Baymod Helpers (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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bopbay2025-09-10 10:16 am
bayhelpers) wrote in bopbay2025-09-10 10:16 am
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005 ⟡ SEPTEMBER TEST DRIVE
⋆✩ test drive 05 ✩⋆
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
HIDDEN IN THE TALL GRASS
All around you now, is the scent of loam and plantlife. It is just slightly damp - the morning dew has not yet dried, and the sun’s light visible even while the sun still crawls up from the horizon. The grass around you is somehow ridiculously tall however.
Or perhaps you’re just small?
It’s difficult to see much of anything in the fields you’ve arrived in, but at the very least you can see yourself. Your limbs, no longer what they should have been. Your very skin, covered perhaps with fur, scales, or something else entirely. There is much about this situation that bears no answer, but maybe that will change as you wander through the sea of grass.
The sounds of other Pokemon soon become clear to your new ears. Other confused wanderers, fumbling with their new bodies. One by one, you make your way through the grass to each other - or maybe, someone finds you. Pokemon who didn’t wake up dazed in the grass also begin to appear, and they bring with them offers of help and explanation. All of them point toward the same place, eagerly indicating a series of gleaming lights through the blades.
Don’t worry friends - Malamar is here to help!
Or perhaps you’re just small?
It’s difficult to see much of anything in the fields you’ve arrived in, but at the very least you can see yourself. Your limbs, no longer what they should have been. Your very skin, covered perhaps with fur, scales, or something else entirely. There is much about this situation that bears no answer, but maybe that will change as you wander through the sea of grass.
The sounds of other Pokemon soon become clear to your new ears. Other confused wanderers, fumbling with their new bodies. One by one, you make your way through the grass to each other - or maybe, someone finds you. Pokemon who didn’t wake up dazed in the grass also begin to appear, and they bring with them offers of help and explanation. All of them point toward the same place, eagerly indicating a series of gleaming lights through the blades.
Don’t worry friends - Malamar is here to help!
ii. The Town of Death Blood Murder Skull
AN OMEN OF THE SEASONS
Shortly after the sun sets, on the very same day that new arrivals began to wake in the grass, eerie lights and music drift down from one of the distant mountains. They wind their way into the valley, bringing with them an unseasonable chill. Something is coming.
Something is Froslass, queen of those dead by frost and in lonely spaces, and she is on her traditional visit down from the mountains. Does this happen yearly? Every few years? It's hard to tell - Ghosts aren't always the best at keeping track of living time - but however often it is, she is delighted to see that the Ghosts of the forest and valley have built an entire town this time, just for her!
What? Malamar wants her to know it's not just for her? Of course it is, silly! It has Death and Murder and Skulls in the name, doesn't it? She'll even magnanimously accept all these living participants, since they so graciously showed up to pay her tribute.
Quibbles over the town aside, Froslass's presence heralds the beginning of an undead ritual. Ghostly flames make delicate, flickering paths through the valley, visible only at night but felt even during the day. Trip through one of them and you will find yourself shivering, maybe even feeling slightly disconnected from your body.
Froslass herself holds court in town, expecting attention and entertainment, particularly near dawn and dusk. While she's not outright hostile, she is rather volatile: she's easily delighted by anyone who puts in a genuine effort, no matter how unskilled, but she's very quick to anger if she thinks someone isn't sufficiently motivated - or worse, avoiding her! Be ready to either participate or stay far, far away to keep unnoticed. Even that might not save you, as her presence seems to have a very odd effect on Ghosts and even other Pokemon in town. You may be subject to encouragement... and some of it might not be gentle.
Something is Froslass, queen of those dead by frost and in lonely spaces, and she is on her traditional visit down from the mountains. Does this happen yearly? Every few years? It's hard to tell - Ghosts aren't always the best at keeping track of living time - but however often it is, she is delighted to see that the Ghosts of the forest and valley have built an entire town this time, just for her!
What? Malamar wants her to know it's not just for her? Of course it is, silly! It has Death and Murder and Skulls in the name, doesn't it? She'll even magnanimously accept all these living participants, since they so graciously showed up to pay her tribute.
