Link Up! Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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linkingup2024-07-30 05:56 pm
linkupmods) wrote in linkingup2024-07-30 05:56 pm
Week 1
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
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!
iv
She just didn't expect to be treated to a veritable damn soliloquy while doing it. After some time she straightens up to stare at him, an old shoe dangling from the fingers of her one hand as she waits for his sentence to ramble towards completion. ]
Great. Cultist or Edenite?
[ Not that she's waiting for him to answer this rhetorical question. She drops the shoe again into the general pile of detritus and steps close enough to rap the knuckles of her (sorry, probably grimy) hand briskly against his breastplate. Is this thing hollow or...? ]
no subject
Oh, I am certainly not a Cultist, young lady!
[ He kind of sounds like one, though!!!
But he doesn't quite have time to say much else as she dares to step closer in order to...rap her knuckles??? Against the front of his armor??? Well, she will not hear it sound like abnormal armor. There's nothing weird going on with the acoustics? ]
Might I ask why you did that?
Also, might you explain to me what an Edenite is supposed to be, exactly?
no subject
She moves her fist just a little and knocks on the armor a few more times. Just trying echolocation here. But after a few seconds, she does grudgingly answer: ]
Possibility number three. You're the most elaborate automaton I've ever seen.
[ The face looks so lifelike though, wow. But she quirks an eyebrow and lets her fist drop again, apparently satisfied. ]
Edenite? Empty-headed idealists who think the world runs on rainbows and unicorn sighs. They sound a lot like you.
no subject
...Is it because my appearance is that unusual to you?
Or is there something quite fantastical about encountering a Knight of Beauty? I would not be surprised if it is a little overwhelming.
[ Not because he considers himself overly unique. There are many people who can outshine him easily. There's nothing special about him at all. ]
They may sound like me but I believe myself and these Edenites of yours are quite different where it matters. Though, I wonder if there is more to their ideology than apparent. And, if you are not an idealist, what would you classify yourself as?
no subject
Maika's brows draw down together at the word "overwhelming," and her smirk turns a little sharper. ]
What's fantastical is that you can even say that with a straight face. A knight of what?
[ So... the tin can is strictly decorative. That almost makes more sense. Maika gives a quick shrug as she steps back again, neatly reclaiming the personal space she shed herself. ]
I'm a survivalist. Like most people are, when it comes down to it. Edenite or Cumaea or Arcanic, it's all the same in the end.
no subject
In the end, a truly fantastical meeting would be one with Idrila. Such a splendid, beautiful meeting would be beyond words; a true blessing.
[ Are those petals when he poses, one hand reaching out into the sky? Do not perish the thought because they are there, and in every thread mentioning petals and him they exist, just to shitpost his ridiculousness.
Is he also looking into the sky? Yes, he is.
...Oh, right. He looks right back at her, where she's standing. Call it a strike of curiosity; yes, it does make sense most people would wish to all survive. Though... ]
Though, at the same time, you are stating that you are still different from an Edenite. So, how might those separate groups of people truly differ from each other?
no subject
[ Every word this man speaks just invites like twelve more questions... Idrila? And he still didn't tell her just what the hell a knight of beauty is supposed to do.
She reaches out to try to snag a petal out of the air between two fingers, expression incredulous. ]
And this must be the most useless Arcanic power I've ever seen. Here I was, thinking you were human.
[ Maybe. Kind of. The possibility of "automaton" isn't 100% off the menu, however. She tries to flick another petal away in exasperation. ]
The only difference is what kind of speeches someone gives before they reach for a weapon. I'm on the side of "none."
[ Please refer to her placement vis a vis "stabs as a warning," ]
no subject
While she grabs a hold of a petal, with that look on her face, Argenti just looks serene with a smile as if this is perfectly normal. ]
Relic? Well, I suppose it's reasonable that many might have no opportunity of encountering Knights who persist across space, depending on the history of their world. For example, Knights of Beauty like myself are able to travel throughout the entirety of the galaxy. How else are we to spread the essence of Beauty, and, of course, Idrila's name with as wide of a berth as possible?
