TDM #8 - Harvest Havoc! [REPRINT]

[pumpkinhollow]

Pumpkin Hollow Gazette: October Issue

We ask that all toplevels include the age of the character (or at least a rough estimate) for TDM posts, to ensure that players both old and new can quickly make informed decisions about how to interact with a given character. We also ask that if someone lists a prompt as having an age preference, that it be respected. This is specifically for TDMs unless otherwise stated. Thank you! [Our Plain Text version is available here!]

Pumpkin Hollow Gazette

9/19/24 | TDM #9 - Harvest Havoc! [Reprint]
Weather Forecast: Detailed report within!

WELCOME TO PUMPKIN HOLLOW

By Yorick Aberdeen

The crop for which the town is named.

TOWNWIDE - Hello and welcome, one and all! As time marches on and the ferry continues bringing newcomers to our fair land, we start our newest edition of the Pumpkin Hollow Gazette with a warm welcome to anyone who has just made landfall in our accursed but cozy little town. It’s autumn, which means you’ll be just in time to join us for festive fall affairs such as Pumpkinfest and the Dance of Celestine! And we are predicting with 87% certainty that they will not go horrifically wrong in psychologically traumatic ways, per the recent numbers provided by the Pumpkin Hollow Board of Safety.

We invite you, as with all those who came before you, to enjoy your stay at the Oak & Iron tavern inn while you settle in. Please stop by Town Hall to discuss opportunities for work and more permanent housing! All newcomers get 100 Brass in their pocket upon arrival as well, so we encourage you to take advantage of this as well. Reach out to your neighbors for help if you need it, and don’t forget to pick up your copy of the Pumpkin Hollow Gazette whenever you need the local news!

WHO’S HUNGRY? AUTUMN HARVEST SEASON BEGINS!

By Timothy Stoker

A brief glimpse into the orchards of Starr Farms.

NORTHWEST HOLLOW (Farmlands) - Each season has its own unique charms, but few will argue the fact that fall is, without a doubt, the best season for food. And that’s never more true than when you’re living in a town with home-grown feasts finding their way from a local farm right to your table. Over the course of this year, Pumpkin Hollow’s farmers have been hard at work to provide for the town, and these next couple of months are when we’ll be seeing the payoff of their efforts here in town.

Due to high demand, it’s recommended you get your pumpkins early! They’re in no short supply, of course, being Pumpkin Hollow’s most iconic and abundant crop, but trust us when we say you’ll want to beat the rush for Pumpkinfest. There is a fantastic selection of pumpkins for carving and for cooking available at the market.

Last but not least, Pumpkin Hollow now has its very own u-pick apple orchard! The Mr. Mime of the former owners of Starr Farms, who were called back to the ferry some months prior, has turned their apple orchard into a lovely community feature with some help from friends and neighbors. For a small donation of wild berries for the little guy running the place, you can get yourself a hefty bag of fresh apples picked right from the tree by your own hands, including the first crop of “ghost apples” developed specially by the orchard. These pure white apples are said to be super sweet, great for eating raw or for juicing, and might even make you feel a little spooky.

Check the community bulletin or the information boards by the farm for apple schedules. Great as an outing with friends, as a date, or just as a way to get yourself some pie ingredients!

OCTOBER WEATHER FORECAST

By Phil Connors

A calm night after a long day's storm.

MARROW ISLE - We're finally getting a break from the heat waves, folks! The temperature is beginning to drop. Expect some chilly, foggy mornings, especially further into the season. That's when we could even start seeing frost on the ground. Don't put those umbrellas away just yet: the thunder might be done, but the rain isn't, and it can come on fast. Don't let it into your house. It just wants to sell you something.

SPECTRAL VISITORS RETURN WITH PLUS-ONES

By Cecil Gershwin Palmer

Strange, easily-befriendable creatures of all shapes and sizes!

LOCKWOOD FOREST - Making their repeat visit from their ghostly homelands, the spirits that visited us this time last year from Lockwood Forest--- the very same that have become near and dear friends to so many people in our town--- have returned! During this new stay in our forests, however, they've decided to bring along companions of their own. These new creatures, though distinctly more tangible, are not only just as mischievous as their counterparts, but are more emboldened to cause mild to moderate havoc in town, including thievery from our force of intrepid reporters. The little gem-eyed rascal that pilfered this reporter’s preferred pen remains at large.

