villagelogs | 024-027 » neither reward nor punishment

024-027 » neither reward nor punishment

WHO: Everyone.
WHERE: Eastern/Central/Western Mathias + ???
WHEN: Days 024-027
WHAT: The consequences of their actions.
WARNINGS: Will update as necessary. PM this account to have a warning added!
NOTES: Plotting post over here! The next log will be posted January 23rd.

RECOMMENDED ♫ Deadly Avenger "Onryo" 怨霊

DAYS 024-025
CONSEQUENCES
“There are in nature neither rewards nor punishments —
there are consequences.”
— Robert G. Ingersoll
When the unwilling residents of Mathias Township wake on the morning of the 24th day, they will find themselves in yet another set of frustratingly unnerving circumstances. None of them are where they last remember being, and some of them have strange marks on the palms of their left hands. It's all incredibly unsettling, but truthfully they should be used to it by now. No one will remember traveling to their new location.

Residents can wake up anywhere within their new location and in any position. Curled up in a bed, sprawled on a couch, huddled beneath a coffee table, propped against a wall... Wherever they are, they will themselves to be in quite an unusual state. While they are wearing whatever clothing items they went to sleep in, plus their shoes and a coat. The newest arrivals to Mathias Township will perhaps stand out for being slightly more appropriately dressed than their new neighbors. They are all a bit damp, physically worn out, and half-frozen from their apparent walk through a blizzard.

Each of the four locations is inescapable — residents are trapped, with exterior doors and windows being shut tight and a blizzard raging outside. The locations are stocked with fresh food and water and a large pile of firewood for the fireplaces in each building. The circumstances residents will face, however, may vary wildly between locations as the forces at work in Mathias respond to the recent actions of certain individuals.

BOARDING HOUSE | GREY GULL
NEW HOUSE | MYSTERY MANSION

These residents will wake with a mark on their left hand palms, a spiraling black symbol similar to those some may have seen around town. All marks are identical and cannot be removed, but will have seemingly vanished from their skin on the morning of the 26th day.

Castiel, Daisy Johnson, Dean Winchester
Elena Gilbert, Elijah Mikaelson, Helen Magnus
Phil Coulson, Quentin Coldwater, Sherlock Holmes

DAYS 026-027
IN THE AFTERMATH
After their ordeals of the past two days, the unfortunate residents of Mathias Township will be grateful to find that they were back where they are supposed to be, a chill still clinging to their clothes in whatever place they went to sleep the night of the 23rd day. New arrivals will wake in the living room of the boarding house. None of the residents will wake with anything in their possession from the locations in which they were previously trapped, including any notes or documentation they may have made during their time there.

CONDITIONS UPDATE
— SNOW continues to fall heavily on Days 024-025, resulting in white out conditions from the wind that blows in gusts of over 35 mph; the temperature also drops drastically, making conditions extremely dangerous for residents. The blizzard clears on Day 26 and residents are left with a cold, calm world covered in white.

— THE FOG remains blocking the paths in the forest, urging residents to stay huddled within the town proper, and it also now blocks the northern section of town, beginning just before where residents know the chasm in the earth to be. Venturing into the fog is... ill-advised.

— DISAPPEARANCES continue to plague the town. Kylo Ren and Thomas Richardson have vanished without a trace.

— NO NEW DEATHS have occurred in town, but there is a new "grave" in the small makeshift graveyard near the schoolhouse. Rey's corpse has been moved and covered with stones to wait for the ground to thaw enough for a proper burial.

— THE LANTERNS will be gone from the morning of Day 024. No trace of them remains.

OOC UPDATES
— A GIFT for everyone! As a thank you for being part of this spooky little game, every character in the game is being gifted 2 Activity Points. These may be banked over here — instead of linking to an AC post, you may put "New Year gift" in that field. Happy 2021, friends!

— NEW LAYOUTS have been installed for our communities! Huge thanks to our Eldritch Librarian Stars for putting in the time to get this place looking shiny. (You may have also noticed some new page layouts being installed — these are also our Librarian's handiwork!)

— DISCOVERIES have been collected and collated for your review. Please note that this is OOC information only, put together for the purpose of helping you as players see connections and possibilities for CR and your own character's potential avenues of exploration and investigation. (If we are missing something, please report it so we can add it to the list.)

— REMINDERS — Don't forget about the bulletin board. Please continue reporting your updates to locations, plots, and discoveries. The map of Mathias has been added to the locations page for ease of reference. Make sure your character's sanity level is kept updated. Prospective players are still joining the TDM, so it's recommended to track new top-levels so you don't miss them.

navigation | faq | setting | mod contact

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

a. Reality check

[So that. That was his first day in Mathias. Shadowy mirror people. Mysterious injuries. Ghostly noises and things that go bump in the night. Did he get a lot of sleep? Absolutely not. He's quiet this morning, a bit lost. Dismayed. Deflated. Sitting at the dining table or on one of the couches.]

