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

modeling!

[incompletely]

[ Like Sayaka, the commission had pinged Tenn instantly. It's unsurprising that an idol like him would be up for the task for the sake of fashion – that, and, well, he's got experience with this, so it should be a walk in the park.

He isn't expecting to see someone else around when he arrives. In fact, he really wasn't sure if anyone else would've been willing to do this commission, period. He assumes that's what this girl wants to talk to him about, so he looks over at her and nods. ]

Not at all. Do you need something?

[destage]

[Sayaka finds herself smiling a little brighter when she sees that Tenn is willing to at least be cooperative and kind. She's used to the rather colorful characters in her lives, bombastic as ever, but this one at least seems normal.]

If it won't take up too much of your time! I was wondering if you would want to join me for a photoshoot? The photographer is looking for two people to do some photos with, and apparently you can keep whatever clothes you use for the shoot...

I was wondering if you might want to join me? If it's not too much of a bother, of course...!

[incompletely]

[ He is so normal in comparison (???).

Ah, as expected, though, she wants to tackle the commission. That makes this easy, and she seems enthusiastic enough. Better than someone begrudgingly doing it, doing a horrible job, and possibly wasting their time. ]

I was thinking the same thing, actually, so I can join you.

[ Hmm. The commission listing said the photographer was cranky, so... ]

Have you spoken with them yet?

[destage]

[Sayaka finds herself beaming despite the situation. Agreeable, and charming--surely, the two of them can make the photographer smile at least a little bit. Or make their load easier.]

I have, yes. They're a little, um...rough around the edges, but I think they're just really stressed out, more than anything.

[At least, that's Sayaka's assumption.]

So I think if we can do a great job--maybe that'll make them happy?

[incompletely]

I understand that. It seems like they may be on a tight deadline.

[ He won't comment on how the city just...kind of is in general, but he also understands the struggle. Tenn always makes it a point to be kind to staff members and this feels no different.

Yet, her attitude is refreshing. Some may find it more rewarding to fight back or take out their frustrations on them, but she seems to be on the same page as him.

The smile that forms on his lips is genuine. ]

We'll give it our all. I think they'd really appreciate that. [ Ah, but before he forgets... ] Kujo Tenn. You are?

[destage]

Mmm, exactly. I definitely understand their frustration a bit, then!

[This is the most at ease she's felt in a long while. There's no camera's around to make it feel like a bad thing, to be doing this, especially with a boy--it's fine here. There's no media, no one to care, not a single one of her billion fans here to smear her name and call her horrible things for even entertaining this.

It's...fine, all of it is. Sayaka finds herself smiling at the introduction, the familiarity welcome as she bows.]

It's very nice to meet you, then, Kujo-kun! I look forward to working with you--Maizono Sayaka is mine. I'm sure that between the both of us, these pictures are going to look perfect!

[Let's get back over to the photographer as we talk, he's probably still going to be cranky when they get over there, but...]

I'm pretty used to being in front of the camera, myself--an idol has to be, where I'm from. What about you, Kujo-kun?

[incompletely]

[ Tenn would absolutely have more reservations about doing a photoshoot with a girl for the same reasons, but...he needs money, plain and simple, if he wants to make his stay here as comfortable as possible. That, and there are certainly worse people he could've been paired with for this. Maizono seems like a pleasant girl. ]

I'm sure they will, Maizono-san.

[ They'll deal with the photographer when they get there. A problem for (near) future Tenn and Sayaka.

He looks mildly surprised at her comment. ]

Ah, an idol? You, too? [ Yep, surprise! ] I can say the same, then. This isn't anything unordinary for me either.

[destage]

[Oh.

Something in Sayaka's eyes brightens when Tenn brings that up, and truly--she's found someone who understands. She needs money too, obviously, but the fact that it's another idol, someone who gets the business, perhaps, and understands the world--it makes her feel more at ease, knowing that, even if she's awkward about it.]

Ah--yes! I've been an idol for quite some time now-- [Sayaka laughs gently, and it's bright and almost...free sounding. She shouldn't get in over her head here.] It really is so nice to meet another idol! I think we're going to get along really nicely, then!

If you don't mind my asking--what sort of group are you a part of?

[They're over at the photographer now, at least, and Sayaka's quick to wave at them--they're still grouchy, but give them a moment to pick out some clothes. At least for now, they can talk!]

[incompletely]

[ He knows the industry all too well at this point. Perhaps their views on it will be the same...or maybe incredibly different. Who knows. He'll find out, but at least she has a good attitude towards the photographer. That's already a plus in his book. ]

I'm pleased to meet another idol, myself. I'm in a group named TRIGGER.

[ One of the biggest boy groups in Japan. Surely she's heard of them...? Sayaka doesn't look familiar, though, which is strange if she's been an idol for a while...

Tenn gives the photographer a gentle smile and a wave. Yeah, they're grouchy, but that's okay. Back to Sayaka: ]

What about you?

