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

[bloodweapon]

[A good call, given that speed is definitely not Fray's forte. He sees the attack coming and moves to jump back (2), but he misjudged the length of Argenti's spear and his own balance. The lack of powers is certainly not helping here, as he fails to catch himself and can't even retaliate (7). He's on the back foot already because my dice rolls suck and will need a moment to recover before he can even think of taking a swing back at Argenti. His eyes are burning though - quite literally looking red now compared to their usual light yellow.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Not the revenge of the dice

Argenti is not the type of person to let up, because even if he may be quite a strangely positive man, he is merciless in his approach to battle.

So when Fray is evidently having quite a time in the opening strike, he presses in to try to take advantage of it, swinging his spear this time towards one of the gaps in the armor (12) This time, the target being around one of the shoulders. ]

[bloodweapon]

[Good for Argenti, because Fray would be insulted if he were to do otherwise. Though Fray moves to block the strike (4), Argenti is faster, managing to leave a nice bloody mark, cutting through the fabric of the armor beneath the pauldron. He gets a brief glimpse of tanned skin before Fray moves to take that opportunity to try to knee Argenti in the stomach to give himself some more room (10).]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti does not seem to recoil at the first draw of blood in a sparring match, thinking it something that can absolutely happen naturally. They are two men, engaged in a passionate battle, and those bright red eyes staring him down fiercely is even more evidence than that.

He has been curious about what lies hidden underneath that dark armor and has witnessed a preview of that, it seems. Though, it also appears that Argenti is still paying close attention enough to twist his body away from the move just barely so he is not winded (13), and instead of a swing or a sweep this time around, he makes an attempt at a daring stab towards where the armor does not completely protect Fray's leg (12). ]

[bloodweapon]

[Good man. If a little blood scared you, you wouldn't be a very effective knight, now would you? Fray goes to block the attack (10), but Argenti's strike is still quick enough to catch him hard between the plates of his armor. Not enough to bleed this time, but enough to be felt.

Oddly, though, that just gets an exhilarated laugh from Fray as he presses the offensive. That massive blade doesn't quite have enough room between them, but he brings it up to attempt to put some space between them (8). This would've been a proper strike if my rolls weren't crap, but alas.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Quite! A little bloodshed between knights isn't so bad; and the tertiary hit this time does not draw blood at the least.

Though, it is a hit, and it appears to do a little more in a different sense this time. Particularly from his opponent, as Argenti hears the excited laugh emerging from Fray, who seems very enthused about the direction of this battle indeed. The red head's lips twitch upwards for a second, and he strikes forward, except wherever he's aiming, it appears that Fray's timing is well-executed (4), for it serves well to block his attack this time! ]

[bloodweapon]

[Good, a block like that allows him to get some manner of control back. He uses that momentum to try to knock Argenti backwards with his blade (6). I'm sure this roll will knock Argenti off-balance!!]

[beautifulknight]

[ Considering that Argenti is pretty much still focused, and light-footed, it appears that the rude dice fate has decreed this knight still has the opportunity to dodge around the blade (13) and so he is on the other knight's side.

Though, even with them being close-range, it appears the Knight of Beauty has the opportunity to try to use that dodge to make a swing towards the back of the Dark Knight's legs, hoping to hit (12) ]

[bloodweapon]

[Fray's too slow as he turns, and Argenti's spear catches him hard across the back of legs. (1) It's enough to get him to stumble, but not enough to knock him down... in fact, he regains his balance incredibly fast and presses forward on the offensive again. (20!?)]

[beautifulknight]

[ Tbh I don't know if he's hitting somewhere with that 20, but if he does he will likely have an opportunity to do so, but we can say there's some sort of intimidation factor if he isn't, because of that sudden comeback. Whatever the case, Argenti is still focused on the battle and ready to strike, despite it (17)

And to prove that, he moves in not unlike a dancer on a battlefield, swift, and dangerous, aiming another strike towards that other uninjured shoulder (16), attempting to make a stab by directing it towards the unprotected portion. A move mirroring one of his previous ones. ]

[bloodweapon]

[I worded that pretty poorly but no, there was no direct attack there, so Argenti's still fine!

Though Fray can recognize the strike that comes at him again, his attempts to dodge end incredibly poorly and Argenti's spear catches him even harder across that shoulder. (1) The pauldron is little protection against the spear and Argenti's well-aimed thrust. Yet again, blood blooms from the injury and Fray scoffs - though despite everything, it sounds amused.

Then he holds up a hand, coming to a stop.]

Your win, Argenti. I'm afraid I'm so used to relying on my power that I've put left you with a poor showing today.

