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staysilentooc2021-04-30 07:15 pm
staymods) wrote in staysilentooc2021-04-30 07:15 pm
Test Drive Meme #1
Crash Course
It happened in an instant. One moment you were in your own world, doing your own thing. The next, you were standing on a small wooden dock. Or on a grassy hill surrounded by sheep. Or on a rocky outcropping near a lake. Or, if you were particularly unlucky, in the lake itself.
Regardless of your exact arrival spot, you were quickly scooped up by some gruff men and women in uniform who said you would get answers so long as you cooperated. The answers they had to provide, however, were sparse. You had ended up in the Saimaa lake system in Finland in Year 99, and nobody knew the 'how' or 'why'. All they had beyond that was a promise of a safe place to stay, so long as you followed the rules and didn't cause trouble. Some fought, some argued, but those who listened were eventually taken to "Otherworlder Settlement #5". A new home for the foreseeable future, until more answers can be discovered.
The Finnish government promised that this settlement was safe to stay in, but that doesn't mean it's easy living. Food and basic supplies are provided, but there is very limited electricity and not much in terms of modern commodities. Do you know how to use a canoe? Do you know how to cook over an open fire? Can you stand taking a bath in a lake? The first few days of life on this island are going to be a crash course in surviving without most modern conveniences, and for some it might be more of an adjustment than others.
But hey, at least there are others around to help you learn, right? Maybe your new neighbor is willing to swap skills with you.
Regardless of your exact arrival spot, you were quickly scooped up by some gruff men and women in uniform who said you would get answers so long as you cooperated. The answers they had to provide, however, were sparse. You had ended up in the Saimaa lake system in Finland in Year 99, and nobody knew the 'how' or 'why'. All they had beyond that was a promise of a safe place to stay, so long as you followed the rules and didn't cause trouble. Some fought, some argued, but those who listened were eventually taken to "Otherworlder Settlement #5". A new home for the foreseeable future, until more answers can be discovered.
The Finnish government promised that this settlement was safe to stay in, but that doesn't mean it's easy living. Food and basic supplies are provided, but there is very limited electricity and not much in terms of modern commodities. Do you know how to use a canoe? Do you know how to cook over an open fire? Can you stand taking a bath in a lake? The first few days of life on this island are going to be a crash course in surviving without most modern conveniences, and for some it might be more of an adjustment than others.
But hey, at least there are others around to help you learn, right? Maybe your new neighbor is willing to swap skills with you.
Cats! Cats! Cats!
As you settle in to life on this chain of islands, a few things are going to become quickly evident. Firstly, life here is slow. With strict warnings to not leave the safety of the sea nets and communications from the outside world only coming once a week, there's a lot of time to explore and think.
Secondly, while there is an abundance of birds, fish, and insects, mammal life on these islands is rather sparse. You may see a small land mammal here or there- rabbits, mice, maybe a fox or two- there isn't the level of biodiversity you might expect of a backwater forest. It certainly is strange, and you'll need to investigate the islands further to see just what there is to offer.
The sole exception to this lack of mammals? Cats. Nearly every island- excepting only Snake Island- has at least one colony of semi-feral cats living on it. While these cats are out outright hostile, they do seem a bit aloof. It will take time and effort to win their affections, if you are inclined to gaining a feline companion. Or food, if you don't mind sharing. The cats do seem motivated by food.
If asked, the local NPCs who drop off supplies once a week will tell the Otherworlders that all cats are helpful for detecting threats, but that if you can find young kittens of around 3 months old that they can be more easily acclimated to being around people. The NPCs also warn the Otherworlders that if all the cats suddenly poof up and start hissing while staring in the same direction that you need to leave that area immediately and radio for help. The ominous message isn't explained further.
Secondly, while there is an abundance of birds, fish, and insects, mammal life on these islands is rather sparse. You may see a small land mammal here or there- rabbits, mice, maybe a fox or two- there isn't the level of biodiversity you might expect of a backwater forest. It certainly is strange, and you'll need to investigate the islands further to see just what there is to offer.
The sole exception to this lack of mammals? Cats. Nearly every island- excepting only Snake Island- has at least one colony of semi-feral cats living on it. While these cats are out outright hostile, they do seem a bit aloof. It will take time and effort to win their affections, if you are inclined to gaining a feline companion. Or food, if you don't mind sharing. The cats do seem motivated by food.
