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thecrossinglogs2025-05-16 05:09 pm
thecrossingmods) wrote in thecrossinglogs2025-05-16 05:09 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE #3
TDM #3
Welcome to The Marsh, wayward souls.
It's good to see you again.
The TDM is game canon and will be active MAY—JUL. For further details about the setting, please reference our current setting page. All the information there is fair game for this TDM.
It's good to see you again.
The TDM is game canon and will be active MAY—JUL. For further details about the setting, please reference our current setting page. All the information there is fair game for this TDM.
arrival
— TANGLED BELOW ( NEW CHARACTERS ONLY )
CW: trapped underwater, drowning
Your journey begins as it has for all of those before you: in The River.
The water is lukewarm, and murky with dirt and vegetation. The surface isn't far away— but it might be hard to tell what direction you need to go in to reach it. To make matters worse, you are tangled in the plantlife around you, and will need to break free in order to escape The River's grip. There are others here who may be able to help you... but they'll have to find you first.
It's not possible for you to drown here; you may or may not recognize that you don't need to breathe, even down here. But every moment you spend with your head below the surface, you will spend trapped in the memory of your death, as if by a flashback. Depending on what brought you here, it may exacerbate your panic and confusion: maybe it isn't reeds, holding you back - maybe it's an assailant's hands; maybe it's not water clouding your vision, maybe it's something else, claustrophobic, smothering you. Or, maybe it's the dreamy, floaty peace you were expecting when you closed your eyes.
Regardless, you'll need to push through — to even start your journey, let alone finish it.
— BALANCED ABOVE ( EXISTING CHARACTERS ONLY )
You've traveled a long way to get here. Finally, there is a reprieve from the heat and chaotic energy of the Desert: the environment emerging around you is cooler and calmer, if not quieter. There are quite a few creatures populating the Marsh, both fantastical and not. Frogs croak quietly from the reeds; fireflies float along the surface of the water.
Wading around and through the muddy shallows of The River isn't exactly comfortable, so it may be a relief when the group comes across a wooden walkway rising out of the water and leading deeper into the Marsh. The planks creak under your weight, but they hold firm, and draw something like a path through the dense same-ness of the environment.
That path is anything but straightforward, though. And in the seemingly-perpetual dusk around you, it might be easy to get turned around: whether you have to retrace your steps from a dead-end, or lose track of others in the gloom.
You must be tired. But surely it's only a little bit further... right?
a marsh less traveled by
— THE VILLAGE
However much further it is, eventually you reach it: a small village, mainly comprised of wooden, multifamily homes lifted above the water on stilts. (Be careful which ones you choose to rest in, though — some of them might wander off with you still inside!) As with the shelters in previous locations, the homes are decorated as if by many tenants before you, continuously building on top of what was there before, and you may happen upon small items you recognize from home.
Unlike previous shelters, these don't seem like they've been abandoned for long. The items you find might be in better condition than they would have been elsewhere, and there might be newer or more comfortable amenities. Beds with softer sheets and more numerous pillows; pantries stocked with shelf-stable foods; unbroken toys or even board games with all their pieces.
Given the nature of The River here, this is also the closest The Ferryman has kept their vigil to the group's living quarters so far. While they still remain on the outskirts of the village — seemingly as separated as they can manage while still casting the Lantern's light where it needs to be — it's not as much of a trek out to see them. You might even pass them more than once on your regular goings-on during the day.
If you continue following the walkways, out to the edges of the village, you'll find a small pier with a number of rowboats lashed against it. They're small, and maybe a bit dusty or mossy, but they're sturdy, and large enough to accommodate two people at a time. There's no one else here but you — presumably no one will mind if you take one out deeper into the Marsh?
mist of memories
— AND BEYOND
There's plenty to be found, if you venture out: from the burping firedamp, to curious reflections of familiar places, to the choking mists of the mangroves.
Try not to get lost in those mists. It's a disorienting situation on its own, but certainly exacerbated by the wraiths that will follow you in great numbers, their misty forms often camouflaged within the mist itself. It's stressful. That must be why you might feel like you're seeing other ghosts in the mist as well, figurative or literal. Snatches of familiarity, just at the edges of your vision; maybe a face you never thought you'd see again.
It's not all dark and dreary, though. There are patches of brightly colored wildflowers growing throughout the Marsh as well, hidden among the leggy roots of trees and patches of reeds out on the water. In particular, the same bright orange marigolds that dotted the path you traveled in from the Desert also peek out in places throughout the Marsh, usually in clumps of three or four. They almost seem to follow you as you pass — maybe, even, smile knowingly at you. But surely that's a trick of the light?
