linkupmods: (Default)
Link Up! Mods ([personal profile] linkupmods) wrote in [community profile] linkingup2024-07-30 05:56 pm

Week 1

WEEK 1
AWAKENING.
    You were taken. That much is obvious when you come to your senses and see the world around you. You feel a little groggy – just how long were you asleep for? – but you should otherwise be alert, enough to realize that the surrounding area is unfamiliar to you. You are in front of what appears to be a modern dormitory (or, well, just a large building, for anyone who's never quite seen anything like it before). The area is decorated with balloons, streamers and other miscellaneous decorations with a giant "WELCOME" banner spanning across the front entrance.

    You have a moment to look at the people around you. Strangers. No one here looks familiar to you whatsoever. Furthermore, it feels like there is something stirring in your heart, waiting to be brought to light, waiting to speak your truth...

    You might need more time to let that sink in, but that time is interrupted by a voice.

    "Oh wow it actually worked- Um, I mean! Hello!"

    The speaker is a short, plain-looking young woman with dark hair in a bob cut, her hand raised to catch everyone’s attention.

    "Welcome to Sunset City! The goddess Braphine needs your help, so she’s called all of you here to fix this place. Fortunately, it should only take about three months of cooperation, I think? Probably. So...

    Welcome to your new home away from home!"

    The young woman - Mina - goes on to explain the current situation: everyone here has been summoned by the goddess of community and connection, Braphine, in order to rebuild the connections of the people of Sunset City. Lately, the people have become more and more isolated from each other, getting into fights and arguments over the pettiest of details.

    While Mina doesn’t know the details, exactly, what she does know is that the goddess instructed her to prepare these dorms for residents ("that’s you!") and to more or less act as her representative. Mina will also note that everyone’s dorm rooms have already been labeled with their names, and that the goddess has deigned to gift some in particular with the means to defend themselves - which is to say, when characters do eventually make it to their dorm rooms, those who did not arrive with one will find their gifted weapon waiting for them with their name handwritten on a tag attached to the item.

    For now, people can use their phones to access an app that will allow them to see any currently open commissions - complete the commissions, and they will not only help the community, but also earn money and rewards! And if your character doesn’t know how to operate a phone, well... Mina will patiently guide them through the process, don’t you worry.

    If your character has any other questions, they may talk to her at the party, or otherwise contact her via phone!
WELCOME PARTY.

    After speaking with Mina, you may have an idea of what you're supposed to be doing here. Things don't have to be all work, though, because despite the state of the city, you are allowed to have fun and get to know one another.

    Mina has graciously set up a welcome party for everyone, which will have refreshments inside and outside the dorm, and games available for people to partake in throughout the day at their own leisure! Indoors, there are a variety of board games for you to mess around with. Outside, there's a pool, basketball and tennis court set up with appropriate equipment. Of course, you aren't limited to just those, as there's a small open field at the dormitory where you can play ball in other ways, too. Interestingly enough, there are also some training dummies available for you to use...maybe to put your weapons to use?

    Don't forget about the arts and crafts section inside, either, where nametags are laid out for you to create your own (or others')! You can also use this section to create decorations for the dormitory, your room, or even something to give to a fellow dorm mate.
EXPLORE.
    You're free to explore the town, too, at your own leisure, to get used to your new home. The city is bustling with people, but for some reason, many of the residents don't have good vibes. They seem unsettled, unhappy for whatever reason. It's not pleasant, but nobody will go out of their way to bother you, unless you trip into them or initiate pvp yourself.…The random trash scattered around various parts of town might make it hard to avoid the former, though. Be careful not to trip on a banana peel, a stray canister, or even something as large as a throwaway tire on the side of the street. The residents will not react positively if you try to interact with them in any capacity.

    That being said, for all that the city seems gloomy at a first glance, there is surprisingly an advertisement for a go-kart racing contest coming up in three weeks, and the go-karts are two seaters! The flyers posted around town read that this is a competition for pairs; the driver's seat (left) has a gas pedal, and the passenger's seat (right) has the brake. Looks like the events are being hosted by one of the popular arcades in town, too. Even so, there are prizes for first, second, and third place; the grand prize consists of a good amount of cash, a trophy, and one (1) free night at one of the hotels in Carnation Court for both people. Why not team up with someone and enter the competition, or just find some people to practice with?

