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ph_memes2024-01-10 06:19 pm
TDM #4 - Aurora Borealis Blitz [FIRST EDITION]
[Find our plain text version here!]
Pumpkin Hollow Gazette
1/10/24 | TDM #4 - AURORA BOREALIS BLITZ"
Content Warnings: "Further Details" section has independent CW labels.
Forecast: Heavy snow
BREAKING! REBUILDING HELP REQUESTED
By Cecil Gershwin Palmer
A photo taken of the damage.
ACROSS PUMPKIN HOLLOW - City government is requesting aid with repairs to public buildings and local fixtures after the recent earthquakes on Tuesday, January 8th. While there was minimal damage to Town Hall itself, several important buildings sustained damage, including the Magpie National Bank, the South Train Station and the Clock Tower, which is now stuck with hands at 8pm.
Regarding the cause of the earthquake, local biologist Dr. Elias Coldwood was heard to say “There's never been seismic activity here.” And he’s a scientist, so he would know! But clearly this is no longer the case. Perhaps Pumpkin Hollow has a mysterious tiny civilization underground worshiping a destroyer god, planning to attack through the bowling alley, the moment we create a bowling alley. Perhaps not. More on this story as it unfolds, faithful readers.
In the meantime, volunteers to help with the damage to city buildings are invited to meet with Mayor Hellen Poe for assignments.
ANNUAL AURORA IN NORTHERN SKY
By Yorick Aberdeen
An artist's rendition of last year's view.
ABOVE MARROW ISLE - Midwinter is upon us! That means it’s the time of year when our skies light up with the technicolor gleam of the arctic north! Those looking northward between the hours of 10pm and 2am should be able to see beautiful curtains of bright green, blue, purple, and pink lighting up the sky above the island. If you plan to go outside to view the lights rather than looking from your window, please make sure you travel in a group and carry a lantern. May it be ever lit!
HOROSCOPES
By Cecil Gershwin Palmer
What do the stars say about you today?
Capricorn: Do you feel as if you’ve lost something? If not, it’s wise to double-check. Perhaps it’s not something like a button or a key, but your sense of wonder or your self-confidence. Remember, things tend to be in the last place you look.
Aquarius: Something about the year ending made you feel lighter, like taking off a heavy wool coat. Ride this burst of energy as far as it will take you, because the shiny of a fresh beginning tends to wear off quickly.
Pisces: Don’t worry, I don’t believe what everyone says behind your back. You’re not too sensitive or too naive. They’re just jealous. Really, most of the time when they’re whispering, it’s not even about you.
Aries: You’re the sort of warm individual that babies and animals are drawn to. Unfortunately, this may include hungry wolves and swarms of insects. But don’t let that bring you down! We need that sort of personality around here.
Taurus: There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be the best, until you work to stop others from also being the best. That’s called cheating and may lead to you being disqualified from competitions. If you get caught, that is.
Gemini: You know those riddles about the two guards, one who always tells the truth and one who always lies? Well, everyone hates those riddles with a passion. You’ll see for yourself, soon.
Cancer: Wouldn’t you like to know?
Leo: Your incandescent personality often makes you the center of attention. However, that’s not the only thing about you that glows. Moths may flock to you in the dark this week, and so might children afraid to sleep with the lights out.
Virgo: Be careful with your words–they aren’t just the precursors to your deeds, but the manifestation of your will. This is not a week for idioms and metaphors, not for you. Even something like bemoaning a lack of spoons may make eating cereal harder.
Libra: You are, inevitably, the first one heard to say a situation isn’t fair. And it’s not, nor will it ever be. Instead of getting upset, have you ever considered getting revenge? That’s usually more satisfying in the long run.
Scorpio: Ugh, Scorpios. The position of Venus means your usually volatile emotions will be in the doldrums instead. Enjoy this while it lasts I guess. Who knows if you’ll ever experience such peace again, given, well. You’re kind of an emotional mess and no one likes you.
Sagittarius: There will never be another day like today. You must strive to make the day everything you want it to be. No mistakes, now! Consider your choices very carefully. Consider your choice to consider, very carefully.
SUNFIRE'S HEARTH
By Yorick Aberdeen
A photo of Mayor Poe's cats, Toffee and Butter, enjoying the view.
ASSORTED LOCATIONS - As the coldest part of the year settles over our fair isle, it is time for Sunfire’s Hearth--- an informal celebration of bonfires and hearth flames, for those unfamiliar! For the months of January and February, a raised platform for bonfires will be lit on weekends, and restaurants and taverns across town will keep their fireplaces lit. Unlike many of our other festivities, there is no structured celebration--- simply make some time during this time to bask in the warmth of a fire! You can even celebrate at home.