This is really happening, huh?

[He stares over at one of the windows.]

Yesterday I thought I just had a really crappy dream but now...

b. Snaccrificing

[There is a lot of energy involved in trying to keep it together and not freak out for two days in a row straight. It's a kind of energy Carter doesn't have. He didn't have it coming into Mathias, he doesn't regain when he's busy patching people up or trying to wrap his head around the insanity of it all, and the... behavioral shift of the mirror shadows certainly isn't helping either. Are they facing him now? They're facing him, aren't they. Great.

And apparently most of the people here are dead set on making whatever is keeping them in here angry. Now Carter isn't an expert on the supernatural - at all, actually - but he thinks that there is a good chance that breaking stuff while being trapped in a place with ghosts is absurdly stupid on the self-preservation scale. Because either this is a crazy dream or higher forces are real and whichever it is, he'd like to stay in the good graces of things he cannot see, touch or understand.

So here is Carter in front of the entry hall mirror.

Since it's pretty much all he has on him, he holds up the small energy bar from work that he still had in his pocket. Hoping that it's symbolic or whatever. And that ghosts like peanut butter. He knows he does? It's all he had on him and this bar served more or less as a lifesaver on his job, and it's actually really good, just this side of crunchy with some caramel, and he firmly believes this should totally count as a sacrifice.]

Um. Have... have this offering? Oh grand ones that... I cannot see. ... Well, sort of see? That, that are living in mirrors. And the ceiling! And floorboards?

[He peeks up at the writing, offering, that's the word they used, right? Maybe he should stick to the script.]

Ahem.

[Wow, this is weird. But hey, here goes nothing. He clears his throat, trying to sound dramatic. Like he knows what he's doing. Maybe he can just pretend he's at one of his grandmother's fundraisers, grand speeches and gestures and all that.]

Do not be angry with us. Let me humbly apologize for any disrespect and all the damage we have caused. Please accept this, uhh, sacrifice. "This... we offer in humility and fear."

[Carter cuts at his palm. It's stupid, even he thinks it's stupid but it's what he knows from movies and he is sleep-deprived and freaked out and angry and he doesn't want ghosts to be angry with him. There is a part of him that wants to see if the cutting hurts or wakes him up. It does and it doesn't. Which only freaks him out more but he gets his blood on the energy bar with a grand gesture before placing it down in front of the mirror.

And then, as a sort of afterthought, he paints the symbol he found on the back of the photographs next to it.

There! He played along, can he wake up? Or maybe at least the freaky noises can stop now?]

Edited 2021-01-04 23:51 (UTC)

[ Should Coulson be up and moving already? Probably not. Is he? Of course. He comes along just in time to see Carter cut his palm, and he raises an eyebrow, because of all the things he expected to see, that wasn't one of them.

The whole thing, from the blood on the granola bar to the painted symbol, is actually not the worst idea ever, but from Coulson's perspective, the things in the mirror aren't the most benevolent. If Carter's act appeases them, great. And if it gets them out of here and back to their respective locations, even better. ]

Where did you learn how to do that?

[ He's genuinely curious, because Carter didn't strike him as someone with magical or occult experience. ]

Fear Street.

[It's half-joking, half-serious. Carter steps back and wraps his bleeding hand. There's a slight flush of embarrassment to his face at getting caught in the middle of his dramatic 'ritual' and he clears his throat.]

Bad late night reruns of classic horror in the doctor's lounge. Stringing cliches together?

[Translation: He has no idea what he's doing, he just hopes it will stick somehow.]

I thought maybe it will calm them down. Maybe that's how the people in the pictures dealt with them.

I see. Well, you're talking to someone who's about as normal as they come, so you've got one up on me there.

From what I understand, there's someone here who knows a thing or two about rituals and spells. Maybe you could talk to him if you're interested. Except, well, he's not here. I'm not sure where he ended up, actually.

[ And he's not sure if John is even looking to pass on his knowledge, so he's fully aware that he's potentially overstepping. ]

There's worse things you could be stuck watching, though. At least horror gives you a little spook to go along with the low budget.

[ He shrugs. ]

It's not a bad theory, actually, and you've probably already noticed, but all we have to go on here are a lot of theories and not much in the way of concrete information.

Oh, I don't--... this isn't--... I don't really think I have one ups on anything? This isn't something I do in my everyday life.

[There's an awkward pause as looks down at the bloodied peanut bar, the blood symbol on the ground.]

Really, it isn't?

[He swears!]