    (OOC: Please see our OOC section for sign up details.)
NETWORK.
    So, about those phones...there's a non-zero chance that you may post your live thoughts onto the network without meaning to. Likewise, you may also unwillingly comment on someone's post with your thoughts while reading it. Yes, this phone grabs from your psyche, for better or worse! Well, mostly worse, but oh well. There isn't a fix for this "bug" just yet, but you can still use the network intentionally! Just don't be surprised if you get a bunch of notifications for a post you didn't even know you made.
COMMISSIONS
TOP MODELS
A local boutique is looking for people to model their clothing, but they plan on taking group photos instead of single shots. This will be a summer-themed photoshoot with summer outfits (not necessarily swimsuits!), and the photographer (who is cranky, sorry) plans on encouraging all kinds of interactions between their subjects for some unique photos. Participants will be able to keep the outfits they wore for the photoshoot! How nice.
CLEANUP
You've seen the questionable state of the city streets. Should you feel like doing your part by cleaning up some of the trash, you may find something valuable hidden in all the rubble. And who knows? Maybe some of the residents might actually respond kindly to your efforts... (Cleaning up can unearth things like jewelry; collector's items; small, old electronics -- just to give you an idea! Go wild.)
PVP ENABLED
Basketball, volleyball, soccer match anyone? Monopoly? Uno? Or, better yet, a sparring match with your fellow dorm mates…? Whatever you feel up for, Mina would like residents to get some friendly ("friendly") competition going in the spirit of getting to know one another.
LEAVE YOUR MARK
The arts and crafts area has a large paper canvas taped to one of the walls with a "DRAW ON ME!" post-it stuck to it. There's a lot of room to be creative with this, and yes, you will get paid for just decorating the dorms a little bit through this commission!
OOC
READ ME!!!!
  • Welcome to your event log! Currently, Personas and Elements are NOT in play but you have your weapons with you regardless. These things will be unlocked when we introduce the Nekyia in Week 2.
  • Please use the OOC PLOTTING POST for all plotting purposes. Please do not plot in Discord.
  • If you would like to sign up for the Go-Kart Contest, please fill out the form and submit it here! There will be a follow up to this in a Week 4 mini event. :)
  • Furthermore, we have a very big series of events we are planning to do in later weeks. We will OOCly give details and open signups early in Week 2, with the introduction of the Nekyia. Keep an eye out for that as well!
linkmakers: (Mina 26)

1/2

[personal profile] linkmakers 2024-08-03 04:48 pm (UTC)(link)
The goddess just told me to set everything up, she didn't say people would be coming here um, bloody... should I have set up a first aid table...?

[And she was so proud of her work on the party setup, too. She has a long way to go when it comes to this priestess stuff, apparently.]
linkmakers: (Mina 37)

2/2

[personal profile] linkmakers 2024-08-03 04:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[COUGH okay getting back on track.]

After that... She'll send you home! ...Issss what I'm assuming, at least?

[Still eyeing all that blood.]

But, I mean, if there's, uh, problems at your home... maybe you can stay here if you want?
destage: (SMILE ♡ That's so sweet)

[personal profile] destage 2024-08-03 04:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Mmm, exactly. I definitely understand their frustration a bit, then!

[This is the most at ease she's felt in a long while. There's no camera's around to make it feel like a bad thing, to be doing this, especially with a boy--it's fine here. There's no media, no one to care, not a single one of her billion fans here to smear her name and call her horrible things for even entertaining this.

It's...fine, all of it is. Sayaka finds herself smiling at the introduction, the familiarity welcome as she bows.]


It's very nice to meet you, then, Kujo-kun! I look forward to working with you--Maizono Sayaka is mine. I'm sure that between the both of us, these pictures are going to look perfect!

[Let's get back over to the photographer as we talk, he's probably still going to be cranky when they get over there, but...]

I'm pretty used to being in front of the camera, myself--an idol has to be, where I'm from. What about you, Kujo-kun?
gardenful: (40)

[personal profile] gardenful 2024-08-03 04:55 pm (UTC)(link)
It's kinda basic, but I was thinking we could draw some flowers... right in that corner.

[ And she'll point to the top left corner of the canvas. ]

Easy to add to, if we think of some other things along the way.
beautifulknight: (🌹95)

ii-b. leave your mark;

[personal profile] beautifulknight 2024-08-03 04:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Argenti turns his attention immediately on over towards Aerith, smile bright and welcoming in the face of her arts and crafts!! ]

Greetings, my fair lady!

