Dirty Talk/Three Brats/June 12th, 2021/Punishments: Difference between revisions

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{{EmiliaContacts |says=Okay, let's talk more about rules. You two explained pretty well what they are, but what exactly happens if we break the rules?}}
{{EmiliaContacts |says=So, umm, these ''punishments'' … What exactly happens if we break the rules?}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Riiight, this is where things get complicated…<br>First of all, we don't actually have any evidence of any punishment taking place. Sure, we've heard stories and rumors, but we have no first-hand experience.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Riiight, this is where things get complicated . . . You see, we don't actually have any evidence of any punishment taking place. Sure, we've heard stories and rumors, but we have no first-hand experience.}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=…So does that mean that the punishments aren't actually true?}}
{{EmiliaContacts |says=…So does that mean that the punishments aren't actually true?}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=*giggle* Who knows～ ?<br>The biggest reason for why we have no experience is because we've never broken any rules! We're good, good girls. Besides, I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to test the patience of gods…}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=*giggle* Who knows～ ? The biggest reason why we have no experience is because we've never broken any rules! Sure, we like to cause trouble, but we're good, good girls, and nobody has ever tried to break the rules at our expense either! <br><br>Besides, I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to test the patience of gods…}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Yeah, me neither… N-not that I actually believe in any of this superstitious nonsense… I just follow the rules because it makes playing this game all the more fun.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Yeah, me neither… N-not that I actually believe in any of this superstitious nonsense… I just follow the rules because they make this game fun and safe. Besides, it's OUR job to make sure rules are followed. Remember? <br><br><span style="font-size:75%">Milka, the booklet!</span> …See, [[Dirty Talk/Three Brats/June 12th, 2021/Marks, Colors and Rules|right here!]] It says, ''"you have a right and a responsibility to enforce the rules."''}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Just admit it! <span style="font-size:150%">♪</span><br>There's truth to these old legends and you know it!}}
{{EmiliaContacts |says=So if ''they'' break the rules, it's our responsibility to let them know and make them stop, or…?}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Well, it doesn't matter to me anyway, as I intend to follow them.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=That's how this stuff works in my opinion, yeah.}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=I would never dare to break them either…<br>But, for the sake of argument, let's assume that the gods, the legends and the punishment are one hundred percent real…}}
{{EmiliaContacts |says=If we don't say anything?}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Heidi said things get a little complicated, and she wasn't kidding. You see, that there are no clear rules for gods in regards to how they punish us. It sounds a little counter-productive at face value, because why have set rules if there aren't set punishments? The problem is that the two spirits we share this land with are egoistical beings with their own flawed personalities, weaknesses and such . . . and then there's the problem with each and every situation being different to another. Is it your first offense, or your tenth? Is it a mild offense, or did you break the strictest rule possible? These are all factors to be considered, and there's not one set punishment that can be applied to all situations.<br>However, there are some general trends in regards to what they do to us if we break the rules. Almost all the punishments to us are laid out by Kostikki, as he does not like being teased or provoked at all.<br>The most typical punishment for us is his curse, which turns whatever mark you're currently wearing into a black variant of it. Alternatively, if you're not currently wearing a mark but break the rules anyway, you will get a black version of whichever mark you last wore.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=''"No harm, no foul"''. But really, you ''should'' say something if you're feeling uncomfortable…}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=So wait…<br>Black star means you're a bad girl who needs to be punished. To be forced to wear one is pretty extreme… I mean, some stranger could even kidnap us, could they not?}}
{{EmiliaContacts |says=And if they don't listen?}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Yeah, it is extreme. Rules indeed go flying out of window once you're discovered with a black star. They can do whatever they want, but only for as long as the black star is visible. Once it disappears, once you've been punished, you're free to go.}}
{{HeidiS |says=Well, we call the cops on their asses, and they end up in jail. Or worse…}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=But couldn't you just remove or hide it then?}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=You're SO naïve, Heidi.}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=It won't work. It will be like a tattoo, and you can't wash it off. No amount of soap or rubbing alcohol will help. Hide it with a bandage? It'll magically move it's place elsewhere, like in the middle of your cheek or forehead.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=What? I'm just a little skeptical, okay? Besides, we DO have a responsibility.}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=…Yikes…<br>…And how long are you forced to wear one then?}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Yeah, of course we do, but who punishes us when we break the rules?}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Right, this is where the punishments differ. <br><br>In mild cases, they can be washed right off, which basically means that you're being warned for doing something wrong. It's Kostikki's way of telling us to "cut it out, or else". Sometimes Lauhatar will also punish or warn us in this way, and fortunately for us it's the most she'll ever do to us. In a similar way, it's her way of saying "be careful or you'll get in trouble".<br><br>But then, maybe you didn't heed the warnings or you broke a more strict rule; now we're talking about the kind of star you can't simply just wash off or hide. This punishment is typically timed, which means that you might have to wear it for one day straight. Of course, if you want to get rid of it faster, you just have to get punished. This can happen even unwillingly or willingly. Find someone you can trust and tell him you've been a bad girl. It should still be effective if you're not known to be a troublemaker. If you are, well . . . tough luck. <br><br>Regarding this, the repeated and stricter violations typically just increase the length of the punishment, but there is also one significant exception: sometimes Kostikki can only be truly satisfied if the one you wronged gets his justice over you. Say, for example, you wear a pink star and some gentleman you find physically unattractive or even repulsive approaches you . . . say, you tell him something rude while refusing him, like "as if I'd ever do it with a ugly fatass like you". Not very nice, would not say!? That would make the punishment such that you HAVE to serve the guy you just insulted in order to get rid of the star immediately. Otherwise you'd have to either carry the star for a REALLY long time, or be punished by someone else for a little bit more than usual. <br><br>Lastly, there's a little case of Kostikki interpreting your actions as you "asking" to be punished. If you break the rules with the sole purpose of wanting to get into trouble, he will gladly answer. He won't be angry, but he'll punish you nonetheless because it's exactly what you want. He may even look at you more favorably if you do that. In these cases, you can just wash the star off when you want, but he'll paint it on you to save you time.<br><br>In nutshell, it all depends on the situation.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=We … just don't break the rules.}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=Well, I suppose it makes sense for the gods to judge us on the case by case basis.<br>How strict are the rules then? Like, how likely are we to get punished?}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=But what happens ''IF'' we do, Heidi? And what will happen if someone gets away with hurting you? Your ''"LoGiCaL tHiNkInG"'' can't answer that.}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Like we said, we don't know. Personally, I'm not even sure if these rules are real…}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Am I seriously being mocked for trying to be logical? For advocating personal fucking responsibility?}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=They are. Trust me.}}
{{MilkaShockB|says=Nuh-uh, I'm not trying to mock you or anything…}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Fine…<br>Well, assuming they are true, they are somewhat strict. With rules where leeway is allowed, you may not be even be warned the first time around, but with clear violations you will ALWAYS be warned ''at very least'' ! Punishments will start off mild and then ramp up, but you'll have to consider that even the mild punishments can turn brutal if you're unlucky.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Look, I'm just not a big believer in the supernatural, okay? I KNOW the rules are important to keep the game fun for everybody involved, but I'd rather not feed her lies and fearmonger.}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=…Or lucky, if you're into that shit.<br>*giggle* Maybe you are? Is that why you're asking? I won't judge～ !}}
{{MilkaShock |mech=It's SO not fearmongering! The rules, the gods, and the punishments … they are all real!}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=I don't think I am into being punished to be perfectly honest…<br>So far we've only talked about the black star though. What's the deal with the black suits?}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=How do you know it for sure?}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=<span style="font-size:150%; color: #000000">'''♢'''</span> First of all, with the black diamond, there's not much of a difference. Only real difference is that it'll announce that you're a pervert on top of being a bad girl who needs to be punished. A double whammy! The punishments might be a little shorter than normal as Kostikki does always appreciate a pervert, but that also means that the punishments will come a lot easier. Even a slight misdemeanor might get you into hot water. Still, shouldn't be a problem as long as you just follow the rules to the T.<br><span style="font-size:150%; color: #000000">'''♡'''</span> With the black heart, things get very, very complicated indeed. There are two problems here. Firstly, punishments are meant to be temporary, while heart is all about long-term commitment. Secondly, there aren't that many rules you play under while wearing a heart anyway! Of course it IS still theoretically possible for there to be a black heart, but how would you even interpret it? Like, does it mean you literally have to become a girlfriend of the first guy who asks you out or what? It's not something you're likely to be punished with, ever, even if you break the most strictest of rules. You're more likely to be punished with a star if you break the rules while wearing a heart.<br><span style="font-size:150%; color: #000000">'''♧'''</span><span style="font-size:150%; color: #000000">'''♤'''</span> With the club and the spades you can imagine the harshest of punishments. Like, if they mean the desire to be a slave or a pet, then with a black one, it means you can be made into a slave or a pet, even against your will. We're talking about the kind of punishments that don't just go away after a while, not even after you "learn" your lesson. If Kostikki gets an opportunity to turn your club or your spade into a black one, he will revel in that opportunity as much as he can. You might pray to him asking why oh why would he be so harsh when the punishment doesn't fit the crime, and he would just reply by asking, "is that not what you wanted when you wore your spade in the first place?". This is just another reason why we'd generally advise against wearing pink clubs and spares, unless you really, REALLY want to try out something new and extreme. Consequences are equally extreme and terrifying, so be very careful indeed.}}
{{MilkaShockB |says=Weeeellll… Like you just said before… There are stories and rumors…}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=From what I'm hearing, Kostikki can never turn a star or a heart into a spade or a club though?}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=But how do you know they're "real" stories, and not just made-up ones?}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Yeah, he can't do that. You can't be punished in the literally harshest way possible unless you specifically "ask for it", as they say.}}
{{EmiliaContacts |says=L-let's just assume they are all true… What even are these stories and rumors, then?}}