[destage]

[TRIGGER...Sayaka's eyes go briefly sad, clearly not recognizing, but the pep is picked back up instantly as she talks.]

I'm really sorry--I don't believe I've ever heard of your group before. I-I promise it's not out of disrespect, but I'd love to hear more about them--you must have made a lot of friends in your group, huh?

[It's an assumption, granted, but Tenn seems more than friendly enough to have made some good friends. Maybe his group is actually like a group of friends that takes care of their own--her own group was like that too, but...]

Oh, my group is-- [the PA system conveniently goes off loud enough to hide the name from everyone but tenn. because danganronpa never actually gave her grOUP A DAMN NAME GOD DAMMIT DANGANRONPA--] --heehee! We've been performing together for years at this point! The girls are some of the best partners I can ask for on the stage, and I don't honestly know where I'd be without them...

[Ah, here comes the photographer with our clothes! Sayaka finds herself a little pleased with the selection--a nice, cute pink dress with plenty of frills, and a few cute accessories too.]

Oh, this is perfect--Tenn, you got something nice too, right?

[incompletely]

[ Huh! He's used to people recognizing TRIGGER – but it could very well just be a gap in popularity in other parts of Japan. He assumes that's where she's from, at least, and he doesn't appear to be offended. ]

It's okay. I don't expect everyone to know our music.

[ As for her question, though...huh. What are Gaku and Ryuu to him...? He closes himself off to them, despite everything they've been through. He's not sure what the right word is, here.

(Friends. It's friends.) ]

We work very well together, yes. [ Well, sort of. They come together and have each other's backs when it matters, but there's a lot of bickering otherwise, so. He won't comment on being unfamiliar with Sayaka's group, but there's certainly a lack of recognition in his expression. ] But I'm glad to hear that you've had a good experience. Synergy matters a lot when you're performing; fans will be able to tell if a group has members that aren't on the same page.

[ But, yes! Here come the clothes. Sayaka gets a very cute outfit, whereas Tenn gets a nice baby pink, collared shirt with some shorts, shoes, and shades. It's not his usual style, but he won't complain. He won't be ungrateful. He shows Sayaka his outfit- ]

It suits the theme, just like yours. You have a nice dress.

[destage]

[Kujo-kun truly understands her. And for that, Sayaka is definitely grateful--

Once they're both ready, Sayaka's all dolled up herself. No makeup, as much as she wishes she had some, but she's got her hair tied off in a cute ponytail with some nice little rabbit beads to support it. The pink dress is cute and frilly, and the strappy pink shoes that were also given add a nice touch to it all.]

Thank you, Kujo-kun! You look really great too--the clothing really suits you, I think! We look like the picture of summer, don't we?

[Sayaka giggles, before her look goes determined and bright.]

Let's make Photographer-san's day, okay?

[incompletely]

[ He gives her a nod and a smile at that. They sure look dressed for the occasion! Tenn also wishes he had a little makeup but it's fine. ]

We will. Don't worry about that.

[ Or will they...hm. They've got to try, at least.

There are a few poses that the photographer puts them in -- nothing super uncomfortable, as the poses are very cute -- including a piggyback ride, in which Tenn is able to lift up Sayaka with ease. He makes sure to turn on his a-game with his expressions.

After the photoshoot, Tenn looks over at her again. ]

Well, Maizono-san? Do you think we did our job?

[destage]

[Sayaka beams bright, unworried and undeterred as they get started.

She's here for any and all poses that the photographer wants--she's done this a million times over, after all. The photographer is a little demanding, but it's nothing worse than what she's been used to in the past. Photographers want what they want, and she'll meet every single demand with a smile and a brightness that could outshine the sun.

(Her eyes do briefly widen at the piggyback request, but she does comply with it--she's a little tense while they do it, but she trusts Tenn not to drop her at least. It's strange, she's not used to contact like this at all, but it could be worse.)

Either way, once they're done--Sayaka looks over to the photographer to get a read on their expression, though she's not sure...

(roll observation: 3)]

...I think so! We did everything that we could and gave it everything we had--and they got a lot of good seeming photographs from us!

I thought I saw the faintest hint of a smile there, too, but...maybe I'm just being optimistic.

[incompletely]

[ He's also not too sure (6), but maybe...maybe it wasn't in vain. Maybe they managed to make him smile, at least a little. He'll hold onto that hope as he gives Sayaka a smile of his own. ]

It's okay to hold onto that, even if you don't know for sure. We did what we could.

[ Even if a part of him really wants to make sure that they made good on that promise. ]

Thank you for cooperating. I look forward to seeing how the pictures turn out, Maizono-san.

[destage]

I do too, Kujo-kun--I'll keep you updated if I find out anything too! But thank you so much for your assistance.

I'm going to go back out and see if I can get some trash cleaned up, but let's meet up again soon, okay? I'd love to get to know you more!

[Sayaka curtsies with a smile before seeing herself off, pleased with her new outfit as ever and with a new friend.]