I would certainly love to collaborate with you. Do you have any particular preference to color?

[ There are two markers, but what colors are they?? ]
incompletely: (tenn50)

[personal profile] incompletely 2024-08-03 04:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Tenn would absolutely have more reservations about doing a photoshoot with a girl for the same reasons, but...he needs money, plain and simple, if he wants to make his stay here as comfortable as possible. That, and there are certainly worse people he could've been paired with for this. Maizono seems like a pleasant girl. ]

I'm sure they will, Maizono-san.

[ They'll deal with the photographer when they get there. A problem for (near) future Tenn and Sayaka.

He looks mildly surprised at her comment.
]

Ah, an idol? You, too? [ Yep, surprise! ] I can say the same, then. This isn't anything unordinary for me either.
incompletely: (tenn42)

[personal profile] incompletely 2024-08-03 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure. That seems simple enough.

[ inb4 Aerith is an amazing artist...... ]

I will follow your lead. It should at least look cohesive.
vogelfrei: (surprise; anger; do not like)

[personal profile] vogelfrei 2024-08-03 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ This is surreal. Soujuurou looks and sounds so utterly mundane that it paradoxically makes him feel like he's a hallucination rather than a person of flesh and blood. Why would someone like that be interacting with him, when he's...

Okay, he needs to focus. On the off chance that this isn't an absolutely bizarre hallucination caused by extensive blood loss. ]


I'm not laughing about my injuries. Or even about my lack thereof - I haven't felt pain since we got here.
gardenful: (07)

[personal profile] gardenful 2024-08-03 05:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ "Fair lady," huh? Part of her wonders if he's playing the role of some sort of knight... or if he might actually be one. His clothes certainly suggest the latter, at least.

She's got green and pink, and while she would normally take the pink marker... Aerith gives Argenti a little onceover, humming as she does. This is a very important and difficult decision, after all. ]


Here.

[ She'll hold out the pink one instead of the green she was holding out before. ]

I think pink suits you, and I could use some variety.

[ It matches all of his red, after all, and the green is a nice contrast to all of her pink. ]
vogelfrei: (serious; well this sucks)

[personal profile] vogelfrei 2024-08-03 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
'Problems'.

[ He repeats it hollowly. What is he even supposed to say to that? ]

Your goddess did not inform you she'd be reviving the dead nor what she intends to do with them once they've served her purposes.
destage: (SILENT ♡ No one cries in showbiz)

[personal profile] destage 2024-08-03 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[Sayaka's observant enough to notice someone taking a seat next to her--she briefly goes tense, but the lack of speaking isn't unwelcome, at least. Maybe they need some time themself. Sayaka isn't sure, but she doesn't look up until McGillis speaks, eyes red and at least trying to look somewhat like a good kid--

And then she sees him. He's just as bloody as she is--it gets Sayaka to stare for a moment, before she has the basic decency to look away. He's not staring at anything. She could at least do this man the basic decency of not staring either.]


...No. It's one of the first things I checked when I, um, got over here. I was worried I was going to bleed out on the ground, but...

[It's out before she can stop it, and she trails off there. Pausing really. She wonders how much she should really be saying, but...

...

He's just as bloody as she is. Maybe he's a good person. Maybe they're both bad people. But...if that's the case, he'll at least do her the courtesy of stabbing her in the front, right? Maybe it's okay. To trust, to be a little...honest, even if it's clear Sayaka's awkward about it as she looks at the knife in her hand. The one she clutches like a lifeline--like the only thing she knows. Even if her right wrist still hurts some, but...]


...It seems to have healed over. I'm...not sure how to feel about it. [...] What about you, sir? You look pretty injured yourself--did everything heal over for you, too?
gardenful: (53)

[personal profile] gardenful 2024-08-03 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[ should i roll for how good her flowers are ]

Follow my lead?

[ She smiles, just a little. It seems like the person she picked for this is pretty diligent, huh? Sure she asked to collaborate, but caring about it enough that he wants to make sure what they do is cohesive shows some real dedication to the task. ]

What if I wanted to follow yours? Go on, draw whatever flower you want and I'll follow.
emptyself: (pic#17314120)

[personal profile] emptyself 2024-08-03 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
You haven't felt pain?