An additional benefit of this time of year is that Merrymeet is well on its way. So take this time and get snuggly in front of a fire with your special person to get in the mood for romance! (Or they could be platonic snuggles. Whatever suits you best.)
LOCAL ALCHEMIST REPORTS MISSING POTION
By Yorick Aberdeen
Some of Mx. Sallek's usual stock. Could stand to have better labels./p>
LOCATION UNCERTAIN - Early Monday morning, local alchemist Aeryn Sallek reported that a large container of magical potion has been swapped with another, and it would seem that the mistaken jug has been sent out for delivery. According to Mx. Sallek, they sent a number of jugs out for delivery in a case with our local delivery extraordinaire, Sam Porter Bridges. The jugs were meant to contain a harmless, potable freeze-resistance potion for our town’s various water sources, in the interest of keeping water reserves drinkable in sub-freezing winter weather. However, when they returned to the shop, one of these potions remained on their counter while a love potion they’d been working on went missing.
“‘Love potion’ is kind of a misnomer, honestly,” Mx. Sallek is quoted to have said on the matter. “But ‘emotional acuity’ potion doesn’t quite roll off the tongue. Basically what it actually does is enhance existing romantic desire and embolden the user to be emotionally open. But Yorick should already know all this, since he’s the one who ordered it.” [Editing note: don’t forget to cut the last part of that comment before publishing. Cecil, you don’t need to include personal statements directed at reporters from these interviews!]
It’s unclear which area of town this particular potion ended up being injected into the water source, but according to Mx. Sallek, the potion was not particularly intense to begin with. It should be significantly diluted as to be harmless. Still, if you notice any strange symptoms such as butterflies in your stomach, a desire to burst into song, or inexplicable yearning, please file a report with the Safety Board at your earliest convenience.
FOOD SHORTAGES PUT STRAIN ON ISLAND ECONOMY
By Yorick Aberdeen
MARKET DISTRICT - While there are many things to celebrate this time of year, Marrow Isle is not without its adversity. Over these past months, many new members of our community have arrived by ferry after our numbers remained small and stagnant for many years. And the presence of our newfound neighbors has been a boon to all of us. Many artisans have opened useful businesses, medical professionals have expanded our access to healthcare, and a new fishing vessel has taken to the seas. However, despite a few additions, our farming community remains quite modest and planting was not planned with such incredible new growth in mind.
The unfortunate result of this is that food reserves on the island this year are uncharacteristically low. As such, Town Council has made the difficult decision to allow for the temporary inflation of food prices and the rationing of food staples.
“We understand the hardship this will place on the residents of Pumpkin Hollow,” said Mayor Poe in a statement after this decision was made. “But please know that we are all in this together. We hope to be able to offer a better incentive package for those interested in farming in the coming springtime.”
Page 1
Aurora
The dead of winter sheds all colors of the trees and flowers across Marrow Isle, but tonight, there are no stark whites and grays and browns.
Tonight, in the sky sprawling with stars above the dreary town, there are lights.
Sprawling trails of violet and green twist and wave through the sky, brightening the earth below and the sea beyond Jack's Marina in magical colors. The return of the borealis is something many Pumpkin Hollowites look forward to, and their reactions are very clear: people scurry down to the shores to watch with wide eyes, many retrieve telescopes, and some even borrow the decks of ships, abandoned for the night at the docks, to watch the sights.
It doesn't take long for this to change, however; the sea nor land are safe from the curse, and it's made quickly apparent that the sky is no exception.
At first, the sight seems like none more than an illusion, perhaps someone blinking and missing a strange shift of the lights. A glimmering outline forms around a cluster of stars, only slightly harder than any of the lines that define the aurora's rays. Several of these shapes form, each array of stars different from the last, some larger, some smaller.
And then, the stars begin to fall.
Seeming to peel off the painted sky, the ebbing colors surrounding the starlight drop, crashing to the world below. Some fall to the streets and beaches, while others fall into the forest, leaving view, or drop into the sea, leaving splashes and waves in their wake that ensure any watching knows full and well that this is not a trick of the light. At first, these shapes are unmoving, glowing masses of aurora-light with stars shining brightly within them. Most townsfolk are uneasy, but this seems to pale in severity to the other disasters, even if they lack any idea of what it could mean for them.
That is, of course, until the masses begin to move.
Each one is as varied as the constellation it stole from the sky: stars form suggestions of skeletal structures, and their "flesh", only consisting of swimming lights and liquid sky that steals any lights around them. Two identical glowing shapes rise to a face finally taking form, and slowly, moving more like gel than animal as it rises to freshly-formed legs, it settles on the closest living thing it can find.