The Gazette reminds residents that while these little guys are exceedingly cute, just so very cute, we do recommend an abundance of caution, an awareness of one's surroundings, and a keen eye on anything that you would like to have continued ownership of. They have also been known to cause collateral damage to their surroundings and to each other, via setting things on fire. Or crushing them under rocks. Or freezing them in ice. Or hurling shadowy orbs at them. Or shooting leaves at them. Or casting psychic spells.

RESIDENTS WARNED AGAINST WOODLAND TRAVEL AFTER REPORTS OF WOLF ATTACKS

By Yorick Aberdeen

A photograph of the animals taken in prior years.

LOCKWOOD FOREST - Though there are many delightful visitors in our midst during these fall months, the changing of the seasons hasn't come without the anticipated perils. This year, it seems as though the wolf population of Marrow Island has increased dramatically - not only that, but they've become quite aggressive, and have begun seeking out those who go deep enough into Lockwood Forest. First-hand reports have mentioned that the wolf population this year is not only larger in number, but also in size, and have a few somewhat-odd mannerisms, but seem to be otherwise entirely normal wolves.

For the time being, Town Hall has advised for most of our townsfolk to steer clear from any forest strolls beyond the edge of the woods, and for the farmers of Northwest Hollow to exercise caution on the forested edge of their land. Additionally, Town Hall would like to request the assistance of any adventurers to attempt to push back the wolves. Adventuring parties who are successful in doing so will be rewarded with free food and drink during this year's Pumpkinfest as thanks for their tireless work to keep our community safe!

DISCOUNT DRINKS FOR OPEN MIC NIGHT: NOW WITH REAL MICS!

By Timothy Stoker

The lovely interior of the Empty Pockets Music Lounge.

DOWNTOWN HOLLOW (Empty Pockets Music Lounge) - After a great deal of confusion between locals and newcomers about the use of the phrase “open mic” to describe their “volunteer performer nights” at the local music lounge, Empty Pockets is pleased to announce the addition of new equipment for their stage! Through a collaboration with offworlders to create drawings of what a “microphone” ought to look like and a commission project with local engineers, we have now officially reinvented the microphone for use in Pumpkin Hollow. The local music scene is a flurry of excitement about this development--- local luthier Juniper Sweetwater already has expressed an interest in electric guitars and amplifiers. Seems like music and electricity will be getting a big boom here in town!

In the meantime, owner Dottie Siward has announced that drinks will be 30% off during open mic nights in celebration for a limited time! Check out the Empty Pockets Music Lounge any Friday or Saturday evening during the fall to take advantage of a little liquid courage, and hey, maybe put yourself out there. Could you be Pumpkin Hollow’s next big thing? You never know!

Page 1

code

Further Details...

Pokémon

Befriendable Pokemon make their semi-annual return! For the fall season, we will be seeing Dark and Ghost type Pokemon (with the exception of legendary Pokemon) in the forest that can be befriended up until this TDM leaves circulation in early December. Any character can have up to six Pokemon friends, and pre-evolutions of Dark and Ghost types that don’t have the correct type yet are also obtainable. (ex. Sprigatito, who can later evolve into a Dark/Grass Meowscarada.) We do not have Pokeballs in Pumpkin Hollow, but enough snacks or attention should be enough to get one to follow you home! Any Pokemon that have not chosen a friend to stay with will leave the island at the end of November.

Wolves

The wolves mentioned by Yorick are, contrary to his assertions, not normal wolves. They are actually monstrous creatures from another world known as Balverines, who were once people. The Wiki entry for Balverines can be found here, but we'll summarize them down below as well! While werewolf-like in many respects, there are several key differences. Balverines can change at any time, night or day, regardless of the status of the moon. Commonly when first turned, a person will become a “lesser” Balverine who will transform by force every night after dark and lose all sense of self to the urge for bloodlust. However, with training and practice, that person can eventually become a “greater” Balverine, capable of controlling their transformations and retaining their faculties. This “greater” status can also be achieved automatically if the person is changed within the hour of midnight. Additionally, if the victim is infected at midnight during a full moon, they can become an exceptionally powerful White Balverine, marked by a pallid coat of wiry fur. Infection occurs when a person is bitten by a Balverine while still alive. Dying to a Balverine bite or being struck with claws, which are more likely to happen during an encounter, do not cause a transformation. Existing greater Balverines do not intend to make many conversions to their fold, and lesser Balverines will generally only do this by accident, so actually acquiring the infection is quite rare. However, if this does happen, it can be cured by having silver placed inside the body, either via insertion (like with a weapon) or ingestion (such as swallowing silver shavings). Doing so is exceptionally painful and may result in death, but dying to any other means will not rid you of the curse. However, you may wish to stay a Balverine once the greater status is achieved, as Balverines are exceptionally powerful creatures. Things to consider! As previously mentioned, Balverines primarily fight with their strong arms and long claws with the occasional bite or lunge. They are also capable of jumping so high in the air that they remain airborne for several seconds and often use this ability to travel quickly or get behind enemies. They have incredibly thick skin and are challenging to kill without silver. They also tend to hide until they can lure prey into an ambush unless pushed to defend themselves. On very infrequent occasions, they may come into town to terrorize folks, but they will largely be attempting to get the jump on people who have gone into the woods. They prefer to keep their presence subtle and are also not necessarily accosting everyone who gets near. Good luck if you plan to fight them!