Quibbles over the town aside, Froslass's presence heralds the beginning of an undead ritual. Ghostly flames make delicate, flickering paths through the valley, visible only at night but felt even during the day. Trip through one of them and you will find yourself shivering, maybe even feeling slightly disconnected from your body.
Froslass herself holds court in town, expecting attention and entertainment, particularly near dawn and dusk. While she's not outright hostile, she is rather volatile: she's easily delighted by anyone who puts in a genuine effort, no matter how unskilled, but she's very quick to anger if she thinks someone isn't sufficiently motivated - or worse, avoiding her! Be ready to either participate or stay far, far away to keep unnoticed. Even that might not save you, as her presence seems to have a very odd effect on Ghosts and even other Pokemon in town. You may be subject to encouragement... and some of it might not be gentle.
SOIREES AND SERVICE
Fortunately, the festivities required aren't particularly deadly or horrifying! Froslass expects to be well fed and entertained as recompense for her very important role, but she is very happy to share with everyone as long as she's getting her dues.
Pokemon can choose to help make and serve elaborate dishes for Froslass, and attend on her needs - she'll require them to be well-decorated if so, to match her brilliance! Those who are less skilled with food can choose to sing, tell stories, make music, or dance for her - she particularly enjoys performances with fans or ribbons - or offer her little Ghost Pokemon figures made out of harvest fruits and vegetables. Barring that, Pokemon can decorate Skull Town and their less crafty townmates, making sure everyone is adequately adorned for the occasion (or crafting necessary props like those fans and ribbons)!
Pokemon who aren't particularly artistic have at least one other option: help maintain the ghostly flames throughout the valley. These lights were originally made by Froslass, and while they're currently placed to guide other Ghosts into town, they're being saved for another purpose later. She'll be very put out if any of them are snuffed! Fortunately, the lights are easy to keep flickering. It takes days for one to die, and the judicious application of a Ghost, Fire, or Ice move - or, lacking any of those, the addition of some completely normal kindling - brightens it right up again. There are, however, rather a lot of them...
Froslass outright expects any Pokemon who has taken a turn contributing to the festivities to have some time to enjoy them, too. Come, sit down, have some good food served to you by Pokemon in elaborate outfits, and enjoy a fun diversion! Or at least take a relaxed stroll through town with her and her retinue and take in the atmosphere!
Pokemon can choose to help make and serve elaborate dishes for Froslass, and attend on her needs - she'll require them to be well-decorated if so, to match her brilliance! Those who are less skilled with food can choose to sing, tell stories, make music, or dance for her - she particularly enjoys performances with fans or ribbons - or offer her little Ghost Pokemon figures made out of harvest fruits and vegetables. Barring that, Pokemon can decorate Skull Town and their less crafty townmates, making sure everyone is adequately adorned for the occasion (or crafting necessary props like those fans and ribbons)!
Pokemon who aren't particularly artistic have at least one other option: help maintain the ghostly flames throughout the valley. These lights were originally made by Froslass, and while they're currently placed to guide other Ghosts into town, they're being saved for another purpose later. She'll be very put out if any of them are snuffed! Fortunately, the lights are easy to keep flickering. It takes days for one to die, and the judicious application of a Ghost, Fire, or Ice move - or, lacking any of those, the addition of some completely normal kindling - brightens it right up again. There are, however, rather a lot of them...
Froslass outright expects any Pokemon who has taken a turn contributing to the festivities to have some time to enjoy them, too. Come, sit down, have some good food served to you by Pokemon in elaborate outfits, and enjoy a fun diversion! Or at least take a relaxed stroll through town with her and her retinue and take in the atmosphere!
iii. Fête of the Forgotten
VESSELS SAILING AWAY
As the festivities welcoming the immaculate Froslass settle down, the end of the month gradually brings the true meaning of the occasion to light. When she first arrived, it was easy to lose the facts among the fanaticism - not to mention, Malamar’s frustrations. It’s always difficult when friends fight. However, as the leaves slowly turn to the color of flame and the air begins to crisp for harvest, Skull Town gathers more and more Ghost Pokemon ready to bring forth their core traditions.
