Week 1

[linkupmods]

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!
  

ic comm | inboxes | ooc comm | full nav

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Comments

[destage]

welcome (?) (2 prompts)

[Sayaka isn't expecting to wake up ever again.

Really, truly--she isn't. There's a brief moment when she comes to that she's simply dazed, hearing the world and people around her and seeing blearily, but not quite registering any of it in the slightest. She briefly wonders if this is the afterlife, if she's going to be honest--it's a little cold and hard, but the sun is warm on her skin and she feels so strange. Sayaka isn't sure she deserves this after betraying everyone to save her friends, but--

It's when she gets up that the reality of the situation hits properly. And it all starts with a clang that hits the ground, causing Sayaka to look down at it--and more importantly, down at herself.

She has blood dried all over herself. The knife on the ground also has her blood on it--where even was it? Sayaka doesn't want to know. (Sayaka absolutely knows, and it makes her sick--) But all Sayaka knows is that she's woken up in a strange place, in the same bloody clothing she died in, and her face must have gone impressively pale in the span of time it's taken the realization to hit, and--

It comes out before she can stop it, though she endeavors to at least muffle the bloodcurdling scream that escapes her while she grabs the knife and just. Goes off to the side elsewhere. She'll...apologize to Mina-san in a moment once everything is taken care of, but Sayaka finds a spot in some shade, far away from people, and just.

...Honestly, she kind of just curls up and cries for a bit. She'll. She'll be back in a moment, promise. She'll probably show up at the welcome party later after she cleans herself up a bit, but she's noticeably withdrawn and hanging off to the side. A wallflower, her. But whether you find her crying in horror or horribly subdued, she is trying. Very hard to be normal, despite it all. God help her.]

cleanup duty

[Okay. Okay, Sayaka at least has her bearings--she's likely had to go and try to get as much blood out of her only pair of clothes that she can, but they at least look...passable, now. She hopes. She really hopes it doesn't leave a permanent stain on there, that's going to be so awkward--

But Sayaka is all smiles and fine as can be when she takes on one of the commissions--keeping things clean is second nature to Sayaka, who's had to keep her house clean and spotless ever since her workaholic dad just gave up. But Sayaka approaches the task with an impressive amount of vigor, as she picks up everything she can--like a little blue roomba, she's going to town in making sure she doesn't think about things for too long. No, you wouldn't even be able to tell that she woke up in horror earlier based on her demeanor.

Hell, if she comes across you, she'll actually raise a hand in greeting--]

Oh, hello! Are you here to help clean up the town as well?

modeling

[Clothes.

Sayaka had seen the commission for this and practically jumped at the chance--new clothing was always something she loved, but getting something else to wear would only be a benefit at this point. She practically rushes down to the location, smiling as she meets the cranky photographer--she's dealt with plenty in her time, after all, and she knows how to keep herself calm. Keep calm, smile, be polite repeats in her head as the photographer tells her she needs to find someone, and--

Well. You happen to be nice and close by, so hopefully you don't mind as Sayaka walks up--]

Hi there! I hope I'm not being a bother--could I talk to you for a second?

modeling!

[incompletely]

[ Like Sayaka, the commission had pinged Tenn instantly. It's unsurprising that an idol like him would be up for the task for the sake of fashion – that, and, well, he's got experience with this, so it should be a walk in the park.

He isn't expecting to see someone else around when he arrives. In fact, he really wasn't sure if anyone else would've been willing to do this commission, period. He assumes that's what this girl wants to talk to him about, so he looks over at her and nods. ]

Not at all. Do you need something?

[destage]

[Sayaka finds herself smiling a little brighter when she sees that Tenn is willing to at least be cooperative and kind. She's used to the rather colorful characters in her lives, bombastic as ever, but this one at least seems normal.]

If it won't take up too much of your time! I was wondering if you would want to join me for a photoshoot? The photographer is looking for two people to do some photos with, and apparently you can keep whatever clothes you use for the shoot...

I was wondering if you might want to join me? If it's not too much of a bother, of course...!

welcome;

[beautifulknight]

[ Oh dear. That sure is happening, isn't it?

A scream that may or may not draw the attention of others has at least garnered Argenti's. Regardless, he makes his way on over to Sayaka despite that. ]

Excuse me, young lady...it appears you have been going through quite a turbulent time, haven't you? I am but a stranger, but I will gladly lend an ear or a shoulder if you need it.

[destage]

[Sayaka's first thought shouldn't be about how humiliating this is. Being perceived like this, so pathetic and stupid and it's her own fault, it's all her own fault, if she wasn't so stupid--]

Y-You don't--have to. If it's...I...

[Sayaka pokes her head up a little bit from where she's just. Curled up and sitting on the ground, getting a look at Argenti. The bright red, blazing hair makes her flinch a bit at first when she sees it, but she does her best to wipe her eyes. She has to look presentable, she has to, she has to--]

...I'm sorry you have to see me like this. That I made such a fuss. It's...it's not a pleasant story. I'm sorry.