{{EmiliaContacts |thinks=That's a huge relief. I can't even think what I would do if I was literally forced to wear a black spade tattoo I couldn't remove no matter what I did…}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Well, the stories of us Star-Bearers being punished are rare. It's not that the rule-breaking doesn't occur; it's just that the people who break them are typically too ashamed to admit it, so it remains a secret.}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=Also, it does indeed sound like all these punishments that are directed at the Star-Bearers are by Kostikki, but what about those who took advantage of Star-Bearers?}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=<span style="font-size:75%">I can't believe you actually buy that argument…</span>}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Those punishments are even more complicated. Kostikki does want to corrupt us, but there are still limits to what even he would want. In the end, what he wants is pleasure for all parties. If we scream, cry, and get depressed and suicidal the moment we experience some uncomfortable sex . . . well, that wouldn't make Kostikki happy! Physical violence for him is a big no-no, for example. This is why he CAN punish those who would dare to try hurt us, and protect us from the most extreme of harm. <br><br>That being said, most of these punishments are handed over by Lauhatar. She wants us to be free and feel sexually liberated for our sacrifice of trying to appease Kostikki, keep him happy and keep him satisfied. If someone tries to disrupt that balance, she will get mad. Like, really mad. Scarily mad. Insanely mad. I can't even think of a superlative to describe how mad she would get.<br>I myself said that she's nearly not as strong as Kostikki is, but to say that she's weak is a bit of an misconception. Her curses are versatile, long-lasting and most importantly, strong, even fatal.<br>She has no real rules on standards on how to punish those who she deems worthy of her wrath, as she is known to be a lot more fickle than Kostikki. A lot more emotional too. She tends to use a lot of imagination with her punishments too. Maybe a man who has wronged us falls from a boat on a fishing trip and gets bitten in his dick by a lake-dwelling pike? Maybe a tree falls over them and they break an arm? Maybe a lightning strike leaves them injured, or even a car crash? Those things can turn fatal, you know…<br>Of course, there are also more traditional curses. One things she's said to love is to turn the men who wrong us permanently flaccid. You know what that means? It means they can no longer get ''IT'' up! Or maybe she'll steal their testicles, I don't know. I'm sure not even she knows! Like I said, she's fickle, and very imaginative!}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=One such story comes from my granny. Back when she was young, she had a close friend who quit wearing the star after she got cursed for breaking the rules far too many times. It freaked her out, she tried to hide it and pleaded for forgiveness, but her violation had been severe. When the locals finally caught up to her, she was punished and taught the - }}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=Well, it's a good thing you girls don't have to worry too much about facing ''her'' wrath then, huh? She sounds scarier than Kostikki in her own way.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Milka, just stop. She didn't quit because she got ''punished.'' She was fucking RAPED.}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Hell hath no fury like woman's scorn, as they say.}}
{{MilkaShockB |says=I-I know that the villagers went WAY too far, but that still WAS her punishment.}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=One thing that really puzzles me about all of this though…<br>What incentive is there for anyone to punish us on Kostikki's behalf then?}}
{{EmiliaEh |says=H-hold up…}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=An excellent question, little miss Björnquist!<br>It's because they fear Kostikki. As explained, Kostikki punishes us if he doesn't get his way with us. However, he can't under normal circumstances punish us himself, not unless he gets mad. Displeasing him is easy, but getting him mad isn't. That's fortunately a good thing, as you DO NOT want him to get mad.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=No, Milka. This is not just me speaking. It's what your grandmother told us.}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=S-so, what happens if he gets mad?}}
{{MilkaShockB |says=I-I knoooow! But…}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=As you heard from the story, he can do little sexual pranks first, posses individual villagers next, and control their minds on a large scale to do his bidding and such last. All of these are things he only resorts to if nobody else is willing to do his bidding. People don't generally want their bodies to be taken over by perverted mountain gods, don't you think? Having your brains poked and altered by him isn't something people aren't too keen on either. Don't think this can happen just to men either; Kostikki might even brainwash you into being a sex-crazed nymphomaniac!}}
{{EmiliaEh |says=J-just, stop arguing… I just… I want to, no… I NEED to know what will happen, so that I can stay safe…}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Wouldn't have to do that to you as you're already a fucking perverted nympho.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=*sigh* Fine, I concede defeat. Besides, it doesn't hurt to tell, especially since there are important lessons to be learned.}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Ermmm . . . no you!}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=[[Dirty Talk/Three Brats/June 12th, 2021/Marks, Colors and Rules |It's all in the same booklet we already gave you.]] See? There are still some pages left to read. I can read it to you if you want to.}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=*giggle*}}
{{EmiliaEh |says=Please do, but before that… <br><br>I'm almost afraid to ask, but how exactly ''was'' she punished then to warrant something so horrible?}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Anyway, as you know from the story I told you, this is essentially what happened back in the days, which is the reason for why Lauhatar suggested having young sacrifices for him in the first place. This is still a scenario what we all want to avoid as a community, but it's not actually the worst-case scenario. The worst case is that his influence starts to grow and that he can just gain hold of even larger population beyond just this tiny village and it's immediate surroundings. He's easy to contain here, but imagine him having influence over a city the size of Stockholm, or even the entire Scandinavia? What if in his anger he demands just more and more and eventually even condones rape? What happens when the hordes of brainwashed zombies rape women and children in masses?}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Well, we already told you about the "Black Star" and what it means to wear one. That's how we get punished most of the time, by being '''"cursed"''' with it, and forced to wear it.}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=He couldn't seriously do something like that though?}}
{{EmiliaEh |says=But like, what does the punishment ''actually'' mean? What will they do if they can punish us?}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Yeah, probably not, but he is still force to be feared. Nobody knows what he truly can do, and my example, while extreme, could be possible!<br>The point is, nobody wants to provoke his anger, not the people who rely on our "services", not even the people who claim to serve him. That's why, when he marks someone as subject for punishment, people tend to listen and obey.}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Well, just a second, I'm gonna skip a few pages to read it word for word:}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=Hmmmm… Okay… I'm starting to understand why it really, REALLY is important to follow rules then.}}
{{DT-Book |says=<span style="font-size:150%; color: #000000">★</span> ''''You will typically be punished simply through having sex; through vaginal or anal intercourse, by giving or receiving oral, or by being groped and fingered. Both spanking, sex toys, and being tied up are also on the menu. It's all standard stuff you'll probably be doing with your clients anyway if you end up wearing a normal star, with the only difference being that they will not have to ask for permission before they do you!"''}}


