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Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME 001
⚰︎ ⍢ ⌲ ⍚ TEST DRIVE MEME:
CONTENT WARNINGS for this game include: monsters, body horror, dub-con, non-con, religion, blood/violence, and marking/branding, loss of autonomy/self, and mental influences.
This log additionally has warnings for: nudity, spiders, waxplay, character death, and references to children in proximity to sexual situations.
✧ ✧ ✧
Welcome to RUBILYKSKOYE — a dark, horror-smut game where player choices will drive a mod-run storyline about the world and its NPCs. For the first round, this test drive serves as characters' arrival into game.
THESE THREADS CAN BE GAME CANON if both players are accepted into the game and agree to it. However, if players who'd prefer to start fresh are welcome to reuse these prompts in their own personal logs upon acceptance into the communities.
If you have QUESTIONS about the test drive prompts, please ask HERE. Questions about the game itself or the general setting should be directed to the FAQ.
FAQ ✧ SETTING ✧ CALENDAR ✧ RESERVES ✧ APPLICATIONS
This log additionally has warnings for: nudity, spiders, waxplay, character death, and references to children in proximity to sexual situations.
Welcome to RUBILYKSKOYE — a dark, horror-smut game where player choices will drive a mod-run storyline about the world and its NPCs. For the first round, this test drive serves as characters' arrival into game.
THESE THREADS CAN BE GAME CANON if both players are accepted into the game and agree to it. However, if players who'd prefer to start fresh are welcome to reuse these prompts in their own personal logs upon acceptance into the communities.
If you have QUESTIONS about the test drive prompts, please ask HERE. Questions about the game itself or the general setting should be directed to the FAQ.
AWAKENING IN PAJAK WOOD
The chirping of partridges in the treetops rouses you. Light barely filters through the canopy, just enough to suggest warmth of the sun. By the time it reaches the forest floor, the daylight has taken on a sickly green tinge. You lie amongst the mosses and ferns, the soil cold and just a little damp on your bare skin. Wherever you were before this moment, whatever you were doing or wearing, when you awaken in this forest, you find yourself naked and helpless as the day you were born.Fortunately, you seem to be alone. The birdsong continues as you sit up and get your bearings — aside from a brief wave of disoriented nausea, you seem to be no worse for wear than you last remember. Amongst gnarled oaks and moss, you see nothing around. No sign of civilization or sentient life. Movement flickers at the corner of your eye, but it's just a curious animal — brave squirrels or lizards who have come to see what stirs in their home.
Then, like the rippling of the horizon at noontime, the ash-gray soil around you undulates. Sea, not earth. Something else has come to greet you — their grey bodies blended in so easily with the floor, but as you stagger to your feet, you see them. Thousands of spiders roll like waves underfoot. They crawl towards you from the darker edge of the forest.
attack
Individuals who attack the spiders will find the small spiders are easy to kill, but the pheromones released by their corpses draw larger spiders in their place. Huge, blood-red spiders the size of hunting dogs drop from the treetops. In addition to their venomous bite, which contains a fast-acting paralytic, these creatures are clever: they will attempt to use their webbing to handicap any trespassers, binding limbs together or to trees. If you're unfortunate to become fully cocooned, you don't have long before this forest will be the last thing you see.
hunt
Any aspiring monster-hunters enterprising enough to try to follow the spiders to their nest will move eastward. This way, the forest grows darker and darker — though the sun never grows warm red-gold with sunset.
In the void, the birdsong is replaced by the click of mandibles and the skitter of many legs, but soon it is impossible to see. Even with the brightest magical light does not reach further than a few inches. The air grows heavy and thick, as if it were not air at all but some more solid mass. Almost like liquid-smoke, it presses down upon you. Slowing your movements. Soon, you cannot move at all.
Turn back while you still can — collapsing out here is dangerous. The void can play tricks on your senses. You may find yourself reliving unhappy memories or hallucinating your worst nightmares.
In the void, the birdsong is replaced by the click of mandibles and the skitter of many legs, but soon it is impossible to see. Even with the brightest magical light does not reach further than a few inches. The air grows heavy and thick, as if it were not air at all but some more solid mass. Almost like liquid-smoke, it presses down upon you. Slowing your movements. Soon, you cannot move at all.
Turn back while you still can — collapsing out here is dangerous. The void can play tricks on your senses. You may find yourself reliving unhappy memories or hallucinating your worst nightmares.