Harder to ignore are the rarer, but unmistakable, bioluminescent blue flowers scattered among the others. If you touch one, it may have something to whisper to you — but if it's a voice, it's almost too soft to hear, and even if you could, the words themselves are unfamiliar.
But there's no one else here but you. Right?
Image credits: 1, 2 + stock imagery unless otherwise noted
Your journey begins as it has for all of those before you: in The River.
The water is lukewarm, and murky with dirt and vegetation. The surface isn't far away— but it might be hard to tell what direction you need to go in to reach it. To make matters worse, you are tangled in the plantlife around you, and will need to break free in order to escape The River's grip. There are others here who may be able to help you... but they'll have to find you first.
It's not possible for you to drown here; you may or may not recognize that you don't need to breathe, even down here. But every moment you spend with your head below the surface, you will spend trapped in the memory of your death, as if by a flashback. Depending on what brought you here, it may exacerbate your panic and confusion: maybe it isn't reeds, holding you back - maybe it's an assailant's hands; maybe it's not water clouding your vision, maybe it's something else, claustrophobic, smothering you. Or, maybe it's the dreamy, floaty peace you were expecting when you closed your eyes.
Regardless, you'll need to push through — to even start your journey, let alone finish it.
— BALANCED ABOVE ( EXISTING CHARACTERS ONLY )
You've traveled a long way to get here. Finally, there is a reprieve from the heat and chaotic energy of the Desert: the environment emerging around you is cooler and calmer, if not quieter. There are quite a few creatures populating the Marsh, both fantastical and not. Frogs croak quietly from the reeds; fireflies float along the surface of the water.
Wading around and through the muddy shallows of The River isn't exactly comfortable, so it may be a relief when the group comes across a wooden walkway rising out of the water and leading deeper into the Marsh. The planks creak under your weight, but they hold firm, and draw something like a path through the dense same-ness of the environment.
That path is anything but straightforward, though. And in the seemingly-perpetual dusk around you, it might be easy to get turned around: whether you have to retrace your steps from a dead-end, or lose track of others in the gloom.
You must be tired. But surely it's only a little bit further... right?
a marsh less traveled by
However much further it is, eventually you reach it: a small village, mainly comprised of wooden, multifamily homes lifted above the water on stilts. (Be careful which ones you choose to rest in, though — some of them might wander off with you still inside!) As with the shelters in previous locations, the homes are decorated as if by many tenants before you, continuously building on top of what was there before, and you may happen upon small items you recognize from home.
Unlike previous shelters, these don't seem like they've been abandoned for long. The items you find might be in better condition than they would have been elsewhere, and there might be newer or more comfortable amenities. Beds with softer sheets and more numerous pillows; pantries stocked with shelf-stable foods; unbroken toys or even board games with all their pieces.
Given the nature of The River here, this is also the closest The Ferryman has kept their vigil to the group's living quarters so far. While they still remain on the outskirts of the village — seemingly as separated as they can manage while still casting the Lantern's light where it needs to be — it's not as much of a trek out to see them. You might even pass them more than once on your regular goings-on during the day.
If you continue following the walkways, out to the edges of the village, you'll find a small pier with a number of rowboats lashed against it. They're small, and maybe a bit dusty or mossy, but they're sturdy, and large enough to accommodate two people at a time. There's no one else here but you — presumably no one will mind if you take one out deeper into the Marsh?
mist of memories
There's plenty to be found, if you venture out: from the burping firedamp, to curious reflections of familiar places, to the choking mists of the mangroves.
Try not to get lost in those mists. It's a disorienting situation on its own, but certainly exacerbated by the wraiths that will follow you in great numbers, their misty forms often camouflaged within the mist itself. It's stressful. That must be why you might feel like you're seeing other ghosts in the mist as well, figurative or literal. Snatches of familiarity, just at the edges of your vision; maybe a face you never thought you'd see again.
It's not all dark and dreary, though. There are patches of brightly colored wildflowers growing throughout the Marsh as well, hidden among the leggy roots of trees and patches of reeds out on the water. In particular, the same bright orange marigolds that dotted the path you traveled in from the Desert also peek out in places throughout the Marsh, usually in clumps of three or four. They almost seem to follow you as you pass — maybe, even, smile knowingly at you. But surely that's a trick of the light?
Harder to ignore are the rarer, but unmistakable, bioluminescent blue flowers scattered among the others. If you touch one, it may have something to whisper to you — but if it's a voice, it's almost too soft to hear, and even if you could, the words themselves are unfamiliar.
But there's no one else here but you. Right?
Image credits: 1, 2 + stock imagery unless otherwise noted
Sunny | OMORI | Current Player, OTA
After the long trek to the Marsh, Sunny is exhausted. Physical tasks aren’t his strong suit by far, and wading through the previous storm has him drenched and tired.