{{EmiliaContacts |thinks=…Although admittedly, all this still sounds unbelievable. If it is true, then yeah, rules MUST be followed. If not, well . . . the rules are sensible, so they should be followed anyway.}}
{{EmiliaEh |says=T-that sounds a little extreme…}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=All of this kind of makes me wonder how long one must do this then.<br>Like, you're both Star-Bearers. Can you just quit being one if you don't like it anymore?}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Yeah, it is extreme. Most rules go flying out of the window once you're discovered with a black star, but only for as long as the black star is visible. Once it disappears, once you've been punished, you're free to go.}}


{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Yep! Wear a star today? Great! Don't wanna do it tomorrow? Also great! Take a break for a year? No problem! You can even quit altogether! There's no rule that says you must stay a Star-Bearer forever if you try it once. It can be a one-time thing, or a year-long commitment.}}
{{EmiliaEh |says=B-but not all rules…?}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Only situation where you must be one is if Lauhatar herself chooses you as one, but even then, it should be viewed as a honor, not a burden.<br>Like I said earlier, my granny was chosen as one when she was young. Nobody has been chosen ever since because there hasn't been a need for it, and there's unlikely to be a need for it either considering how many of us wearing the stars already are. Like trust me, me and Heidi may be the only locals doing it right now - as far as we know anyway - but there are others as well, and there have been others before us as well.}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Well, the rules about the secrecy of this game also apply, for example.}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=You also mentioned Kostikki's influence. The term "area of influence" was also thrown around in the rules. What does it mean, and does it factor into punishments?}}
{{EmiliaEh |says=B-but our consent is also part of the rules! Could ''THEY'' violate those rules then?}}


{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Oh, right! I totally ignored that important fact!<br>Since Kostikki is tied to the little mountain the village and the lake are on the slopes of, he can only influence an area directly surrounding it. I'm not sure how big his area of influence exactly is; twenty or thirty kilometers in circumference maybe? Obviously, you cannot be cursed by him if you break the rules outside this area. He will know if you ever return here though, so don't go breaking rules in a neighboring village or a big city just because you think you're safe!<br>Escaping his curse is also possible. You can't remove the star here, but if you decide to leave the village, you can wash it off. He will be very pissed by this and curse you again if you return, probably with even a longer curse than last time around, and if you give him power to brainwash or possess people, he ''CAN'' technically send his goons your way.}}
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=''"The one who breaks the rules first must also accept to have their rules violated"'', or something like that.}}


{{EmiliaContacts |says=Okay, makes sense. I think that's enough information about rules then.}}
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Yeah, I mean, it sounds terribly unfair, doesn't it? But the fact remains that you violated someone's rights in this game first. Even if you don't believe in this stuff, you need to take responsibility for that.}}
 
{{EmiliaEh |thinks=That's so scary … but maybe I'm overreacting a little. If I don't break the rules, I won't get punished…<br><br>…And that's assuming this is real … and that I'm even going to participate in this game … which I might not…}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Why not just read the whole thing from the top, Milka. Otherwise, we'll be here sitting all freaking day.}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Sure! *rustle* Let me just find the right page:}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=''"Just as the society enforces laws that must be followed in order to maintain a just and fair society, so does the game the Star-Bearers and those who seek them play, and just as every crime has an appropriate punishment attached to it, so does every rule the Star-Bearers and those who seek them play under. It is of utmost importance for those playing to know the rules perfectly to guarantee a "safe", a "fair", and most importantly, a "fun" environment for everybody involved."'' <br><br>''"The rules, as we mortals understand them, come directly from the gods, their interplay with each other, and their conflicting opinions. Similarly, the punishments we will receive for our potential injustices are born of conflict between us and our differences of opinion regarding what can and can't be considered "fun". As long as everyone involved is having "fun" and "enjoying themselves", no conflict can be considered to have taken place, and thus no godly intervention can be deemed necessary."'' <br><br>''"However, it is of utmost importance to understand that gods see everything, hear everything, and feel every emotion, both strong and weak, positive and negative. They see what mortals can not, and based on this information, they may try to dial down, warn, and even discourage those they deem as threats to the overall stability of the greater environment of this land and its residents."''}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=…And that's the introduction and overview. Does it sound scary to you?}}
 
{{EmiliaShy |says=It does, a little, but… I…}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=I-I mean, I initially got the impression that to be punished with a Black Star is like walking around with a "rape me" sign written on me or something, and I got so scared…}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=It's really, ''really'' not like that…}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Still, there IS a distant possibility to keep in mind, but then again, it shouldn't be any different from any other color or marking. If someone is deadset on hurting you, they will probably find an excuse to do so, star or no star. <br><br>Besides, even though what happened to that girl we talked about was horrible, it was a different time back then, and if the story is to be fully believed, she had made Kostikki blinded with rage. It's not an easy thing to do, and Milka's granny could've just told that story to us to scare us.}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Besides, the people here have it in their best interest to keep us happy and make sure we continue playing ''EVEN'' after being punished. You know, because there are so few of us.}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Yeah, if someone ''ACTUALLY'' raped us while we wearing a Black Star and made us quit altogether because of it, a punishment from the gods would be the least of their worries. There would be angry mobs marching with torches and pitchforks shouting ''"Off with their heads!"''}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Hahaha, right… They don't want us to quit…}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Exactly! <br><br>Still, I guess the lesson of that story is that while it ''CAN'' happen, it's pretty much only the absolute worst-case scenario.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Makes me think, is there a chance we could be forced to quit by the gods themselves?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=There is, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Listen up, this is about the nature of punishments:}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=''"The punishments themselves take many forms and will always be enforced case by case, meaning there is no absolute rule book on what may and may not happen. Different violations can be categorized based on severity, and the same violation can even result in a different kind of punishment based on the wrongdoer's past. Violating "the pact of secrecy" is very different from "violating one's consent", as is "refusal of service" from "continuous refusal of service". Intent also matters, meaning that accidental, unintended violations can be shown leeway towards and sometimes even wholly excused. However, not knowing the rules is never an excuse, especially when it comes to the strictest rules, such as blackmail, various violations of one's consent, and the act of getting someone in legal trouble on purpose."''}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |thinks=That eases most of my worries even more. I mean, it just wouldn't make sense for the gods to get pissed at us for refusing service once or twice…}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Any questions? If not, let's talk more about the "Curse's" nature.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=I guess that's the most important part for us…}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=I'll skip through the part where the Black Star is explained, but it'll be referenced a lot here:}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=''"Star-Bearers have <b>two different punishments</b> they can receive, but there's still a lot of nuance involved."'' <br><br>''"First punishment is called the <b>"Curse of the Black Star"</b>. The length of the curse is always determined case by case, but the punishments will always ramp up on repeat violations. As a beginner, and in case of minor violations, you may receive a Black Star that can be removed immediately, which basically means that you're being warned for doing something wrong. It's Kostikki's way of telling us to "cut it out, or else". Lauhatar may also warn us in this way, which is her way of saying "be careful, or you'll get in trouble"."''  <br><br>''"But then, maybe you didn't heed the warnings, or you broke a more strict rule; now Kostikki has taken attention, and he does not like to have his patience tested. He will curse you with the kind of star you can't simply wash off, and now you're stuck with it."''}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=…Yikes…<br><br>So, how to get rid of it then?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Well, the book says that the punishments are timed, meaning you might have to wear it for one day straight, for example. It could also be just an hour. It may even take a month…}}
 