If asked, the local NPCs who drop off supplies once a week will tell the Otherworlders that all cats are helpful for detecting threats, but that if you can find young kittens of around 3 months old that they can be more easily acclimated to being around people. The NPCs also warn the Otherworlders that if all the cats suddenly poof up and start hissing while staring in the same direction that you need to leave that area immediately and radio for help. The ominous message isn't explained further.
Ruins of Yesteryear
Not much information is given about "Otherworlder Settlement #5" upon arrival. The Otherworlders are told that the settlement used to be home to a small village that was destroyed 20 years ago, but that it has since been cleansed and is safe for resettlement. The government assures everyone that such practices are normal, and that with limited 'safe spaces' they have to cleanse and rebuild where possible.
That may not be much of a comfort, though, when you have to face the charred remains of houses on a daily basis.
While there are a few buildings still usable, the majority of the buildings on Rabbit Island have been partially or completely burned to the point of being unusable. They will eventually need to be cleared for new houses and facilities to be built, but for now they have been left standing due to a lack of manpower to do the demolition. They stand as a grim reminder that while the island is supposedly safe now, it wasn't so in the recent past.
Remnants of the past can be found in the charred ruins, though. Bits of metal in the form of silverware, tools, and jewelry are the most abundant, having weathered the hot flames all those years ago. In some lucky places with less fire damage, partially-burned blankets and books remain. Dishware, cooking utensils, small pots for indoor herbs. Traces of those who used to live here can be found here and there. But will you go looking, or will you leave those trinkets where they lay?
That may not be much of a comfort, though, when you have to face the charred remains of houses on a daily basis.
While there are a few buildings still usable, the majority of the buildings on Rabbit Island have been partially or completely burned to the point of being unusable. They will eventually need to be cleared for new houses and facilities to be built, but for now they have been left standing due to a lack of manpower to do the demolition. They stand as a grim reminder that while the island is supposedly safe now, it wasn't so in the recent past.
Remnants of the past can be found in the charred ruins, though. Bits of metal in the form of silverware, tools, and jewelry are the most abundant, having weathered the hot flames all those years ago. In some lucky places with less fire damage, partially-burned blankets and books remain. Dishware, cooking utensils, small pots for indoor herbs. Traces of those who used to live here can be found here and there. But will you go looking, or will you leave those trinkets where they lay?
Deep Dreaming
It might not happen the first night, or the night after. But at some point early into your stay on the islands, you will fall into a deep sleep, one so deep that you cannot easily awaken. You feel as though you are drifting down slowly, like a leaf falling from the sky, until you find yourself laying on the ground.
When you open your eyes, the area around you will seem familiar and safe. It could be your childhood home, or a city you live in now. Regardless, it is far away from the islands you have settled on, and for a moment it might look like you've made it home. That thought will be quickly dashed by two important details: there are no other people in this dream, and the dream only takes up a space of about 50 square meters before it abruptly ends.
If you go to the edge of the dream, however, you will be able to see the space between dreams, an endless expanse of water and starry sky. Be careful stepping outside of the safety of the dream, though! Those who wander too far will feel uneasy, like something dangerous is watching them.
Your dream isn't the only thing there besides the space between, though! You will find yourself about 2 meters away from the boundary of another person's dream. And while you won't be able to step in of your own accord, you might be able to knock on the barrier of the person next to you to say hello. Or maybe they're already there, awake and waiting to say hello. Or maybe they're knocking on the boundary of your dream, waiting for you to let them in. Regardless, it should be okay. While the space between feels dangerous, the dreams themselves are safe.
Do be courteous, though. Those who see the dreams will remember what happens when they wake up.
When you open your eyes, the area around you will seem familiar and safe. It could be your childhood home, or a city you live in now. Regardless, it is far away from the islands you have settled on, and for a moment it might look like you've made it home. That thought will be quickly dashed by two important details: there are no other people in this dream, and the dream only takes up a space of about 50 square meters before it abruptly ends.
If you go to the edge of the dream, however, you will be able to see the space between dreams, an endless expanse of water and starry sky. Be careful stepping outside of the safety of the dream, though! Those who wander too far will feel uneasy, like something dangerous is watching them.
Your dream isn't the only thing there besides the space between, though! You will find yourself about 2 meters away from the boundary of another person's dream. And while you won't be able to step in of your own accord, you might be able to knock on the barrier of the person next to you to say hello. Or maybe they're already there, awake and waiting to say hello. Or maybe they're knocking on the boundary of your dream, waiting for you to let them in. Regardless, it should be okay. While the space between feels dangerous, the dreams themselves are safe.
Do be courteous, though. Those who see the dreams will remember what happens when they wake up.