WEEKS 7 & 8

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WEEKS 7 & 8

THE SEASONS TURN...

Time really passes, doesn't it? Before you know it, you're halfway through the time that the goddess Braphine has promised that you'll be here, your home away from home. You are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, maybe, even through all the challenges and eventful (!) twist and turns that have followed you through your stay here. Surely there can't be anything else lurking in the wings, right?

Through the efforts of all of Braphine's chosen, the city definitely is starting to feel a little bit cheerier, in contrast to the temperatures that are starting to cool as the seasons in Sunset City turn and the leaves change their colour. The Shopping District and the Entertainment District look and feel decidedly more warm, and a quick trip into the Nekyia also show that the haze has cleared from both districts, with the Shadows lurking much fewer in number.

Further exploration will find that the haze has thinned to explorable levels in the Nekyia Fashion District - there are Shadows to be cleared, after all. Maybe if you are lucky, they might drop you a little something in reward for your efforts.

DO YOUR PART FOR CHARITY!

On Saturday, there's a notice pinned in the lobby of the dormitory:

CHARITY EVENT FOR THE TEMPLE OF BRAPHINE
9/21
FLEA MARKET AM
FORMAL MASQUERADE BALL PM
Come and support the temple when we need it most!



Yes, you read that right: There will be a Charity Event for the Temple of Braphine, hosted by no one other than her devoted followers. They sent this over to the dorms to request the Chosens' assistance, it seems, and as the flyer says, this is an all-day event to take place on September 21st.

In the morning, there will be a Flea Market! There's a note from the hosts that they'd like the Chosens to either find a vendor to assist, provide entertainment, or participate as vendors in the Flea Market. At night, a ball will be held with live music, dinner, refreshments, and an open dance floor for all. They are not asking for your assistance with the ball, however; rather, you are automatically invited as esteemed guests and are encouraged to dress your finest for the occasion!

Given that this isn't for another week, however, it is highly encouraged that you shop around to find an outfit you'll look snazzy in for the ball. You can also start preparing merchandise to sell; or maybe, perhaps, you'd like to save that street performance for the Flea Market? Either way, you've got a long week ahead of you…

…but it won't be all rainbows and sunshine.

KEEP DREAMING.

Late into the night on Saturday, you will dream. What that dream consists of varies with each individual, but you will have one, even if you've never dreamed before. This dream could be a core memory, or perhaps about something you've always wanted, your worst fear...the list goes on.

The next day, anyone who enters the Nekyia will find that, aside from the strange "Palaces" that have popped up, things aren't right yet again…but for an entirely different reason. No matter where you are, you enter the Nekyia to a hallway full of dressing rooms. It's a fairly long hallway, because venturing down it will eventually lead you to a door that has your name on it.

Why don't you journey there and find out what awaits?

–

After seeing "Sayaka" and finding your door, you'll find something even more strange.

That dream you had last night? Well, it's here. Your dream may manifest as a small, contained landscape from your dream; a creature that you may have dreamt of might be scurrying around; another version of you, different from a Shadow; or you could be unlucky and have one of your memories on full display for everyone to see.

This phenomenon will last for the next two weeks, and dreamscapes will shift with the different dreams characters have. It won't be a one and done ordeal, unfortunately…but there is, perhaps, a way you can stop it.

(OOC: Sayaka's top level is NOT time sensitive, nor is it a mod-run event. This can be treated like a regular top level to be tagged at your own pace!

Please see the "A Dream Unraveled" commission for some details on what's causing the dreamscapes to appear! Welcome to your dreamwalking/memory share event!)

WEATHER FORECAST

Temperature: hot and humid, but gradually getting cooler! Surprise showers may occur during these two weeks when you least expect it, so stay sharp and don't get drenched!

Characters who journery into the Nekyia when it is raining may find HP-restoring items dropped during combat with Shadows.

COMMISSIONS

REAL WORLD COMMISSIONS

BATTLE OF THE BRANDS

Two boutiques on Amaranth Avenue have been at war with each other - figuratively, at least. The sweet lolita brand Cookies for Mice and the punk brand Panthera Punks started out merely vying for advertising space, but have now been taking rather pointed pot shots at each other in their marketing. As the shops are across from each other, it’s plain to see the owners are taking it personally as they can’t seem to stop glaring at each other from across the road. Won’t somebody help mediate before it escalates any further…?

AN ALTERNATIVE CANVAS

Up-and-coming makeup artists are looking to land a job with a new makeup brand in the area, and their final test: finding a model (or two) to model their work and prove their skill. Characters will find that these artists are on the prowl for willing (or not so willing) faces - but at least you’ll be compensated for your patience as they endeavor to make you look your best?

FISHY FUN FASHION

Saffron Street has been chosen to host a highly regarded fashion show! The theme: aquatic life. They need models of all sexes and sizes to walk the runway in ethereal clothing that brings to mind deep sea creatures like bioluminescent jellyfish, or even angler fish! For those who are not brave enough to walk the walk, volunteers are needed to help maintain the large, specially made tanks the city’s aquarium has generously lent out for the occasion. The tanks are full of friendly fish and plant life to create the perfect backdrop for the show! …You know how to use diving gear, don’t you?

NEKYIA COMMISSIONS

THE LION AND THE MOUSE

She thinks she’s so great… I’ll show her! We don’t need her prissy, holier-than-thou attitude around here! We’ll see how she behaves when her shop’s reduced to shreds…

It seems the owner of Panthera Punks having beef with the owner of Cookies for Mice isn’t just a real world problem - she has her very own Shadow in the form of a level 30 Narcissus. Take him on in battle and help to loosen its grip on her in reality before things get much, much worse.

