staymods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
staymods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
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.
Crash Course
[ Sebastian isn't afraid to offer credit where credit is due and even his faux-hazel eyes can see that this man is quite the competent fisherman
even if the mini-game is a little broken sometimes. He appreciates the cat that seems to have placed itself next to Kiryu's leg to watch the water's surface flick and splash with the tails of fish.The butler stands just off to the side, dressed in his full 1800s European wool tailcoat and looking so incredibly out of place on a near deserted island... though if the blazing sun is bothering him there is no indication. Not even a drop of sweat beaded on his almost doll-like flesh. ]
You seem to be having a much easier time than many of the others.
no subject
So broken. Don't get me started about that tuna...Kiryu, for his part, doesn't seem bothered by the new arrival. Nor by what he's wearing without a hint of sweat
;to be fair, Kazama Shintaro could probably pull that feat off too through pure act of will.It's a little formal but... more what he's used to than the other people here are wearing. He'll turn his attention from the line for the moment. ]I'm used to living simple. And cobbling together what I need.
[ He'll dip his head in a greeting. ]
Kiryu. Good to meet you.
no subject
It appears to be quite the rare trait these days.
[ These... very advanced days and yet so backwards? He's not quite sure. The manner of clothes that everyone was waring were far outside the normal where he was from, and yet this place lacked many of the fancy things that he had even in his own 'humble' time.
The heels of his well-polished shoes even despite the sand click together as he bends in a slight bow, one hand laid across his chest politely. ]
I am Sebastian Michaelis. You may call me whatever suits you, Mr. Kiryu.
no subject
Do you have a preference?
[ He'd prefer to use what the other man liked. He's also not sure on the name order; he's been confused a time or two since he came here. The question should cover both problems. ]
no subject
[ Kiryu is an interesting name, but from the man's features the butler can hazard a guess that he is of Japanese descent and it is likely his last. Or an alias, he supposes... though while others cared deeply about their names, Sebastian didn't particularly mind one way or another. The name was fake to begin with.
With that he gives a small tug to the front of his slacks to kneel more comfortably, admiring the cat that is intently watching the water's surface beside the ex-yakuza man's shoe. Sebastian isn't able to contain just how enamored he is with the cat even as it completely ignores him. ]
Fishing is a strong skill to have in this situation. Are you self taught?
no subject
Then it's nice to meet you as well, Michaelis-san.
[ His own attention goes to the cat, and he can't help a little curl of his lip; his perpetually stormy expression has softened a bit in this place, for all that he certainly hasn't let down his guard. The little creature meows up at him and he murmurs something soft and encouraging to him before looking back to Sebastian. ]
I've had a few teachers, other fishermen who chose to share some of their wisdom. I'd be happy to teach you what I know, if you're interested.
no subject
That will not be necessary, though I appreciate your offer. [ He doesn't reach out to the cat, but he does admire the way its tail sways so perfectly and how its eyes catch the light. The lovely sheen of its coat somehow so pristine despite living among rubble and sand... ] I am more of a cook, but I have fished on occasion to keep myself well-rounded.
[ Fresh fish was a pleasant way to shake up routine meals. Especially with a side of ratatouille, lemony baked potatoes or risotto. ]
no subject
You'd be welcome to take some of my catch.
[ He's caught a couple of fish, and they're swimming around in the bucket he'd brought. Not terribly large but they'd broil up nicely with rice. It's an opaque bucket so the cat had forgotten them as soon as they were no longer visible. ]
Give you something fresh to cook.
no subject
That is quite generous of you, sir! I appreciate the offer. Perhaps in exchange you would allow me to cook a meal for you?
[ He could feed his own fish right back to him
for experienceand avoid having to pretend to eat himself. Or he would be pressured into a meal... well, small prices to pay for potential useful humans. ]no subject
He doesn't think of his offer as generous, though, merely practical. It pays to make good neighbors in a small community, and even more when you're all fish out of water, so to speak. ]
If you're a cook, you might be interested to know there's some wild onions on the path here, near the bent tree.