as if the earth itself swallowed a city whole.
Trickling through the tunnels in quiet streams are tendrils of fog. It's difficult to see, but not in the least hard to feel. The mist is damp and cloying, clinging to every inch it finds on you to the point that it seems to grasp at the very soul; and the longer one lets it have its way, the worst it feels. You begin to question your body. Your mind. Your very memories — are they really yours?
Staying underground may be unwise anyway. Diglett and Dugtrio soon make themselves known to the weary arrivals here, and unlike these newcomers they have had far too long to succumb to the mist. They will attack without hesitation, and the only options are to fight or flee above ground.
The forest above unfortunately is not much better. The fog here is thick, even if some light somehow makes its way through the canopy above. What could have once been helpful landmarks become sources of dizzying misunderstanding, and the gnarled trees seem to move when no one watches. Rescuers from the city will have their work cut out for them once it becomes clear how many could be stranded out there, and time will be of the essence. The sooner that these wanderers can be brought to the clinic to be treated, the better!
ii. under the weather
RAIN RAIN, GO AWAY
The first thing anyone will notice as the month of May truly sets in, is the rain. Light or heavy, sunny or cloudy, a near constant rain pours down upon Bottlecap Bay and its surrounding areas. There's no escaping it; it pours, and it pours, and it pours ever long, until it becomes impossible to do even basic tasks outside one's dwelling without getting soaked to the bone.
While it's not unusual to receive rain at this time of the year, the amount of rain is unnatural according to the Guild Leaders. To ensure no one suffers any more than they already have, all three are quick to open their doors to these new Pokemon in their midst. Or at least, they're quick to offer other foreigner's doors. Pokemon who originated from other worlds soon find themselves with new bunkmates and housemates, and with the rain as bad as it is there’s no good way to refuse.
It's best to remain in similar company after all, and until there’s time to sort out who fits where, it’s all these newcomers have.
While it's not unusual to receive rain at this time of the year, the amount of rain is unnatural according to the Guild Leaders. To ensure no one suffers any more than they already have, all three are quick to open their doors to these new Pokemon in their midst. Or at least, they're quick to offer other foreigner's doors. Pokemon who originated from other worlds soon find themselves with new bunkmates and housemates, and with the rain as bad as it is there’s no good way to refuse.
It's best to remain in similar company after all, and until there’s time to sort out who fits where, it’s all these newcomers have.
THE WATER CYCLE
While Pokemon begin to settle into their new lives at Bottlecap Bay, the rain continues to fall. On some days it’s harder — hard enough to bring sheets thick enough to blot vision, sharp enough to leave unprotected pelts stinging for minutes after retreating inside. Thunder booms, and lightning flashes, a clear message to all within the city when they see it. These storms are bad. Dangerous. And the danger is in more than just the weather itself.
At first the signs are subtle. Those same symptoms from the forest can be felt, lasting only as long as a Pokemon is damp from the downpour outside. Even the gentle drizzle causes absent thoughts, an empty mind staring into the distant grey skies as you forget.
Staring longer still, as you remember. But is what you're remembering actually yours? Something about the concentration of forest mist in the form of raindrops changes the effects as the days go by. The body and mind rebel against what it knows doesn't belong, and it finally comes bursting out with a shout! Those memories you've seen, they aren't yours! They're someone else's!
And the world needs to hear it!
At first the signs are subtle. Those same symptoms from the forest can be felt, lasting only as long as a Pokemon is damp from the downpour outside. Even the gentle drizzle causes absent thoughts, an empty mind staring into the distant grey skies as you forget.
Staring longer still, as you remember. But is what you're remembering actually yours? Something about the concentration of forest mist in the form of raindrops changes the effects as the days go by. The body and mind rebel against what it knows doesn't belong, and it finally comes bursting out with a shout! Those memories you've seen, they aren't yours! They're someone else's!
And the world needs to hear it!
iii. the archives
RECORDS KEEPING
The longer the rainfall persists, the more clear it is that staying outside is unwise. Not only is it dangerous to non-water type Pokemon's health for the most part, but the full scope of side effects only increase the risks. After one too many shouting matches caused by vitriolic memories, Polteageist offers a simple but beneficial solution. The doors of the archives are opened up, as senior members in the Lum Guild offer up their time as temporary librarians.