{{EmiliaEh |thinks=A month? Holy fuck…}}
 
{{EmiliaEh |says=But like, is there a way to make it go away faster?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Of course there is: by actually getting punished!}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=''"You can hide it and repent over your crimes in silence, similar to how a real criminal would serve their time behind bars. To remove the Black Star faster, you must perform a sexual service. Either find yourself a partner of your own choosing or let yourself be discovered by someone in the know. Just be warned that Kostikki will allow the "punisher" to take certain liberties with how you will be treated after you're discovered. This may even make you feel uncomfortable, but a trusted and reliable "punisher" will always do their best to discipline you responsibly. Their job, first and foremost, is always to '''correct your ways''' and '''steer you back on a lawful path''', not to rape you and make you quit out of fear. They will know when to stop, for Kostikki will remove the star the second he thinks you've had enough."''}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=My tip, do what the booklet says regarding finding a partner. Find someone you can trust and tell him you've been a bad girl. Show them the star, apologize for what you've done, and say you won't do it again. They will punish you, and that's that. It's literally the best way to get rid of the star, according to my granny.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=I don't know if I know anyone I would trust that much, except maybe my parents…}}
 
{{HeidiB |says=You can trust me!}}
 
{{EmiliaBlush |mech=WHAAAT!?}}
 
{{MilkaLewd |says=Ooooh, you can also trust me! I'll spank you silly if you ever show up with a black star in my goddamn presence!}}
 
{{HeidiB |says=And I won't leave you off that easy! Spanking is simply the beginning of what you deserve!}}
 
{{EmiliaBlush |says=C-come on now…}}
 
{{MilkaLewd |says=*giggle* Maybe that's what you want, huh? Is that why you're asking so many questions?}}
 
{{EmiliaBlush |mech=A-as if! Stop teasing me like that! I'm just asking to be cautious!}}
 
{{MilkaLewd |says=Speaking of enjoying to be punished:}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=''"Lastly, Kostikki can and will sometimes interpret your actions as you "asking" to be punished. If you break the rules with the sole purpose of wanting to get into trouble, he will gladly answer. He won't be angry, but he'll punish you nonetheless because it's exactly what you want and deserve. He may even look at you more favorably if you do so."''}}
 
{{MilkaLewd |says=I won't judge. Just sayin'.}}
 
{{EmiliaShy |thinks=Sheesh, my heart…}}
 
{{EmiliaShy |says=Yes, I . . . I guess I can trust you two then…}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=S-so, wasn't there a second possible punishment…?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=That would be '''Expulsion''':}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=''"You can be expelled from the game - either temporarily or indefinitely - if the gods consider you an overall risk to the safety or the secrecy of this community. Once expelled, you are no longer allowed to participate in the game in any way, meaning that any and all markings you may try to draw on yourself will disappear on sight. It will also mean that you will no longer be able to see the markings worn by others. This punishment is exclusive to those who can't play this game responsibly enough to keep it secret from outsiders, especially those who try to get others in trouble with their antics by getting malicious outsiders like "police" involved. This punishment CAN be paired with the curse, meaning that as you get expelled, you will receive a Black Star as a parting gift."'' <br><br>''"Lastly, keep in mind that punishment is NOT unique to the Star-Bearers. People who repeatedly break the rules against you can, and often will be, expelled from the game and made unable to see drawn markings."''}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=That doesn't sound too bad, to be honest.}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Yeah, and it's really reserved for those who recklessly advertise this game and also those who purposely try to get others in legal trouble… But let's be honest, nobody's actually enough of a cunt to do that. I mean, can you imagine? Sending an innocent man to jail on purpose?}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Yeah, that's eff'd up. <br><br>''Actual'' laws don't play well with this game, do they?}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=No, sadly not . . . Some people just won't understand.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Oh, and that reminds me. Can the other markings be black?}}
 
{{MilkaLewd |says=Of course they can, you kinky little thing!}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=I wasn't asking because of I want to, okay?}}
 
{{MilkaLewd |says=Yeah right!}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=It's just… Can we be cursed with them? The booklet seems to describe what they all mean, but…}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=No, you can't. Not by Kostikki anyway. You can only draw them as "self-imposed" punishments.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Which means?}}
 
{{HeidiB |says=Take a hint. It means you're ''REEEAALLY'' perverted.}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=On a more serious note, read the part where I explained how the act of being "punished" and "disciplined" works. The point is to correct your ways and steer you back on a lawful path, not to rape you and make you quit.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Hahaha, right… A black spade would probably make me lock myself into my room, never come out, and quit…}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Exactly! The gods don't want you to be sad, they don't want you to suffer. A black star is enough for that. Reformation is the keyword here.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=…And if I'm asking for it…? Can he then…?}}
 
{{HeidiB |says=Never say never!}}
 
{{MilkaLewd |says=And since you're so interested, here's what the booklet says on self-imposed punishments:}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=''"Just because the color black is the color of the Raven, and the color of his curse, does not mean that the color has to be exclusive to his curse. For you to draw a black marking on yourself, out of your own volition, or to let someone draw one for you, is a perfectly valid way to seek sexual fulfillment in this game we play. This act is called <b>"Self-Imposed Punishment"</b>, and it's meant for the ultimate thrill-seekers among us. Be warned, however, that wearing one in public is tantamount to throwing oneself at anyone's mercy. The gods do not have the authority to remove it either, not even when they may think you've had enough. Only you can be the judge of when the marking should go away."''}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Okay, that makes sense, but what if I want to remove it and can't for some reason?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=…What do you mean, "can't"?}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Like, if someone literally ties me up or something, like in TV or something…}}
 