[ soujuurou blinks, tilting his head to the side just slightly in confusion as he gives mcgillis a once over. ]

Oh, huh. You're not injured. [ therefore. ] That's a relief. It would've been really bad if you bled out right after Mina-san gave us such a nice welcome.
beautifulknight: (🌹18)

[personal profile] beautifulknight 2024-08-03 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ To be a pillar of strength to those in need, to be a struggling person's guiding light, and to reignite the ability for others to glimpse upon that brilliance of Beauty once more. He hopes he can be exactly that... at least his intentions are clear. ]

Would it be of any surprise if I were to admit that I am a knight indeed? I am a Knight of Beauty, in service to Idrila. I hope to be a helpful hand to all of those that I meet; whether their struggles are visible...or veiled deep in their heart.

[ He wonders idly, however, at Sayaka's experiences. Though one can say that not many are guaranteed to meet a knight, people should have the opportunity to have others look out for them. Such as it is, green eyes flicker to the knife clutched tightly in her hands, and he offers one armored hand to her despite it. ]

Regardless, I believe your words well. I can recognize sincere gratitude a mile away. In the end, I hope I will continue to be worthy of those sentiments.

...Shall I also help you to your feet, Lady Maizono?
Edited 2024-08-03 17:08 (UTC)
linkmakers: (Mina 47)

[personal profile] linkmakers 2024-08-03 05:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay, well, first of all, you're making "bringing people here to make friends" sound way more nefarious than it is.

But uh... yeah, the revival part is a surprise. Um. I'm sorry for your... [loss???] -situation...?
incompletely: (tenn37)

[personal profile] incompletely 2024-08-03 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ not the nat 1

Anyway, he's prepared to see what she wants to do, but then the tables are turned. Hm.
]

Mine? [ Okay, well, he's got this? He thinks? ] ... Alright, then.

[ He uncaps his (blue) marker and starts drawing a flower.

It is not detailed whatsoever. It's very simple, cute and cartoon-like, but he moves his marker at a certain angle and it ends up falling out of his hand, leaving a blue streak of ink on the canvas on the way down.

Oops.
]
destage: (HMM ♡ That doe eyed anime look)

[personal profile] destage 2024-08-03 05:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[Sayaka's attentive (hah) to every detail she can get from Mina's demeanor. (rolling observation: 13.) She seems friendly at least, though Sayaka tries to get a good read of body language and everything she can glean, but...

Sayaka does smile, slightly, though it seems subdued.]


...It definitely seems like they are. I'm just not sure if I...

[Deserve it. Sayaka lets that die in her throat.]

Well. It's not something I ever...expected. [...] But, um. So...we're only staying here for a little bit, right? Does the goddess intend to pass some sort of judgement on us, or...?
beautifulknight: (🌹04)

[personal profile] beautifulknight 2024-08-03 05:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Aerith's powers of observation are quite keen indeed!

Argenti reaches out to take a hold of the pink marker with relish. It will indeed go well with him. It makes him also idly think of pink-colored roses...perfect, truly perfect! ]


I would be in most agreement. I thank you for allowing me such a glorious opportunity to paint with a most radiant and delightful color!

[ Metaphorically because this is a marker, not a paintbrush... ]

Since we shall also be working together on this soon-to-be-beautiful piece, I believe it will serve us well to give introductions. My name is Argenti; I am a Knight of Beauty.

It is a pleasure meeting you.
linkmakers: (Mina 56)

[personal profile] linkmakers 2024-08-03 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[She really does seem to be a friendly girl! Keeping her calm surprisingly well, even if there's a flutter of energy just being around so many people trying to handle her job as priestess.]

Not that I know of? She's the goddess of community and connections, not the god of death or anything.

Someone came by to ask earlier, but I'm pretty sure she's intending to send everyone home after all this. But... if home's a no-go, I don't see why she'd send people away if they want to stay, either?

She just wants people to make connections - to help the people here remember what it's like to have a real community again. So I can't imagine she'd just sever those connections if you decided you wanted to keep them.
vogelfrei: (Default)

[personal profile] vogelfrei 2024-08-03 05:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Like Sayaka is holding a knife, McGillis is holding a gun... holding being a generous term for it resting loosely in his hand on the floor next to him. Normally he'd feel the need to be vigilant, to defend himself, but... What's the point? What's the point of any of this, when everything should have ended already? The curtain has closed and opened again on an encore he never practiced for.

He sighs and nods. ]


It's all gone, yes.

[ There's supposed to be a bullet in his chest and it's been ripped from him. Irrationally, this makes him angry. It hadn't been someone else's to take. ]

If we'd been saved in the conventional way, they would have changed our clothes. We would have scarred.