Open Mic Night

Drinks at Empty Pockets can be handwaved for costs--- existing players can consider it part of their grocery budget, and test driving characters can just not worry about it. This prompt is just for funsies.

In addition to all of the above, feel free to mine last year's Pumpkinfest post for prompts! Have a happy harvest, and may your lanterns ever be bright!

Comments

[lightconductor]

"The pleasure is all mine, Ms. King. If you wanted to take my arm, it's just this way."

He switches his cane to the other hand so that he can hold out his elbow at what seems an easy place for her to reach out and find. "At least you can get a hot meal and a drink, which will help, I am sure."

[ghostbullet]

Melanie reaches out and takes the arm, adjusting her grip on her own cane—which she definitely isn't holding or using quite right, she really is winging this—so she can keep getting used to the feeling of checking the path ahead.

"That does sound pretty good right about now. And it's free, right? Which is cool, of them." The last thing she needs right now is to be worrying about money on top of everything else. "This is all— it's all rather a lot, isn't it? The whole dying and ending up here thing. I thought I knew what a lot was already, but hoo boy."

[lightconductor]

"It is a good deal to grapple with," Watson agrees, with a heavy sigh. "I'm not sure I've met anyone who has not had to struggle with at least some aspect of it. On the other hand, the locals certainly have strong motivation to keep us as content and healthy as possible. Well, I suppose the 'healthy' is my job, as well. There's a step here, watch yourself."

[ghostbullet]

Between the warning and her cane finding the step a second later, she only slightly jolts as she experiences that slightly-odd sensation of stepping down without seeing where your foot is going.

"Guess they would, if we're meant to help... revitalise this place or whatever. Though they can't be being that selective if I'm being plucked up as readily as doctors and stuff. Youtubers-turned-professional-hostage can't be high in demand."

She's being glib, but it's not a totally inaccurate description of her career trajectory in the last couple years.

[lightconductor]

Watson turns the word "Youtubers" over his head a few times, and can make no sense of it. Sometimes the words people use at him can be worked out, but "tuber" only makes him think of potatoes, which is... probably wrong. He is pretty sure that is wrong.

"If there is a rhyme or reason to why they choose anyone, I don't know it. Perhaps it's entirely random chance. And perhaps your skills as..." He pauses, and sighs. "Quite frankly, I am not certain whether I should ask about the professional hostage part first, or if I should ask you what a 'youtuber' is."

Please. Help him.

[ghostbullet]

Melanie's brow wrinkles a bit, then— "Oh right you're probably from the past or something."

That would've sounded nuts once upon a time, even with her line of work, but she's gotten so used to nuts and even if she's still trying to write off the idea this could be that Watson, he's got the vibe.

"Youtube is— okay so it's this... site. Or— I guess maybe think of it like a radio channel? Where people put visual recordings of stuff they do that they want to share with people. Music, comedy, acting, just... talking about their lives, sometimes? I hosted a show about investigating haunted locations around the UK and documenting the paranormal activity we did or didn't find. And that was my job. For years."

Beat.

"Annnd then that fell apart and I ended up with a new job I literally could not quit. Like. At all. Metaphysically impossible. Soooo. Yep."

[lightconductor]

"1892," Watson says, with some irony. "So you use radio waves to send entertainment to... a series of tubes? Oh, no, I must be misunderstanding you badly."

This is embarrassing.

"That sounds like a rather unpleasant situation to be in."

[ghostbullet]

"It's 2018 for me. Or— was 2018, I guess." Not like this place has the same years or is at all analogous in period. "Honestly I don't really understand the actual technical details of it all? I think the tube part comes from a mechanical part, but no one really associates it with that anymore. But uh, if anyone's mentioned the internet to you, it's on that? People can watch it from anywhere in the world so you can build up a pretty big following if you play your cards right."

Which she did, enough to mostly get by on until it all went tits up and in swept the Eye's top bastard to ensnare her in the Institute.