So, uh, yeah, I'll, I might talk to that person. Because I don't know anything about rituals and spells.

[He presses a tissue to the small cut on his hand trying to look like he didn't just perform some whacky impromptu blood ritual.]

At all.

No? Aside from the fact that you mentioned learning things from watching late night television, you don't seem too green. But that's also coming from a guy who doesn't do spells in his everyday life either, so take that with a grain of salt.

[ He chuckles, because this is kind of an amusing conversation that they're having. ]

When all we have going for us are a bunch of theories? Any one of them could turn out to be viable. John's his name; we've been trying to set up some way of spreading information more easily down at Town Hall, so whenever we do get out of here, feel free to stop by. I'm sure one or both of us will be there at some point.

[ He glances at Carter's work, and then back at him. ]

Sorry, I don't have a band-aid. I guess this is the part where we just wait and watch, huh? Your guess is as good as mine if these things take time, or if they happen quickly.

Yeah...

[Carter takes a step back, looking up at the mirror and, well. Does what Coulson just suggested and waits. And waits.

And waits a little longer until the nothingness of the endeavor keeps stretching out infinitely in the silence. His face feels a little warm, the embarrassment prickling like thousand little needles.]

Well. That did absolutely nothing. And I ruined a perfectly good peanut bar.

[And the floor. With his blood. Like some deranged maniac. God, what was he even thinking?]

I'll. I'll make sure to stop by Town Hall and report that snacks don't make for good sacrifices.

[Look, if any spirits maybe want to open the ground and swallow him whole, now would be an excellent time.]

Well, I guess now we know that the spirits or whatever they are don't respond to blood sacrifices, and they don't like peanuts. I wonder what they do like.

[ And in case Carter thinks Coulson's not taking this seriously, he adds: ]

It was a good idea, and definitely worth a try. I'm sorry it didn't work out. How's your hand now?

[ It's not ideal but he'd consider tearing off a piece of his clothing to bandage it if needed. ]

And thanks, by the way. We've set up a little information exchange there, but word's still getting out about it. Any information at all helps.

[ He's just going to smile reassuringly because Carter seems a little embarrassed, but Coulson's not judging him in the least. He put in effort and it didn't pan out, but at least he tried. ]

I know there was a first aid kit around here somewhere. We should try to find it, and when we're done, see if there's something to eat in this place.

[ From where he's standing, both of them could use a break. ]

( Dean thought day one was bad enough, but as soon as the hangover left his body, the dehydration set in. He's the stubborn one of them who refused sleep because they couldn't let their guard down while inside this house.

With his tenth cup of coffee in hand, he sits at the dining table. He tries to steady his hands and then his arms, before he realizes his entire body is in the midst of a body-wide shiver that won't stop. The coffee isn't helping warm him up. With every taste he wants to throw up just that much more. Sweat is dripping down his forehead, and staining the t-shirt he will never where again since this is an involuntary vacation.

He refuses the jacket that had found his way around him. It's still sitting on the chair behind him doing no good as his teeth chatter on and off.

This is the picture of a stubborn Winchester. )

Still could be. I'd bet augmented, alternate reality. But, why couldn't this be a dream.

( Nightmare. )

Least there's a doctor in the house.

( Which isn't - he doesn't need a doctor. He lets his joke land and looks away, exhaling, breath as shaky as he is. )

You're not cold?

( Play it off. Play it all off. He's no different than anything else. )

If it's a dream it's the suckiest one I've ever had.

[And he has lots and lots of sucky dreams. Most of which having to do with work and failing at work and getting devoured by his supervisor and-- yeah, actually he doesn't want to think of them too much right now lest they come true in this bizarre place.

Carter sighs, slumping back and looking over when Dean talks to him.]

Cold? No, I'm fine.

[But apparently the other is not and he pauses, sitting up again.]

Are you okay? You don't look so good.

[Which prompts him to get up and move over to get a closer look. It's always easier looking after others, especially during a crisis. ]

( There aren't dreams he wishes he could wake up from? Dean's had some bad dreams. He's also been involved in others'. Dreams, nightmares, they all blur together.

Dean fights the urge to slide his chair back and scuff the floor when Carter approaches. )

I'm great. Just another Tuesday. ( His mouth twitches, half-squinting one eye. ) Or, whatever day of the week it is.

( No reason to invite that karma again. )

What, do you wake done-up, full face of make up, or just when you're stuck inside Stephen King's model home.

Edited 2021-01-13 06:46 (UTC)

Oh, you know. Just some moisturizing, really. I was considering plucking my eyebrows but it seemed rude what with the mirrors being occupied and all.

[Humor. Humor is great. Humor will get him by, get him through this craziness.