Polteageist's solution is as follows; instead of training their bodies out in the rain, everyone will be training their brains. There have been many questions raised over the last number of weeks, and now is the time for everyone to investigate the mysteries. Entering the Archives means entering a building of clear splendor, filled with couches and beanbags for sitting and beautiful flowers and plants to accentuate the green hues within the halls. The shelves are well stocked with records kept on stone tablets, and the additional guides within the guild are eager to help everyone find what they're looking for.
The illustrious leader of the Lum Berries is well aware however, that not everyone is willing to spend all their time reading. As it would be counterproductive to expect anyone to sit twiddling their thumbs (or tails, or ears) he has thus arranged for a few of the archive meeting rooms to host additional activities. They are simple things; there's classes on recording writings properly in clay before firing, minor history lessons where newly arrived Pokemon can share in what many others already know, and even community building exercises. They're nothing like the escape rooms organized during the last two months, but they're good for passing the time.
And eventually, the rain will hopefully calm down. A few skilled Psychic Pokemon are offering their services to keep others dry until then however, at least so that everyone can get home safely.
Polteageist's solution is as follows; instead of training their bodies out in the rain, everyone will be training their brains. There have been many questions raised over the last number of weeks, and now is the time for everyone to investigate the mysteries. Entering the Archives means entering a building of clear splendor, filled with couches and beanbags for sitting and beautiful flowers and plants to accentuate the green hues within the halls. The shelves are well stocked with records kept on stone tablets, and the additional guides within the guild are eager to help everyone find what they're looking for.
The illustrious leader of the Lum Berries is well aware however, that not everyone is willing to spend all their time reading. As it would be counterproductive to expect anyone to sit twiddling their thumbs (or tails, or ears) he has thus arranged for a few of the archive meeting rooms to host additional activities. They are simple things; there's classes on recording writings properly in clay before firing, minor history lessons where newly arrived Pokemon can share in what many others already know, and even community building exercises. They're nothing like the escape rooms organized during the last two months, but they're good for passing the time.
And eventually, the rain will hopefully calm down. A few skilled Psychic Pokemon are offering their services to keep others dry until then however, at least so that everyone can get home safely.
✩ OOC NOTES.
⟡ TDM CWS: body horror, disorientation, hallucinations, dysphoria
⟡ TDMs are game canon and act as events for the month they are posted.
⟡ New characters can link to their top level beneath the NEWBIE DIRECTORY
⟡ All new arrivals are not assigned to any one guild. However, if they participate in the Archive's bonding activities, they may receive a unique reward.
⟡ Remember that at least one thread for your application must come from the TDM! There is no comment minimum, but we will be looking for engagement, as well as for players and characters who take the time to delve into things like character thoughts, emotions, morality, and other deep themes. Take this time to engage with the setting as you would in game!
⟡ As a reminder, reserves and applications are permanently opened. Please see their respective pages for details on processing time.
⟡ Have any questions related to the TDM? Ask here! If your question is more general for the game, please make sure to direct it to the FAQ page instead. Thank you, and happy threading!
⟡ TDMs are game canon and act as events for the month they are posted.
⟡ New characters can link to their top level beneath the NEWBIE DIRECTORY
⟡ All new arrivals are not assigned to any one guild. However, if they participate in the Archive's bonding activities, they may receive a unique reward.
⟡ Remember that at least one thread for your application must come from the TDM! There is no comment minimum, but we will be looking for engagement, as well as for players and characters who take the time to delve into things like character thoughts, emotions, morality, and other deep themes. Take this time to engage with the setting as you would in game!
⟡ As a reminder, reserves and applications are permanently opened. Please see their respective pages for details on processing time.
⟡ Have any questions related to the TDM? Ask here! If your question is more general for the game, please make sure to direct it to the FAQ page instead. Thank you, and happy threading!
no subject
It takes him a few moments, but he shakes his head as if trying to clear water out of his fur. His words are accompanied by a quiet hiss.]
You struck first. [He sounds indignant, as if he wasn't throwing around Embers at anyone that came near him.] Which is pretty bold, for a mouse.
[Or whatever he is.]
no subject
[ He matches Firepaw's tone, never mind he was the one stalking him. His cheeks start to spark, teeth grinding through low growls. ]
Say that again, cat.
no subject
[Very bold words for a little kitten, whose voice sounds at most like a teenager's. Small licks of flame are creeping out of his mouth while he speaks, bringing with them the smell of burning fur. Which... just barely masks the scent of blood.]