A tradition of remembrance. Of connection. A celebration of ‘ghosts’ who no longer walk the mortal realm.
During the final week of September, Pokemon such as Spiritomb and Oricorio begin to reach out to the Outpost citizens to collaborate for their final tradition. Having spent some time among the Pokemon of Bottlecap Bay, they feel confident that the communities of Spectrunk and Bottlecap can harmonize with its meaning. They spin tales of boats sailing across distant seas, and of faint lights floating through the blackest skies to guide spirits to their new home. Here and now, as the summer season officially greets the autumnal one, Pokemon may be granted a chance to reconnect with those who sailed ever further.
Those who sailed beyond, to their final place of rest.
Where the weeks prior were filled with festivities and excitement, the final week of September is a somber time as small boats to carry spirit flames are prepared for the final day. They will sail them down the river and out to the sea as the sun sets in those last moments - a tribute to the departed, as well as a message to those who still reside in the places they came from.
To the quiet surprise of Pokemon beyond this world, it seems there is something to this ritual. As their boat sails outward, spirits of those they left behind in their homes - whether deceased or otherwise - appear before their very eyes! It is a chance perhaps, to get some closure.
Or to simply say hello, as the Ghosts would say.
A tradition of remembrance. Of connection. A celebration of ‘ghosts’ who no longer walk the mortal realm.
During the final week of September, Pokemon such as Spiritomb and Oricorio begin to reach out to the Outpost citizens to collaborate for their final tradition. Having spent some time among the Pokemon of Bottlecap Bay, they feel confident that the communities of Spectrunk and Bottlecap can harmonize with its meaning. They spin tales of boats sailing across distant seas, and of faint lights floating through the blackest skies to guide spirits to their new home. Here and now, as the summer season officially greets the autumnal one, Pokemon may be granted a chance to reconnect with those who sailed ever further.
Those who sailed beyond, to their final place of rest.
Where the weeks prior were filled with festivities and excitement, the final week of September is a somber time as small boats to carry spirit flames are prepared for the final day. They will sail them down the river and out to the sea as the sun sets in those last moments - a tribute to the departed, as well as a message to those who still reside in the places they came from.
To the quiet surprise of Pokemon beyond this world, it seems there is something to this ritual. As their boat sails outward, spirits of those they left behind in their homes - whether deceased or otherwise - appear before their very eyes! It is a chance perhaps, to get some closure.
Or to simply say hello, as the Ghosts would say.
✩ OOC NOTES.
⟡ TDM CWS: Disorientation, Grieving/Death (as a topic of conversation), Hypnosis/Mental Influence
⟡ 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, they may assume themselves to share rooms within any one of them during the course of the TDM.
⟡ 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, they may assume themselves to share rooms within any one of them during the course of the TDM.
⟡ 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!
A. (ooc sidenote- flowey named the outpost canonically. LOL)
It's important he says it with as much edginess as possible.
Oh man that's awesome XD Also I am apologizing in advance, Dolly is gonna pun again >_>;;
However, the answer would be yes, why yes Flowey, you get another 'Funny' one to deal with as Dolly processes that name she hears, "Yep, that'd be me, the newbie, four times running anyways. I'd B-positive about things, but that's certainly a name right there for your township."
no subject
It's an empty threat. He's a small, pathetic Sunkern at the end of the day-- and he promised not to kill anyone.
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Dolly becomes very, very silent for a moment before finally answering Flowey, "My apologies, puns are something close to me. Now, given the situation of..this..can I get an explanation of what's going on?"
Malicious compliance mode activated, this weird ribbon cat thing will be as determined to talk as normally as possible.
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Flowey gives her a moment to let that sink in. "Lots of us came from whole different worlds. Want to go back? Sorry, we don't know how yet. So... hope you like ribbons!"
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"Thank you..just..this is a lot. So there's no way back yet from this world?"
Dolly is back to squinting a bit to check out the area a little better in an attempt to spot the outpost before responding. "Heh, I used to wear ribbons all the time back where I came from..its sort've how I ended up being called 'Dolly' by folks."