He flashes him a smile, grabbing both a chair and the stethoscope dangling from his neck.]

Come on, you just said it yourself. I'm here, might as well let me take a look.

How can I think about treating myself when the shadow in the mirror doesn't get to.

( Humor meets humor. His is as dry as the doctor's.

Dean's look gives off the, 'Really, this is what we're doing now?' vibe, both hands coming up. He said he was fine. Does the doctor not believe him? Yep, this is what they're doing now. )

Not what I meant.

( He doesn't move away, only because he knows he'll be bothered harder if he gets out of here. So, he'll let the doctor do his thing. He won't find anything, he won't fix anything, but he can tap that shiny metal against his chest if that'll knock him out. )

Yeah. Plus, it might be their house. That would make it doubly rude.

[Carter grins but it soon turns into a focused frown while he performs his quick check-up.

It doesn't take him long to get a first idea of what's going on. The shakes, the sweat, the heavy shivering... it all paints a pretty clear picture but he'd like to ease into it. The guy is still a stranger and he seems like he's one wrong comment away from closing off.]

Sir, are you on any medication? Any pre-existing illness?

[He doesn't mean to sir him, not really, it's just being in the zone and falling into a routine.]

( He was kidding, he doesn't care, but good for you, you polite, handsy doc. He doesn't like the expression he gets, nor does he like the question he asks. )

Dean. And no. I might pop an Advil every now and then. ( He would choose a drink over an Advil, but like he's going to admit that to 'not-his doctor. ) Should I expect a copay charge? Fit as a fiddle, doc. Ready for love.

( Sam's not here, he can make his Singing in the Rain reference in peace. )

John Carter. Nice to meet you.

[He flashes him a quick smile.]

And well, in my medical opinion I wouldn't exactly advise jumping over the moon right now.

[Hey, it's a good reference? And he likes that movie. Carter pulls back again, putting the stethoscope down, gauging his next step.]

Has this ever happened before?

Good thing I'm not a cow.

( Yeah, it's also Singing in the Rain, but it's not his example. )

Crossed dimensions once or five times. Woken up somewhere I don't remember five more. Who hasn't.

That was not what I...

[Carter is torn on calling him out on his deflecting and his words catching up to him. Congratulations, the distraction works. For now.]

Five times? Uh, me. I haven't. Ever. How does this work? When do we get to go home?

( Keep trying, Carter. )

According to John Henry, it'll be a few days. Outside of this town, it all depends. Normally, I'd say, find the bastard that's looping us all in. But, the 'what' is still a question mark.

( Carter's also never woken up somewhere he didn't fall asleep? Nobody's ever moved him after passing out? He needs better friends. )

And yeah, doc. What.

[Well, they once put a cast on him while he slept and published his STD tests on the bulletin board? But moving, that's new.]

'What'. As in, monsters what? Creepy-things-in-mirrors what? Things that go bump in the floor and ceilings what?

[Because he may be as mundane and ordinary as it gets but it's kind of hard to miss these things.]

... They're not what's giving you the shakes, are they. You seem a little too experienced with these things for that.

( Was it the clap? )

The shakes. Real professional diagnosis. Could be monsters. Could be a witch. A god. Archangel. Creepster porch guy. Longer you're here, the more you'll 'shake,' doc. Fear, imagined. I like to think of our lives like a Stephen King novel. Though, considering there's barely any gore, might be more like R.L. Stine. Atmospheric. Or like one of those click and point 90's games. All puzzles and knowledge. Nearly freezing to death.

[Let's just say it lead to getting advice from George Clooney himself to never dip his pen in company ink.]

Well, I admit I don't have anything for witches or creepster porch guys. I could help you with the other stuff, though.

[You know. If you let him.]

Tell you what, I'll even let you freak me out some more because you're doing an impressive job. It's all very ominous and unnerving. I might cry a little.

[It could be sardonic but it's actually genuine, he's not even kidding. He does frown a little at the 90's games phrase, however.]

What, like the ones you can put on home computers?

Kinda. No answers. Empty town. Low quality scares. Barely written script.

( Just like it. )

The other stuff. Nothing a little moonshine or prison wine won't take care of.

[Yeah. The other stuff.

At least he's mentioning the alcohol so Carter can probably stop dancing around the issue.]

And I guess the mirror shadows forgot to restock.

[He tries to keep his tone light, from letting things get too heavy.]

When was your last drink?

Whatever day today is, the day before it. I drink everyday, lab coat. You're pep talk won't change that but you're welcome to try.

( It will give him something to do. )

When was yours?

024-027 » neither reward nor punishment

Day 25

just tagging you here too because why not.

tag me everywhere!!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

a. Reality Bites

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

let's wrap soon? we can hand wave the rest