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

4

[gardenful]

[ Get it over with, huh? That won't do, and even if Aerith is all for doing a little bit of modeling and getting some money, she pouts anyway. ]

Aw, come on. Let's at least have a little fun with it.

[imperiosity]

Never said I wouldn't. But this is gonna get tedious real fast with this cranky old fart breathing down our necks, and I'd rather have my fun elsewhere.

[Meanwhile, said "cranky old fart" (who probably isn't even that much older than the both of them tbh) gives Aaron the flattest look for that comment before moving on to adjust the camera equipment.

Aaron just continues on as if nothing happened.]

But if you want me to keep you company that badly, I guess I can do that.

[Because lbr, it's not like he has anything better to do right now!!]

[gardenful]

[ Ah, the all the telltale signs of a Bad Boy(tm), huh? She finds herself amused where she should probably be a little bit irritated, even though she does share a sympathetic look and shrug with their resident "cranky old fart". ]

You guess, huh? I could go find someone else who would really love a modeling job if you're too busy for this.

[imperiosity]

And leave the old fart hanging? C'mon, have some sympathy. The guy looks like he's halfway to an aneurysm already.

[Just tosses the photographer a casual glance like he isn't partially responsible for this ☆]

[gardenful]

So I'd just be finishing the job that you started?

[ She smiles over at the photographer before heading towards the clothing rack and picking out an outfit. There's a good selection, but the fruits call to her. ]

I'm gonna go get changed. Whoever's last owes lunch!

[ Did Aaron agree to this? No. But she will hold him to task for this. Anyway, she's definitely losing this one with a 1. ]

[imperiosity]

Don't know what you're talking about. ♪

[But it looks like they're ready to get this show on the road, so he'll pick out this horrendously garish outfit because this is how he rolls. I hate him.]

You're on, but you'd better not back outta this when I win!

[And then he rolls a 1 to make it a tie-- ...okay no, he rolls an 8. But also he's literally just pulling on a pair of trunks and putting on that terrible shirt, so should this actually count as a win!!]

[gardenful]

[ Her double skirts take a bit of adjusting and moving around, so she isn't too terribly surprised to see Aaron out there already by the time she opens up the dressing room door. ]

Shoot. Looks like I'll have to take you somewhere after we're done here. Lucky you!

[ At least she's not backing out of it! Besides, lunch is a great way to build a connection, and that's what they're here to do anyway.

She takes a few steps forward, appraising his outfit. ]

You're a fan of real bright colors, aren't you?

[imperiosity]

[When Aerith makes her exit, he'll give her a once-over. Not bad... not bad at all.

He'll shrug at the concession though.]

Can't exactly call it a fair win when you picked a getup like that. I'm always up for a rematch if you wanna do this again with a level playing field.

[But if she insists on treating him regardless, he won't decline!! Regardless, he'll places a hand on his hip as responds to her question.]

Hell yeah. Summer's all about the beaches, I'm not dressing like it's a funeral. Besides, I could say the same about you. Got a thing for oranges?

[gardenful]

Hmmm... I'll accept your offer. Come up with some kind of game we can play and we'll duke it out.

[ Will she treat him to lunch anyway, though? Depends on if he behaves.

She looks down at her dress, giving him a little shrug. ]

Who doesn't? Oranges are fresh and delicious! Prob'ly helps that they're pretty rare where I grew up, though.

[ Aerith shoots him a grin before ushering him towards the set before the cameraman starts to glare at them again. ]

[imperiosity]

Was thinking we'd just have a redo using your outfit, but sure, we can do something else.

[Because he'll win no matter what, duh!!

But anyhow, he'll follow (leisurely, because what is respecting the cameraman's time) and glance over the set before turning back to Aerith.]

You want a glass of orange juice for you to pose with, then? I'm sure the old fart would provide if it made for a better shot.

[and then he just tosses a wink at the cameraman because surely that will be convincing!! (no)]

[gardenful]

[ time for them to fistfight ]

Hmm... You know, I think we've bothered him enough, huh?

[ She'll spare their photographer a glance. He's so tired... ]

How about... if you come up with a cool pose that involves orange juice, then we'll ask. But for now?

[ Aerith grabs his wrist and tugs him closer before linking their arms together, as if they're taking a summer stroll. ]

I think this'll do.

[imperiosity]

[can't wait for aerith to kamehameha him into a building when she rolls a nat20

But okay okay, he'll stop being a nuisance to the photographer!! This is largely because Aerith does succeed in distracting him with her movements. And while there is a blink at the sudden closeness, he goes along with it easily enough.]

...Heh. Kinda cliché, but I guess this works. So what's the story for this one -- a couple taking in the sights on their beach vacation?

