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

[imperiosity]

1. awakening

[If this isn't suspicious with a capital S, he doesn't know what is. The grogginess and sudden move to a new location is definitely enough to throw him off for a moment as he takes in both the... cheerfully decorated surroundings and the sizable crowd, although that quickly shifts to side-eying Mina when she starts explaining. He's seen and heard of a lot of weird crap at this point, but getting kidnapped to play mediator for a whole city of people? That's a new one.

And it sounds like bullshit to him, which is why he's turning to the nearest person to go:]

Is this chick serious?

[The question sounds more rhetorical than anything, but what better way to bond than by complaining about the situation at hand?? Also don't mind that he's holding a magazine with pictures of scantily-clad ladies the whole time, it's fine.]

2. welcome party

[Now that the introductory comments are over, Aaron will wander over to the party area although his demeanor ends up pretty unenthusiastic when he sees what's on offer.]

Pretty lame for a welcoming party, but I dunno what I was expecting from a kid.

[He says, despite not know how old Mina actually is but whatever, she's just kid-coded to him now!! Regardless, he'll eventually end up picking up some playing cards and seating himself on a couch (right in the middle ofc) in front of a low table. If anyone passes by, he'll languidly gesture at the pack of cards on the table.]

Hey, you in?

3. exploring

[For the first couple of days, Aaron spends his time wandering around the various districts of the city even until it gets to the wee hours of the morning. And while he's attentive enough to avoid tripping over the garbage littering the streets, that doesn't mean he doesn't kick the occasional can off to the side, where it may bump into someone's foot.

Maybe that's you, or maybe that's a random hoodlum that looks like he's ready to start a physical altercation for can crimes. Either way, Aaron looks more amused than concerned and is as far from apologetic as one can be.]

4. modelling

[But, well, the reality of it is that even if they get a small stipend to live off of, he can't do any of the fun stuff he wants to do. So here he is, at the boutique and chatting up the photographer who looks less than impressed at Aaron's attitude.]

Doubt you need anyone else when you've got me around, but I guess I can share some of the spotlight.

[Hey, you! Yeah you.]

You heard the man. Let's get this job over with.

5. wildcard

[ooc plotting post is here if you want to do anything else!]

2 - Welcoming Party

[silentfury]

[Yuri was on his way to one of the corners of the room to hide, but freezes in place upon being singled out. His eyes wander down to the pack of cards. Finally, something he actually recognizes in this crazy world! With a soft shrug and a nod, he takes a seat across from Aaron.]

[imperiosity]

[For better or worse, this guy stands out like a sore thumb with his huge frame and being tits out the whole time. And while the appearance he didn't scream "card player", he figured he'd give it a shot. The response is promising at least, although but he does raise an eyebrow at the silence.]

What, you the strong, silent type? Well, whatever. You know how to play poker, big guy?

[silentfury]

[Though the symbology of the cards pictured on the pack are foreign to Yuri, the general shape and layout are familiar enough. And they're even numbered exactly the same.

And while he's unfamiliar with the exact term 'poker', he wouldn't be surprised if where he came from had a similar game with a different name. So he nods once again, deciding to learn on the fly.]

[imperiosity]

[Welp, only one way to find out how good or bad this will go! In any case, the answer is enough to satisfy Aaron, so he'll start shuffling those cards. As he does this, he'll give Yuri an appraising look, with his gaze landing square on that helmet.]

You know, I'm almost tempted to say it's cheating to have that tin can on your head while we play. But I'll be nice and let you keep it so you've actually got a fighting chance. ♥

[silentfury]

[Huffing at that, Yuri takes his helmet off and gently sets it on the floor next to him. If he could punch that sarcastic heart off the end of Aaron's words, he would.]

[imperiosity]

[Okay but watch this turn into a fistfight before the cards are even dealt--

In any case, it says a lot about Yuri's personality that he did take the helmet off, so Aaron can respect that much. But because he an asshole who can't stop running his mouth:]

So you've actually got a face under all that, huh? But with a mug like that, can't say I blame you for wanting to keep that thing on.

[sorry Yuri, he's just being a stupid shitchild...]

[silentfury]

[A soft sound akin to a growl escapes from Yuri's throat. His hands curl into fists, and for a moment it looks like he's going to reach over and try to sock Aaron in the mouth... but he takes a deep breath and manages to center himself.

With another huff, Yuri points at the deck and holds his hands out. Deal, sucker.]

[imperiosity]

[His eyes narrow a little when he sees Yuri's movements, body tensing up automatically even though the taunting smirk doesn't leave his face. But when the only thing that happens is a gesture to start dealing, Aaron just shrugs a little and does a final shuffle before doling out the cards.]

Fine, fine. I getcha, big guy. You're not big on trash talk.

[After laying five cards face-down on Yuri's side and dealing out another five to himself, he sets the rest of the deck aside before reaching over to grab a bag of hard candies. After unceremoniously dumping it all onto the table, he slides Yuri's half of over to his side of the table.]

Pretty lame to do it this way, but since we're all broke here, this'll have to do for bets. Unless you've got any better ideas?

4

[gardenful]

[ Get it over with, huh? That won't do, and even if Aerith is all for doing a little bit of modeling and getting some money, she pouts anyway. ]

Aw, come on. Let's at least have a little fun with it.

[imperiosity]

Never said I wouldn't. But this is gonna get tedious real fast with this cranky old fart breathing down our necks, and I'd rather have my fun elsewhere.

[Meanwhile, said "cranky old fart" (who probably isn't even that much older than the both of them tbh) gives Aaron the flattest look for that comment before moving on to adjust the camera equipment.

Aaron just continues on as if nothing happened.]

