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

[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.

[beautifulknight]

[ Perfect. It'll be a chocobo hanging out randomly with roses.

What a dapper, cute animal this buddy will be. ]

Ah, I see, so he truly is like an open book in many ways.

Is he the only one of your friends who happens to be like that?

[gardenful]

Nope. I've got a couple others that say exactly what they're thinking. They're way less awkward about it than him, though.

[ She laughs softly, moving to give the chocobo a little sunhat. ]

What about you? You got any friends like that?

[beautifulknight]

[ Now the chocobo has upgraded in dapperness. ]

Awkwardly straight-forward? Hmm...perhaps not 'awkward' in the same sense, I'd think. But, he is certainly the type of person that would be rather easy to read from my perspective, because he is truly the kind anyone should tell what is on his mind at any given moment. He doesn't quite make a secret of it, though you could say that he is not in the habit of making many friends, and may come off as perhaps a little brusque at times. Still, just like your friend, he is at heart, a very good and gentle person.

[ Not that this someone would be certainly very happy to be referred to as 'gentle', but Argenti calls it like he sees it, and he does not bother to hold himself back in it, for better or worse (even amidst the flowery language...) ]

[gardenful]

They do sound kinda similar, actually. Are the two of you close? You do seem to know him pretty well.

[ To come up with a description like that, one has to. At least, Aerith thinks so. ]

Or... are you the really perceptive one between the two of us?

[beautifulknight]

[ There's a brief sheepish look on his face when she says that; which is fair, he went ahead and asked the same earlier...

But, Argenti is far too humble to even accept that for himself. Especially when he knows the truth of how he came to understand that friend. ]

No, I wouldn't say that I am. Though, you're correct that we're rather good friends!

To be quite honest...my initial impression and opinion of him was not very kind. I only learned what I had after getting to know him better and knowing where to look for in terms of signs. As well as gained greater understanding. My meeting with him reminded me well not to judge a book by its cover or be aware of making mistaken presumptions!

The universe is filled to the brim with differing types of individuals. Each with their own individual ways of expressing themselves, which may make it difficult to observe that in their own hearts have that same of light that most do.

[gardenful]

Ah, the classic reverse of opinion after you get to know 'em!

[ She smiles, teasingly, but the soft look in her eyes says she agrees with his sentiment too. ]

You're right, though. In all of us, there's some part that cares about everyone else around us. I think sometimes that part can get shouted down or crowded out, but... I really like to think that everyone has it.

[beautifulknight]

Indeed! That is exactly what it is.

[ Argenti thinks at the least it means that he has not failed anyone, in being too inflexible to understand in this situation.

That said, he witnesses and sees the glimpses of understanding present in her eyes amongst the teasing; which, of course, he will consider a good thing. ]

I believe the same. No matter how deep the shadows ever try to blot out the sun, there shall always be a ray of light to discover in each and everyone's soul. And when it is glimpsed, it is a sight that can be evidence of remarkable Beauty!

[gardenful]

You're right about that one.

[ She smiles a little, her marker no longer moving against the canvas as she gets lost in thought. ]

That friend I just told you about? I feel like sometimes I'm trying to find that light, except that the light is the real him. It's like the him that he's trying to be right now is a shadow overpowering the real version of himself that's hiding in the dark.

[ ... ]

That probably makes no sense, huh?

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti's head tilts a bit at that, listening to her speak. But, he will shake his head when she asks the question of him. ]

...Not at all. It makes perfect sense to me.

Even if someone earnestly is a radiant bright light at heart, they may sadly obscure it with all that they can. It is easy for someone to desire to hide their true brilliance; to ensure that beautiful, pure ray of true self is hidden and locked away where no one can catch a glimpse of it.

[ The light in darkness...it can seem so far away, yet so close, but buried; maybe because that person no longer knows how to live in the light. Maybe because they are scared to, or because their heart is filled with so much hatred, they try to have it engulfed completely in shadow. Whatever the reason, Argenti finds himself feeling as if he can easily understand what Aerith describes simply. ]

But, even so, that shine can't truly die, even if all they wish is to be but a shadow. Though...you've already caught a glimpse of that light. [ He smiles, gently. ] That's why you believe you can find that true self of his soon enough, isn't it?

[gardenful]

It is. I'd love to see more of that true self. I think... I'm seeing more and more of it, in bits and pieces. But that's different than seeing the someone's whole self all of the time.

[ So the glimpses aren't quite enough, not for her. It's definitely selfish, but maybe this selfishness is for a good cause, in the end. ]

That's what I want to see, so I'm gonna keep trying until I do.

[beautifulknight]

I do believe it is quite different indeed, and do trust me when I say I'll cheer you on all the way. I can only think, in the end, these sentiments are to be cherished...and that in essence they are beautiful things that should not be discarded.

[ Indeed, at times, even selfishness can be a pure ray of light. An unpolished beauty that shines upon something that is destined to be revealed, instead of kept in shadow.

So, just like that, Argenti thinks he understands Aerith a little more; through talking about their friends, and over doodles. And now, he looks back at their images etched with markers, looking satisfied with the results. ]

Now, I think we're just about done with our works of art. Unless you believe that there is something that should be added?

[gardenful]

[ Huh. The way he words all of that... really, it makes her feel a lot less like she's being selfish in her own desires here.

It's nice. ]

Let's see.

[ She takes a long, long look at their art, and... ]

I think it's perfect! So, our job here can be considered done.

[beautifulknight]

Good. I shall see you once again, then!

It was a pleasure, Lady Aerith.

[ And with that, Argenti goes on to make his departure. ]