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!
no subject
[They don't need it, though, really! They get it! They're intimidated by Ayano, they don't want to screw up in front of her... but they're not upset by her being protective, as long as Shoka is still happy to have her around! It means she cares about Shoka. They have that in common, so... it's fine...?]
[Things that are not fine: the subject change. They ]
[They really really don't want to talk about this, but there's no good way to extract themself with both Shoka and Ayano('s potential disapproval) here. The Social Anxiety Paralysis...]
[They are far too aware of the shadowy ghosts behind them.]
[Stars. What do they even say?? That they're already here, even though Siffrin never made any boats for themself, and they're clearly unhappy with them? That that's the reason Siffrin thought they wouldn't show up, not because they thought the boats wouldn't work (they trust Frostlass) but because it's their fault everyone's dead? That they still kind of wanted to see everyone anyway, but they didn't feel like they had the right to?]
[They're both terrified of the ghosts following them, miserable, and weirdly perversely unable to imagine trying to get them to leave. At least they're something. At least they still exist.]
[They've been silent for too long. Say something.] I don't know if I should... bother them...?
[This already kind of feels like a lie.]
no subject
[She thinks she knows what Siffrin's afraid of and why they're actually being so evasive about it all. She's wrong.
With all her focus on Siffrin, she still takes no notice of the ghosts that are already there, looming in the dark behind them—but Ayano, with her gaze already wandering, does.
"Have you failed to notice that your visitors have already arrived," she suddenly interjects, "or are you choosing to ignore their presence?"
Shoka stiffens.]
Huh?
no subject
[Siffrin flinches instantly, which really doesn't help with making the answer to that question seem like 'choosing to ignore their presence.' Even though that's not exactly right either, because ignoring their presence is something they have been failing to do all night -]
[Now that they've been acknowledged, the ghosts all drift in closer. Though they did at some point, earlier in the night, right now... they don't seem to have faces.]
[Siffrin, meanwhile, looks like they're about to bolt. They screwed up, they're going to ruin Shoka's reunion with Ayano, and they'll make Shoka upset, and Ayano is going to hate them and then Shoka will too what do they say -] U-um, they're - they're just following me, I didn't want to...!
I can - I'll go now!!
no subject
It doesn't matter, Shoka supposes; whatever the reason is, she needs to talk to Siffrin before they bolt.]
Don't—! [She lashes out an arm, trying to secure a hand around Siffrin's front leg.] Don't go, okay? Just... wait a minute.
[Her gaze returns to the faceless figures. They have no expressions to read or features to recognize, but she still finds one of them eerily familiar—and then, the longer she stares, the more familiar she finds all of them, a distant memory nagging at the back of her mind.]
Have you... tried talking to 'em?
no subject
[...]
[. . . . .]
[Very miserably, and in a very quiet tone, they say:] Th-they got worse.
[Is that a yes? That sounds like, maybe, a yes? (They are completely wrong about the cause and effect here, it wasn't trying to talk to them that made them worse, but... it's Siffrin. Were they ever going to assume something different?)]
no subject
... My turn, then.
[As she turns her attention onto the ghosts, Ayano chides her, "Don't do anything rash, darling."]
I'm not. [Her reply sounds a little petulant. She inches closer to the ghosts, looking each of them in the shadowed void where their faces should be.] Hey... Uh. Can you—hear me okay?
[Their forms are foreign to her, but there's something undoubtedly familiar about the shapes they make. Eventually, the memory clicks.]
You're... Siffrin's team. Right?
[Their family, connected to them by something other than blood. Like Ayano is for her.]
no subject
[" " says the Audino.]
[" " says the Meganium, and, " "]
[In the middle of his speech(?), the Toxel jumps in place and tosses their front paws in the air, with an exclamation of, " "]
[Siffrin is staring at the ground. Their ear twitches when Shoka says "team," but they don't say anything.]
no subject
O... kay, I didn't get any of that. Sorry. [Still, they clearly heard her and seemed to respond well to being spoken to, so she rambles awkwardly on,] But I'm—Shoka. I'm on Siffrin's team here, sometimes...
[For quests and the like, she means. In the figurative sense, she's on their team always.]
They told me a little about you, but...
[But while that's technically true, it was Siffrin's memories that really allowed her to recognize them, and in those memories, they were reduced to shadows of their true selves: puppets strung along their predetermined paths, reciting their lines from an unchanging script. She barely remembers what their voices should sound like; only the sounds their broken bodies made as they died. She doesn't remember their names either.]
Frinrin? Can you—remind me what their names were, again?
no subject
[Siffrin's worried for a second that they've forgotten, again. Wouldn't that just be typical of them, that they couldn't even manage the bare minimum?? But they told Laios, earlier, so... so they remember for sure.]
[They lift their head, only enough so they're looking at the ghosts' chests rather than their lightless faces. Quietly:]
That's Mira, and Isa. Mirabelle and Isabeau. And... that's Odile, and the smallest is Bonnie.
[Each of the ghosts looks at Siffrin as they're named, momentarily going very still... and then springing back into motion again.]
no subject
[She'll remember them—for all the good it will do. Truthfully, she isn't sure where to go from here. If Ayano has any ideas of her own, she's keeping them to herself.]
What... did you say to them, before? Or—what did you want to say? Seems to me like they want to talk, but...
[But she can't hear them, and Siffrin won't even look at them.]