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

[gardenful]

[ Wow, this guy sure does play the part of a fairytale knight. She's so here for this. ]

Knight of Beauty, huh? You sure do look the part!

[ His long, beautiful red hair... the way his armor shines... yeah, he's definitely a beautiful guy. Which means his art will be just as beautiful. Right? ]

I'm Aerith. Not a knight, but I am a florist, so you could say I know a thing or two about beauty.

[beautifulknight]

[ He even sparkles. Radiantly.

Argenti truly is the embodiment of a fairytale knight. . .in space!! ]

Why, I am ever so glad to hear that. I endeavor to make it clear that I embody such elements clearly and from a single glance!

[ . . .

His artwork will look sadly very ugly, though. RIP. ]

Oh? A florist? A wonderful and glorious area of employment indeed! There are multiple opportunities for one to truly grasp Beauty in one's hands by being near such beautiful things. Therefore, I cannot help but have full confidence and faith in your words.

Tell me, what flowers do you like most?

[gardenful]

[ She can't help but giggle at his agreement. Seems like they'll get along well, if they're already setting off on the right foot like this.

Aerith sets her hands on her hips. ]

Well, I like all of them, for one! But I do like yellow lilies the most. For one, they're pretty and bright. And two, they mean friendship.

[ Which is something pretty important to her, so of course she'd like their meaning. ]

[beautifulknight]

[ Aren't they just?

Argenti can just sense how much it means to her and therefore he cannot help but feel ever so glad about such a fact. Seeing the beauty in flowers, in relationships of various kinds... that is something most splendid! ]

Ah, I can see why. The brightness and beauty in friendship itself exemplified in such radiant flowers cannot be denied. Indeed, where is one in life without a dear friend beside them? Even if they must walk a lonely road, if they have never made a friend in their lives, light is ever so distant from them...and if they have forsaken it, what radiance is to be found in life?!

Indeed, like such wonderful little beings of life, they can be nurtured with effort and affection until maturing into a delightful expression that transcends words themselves!

And what is that, if not Beauty itself?

[gardenful]

Wow, you've got a real way with words, Argenti!

[ Not that she minds, really. Most of her friends have to be pushed to actually say more than just a couple of words, so this is a nice little change of pace. ]

I agree, though. There's a lot of meaning in giving a flower like that to someone, since it says a lot more than just words.

[ She uncaps her marker. ]

So, does "beauty" mean all kinds of thing to you? That's the impression I'm getting so far.

[beautifulknight]

Why thank you, Lady Aerith.

[ Argenti does his best to infuse his words with the utmost depths of passion and other such exuberant forces that showcase the beauty of life.

He dramatically uncaps his marker as well, trying to figure out what he should start out with. Oh. Why not try a pink bunny? Or one of those Wubbaboos?! He begins to give it a try, having no idea he is about to etch into creation a terrifying lifeform...! ]

You would be correct. For example, Beauty cannot just be defined only on one's physical appearance. An elderly man with a heart of gold can be as beautiful as a young model; or perhaps the light brush of wind against one's face as the morning sun greets them upon the very next day.

Without Beauty, the environment will easily lose its luster. I wonder, what is it you consider when you hear the word 'beauty'?

[gardenful]

[ The drama of it all! Who knew knights were as dramatic as she always thought them to be? ]

Right out the gate with the tough questions!

[ But she doesn't mind it much, smile on her face even as she brings her hands in front of her, clasping them together as she thinks. ]

What do I think about... hmmm.

[ The truth is she thinks about a lot of things—the planet and the way its very essence moves her soul, the metal of the steel sky she grew up under, and the hearts of her friends.

What do they all have in common? ]

I think... I'll have to say life itself. The things we experience, the people we meet, the things we feel... it's all beautiful.

[beautifulknight]

[ They truly are dramatic indeedy. Where is a knight without drama!?

At the very least she does not truly seem burdened by his inquiry indeed, so he merely smiles, and awaits her answer.

And it is an answer indeed; one that has clearly been summoned from the depths of one's heart. How touching...how beautiful. ]

I see...so that is your answer.

[ Argenti says as the ferocity of those pink squiggles via marker intensify. ]

I can tell the enormity of those sentiments behind such a response...and agree wholeheartedly. Life is rife with so much beauty; in meetings, in those opportunities, and feelings.

As I thought, you would understand well the very concept of it, Lady Aerith. How fortuitous is it that we seem to be quite on the same page once more. Though I have traveled through many places, it is never a guarantee for others to be so likeminded.

[gardenful]

It sure isn't. Not everyone feels the same. I bet some people think I'm way too optimistic, but I don't mind.

[ She shrugs, a smile still on her lips. Even differences in outlooks can be a thing of beauty too—an opportunity to learn, and what's better than that? She had seen that firsthand herself, not too long ago. ]

So, what are you drawing? Looks intense.

[ Or at least, those squiggles sure are. ]

[beautifulknight]

Of course. It is only natural.

Beauty exists even in differences, as it does in similarities. The morning dew glimpsed upon a flower sprouting to get the early spring is the same that drops upon the pond nearby. Or the absence of which may be common if it were someplace out in the desert; yet, even there, the beautiful light shines if not too brightly during the day, then certainly by the moonlight of night.

