In answer to your suggestion Opal, it works.
Sort of. One situation where the cure might be worse than the disease.
For one, I slept about three hours longer than I intended. Might need to experiment with the dosage.
Another problem, I feel horribly ill upon waking up and I have a splitting headache. I'd take something for it, but I'm having difficulty keeping liquids in my stomach.
One step forward, two steps back.
Perhaps further experimentation is warranted.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Six?
Six days. Okay, so it's a lot to catch up on.
Raven's obviously trying to get himself killed. Theorizing like that? Testing theories?
That's not a safe place to stand.
BREAKING INTO MY HOUSE? HACKING MY BLOG?
seriously not a safe place to stand.
He posted that Truth bit. So, I have a problem. Anything more than a few minutes worth of sleep? Bang, dreaming of the fucking Forest. WHY IS THERE A FOREST IN MY HEAD?
I woke up... this afternoon I suppose. The last thing I remember was trying to stay awake, apparently this was almost a week ago though. My boots have dried mud on them. I was absolutely starving when I woke up. Weather sites say the last rain we had was earlier in the week. Real downpour by the looks of it.
So while I was gone, Raven's been posting inanities here. And maybe I have, I don't think he could do that good a job of faking that pretentious BS of his. It's positively oozing through the last couple posts here.
My arms and knees are pretty banged up. Some nice bruises. Really sore. I have not been lightly used. Which worries me. Checked my things. The gun is where I left it. It's a little dusty. Which is a good thing. None of the pointy things in the house have been moved.
Also good.
I have no idea what happened during those six days. See if I can keep up this particular stretch of wakefulness a bit longer. I don't want to sleep. I am terrified of going to sleep. There is something in that forest. And I really don't want to find out what.
Obvious problem. If I sleep, the forest is waiting for me. I don't want to find out what happens if I try to stay awake that long again.
No cryptic writing on my forearm this time. That's a plus I suppose.
Raven's obviously trying to get himself killed. Theorizing like that? Testing theories?
That's not a safe place to stand.
BREAKING INTO MY HOUSE? HACKING MY BLOG?
seriously not a safe place to stand.
He posted that Truth bit. So, I have a problem. Anything more than a few minutes worth of sleep? Bang, dreaming of the fucking Forest. WHY IS THERE A FOREST IN MY HEAD?
I woke up... this afternoon I suppose. The last thing I remember was trying to stay awake, apparently this was almost a week ago though. My boots have dried mud on them. I was absolutely starving when I woke up. Weather sites say the last rain we had was earlier in the week. Real downpour by the looks of it.
So while I was gone, Raven's been posting inanities here. And maybe I have, I don't think he could do that good a job of faking that pretentious BS of his. It's positively oozing through the last couple posts here.
My arms and knees are pretty banged up. Some nice bruises. Really sore. I have not been lightly used. Which worries me. Checked my things. The gun is where I left it. It's a little dusty. Which is a good thing. None of the pointy things in the house have been moved.
Also good.
I have no idea what happened during those six days. See if I can keep up this particular stretch of wakefulness a bit longer. I don't want to sleep. I am terrified of going to sleep. There is something in that forest. And I really don't want to find out what.
Obvious problem. If I sleep, the forest is waiting for me. I don't want to find out what happens if I try to stay awake that long again.
No cryptic writing on my forearm this time. That's a plus I suppose.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Exit The Captain; Enter A Raven
A moment, ladies and gentlemen, of your time.
Assuming no one minds.
I didn't think so.
Our dear Captain, who has so recently departed from the play, will return shortly. Assuming all goes well. Of that I will assure you. But the rest of this particular scene is mine. He may be a little worse for wear, but I believe that will not last. Most Stalked have remarkably resilient minds. I suppose it's a necessity.
~Corwin
Act 1; Scene 2
Enter A Runner; followed by A Proxy and a Second Proxy
The Runner stumbles and falls.
The Proxy draws a knife.
The Proxy Stabs the Runner
Exeunt all but the Runner
Enter Slender Man
Fade to black
End Scene 2
Incidentally, Mr. Fitzgerald, I would advise you to check your mail. I prefer polite correspondence to this particular variety of theatrics.
There is, after all, no shame in asking for help if you can't work out the problem yourself.
Assuming no one minds.
I didn't think so.