Indeed, like this adhering to our code of chivalry is an aspect of Knights that happens to be very alive and well, even in the face of immense technological advancements!
Also, I can assure you that I am very much human.
[ For now. But Argenti thinks it probably warranted pointing out? Maybe? Well, there's only one way to be sure, right? ]
That seems like potentially an extreme way to look at it...but I wouldn't know anything about the people from your world. In the end, you do seem like you're not counting yourself as among them, correct? Is it because of ideology?
no subject
The pause lasts a second before she gives a begrudging grunt. ]
I'm not any different. I just don't have any side to make speeches for. It's not ideology, it's blood.
[ Which is a nice and ambiguous way to leave things before she gets back to the more important point. She glances him up and down again, eyes narrowing a tiny bit in consideration. ]
"Travel throughout the galaxy"? That's not another flowery [ ugh ] metaphor? If you've been so many places, Worldwalker, then how about you tell me where this one is.
[ And, fine, since now it's come up twice... precautionarily: ]
But don't think I'll be making any offerings to your goddess.
no subject
[ That is at least Argenti's understanding. It does sound rather complicated, though he is interested in at least ensuring that he is keeping things straight on the matter. Especially since he has never heard of such people before.
Though, Worldwalker sounds kind of cool?! In essence, it is a nickname that has its own Beauty, so Argenti will not object to being called that at all. ]
It certainly is not another metaphor at all; by traveling with The One and Only [ yeah that's the name of his spaceship ] I have made my way through space to quite a many different places. Though, I am sorry to disappoint about your request. As, while it is true that I have once been to grim-looking cities and such before, this world is unfortunately one I have not as of yet traversed.
At this time I have no idea where it is located. But, if I have the opportunity to learn more about this world and have a chance to access my ship, I could potentially figure out more logistics!
Either way, it is fine that you will not pledge your faith to Idrila. I shall still endeavor to do whatever I can to be of assistance to the people here, and yourself.
[ Including, you know, continuing to pick up trash. He has not forgotten that this is a thing he is currently doing. So, don't mind him tossing something else into a nearby bin. ]
no subject
[ Anyway, wow, that's enough of philosophy hour with a weirdly sparkly man who may in fact be several cats piloting a suit of armor. Maika gives a little grunt of acknowledgment — it's not like she cherished any real hopes of him having a ship on hand, but he's being upgraded to "tentatively useful, or perhaps just delusional" by virtue of being able to use one if they get one. ]
I'll live. I'm used to disappointment.
[ But she looks like she's still turning that over as she goes back to rifling through trash. At least throwing things towards the bin and trying to land a shot makes it more entertaining. ]
...So why do you travel? You made it sound like you were about to start preaching.
[ Just helping people with no catch?? Sounds fake. ]
no subject
[ Class divides usually do make themselves apparent in some manner and that does, at heart, start with blood, as she says, no? Though it would be nice if it weren't so. Yet, he wonders about his world...is it the same way? He does have doubts, but once upon a time Argenti can imagine it must have had such problems before. He lets that fade away, if only because the memories there are dark and at times, a bit too disjointed to pick from properly.
But, she can be glad that he focuses next on her question. ]
Why? To help spread Beauty throughout galaxy, as a Knight of Beauty in service to Idrila. Not just by word, but mostly by helping others desperately in need!
After all, how can the universe flourish if I am unable to help bring the light of Beauty back into their lives by turning their attention to it?! One cannot see it when they are in distress, or when they are depressed, or distraught! It is the duty of a Knight of Beauty to ensure that does not remain the case.
Then, after that, they too may embrace the Beauty of Idrila themselves! Does that sound understandable to you, young fair lady?