But flee the spiders westward and you will discover that the wood is well-populated with the survival resources that someone might seek — berries bushes and trees bearing stone fruits; sticks and dry leaves to aid in the building of a fire; rocks big enough to fashion into crude weapons; small animals that can be hunted or caught; hike long enough, and you might just find the freshwater stream that runs north-to-south, populated by both poisonous toads and delicious crawdads.
What's more, you may run into others with stories just like yours. Some may have already formed clumsy nudist hiking parties, others may still be naked and confused and processing how they have no memory of how they got here. They all stagger vaguely, as you do, with only the sun for a waymarker — and even that won't last long.
Now is a good time to overcome any hang-ups you have about modesty, as it's going to be a long hike. If you sneak a good look at your new companions, you may four varietals of marks on their bodies. Maybe someone will even point out that you have one, too.
EVERY DAY LIKE THE ONE BEFORE
Hike far enough — or long enough that the sun does go down — and signs of life come into view. The glow of fires and lights, the smooth curve of a stone wall. A town sits at the edge of this wood, a reward to the survivors.The fifty-foot wall of beige stone protecting the town's perimeter has only a single entrance — an iron gate positioned on the southern edge. When you arrive, the gate is already open, welcoming people into town from the winding dirt road. Attentive eyes may note that the road itself bears the mark of many wagon wheels and horse hoofs, but not cars.
guards
The guards grant entry to anyone who attempts a conversation with them. However, if your character is more likely to attempt to sneak in, overcome the guards, or attack them, please reach out HERE.
Inside the wall lies a quaint, historic town with a population around five thousand. The streets are cobbled, and their signs are lit by gas lamp. Wooden shutters protect otherwise open-air windows on the buildings, which are all under three stories with gabled roofs. A number of businesses hug the main street — a clockmaker, a cobbler, a bank — while residential homes sprawl outwards towards the wall. At the far end of the main street, visible about a mile to the north now that the trees and the enormous wall is out of the way, sits a castle with three towers.
No matter what time you pass through the gate, the streets are full of people. The climate of the bustle befits a night market or a busy friday downtown — plenty of people to ogle at your exposed body. But despite any efforts on your part to hide or make excuses, the locals don't seem offended by your nakedness. Even families with children don't gawk or look twice. In fact, the further into town you go, the more you may notice that they all wear revealing clothing that, to your sensibilities, may seem sexually suggestive. Some individuals openly expose their breasts and nipples, while some others may incidentally reveal when they turn around to tend to their errands that their dress is backless — entirely! If anything, they seem to be under the impression that you're naked to participate in the evening's events with the rest of them.
Those still determined to find proper clothing will find that modern clothing stores aren't a thing here. The closest this town has is a tailor's shop, which is closed for religious observance, and a stand in the central marketplace selling scarves and blankets.
Fortunately, the people of the town are very generous! The locals will gladly share what they have with those who ask politely — but those items are as revealing as what they're wearing. You might get a mesh bodysuit or drape outfit. Remember not to be ungracious! it's only appropriate for the occasion.
steal clothing
Anyone unwilling to ask nicely for help could break into someone's house or yard to steal some of their clean laundry. Notably, inside their homes, the people of the town also appear to own some more modest apparel. Be sure to alert us HERE if your character pursues this option.
And what is the occasion? The locals are excited and flattered by any interest in their ordinary weekly prayer: the folks dancing and selling their wares are all offering their energies to give thanks and ask for their god's patronage! The abstractions are all familiar — fertility, harvest, peace. Smalltalk makes them eager to chat and draw you into those festivities — including some ceremonial wax-dripping on the exposed parts of your body!
Anyone who chats at length with the townspeople will gather that the locals feel it's better for the newcomers to dive into the deep-end because, since you'll be settling in here, they expect you'll want to participate down the line. They seem to be under the impression that the new arrivals are a boon from their god.
In addition, many of the locals' choice of clothes reveal the same four types of marks on their bodies as the folx who were wandering out in the wood!
ROOM AND BOARD
Once you're tired out, the locals will help you find a place to stay. The boarding house is several stories tall and spacious, accessible through an embellished iron garden gate and obscured by hanging plants, trees, and vines. 
Beyond the overgrown yard is a bright red door, which opens into a spacious cottage.
The house has clearly been empty for some time — dust has gathered on various furnishings — bedding, sofas, curtains, wooden tables. According to the locals, it has remained empty since its last occupant passed away, and that's all they'll say about that!
Each floor of the house has a shared sitting room, but only the first floor has a kitchen — large enough to support feeding the entire household. Here, a few of the townspeople will help out — they stock the kitchen and help make dinner for the new arrivals.