{{HeidiB |says=What kind of channels have you been watching?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |mech=*giggle* Peeeerveeert!}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=<span style="font-size:75%">Oh, for fuck's sake…</span> *sigh* Police dramas? Like, handcuffs?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=''"Pray to your lucky stars"'', I guess.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=…Meaning?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=I dunno. Are you religious?}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=…I'm not sure…}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=What she ''means'' to say, Emilia, is that we have no clue what to do if you get tied up or can't scrub off the marking by yourself for any other reason. Just another one of the reasons I'm not interested in wearing black. Period. It's too scary for me.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |thinks=I still want to ask some questions about them, even if I don't end up wearing them… For curiosity's sake…}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Since the different markings have different meanings, do different "Black" markings have any special meanings then?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=No, not really, but it doesn't take a genius to figure it out. Here's what my granny has written on different black markings:}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=<span style="font-size:150%; color: #000000">'''♢'''</span> ''"Admittedly, there is not much of a difference with a black star or diamond. The only real difference with the diamond is that you're a pervert on top of being a bad girl who needs to be punished. The simplest way to interpret it is to say you want and like to be punished, and to tell the person taking advantage of you that the symbol has indeed been drawn by you, not the gods. A black star or a diamond with initials symbolizes your willingness to go to any lengths with your partner and constantly trying out new things."''}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=[[Dirty Talk/Three Brats/June 12th, 2021/Marks, Colors and Rules|And just in case you forgot]], having someone's initials inside any of the markings signals commitment to one particular partner.}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=<span style="font-size:150%; color: #000000">'''♡'''</span> ''"The black heart is the most paradoxical of all the possible mark-and-color combinations. Punishments are meant to be temporary, while the heart is all about long-term commitment. The most popular way to interpret it is to simply become a lover to the first person who asks, while a black heart with someone's initials signals undying, lifelong love and partnership."'' <br><br><span style="font-size:150%; color: #000000">'''♤ ♧'''</span> ''"The club and the spade are interchangeable in terms of what they symbolize, and signal unyielding, unquestioning submission and your commitment to follow any and orders you're given, and your willingness to do absolutely anything. Nothing is off-limits to you. Without initials, a black club or a spade is a one-off thing with someone you can trust, while with initials, they signal submission to a single owner and their will."''}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |thinks=My heart feels like exploding just at the thought… I can't even begin to think what I would do if I was literally forced to wear a black spade tattoo… It sure is a massive relief that the suits are off the standard punishment table…}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=One thing that really puzzles me about all of this though… What incentive is there for anyone to punish us on Kostikki's behalf, then?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=An excellent question, little miss Björnquist! But I also feel that I have to keep repeating myself here. <br><br>It's reformation, Emilia.  REE - FOR - MAY - ZON!  Nobody wants those kinds of troublemakers in our midst.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Well yeah, but like… Why do they feel the need to act on Kostikki's behalf?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=It's because they fear Kostikki and what he could do if his will is not fulfilled. [[Dirty Talk/Three Brats/June 12th, 2021/Lore of the Land|As you heard from the history lesson]], he can play sexual pranks on everyone, possess individual villagers, and even control their minds on a large scale to do his bidding. All of these are things he might resort to if his anger remains unquenched. He did it in the past, and he might do it again. That's why people tend to listen and obey when he curses someone as a subject for punishment.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Hmmmm… Okay… I guess I understand everything now…}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=As you can see, there is still one last spread with information about the punishments that those who wrong us.}}
 
{{EmiliaEh |says=That's very little compared to what we have, is it not? I thought you said their punishments tend to be even harsher than ours.}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=That is true, but Lauhatar … to put it kindly, she's way more fickle, unpredictable, erratic, and above everything else, emotional. There are SOME general trends she follows, as you can see here, but she doesn't have as thick of a rulebook as we do. I think my granny explains it a lot better:}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=''"If Kostikki is a French baker who follows his recipe to the gram with not even the slightest deviation, then Lauhatar is the erratic chef who simply tosses ingredients and spices together based on feeling. She has a recipe, yes, but she does not care about weighing every gram, nor is she afraid about trying out and adding new things."''}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=*giggle* Sounds about right!}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Yeah, hahaha… What are these general trends then?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=That'll be the last bit of information I read out for you:}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=''"For Lauhatar, the Star-Bearer's right to absolute self-determination, safety, and enjoyment are of utmost importance, and she is always on the lookout for threats. She will <b>NOT</b> act against corrupting forces wishing to lead you astray so long as you're excited to learn. She can warn those Star-Bearers who she thinks could be in danger in an attempt to help them, but can <b>NEVER</b> threaten those who are yet to commit any crimes against you. And finally, she <b>WILL</b> curse anyone who disrupts these lands by hurting a Star-Bearer. These are her subjects to be punished and sometimes even removed, either temporarily or permanently, sometimes even violently."'' <br><br>''"Lauhatar is not powerful enough to bestow long-lasting curses as punishment, but she can mimic Kostikki's "Curse of the Black Star" by placing it on rulebreakers, even non-Star-Bearers. By placing it on the skin of a person breaking the rules, she will essentially try to make them have a taste of their own medicine. However, as her curses are never long-lasting, these stars can always be removed immediately."'' <br><br>''"Her most powerful ability, however, is a human-level understanding of speech and an ability to communicate verbally with the material world."''}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Wait, so these gods can speak to us?}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=That's definitely horseshit.}}
 
{{MilkaShockB |says=So harsh…}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=I for sure have never heard her voice.}}
 
{{MilkaShockB |says=That's probably because you don't believe in her. She's moping at you…}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Oh, so you ''have'' heard her voice then?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=No, definitely not… <br><br>I've only ever met two people who claim to have heard her voice, and one is my own grandmother. I mean, that makes sense since she was chosen by Lauhatar to be a Star-Bearer, but… I don't believe they're in regular contact or anything like that… She probably has only heard her voice once or twice, based on what I know…}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=How about the other one then?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Well, that bitch is fucking insane, so she could just be lying.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=But what good can an ability to speak do?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Ever heard the saying, ''"The pen is mightier than the sword?"''}}
 
{{DT-Book |says=''"As described earlier, Lauhatar can warn Star-Bearers in an attempt to save them from danger, but her speech can also be used as a weapon. In the right hands, knowledge of a rulebreaker in our midst will spread quickly so that the person will become ostracised by the larger community. Knowledge about unseen crime taking place in these lands can also be brought to the public in this way. Lauhatar may even assign Star-Bearers she trusts to carry missions on her behalf and permit them to lure rulebreakers into trouble, so they can be arrested and dealt with. Lastly, she can haunt people, make their nights sleepless by harassing them constantly, and manipulate animals through sounds they don't understand. A moose weighing half a ton can run fast and appear in front of one's headlights faster than a human can react."''}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=I mean, wild mooses, wolves, lynxes, bears, the lot … they are terrifying and all … but if there's one thing scarier than these gods, it sure is the "Swedish Government". If they came to know of our secrets, they would have every adult in this village arrested and us kids thrown into psychiatric wards in straight jackets.}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=I'm sure there are people amongst them who know. They just don't care because they might be interested in us themselves.}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Also true! Henna supposedly fucked some mainstream news anchor during the ''"Ski World Championships"'' two years ago. Didn't disclose who it was, but that's a career killer right there.}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Why? Sixteen is legal to fuck!}}
 
{{HeidiB |says=That's still sex outside marriage with a minor! That's trouble for any family man!}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Not in this village it isn't! <br><br>Either way, that about wraps this shit up.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=That's quite a lot to take in…}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=*snicker* That's what she said.}}
 