I've hunted bigger and faster things than you, and I don't mind bringing you back to the city as fresh-kill.
no subject
[ If he were in his right state of mind, if he wasn't so filled with hate and hunger, saying all of this wouldn't even dare cross his mind, much less come out to a total stranger. But his nose twitches at the scent of blood coming through, and he licks his lips in anticipation. ]
But go ahead. Hit me, Rusty.
no subject
And really, the sound of his housecat name is what sends him over the edge. Firepaw charges forward again, running on three paws and launching himself clumsily at Bigby with his claws outstretched. His aim is to pin the Morpeko down with his forepaws, and deliver another Bite somewhere near his throat.]
That's not my name!
no subject
Then, suddenly, he remembers again, his cheeks lighting up to threaten another Thunder Shock. Either Firepaw moves off or take the full brunt of it — his choice. ]
... How m-many lives you w-willing to risk today? [ Despite his situation, he can't help but goad between grunts, a grin spreading across his face. ]
Did someone call for baby jail?
Anasui observes the situation from his hiding place and then, with no warning whatsoever, the large Espathra strolls out. Without a single word he goes straight to Firepaw and goes to snap the Litten into his mouth.
If the Morepeko tries to approach, Anasui will attempt to kick him like a football.]
no subject
I was hunting!
[Were you really, Firepaw?]
no subject
nothing.
He looks up, the cat now dangling over him, held up by a large — ostrich? When the shock wears off, Bigby immediately turns himself over, rushing at one of the bird's legs only to be kicked back into the air with another squeak. He flails trying to right himself before landing on his bad shoulder. Just what he wanted. He groans, vision doubling from the pain. ]
You... [ With his good arm, he pushes himself up, just a bit, enough to give the other two a side eye. ] You call that hunting?
[ He falls flat on his face. Lessons have not been learned. ]
no subject
I don't care, honestly, whether you were hunting or not. But the two of you are making a mess of yourselves and I don't want to baby whoever survives if I end up on medical rotation. So shut up.
[He stares down at the Morpeko.] I don't know who you are but have no qualms with kicking you again if you don't behave. And I will do worse if you cause trouble.
no subject
Fine. I'll leave him alone.
[He still sticks his tongue out at Bigby, when Anasui's attention is turned.]
1/3
[ He’s only half-listening to Anasui, too focused on curling up into a little ball. As if the physical pain wasn’t enough, now he’s getting lectured at like some child. He grumbles to himself, frustrated, before finally unfurling to stare up at them both. A look of defeat crosses his face. Two against one, not to mention the obvious size difference now — he’d be an idiot to even try.
But between the bruised pride and hurt ego, catching that arrogant little cat in the act pushes him over the edge. His claws dig into the dirt as he pushes himself back up on all fours, grimacing. Mind clouded, he still manages to stop himself, wondering what the point of this even was. He just smelled what he thought was food, but suddenly now it felt personal. Was it even worth it? ]
2/3
[ Fuck it. ]
3/3
no subject
[It's a good thing that those lower feathers are just feathers and not his flesh. It doesn't hurt but he sure can feel the Morepeko. Anasui growls and squats in the bizarre way that only birds can but in a distinctly human way, almost like he's trying to nest on an egg. Except the egg is Bigby. Get off of him or get crushed!
Also, hold on, Firepaw! It's a sudden drop!]
no subject
no subject
Still looking pissed off as ever, he glances from Firepaw to Anasui, eyes narrowing. ]
... Sorry I wanted to eat your pet cat. I should've been more considerate.
no subject
Like I said, I don't care what either of you two wanted. But try that again and I'll put you into the hospital myself.
Firepaw, go back to your guild. I'll walk this one back. Don't argue and waste my time.
no subject
Fine. I'll see you later, Anasui.
[And off he goes - he is, at least, lucid enough now to know that he needs to get out of the fog before it scrambles his senses any worse.]
no subject
The cat gone now, he glances up at the bird. Briefly, he lingers on his beak before he immediately shirks back on all fours. ]
Don't you fucking think about it. I don't care how slow it is. I'll walk.
no subject
Fine by me. I don't exactly enjoy putting pests in my mouth. [But Anasui can be very patient and he is going to make good on what he said - regardless of how long it takes and how slow Bigby is, he is going to walk him out of the fog back to town. There's no need for small talk. Not worth it, really.]