Trigger Warning: Obviously this apply fic will have themes of death and grief, which can obviously get dark at moments. And of course the occasional fun (read: rather gross) descriptions that come with cosmic horror inspired writing.

DON'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS

THE DEATH OF A CHILD IS ALWAYS A TRAGEDY. Carmunnock, Oregon, was living proof with that, rocked by the death of young Manny Driskoll only a week before Easter. So, when Franklin Driskoll disappeared into the surrounding woods and returned the next morning with his son — looking as if he'd never died — it was considered an unquestioned miracle. Even more so when he proceeded to claim the ability to bring back others lost to time.

Then proceeded to do just that. To the people of Carmunnock, this was a blessing.

To Mari Ainsworth, it reeked of the Maywood — a reality-warping dimension that dealt in dreams, giving success so they could collect the energy put into it. A part of vim knew the Maywood would move on after it failed to make a connection with vim and vir siblings.

But Mari didn't come to Carmunnock for a deal. Her sister had disappeared into the Maywood that fateful night and, with the connection between the two worlds growing by the second, this might be her only chance to learn what had happened to her. After all, with the Maywood came their creatures, from the almost-human Valamir Alinsky to the shadowy mimics. Mari could only hope Azima would come with them.

On March 21st, 2024, Carmunnock became a town full of the dead and the people who couldn't let them go. Just in time for a rolling fog...and the monsters that came with it.

RULES

I — Runs in the Family

For those who don't know, this is a sequel to Runs in the Family, another one of my apply fics. You don't have to have been part of that fic to apply to this one, nor are you banned from applying if your application was chosen for it.

And, since we're starting with a new group (with a few of the original characters as side characters), you should also be able to understand the story without reading the first book. The general concept of the Maywood will be explained, and then explored even further, and the rest will be focused on your applications. The most that you might get confused on is references to the events of Runs in the Family or characters that appear there but not in this one.

II — Application

Applications work pretty much as always. Comment on the "apply here" line with your OC's name, then reply under thar with the form. It keeps everything organized and make's it easier to find your characters.

I will be choosing six applications, and they will be due March 17th.

You can apply as many times as you want, and as I mentioned whether or not you where part of Runs in the Family has no effect on if you can apply or not.

III — Diversity

Listen, it's 2022 and the story takes place in 2024. I think we can all acknowledge that the world is full of diverse people. So please try to be diverse! Obviously this includes race, sexuality, gender, disabilities, etc, but it also means live experiences and personalities.

IV — Faceclaims

As with most of my apply fics, faceclaims do not need gifs. I make aesthetics for the cast list and, while I use gifs if I can get them, I'm fine with just using aesthetic gifs instead.

Instead focus on making sure that they fit the vibe you want your character to have and look the right age. Underused faceclaims are preferred, if simply for the fact it makes it less likely two applications will have the same faceclaim. That's always awkward.

One very important detail! Since this is connected to another apply fic, there are faceclaims that have already been taken:

— Darren Barnet

— Kylie Jefferson

— Lee Yoo-Mi

— Jamie Chung

— Tom Hardy

— Georgie Henley

— Lashanna Lynch

Not sure how many of those you were considering using, it's possible you didn't need that list at all. I just felt like it might be useful.

V — Love Interests?

I'm going to be fully honest with you: unless you write your as already in a relationship, you'll probably not have a love interest. There is just not the space in this plot for me to fumble through a new romance. Real sorry about that.

VI — Have Fun

The most important rule! Enjoy yourself. Password is to include a smiley in your application :) Any smiley, anywhere you want. Get the good vibes flowing before...well...ya know

FORM

* means optional

FULL NAME —

* PREFERRED NAME —

NICKNAMES —

AGE —
(I would say 18+, since I'd like all of the main characters to at least be
legal adults)

GENDER & PRONOUNS —
(Neo-pronouns are accepted, too! Just make sure to include the entire set so I make sure I use them properly. And by "entire set" I mean like "they/them/their/theirs/themself")

FACECLAIM & BACK-UP —
(Though if you really, really cannot find a back up, I'm not gonna get mad. The back up really is just in case someone else uses your first choice and I need to choose)

ZODIAC SIGN —
(As detailed as you want. This use to be optional, but I kinda like using it for the cast list, you know?)

PERSONALITY —
(Be detailed, please! Like with Runs in the Family, a large part of this will be focused on character development and exploration, I can't do that if the personality is flat.)

MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE —
(Same as zodiac sign, use to be optional and for fun, then I realized I actually use it. Can be as detailed as you want to get, or just the type)

INTERESTS & HOBBIES —

PET PEEVES —

FEARS & INSECURITIES —

OCCUPATION —
(Yes, I am assuming your character has a job. Hence them being an adult. Just write N/A if they don't)

FAMILY —
(At least give a name and basic relationship description! So often I see people just write stuff like "has a mom, dad, and sister" which doesn't help at all.)