{{EmiliaEh |mech=Hey!}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |thinks=Still, I'm not kidding… It's so much to take in, especially regarding the punishments. As for the rules, if these gods are real, then yeah, rules MUST be followed. If not, well… The rules are sensible, so they should probably be followed anyway. <br><br>Admittedly, all this still sounds unbelievable… But I'm reserving my judgments, staying both cautious and skeptical at the same time…}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=One final question on punishments: Kostikki and Lauhatar are obviously local spirits, so how far does their influence reach? And how does that factor into punishments?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Oh, right! I totally ignored that important fact! Since Kostikki is tied to the little mountain the village is next to, he can only influence the surrounding area. I remember my granny saying it reaches from the shores of ''Storsjön'' to the Norwegian border or something like that.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=So bigger population centers like Östersund and Trondheim are both outside the area, but everything inside is?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Yep! Even the ski resort!}}
 
{{HeidiStåhlberg |says=Since those places are unprotected by rules, it's not safe to wear stars there. Yes, you can get away with breaking the rules, but so can everyone else…}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Is it possible to escape the punishment by leaving this area then?}}
 
{{MilkaAhlroos |says=Well, yes and no. Obviously, if you're cursed with a "permanent" black star and leave for a big city, Kostikki's magic cannot stop you from washing it off, but that doesn't mean you're off the hook. He will know if you're removed it once you return, and he will put it back on you.}}
 
{{EmiliaContacts |says=Okay, makes sense. I think that's enough information about the rules and punishments then.}}




Latest revision as of 13:14, 16 October 2022

So, umm, these punishments … What exactly happens if we break the rules?


Riiight, this is where things get complicated . . . You see, we don't actually have any evidence of any punishment taking place. Sure, we've heard stories and rumors, but we have no first-hand experience.


…So does that mean that the punishments aren't actually true?


*giggle* Who knows～ ? The biggest reason why we have no experience is because we've never broken any rules! Sure, we like to cause trouble, but we're good, good girls, and nobody has ever tried to break the rules at our expense either!

Besides, I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to test the patience of gods…


Yeah, me neither… N-not that I actually believe in any of this superstitious nonsense… I just follow the rules because they make this game fun and safe. Besides, it's OUR job to make sure rules are followed. Remember?

Milka, the booklet! …See, right here! It says, "you have a right and a responsibility to enforce the rules."


So if they break the rules, it's our responsibility to let them know and make them stop, or…?


That's how this stuff works in my opinion, yeah.


If we don't say anything?


"No harm, no foul". But really, you should say something if you're feeling uncomfortable…


And if they don't listen?


Well, we call the cops on their asses, and they end up in jail. Or worse…


You're SO naïve, Heidi.


What? I'm just a little skeptical, okay? Besides, we DO have a responsibility.


Yeah, of course we do, but who punishes us when we break the rules?


We … just don't break the rules.


But what happens IF we do, Heidi? And what will happen if someone gets away with hurting you? Your "LoGiCaL tHiNkInG" can't answer that.


Am I seriously being mocked for trying to be logical? For advocating personal fucking responsibility?


Nuh-uh, I'm not trying to mock you or anything…


Look, I'm just not a big believer in the supernatural, okay? I KNOW the rules are important to keep the game fun for everybody involved, but I'd rather not feed her lies and fearmonger.



It's SO not fearmongering! The rules, the gods, and the punishments … they are all real!
How do you know it for sure?


Weeeellll… Like you just said before… There are stories and rumors…


But how do you know they're "real" stories, and not just made-up ones?


L-let's just assume they are all true… What even are these stories and rumors, then?


Well, the stories of us Star-Bearers being punished are rare. It's not that the rule-breaking doesn't occur; it's just that the people who break them are typically too ashamed to admit it, so it remains a secret.


I can't believe you actually buy that argument…


One such story comes from my granny. Back when she was young, she had a close friend who quit wearing the star after she got cursed for breaking the rules far too many times. It freaked her out, she tried to hide it and pleaded for forgiveness, but her violation had been severe. When the locals finally caught up to her, she was punished and taught the -


Milka, just stop. She didn't quit because she got punished. She was fucking RAPED.


I-I know that the villagers went WAY too far, but that still WAS her punishment.


H-hold up…


No, Milka. This is not just me speaking. It's what your grandmother told us.


I-I knoooow! But…


J-just, stop arguing… I just… I want to, no… I NEED to know what will happen, so that I can stay safe…


*sigh* Fine, I concede defeat. Besides, it doesn't hurt to tell, especially since there are important lessons to be learned.


It's all in the same booklet we already gave you. See? There are still some pages left to read. I can read it to you if you want to.


Please do, but before that…

I'm almost afraid to ask, but how exactly was she punished then to warrant something so horrible?


Well, we already told you about the "Black Star" and what it means to wear one. That's how we get punished most of the time, by being "cursed" with it, and forced to wear it.


But like, what does the punishment actually mean? What will they do if they can punish us?


Well, just a second, I'm gonna skip a few pages to read it word for word:


★ ''You will typically be punished simply through having sex; through vaginal or anal intercourse, by giving or receiving oral, or by being groped and fingered. Both spanking, sex toys, and being tied up are also on the menu. It's all standard stuff you'll probably be doing with your clients anyway if you end up wearing a normal star, with the only difference being that they will not have to ask for permission before they do you!"


T-that sounds a little extreme…


Yeah, it is extreme. Most rules go flying out of the window once you're discovered with a black star, but only for as long as the black star is visible. Once it disappears, once you've been punished, you're free to go.


B-but not all rules…?


Well, the rules about the secrecy of this game also apply, for example.


B-but our consent is also part of the rules! Could THEY violate those rules then?


"The one who breaks the rules first must also accept to have their rules violated", or something like that.


Yeah, I mean, it sounds terribly unfair, doesn't it? But the fact remains that you violated someone's rights in this game first. Even if you don't believe in this stuff, you need to take responsibility for that.


That's so scary … but maybe I'm overreacting a little. If I don't break the rules, I won't get punished…

…And that's assuming this is real … and that I'm even going to participate in this game … which I might not…
Why not just read the whole thing from the top, Milka. Otherwise, we'll be here sitting all freaking day.


Sure! *rustle* Let me just find the right page:


"Just as the society enforces laws that must be followed in order to maintain a just and fair society, so does the game the Star-Bearers and those who seek them play, and just as every crime has an appropriate punishment attached to it, so does every rule the Star-Bearers and those who seek them play under. It is of utmost importance for those playing to know the rules perfectly to guarantee a "safe", a "fair", and most importantly, a "fun" environment for everybody involved."

"The rules, as we mortals understand them, come directly from the gods, their interplay with each other, and their conflicting opinions. Similarly, the punishments we will receive for our potential injustices are born of conflict between us and our differences of opinion regarding what can and can't be considered "fun". As long as everyone involved is having "fun" and "enjoying themselves", no conflict can be considered to have taken place, and thus no godly intervention can be deemed necessary."

"However, it is of utmost importance to understand that gods see everything, hear everything, and feel every emotion, both strong and weak, positive and negative. They see what mortals can not, and based on this information, they may try to dial down, warn, and even discourage those they deem as threats to the overall stability of the greater environment of this land and its residents."


…And that's the introduction and overview. Does it sound scary to you?


It does, a little, but… I…


I-I mean, I initially got the impression that to be punished with a Black Star is like walking around with a "rape me" sign written on me or something, and I got so scared…


It's really, really not like that…


Still, there IS a distant possibility to keep in mind, but then again, it shouldn't be any different from any other color or marking. If someone is deadset on hurting you, they will probably find an excuse to do so, star or no star.

Besides, even though what happened to that girl we talked about was horrible, it was a different time back then, and if the story is to be fully believed, she had made Kostikki blinded with rage. It's not an easy thing to do, and Milka's granny could've just told that story to us to scare us.