[ In some ways that are normal...and in some ways that seem like borderline-batshit insane, but that's probably fine? ]
no subject
He talks like a politician. Winding in circles and hoping things improve. Maybe someone like a Worldwalker can say that easily — do they see change? Or do they just see the same patterns playing out on the galactic scale, fractally stupid? There's one question she doesn't feel like asking. ]
In other words, people don't feel like gazing up at the stars when they're standing in shit. Hard to argue with that.
[ Case in point, the trash pile. She chucks a few more things away, pausing on an unfamiliar electronic to turn it over in her hands. People really toss anything, huh? ]
If you're trying to fix everyone's lives long enough for them to appreciate your goddess, you've got your work cut out for you. Unless every other world out there is a paradise of some kind.
no subject
Dear Idrila..... ]
...I am happy to know that you do agree, at the very least.
[ Perhaps he will count his blessings with that. But, anyway, crass euphemisms aside, Argenti refocuses on her other comment immediately.
If he had it his way, he would certainly work himself to the bone in order to do so, and has no problems of that being his way of doing things at the moment. Though, wouldn't you know it hardly anyone brings that sort of line to his attention. Maybe because they believe him to be a lost cause. ]
It would be entirely unreasonable for me to truly expect that everyone would willingly follow Idrila because of my efforts. But, even if they don't, many do change their lives for the better after being helped; and sometimes, they feel compelled to help one another. I can't help but feel that makes it worth it.
no subject
As she listens, her expression turns a little more inscrutable, a little inward. That's idealistic nonsense that would put even an Edenite to shame. But it has a familiar ring too. ]
Hah. So you're not a handful of cats in some armor after all. You're a foolish fox.
[ But before he can ask her to clarify that cryptic little aside, she lifts an empty bottle and waggles it at him casually. ]
You're pretty lucky to have lived this long, thinking like that. Thirty, since you're human? [ Maybe 40 with great skincare? She's guessing, okay. ] Seems like we're trying it your way for now. We help these people clean up their dump of a city, and they self-improve their asses into getting us out of here. And you go on your way to help the shivering masses waiting for you to return. Right?
no subject
So he just says the following straight out: ]
...Are not foxes known to be relatively clever?
[ It's more to himself, then her, even if she's asking all of that, because he more or less blurts it out even though she tries (or does) speed past making that comment. Argenti is just like that, though, he blinks at the mentioning of age and species. Something about this is a little amusing, which is probably not the intended effect, but hey.
Also yeah, Argenti canonly has a great skincare routine. ]
Knights of Beauty are known to be rather difficult to fell easily. I will not make light of that.
That said, I am most certainly glad to know that you shall be most helpful in cooperating alongside everyone else! We shall truly be a beacon of light to these people. I do not doubt that our success is possible...after all, I have assisted in bringing back a far more ruinous city before, so this is definitely not the worst place to start.
Though, I would not say I have a group of people awaiting my return, as I don't have any particular home to return to due to traveling constantly. I do hope that those you care well about will stay in good cheer and in good health, however.
no subject
No, they're known for breeding fast and forming tight-knit migratory clans.
[ And you know what, she's not going to link any of those ideas to this stranger anymore. Her fault for talking to herself!
She can't help but grimace a little as he takes her words in the most optimistic manner possible. But that, too, is more than a little familiar. What is she supposed to do with people who think that she can actually be good, do good? It itches. ]
If doing their chores for them doesn't work, the only kind of beacon I'm going to be is when I set this whole city to the torch. Got it? I've got my own business to get back to.
[ Staying in good cheer and good health... right. It's annoying that her hand doesn't have the strength to crush the next random piece of garbage she picks up, just scraping her palm instead. ]
...But if you've done this kind of thing before, I'll hear you out about how it works, Sir Knight of Lost Causes.
no subject
But, it isn't like he can know what she's thinking, so gracefully he lets it pass, and also because he doesn't know how to question that.
Unfortunately for Maika, Argenti truly thinks she can do much good. Much, much good. Or maybe it's a fortunate thing?? ]
Please, do not commit arson. I'm certain that won't be necessary at all.