Get a good night's rest. By the light of day, locals will help get the new arrivals set up on the coal stove with breakfast. You may notice they're dressed in a way you would almost call normal — at least, in a manner befitting 19th century Eastern Europe. As you find your way around town to get your bearings, folks are eager to help you find a place to apply your skills so you can contribute to your new home.
Beyond the overgrown yard is a bright red door, which opens into a spacious cottage. The house has clearly been empty for some time — dust has gathered on various furnishings — bedding, sofas, curtains, wooden tables. According to the locals, it has remained empty since its last occupant passed away, and that's all they'll say about that!
Each floor of the house has a shared sitting room, but only the first floor has a kitchen — large enough to support feeding the entire household. Here, a few of the townspeople will help out — they stock the kitchen and help make dinner for the new arrivals.
finding roommates
Don't spend too much time in the dining room going for seconds, though. You'll want to claim a bedroom quickly because each one only has two full-size beds, and there aren't enough spaces for everyone. The last people upstairs will need to double up to squeeze in. Roommates will not be mod-assigned; players should coordinate directly with one another to determine their living arrangements.
Get a good night's rest. By the light of day, locals will help get the new arrivals set up on the coal stove with breakfast. You may notice they're dressed in a way you would almost call normal — at least, in a manner befitting 19th century Eastern Europe. As you find your way around town to get your bearings, folks are eager to help you find a place to apply your skills so you can contribute to your new home.
jaskier — the witcher (netflix) — diabel
every day like the one before ;
all marked up ;
wildcard ;
[ ooc: feel free to PM me if you'd like to do something else, happy to brainstorm something else as jaskier hides how fucked up he thinks it all is with hedonism! ]
arrival;
there are clans that tattoo their warriors, something permanent, but the kuruko have only ever used face and body paints to reflect the heat of the harsh sun. she licks her thumb and reaches over to rub it on jaskier's knee to see if the mark will come off at all, but it's smooth to the touch.
it doesn't come away at all. it does, however, glow when he speaks (the bottom of her foot glows faintly, too, not that she notices), at the same time that she feels that odd little twitch in her mind, like something poking in the base of her brain. she doesn't like it. it reminds her of the kossians. ]
I don't recognize the shape. What is it?
no subject
( and then the facade falls, quickly as it had been built up because the bard is a man of many faces. )
I was hoping you'd know.
( the glowing, actually, is not what he'd expected at all and there he feels a sort of shudder pass up his frame from the mark to the base of his spine. no, no, that's not good. ) Maybe I'm cursed.
no subject
[ she withdraws her hand, looking him over. aside from being kind of dirty and the kind of slouchy that suggests he hasn't done much physical labor, he doesn't look like he'd be especially easy prey.
but it would explain why she hasn't found one on herself, yet. ]
no subject
the question unnerves him. jaskier is tired of being prey, but to creatures stronger and larger than him, well, he can't turn his back to that reality. as much as he would want to. )
no subject
I don't plan to be.
[ if anything, she's starting to feel like maybe that would be a great source of protein. they're big enough that some part of them must be edible, right? ]
all marked up.
The sorry excuse they're calling their clothes. [ Rose pinches the sheer fabric of her see-through slip and wiggles it for emphasis. ]
Kind of glad to meet a fellow musician though. Thought I might be alone and have to play sad songs solo.
no subject
he snorts at the mention of clothes, though his gaze sweeps down his new companion's frame with similar interest as the locals offer. but, given everything, that doesn't hold his attention for long. apparently there is enough trauma in a day to turn a hedonist away from his usual spoils. ) You play? What is your instrument of choice, my new friend...?
( and what's your name? )
no subject
Sure do! I play the guitar and piano, mostly. Not too bad with the flute or violin... I dabble in drums, too, but only when I'm feeling especially wild. [ An impressive repertoire, for certain, but her real strength is- ]
My main instrument though is my voice, so if you ever notice people asking to hear Rose sing- That'd be me. [ She grins, proud as can be. ]
no subject
( he grins, offering a dip of his head. ) You may hear the same about Jaskier.
no subject
Oho! Maybe some competition for me? [ she asks, only teasing. ] Or we could plan a duet sometime.
Nice to meet you either way, Jaskier. Here's to hoping we can find our musical bearings before long.
↪ arrival
[ She's panting too; taking deep breaths to try and level out her mad dash that sent her all but careening into a man who looks for the world like this isn't his idea of a good time. Except, contrary to her words, she does have a mark, a tidy triangle with two dots on top that's perched just under her clavicle. Maybe he'd have a chance to respond, to let her know about it, but then there's the sound of snapping wood and he's-- ]
Are you hiding behind me?