In fact, when they first encounter the wooden planks that act as suspensions above the water, Sunny wonders if he hasn’t already fallen asleep.
A similar place exists in his mind, the water clear and eerily still, banked on either sides by the Vast Forest.
A tentative foot is placed on the plank. *Squeeeeak* Yep, it sounds the same too.
“…?” His head tilts minutely in puzzlement.
[All Planks Lead Somewhere (Lost)]
Move on they must, though… the monotonous pathway isn’t straightforward and this, too, is something that he is used to.
Whether he gets lost or he finds you amidst the spiraling wooden pathways, he simply extends a hand.
Follow me - his silent gaze seems to say.
[The Village/Cohabitating]
The first thing Sunny does when arriving at the Village is stare at the huts that decide to wander off.
…not strange at all. Sunny might still be convinced he’s dreaming… and everyone else is in his dream, too. (It would make sense, after those that had passed through his safe haven maybe had just ended up in his head…?)
The second thing the teen does, once a suitable living space has been chosen by the others, is go through each of the rooms and lie down on the bed, rating the comfort of each one.
3/10 - the mattress is stiffer than he likes. This one probably wasn’t used much.
6/10 - comfy sheets, good imprints, though kind of hot since it’s in the middle.
9/10 - This one! He feels like he might collapse into sleep just looking at it, so Sunny calls dibs with a small sign that says ‘Sunny’s bed.’
1/10 - there was a strange-looking swamp frog/turkey thing lounging on the bed when he entered…? It had looked at Sunny as Sunny looked at it, let out a turkey call, and then flopped out of the room to who knows where…
…And so on.
He can be found in the room, mostly, as communal living is something Sunny isn’t quite used to. If asked why he won’t go outside, his one eye shifts to the doorway. “…too much water…”
[In My Field of Paper Flowers]
On the rare occasions that Sunny does leave the hut, he still looks frightened. In the places before, at least he could keep the River out of sight out of mind, but here…
It was everywhere. The plank walkways haven’t let him down yet, but he sure steps on them like it might be his last…
His attention is something fleeting. Sometimes he can be found staring at the bright orange marigolds like they hold the secrets of the universe…
And another time, he’s found laying face-up in a verifiable batch of strong-smelling herbs. He’s been here for hours and might be spacing out… Help?
[Wildcard]
((All players welcome! If you want something else, feel free to plot in DMs, on Plurk (
The Village/Cohabitating
She made sure not to let the note fall under the bed, carefully placing it back on top once she was done making the bed.]
Any bed you would suggest for me?
no subject
Still, when she asks for recommendations, Sunny has to walk down the line of beds again, testing them to make sure his notes are right. He pats one-
This one. Just right.
The note says. Not too firm, not too soft, just how Mari liked it. Comfy yet still in good condition. (Plus, it’s near his bed. Not that that matters.)]
no subject
Aww Sunny! So cute~!
[Mari flopped down on the bed, a satisfied sigh coming from her as she felt the soft comforter.]
It's perfect! Thanks Sunny!
[She looked over at him with a bright smile on her face.]
It's just like back home right? Except with a few more friends this time!
no subject
Normally, Sunny would have long since gotten overstimulated by the amount of people - heck, seeing familiar faces around Faraway Town when Kel first brought him out of the house was A Lot.
But now…? It seemed alright.]
no subject
Yeah! Just like a sleepover!
[It had been a bit since Mari had been allowed to join in the fun. The younger kids often had them, but now that Mari was ‘getting older’ as her parents put it, she had to be careful of who she allowed sleep in her room. A silly rule to her. After all they had all been together for years now! Her getting older shouldn’t affect that!]
Except this time it’s a bit of an extended one huh…
[Would Sunny be ok staying around this many people? It was different than them having their own room after all…]
You sure you are going to be ok?
no subject
One could even say this sleepover might be deathly long…
Sunny wasn’t willing to say something so embarrassing out loud, not right now at least. (Maybe he could gain a bit of courage and yell it at the waterfall later? Hero had been able to do that.)]
Will be… ok… [Sunny nodded, seemingly relaxed. Everyone here was nice, and…] If… too much… can always… hide… [He pats his own bed. A good blanket always acted as a secure separation between him and the Too Much.]
I Lie inside Myself for Hours
They smell nice, don't they, Sunny? I wonder if we should take some of them inside, but then they'd probably lose their scent.
[It truly is a benefit of being dead that insects don't sting them anymore, otherwise lying around in this humid environment would be far more unpleasant!]
YEEES <3 (I might have forgot to mention these are the Pathologic herbs XD)
He nods, stretching a little. They did smell really nice. And he liked that he didn’t have to worry about being stung (though, honestly, the buzzing noise of their wigs still made him annoyed).