There is no calculation in it, nor what seems to be a glimmer of thought.
It simply lunges with intent to kill.
Cecil’s disconcerting horoscopes have the following effects for the next few days:
Horoscopes
[CW: Altered emotional states ]
(Don’t know your character’s sign? Feel free to just decide on one!)
Unbeknownst to the townsfolk, the “love” potion ended up in the water supply of the Oak & Iron. As promised by Aeryn, it is thoroughly diluted, as its recipients believed it to be a normal freeze-resistance potion to be mixed with their water. The effects are not particularly intense. However, anyone who drinks any of the tavern’s housemade ale or cider, drinks the coffee, or eats any food that might require water to cook will experience symptoms of “emotional acuity”. This involves feeling more emotionally open, more receptive to positive feelings about others, a strong desire for physical or verbal affection, and the intensification of romantic or sexual attraction that you might already be experiencing. It will last about half a day. Just in time to help potentially land you a date for Merrymeet, a flower and fertility festival in early spring!Love Potion
[CW: Altered Emotional States ]
Food rationing and inflation will have the following impact: Grocery budgets for apped-in characters will be reduced in their efficacy.
Basic groceries will be only the most minimal of staples. You will likely go hungry if you do not find a way to supplement this.
Bountiful groceries will be reduced to the amount of food normally contained in basic.
Lavish groceries will not be available at all.
Your grocery choices from Activity Check are not able to be modified for this month unless otherwise stated. Bonuses and Discounts associated with the Farmer and Fisherman jobs are also reduced.
Level 1 bonuses will be reduced to standard, which is to say how they would function for a non-Farmer/Fisherman character during a normal, pre-famine month. (ex. Whereas normally a Level 1 Farmer would get free Basic groceries, they will now have to pay the 50 Brass, but do not have the efficacy of Basic groceries reduced as described above.)
Level 2 bonuses will be reduced to that of a Level 1 Farmer/Fisherman. (ex. Whereas a Level 2 Fisherman would normally be able to have Bountiful groceries discounted to 50 Brass, they now must pay full price for Bountiful groceries. However, they can still get Basic groceries for free and don’t suffer from the famine induced efficacy reduction for either budget.) Oak & Iron Residents will only be able to receive bland, repetitive meals with their food vouchers consisting of simple broth, plain bread, bland potato dishes, and the like. It is enough to be fed and comfortable but it is incredibly unsatisfying. (This includes all new characters that are not apped-in.) Drinks, however, are still plentiful. Characters who do not eat will find that their respective sources of fuel will be reduced to just barely enough to keep them functional, provided that they ration carefully. (Ex. Transformers may want to be less active. Vampires will find that victims cannot handle excessive blood loss without fainting and generally prefer to stay home.) Characters who were present to fight the Mother Crab back in late summer and chose to can some of their crab can use it now! Hunting, foraging, and fishing can help reduce the impact of these reductions, and people can share their food. You can absolutely die of starvation. After Merrymeet in February, food will return to normal.Famine
[CW: Starvation and food scarcity ]
A Taste Of Starlight (There Is A Dog With A Sword)
The wind picks up.
Actually, that's not right.
The wind picks up in the same sense as one might say a hurricane brings rain. Galestorm, Kazegami's gift, gives Amaterasu a burst of speed as she comes crashing down on top of the beast. For a moment, it seems as if it will fall, as if it might crush Laios beneath!
Then, strings of vines appear, grasping around the starbeast, dragging it to the side towards previously dormant trees, now blossoming. Ammy drops down as it does so, bodily lifting and pushing Laois out of the way and onto his feet.
There. Is. A. Dog. Large and fluffy and the light in her eyes reveals intelligence, if her rescue and the sword clenched between her teeth didn't. Water pulls itself from the ocean, dramatic swirls keeping the creature off balance.
"Are you okay? Can you fight?" How does she talk around the sword? If you can figure that out, she'd love to know, herself!
no subject
There is a dog.
A talking, sword-wielding, magical dog that saved his life from certain doom.
This might just be the best fucking day of his life.
"Y--- yes!" He has to fight for his words through shock and delight, and he's barely able to tear his eyes away from the beast, so beautifully tumbled around by magic, to hurry after his own sword, knocked only a short distance away.
As soon as he's got it, he wants to gush about how amazing her magic is, to ask a million questions about what she is, to remark about how beautiful her coat is, to try to learn where a dog learned magic---
But there was no time for that.
He holds his sword, showing a well-practiced hand, and gives her a confident look and a short nod.
