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

[gardenful]

[ Her lips twitch at that comment, like she's thinking of laughing, but then she remembers the photographer is here. It's probably not a good idea to joke about kidnapping in front of a stranger, huh... ]

What? Because they don't have pockets?

[ There's a note of amusement in her voice as she sifts through the racks, landing on a pastel blue jacket with... pockets! She lifts it up. ]

How's this?

[bloodandstars]

They've got an uncontrolled gateway to other worlds, their streets are covered in garbage, their technology looks like something out of the Shaman Empress's untested junk heap, and they're uncomfortable all the damn time.

[ Sounds like enough reason for upset to her! She eyes the jacket and then gives a little shrug before reaching for it. ]

It'll do. What are you looking for?

[gardenful]

[ She holds back a laugh, though there's clear amusement in her eyes. ]

Wow, give me your real thoughts about this place, why don't you?

[ But, like. Maika isn't exactly wrong either. It's quite the world to find oneself in, that's for sure. ]

Something light and airy that basically shouts "summer"! Think you can manage?

[bloodandstars]

[ She glances sidelong, taking in that expression and visibly processing a little what to do with it. Hmm... ]

Who's gonna tell on me? Him?

[ She jerks her head towards the photographer with another flicker of a smirk — she dares you, NPC-dude — and gives a one-armed shrug of acknowledgment to Aerith's request. ]

That's easy enough. I'm guessing topless isn't an option.

[ None of the locals seem to dress that way, anyway. More reasons they're all probably cranky in this weather. Maika flips through the dresses, narrowing her eyes in consideration and finally stopping on something like this. She holds it up for Aerith and raises an eyebrow. ]

[gardenful]

[ Aerith has to look away for a moment so she doesn't laugh outright (not in front of the photographer's face, she can't do that!!). She recovers soon enough, though, before looking back at Maika... only to be somewhat scandalized. ]

Yeah, I'm afraid topless isn't. I'm adventurous and all, but even that's a little much for me.

[ That dress, though? Aerith all but rushes forward, taking the skirt into her hands to feel the fabric. Nice and light and perfect. ]

This is perfect. I can't believe you know my tastes already.

[bloodandstars]

[ Sounds like a success? Maika gives a shrug again and turns back to the rack, but probably not fast enough to hide looking a little pleased. ]

You gave me enough of a hint. "Summery" only leaves the flowers. And that— [ with a wave towards something aggressively neon yellow ] —I'd only give to somebody I was sending out to decoy snipers.

[ Seriously. What the hell is neon. ]

[gardenful]

[ Yeah, she caught that Maika! But she's in luck this time, since Aerith won't call her out on it. ]

Really? So you're saying you'd never wanna wear that?

[ No one would want to, honestly...

Aerith turns back towards the racks, pulling out a light tank top to go with the jacket. ]

Now, what do you want for bottoms? Some pants, or a skirt?

[bloodandstars]

[ Luring Maika into a false sense of security... smh... ]

Only if I'm decoying the snipers.

[ completely deadpan, but she does give a tiny snort. ]

Pants. Skirts are just a liability waiting to happen.

[gardenful]

[ She looks down at her own skirt. ]

So, you're saying I'm wearing a liability right now and you picked out a liability for me to wear?

[ There's a smile on her lips accompanying her light tone, so clearly she doesn't mind. ]

[bloodandstars]

You said it, not me.

[ ...Well, she kind of did say it. But she tosses an unapologetic little smirk sidelong anyway. ]

Don't go climbing any ship rigging in that, I guess. Seems like you're used to it anyway.

[gardenful]

What about rooftops? Can I still climb on those?

[ She's definitely climbed around some ship rigging too.. but that'll get into why she was sneaking onto a ship in the first place, and there's simply too much background for that story when they're supposed to be doing a photoshoot in a few minutes.

So, she focuses back on pants. ]

Let's see... something edgy is probably more in line with your tastes, huh?

[bloodandstars]

Can you, in that?

[ There's a flicker of surprise, and she can't help but cast another assessing look over her partner. Not like she doesn't know some people who can fight in skirts just fine. Vihn, or the Wolf Queen... but Ancients don't follow anyone's rules but their own. ]

And what's that supposed to mean?

[ She's wearing perfectly normal clothes! Perfectly normal, steampunk, pirate-slash-warlord clothes. She narrows her eyes a little at Aerith. ]

[gardenful]

Exactly what you think it means!

[ Which is why she pulls a pair of pants from the rack, adorned with a Nomura-level number of belts. It's definitely got a little bit more going on than what Maika has on right now, but no one can deny that it doesn't look at least a little bit cool. ]

Oh, and I can totally hop around rooftops in this outfit, by the way.