Our dear Captain, who has so recently departed from the play, will return shortly. Assuming all goes well. Of that I will assure you. But the rest of this particular scene is mine. He may be a little worse for wear, but I believe that will not last. Most Stalked have remarkably resilient minds. I suppose it's a necessity.
~Corwin
Act 1; Scene 2
Enter A Runner; followed by A Proxy and a Second Proxy
The Runner stumbles and falls.
The Proxy draws a knife.
The Proxy Stabs the Runner
Exeunt all but the Runner
Enter Slender Man
Fade to black
End Scene 2
Incidentally, Mr. Fitzgerald, I would advise you to check your mail. I prefer polite correspondence to this particular variety of theatrics.
There is, after all, no shame in asking for help if you can't work out the problem yourself.
The Truth
Raven, or whatever is making me write on my arms, has unnervingly accurate information.
So, truth will out, in any case.
The truth, is that the dreams have been getting worse. I can't avoid the forest when I sleep. I wake up with a cold sweat, screaming bloody murder.
The dark forest is always waiting.Twisted, blackened tress with their black and shrivelled leaves. The trees are too close together to see anything coming at you or plot a course. And there's always something watching you, moving just at the corner of your eye.
Whatever it is, you can't hear it coming. The drumming sees to that. Incessant drumming from the black, soulless heart of that forest. Like a pulse. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. The wind rustles the leaves as well, a senseless susurration that never quite stops.
There is no discernible source of light. No sun, stars or moon light the canopy overhead. Instead, the light sems to come at you from every direction, a sort of green-yellow-grey ambience that pervades the entire forest, and casts no shadows.
I don't want to go to the forest He livesi n the trees the trees are too close theyretryingtogetme
The storm is coming.
So, truth will out, in any case.
The truth, is that the dreams have been getting worse. I can't avoid the forest when I sleep. I wake up with a cold sweat, screaming bloody murder.
The dark forest is always waiting.Twisted, blackened tress with their black and shrivelled leaves. The trees are too close together to see anything coming at you or plot a course. And there's always something watching you, moving just at the corner of your eye.
Whatever it is, you can't hear it coming. The drumming sees to that. Incessant drumming from the black, soulless heart of that forest. Like a pulse. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. The wind rustles the leaves as well, a senseless susurration that never quite stops.
There is no discernible source of light. No sun, stars or moon light the canopy overhead. Instead, the light sems to come at you from every direction, a sort of green-yellow-grey ambience that pervades the entire forest, and casts no shadows.
I don't want to go to the forest He livesi n the trees the trees are too close theyretryingtogetme
The storm is coming.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Infection
The transmission of TPF from person to person can be said to at most resemble a disease, and it is on this metaphor that we must draw in order to understand. Like any metaphor, while not being strictly accurate, it may aid the understanding of an otherwise complex topic.
Vectors
To begin with, the Affliction must be transmissible from person to person in some way. These, as with any disease, are what will be called "vectors", agents that carry and transmit the disease.
The most obvious means of transmitting the Affliction is word of mouth, but it is also among the least effective, the least likely to ensure that the Affliction will find a new host. Compare this to brushing up against someone with a cold.
The next most transmissible means is incidentally-related media, forms of parody or artistic works which, while channelling TPF in one way or another, do not entice in the way that other vectors do. Fictional characters which seem to channel some of the nature of TPF are included in this group. Compare this to being in an elevator while someone coughs.
This is followed by the most widespread vector. Indeed, this particular symptom is rampant. The spread of media related to TPF and his affliction. Records of the Affliction, or works of fiction that depict it mostly accurately, are easily accessible through the internet. Vlogs, Blogs, Fiction, ARGS and artwork depicting TPF all fall under this category. It is here that the lure is almost at its full strength. The way that this information is accessed, it is very easy for someone to dig through and find still more information. Compare this to being in an airplane for a few with someone who has a cold and is coughing and sneezing.
The most infectious vector, indeed the most insidious is that of the Quarantined. This vector manifests itself as a set of behaviours within a Stalked that will most likely lead to a continued infection. The creation of notebooks and other cryptic data, combined with the death or disappearance of the Stalked individual make the draw often irresistible. Compare this with a direct injection of the infectious agent.
Symptoms
The obvious symptom of the disease is the mere apparition of TPF. This is the only true way to confirm an infection. Other common symptoms, the presence of black-outs, the urge to keep a notebook or record information in some way. Repeatedly drawing operator symbols or other representations of TPF, paranoia, the presence of Turned or Agents, drawing or writing that one does not remember making but which has almost certainly be done in their hand. The need to
record everything is not an uncommon one. Symptoms may develop of a second illness 'the Slender-sickness' as well as degeneration of mental stability.