[ ........Getting a little off-track here, he backtracks and then looks at what he has put together. Unfortunately whatever it is cannot be described in mere words.

Indeed, it's something, and when he shows her his efforts, it certainly looks like some kind of pink indescribable formless creature that is the exact opposite of the word "Beauty". ]

I attempted to make an image conveying "Beauty" of a cute creature that I am very fond of...though, it appears that I have missed the mark ever-so-grandly. Alas...whatever shall I do now?

[gardenful]

[ Wow, prone to poetry too! Truly a knight through and through. Aerith is almost lost in his words, so much so that she doesn't really notice the... interesting creature that Argenti has created. ]

It's... kinda creepy, actually.

[ But there's still some saving that can be done yet! With her green marker, Aerith starts to draw a little flower on what she thinks should be the creature's head. ]

[beautifulknight]

...Creepy...

[ Argenti wants to cover his face and bury himself in the ground. ]

I see. I believe your flower is the only saving grace, for this looks indeed quite the farthest from a Wubbaboo as possible.

[ Alas...at least the flower indeed is quite pretty. But, maybe he can concentrate on making another rose on the same image to join the flower, but positioned lower! ]

[gardenful]

Sorry, I meant scary or cool. Something like that!

[ Poor Argenti!! She feels a little bad now, but that's not something more flowers can't fix.

So... she'll add a rose too, even though it's green. ]

[beautifulknight]

Cool? Ah, I see, I understand completely!

...Yes, perhaps a pink-haired monstrosity like this can be "cool". Truly, there is Beauty in that of which shows off coolness. [ What is he even saying. ] And now, look! This creature is now encircled by flowers.

A green rose is something I have never glimpsed before. But, it would be quite a wonderful spectacular sight! Truly, it would be a symbol of utmost Beauty.

[ He adds in another rose too. ]

Since it is not what I have turned out to have drawn before, I wonder if perhaps there should be a naming process for this kind of creature.

[gardenful]

[ No, no let him cook. He's onto something. ]

Hmm... maybe something that has to do with roses and being cool? Something unique, at least.

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti closes his eyes, and then he opens them... ]

The Rosen Giant of Beyond.

Does that not echo well with having to do with roses while embodying an ocean depth's coolness?

[ A truly beautifully "cool" name... ]

Though, I shall certainly hear any other suggestions on your end as well.

[gardenful]

Your sense of naming is way better than mine.

[ She very much approves! And could definitely not come up with something even close to that, not without enough time to really think it over. ]

It even sounds dramatic, which I think is exactly what this drawing deserves.

[beautifulknight]

Why thank you! I do not disagree.

It adds a certain undeniable flair and beautiful essence of life to it...as if it has truly come alive!

[ Thankfully it hasn't because it'd probably be causing a ruckus in the streets. A beautiful ruckus, but one nonetheless! ]

Incidentally, are there creatures you are fond of back home?

[gardenful]

There are, actually! Plenty of 'em.

[ She'll start drawing one, and it essentially looks like an elongated chicken. ]

These are called chocobos. They're pretty cute and convenient. They're easy to get around on.

[beautifulknight]

[ It sure does look like an elongated chicken. Time will tell if the doodle proves it's as cute as those little round creatures he considers to be quite adorable as well.

For now he will look at its fluffy feathery self. ]

Cute, convenient, and able to be ridden like steeds? That sounds incredibly splendid! I do hope that means they are quite easy to tame.

[gardenful]

[ She eyes her drawing, lost in thought for a moment. ]

Hmm... kinda! My friend always made it look easy, that's for sure. But I think he has some kind of affinity for them, since his hair is yellow and spiky just like these guys. You think that might be an advantage?

[beautifulknight]

Perhaps he's been blessed indeed to have an affinity to them...animals can feel more secure if they may view him as not too dissimilar to their own.

[ A serious answer?! Yes, indeed. ]

So, it's entirely possible that he could have an advantage. Or maybe he has other secrets up his sleeve.

[ Chocobosecrets...anyway, he sneaks peeks at the drawing, curious to see the finished product. ]

Is he the type to conceal extraordinarily animal-handling methods? It's clear he must be a liker of cute animals to do it with ease, so I imagine it would not be with malice. Indeed, to have true affinity with animals, one must also have a gentle heart!

[gardenful]

[ It's a cute, albeit rather rudimentary bird.

His serious answer surprises her a bit, and amusement lights up her eyes as she listens carefully. ]

You know, I bet he's hiding some kind of affinity! Even though he's actually pretty bad at hiding anything...

[beautifulknight]

[ Ah, the chocobo has been painted (via marker) thoroughly in its natural habitat. There is nothing else that can be added to enhance its beauty.

Unless he adds roses. Yes, why not? He will start with one, two... ]

Is he now? Is it because this friend of yours is quite straight-forward in showing whatever so happens to be on his mind?

Or simply due to you being perceptive to tell enough right away because you've known him long enough?

[gardenful]

[ Oooh, roses! A perfect addition. In fact, she'll add some yellow roses herself. ]

How do I say it?

[ Hmm. She draws another rose. ]

He's kinda awkward, so it can be pretty easy to tell what he's thinking because of it. I wouldn't exactly call myself perceptive.