Welcome!

[vogelfrei]

[ McGillis took notice of her immediately (how could he not, with that muffled scream piercing through the whispers?) but it's only after the explainer is finished and his own laughter has stopped that he can truly process her presence and the stark opposition the two of them form to everybody else here.

It makes Sayaka feel real in a way nobody else does just yet. Blood and blood.

So hey, crying bloody bundle of girl. Here's an equally bloody man, joining you in the corner. He sits down next to her, at an appropriate distance, and stares at nothing in particular. ]

... you're not still injured are you?

[destage]

[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?

modeling

[pointzeropercent]

[Sou is also here because of the draw of new clothes, though he is surprised when Sayaka calls out for him.]

Ah? Me?

[destage]

[...

For the sake of the joke, Sayaka looks around to and fro for a second, before gently smiling at Sou.]

I don't think I see anyone else around here as photogenic!

[Beat.]

...I promise that's just me being silly, sorry. [Sayaka smiles, none the less.] But yes, ah...if you have time, could I ask you for a favor? It shouldn't take too much time, and the photographer said that we could keep whatever clothes we use for this...

They want to take some nice photos of some of the recent summer fashions that they have here, and it seems like the photographer's a little stressed and on a deadline--would it be okay to ask for your help? I can leave you be, if you want though!

cleanup.

[elfemeral]

[ ah, it's her.

frieren registers sayaka quite quickly as the one who took this entire thing more... vocally than anyone else, but she'd left that alone. people had approached her that were more likely better equipped to Deal than frieren was, anyway, and she preferred not to run the risk of making it worse.

the fact this small elf with a magic staff is thinking of something else is clear on her face, another time in a moment of time, until she returns to the current one. ]

Mm. But it's not progressing how I'm used to.

[ cue frieren shoving a little bit of trash over with the end of her staff before picking it up, tossing it into a bag.

... should she? no, might as well. ]

Are you all right now?

[destage]

[Progressing how she's used to? Sayaka pauses a bit at that, before her gaze goes to the staff she has in her hand--it looks like something out of a fantasy anime, though Sayaka has the basic decency not to bring it up, though she can only imagine how much more difficult this is without magic. At least she assumes.]

It's okay! I can help you out, if you need some help getting this all done? I've been at it all day and have a good rhythm going--

[Ah. And here Sayaka thought she was going to be able to have some sort of dignity, or at least that she was mostly unnoticed in the crowd--she should have expected that, but...]

I-I-- [Keep calm, smile, be polite. Keep calm, smile, be polite. Sayaka breathes a bit, trying to find her bearings again.] I'm okay! I promise. It was all just...a lot to wake up to--I'm very sorry for worrying you, miss.

cleanup

[emptyself]

I am.

[ he gives her a curt nod, raising his black bag as proof. ]

I've cleaned up a mansion before, but a whole city...well, it's good that we're all here. I could never do this on my own. [ he sighs, kneeling down to start picking up trash. ]

Are you feeling better?

[destage]

Oh, gosh--I can only imagine! [Sayaka seems a little surprised by the mansion comment--maybe he's like a more normal version of Togami? Maybe less of a raging jerk too. That can only be a plus.] I've never cleaned up anything but my room, so I'm right there with you. I think if we all really put our nose to the grindstone, we can really make this place shine!

[...Once again, Sayaka balks a bit at being questioned, but thankfully she's kind of accepting that her dignity in this situation is. In the gutter and left to die...]

I am. I...had a chance to talk to Mina-san and figure out some stuff that's making this a little easier. I'm sorry if I worried you, though.

But, um. Do you want some help? I've been kind of going all around all day, but I'm glad to help where I can!

[deflection a-go-go--]

Cleanup Duty

[kandata]

That is correct. While this will be a very difficult request, it would be unbecoming to leave this city in such a...state of disrepair.

['State of disrepair' uses such politeness. Doesn't take much to know she's using such words to mask some very disapproving opinions about the state of the city]

[destage]

[That's about the politest way anyone could put it, honestly...there's a small quirk in Sayaka's expression, but she nods with a certain level of understanding.]

It really would. But it makes me happy to be working beside people who are as devoted to trying to get this place to look nice.

[...]

You don't have to be polite about it, if you don't want. You think it's awful that they're leaving the city like this, right?

cleanup

[bloodweapon]

[Unfortunately for Sayaka, Fray did notice her arrival and those bloodied clothes, though it seems she's trying very hard to put that behind her. Hmm. Not exactly the best way of handling such things, but perhaps she just needs time to sort it all out in her head.

Regardless, she's here asking him a question, and Fray answers truthfully.]

No. [fray please—] I came to see what this city has to offer, and see if there's a way out.

[Judging from his tone, he doesn't expect there to be. But he has to look anyway, because sitting idle simply isn't an option.]

It seems you've taken it on yourself to help out, though.