Treatment
The Affliction is usually a terminal one. The patient either succumbs to the mental component of the Affliction and becomes a Turned carrier, or dies. The only known "treatment" has been to expunge the knowledge of TPF from the mind using amnesiacs. This seems to be largely ineffective as re-infection progresses much more quickly a second time than it did the first. It is, at best, an emergency measure and at worst a grand error in judgment.
Vectors
To begin with, the Affliction must be transmissible from person to person in some way. These, as with any disease, are what will be called "vectors", agents that carry and transmit the disease.
The most obvious means of transmitting the Affliction is word of mouth, but it is also among the least effective, the least likely to ensure that the Affliction will find a new host. Compare this to brushing up against someone with a cold.
The next most transmissible means is incidentally-related media, forms of parody or artistic works which, while channelling TPF in one way or another, do not entice in the way that other vectors do. Fictional characters which seem to channel some of the nature of TPF are included in this group. Compare this to being in an elevator while someone coughs.
This is followed by the most widespread vector. Indeed, this particular symptom is rampant. The spread of media related to TPF and his affliction. Records of the Affliction, or works of fiction that depict it mostly accurately, are easily accessible through the internet. Vlogs, Blogs, Fiction, ARGS and artwork depicting TPF all fall under this category. It is here that the lure is almost at its full strength. The way that this information is accessed, it is very easy for someone to dig through and find still more information. Compare this to being in an airplane for a few with someone who has a cold and is coughing and sneezing.
The most infectious vector, indeed the most insidious is that of the Quarantined. This vector manifests itself as a set of behaviours within a Stalked that will most likely lead to a continued infection. The creation of notebooks and other cryptic data, combined with the death or disappearance of the Stalked individual make the draw often irresistible. Compare this with a direct injection of the infectious agent.
Symptoms
The obvious symptom of the disease is the mere apparition of TPF. This is the only true way to confirm an infection. Other common symptoms, the presence of black-outs, the urge to keep a notebook or record information in some way. Repeatedly drawing operator symbols or other representations of TPF, paranoia, the presence of Turned or Agents, drawing or writing that one does not remember making but which has almost certainly be done in their hand. The need to
record everything is not an uncommon one. Symptoms may develop of a second illness 'the Slender-sickness' as well as degeneration of mental stability.
Treatment
The Affliction is usually a terminal one. The patient either succumbs to the mental component of the Affliction and becomes a Turned carrier, or dies. The only known "treatment" has been to expunge the knowledge of TPF from the mind using amnesiacs. This seems to be largely ineffective as re-infection progresses much more quickly a second time than it did the first. It is, at best, an emergency measure and at worst a grand error in judgment.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Archetypes; Cont.
The previous post described different types of Stalked as "stances" rather than "archetypes" as a result of a temporary failure of my own vocabulary. I've left the previous post as it is, but have changed the terminology here to make the information more clear.
Runners
A Runner is not to be confused with a Stalked, no matter the propensity for Agents and Turned to use the terminology as though it were interchangeable. The former is an archetype representing a certain form/type/mindset of Stalked, while the later is a blanket term for any individual who finds themselves exposed to TPF on a regular basis.
A Runner represents the urge to flee, rather than fight. The prototypical runner tends to emphasize continued movement and overall mobility as a means of safety. Left with no other choices, a Runner will likely turn to violence, but they may also do this if they feel they are being left with Hobson's Choice.
Runners tend to exhibit a sort of combined fatalism and pragmatism, which can be difficult to explain or quantify. On the one hand, many runners seem certain that they will be unable to keep running forever, but believe that to stand against TPF is a more immediate end. On the other hand, Runners seem to be practical in ways that other Stalked may not be. It could be that constant travel forces them into this mould out of necessity, or it could be that the type of mind that best exemplifies the archetype is simply well suited to a pragmatic way of life. This most often exhibits itself in the obvious ways, a tendency to travel light and with few (if any) companions and a tendency to value continued safety above other goals.
The most obvious example of a runner is M. Learn.
Observer
Not to be confused with the entity of the same name found in Tribe Twelve. An Observer is an archetype that seems to best exemplify the active, inquisitive mind. Observers seem to accept the situation as real more readily, but paradoxically also treat it with skepticism.
