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!
  

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Comments

[pharology]

[Already?! Wahh...]

Oh! All right... [Jordi gathers himself, smoothing his shirt down, and tucks his hair out of his face so he can actually see clearly, though there's nothing to be done about the rebellious lock that keeps flying wherever it wants.] I'm ready!

[beautifulknight]

[ Already indeedy!! Time waits for no one, Jordi!!

Argenti gets into position. ]

Excellent. Now...let us race.

3, 2...1!

[ With that, he sprints off like a rocket. How fast is this young fish-like man? Can he keep up with a Knight of Beauty? ]

[pharology]

[How can someone go from at rest to zooming like that! Jordi's seen his coworkers at Rhodes Island do it but he just could never pin down how. Incredibly physicality is a factor, yes, but still...

Jordi gets to running himself, though he is obviously struggling to catch up. The only thing he has going for him is his youth, after all. He runs, but he's not gaining that much distance on Argenti.

And... wait, what's the finish line?]

[beautifulknight]

[ Sorry he is like this, Jordi...though, he does slow down a little.

...

......

That said...Argenti probably should've thought about mentioning a finish line, right? But in the midst of running, he totally forgot to do that; in that he definitely might have assumed he did, but definitely didn't. ]

[pharology]

[ty for trying Argenti... but without a finish line, Jordi has to keep running... and running... And then eventually he slows. Then comes to a complete stop, bending over to put his hand son his knees and attempt some breathing exercises.

Oh, he's close to wheezing, give him a moment.]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti realizes that he did not plan this out properly, and actually turns around to run back on over to the other man. ]

...Oh, I'm sorry.

Are you alright, my new friend? I believe I made a mistake in not setting a proper point where the race would end.

[ Poor Jordi... ]

[pharology]

Please, it's all right. [Not "I'm all right". He's... Well. Not.]

I'm just not used to exertion... I'm sorry.

[beautifulknight]

No, you needn't apologize.

Even if this isn't something you are used to, it isn't your own fault for that.

[ Argenti thinks he still got too caught up in his excitement, and he thinks, well, they certainly have both done their best in attempting to fulfill the spirit of a competitive activity, right? ]

...What are you generally accustomed to doing?

[pharology]

Ah... Well. [Jordi takes one more deep breath and then straightens up, hands on the small of his back to help himself.]

Would you believe me if I said I started working as a field medic? [Probably not! Even he would look himself askance if he could.] Not that it helped me much.

You win by default, after all.

[beautifulknight]

I certainly would believe you. Thoughtfulness is always a sign of a good healer.

[ Argenti says immediately, absolutely unironically. Even if Jordi doesn't have the standard appearance of a medic, he can at least imagine it. Anything is possible, isn't it? ]

Well, I would argue since I didn't place a proper finish line, that might be questionable. Though, with our respective differences in this area...I can see how it may have panned out that way, even with one.

You did try your best at least. And I do appreciate that.

[pharology]

[Ah... what is he to do with all this praise? He hasn't even done anything noteworthy. Jordi can't help but smile though, and while it may be shaky, it's a genuinely pleased expression, when previously he'd been smiling nervously, or out of a desire to be polite.]

Thank you. I don't feel too bad about losing, as I knew I would. But your words are appreciated all the same.

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti is ever so glad to ease someone's worries...though he might have been a bit overly concerned himself, so the fact he can also get someone to smile with such authenticity is always a true plus. Such as it is, it makes him brighten, practically sparkling with good cheer. ]

It truly is no problem at all. In fact, I am most glad to hear you are in good spirits and the words of gratitude granted to this humble Knight of Beauty!

That said, shall we rest our feet for awhile, and continue to chat for a little while? Or would you prefer for us to go our separate ways?

[pharology]

Why not the former? It's not as if we have anywhere else to be at the moment. [Well, Jordi doesn't.

Then he turns a little awkward at the thought of hogging someone's attention when they already have plans.]

Unless you have other plans...?

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti simply shakes his head at the question offered to him. ]

I'm truly free of any plans whatsoever at this time! You are not troubling me in the slightest.

[ Then, he'll guide them on over to where there happens to be benches nearby, and sits himself down. Of course, he just continues to talk straight away because he is like that. ]

...After all, every moment I spend with others here is time well spent. Even here it is possible we ourselves may miss the chance to savor moments with others, and the Beauty that is inherent in every part of life. Yes, I firmly believe that the light that can be glimpsed from small interactions can be truly beautiful, and a blessing from the flawless goddess Idrila.

[pharology]

[The way he speaks, it sounds like he's a deeply religious man. Jordi won't even judge him for it. In fact, he thinks as he sits down on the other end of the bench, he might even ask to learn a little more because religion tends to be thorny business on Terra, especially Iberia.]