[destage]

[...At least this guy is honest. And honestly. Very intimidating. How is he not sweltering in that get-up, is what Sayaka wants to know, but...]

Do you think there is one? I haven't gotten a good look around the city myself, but...

[It's an interesting thought, though not one she's sure if she wants to entertain. Nevertheless, Fray's statement gets Sayaka to nod her head, and a smile comes onto her face as easy as breathing.]

Well, of course! Nobody likes living in a mess, right? I'm pretty used to cleaning up stuff around my house, so I thought I'd take some time to help clean up around the town. Maybe the townspeople will be a little less jerkish if we can make this place shine a bit...

If you don't end up finding a way out, sir--I think they're paying pretty decently to have us clean up, if you want to help.

[Give her a second while she gets another pretty decent pile back into the dumpster here--she's breaking a sweat, for sure, but it's a good distraction.]

welcome

[proposed]

[ It's hard to miss the commotion.

Dazai takes his time in making his way over to the source of the sound, his pace as brisk as if he were taking a stroll through the park, hands in his pockets. It doesn't take long for his eyes to land upon the source, soft sounds still breaking through, a schoolgirl by the look of it - soaked in blood. Too much blood.

He bends down on on one knee. He folds his hands on his knee as he takes her in without any emotion. There's neither worry nor pity, not even in difference - it's an absence of anything at all save a vague sort of awareness and thought.

If it were Odasaku, he would be able to handle it gently, tactfully, but Dazai never learned that technique. But he doesn't leave either, instead allowing his eyes to settle on the knife. ]

... What are you going to do with that?

[ His voice is equally devoid of anything, but it's quiet, the sort of voice one uses when telling secrets. ]

[destage]

[Sayaka's not sure what it is--she does startle outright when she hears someone speak to her, her grip going tight on the knife (the only thing she knows, the only other thing from home, the only thing she has) as she starts, poking her head out as she tries to see who's speaking--

She's startled, sure, but her grip on the knife doesn't lessen a bit. She doesn't let it go or aim it at Dazai, but...]

I-It's--it's all I have. From...from home. [...] Why are you asking?

[She shouldn't be so wary, she should be friendly--and yet Sayaka can't abide. The last time she let it go, it was her biggest mistake--]

cleanup

[imperiosity]

[Oh hey, if it isn't the screamer. Even if there had been a lot to take in at the time, it would've been harder not to notice her, given how conspicuous she was. And while he hadn't been planning on sticking his nose into things, the sharp contrast between before and now is definitely something.

But well, as for that question, he gives a small shrug in response.]

Hell no. If they wanna turn their own city into a dump, then that's their business. Doesn't look like you have any problems cleaning up their messes though, even after that little freak out of yours.

[destage]

[Oh, Sayaka doesn't like this already. Despite the initial flare that Aaron's response gets--more out of shock, than anything, Sayaka does her best to try and smile despite it all.]

I don't think that the citizens are entirely at fault for this. It sounds a whole lot like there's a lot of things out of their control, and I don't mind picking up the slack a little bit! Especially if it helps them.

[Keep calm, smile, be polite.]

What are you here for, then, if you don't mind my asking?

modeling!

[idealies]

[ Ai's dressed plainly in a white shirt and sweatpants and strides in with an inelegant gait, so it may not look like she's here to model. It can't be helped the goddess had summoned her straight out of dance practice. She figures she's an idol, but she's taken modeling gigs before. People say she's beautiful. She doesn't really know, but if dressing up in cute outfits will help the boutique out, that's what she'll do. Ai beams at the other girl, canting her head. ]

Not at all! What is it?

[destage]

[Sayaka finds herself smiling, analyzing the woman in front of her and pausing briefly. This one is very pretty, but something about her...she's not sure if she's reading right, but--]

I was wondering if you wanted to join me for a brief little photoshoot? [Sayaka's expression is bright and cheery.] There's a photographer here who's looking to get some photo's for their summer collection, and they're offering to let people keep the clothing that they wear for the shoot for themself--is that something you might be interested in?

modeling

[umurice]

[He had been looking around the city curiously, the layout different from what he's gotten used to in ES, when he had stumbled upon the boutique by pure accident.

The commission had caught his attention immediately, and while Hiiro still had a long way to go, at least modelling was a familiar task. With the current situation, it was important to procure resources for their stay, even if it's just for a short while. Money being one of them.

Which is why when Sayaka suddenly comes up to him, he's all smiles.]

Umu! How may I help you, miss?

i feel like i need to apologize to you specifically for how long this took orz

[destage]

[Oh! This guy seems like a bright one--something about him seems almost fiery, like a bright sun. Maybe that's just Sayaka's optimistic side speaking, but...]

I was wondering if you wanted to help me with a little photography project? There's this photographer here who's trying to get some photos for some summer outfits, and they're looking for people to help. I was wondering if that's something that might interest you?

You seem very photogenic, which is why I wanted to ask!