[gardenful]

[ i hope it's the only nat20 i roll the whole game

While he blinks, she turns to him with a smile. The closeness clearly doesn't bother her, not when it's something she considers to be just for fun. ]

Yup! Got it in one.

[ She points off towards the corner of the room. ]

And just now, I saw a huge wave crash into someone's picnic on the beach!

[ Just to keep the immersion here, she'll even twist her expression into something like surprise. ]

[imperiosity]

[makes a prayer circle to dicebot

It's good to know that they're on the same page when it comes to the basic set up, but he can't stop his brows from raising a little at the plot twist Aerith cooked up.]

For real...?

[It's not like he was expecting this to play out like a real (fake) date, but this seems like they're going in the opposite direction as far as the mood goes. He almost looks like he wants to shake his head in exasperation, but he'll play along and turn his head to where she's pointing before he gives her arm a bit of a tug in that direction.]

Guess that means we've got no choice but to check up on those poor picnickers.

[The set's too small for an actual run, but they can manage a slow jog, probably??]

[gardenful]

[ A slow jog, but make it fashion. At least, that's what Aerith is trying to do by exaggerating her movements a bit and occasionally pausing her poses just so the photographer can get a shot or two in. ]

And you're playing along anyway.

[ There's definite amusement in her voice, clearly pleased that Aaron is going with her silly idea even if he doesn't want to—getting guys like this to do silly things is one of her favorite pasttimes, after all. ]

Should we help them pick up their stuff too?

[ They'll look like photos where they're gathering shells or something similar, she thinks, and if they can pose in a way that shows off the versatility of their outfits... even better. ]

[imperiosity]

[If only he had half the consideration Aerith did for the photographer...!! But he does go slowly enough that it should be easy to get some usable pictures, even if he his focus is on making the movements seem natural rather than easy to capture on film.]

What can I say, I'm in a generous mood. Hope you realize how lucky you are.

[He says it with enough of the usual haughtiness that it's unclear if he's joking or not, but he's careful to keep his expression soft to sell that whole 'lovebirds at a beach' image.]

Eh, why not. We've already stuck our noses in this far.

[After taking a couple more steps, he'll move to crouch down, letting his shirt ride up a little to expose some extra skin for the camera.]

[gardenful]

[ She opts to sit on the ground to show off the flexibility of this dress and pretends to pick up some discarded items off the ground herself. It'll probably be photoshopped into the two of them looking at shells or something like that, but hey. It still works.

But she'll break the little "skit" they've got going on just to make a little comment: ]

Wow, you're a real natural at this.

[imperiosity]

[Considering how loosely they'd been playing these roles to begin with, he's not all that surprised at breaking character a little. He'll avoid shrugging outright if only for the camera, but the sentiment is apparent enough in his voice.]

Couldn't call myself a performer if I can't even do this much. Besides, could say the same for you. You look pretty comfortable struttin' your stuff.

[gardenful]

I'm a cute girl that goes out and gets what she wants. Of course I am!

[ More or less...

She grins up at Aaron, hoping that it makes for a good photo. ]

So you're a performer? What do you do?

[imperiosity]

Well, can't say I don't like the confidence. Definitely easy on the eyes too.

[And he'll lean a bit closer here so this scene looks a lot more intimate than it actually is, because why not, if they're committing to the bit.]

Sword dancing, mostly. There's a theater in my hometown, and I put on a few big shows every now and then. Crowd couldn't get enough of me, let me tell ya.

[gardenful]

[ She simply smiles when he leans in, compliment rolling right off of her and her features softening as the corners of her lips quirk up. This'll definitely make for a good shot. ]

Sword dancing, huh? If you're that good, you'll have to show me sometime. I've never seen anything like that before.

[ Besides, she wonders if Aaron can live up to the hype he's setting up for himself. ]

[imperiosity]

Sure, why not. It's been a while since I last performed, and this place could use some excitement anyway. Damn shame there isn't an actual stage to use, though.

[Unless he wanted to convince one of the locals to let him borrow it for a time, but meh, he's not going to go that far unless there's actually the set and props to match.]

[gardenful]

[ Her smile takes a more playful turn, and in the back her of her mind she hopes that makes for another good shot. ]

If you're as good a performer as you say you are, anything's a stage, right?

[imperiosity]

[And here he'll toss his head back a little and flip his hair back like he's shifting some stray bangs away from his face, all the while angling himself so the camera can take a few clean shots of his gesture.]

'Course. But there's no matching that energy you get when there's a full house that's as pumped as you are.

[gardenful]

What if I clap really loud? Maybe you'll feel some of that energy.

[ Or will he feel embarrassed instead? Aerith wants to find out. ]