[ But they haven't. They've been plucked right out of the moment, it seems.

Glancing over at her, McGillis idly wonders how a girl like that got into a lethal knife fight. ]
destage: (CHEER ♡ But of course you remember!)

[personal profile] destage 2024-08-03 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh.

Something in Sayaka's eyes brightens when Tenn brings that up, and truly--she's found someone who understands. She needs money too, obviously, but the fact that it's another idol, someone who gets the business, perhaps, and understands the world--it makes her feel more at ease, knowing that, even if she's awkward about it.]


Ah--yes! I've been an idol for quite some time now-- [Sayaka laughs gently, and it's bright and almost...free sounding. She shouldn't get in over her head here.] It really is so nice to meet another idol! I think we're going to get along really nicely, then!

If you don't mind my asking--what sort of group are you a part of?

[They're over at the photographer now, at least, and Sayaka's quick to wave at them--they're still grouchy, but give them a moment to pick out some clothes. At least for now, they can talk!]
moodwrecker: (24)

[personal profile] moodwrecker 2024-08-03 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
A. Welcome Party

[There's a girl with long, bright pink hair over here! Also a nail bat. Also, for some reason, a white rabbit in her arms???]

W- wait, Kel?! Sunny?

...Basil...?

[To say she seems flabbergasted to be here would be an understatement. Her head whips around, trying to make sense of her sudden new situation - before finally dipping down to look at the rabbit.]

Wh-- What...?

[Pardon her if she's a bit lost in her own world at the moment. Physically speaking she's visibly a bit roughed up, but fortunately it doesn't seem like whatever happened earlier was major or, god forbid fatal or anything.]

B. Top Models

[After spending most of her first day running around getting supplies to set up her rabbit in her dorm room and focusing entirely on its care, she's considerably calmer on the following days - which is helpful because apparently they got dragged all the way here just to work, which. Cool. Great. Love that.

Thankfully it doesn't take her too long to figure out the phone, even though some of its extra settings and features still elude her for the moment - but nothing that prevents her from following the commission instructions and winding up at a local boutique.
]

...Modeling? Are you sure?

[She needs the cash, but she does tug a little self-consciously at her pink hair- glances around, as the boutique worker sets about trying to find a second person to join in.]

C. Cleanup

[It kind of reminds her of the cleaning program they have around Faraway Town, not that she ever paid them much mind herself... That said, while she's going around with a bag and gloves to pick up trash (ugh, nasty) she does stop when a person walks right past and drops some trash right in front of her.

...
]

What the heck- can't you see there's people cleaning up right here?!

[The person stops, looking over like they can't believe she actually piped up and said anything - but ready to defend themself even so. And probably a good thing too, because she's tossing aside her bag for the moment and boy, it sure does look like she's fixing for a fight, is. Is anyone going to stop the ensuing brawl.

Anyone???
]

D. PVP Enabled

[Looking at the available sportsball and board game offerings.

Looking at the nearest person, phone in hand, clearly open to the commissions page.
]

Hey, you. Let's play something.

E. Leave Your Mark

[She's just

staring at the paper canvas with a pink crayon in hand.

Help this is SO childish but....... she needs that cash..............
]

F. Wildcard!

[Hit me up on plotting and we can do something custom if desired!]
incompletely: (pic#14835282)

[personal profile] incompletely 2024-08-03 05:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He knows the industry all too well at this point. Perhaps their views on it will be the same...or maybe incredibly different. Who knows. He'll find out, but at least she has a good attitude towards the photographer. That's already a plus in his book. ]

I'm pleased to meet another idol, myself. I'm in a group named TRIGGER.

[ One of the biggest boy groups in Japan. Surely she's heard of them...? Sayaka doesn't look familiar, though, which is strange if she's been an idol for a while...

Tenn gives the photographer a gentle smile and a wave. Yeah, they're grouchy, but that's okay. Back to Sayaka:
]

What about you?
vogelfrei: (sinister; sad; with father)

[personal profile] vogelfrei 2024-08-03 05:32 pm (UTC)(link)
... is it not nefarious?

[ Your goddess has a sick sense of humor, Mina. ]
pointzeropercent: (10)

[personal profile] pointzeropercent 2024-08-03 05:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[He is absolutely hamming this up for sympathy points, but he does have a question.]

Do you know where my companions are? We were in a pretty bad situation and I need to find them!