The teen pats the ground nearby. Want to relax, Frieda?]
You did link them! Alas, Frieda doesn't know better...
So in the end, the desert led to a swamp... I would never have guessed that.
[She gently runs her hands through the herbs. Despite being back to that incorporeal state of feeling no hunger, pain, or exhaustion, she can sense the leaves on her skin as if she were still alive.]
Do you like it here?
LOL wanted to make sure XD and oh no Frieda
At her question, he nodded, content.]
It’s like… a dream… my dream… [Not that there was a marsh like this… but the water walkways were something straight from his mind. And Sunny had to wonder, once again, if all of this was simply a dream. If his mind had concocted something so real, after that terrible time,
after he had failedthat he could simply stay here?]AoTs don't get to get high(-ish) a lot!!
You had a dream like this? Of a swamp? Who lived there?
[After meeting those few odd characters in Sunny's safe space memory, she's genuinely curious what other people his mind came up with.]
Akldkdllsal XD that can be filed under ‘things I never thought I’d read’
No marsh… but… walkways… and fog… and a Vast Forest…
[Sunny’s own speech is halted, the pauses almost sleepy. It was still bizarre - to talk about his dreams with anyone and not get some sort of negative or pitying reaction.]
The wonders of DWRP..!
[It doesn't matter, really, what types of water and woods he dreamed of, but she'd like to imagine the scenery of his dream as clearly as possible. He has such a wonderful imagination... and if there were no people or creatures in that dream, perhaps she can tell him about the ones she met in the other one - if he doesn't fall asleep on her first! She's surprised that he seems so sleepy, but isn't it a good thing that he's able to relax so well here? Perhaps, he'll fall asleep and have a new dream. (Little does she know that before long, she'll get drowsy too!)]
One giant crossover! ^^
A big… lake… deciduous… with giant… pinwheels…
[Sunny reached a hand up towards the sky(?), waving his hand like he could somehow copy the lazy movement the pinwheel blades had made. He was getting sleepy, which was nice, but also… Frieda was here, so he wanted to listen too.]
…Do you… have dreams…?
♡♡♡
I have dreams, yes. Sometimes, I dream that I'm completely different people.
[Her smile turns a little sad. She may no longer harbour her ancestors' memories in her mind, but she still remembers them - not all, but many. She remembers what it's like to be a young prideful boy burning to be emperor, a cutthroat mother determined to get rid of anyone who might endanger her family, an old embittered man who wants to see the world burn. It wasn't pleasant to "be" those people, but she can't reject them, having felt what they feel.]
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CW: effects of breathing drug-plants?
Same here!
Thought we could wrap here or yours? ^^
paper flowers
[Celehar is doing his best not to be nervous of walking around the area, though the measure of his success might be called dubious, as his efforts come in fits and starts. There are stretches of time where it seems he cannot entirely convince his body to move, and others where he is overtaken by restlessness that he cannot quench. Now must be one of the latter, as he approaches the scattering of herbs, his nose wrinkling slightly. His braid falls forward over his shoulder when he leans over the young man.]
Is aught amiss?
no subject
Sunny feels relieved that he’s alright! But… is the elf concerned? Sunny can’t tell, with the way he’s leaning over. (The other really was tall!)
He shakes his head, the motion slow.]
Resting… is good… here…
no subject
You are tired?
[He knows all too well that exhaustion isn't only a function of physical exertion.]
no subject
Was Sunny tired? He always felt like he wanted to sleep, and while that might be more an ailing of his mind and the fact that it was habit for four years… right now? He was simply relaxed.
Still, the teen hummed, the note flat like the rest of his attempts.]
Maybe…? [If he could be grateful for anything in death, it was that he didn’t need basic functions. He could sleep whenever and however long he wanted. Still… it probably wasn’t a good idea to do so out here, was it?]
no subject
[Has Celehar ever just laid down on some grass and relaxed there? He certainly doesn't look like the type. But having at least confirmed that Sunny hasn't just been struck down by some onslaught of acute exhaustion (or depression), he's less inclined to try and chivvy the young man to his feet.
If anyone understands the reality of sometimes simply failing to get back on one's feet, it's Celehar.]
no subject
Sunny pats the ground near him.
It’s soft. See? Perfect nap material!]
Here…
[If Celehar’s own lack of experience with laying on the ground is apparent, the teen doesn’t say so. Really, his own breadth of experience helps even it out!]
no subject
He'll catch on to the effects sooner or later, most likely.]
Mer Sunny. Did you oft find yourself this tired, during life?
the village/cohabitating, #justnagitothings
Nagito takes that one.]
NAGITO
Nagito has been matched with the perfect(?) bed.]