*SECRETS —
(While secrets aren't a plot point like in Runs in the Family, you can still include stuff you want to keep secret from the other readers. Just DM it to me when you apply and put that you did so in your application, so I can keep track of which forms have secrets and which don't)

BACKSTORY —
(Just a quick run down of any big events. Keep in mind that these are relatively normal people, so they aren't all going to have massive accomplishments. It's fine if it's not crazy detailed because of that.)

ARE THEY FROM CARMUNNOCK? —
(I plan for most of the cast to be Carmunnock locals, there are definitely people who are visiting from the outside. If they aren't from town, make sure to include why they're there.)

CONNECTION TO THE RESURRECTED —
(Yes, all of the characters should have some connection to the resurrected. From people whose loved ones have been resurrected, to being resurrected themselves, to people who want to use the event to their own benefit. It just helps to have the characters emotionally invest, you know?)

AESTHETIC —

QUOTES —

PASSWORD —

*TAGS —
(If you have any. Don't feel pressured if you don't.)

Apply Here —

THE AINSWORTHS

If any of the original creators want to add updates to their characters, please do it here. After all, it's been three years since the events of Runs in the Family, things and people definitely change, which will be important even if the characters don't physically appear. If you don't want to I can just work out my own ideas, I just wanted you to get the chance.

Good news is, it also means people who haven't read Runs in the Family get to know some of the characters.

Updates  —

Lorna "Lonnie" McGee (33)

The eldest of the siblings, Lonnie is a genuinely friendly person. She cares deeply for those around her, whether they be family or friends, and would do anything for them. All the while insisting they shouldn't do the same for her (even though they often remind her she should let them. They care about her, too, after all.)

While Lonnie has started to open up, years of being in hiding have caused her to naturally avoid sharing anything about herself. The best way to bond with her is often through her interests. Lonnie is extraordinarily curious, with a particular interest in historical artifacts, and you could easily get her to talk for hours just by asking about one thing.

Alexander "Alex" Ainsworth (32)

Charismatic and a lover of problem solving, Alex is a perfect fit for his political career. Unfortunately they are also prone to lying, exaggeration, and being just self aware enough to cause frustration.

A perfect fit for their political career!

He's working on it, though. And all it took as a divorce.

Soo-Jin Ainsworth (30)

Soo-Jin is far form a people person. In fact, she's been know to be overly rude to strangers in hopes it will scare them away. Insults and negative opinions are brushed off with ease. Her focus is completely on her goals.

While slow to warm up, Soo-Jin is very protective of her loved ones and, despite knowing better, has absolutely spoiled her daughter because of it.

Insanis "Sanis" Ainsworth (30)

Sanis seems to have two moods: sullen and pissed. There's very few people who'd list him among people they'd even like, given his solution to everything seems to be intimidation. While Sanis is, in truth, deeply sensitive, you wouldn't be mistaken for thinking otherwise. Especially when it makes the form of a hair-trigger temper.

Leanna Ainsworth (27)

Leanna Ainsworth was born to shine. A confident attention seeker, you be can certain Leanna's the star of the show. While charismatic in her confidence, it is easy find her focus on appearances and aesthetics unappealing. A perfectionist to her core, Leanna always has her eyes on the future, easily becoming bored with short-term things in favor of the future.

Marionette "Mari" Ainsworth (24)

Mari is, in truth, defined by her contradictions. On the outside, she is a morbid sort. A lover of all things dark and creepy with a tendency for gallow humor. But when it comes to vir loved ones, vi is probably one of the most empathetic people you could find. Vi is painfully loyal and the sort to never let go of those vi cares about.

And heaven help those who wrong her. Mari is as vindictive as they come and had little patience for betrayals or slights. Vi can hold grudges for a life time, and has been known to inflict revenge on instinct, without considering the consequences first.

Azima Ryuu (23)

The baby of the bunch, both in age and adoption order. Azima always seemed to be often in her own little world. Literally — a world called Eos which, until the events of Runs in the Family, most assumed was simply a figment of her imagination. Following in their father's footsteps, Azima went on to be come an author. That is, before she disappeared into the Maywood, seemingly lost to the other world.

Isaac Crawford (33)

An unofficial member of the family. Despite divorcing Alex soon after Runs in the Family, a combination of endearing himself to the siblings and shared experiences mean Isaac can't really remove himself from the family, even if he wanted to.

Truth be told, Isaac has spent much of his life as a passive participant. Happy to help — or offer a snide remark — but never one to take the spot light. Just glad to be part of the team, and far too forgiving because of that. But Isaac is a man of big dream, and he plans to finally step up and make the changes he's wanted to see in the world.