[ her voice is incredulous, because they're both naked here, but she's already shifting into a defensive posture, looking toward the snapping sound. Fucking spiders.
And it is a spider, but not the writhing grey mass of tiny bodies from before--no, this one is blood red and the size of a small dog: too many eyes and legs and segmented parts coming toward them seemingly intent on blood. Her hand reaches reflexively for a gun and comes up empty. Fuck, fuck, fuck. She looks to the left and then the right, eyes searching ]
Find me a stick or something or we're both fucked!
no subject
( but then there's really nothing his new companion can do and jaskier is left searching for a weapon. he wishes he had soemthing heavier than a stick to offer.
he doesn't even have a stick to offer because everything around them is somehow either too large to lift or barely considered a stick, certainly not one that can do anything about the spider in front of them. if only they had a witcher or wizard to help?
jaskier's letting out a litany of 'oh fuck, fuck, fuck, FUCK' as he scrambles and finds a large rock that he can pick up. instead of giving it to nile, he tosses it haphazardly toward the spider and in his panic does not notice that it makes contact with the beast, crushing the legs on it's left side beneath it. ) Why are there no decent sticks around here?
arrival;
before he can answer, though, there's a loud snapping sound somewhere a little too close for comfort — and now jaskier is behind him, huddling like a frightened child. aleksander tenses in incredulity. he does not care for this turn of events in the least. )
no subject
jaskier lets out a cough, stepping out from behind his new comrade with false bravado. ) Would you look at that? Nothing dangerous here.
( the spider suddenly bursts forward and, yes, he's backing up again to put aleksander between them. )
no subject
aleksander snaps out his hand, fingers splayed wide. darkness converges, forming a concentrated surge. striking the creature across its abdomen and launching it through the air.
the creature's pained shrieks echo through their surroundings before fading away.
aleksander's head turns sharply, his attention locking onto jaskier. with an effortless nonchalance: ) We should leave. Where there's one, there's likely to be more. ( and he has no interesting in discovering just how large they can get. )
no subject
he shudders but, well, this man seems like he can easily provide jaskier with safe travels. and is the sort that he doesn't want to cross in the moment. so jaskier nods, looking from the corpse of the spider back to his new companion. ) Right.
There's a village nearby. Any chance you're heading that way? I won't get in your way. ( except that he will definitely be underfoot. )
no subject
a brief, albeit pointed look at jaskier to confirm that yes, actually, he is still very much naked, before continuing to pick his way through the underbrush. )
Why stay out here when there's a village nearby? ( since they're going to be travelling together for the foreseeable future. if there are any nasty surprises waiting for them in that village, best come clean about it now. )
arrival—
unlike the other critters he has encountered in these woods, tantai is unable to manipulate or communicate with the spiders. it isn't that they're ignoring him but rather that they can't understand him at all — and very much vice versa. since a more peaceful pathway has been blocked, then one naturally turns toward the offensive. his demonic powers are still working quite well, so he manages to get away from the growing swarm.
it's an uncomfortable escape, nonetheless. unclothed and unprotected against the scrapes and cuts of branches and rocks, he can't say that he has ever felt more undignified, but nudity is a trifle matter when survival is at the forefront.
he gets far enough away to run into another — a man who seems rather fixated on a mark above his knee.
he doesn't deign to answer him right away, which is apparently enough time for the distant snap of a branch to send the man scurrying behind him. glancing back at him, tantai's expression remains unfazed, if not all that impressed. )
There are no more danger here. ( he's just going to continue on his way. ) The town is close by.
no subject
( but he's falling into step with the new man anyway, deciding it's best to stick close if he's so unbothered by the unholy landscape around them filled with monsters and perils that a bard cannot handle on his own.
no, no. jaskier is sharp with his tongue and good with strategy, not dealing with monsters. that was always geralt's forte and the witcher is yet to be seen. ) How do you know?
( maybe, by fortune, he's met a local! )
no subject
( they aren't an imminent threat this far out and, even if they were, he would be alerted.
after all, he made some friends along the way, once he was far enough away from the depths of that unsettling darkness. they would let him know if those eight-legged cretins were fast approaching. in fact, his friends are very close at hand even now.
they fly between the branches of treetops, dart through the thickets of shrubberies and slither through the grass at their feet. )
Would you believe me if I said a little bird told me?
no subject
Like little birds in the sky? ( he lifts his hands to mimic the motion of flapping wings. and then, suddenly incredulous-- ) The birds here talk?!
no subject
( who can say for sure? there may very well be birds who can speak the human tongue here. )
The one I spoke to does not, however.