[bloodandstars]

[ Look at all those belts...

Despite herself, Maika's expression brightens a little, and no words of complaint follow her swiping for the pants. ]

Those'll work. [ Read: they're perfect, thank you kindly! ] ...And I'll believe the roof thing when I see it.

[ But that has a rising note on it that's almost an invitation. But first: photoshoot. Which requires changing clothes, which... Maika will start doing right where she is, beginning to unbutton her jacket, unless redirected presently. ]

[gardenful]

[ Wow, look at that. Aerith's judgment that Maika is "edgy" paid off. She can't help but feel proud of herself for this one. ]

Maybe you'll see it someday.

[ Ah, but not much time to ruminate on that now, because she puts a hand on Maika's shoulder. ]

Try one of the changing rooms. I get a feeling they won't be happy about you changing out in the open here.

[ She smiles, just a little. Seems like Maika's from a world where that stuff doesn't matter much. ]

[bloodandstars]

[ Look, sometimes a woman can find a use for approximately 75 belts. ]

They're the ones who wanted us to change in the first place.

[ But with that reflexive grumble, she'll let herself be steered. It's not like she has any particular interest in an audience for the process of her grappling with clothing, but the inefficiency of relocating for it is almost a strange luxury. ]

[gardenful]

[ Aerith unceremoniously sends Maika into the dressing room with a push to her back. ]

Just shout for me if you need any help with all those belts! I'll be right next to you.

[ And sure enough, Maika can see Aerith's feet through the gap between the stall and the floor. ]

This dress honestly looks a little bit complicated to put on too...

[bloodandstars]

[ Never since Miette has a gentle shove received such a look of surprise. ]

If I have to actually fasten all of these, I'm coming out of here pantless.

[ Threat! But also real! Thankfully more of them seem decorative than not, although there is a bit of stomping going on in Maika's stall. ]

...Need a hand with it after all?

[gardenful]

[ HELP.... maika.... miette... i see now

A moment or two of silence follows Maika's question, but Aerith eventually gets out: ]

Nope... I think I'm good!

[ And that does seem to be the case, because the sound of her unlatching the lock to her dressing room echoes between them. ]

Dresses that come in pieces have a learning curve to 'em. [ That stomping though... ] What about you? You good in there?

[bloodandstars]

Nothing — nrgh! — fits like I'm used to!

[ But the tank top and jacket are mercifully simple, and it is nice not to have to deal with a million buttons. It's only a little more wiggling before Maika unceremoniously shoves her door open too.

Her new choice of outfit shows off a good bit of what could be a slightly odd eye-patterned tattoo occupying a handspan of the center of her chest, but there's no sign of dissatisfaction with that as she tugs a little at the tank to adjust it. With apparently no concern whatsoever about how impatient the photographer might be getting, she sweeps a curious look over Aerith. ]

Looks like the learning curve wasn't so steep after all.

[gardenful]

[ Her eyes linger on that tattoo out of curiosity before she gives Maika a onceover. Yep, pretty edgy... and yet somehow summery. ]

Or maybe I'm good at figuring things out.

[ She laughs, grinning as she smooths out her dress. ]

You really did a great job picking. This fits perfectly.

[bloodandstars]

No great insight, when it's not that different from what you were wearing before. ...Suits you, though.

[ Is Aerith going to continue being nice enough not to point out the tiny flicker of a smile? Hopefully, because Maika "90% scowl by volume" Halfwolf is going to be hard enough to photograph as it is. ]

[gardenful]

[ Only time will tell!

But for now, she leans forward. ]

I think it's a little bit different than what I had on. Not all dresses are the same, you know. [ A pause. ] Oh, and I'm definitely taking that compliment.

[bloodandstars]

[ It wasn't... well, okay, it was a compliment. For a second she hesitates, trying to decide if she should backpedal it, until the pause becomes more conspicuous in her uncertainty. ]

...Well, it's yours to do what you want with.

[ "No concern of Maika's," this tone tries to advertise. She gives a little shrug and speeds up her stride a little. Time to take these pictures and get out of here. ]

Alright, we're ready. Now we'll see if any of the people here are about to hold up their end of a deal.

[gardenful]

[ Yep, that silence stretches on for way too long, so when Maika finally fires back with that... she can't help the laugh that escapes her. Sorry, Maika. ]

Do you have any ideas for poses? I'd like to see what you can come up with.

[ She'll start walking towards the little set in the corner of the shop. ]