"But, yeah. Been a— rough few years? Let's go with that."

[lightconductor]

He is not enlightened, but this seems to be a difficult concept to explain. Never mind.

"My condolences," Watson says, seriously. "I hope you have some opportunity to rest and recover a little here. I don't think anyone here is truly grudging of anyone who takes their time settling in, even if some need longer than others, and it sounds as though you've earned it."

[ghostbullet]

"That'd be nice. I mean, I'm not holding my breath, given the whole 'this whole town is cursed' or whatever the story is, but it'd definitely be a welcome relief. At least I won't be sleeping in a dusty basement on a cot anymore. And a break from my 'co-workers' is well overdue."

Jokes on her, considering they're all here, but she doesn't know that yet.

[lightconductor]

"The conditions at the Oak and Iron are quite superior to a dusty basement cot," he assures her, "or at least they were the last time I checked.

There's a smile in Watson's voice.

"And the curse is quite real, I'm sorry to say. Watch the curb, here, we'll be turning to the right."

[ghostbullet]

"Guess it's a good job I'm used to curses. Though I'm gonna leave fixing it to the rest of you. Even if I wasn't dealing with the whole lack of eyes thing, I've done my time in those mines."

Aforementioned attempts to rest and recover only for her, thanks. She did this to herself to get out of solving spooky bullshit.

[lightconductor]

"I think that's an extremely fair position to take," Watson says, "and I wish you luck with that."

He will refrain from pointing out that she might not have a choice about her involvement. Sometimes it's like that. Let her settle in first.

"Just across the street here." The sound from the pub is probably audible from here, faintly.

[ghostbullet]

It's not a possibility she's totally ignorant of, but she's choosing not to think about it too hard right now when she's only just got out of her last literal cursed living situation.

"And suddenly I feel like I'm back on a street in London. I guess pubs are pubs anywhere in the multiverse."

[lightconductor]

"I don't have a great many examples to prove it, but I wouldn't be surprised."

Watson holds the door open for her. "Might I buy you a drink? In the interest of welcoming you to the community, I mean. My intentions are purely platonic, I assure you."

[ghostbullet]

"Well that's a relief," she jokes dryly, "I think my girlfriend back home would object to me accepting non-platonic drinks. And I could rather go for one right now."

[lightconductor]

Watson chuckles, delighted by the (still relatively novel) experience of being so immediately open about such things. "I think my partner here would have his own objections if I went about buying drinks non-platonically for women."

He leads them up to the bar, and flags down the current bartender. "I'll have a pint of ale, thank you. What would you like, Ms. King?"

[ghostbullet]

"Uh— pint of Cider for me, thanks. I assume that's an option." Whole separate world, and all, but if there's a word for it in the local language they're apparently speaking and Watson can ask for an ale she assumes the availabilities aren't that different. "I guess some of you have been here a long time, if you've you know, settled enough to have partners and stuff."

It should be noted that this is coming from someone on the 'took literal years to start dating the girl she had a bit of a crush on' end of the spectrum.

[lightconductor]

"A cider, then," he repeats, and when the bartender brings it, he slides hers across the counter towards her.

"It's been roughly a year, for me," Watson says, as though this were not coming from someone who proposed to his wife after about three days. "And there are those who have been here longer yet." He sips his own drink. "I suspect most of us find a source of comfort in companionship, here."

[ghostbullet]

Melanie does give a quick 'thanks', when she gets the drink.

"Seems— complicated?" For lack of a better word. She takes a drink from her own glass. "I mean, with everyone being from different times and worlds and all that stuff. I had a hard enough time dating without all this in the mix."

[lightconductor]

"It is certainly complicated," Watson says, with a soft laugh. "And yet... well, I believe there is something to be said for having someone to go back home to after your commute is interrupted by a monstrous spider."

[ghostbullet]

Melanie lets out a laugh. "You know what, I can understand that. Georgie's place was... a welcome reprieve from the weird stuff at work. We even had monstrous spiders. Or... spider monsters. I think there's a difference."

[lightconductor]

"I'm sure there is a difference, though what the specifics might be, I'm sure I don't know. We might also have both."

He laughs, sardonically, into his drink.

[ghostbullet]

"Well our spider monster was also just... a woman filled with spider webs who really liked manipulating people? Like, supernaturally. Seriously, my job was..." she blows air and drinks.

[lightconductor]

He makes a face, and a small, uncomfortable sound -- if not in part because it comes a bit close to his experiences being a Hollow Man. "I had not considered that possibility. Your former position sounds quite difficult, I must say."