In it's purest form, an Observer is an individual given to theorize and test those theories whenever possible. To what end they theorize or by what means they conduct their tests varies from individual to individual. Older information may be drawn on by an Observer, but they do not seem to actively seek it out unless it directly confirms a theory.
Observers may demonstrate a detached quality, at its worst this may be identifiable as some manner of sociopathic behaviour. As well, Observers seem to fall prey to one of Nietzsche's famous quotations "If you gaze into the abyss the abyss gazes into you." Those who study TPF seem to be those who are the most changed by it. Observers may also share a lack of regard with
Jay is/was an Observer. Avalesca is a less morally gray but more self-destructive example.
Librarians
Librarians are an odd archetype. While initially they may refuse to acknowledge their situation, TPF, or even the very existence of certain phenomenon, Librarians inevitably will accept the veracity of their situation.
A Librarian may also be considered a form of archivist or recorder. Some Librarians seem to form a type of "living memory" for the Stalked community at large. Librarians seem to prefer to collate and collect pre-existing knowledge, and are not given to experiment in the way that Observers may.
The Messenger seems to be a typical (if unusually morbid) Librarian
Rabbits
Once again, not to be confused with former or current participants in the 7 Trials (hereafter the specific capitalization of RABBIT will be used). Admittedly, the Trials have been somewhat amusing in a morbid sort of way.
Not everyone can run. Not everyone is willing or able to fight. So where does that leave you?
Science says the brain decides between one of two states when it's afraid. Fight, murder the sonnovabitch before it gets you, or flight, getting the fuck out of dodge. So where do you go when you run? Back to the warren.
A Rabbit will designate a location that it feels safest in, and proceed to stay there. While some may continue forays out into the world beyond their warren, others may simply barricade themselves within as a method of protection from mundane threats associated with TPF, namely Turned and Agents.
Those Rabbits that exit out into the world tend to exhibit typical prey behaviour, perhaps moreso than other Stalked. Nervousness, a predilection to nyctophobia, marked increase in caution and suspicion are all typical. In extreme situations these may manifest as paranoia, obsession with remaining in areas which are lit, panic attacks, anxiety and even outright agoraphobia.
None of this should be taken to mean that a Rabbit is one that will not fight, just that they do not tend openly or actively aggressive unless, like any animal, its is directly threatened and unable to escape. It should be assumed that the first reaction a Rabbit will exhibit to threat, provided it is an option is flight. This does not mean that the Rabbit will proceed directly to its "Warren" merely that it will attempt to reach it in a safe manner, which may include violence against pursuers, or attempting to "shake off" those pursuing it.
M is not a Rabbit, while The Mad Ventriloquist is .
Quarantined
Quarantined Stalked are curious. They are the most common form of vector by virtue of their eventual disappearance. A Quarantined Stalked is usually one with at least an inkling of what will occur if they expose others to it. Other times, they believe themselves insane and attempt to hide their "condition".
One thing Quarantined share in common is the expression of their infection in code. Whether or not this is an attempt to remain sane amidst the madness or a symptom of the madness itself, the Quarantined seem compelled to produce notebooks, artwork (loosely used as it encompasses everything from crude children's drawings to paintings) and other vectors, often containing encoded messages and other cryptic bullshit. Quarantined also seem to be the least likely to notice black-outs until well after they've begun.
The eventual fate of a Quarantined varies, they often seem to become Turned and disappear, leading to the eventual affliction of others with TPF. The interesting thing about the way Quarantined act as a vector is the the transmission is often much more "concentrated" so to speak. The obsession that the disappearance or odd behaviours of a Quarantined can generate is much more efficient than casual exposure to media of any sort.
The most obvious example of a Quarantined and its effect as a vector may be found in Just Another Fool
Runners
A Runner is not to be confused with a Stalked, no matter the propensity for Agents and Turned to use the terminology as though it were interchangeable. The former is an archetype representing a certain form/type/mindset of Stalked, while the later is a blanket term for any individual who finds themselves exposed to TPF on a regular basis.
A Runner represents the urge to flee, rather than fight. The prototypical runner tends to emphasize continued movement and overall mobility as a means of safety. Left with no other choices, a Runner will likely turn to violence, but they may also do this if they feel they are being left with Hobson's Choice.
