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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!
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Though, that silence was concerning, come to think of it, has this Flygon spoken since he started helping Dolly out?
"Um..hey I realized I never asked your name there. Folks called me Dolly back where I came from."
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He gives her a tired little smile and his antennae lift ever so slightly as his attention shifts. Dolly. She does look like a Dolly, all wrapped up with bows.
"I'm Henry."
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"Hey, it's great to meet you Henry. I know that it's been a weird time here so far, but it's nice to have a slow moment like this one."
Dolly goes back to trying to fish out a pumpkin decoration, the little tendrils of the flesh bows at work.
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"You're right." He takes a breath and another paper Pumpkaboo and leans up to pin it in place. For another long moment, he's quiet. But then he asks, "What do you think is going to happen to us?"
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Carefully, Dolly resumes to helping with getting the decorations out, just two more and they can decorate another wall. Glancing up a bit, Dolly to the best of her ability without glasses, goes to check on how Henry is doing.
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Henry grows quiet again, focusing on hanging things just right least Froslass curse them. He can tell that she knows he doesn't like her. Ghosts...are not his favorite. Before falling into the Otherworld, he didn't have much of an opinion on them. He'd enjoyed horror movies as much as anyone. But then he lived one.
And now he's in...he doesn't even know what to call this. Henry finds himself swinging back and forth between feeling hopeless and indignant. His tail lashes as he thinks.
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"I think we'll be alright."
She wasn't thrilled either, Dolly is farther away from home, her familiars, and found family. It's hard, it's insanely hard, and Dolly felt that's something Henry was feeling too. They really were all in the same situation as one another.
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"We'll survive together."
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"We're going to survive together, it'll be okay."
Looks like one more decoration is left and then its off to the next wall, looks like Hisuian Zorua is next for the decorations.
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With Dolly so willing to comfort him, Henry feels as though maybe he should open up to her. At least a little. And to do that, he responds by being curious.
"What were you like before?" He wonders if maybe she was a nurse or a teacher or some other caring person.
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No..no that won't do, not at all..just to be normal for one moment..oh, there is an answer! A good one that is very true!
"I attended a college back in my small town for an art program. I ran a club there too, a fun little mystery solving one, and normally helped freshmen settle into their new college life. I loved it to bits, I had so much fun."
Dolly smiled as she thought back to her little club, it was something that meant a lot to her, "What about you? What were you like before?"
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"I'm taking a break from college," he offers. Maybe they were close to the same age. When everybody is a weird colorful animal, it was hard to tell. "I work at an appliance store right now, but I'm in the photography field. Trying to decide if I want to go into journalism like my parents suggest or going the art route."
This was probably the most words Henry has said to any one Pokemon since he arrived.
"What kinds of mysteries did you solve, Dolly?"
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"Photography is a lot of fun, there were so many techniques, my favorite was the tintype." Dolly listened, it was nice to talk about college topics like that, it felt safe, "I knew someone like that, they found that the best route was joining a historical society in recreating tintypes. They got to do what they enjoy without having their parents pressure involved."
This was seriously a wonderful conversation as Dolly thinks back a bit, there was a lot of fun experiences.
"They were mostly urban legends and cryptids, we'd go out to places to investigate. I think my favorite was Riesling Falls Lake Monster, we rented a cabin for it that came with its own fire pit. Sure, we didn't spot a lake monster, but we did get to enjoy a campfire and apple pie flavored hard cider."
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It's nice to talk to someone else who knows photography! It's a familiarity Henry didn't realize he so badly needed. As much as he feels for Dolly being separated from her own world and life, he's glad she's here with him.
He's glad that Dolly's life sounds so normal. He wouldn't wish what happened to him on anyone. "Sounds fun."
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To Dolly, the campus life was everything to her and what she wanted, to be a normal student. It was very much like a getaway from the stresses of her role and the expectations that came with it.
"There really were so many fun times with the club." Dolly wouldn't wish being a fae on anyone either, having a normal life is such a luxury.
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"I wonder if they've invented it here..." He says, mostly to himself. But he doesn't want to leave Dolly out so he looks to her too. "Photography, I mean."
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"There's a chance, perhaps they use tintype here for their photography?"
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He refused to call it Blood Murder Death Skull Town. Not after what he's been through, that's just stupid.
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Dolly wouldn't blame Henry at all for wanting to use the full name of the town, clearly it's very very cursed to say given what's going down.
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He had the luxury of being six feet tall as a Flygon, so his instant concern transferred onto Dolly, who was, for lack of a better description, bite-sized.
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"Henry, are you alright?"
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"I don't know what the food chain is like here."
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"..Do you think we can ask about what the food chain is like here?"
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Wrap here?