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They seem to be in a grassy field outside of a place called 'Death Blood Murder Skull Town'. It's quite obviously a new construction, with building even still in progress in some places. Everyone's friend, Malamar, starts their way over to greet Dolly, but Flowey gives them a withering glare. Malamar gives a sort of 'I'll be back later' look to Dolly, doing an approximation of a shrug.
"Dolly, huh? Golly, we match! Flowey and Dolly." Now he's being nicer. He's too proud to say sorry, especially when the puns were that bad (at least, so he thought).
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"What are the guilds here like?" Dolly goes to ask before noticing Everyone's very good and dear friend Malamar (who could ever think Malamar was evil? Clearly Malamar is a saint of a Pokemon to care this much!) Downside...Dolly without glasses couldn't make out Malamar at all..they looked like a weird blurry pickle with licorice ropes?
"Goodness, we do match, don't we? Flowey and Dolly." Dolly brightens a bit as she accept Flowey's help.
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"There's three! The Cherri Berries, Oran Berries, and Lum Berries.
"Cheri Berry members like me gather resources, monitor the ecosystem, stuff like that. Glamorous, it ain't. But someone's gotta do it!" he says. "Guildmaster Ribombee is a little... out there. His heart's in the right place, though! More or less.
"The Oran Berries are the defenders. Guildmaster Mightyena lead the expedition to this new outpost, in fact." He politely doesn't mention it's the catchall guild for misfits, in his eyes. "Let's just say there's a real... colorful cast of characters. I'm sure you'd do fine!
"And the Lum Berries, uh..."
Okay, he doesn't actually know what they do. 'Research'? Be snobs all day? He's still salty that he didn't get in.
"Research...? Haven't seen much out of 'em so far. But, who knows? You seem like a real smart cookie! I'm sure you'd whip them into shape!"
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Right, focus time as Dolly listens to what Flowey tells her about the guilds and their roles. Interesting, this was a very new concept to Dolly as processes the new information being brought to her on a silver platter no less.
So far, this was Dolly's mental listing for the Guilds:
Cherri Berries is basically outdoorsy and much like the hunter gather society she got introduced to in her early years.
Oran Berries is were the fun and quirky folks go to. This might be the party guide.
Lum Berries...Dolly has her money on them being sort've the weird group that doesn't interact much and likely doing mad science.
"Right, so I take it that they're pretty much the functioning government figures?"
yeah she got it LMAO
He then just lets that ominous comment hang in the air.
"Anyway! Little ol' me will have to show you around, huh? Come on, let's go!"
The Sunkern begins to inelegantly hop toward Skull Town. Every day, he misses his ability to dig. He'll give her a moment to follow if she wants, maybe ask some follow-up questions. If she doesn't, he'll do a little 'digging' in another way! Hearing about different worlds is always fun.
At this point, he doesn't know that Skull Town has been taken over by Froslass (and everyone's friend, Malamar).
XD Carefully goes to place bets on which Guild Dolly lands in
"You know, that sounds like a good plan, maybe there'll be something warm to drink like mulled wine or hot chocolate.."
Dolly goes to follow Flowey the best she can without glasses, having a bit of a hop-skip sort of motion as she adjusts better to the four legged situation. Oh Mac Lir, the thing Dolly did take for granted was indeed her eyeglasses all the long.
"So the township ahead, what is it like so far?"
Ah that sweet ignorant bliss of not knowing about the town takeover by Froslass (and Dearest Malamar). Who knows, maybe they're sitting down to tea to plan
evilwonderfully good activities for all involved!no subject
And then he reaches town. Ghostly flames light the way. Decorations are set up in honor of Froslass, and just ahead, Pokemon walk around in maid costumes.
"... It isn't usually like this."
no subject
As Dolly goes to look up to view the merry little town of Death Blood Murder Skull Town...yep its certainly a cursed name like Dolly's! Dolly is gobsmacked by the rather..interesting procession of blurry shapes going on. Did a cult just set up shop overnight?
"...That's concerning. Is there a communication line to use by any chance?"