[Not that it's stopping his good humor, anyway. Fray does enjoy a good fight, after all.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti immediately allows his spear to be at his side at this, because, as much as sparring does get the excitement running through him...quite a bit, he has not entered into a battle frenzy, fortunately.

He still feels that adrenaline, though that is easy to calm, and as such, he offers Fray a pleasant smile. ]

It's quite alright. Though I have extensive experience in fighting armored opponents such as yourself...it is never a guarantee of the result.

As such, it still was quite an exciting experience. I would also love the opportunity to become a regular sparring partner for you, if you feel the need to brush up on your skill.

[ Though, his eyes land upon the wounds caused by his weapon. ]

How are your wounds, my fellow knight?

[bloodweapon]

[Fray nods at that - a little too quickly, perhaps, but it's been quite awhile since he fought such a strong opponent.]

These are nothing I cannot heal.

[...oh right, his powers, uhh...]

...Take care of, rather. They are not terribly deep, anyway.

[beautifulknight]

[ Nothing wrong with enthusiasm, and he even chuckles a little bit at that. Well, Fray seems to have already been using such good humor before he had inquired; if he were in a more dangerous position, he imagined it'd be quite absent.

That said, he has no reason to believe they are so deep. The amount of the flow of blood is indication enough. ]

I see! I believe I've no reason to think they are far too dire to be taken care of in the traditional way, and I will leave the true mending of such minor wounds to you.

Though, some of the stores should have the required supplies as well. So, shall we scope them out together? That is, if you haven't the opportunity to check them out yourself as of yet.

[ Then again Argenti is presuming that they would, but he does doubt the supplies are back in the dorms. ]

Meanwhile, we can continue our chat for a little while longer, yes? I was still a bit curious about the Twelve, even if you do not follow them.

[bloodweapon]

I haven't had the opportunity to find supplies for myself yet, no. Admittedly, I hadn't thought I'd need them so soon.

[There's humor in his voice as he says it, though. A sparring session that leaves you with wounds to tend to is one he prefers, after all.]

I cannot give you a full rundown on each of them and their worshipers, as a fair warning. I only know bits and pieces in passing. But I can share that, should you wish to hear it.

[Fray moves to fix his pauldrons so that the injuries are no longer showing, but once that's done... C'mon, off we go!]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti's expression seems to be caught somewhere between sheepishness and some bits of amusement as well. Consider it the embodiment of 'ehe?'

Speaking of sparring, he is truly looking forward to future matches for certain. ]

I believe that is reasonable, considering we had just arrived. How beautiful is it, the spontaneous nature of life...

[ Thus, off they go indeed! Time to make their way on over to the markets... ]

But, it is alright. I believe the basics shall work just fine. And, I will not be anticipating you to sing or detail their existence with the same fervor that I do in regards to the ever-brilliant Idrila!

[bloodweapon]

[That last part gets a scoff from Fray.]

I should hope not. I have little reason to cherish them so when their followers have caused all sorts of problems.

[So the easiest place to start is with...]

Halone, the Fury. She is the guardian of the city-state of Ishgard, known for her fierce power in battle and dedication to her people. Her followers are a zealous lot; most of the city-state worships her and they seek out "heretics" who would side with the dragons... at least, they did, before my student put an end to that war. Still, they justify their actions with Her name, and have killed many for being "heretics" even without proof.

[beautifulknight]

[ Oh...that is quite unpleasant indeed.

Argenti is kind of making a face at that, unable to help it. ]

Is that so...?

[ ...he's, hm. Argenti thought that it would be perhaps, something fairly normal things he might hear about them. But, that doesn't so happen to be the case at all. Such is life, though. There are those who can be unpleasant in their faith, to the point that people suffer, and even be twisted by it. It isn't like he hasn't witnessed the result of that either, so he does not reject the mere thought of it. ]

I see...that's, quite terrible, actually. And honestly rather quite barbaric of them. I had no idea that your student managed to put an end to an entire war that they created? Or that you had a student at all. That must have been quite a feat, as wars, such as they are...are not easy to stop by one's lonesome. Even if they are initiated by ill, misbegotten motivations.

[ Which seems obvious, but some people might not understand that. ]

[bloodweapon]

[Fray nods at that, pausing a moment to consider how to explain his student...]

The student I teach is the Warrior of Light, an incredibly powerful person blessed with Hydaelyn's light. With this, he is immensely powerful - this isn't the first time he's intervened to stop a war. As for Hydaelyn... I suppose she could be called a goddess as well, though much less is known about her. I've heard the Warrior of Light was able to talk with her at some points.

[But Hydaelyn is a whole other can of worms than the Twelve, so this is getting a bit off-topic. Regardless, it is an explanation for just how powerful the Warrior of Light is and how he could turn the tide of battle.]

