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!
  

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Comments

[kandata]

This will be the first time. However, I trust I can do it correctly. There will be no failure.

[Sure helps Kirumi is a good-looking gal with a certain sense of style, if her design is any indication! I bet she designed her uniform herself, and added all those spider motifs]

[beautifulknight]

As two exemplary images of beautiful people...I am certain we shall succeed! Might I know the name of this fair lady before me?

I am called Argenti.

[ As he states this, Argenti directs with one hand towards where the local boutique lies, and will begin to guide them there! ]

[kandata]

I am Kirumi Tojo, the Ultimate Maid. I will complete your request to perfection.

[Such a serious introduction from her! She follows Argenti, entering the local boutique with stoic confidence, already looking around like she's trying to pinpoint what she'll have to wear for this task]

[beautifulknight]

The Ultimate Maid? You must have quite the reputation, to have been given such a grand title. How long did it take you to obtain it?

[ Indeed, Argenti has never heard of such a title used by anyone before. She must be the cream of the crop where maids are concerned.

Meanwhile, the cranky and sullen photographer comes out and hands them something rather beachirific. Some kind of swimming shorts and like just sleeveless t-shirts people would normally wear in the summer. They probably have images of palm trees or something on the shirts.

Thankfully, there are also dressing rooms for them to use, separately. ]

[kandata]

Four years. It is the result of my selfless devotion.

[Selfless to a fault, that's for sure. The 'self' in Kirumi is very muted, all things considered, because she considers anyone she's serving to matter far more than anything she might think.

Seeing the clothes, Kirumi already is imagining what kind of photo shoot this will be. Oh, a beach picture...! That should be fine. She can remember several advertisements along those lines. Once she's dressed with what she was provided, she seems ready, already making some slight stretches to guarantee flexibility for any poses she might be asked to take]

What product could this be for...?

[She's assuming it's for publicity reasons!]

[beautifulknight]

Four years of selfless devotion...? What inspired you to devote yourself wholeheartedly to obtaining such a result?

[ Argenti asks with sincere curiosity. He is thinking of his own devotion to Idrila, and as a Knight of Beauty. Even if the scope of Kirumi's devotion is, ultimately, in differing directions than his by far.

Fortunately, the photographer, who looks irritated to have to deign to discuss anything with the two of them at all, is also ready to explain! It is for the summer brand of clothing, it appears. ]

Summer clothing promotions, is it? There is indeed something quite radiant in selecting the exact right model for it. Fortunately, my dear one and only photographer, you've come across two exemplary models!

Let us be off and change, Lady Kirumi!

[kandata]

I have always liked to help. That is my sole motivation -- and the best way to help is to support others to reach success. Just as medics believe in helping others by caring for their health, I try to help by supporting them.

[Without pampering them, thankfully!]

You do not have to call me 'lady'. We are of the same standing for as long as we're in this city, are we not?

[More like she's politely trying to deflect receiving such title! She says that right before going to change, and once she returns, having changed into the summer clothes, she seems a little at a loss of what to do with herself. It's not often she's without her uniform, after all!]

[beautifulknight]

[ Ah...a beautiful motive indeed. Truly, Kirumi's intentions are aligned with that of utmost Beauty! ]

I see...you've done well in phrasing it in quite a spectacularly marvelous way! I can understand the desire to assist others. Truly.

As for your concern, I was only being polite. But, I shall heed your request.

[ At least, that is how he interprets it. Soon enough, Argenti makes his return and is evidently dressed in the same attire. There's probably like a sun on it. Summer motifs for their brand!!

The photographer then says he wants them to be positioning their hands so it looks like the two are clapping both of them together. With big, bright smiles!! ]

Oh, that sounds easy enough. What say you, Miss Kirumi?

[kandata]

It should be easy enough...

[...bright big smile...that part Kirumi didn't see coming, truthfully! She expected to pose, she expected perhaps some sort of photographic elegance, and other technical and logistical details. A bright smile was not...part of the calculations!

So she tries to give a big smile as needed by the photo.

The result is not convincing. It's big, but it's not bright. Whooops]

[beautifulknight]

[ Meanwhile, Argenti can definitely do BIG BRIGHT SMILES to the point maybe whomever is looking at the photo may, in fact, be suddenly blinded. ]

Certainly so!