[ He can't agree to that. What if innocents get hurt. Anyway...he blinks at his new title. Sir Knight of Lost Causes? ]
Knight of... [ ... ] Nevermind. As I was saying before, having experience in bringing back a city to its true Beautiful form, it required quite the approach! It was being besieged by monsters, you see, and it did require also incidentally picking up trash, and other tasks that remind me a little of the ones we've been asked to take care of for commission work.
Except modeling. They did not ask that of me in that city.
Either way, after such efforts were done, everything returned to its natural state of Beauty. You can say it was henceforth blessed by Idrila through the actions of willingness to assist in driving out what should have been.
no subject
For now. ]
Well, that sounds straightforward enough. And if we can skip past all these odd jobs to the murdering monsters part, I bet it'd go even faster.
[ Hope springs eternal? But she gives a tiny snort for the mention of modeling. He might not have meant that as a joke, but it is pretty funny, some of the ridiculous stuff they've found themselves tossed into. ]
What, that's a first? Hadn't expected that, when you keep that armor bright enough to be a mirror.
[ She'd wonder if it even gets use, but he was plenty casual about the monsters. She'll assume the more dangerous option, for now. ]
So if we restore order to this world, then your goddess can come through and anchor the gate back to other worlds. That works for me.
[ And she nods, like that's settled. Thanks Idrila! The contract is signed. Don't think Maika won't bully a goddess if it comes to it. ]
no subject
[ Argenti says this, though there is unfortunately (fortunately?) quite a bit of excitement at the thought of battle. Friendly sparring is pretty much fine, though.
As for Maika's commentary on his armor, he'll only say: ]
It's only natural that I keep my attire up to the standards as a proper Knight of Beauty should. But, yes, you are correct that nickname is a first.
[ He seems rather proud of his upkeep of armor.
...Dirt, damage, and bloodstains can, after all, be quite a trial to get rid of. ]
I do wish to let you know that Idrila is currently not available to do that of which you have described. However, this world is attended to its own goddess. As this planet is the goddess' Braphine responsibility, that burden will be hers.
Otherwise, I do believe we've indeed a mutual understanding! As such, we should do introductions. My name is Argenti. What shall I call you, Miss...?
no subject
[ But she notices Argenti's concern is for the others here. Does she detect a hint of battle enthusiasm? What a lot of frills to dress it up in, if so. ]
...Hah. Gods are like cats. Always turning up when it suits them, never around when you need them. Well, that's fine. I wasn't hoping for much.
[ She'll file away as interesting the fact that he says that confidently, like he's managing the goddess's appointment book. Maybe he is. Maybe that's tucked away somewhere in the armor. ]
Halfwolf. Maika, if you're dropping the manners.
no subject
He does...want to protest at the comment about gods because he wants to say otherwise for Idrila's sake.
Idrila is perfect and flawless— ]
...Perhaps that may be true of most Aeons. Though, I would not dare group my beautiful and splendid Idrila among them—the circumstances are quite different, after all. But, I do hope that the goddess here will continue to do her best to support us in the endeavors she wishes us to achieve.
[ —honestly, maybe he does have a small pocketbook somewhere with a potential appointments surrounding his missing-in-action goddess. One never knows... ]
Lady Halfwolf, then. I look forward to us continuing to get along quite well.
no subject
Who knew people actually got defensive about their gods? Must be people who have gods that don't forget their own names when they're lost in a book. ]
...If this is "doing her best," then we're all fucked. But, sure. Let's hope it doesn't get any worse.
[ Just so she can be mad at both of them for jinxing the whole group when Nekyia happens. ]
Better than cleaning this on my own, anyway. Alright, Sir Argenti. Let's get this place beautiful.
[ Her tone holds a heavy, heavy note of irony and the implicit "or something," but hey. They're going the same direction for the moment. She can work with him to get this part done. ]