Besides, the people here have it in their best interest to keep us happy and make sure we continue playing EVEN after being punished. You know, because there are so few of us.


Yeah, if someone ACTUALLY raped us while we wearing a Black Star and made us quit altogether because of it, a punishment from the gods would be the least of their worries. There would be angry mobs marching with torches and pitchforks shouting "Off with their heads!"


Hahaha, right… They don't want us to quit…


Exactly!

Still, I guess the lesson of that story is that while it CAN happen, it's pretty much only the absolute worst-case scenario.


Makes me think, is there a chance we could be forced to quit by the gods themselves?


There is, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Listen up, this is about the nature of punishments:


"The punishments themselves take many forms and will always be enforced case by case, meaning there is no absolute rule book on what may and may not happen. Different violations can be categorized based on severity, and the same violation can even result in a different kind of punishment based on the wrongdoer's past. Violating "the pact of secrecy" is very different from "violating one's consent", as is "refusal of service" from "continuous refusal of service". Intent also matters, meaning that accidental, unintended violations can be shown leeway towards and sometimes even wholly excused. However, not knowing the rules is never an excuse, especially when it comes to the strictest rules, such as blackmail, various violations of one's consent, and the act of getting someone in legal trouble on purpose."


That eases most of my worries even more. I mean, it just wouldn't make sense for the gods to get pissed at us for refusing service once or twice…
Any questions? If not, let's talk more about the "Curse's" nature.


I guess that's the most important part for us…


I'll skip through the part where the Black Star is explained, but it'll be referenced a lot here:


"Star-Bearers have two different punishments they can receive, but there's still a lot of nuance involved."

"First punishment is called the "Curse of the Black Star". The length of the curse is always determined case by case, but the punishments will always ramp up on repeat violations. As a beginner, and in case of minor violations, you may receive a Black Star that can be removed immediately, which basically means that you're being warned for doing something wrong. It's Kostikki's way of telling us to "cut it out, or else". Lauhatar may also warn us in this way, which is her way of saying "be careful, or you'll get in trouble"."

"But then, maybe you didn't heed the warnings, or you broke a more strict rule; now Kostikki has taken attention, and he does not like to have his patience tested. He will curse you with the kind of star you can't simply wash off, and now you're stuck with it."


…Yikes…

So, how to get rid of it then?


Well, the book says that the punishments are timed, meaning you might have to wear it for one day straight, for example. It could also be just an hour. It may even take a month…


A month? Holy fuck…
But like, is there a way to make it go away faster?


Of course there is: by actually getting punished!


"You can hide it and repent over your crimes in silence, similar to how a real criminal would serve their time behind bars. To remove the Black Star faster, you must perform a sexual service. Either find yourself a partner of your own choosing or let yourself be discovered by someone in the know. Just be warned that Kostikki will allow the "punisher" to take certain liberties with how you will be treated after you're discovered. This may even make you feel uncomfortable, but a trusted and reliable "punisher" will always do their best to discipline you responsibly. Their job, first and foremost, is always to correct your ways and steer you back on a lawful path, not to rape you and make you quit out of fear. They will know when to stop, for Kostikki will remove the star the second he thinks you've had enough."


My tip, do what the booklet says regarding finding a partner. Find someone you can trust and tell him you've been a bad girl. Show them the star, apologize for what you've done, and say you won't do it again. They will punish you, and that's that. It's literally the best way to get rid of the star, according to my granny.


I don't know if I know anyone I would trust that much, except maybe my parents…


You can trust me!



WHAAAT!?
Ooooh, you can also trust me! I'll spank you silly if you ever show up with a black star in my goddamn presence!


And I won't leave you off that easy! Spanking is simply the beginning of what you deserve!


C-come on now…


*giggle* Maybe that's what you want, huh? Is that why you're asking so many questions?



A-as if! Stop teasing me like that! I'm just asking to be cautious!
Speaking of enjoying to be punished:


"Lastly, Kostikki can and will sometimes interpret your actions as you "asking" to be punished. If you break the rules with the sole purpose of wanting to get into trouble, he will gladly answer. He won't be angry, but he'll punish you nonetheless because it's exactly what you want and deserve. He may even look at you more favorably if you do so."


I won't judge. Just sayin'.


Sheesh, my heart…
Yes, I . . . I guess I can trust you two then…


S-so, wasn't there a second possible punishment…?


That would be Expulsion:


"You can be expelled from the game - either temporarily or indefinitely - if the gods consider you an overall risk to the safety or the secrecy of this community. Once expelled, you are no longer allowed to participate in the game in any way, meaning that any and all markings you may try to draw on yourself will disappear on sight. It will also mean that you will no longer be able to see the markings worn by others. This punishment is exclusive to those who can't play this game responsibly enough to keep it secret from outsiders, especially those who try to get others in trouble with their antics by getting malicious outsiders like "police" involved. This punishment CAN be paired with the curse, meaning that as you get expelled, you will receive a Black Star as a parting gift."

"Lastly, keep in mind that punishment is NOT unique to the Star-Bearers. People who repeatedly break the rules against you can, and often will be, expelled from the game and made unable to see drawn markings."


That doesn't sound too bad, to be honest.


Yeah, and it's really reserved for those who recklessly advertise this game and also those who purposely try to get others in legal trouble… But let's be honest, nobody's actually enough of a cunt to do that. I mean, can you imagine? Sending an innocent man to jail on purpose?


Yeah, that's eff'd up.

Actual laws don't play well with this game, do they?


No, sadly not . . . Some people just won't understand.


Oh, and that reminds me. Can the other markings be black?


Of course they can, you kinky little thing!


I wasn't asking because of I want to, okay?


Yeah right!


It's just… Can we be cursed with them? The booklet seems to describe what they all mean, but…


No, you can't. Not by Kostikki anyway. You can only draw them as "self-imposed" punishments.


Which means?


Take a hint. It means you're REEEAALLY perverted.


On a more serious note, read the part where I explained how the act of being "punished" and "disciplined" works. The point is to correct your ways and steer you back on a lawful path, not to rape you and make you quit.


Hahaha, right… A black spade would probably make me lock myself into my room, never come out, and quit…


Exactly! The gods don't want you to be sad, they don't want you to suffer. A black star is enough for that. Reformation is the keyword here.


…And if I'm asking for it…? Can he then…?


Never say never!


And since you're so interested, here's what the booklet says on self-imposed punishments:


"Just because the color black is the color of the Raven, and the color of his curse, does not mean that the color has to be exclusive to his curse. For you to draw a black marking on yourself, out of your own volition, or to let someone draw one for you, is a perfectly valid way to seek sexual fulfillment in this game we play. This act is called "Self-Imposed Punishment", and it's meant for the ultimate thrill-seekers among us. Be warned, however, that wearing one in public is tantamount to throwing oneself at anyone's mercy. The gods do not have the authority to remove it either, not even when they may think you've had enough. Only you can be the judge of when the marking should go away."


Okay, that makes sense, but what if I want to remove it and can't for some reason?


…What do you mean, "can't"?


Like, if someone literally ties me up or something, like in TV or something…


What kind of channels have you been watching?



*giggle* Peeeerveeert!
Oh, for fuck's sake… *sigh* Police dramas? Like, handcuffs?


"Pray to your lucky stars", I guess.


…Meaning?


I dunno. Are you religious?


…I'm not sure…


What she means to say, Emilia, is that we have no clue what to do if you get tied up or can't scrub off the marking by yourself for any other reason. Just another one of the reasons I'm not interested in wearing black. Period. It's too scary for me.


