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

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[pharology]

I, er-- [Do not be distracted by the massive spear, do not be distracted by the massive spear-- he's distracted by the massive spear. He glups, and it takes so much of his self-control to look back up at the stranger's face. And then is distracted by his red, red hair. And flushes slightly over his inability to concentrate, scales on his skin standing out due to the pink of his skin.]

I'm sorry, I'm not at all a fighter... I've never been that competitive, you see.

[beautifulknight]

[ The massive spear sparkles in the light of the dreary day!

Slight jokes aside, Argenti sees the spot of nervousness, and just casually positions the spear behind him while they chat even if the bladed portion can easily be seen over his head. Maybe it is the evident fluster that made him try to ease things over...

It was probably a good try, though. ]

That's alright, my new companion! Is there another activity you find yourself enjoying in playful participation with others, then? We can make it 'competitive' without it being harshly so.

[pharology]

I know nothing of games, unfortunately. [He rubs two fingers together, with a lack of something to fiddle with.] Or... hobbies. Ah, that sounds quite odd, doesn't it?

[Who doesn't have a hobby in this day and age? Jordi, apparently.]

So I'm willing to do whatever.

[beautifulknight]

Does it? I am certain that there must be activities out there that make your soul sing and your heart dance!

If there are truly none at this time, you simply haven't found it; such a predicament cannot be truly so odd, as certainly others must also feel the same.

[ Argenti says with gentle, but certain assurance! He thinks Jordi is someone who has the potential to find a hobby that honestly moves him. ]

How about we do something like racing for now? Do you consider yourself a decent runner of any kind?

[pharology]

Does running while being chased count? [It's a joke, and it's a bad one... and he's aware of it. Which is why he clears his throat.]

I think I have a good enough constitution to run. Perhaps not a marathon, but a friendly sprint.

[beautifulknight]

Being chased...?

[ Argenti blinks. Oh, he supposes it might have been a jest.

Well then, moving on! ]

Then we may sprint competitively, yet in a friendly manner! How about all the way down the street and back?

[ That sounds reasonable to him, he thinks. ]

[pharology]

I'm open to that. [He might not be chased right now... but he doesn't have his parents' and grandparents' blueprints to worry about, so he won't have to slow down. Perhaps?]

Let's look for a nice long stretch of land... so we don't bother anyone. [So he won't trip over anyone.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Help...well, at least even if he is a fish-like person on land, he can run very fast if he needs too?! ]

Oh? I don't think we'll bother anyone out here, though it is also true that there may be better spots.

The people in this city in general seem quite averse to conversation or the presence of others at this time, so if we find some place where there are few at a time, we can also presume most will not endeavor to bother us so.

[ Argenti will begin to lead them away...looking for such a spot. ]

Shall we also perform a round of introductions as we search, however? My name is Argenti. It is a pleasure to meet you.

[pharology]

Oh, yes! [Introductions, names... Well, he's not in Rhodes Island, so there's no reason to be giving his codename.]

I am Jordi Fontanarossa, but please, call me Jordi.

[beautifulknight]

Jordi it is, then. I look forward to our race.

[ Argenti thinks that he's found them a good spot to start with, so he will get into position. ]

I believe this place will do. We start on the count of three.

[ Unwilling to potentially take off just yet, he will ask courteously: ]

Are you ready?

[pharology]

[Already?! Wahh...]

Oh! All right... [Jordi gathers himself, smoothing his shirt down, and tucks his hair out of his face so he can actually see clearly, though there's nothing to be done about the rebellious lock that keeps flying wherever it wants.] I'm ready!

[beautifulknight]

[ Already indeedy!! Time waits for no one, Jordi!!

Argenti gets into position. ]

Excellent. Now...let us race.

3, 2...1!

[ With that, he sprints off like a rocket. How fast is this young fish-like man? Can he keep up with a Knight of Beauty? ]

[pharology]

[How can someone go from at rest to zooming like that! Jordi's seen his coworkers at Rhodes Island do it but he just could never pin down how. Incredibly physicality is a factor, yes, but still...