Though the people of Ishgard have begun to examine the actions of those working in Halone's name, it will undoubtedly be awhile yet before they can change entirely. My student has faith that they will root out those who would use Halone's name for their cruel actions.

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti perks up a little at hearing this. Interesting! The Warrior of Light...? What an inspiring name. This man no doubt must have committed many other great deeds, which is a presumption, but come on with a name like that and what Fray has said of him? Hero material for certain.

And, the fact that Fray has managed to guide someone like that so skillfully...even if this individual has been blessed, he thinks that too is incredible. ]

I must grant you thanks for the bit of background on this Warrior of Light...it seems you've taught him well.

[ He will simply say, relatively quickly, and allow the topic to move onwards. ]

Even with great power backing him, it must be quite hard, if any of them endeavor to try to escape from detection. But, he does seem up to the task! As for those who may be slower to come around...is it because of the great influence these followers in particular hold? Or is it just commonplace for many who follow the Twelve?

[bloodweapon]

[Fray simply nods at the first part; he has taught the Warrior of Light well, but it's not like he's the one who can be thanked for all of the Warrior's achievements. Still, that point aside, he's content to move on to Argenti's questions.]

I wouldn't say it's commonplace for the followers of the Twelve to be so cruel. Most go about their lives thanking the Twelve or worshiping them without issue. Those of Halone's favor are different in that the religion is wide-spread throughout Ishgard; unlike in the Eorzean city-states, where worship of the Twelve is varied. Though each city-state has a guardian deity like Ishgard has Halone, worship of these gods is not as frequent or organized.

[So basically it's just a lot of people in power using it to do terrible things vs the entire religion being bad.]

[beautifulknight]

[ What a relief! Argenti is not the person to pessimistically presume that it is one way or another, though he is certainly prepared for the possibility. As much as he endeavors to spread positivity wherever he goes, his head is not fully in the clouds due to his previous experiences...

ALSO WHAT A RELIEF THAT FRAY IS STILL ALIVE, WOW!!! (but the scare was funny, negl) ]

I see! So it's a situation where truly it's a gathering of certain evildoers, rather than an overall problem for the populace.

I am most glad that even if people are acting in bad faith [ pun not intended ] that there are many more who are not. With those like yourself and this Warrior of Light, I believe the populace have nothing to fear.

Though, it does make me curious...is it the situation with Halone's followers that was the crux of you desiring to take up that mantle of being a Dark Knight to protect others?

[bloodweapon]

[i exist for the shenanigans and i'm glad you enjoyed(?) them!!]

Precisely. Everyone is very lucky that they can rely on him.

[He pointedly sidesteps his own involvement there, but it's the last part that gets him to pause. Like he has to think about what led him down this path in the first place.]

...Aye, it was. Seeing what they were willing to do to root out "heretics" even if it meant killing innocents... I wanted to protect people from that fate. So I sought greater power that could help me in my goal and I arrived here.

[It's the truth, which is why it's so uncomfortable to admit. But there's no sense in lying about it, and it isn't as though it's a bad thing for Argenti to know about it. So here we are anyway. Fray shakes his head.]

[beautifulknight]

[ crying!!!

Though, Argenti arches an eyebrow when Fray evades remarking on himself. But, he doesn't address it; he thinks he can understand. That humility of his is something familiar, almost like a reflection of his own, at times. Even if he wishes to say Fray should, at the least, acknowledge his own efforts as well.

Perhaps, he still can, but as he mulls on how he wants to phrase that, now or later, there is something else he thinks worth addressing immediately. Words that Argenti is certain mean much to communicate for one reason or another. ]

...Considering it seems that only two are mainly dealing with the problem, even if one is being assisted by another higher being, I don't find it wrong for you to wish to have gathered more power to champion your cause!

I wish it weren't so as well, but I can only consider your efforts noble...and I believe that more success is bound to find you too in these endeavors. Even with our current situation in mind.

[ At least this time they reached a place to purchase items, so they can search the shelves as they speak... ]

[bloodweapon]

Hm.

[It's a quiet, thoughtful sound to fill the silence as Fray immediately moves to look through the shelves for the appropriate supplies. For a long moment, he doesn't say anything else.]

...My primary concern is for my student, as I'm worried he will push himself too hard without me there to remind him to rest. He is... over-zealous when it comes to helping others and does not take the time he needs for himself.

[There's only so much Fray can do to get it through his thick skull that he needs to rest if he wants to keep taking care of others... but he was getting close. He was so close, to finally getting the Warrior of Light to actually listen...]

But there's little to be done about it now until we can return home.