I still want to ask some questions about them, even if I don't end up wearing them… For curiosity's sake…
Since the different markings have different meanings, do different "Black" markings have any special meanings then?


No, not really, but it doesn't take a genius to figure it out. Here's what my granny has written on different black markings:


♢ "Admittedly, there is not much of a difference with a black star or diamond. The only real difference with the diamond is that you're a pervert on top of being a bad girl who needs to be punished. The simplest way to interpret it is to say you want and like to be punished, and to tell the person taking advantage of you that the symbol has indeed been drawn by you, not the gods. A black star or a diamond with initials symbolizes your willingness to go to any lengths with your partner and constantly trying out new things."


And just in case you forgot, having someone's initials inside any of the markings signals commitment to one particular partner.


♡ "The black heart is the most paradoxical of all the possible mark-and-color combinations. Punishments are meant to be temporary, while the heart is all about long-term commitment. The most popular way to interpret it is to simply become a lover to the first person who asks, while a black heart with someone's initials signals undying, lifelong love and partnership."

♤ ♧ "The club and the spade are interchangeable in terms of what they symbolize, and signal unyielding, unquestioning submission and your commitment to follow any and orders you're given, and your willingness to do absolutely anything. Nothing is off-limits to you. Without initials, a black club or a spade is a one-off thing with someone you can trust, while with initials, they signal submission to a single owner and their will."


My heart feels like exploding just at the thought… I can't even begin to think what I would do if I was literally forced to wear a black spade tattoo… It sure is a massive relief that the suits are off the standard punishment table…
One thing that really puzzles me about all of this though… What incentive is there for anyone to punish us on Kostikki's behalf, then?


An excellent question, little miss Björnquist! But I also feel that I have to keep repeating myself here.

It's reformation, Emilia.  REE - FOR - MAY - ZON!  Nobody wants those kinds of troublemakers in our midst.


Well yeah, but like… Why do they feel the need to act on Kostikki's behalf?


It's because they fear Kostikki and what he could do if his will is not fulfilled. As you heard from the history lesson, he can play sexual pranks on everyone, possess individual villagers, and even control their minds on a large scale to do his bidding. All of these are things he might resort to if his anger remains unquenched. He did it in the past, and he might do it again. That's why people tend to listen and obey when he curses someone as a subject for punishment.


Hmmmm… Okay… I guess I understand everything now…


As you can see, there is still one last spread with information about the punishments that those who wrong us.


That's very little compared to what we have, is it not? I thought you said their punishments tend to be even harsher than ours.


That is true, but Lauhatar … to put it kindly, she's way more fickle, unpredictable, erratic, and above everything else, emotional. There are SOME general trends she follows, as you can see here, but she doesn't have as thick of a rulebook as we do. I think my granny explains it a lot better:


"If Kostikki is a French baker who follows his recipe to the gram with not even the slightest deviation, then Lauhatar is the erratic chef who simply tosses ingredients and spices together based on feeling. She has a recipe, yes, but she does not care about weighing every gram, nor is she afraid about trying out and adding new things."


*giggle* Sounds about right!


Yeah, hahaha… What are these general trends then?


That'll be the last bit of information I read out for you:


"For Lauhatar, the Star-Bearer's right to absolute self-determination, safety, and enjoyment are of utmost importance, and she is always on the lookout for threats. She will NOT act against corrupting forces wishing to lead you astray so long as you're excited to learn. She can warn those Star-Bearers who she thinks could be in danger in an attempt to help them, but can NEVER threaten those who are yet to commit any crimes against you. And finally, she WILL curse anyone who disrupts these lands by hurting a Star-Bearer. These are her subjects to be punished and sometimes even removed, either temporarily or permanently, sometimes even violently."

"Lauhatar is not powerful enough to bestow long-lasting curses as punishment, but she can mimic Kostikki's "Curse of the Black Star" by placing it on rulebreakers, even non-Star-Bearers. By placing it on the skin of a person breaking the rules, she will essentially try to make them have a taste of their own medicine. However, as her curses are never long-lasting, these stars can always be removed immediately."

"Her most powerful ability, however, is a human-level understanding of speech and an ability to communicate verbally with the material world."


Wait, so these gods can speak to us?


That's definitely horseshit.


So harsh…


I for sure have never heard her voice.


That's probably because you don't believe in her. She's moping at you…


Oh, so you have heard her voice then?


No, definitely not…

I've only ever met two people who claim to have heard her voice, and one is my own grandmother. I mean, that makes sense since she was chosen by Lauhatar to be a Star-Bearer, but… I don't believe they're in regular contact or anything like that… She probably has only heard her voice once or twice, based on what I know…


How about the other one then?


Well, that bitch is fucking insane, so she could just be lying.


But what good can an ability to speak do?


Ever heard the saying, "The pen is mightier than the sword?"


"As described earlier, Lauhatar can warn Star-Bearers in an attempt to save them from danger, but her speech can also be used as a weapon. In the right hands, knowledge of a rulebreaker in our midst will spread quickly so that the person will become ostracised by the larger community. Knowledge about unseen crime taking place in these lands can also be brought to the public in this way. Lauhatar may even assign Star-Bearers she trusts to carry missions on her behalf and permit them to lure rulebreakers into trouble, so they can be arrested and dealt with. Lastly, she can haunt people, make their nights sleepless by harassing them constantly, and manipulate animals through sounds they don't understand. A moose weighing half a ton can run fast and appear in front of one's headlights faster than a human can react."


I mean, wild mooses, wolves, lynxes, bears, the lot … they are terrifying and all … but if there's one thing scarier than these gods, it sure is the "Swedish Government". If they came to know of our secrets, they would have every adult in this village arrested and us kids thrown into psychiatric wards in straight jackets.


I'm sure there are people amongst them who know. They just don't care because they might be interested in us themselves.


Also true! Henna supposedly fucked some mainstream news anchor during the "Ski World Championships" two years ago. Didn't disclose who it was, but that's a career killer right there.


Why? Sixteen is legal to fuck!


That's still sex outside marriage with a minor! That's trouble for any family man!


Not in this village it isn't!

Either way, that about wraps this shit up.


That's quite a lot to take in…


*snicker* That's what she said.



Hey!
Still, I'm not kidding… It's so much to take in, especially regarding the punishments. As for the rules, if these gods are real, then yeah, rules MUST be followed. If not, well… The rules are sensible, so they should probably be followed anyway.

Admittedly, all this still sounds unbelievable… But I'm reserving my judgments, staying both cautious and skeptical at the same time…
One final question on punishments: Kostikki and Lauhatar are obviously local spirits, so how far does their influence reach? And how does that factor into punishments?


Oh, right! I totally ignored that important fact! Since Kostikki is tied to the little mountain the village is next to, he can only influence the surrounding area. I remember my granny saying it reaches from the shores of Storsjön to the Norwegian border or something like that.


So bigger population centers like Östersund and Trondheim are both outside the area, but everything inside is?


Yep! Even the ski resort!


Since those places are unprotected by rules, it's not safe to wear stars there. Yes, you can get away with breaking the rules, but so can everyone else…


Is it possible to escape the punishment by leaving this area then?


Well, yes and no. Obviously, if you're cursed with a "permanent" black star and leave for a big city, Kostikki's magic cannot stop you from washing it off, but that doesn't mean you're off the hook. He will know if you're removed it once you return, and he will put it back on you.


Okay, makes sense. I think that's enough information about the rules and punishments then.




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