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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 ]
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This is where shooting Magne point blank would go, if Vika's systems weren't spasming in protest. Her buster has checked out and won't be checking back in; it sparks aggressively.
Her voice splinters and jitters: "H-here to smash a d-defective machine, m-macrobiome? F-fucking t-typical."
Hrm. Mobility systems are recovering faster...
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As she speaks, she wraps her arm around Vika's canon, and snaps the joint with a hard strike. The barrel sparks then darkens without ever letting off the shot that would have killed her the same way it had César.
CW robot gore??
"BART, RUN!"
She jacknifes up and kicks with both of her massive feet, straight into Magne's torso.
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Unfortunately he doesn't have the reflexes or the speed to get anything done before Magne is finishing the motion of ripping the cannon from its mounting and dropping it to one side, and only just managing to mitigate the damage of the heavy metal boot swinging up into her stomach. It would bruise the bottom of her forearm badly, but at least she's not doubled over winded from it. Her Quirk blinks and stutters at the same time.
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- she shrieks again. That's her power systems, that's a cascade failure, she's dying -
- the dash system throws her towards the woods. Vika staggers, stumbles, dashes again -
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Her legs short out near the dark heart of the woods. She looks back to gauge the distance from the house and -
You've got to be kidding.
"Yo-you j-just killed yourself," she croaks at Magne. "T-t-too late to r-run. F-fucking. M-mammals."
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Vika stops, faces her, and Magne skids on the leaf litter.
"What-"
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Vika screams. Her vision goes white, pain lancing through her, the building power surge annihilating her systems, frying her SOUL chip. The only mercy afforded her is that she dies before her body gives out.
A blue-white light envelops her body, swallows the electricity, rips through the steel of her. It expands in a swirl, fast, faster, rising in a tide of near absolute zero. The trees explode faster than they can flash-freeze, but the splinters have nowhere to go in air that's turning to liquid. Everything the light touches stops being, in any meaningful way, matter, and whatever is left halts in a single frozen moment.
Then reality, or something like it, reasserts itself. The frozen air boils in an instant, sending up a titanic, swirling mass of cloud that rises from the dark heart of the woods. The eye of the storm stays fixed there, a perfect, desolate, wintry calm. The rest of Marrow Island gets the answer to a question no one wanted to ask:
What if a blizzard was also a hurricane?
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There is nothing
For an instant, she's the coldest she's ever felt, and then even that is gone. It only takes the outward force of the explosion to reduce her flash-frozen body to a fine powder. Water isn't allowed to exist in this state, nor is much else. Like the trees, she is blown apart.
And it's so fast that she actually sees it happening from the epicenter, stood with her hands still raised.
"...
...
...Again?"
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Vika's ghost has all its parts, though something in the middle is much stronger, a thick mass vaguely shaped like a computer chip, only far larger.
"You really need to take some engineering classes. I'm not a deer, I don't bleed out. And now I'm going to have to find that child-murdering filth and apologize to him for you dying after I just promised I wouldn't hurt him. You fucking jerk."
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The shape of Magne, a little bit more amorphous than her now annihilated body, approaches Vika's in the new clearing, a finger poking against the ball of her shoulder like it'll do anything at all.
"I don't care what your logic is, you do not just go around intimidating and killing the people that matter to me. You have no goddamn manners."
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And as much as it might sound like she's belittling Vika, because such things absolutely would sound like it from most people, Magne really is trying to tease it apart in a blunt-force-trauma sort of way.
She's quiet, frown deep and her hands planted on her spectral hips as she watches Vika circling the blast radius. "Whatever you were, do you really think that that matters here? Has anyone besides me actively tried to hurt you?"
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"Now, what you choose to do with this information is for you to decide. But I would advise you to find something more constructive to do than stomping all over a man's conscience for something that you have no stake in and making thin excuses for why you felt the need. Just come out and say that you felt like being vindictive."
A pause, then: "And you really should apologize to First Aid. There was no call for using a severed head for identification. That's just a biohazard and he works with people that are actually affected by that kind of thing."
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She gestures out at the devastation. "And all the while, every time your magnetic whatever lets you kill me at all, you're coring the place. Don't try the bravado with me. You don't play the sadist well enough for me to buy it. I'll tell you what I told him: I get a better plan, or I go back home and kill them all."
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"It's the same with your world. I don't care about it. I don't care if you go set off a planet-killing dirty bomb. That's your prerogative. Just like his was to pull a killswitch on his creation that was threatening what he cared about. I could tell you about the boy that made me feel like I had a place to belong, how badly he wanted to raze the world and remake it into something more equitable, but frankly, I don't think you care about that anyway and that's your right too. But you do not share this island with me and think that you can just sit back and be a sour bitch without getting your aftermarket ass punted about it."
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Even as a ghost Vika's voice is full of hate and pain; her chip flickers, her body a mess of static.
Her volume lowers. "Excuses. Nothing but excuses out of either of you. If he'd killed a human child would you be here defending him? Organic life is a sick joke and I'm the only one laughing. His 'creation'. You want me to behave like a person in one sentence and excuse infanticide in the next. You're here because you think I'm less than you and need to know my place. Say it."
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Her ghost paces closer, glaring increasingly upwards 'cause Magne is, in fact, bigger than Vika. Well. Taller than Vika. "I'll give you this. You're bothering to actually argue with me. Better than I've gotten from most everyone else except the wet mammal...wet mammals plural...and that 'god', whatever she is...I'm going to go see her next. You want him safe from me? He's already safe as long as he doesn't fucking touch me. You want the weight of my world off his shoulders? Get him to shuck it himself. It's not his problem. And neither were the people he 'saved'. That's my point. If he wants to argue differently, make excuses, say 'I don't want to think about what I did' when his daughter doesn't have so much as a cold grave, well. Let's hear him justify himself. I don't think you get to ask fairer than that."
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"As for me, I know a lot more about that justification than you think. My world hates me just for being exactly who I am. It murders the people that matter to me the most. You said that we're on the same level here, and you're right about that, at least in this aspect. But César has done nothing to you. Let him prove that he's a threat to you personally on more than a conceptual level, then you can do whatever you like."
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...
.....
.............
"Okay usually when I meet people these days I ask them their name and gender but someone started manhandling the guy I want to test drive manhandling and I had to skip a few steps and now I can't use your name."
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........
"You get off on manhandling nerds?"
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She looks back up. "And I don't think you're going to look at me and tell me you expect, seriously, for me to march up and lie to him, say I'm sparing the people who made me. Are you?"
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wrap!