I can understand that sort of desire, especially if there's a deeper reasoning for it for you. What do you think about this place so far, barring what we're meant to be doing here as a whole?

[beautifulknight]

[ If Jordi wishes to know more about Idrila, he is welcome to ask; he will always be happy to explain...in that overly excited way of his, though it is certain to be true as well. ]

Of course.

As for our situation, I believe it's quite an interesting place. The people's condition... it is quite odd. I have never witnessed it before; the kind of mass unfortunate mood that seems to linger in the people here makes it indeed cast a shadow over the beautiful landmarks and general area.

Though, I firmly believe that it's not the worst place thus far.

In many ways, we are quite fortunate. Even if we have not elected to truly come here by choice, we have lodgings and a way to provide for ourselves. That makes it far more easier to see the Beauty, even if we must see the opposite of it in this place by default!

I have no fear that we shall continue to flourish in a place like this. What are your thoughts?

[pharology]

It's true, this is not the worst place to be in. [Compared to where Jordi had come from? It seems like it lacks Originium, which is already a plus, and he wants to see where it gains its power. Perhaps it could help people back on Terra if he could crack this code, so to speak.]

Still, I do wish to return home... so I'm willing to cooperate depending on what the goddess wants.

[Not to be too compliant, since he does have to get home, but yes.]

But... I think I can make something of my time here too.

[beautifulknight]

[ The fact that they're able to interact safely despite everything...though with the unusual aspect of this city, it is entirely plausible the situation would change radically. ]

I find that sentiment quite understandable. There is truly no replacement for landing your eyes back on the beautiful surroundings of one's home.

[ Even if he hasn't been to "home" in years. But, he thinks people wanting to return is a natural thing. This is still a very strange and foreign place to many, after all. ]

...Still, what a good spirit. Here is hoping the others may feel the same, though if they too find themselves struggling, we can certainly be there to guide them through this too as well.

[pharology]

Haha. You think we could do that? [He's not mocking Argenti's statement nor his idealism-- in fact, Jordi thinks it's admirable, wanting to help people in that way.]

Perhaps you're capable of doing so, but I'm no guiding light. Just... a small lantern.

[Like the one hanging from his belt, which he spares a brief look.]

[beautifulknight]

I do.

[ He catches the little glance. ]

Everyone here has that light inside of them, no matter how dark or how dim it may appear.

What makes it even brighter, is when everyone comes together, to make each guiding light even far more brilliant and beautiful, when they are able to support one another. At that time, it blooms into a radiance that is truly worthy of the goddess Idrila's gaze.

[ Argenti believes this truly. He may be radiant too but he doesn't think of him as any more brighter or important than anyone else. In fact, at times he feels his contributions may be a bit ... little in the grand scheme of things. Yet, he knows when teamwork is involved, even a small light magnifies into a burning sun. And, isn't that Beauty? ]

[pharology]

Well... [He rubs his hands together in his lap, moving his gaze to them. Working together? Of course it's the best way to contribute, of getting something done.]

I think I'm best at putting my head down and just doing something rather than assisting, however. At being just one of the others.

I'm nothing special.

[beautifulknight]

[ Nothing special? Those words he has said are rather familiar, considering. ]

I do happen to think that whatever you managed to work towards, it will prove to be certainly valuable. Even if you have experience in working by your lonesome, I also believe that you lending a helping hand with others will prove to be truly fruitful.

And I do believe that every single person has a beautiful quality that makes them special in their own way. Not as a matter of defining themselves as more important than anyone else, but in a way that helps them stand out uniquely radiant as the essence of Beauty itself.

[pharology]

[That thing about doing things by his lonesome? Ha... ha... Really, it's funny enough that Jordi lets out a weak little laugh. He can't even fight on his own, and both of his jobs require a lot of time out in the field. Thus, Jordi must always be working with someone.

He finds this more a failing on his part because he hasn't learned how to fight.]

I hope it's as you say, but I'm a field medic who doesn't know how to fight.

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti's eyebrows furrow as the other male laughs like that. Which, honestly, makes him want to think of a way to uplift his spirits, naturally.

Though he has a feeling that it may not be so easy. All the same, Argenti is not a person to wish for another to think that there is little positive about them. First, however... ]

Even so, healers are valuable people to have on the battlefield. Though you cannot fight like seasoned combatants, being able to heal those who are injured when they are unable to put themselves back together is a great skill. It is why I can hold deep respect for those within your profession.

...Is it the fact that you can't fight that makes you hold such doubt in your heart?

[ About his thoughts on this matter? ]

[pharology]

[Jordi can only give a little nod-- Argenti's hit the nail on the head.]

Many medics I work with are capable of fighting, so the burden is not just on the guards, or the snipers, or the defenders. [Which is one reason why he doesn't feel too good about himself.]