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apocalypsehowooc2023-10-14 01:56 pm
apocalypsehowmods) wrote in apocalypsehowooc2023-10-14 01:56 pm
Entry tags:
Event OOC - Ghosted
Ghosted - OOC
Summaries and content warnings for each prompt in the event are provided below. Please pose questions to the designated mod comment, and plot away!
➥ Things Gone A-Rye: 16-31 October
➥ Taken Ill: 23-27 October
➥ Strange Communications: 20-31 October
➥ Things Gone A-Rye
(cw: ghosts; body horror related to physically wasting away)
The old-timey ghosts that appeared at the start of the month may have faded away, but starting on October 16 a new apparition begins making appearances. Victims describe the ghost as a skeletal figure that claws at its victims with bony hands that leave a deep chill behind for hours or even days. As ADI teams track and map appearances, it becomes clear that as time goes on, the ghost begins to actively target anyone associated with ADI, though it is not able to appear on ADI property. As more information becomes available, too, characters actively investigating the mystery will be able to identify the ghost by matching its face to photographs (or, in the case of those who met him, memories) of one Bryn Fletcher, looking much the worse for wear.
Bryn came to ADI's attention a year ago when his bakery, Better Loaf than Never, inadvertently began selling haunted bread and Bryn himself became trapped in a sourdough-based hellscape from which he was narrowly rescued by a team of player characters before it would have claimed his life. Better Loaf than Never closed permanently shortly after that series of events, and since then ADI has kept tabs on Bryn. Up until now there did not appear to be any reason for renewed concern–which is why no one initially realized that the first appearances of this "ghost" aligned with Bryn falling out of communication with his ADI handlers. It seems Bryn is trying to get back in contact, carrying a dire warning he struggles to communicate due to having become invisible and incorporeal. This prompt will have the option for NPC interactions with Bryn.
➥ Taken Ill
(cw: illness, fake children in distress, potential for fever-induced hallucinations)
Lost children haunt the city, seeking aid from nearby adults and leaving illness in their wake. Some people get very sick indeed while others might only get away with a few, light symptoms. It certainly doesn’t seem contagious, but the source seems sudden and unavoidable for those unlucky ‘chosen.’ Hopefully the symptoms don’t linger too long.
➥ Strange Communications
(cw: theft, puppets, derealization, dehumanization, potential limb loss, uncanny valley, supernatural compulsions)
The ventriloquism plague that was highlighted back in the July headlines is back with avengeance. It seems those TikTokers and others involved may have been influenced by strange, colorful swirls of pollen that are now blowing through Gloucester. Those spending time outside might find themselves suddenly finding it harder to talk to other people as themselves. Instead, they'll find they need to get an intermediary to be able to communicate. Snatch someone's skeleton decoration, give it a name, and you'll suddenly find it so much easier to talk to others. But at what cost? As time goes on and you give your puppet more personality, you'll find others starting to treat you as the one that isn't real. Get rid of it while you can. Just hope that you didn't panic and start using your hand with a little face drawn on as your puppet or you might have a little more difficulty ridding yourself of that burden.
A Handy Plotting Form
➥ Things Gone A-Rye: 16-31 October
➥ Taken Ill: 23-27 October
➥ Strange Communications: 20-31 October
➥ Things Gone A-Rye
(cw: ghosts; body horror related to physically wasting away)
The old-timey ghosts that appeared at the start of the month may have faded away, but starting on October 16 a new apparition begins making appearances. Victims describe the ghost as a skeletal figure that claws at its victims with bony hands that leave a deep chill behind for hours or even days. As ADI teams track and map appearances, it becomes clear that as time goes on, the ghost begins to actively target anyone associated with ADI, though it is not able to appear on ADI property. As more information becomes available, too, characters actively investigating the mystery will be able to identify the ghost by matching its face to photographs (or, in the case of those who met him, memories) of one Bryn Fletcher, looking much the worse for wear.
Bryn came to ADI's attention a year ago when his bakery, Better Loaf than Never, inadvertently began selling haunted bread and Bryn himself became trapped in a sourdough-based hellscape from which he was narrowly rescued by a team of player characters before it would have claimed his life. Better Loaf than Never closed permanently shortly after that series of events, and since then ADI has kept tabs on Bryn. Up until now there did not appear to be any reason for renewed concern–which is why no one initially realized that the first appearances of this "ghost" aligned with Bryn falling out of communication with his ADI handlers. It seems Bryn is trying to get back in contact, carrying a dire warning he struggles to communicate due to having become invisible and incorporeal. This prompt will have the option for NPC interactions with Bryn.
➥ Taken Ill
(cw: illness, fake children in distress, potential for fever-induced hallucinations)
Lost children haunt the city, seeking aid from nearby adults and leaving illness in their wake. Some people get very sick indeed while others might only get away with a few, light symptoms. It certainly doesn’t seem contagious, but the source seems sudden and unavoidable for those unlucky ‘chosen.’ Hopefully the symptoms don’t linger too long.
➥ Strange Communications
(cw: theft, puppets, derealization, dehumanization, potential limb loss, uncanny valley, supernatural compulsions)
The ventriloquism plague that was highlighted back in the July headlines is back with avengeance. It seems those TikTokers and others involved may have been influenced by strange, colorful swirls of pollen that are now blowing through Gloucester. Those spending time outside might find themselves suddenly finding it harder to talk to other people as themselves. Instead, they'll find they need to get an intermediary to be able to communicate. Snatch someone's skeleton decoration, give it a name, and you'll suddenly find it so much easier to talk to others. But at what cost? As time goes on and you give your puppet more personality, you'll find others starting to treat you as the one that isn't real. Get rid of it while you can. Just hope that you didn't panic and start using your hand with a little face drawn on as your puppet or you might have a little more difficulty ridding yourself of that burden.
QUESTIONS