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]

[ i hope it's the only nat20 i roll the whole game

While he blinks, she turns to him with a smile. The closeness clearly doesn't bother her, not when it's something she considers to be just for fun. ]

Yup! Got it in one.

[ She points off towards the corner of the room. ]

And just now, I saw a huge wave crash into someone's picnic on the beach!

[ Just to keep the immersion here, she'll even twist her expression into something like surprise. ]

[imperiosity]

[makes a prayer circle to dicebot

It's good to know that they're on the same page when it comes to the basic set up, but he can't stop his brows from raising a little at the plot twist Aerith cooked up.]

For real...?

[It's not like he was expecting this to play out like a real (fake) date, but this seems like they're going in the opposite direction as far as the mood goes. He almost looks like he wants to shake his head in exasperation, but he'll play along and turn his head to where she's pointing before he gives her arm a bit of a tug in that direction.]

Guess that means we've got no choice but to check up on those poor picnickers.

[The set's too small for an actual run, but they can manage a slow jog, probably??]

[gardenful]

[ A slow jog, but make it fashion. At least, that's what Aerith is trying to do by exaggerating her movements a bit and occasionally pausing her poses just so the photographer can get a shot or two in. ]

And you're playing along anyway.

[ There's definite amusement in her voice, clearly pleased that Aaron is going with her silly idea even if he doesn't want to—getting guys like this to do silly things is one of her favorite pasttimes, after all. ]

Should we help them pick up their stuff too?

[ They'll look like photos where they're gathering shells or something similar, she thinks, and if they can pose in a way that shows off the versatility of their outfits... even better. ]

[imperiosity]

[If only he had half the consideration Aerith did for the photographer...!! But he does go slowly enough that it should be easy to get some usable pictures, even if he his focus is on making the movements seem natural rather than easy to capture on film.]

What can I say, I'm in a generous mood. Hope you realize how lucky you are.

[He says it with enough of the usual haughtiness that it's unclear if he's joking or not, but he's careful to keep his expression soft to sell that whole 'lovebirds at a beach' image.]

Eh, why not. We've already stuck our noses in this far.

[After taking a couple more steps, he'll move to crouch down, letting his shirt ride up a little to expose some extra skin for the camera.]

[gardenful]

[ She opts to sit on the ground to show off the flexibility of this dress and pretends to pick up some discarded items off the ground herself. It'll probably be photoshopped into the two of them looking at shells or something like that, but hey. It still works.

But she'll break the little "skit" they've got going on just to make a little comment: ]

Wow, you're a real natural at this.

[imperiosity]

[Considering how loosely they'd been playing these roles to begin with, he's not all that surprised at breaking character a little. He'll avoid shrugging outright if only for the camera, but the sentiment is apparent enough in his voice.]

Couldn't call myself a performer if I can't even do this much. Besides, could say the same for you. You look pretty comfortable struttin' your stuff.

[gardenful]

I'm a cute girl that goes out and gets what she wants. Of course I am!

[ More or less...

She grins up at Aaron, hoping that it makes for a good photo. ]

So you're a performer? What do you do?

[imperiosity]

Well, can't say I don't like the confidence. Definitely easy on the eyes too.

[And he'll lean a bit closer here so this scene looks a lot more intimate than it actually is, because why not, if they're committing to the bit.]

Sword dancing, mostly. There's a theater in my hometown, and I put on a few big shows every now and then. Crowd couldn't get enough of me, let me tell ya.

[gardenful]

[ She simply smiles when he leans in, compliment rolling right off of her and her features softening as the corners of her lips quirk up. This'll definitely make for a good shot. ]

Sword dancing, huh? If you're that good, you'll have to show me sometime. I've never seen anything like that before.

[ Besides, she wonders if Aaron can live up to the hype he's setting up for himself. ]

[imperiosity]

Sure, why not. It's been a while since I last performed, and this place could use some excitement anyway. Damn shame there isn't an actual stage to use, though.

[Unless he wanted to convince one of the locals to let him borrow it for a time, but meh, he's not going to go that far unless there's actually the set and props to match.]

[gardenful]

[ Her smile takes a more playful turn, and in the back her of her mind she hopes that makes for another good shot. ]

If you're as good a performer as you say you are, anything's a stage, right?

[imperiosity]

[And here he'll toss his head back a little and flip his hair back like he's shifting some stray bangs away from his face, all the while angling himself so the camera can take a few clean shots of his gesture.]

'Course. But there's no matching that energy you get when there's a full house that's as pumped as you are.

[gardenful]

What if I clap really loud? Maybe you'll feel some of that energy.

[ Or will he feel embarrassed instead? Aerith wants to find out. ]

[imperiosity]

[we only wish he had a sense of shame]

Won't say no to that, but you'll have your work cut out for you. Hope you're prepared ♪

[gardenful]

Really, now? I hope you're ready for me to have pompoms and everything, then.

[ Because this is now a Challenge, and she will be taking this very seriously!! ]

[imperiosity]

Hey, if you wanna go the full nine arge, the more power to you.

[He's pretty curious what Aerith would come up with, though!]

You gonna dress the part too?

[gardenful]

That's a surprise!

[ But she probably will, just to commit to the joke as a whole. Why not?

It's time to change up their poses, however, so she stands back up and pulls Aaron towards her, making a peace sign at the camera. Does she check in her periphery to see if Aaron is following along? Of course she does. ]

[imperiosity]

[Welp, he'll be expecting something fun now, although he leaves the sentiment unsaid since they're switching poses. Aaron follows along insofar as he stands up and places an arm around her waist so they can play up the whole couple thing, but his other hand is distinctly not raised up in a matching peace sign.

And although he smiles brightly in the direction of the camera, there's a moment where his expression shifts back to his usual cheeky grin, his eyes taking on a challenging glint as he looks back at her.]

[gardenful]

[ With their proximity, it's easy for her to lightly shove him in the side. ]

Come on, you could at least match my pose. It'll be cute, I promise.

[imperiosity]

[wow hes being bullied??

The shove jostles him a little, but he is not looking any more cooperative than he was a couple seconds ago.]

Eh, I'm not really feelin' it right now. Buuuut maybe I'll change my mind after doing some other poses first.

[gardenful]

[ She hums, pretending to think about it even though she already knows her answer. ]

Alright, pose master. Show me what you've got up your pose arsenal.

[imperiosity]

Hope you're ready, then.

[Because he's going to sweep her up into a bridal carry in the next moment, which might even look rehearsed to a spectator (unless she accidentally punches him in the face or something).

If they're really going to do this romantic couple crap, then by Aidios are they going to fucking do it!!!]

[gardenful]

[ Oh! That was unexpected, but she rolls with it easily, letting out a giggle once he's properly balanced himself... not like it takes much, since he's good enough at this that even the photographer seems impressed. ]

Wow, you're actually pretty good at this.

[ She'll even put her arms around his neck to complete the picture too. ]

[imperiosity]

[Aerith holding on definitely makes this a lot easier, so he'll walk around some to give the photographer more angles to work with.]

Eh, I could do this in my sleep. Lotta chicks dig this kinda thing, so it's not like this is my first time.

[gardenful]

So you're a playboy, huh?

[ She doesn't seem to be bothered by that, smiling a little as she asks. ]

You know, girls like it more when you act like doing something like this is special.