Runners tend to exhibit a sort of combined fatalism and pragmatism, which can be difficult to explain or quantify. On the one hand, many runners seem certain that they will be unable to keep running forever, but believe that to stand against TPF is a more immediate end. On the other hand, Runners seem to be practical in ways that other Stalked may not be. It could be that constant travel forces them into this mould out of necessity, or it could be that the type of mind that best exemplifies the archetype is simply well suited to a pragmatic way of life. This most often exhibits itself in the obvious ways, a tendency to travel light and with few (if any) companions and a tendency to value continued safety above other goals.
The most obvious example of a runner is M. Learn.
Observer
Not to be confused with the entity of the same name found in Tribe Twelve. An Observer is an archetype that seems to best exemplify the active, inquisitive mind. Observers seem to accept the situation as real more readily, but paradoxically also treat it with skepticism.
In it's purest form, an Observer is an individual given to theorize and test those theories whenever possible. To what end they theorize or by what means they conduct their tests varies from individual to individual. Older information may be drawn on by an Observer, but they do not seem to actively seek it out unless it directly confirms a theory.
Observers may demonstrate a detached quality, at its worst this may be identifiable as some manner of sociopathic behaviour. As well, Observers seem to fall prey to one of Nietzsche's famous quotations "If you gaze into the abyss the abyss gazes into you." Those who study TPF seem to be those who are the most changed by it. Observers may also share a lack of regard with
Jay is/was an Observer. Avalesca is a less morally gray but more self-destructive example.
Librarians
Librarians are an odd archetype. While initially they may refuse to acknowledge their situation, TPF, or even the very existence of certain phenomenon, Librarians inevitably will accept the veracity of their situation.
A Librarian may also be considered a form of archivist or recorder. Some Librarians seem to form a type of "living memory" for the Stalked community at large. Librarians seem to prefer to collate and collect pre-existing knowledge, and are not given to experiment in the way that Observers may.
The Messenger seems to be a typical (if unusually morbid) Librarian
Rabbits
Once again, not to be confused with former or current participants in the 7 Trials (hereafter the specific capitalization of RABBIT will be used). Admittedly, the Trials have been somewhat amusing in a morbid sort of way.
Not everyone can run. Not everyone is willing or able to fight. So where does that leave you?
Science says the brain decides between one of two states when it's afraid. Fight, murder the sonnovabitch before it gets you, or flight, getting the fuck out of dodge. So where do you go when you run? Back to the warren.
A Rabbit will designate a location that it feels safest in, and proceed to stay there. While some may continue forays out into the world beyond their warren, others may simply barricade themselves within as a method of protection from mundane threats associated with TPF, namely Turned and Agents.
Those Rabbits that exit out into the world tend to exhibit typical prey behaviour, perhaps moreso than other Stalked. Nervousness, a predilection to nyctophobia, marked increase in caution and suspicion are all typical. In extreme situations these may manifest as paranoia, obsession with remaining in areas which are lit, panic attacks, anxiety and even outright agoraphobia.
None of this should be taken to mean that a Rabbit is one that will not fight, just that they do not tend openly or actively aggressive unless, like any animal, its is directly threatened and unable to escape. It should be assumed that the first reaction a Rabbit will exhibit to threat, provided it is an option is flight. This does not mean that the Rabbit will proceed directly to its "Warren" merely that it will attempt to reach it in a safe manner, which may include violence against pursuers, or attempting to "shake off" those pursuing it.
M is not a Rabbit, while The Mad Ventriloquist is .
Quarantined
Quarantined Stalked are curious. They are the most common form of vector by virtue of their eventual disappearance. A Quarantined Stalked is usually one with at least an inkling of what will occur if they expose others to it. Other times, they believe themselves insane and attempt to hide their "condition".
One thing Quarantined share in common is the expression of their infection in code. Whether or not this is an attempt to remain sane amidst the madness or a symptom of the madness itself, the Quarantined seem compelled to produce notebooks, artwork (loosely used as it encompasses everything from crude children's drawings to paintings) and other vectors, often containing encoded messages and other cryptic bullshit. Quarantined also seem to be the least likely to notice black-outs until well after they've begun.
The eventual fate of a Quarantined varies, they often seem to become Turned and disappear, leading to the eventual affliction of others with TPF. The interesting thing about the way Quarantined act as a vector is the the transmission is often much more "concentrated" so to speak. The obsession that the disappearance or odd behaviours of a Quarantined can generate is much more efficient than casual exposure to media of any sort.
The most obvious example of a Quarantined and its effect as a vector may be found in Just Another Fool
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