"If you let it down, I'll help you kill it! I'm ready whenever you are!"
no subject
Ammy's tail wags. It brings back memories, a warrior at her side, sword in hand, ready to fight monsters together. Nagi, Susano... She gives him a nod, and leaps. Her sword cuts across the vines, and in the same moment a gust of impossible wind throws the creature downward.
Her stance is like nothing a human would use, but it works. When the beast turns on her to take a swing, the sword is in the way, shoving it back so that Laios has an opening.
no subject
There's no time for that anymore, though; there's his opening!
He rushes in, clearing the distance between himself and the beast as quickly as he was able to. It's hard to tell where to hit it; after watching the wolf deal several blows, it doesn't seem as though it'll fall apart once the surface is punctured...
After a split-second of calculation, he doesn't go for a slash - instead, he shoves the sword into the shimmering flesh of the creature, and plunges it through one of the larger stars that shine within it.
( Rolled a 15 on the hit! )
On impact, the star shatters into particles of shining dust. The leg that'd been pierced buckles, and brings the lumbering creature down, even just a bit, giving Laios time to call over.
"Hit the stars, if you can! They're supporting it! If we take out its legs, we should be able to take it down in no time!"
no subject
Ammy barks around the handle of the sword (and once more wishes she had a real, proper weapon, but this has to do for now.) A moment later, she darts beneath, a twist of her head shoving the blade into the opposite leg, the same star.
A follow-up comes from nowhere, carving a line around the stab wound as Ammy backs out of the way. Tachigami's gift is not going to be enough to solve this fight, but it excels at cracking open a revealed weakpoint.
... Perhaps Bakugami's technique would be useful.. But not when working in tandem. Avoiding collateral damage is important!
no subject
For a moment, he lingers back, assessing the situation.
The star-beast, having taken a great deal of blows directly, has toppled, letting out a bellowing, wavering cry. It's still trying to drag itself to it's feet, to lash back around, but with giant clawed hands (as Laios finally gets a look, it's somewhat more discernibly a bear now, at least in general shape - how fascinating!) holding itself up, attacks are coming significantly slower now.
Laios keeps his eyes on it, but carefully side-steps, speaking to his companion. She spoke to him, so hopefully she can understand him back, right?
"There's a larger star at it's core, and I think that's what's keeping it alive," He gestures with his sword, following the movement of the said star as the beast tries to pull itself their way. "If I get you an opening, can you do that spell you did a minute ago and shatter it?"
no subject
Amaterasu gives him a nod, and bounces back, away, enough to get the beasts attention on the motion. An opening for an opening, a maneuver she knows well. There's something about these constellation creatures. They are unlike the stars of her world and yet...
And yet... Before Laios can step in to strike, Ammy just has to try something. Issun would yell at her for ages if she didn't. The air stills for a unreal moment and then... Another star appears in the bear, but this one is a different color, a blue unlike anything that actually exists...
And it seems to weigh it down. "Now!" No sense in wasting an opportunity, and if Laios can do his part... She can finish this.
no subject
There's no time to waste, and he won't ruin the opportunity she gave him. The extra weight brought the whole beast low enough that, with some angling, and avoiding the swing of one if its heavy arms---
Bullseye. His sword plunges through the other arm, and pins it back at an angle that leaves its chest arched back, open and exposed.
Everything feels as though it's racing, but he looks to her, and meets her sharp eyes, giving a short confident nod. It's now or never!
no subject
Ammy darts backwards, for the perfect angle, and then, mid leap....The air goes still, stiller than each impossible moment before, a sweet scent filling the air. And then, all but all at once...
Crack-crack-crack-crack!
Four distinct Power-Slashes, filled into nearly one moment. It's almost like the air itself splits open. The markings of her fur are nearly faded, mere red tips rather than the usual full regalia of her divinity. She lands in a plume of improbable spring growth as the star beast begins to fragment into dust. This, she watches with interest, wondering if perhaps it could be made into an ink.
Perhaps this was a little over-kill, but without a proper divine instrument, Ammy's not going to push her luck. "I am Okami Amaterasu, and it was an honor to fight by your side. It has been a while since I had a competent swordsman by mine." Susano, for all he is of Nagi's bloodline... simply doesn't count.
no subject
As fascinating as it is, however, his attention is torn back to her the moment she speaks. Okami Amaterasu. He's uncertain if Okami is a first name or a title, but regardless, it's elegant. Powerful. He's, admittedly, looking pretty dazzled right about now.
He gives her a short bow, however, returning the honored gesture before he spoke.
"It was incredible to fight by your side, as well. I've never fought beside anyone with the skills like yours!" He's enthusiastic, beaming, and side-stepping the beast to speak to her more directly. "My name is Laios Touden, and if you ever need my sword again, I'd gladly fight with you any time you needed. That was... amazing!"