Jordi gets to running himself, though he is obviously struggling to catch up. The only thing he has going for him is his youth, after all. He runs, but he's not gaining that much distance on Argenti.

And... wait, what's the finish line?]

[beautifulknight]

[ Sorry he is like this, Jordi...though, he does slow down a little.

...

......

That said...Argenti probably should've thought about mentioning a finish line, right? But in the midst of running, he totally forgot to do that; in that he definitely might have assumed he did, but definitely didn't. ]

[pharology]

[ty for trying Argenti... but without a finish line, Jordi has to keep running... and running... And then eventually he slows. Then comes to a complete stop, bending over to put his hand son his knees and attempt some breathing exercises.

Oh, he's close to wheezing, give him a moment.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti realizes that he did not plan this out properly, and actually turns around to run back on over to the other man. ]

...Oh, I'm sorry.

Are you alright, my new friend? I believe I made a mistake in not setting a proper point where the race would end.

[ Poor Jordi... ]

[pharology]

Please, it's all right. [Not "I'm all right". He's... Well. Not.]

I'm just not used to exertion... I'm sorry.

[beautifulknight]

No, you needn't apologize.

Even if this isn't something you are used to, it isn't your own fault for that.

[ Argenti thinks he still got too caught up in his excitement, and he thinks, well, they certainly have both done their best in attempting to fulfill the spirit of a competitive activity, right? ]

...What are you generally accustomed to doing?

[pharology]

Ah... Well. [Jordi takes one more deep breath and then straightens up, hands on the small of his back to help himself.]

Would you believe me if I said I started working as a field medic? [Probably not! Even he would look himself askance if he could.] Not that it helped me much.

You win by default, after all.

[beautifulknight]

I certainly would believe you. Thoughtfulness is always a sign of a good healer.

[ Argenti says immediately, absolutely unironically. Even if Jordi doesn't have the standard appearance of a medic, he can at least imagine it. Anything is possible, isn't it? ]

Well, I would argue since I didn't place a proper finish line, that might be questionable. Though, with our respective differences in this area...I can see how it may have panned out that way, even with one.

You did try your best at least. And I do appreciate that.

[pharology]

[Ah... what is he to do with all this praise? He hasn't even done anything noteworthy. Jordi can't help but smile though, and while it may be shaky, it's a genuinely pleased expression, when previously he'd been smiling nervously, or out of a desire to be polite.]

Thank you. I don't feel too bad about losing, as I knew I would. But your words are appreciated all the same.

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti is ever so glad to ease someone's worries...though he might have been a bit overly concerned himself, so the fact he can also get someone to smile with such authenticity is always a true plus. Such as it is, it makes him brighten, practically sparkling with good cheer. ]

It truly is no problem at all. In fact, I am most glad to hear you are in good spirits and the words of gratitude granted to this humble Knight of Beauty!

That said, shall we rest our feet for awhile, and continue to chat for a little while? Or would you prefer for us to go our separate ways?

[pharology]

Why not the former? It's not as if we have anywhere else to be at the moment. [Well, Jordi doesn't.

Then he turns a little awkward at the thought of hogging someone's attention when they already have plans.]

Unless you have other plans...?

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti simply shakes his head at the question offered to him. ]

I'm truly free of any plans whatsoever at this time! You are not troubling me in the slightest.

[ Then, he'll guide them on over to where there happens to be benches nearby, and sits himself down. Of course, he just continues to talk straight away because he is like that. ]

...After all, every moment I spend with others here is time well spent. Even here it is possible we ourselves may miss the chance to savor moments with others, and the Beauty that is inherent in every part of life. Yes, I firmly believe that the light that can be glimpsed from small interactions can be truly beautiful, and a blessing from the flawless goddess Idrila.

[pharology]

[The way he speaks, it sounds like he's a deeply religious man. Jordi won't even judge him for it. In fact, he thinks as he sits down on the other end of the bench, he might even ask to learn a little more because religion tends to be thorny business on Terra, especially Iberia.]

I can understand that sort of desire, especially if there's a deeper reasoning for it for you. What do you think about this place so far, barring what we're meant to be doing here as a whole?