But if you want me to keep you company that badly, I guess I can do that.

[Because lbr, it's not like he has anything better to do right now!!]

[gardenful]

[ Ah, the all the telltale signs of a Bad Boy(tm), huh? She finds herself amused where she should probably be a little bit irritated, even though she does share a sympathetic look and shrug with their resident "cranky old fart". ]

You guess, huh? I could go find someone else who would really love a modeling job if you're too busy for this.

[imperiosity]

And leave the old fart hanging? C'mon, have some sympathy. The guy looks like he's halfway to an aneurysm already.

[Just tosses the photographer a casual glance like he isn't partially responsible for this ☆]

[gardenful]

So I'd just be finishing the job that you started?

[ She smiles over at the photographer before heading towards the clothing rack and picking out an outfit. There's a good selection, but the fruits call to her. ]

I'm gonna go get changed. Whoever's last owes lunch!

[ Did Aaron agree to this? No. But she will hold him to task for this. Anyway, she's definitely losing this one with a 1. ]

[imperiosity]

Don't know what you're talking about. ♪

[But it looks like they're ready to get this show on the road, so he'll pick out this horrendously garish outfit because this is how he rolls. I hate him.]

You're on, but you'd better not back outta this when I win!

[And then he rolls a 1 to make it a tie-- ...okay no, he rolls an 8. But also he's literally just pulling on a pair of trunks and putting on that terrible shirt, so should this actually count as a win!!]

[gardenful]

[ Her double skirts take a bit of adjusting and moving around, so she isn't too terribly surprised to see Aaron out there already by the time she opens up the dressing room door. ]

Shoot. Looks like I'll have to take you somewhere after we're done here. Lucky you!

[ At least she's not backing out of it! Besides, lunch is a great way to build a connection, and that's what they're here to do anyway.

She takes a few steps forward, appraising his outfit. ]

You're a fan of real bright colors, aren't you?

wildcard, roomie(?) edition

[ilfochrome]

[ it's the day or so after they've all arrived, and aaron's roommate has been nowhere to be seen. but it's just a matter of time, because as much as ukyo desperately wants to avoid the dorms, he does need to shower, and maybe he's just the tiniest bit curious as to what the accommodations look like.

so at some random point in the late afternoon or evening, there's a knock at the door follow by the turning of a key and an apology. ]

Excuse me, sorry for the intrusion...

roomie!!!

[imperiosity]

[Considering he's seen neither hide nor hair of his roommate for the whole day, the possibility that the other name on the room plate had been a mistake was certainly something that had crossed Aaron's mind. Not that he was complaining, of course -- even if he'd roomed with people before, having the space all to himself was still a plus since he didn't have to deal with others complaining about his habits.

Even so, he can put two and two together when Ukyo unlocks the door with his own key.]

So you're the guy I'm stuck with? I was starting to think that dumbass priestess couldn't count rooms properly.

[ilfochrome]

[ ukyo puts up his hands in appeasement, hesitating a second or two to take in aaron's words and general demeanor. he doesn't actually shut the door behind him, leaving it cracked open just slightly, and doesn't make to move into the room proper after that. ]

Ahh, I'd like to say your luck isn't that bad but that would be a lie since you got paired with me. But I don't intend to actually live here, so maybe that makes up for it.

[ said with a little smile that's trying to project some type of optimism. ]

[imperiosity]

Hmm?

[Well that response isn't strange at all!! Not. And while he doesn't have any issues with this arrangement per se, it's does bring up many, many questions about Ukyo.]

I'd ask if you've already shacked up with someone, but something tells me that's not the reason. You find some other place to rent?

[Seems unlikely, with the stipend they're getting, but who knows.]

[ilfochrome]

[ he laughs, sheepish. ]

No, it's not like that at all. I actually prefer to sleep outdoors rather than inside.

[imperiosity]

[he's 99.9% sure here that ukyo doesn't mean in a tent or any other kind of cover, but you know what? different strokes.]

...Well, whatever. None of my business if you wanna camp out in the middle of a city, but don't come crying to me if a pom goes and bites your ass while you're sleeping.

[do poms even actually do this, who knows, not important!!]

So what're you here for? Gathering supplies?

[ilfochrome]

[ wow? sometimes he uses a sleeping bag, but most of the time he doesn't so the assumption isn't wrong. ]

A pom? [ ??? ] If I get bit by anything it's usually by territorial geese. But they're more loud than actually painful.

I wanted to see what the dorm was like, now that most people have probably settled in and are elsewhere.

awakening (the gravure model fandom)

[cramschooling]

Well, depends which part you think she's serious about.

[Or not serious about, as it were.

Cram's already wandered off to check out the party itself at some point instead of paying too much attention to the nuts and bolts of whatever goddess thing is going on. He'll accost the host when she isn't buried under a mountain of the other people. Could always use Yaoi Hand to sweep them aside but not worth the hassle, probably.

He munches slowly on some crackers; he's definitely eyeing the magazine, seemingly trying to decide whether to mention it, but he doesn't get the chance. Because his Hand mentions it first.]

... If I may ask, where did you get that book? Is it a feature of the party they've set up?

[imperiosity]

[As eyecatching as Cram's outfit is (mostly because of the mech hand, let's face it), there are people bleeding all over the place already, so what's an odd getup in light of all that? So just as Aaron is about to respond to Cram with his own litany of complaints about the situation, we get the Yaoi Hand Interruption.

There's a couple of blinks for like, half a second before his gaze zones in on Cronos. He's seen some orbal drones and even advanced medical prosthetics at this point, but this is still a new one.]

The hell? That thing talks?

[Alas, the question goes unanswered for now...]