[ The photographer rudely instructs it to be brighter. Like Argenti, who is literally sparkling, but that bar is so high it is probably at least a smidgen of ridiculous. ]

Please do go easy on her. She has a large enough smile; in essence, I would say that is bright enough, no? Isn't that right, Miss Kirumi?

[kandata]

It is fine to not go easy on me. I must be lacking something...

[Apparently that she was instructed to be brighter got under Kirumi's skin -- not because it annoyed her, but because it made her realize she wasn't fulfilling this properly. She changes her pose, trying to emulate Argenti. She sure can't sparkle like he does, but she's trying to complement his immense photogenic charisma.

Probably did manage to increase her appeal better! Albeit still not able to do it as genuine as it comes for Argenti. In this, he definitely is a blinding spotlight, and Kirumi sure isn't]

[beautifulknight]

[ Oh no... ]

I do believe that is quite too harsh. You certainly have been doing your best!

[ Well. Argenti can tell her pose and increase in efforts is certainly doing something in general, especially since the photographer says that will work, thankfully, or otherwise this Knight of Beauty might be inclined to be rather displeased with that kind of attitude from said grump. ]

It appears that our photographer found it to be perfect!

[ The photographer gives a rolling of eyes over here, but has them do something else next that at least seems normalish for another "interaction":

Sit on the floor, back to back, and hold up peace signs. ]

[kandata]

[Easy enough! Peace signs! The great majority of people who know Kirumi would be surprised to see her like this, and she's well aware of that:]

I should be glad these pictures will be only for this world.

[beautifulknight]

[ Help.png...meanwhile Argenti seems just fine doing this; if it is to assist someone with a request, looking kind of mildly ridiculous or out there doesn't really bother him much.

Such as it is, her comment gets him to ask: ]

Whyever do you say that?

[kandata]

For someone in my line of work, it could prove...troublesome. Many employers prefer a certain image for their maids.

[As if Kirumi was a typical maid, hah. The great majority of people who would employ her wouldn't pay attention to this at all because she's just that efficient]

[beautifulknight]

Do they? Is it not effectiveness, gracefulness, thoughtfulness, and proper conduct that is important, rather than harmless images like these?

Not that I can consider myself all-knowing of how it is to be a maid, I suppose!

[ Argenti is at least aware image is important, though apparently he doesn't think this is too terrible. ]

[kandata]

A lot of people are very superficial. Especially those of certain status in society. That you do not see it the same way they would speaks well of you and the circles you move in.

[Kirumi isn't the pompous or superficial kind of person, at least! But she knows a lot of people who are, unfortunately]

[beautifulknight]

[ Ah yes, society! There are the upsides to such things existing, but there are also the downsides...the judgmental nature of others, apparently.

The photographer has had enough shots for now as well, and says that their job was "passable" because someone's got grumpus hours big time. As he stands up to his feet, he raises a brow, but he merely kindly nods his head. The affliction of the heart is not so easy to shake. ]

I am most appreciative to hear such a genuine compliment be granted to me, Miss Kirumi.

I hope you have had not too much troubles with such superficial natures in your time as your own self and as your capacity of what I believe to be quite a hard-working individual as well as a maid!

[kandata]

[Hearing the job is 'passable' feels like an insult, to Kirumi's extremely devoted work ethic, but at the same time she can't deny this wasn't her best work ever. Even a very talented person like her has blind spots!]

There inevitably has been a problem or two throughout my career, but they were no more than fleeting inconveniences. They are not even worth talking about.

[More like it annoys her to even think about them. A very patient person she is but also she's not immune to annoyance!]

[beautifulknight]

[ A stealth insult indeed. Argenti hopes that gratitude may at least be with the photographer for their assistance, though perhaps even that may be too much to expect at this current point. ]

I am glad such occurrences were not common, and therefore I easily find myself in agreement with your conclusion regarding them.

[ Trifles hardly need to be remarked upon, that is. ]

Well, since we are all set, I believe we can be ready to leave things as they are. Though, as you have assisted me, I shall offer you the opportunity at any time to ask for my help if you feel you need it.