This has some horror movie vibes going strong right here.
no subject
"First outpost, yeah. Don't know how long that's going to last, though! Looks like the place is coming apart at the seams already."
As someone who has died too many times to count, Froslass's influence almost- almost- takes hold of him, even from afar. He feels the overwhelming desire to go in and serve her, put on a frilly little outfit, make decorations.
Fortunately, determination is synonymous with stubbornness, and he has that in spades. He shakes his head (body?) and snaps himself out of it, backing up several paces.
"No phones, if that's what you mean. But we do have these."
He produces a little pearl from somewhere (don't worry about it). "They're called Grumpearls, and they let us form psychic connections. I should reach out and report this... but I have a bad feeling that almost everyone from town is here right now."
Malamar is also on the edge of town, looking at them both expectantly, as if waiting for them to ask for its help. Flowey ignores them.
no subject
"Grand, societal collapse and I didn't even bring popcorn for it."
Okay..woah..what's going on with Flowey there? Oh, he's back to normal? Well that's mildly concerning (Oh hell it's insanely concerning!!!) Oh good, there is a form of communication...Dolly isn't going to ask where the pearl came from, no worries here!
"That's pretty nice to be honest...what about the Guildmasters? Are they up here too? Surely they wouldn't leave the main base to go up here?"
Okay maybe Flowey was right about the place..just breath, breath, it'll be alright, totally alright. Oh great, the blurry pickle is back and looking ominous as it comes. Right, decisions, Pickle cult or creepy town cult...
"Flowey, you know this place far better than I do. If I stay in the town and keep a low profile, can you reach the main area to get some sort of help?"
Sure, Dolly is tiny as they come and without powers, but she can keep on a mask and blend in! Centuries of masking are finally paying off right now!
no subject
With that, Flowey goes off somewhere private to use the Grumpearl.
The information he receives isn't to his liking. He's nothing but polite to Guildmaster Ribombee (he's still trying to get on his favorites list), but when Polteageist laughs at him and says it will blow over on its own, he does the psychic equivalent of slamming the phone.
People are getting brainwashed and the guildmasters are twiddling their thumbs! (Except for Mightyena, who's just partying.) Sure, Pokemon battling each other is normal and Froslass has to leave eventually, but it's not like no harm has been done. He knows the effects of playing god for a while, darn it!
He decides to sneak around the edges of town- just outside Froslass's radius of influence- and see if he can meet back up with Dolly to tell her what he found.
no subject
Dolly goes to hide in the grass a bit the best a little Sylveon can do till Flowey returns. Grand, playing hide and seek from the nightmare pickle, this will be a magically grand time.
Yep, Dolly is certain if things are bad enough, she'll just lay low in the obviously cult driven township ahead. Just breathe, in and out, there we go, now focus. Flowey did go to check in on the whereabouts of the leaders, surely they're making a plan, right?
Dolly's ears perk up upon hearing some sounds and pokes her head out of the foliage to see if its Flowey, The dreadful pickle, or a member of the cult of maids..
no subject
"Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we're on our own." He sighs. "TRUST me, I'm not happy about it either. Guess they're content to take the 'wait and see' approach. What did you see in there?"
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"....Okay that's raises so many questions right now about the leaders' plans." Dolly goes to take a breath, "Gonna talk about what's going on with the town. It definitely looks like a festival of some kind. It makes me think of Halloween where I came from, so at least it's not the blood sacrifices kind of cult. Not sure why about the maids though, that's throwing me off a bit."
no subject
He thinks this over.
"There must be a way to snap them out of it besides just waiting."
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Likewise, Dolly was thinking this over before she has an answer to give.
"Flowey, I think it would be wise if I go into the town then to lay low and blend in. I might be able to figure what's going on and deliver information to you that way, do you trust me with this plan?"
no subject
"Alright, sounds like a plan. How about we meet up after dark here? I'll see if I can figure anything out from the outside."
no subject
Okay seeing is a stretch given the no glasses situation at the moment, but it's the thought that counts, right? Dolly takes a deep breath in before carefully walking towards the evidently cursed town ahead.