HER HEART WON'T GO ON

How could he… After all I’ve done, after all the money I’ve spent… He leaves me behind for her?! I’ll make him pay… I’ll make them both pay!!

It seems one of the local models has had a rather nasty breakup, and the ex and other woman may end up suffering a rather harrowing fate if all these feelings of anger are left to fester… Characters who follow these angry rants will find themselves face to face with a Level 32 Leanan Sidhe, a jealous lover all too willing to enact a very real harm on those who wronged her. Fight back against the Shadow and teach her the value in moving on from a lover who was never worth her time to begin with.

A DREAM UNRAVELLED

Deep in the Nekyia, whispers and wails can be heard; a fashion designer bemoans their dearth of ideas, and hotly defends their choice to steal their designs instead. After all, this was their dream, and they can’t give it up now - no matter the cost.

Characters may find the Unfaithful Dream-King in a nest of collected dreams of the populace - including some of Braphine’s own chosen. He will be a powerful opponent for sure, but it seems solving this particular Shadow problem is the only way to ensure everyone can have a good night’s rest once more.

Once he is defeated, he will drop a rare item. Who knows, maybe this will help you in your journey ahead.

(OOC: Please turn in your threads for this commission on the rewards page to receive a stat boost item, valid for one time use during any battle.)

OOC

READ ME!!!!

Welcome to your log for Weeks 7 and 8! Feel free to use this log for any developments that happen during the next two weeks. There will be no log posted next week, but a top-level for the charity event will be posted instead on next Saturday!
For plotting, please feel free to head over to this post on the OOC comm to post your plotting top levels.
For Nekyia commissions, you can assume that the Shadows will respawn until they've been beaten enough times to go back to normal.
Don't forget that the deadline for applications and character swaps is on September 28!

ic comm | inboxes | ooc comm | full nav

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MOST GLADLY MY FRIEND

[destage]

["Sayaka" pauses briefly, considering everything for a moment--but only that moment. She winds up getting up from the chair she sits in and takes a deep breath.]

We need to get out of here. This place isn't safe--the managers already took her away, and I don't know what's happened to her. The...the real me. Because they think she's the defective one, and not me.

...Hoshino-san, right? You recognize what this sort of place is, I take it?

[idealies]

The real you?

[ Ai blinks, confusion written on her face. She's only starting to understand what Palaces are - if this could be called a Palace. This place held Sayaka's memories and feelings and it hits her that oh, how did she not realize? Did she only see the mask that Sayaka wanted her to see? ]

This is your dressing room back home, isn't it? From when you worked as an idol... and these are your real feelings about it.

[destage]

[She's quick to catch on, but...]

Maybe, at least...I don't really know. For her and I, when we woke up here, this...felt like some kind of a dream. Maybe it's some kind of mix of both. I don't know. I just woke up here, I barely know anything, it's...

[No. "Sayaka" shuts her eyes, shaking her head and firming her resolve.]

...Yes. This place was supposed to be her salvation, her way of getting away from the life she had before. The only thing it did do was give her enough issues to the point that she's not even sure if she's a real person, or just a pile of masks at this point.

["Sayaka"'s expression goes bitter, angry and open in a way her real self would never be.]

She finally tried standing up to them here. Her managers. And that's when we got separated--I don't know what's happening to her now, but I can't just sit here and do nothing.

...I hate to ask this of you, but can you help me? Help us?

[idealies]

[ She's not even sure if she's a real person, or just a pile of masks at this point. Of all things, it's this line that strikes an unsettling chord in Ai. It's almost like she's hearing herself in the mirror. ]

I see... So Maizono-san is also a liar.

[ She doesn't mean it in an offensive way, rather, she sounds almost sad. What were Sayaka's real feelings? Did she like or hate what she did? It's only natural to be confused when the lies piled on. ]

I want to help. [ She insists. ] Where can we find her?

[destage]

Yeah. It's probably the best way to put it.

[There's no offense taken when Ai says it; if anything, "Sayaka" agrees. It may not be a nice way to put it, but boy has that girl been a liar for a while!!!]

If I'm recalling right, I think she might be hidden backstage. I know the managers are all hanging around there, preparing for the show to start. And...I don't think it's an actual show.

[...]

This is probably going to involve a little bit of fighting. Are you...going to be okay with that? I've got no problem bashing in these...guys skulls, but...

["Sayaka", for all of her directness and bluntness, wants to make sure Ai will be okay with this too.]

[idealies]

What are they going to do to her? [ Her eyes widen in alarm. ]
I've fought shadows before, but...

[ Ai falters at the question. Are the people here shadows? Would they be able to rescue Sayaka without fighting? Moreover, the yellow eyes of the Sayaka before her and her casual suggestion of violence alarms her. Was this... how Sayaka felt at her darkest and most desperate? How much of this place was the God of Conflict driving a wedge between Sayaka and her managers, and how much was it an outcome of her feelings that had reached a boiling point? Ai won't stoke the flames for the God of Conflict. She's here for Sayaka.

Thinking fast, she grabs a spare uniform off the rack. ]

I have an idea! I'm an idol, so I might be able to sneak in without them noticing a thing! I'll find her and get her away from them.

[ And maybe bash some heads in if it comes down to that but no promises! ]

[destage]

["Sayaka" pauses for a bit. One might expect her to lash out violently, or for something to happen at this point, but...

Surprisingly, something softens in her gaze. There's a semblance of humanity behind it, however brief, and "Sayaka" looks to the spare uniform that Ai has picked out--it'll suit her, perfectly. (She doesn't know why that is. Maybe that's an effect of this place; Ai may notice it too (roll for perception (5 or higher)) that the outfit she picks may have morphed itself into something Ai herself would feel is suitable for her.

Even still, though, "Sayaka" takes off her headband briefly, pausing.]

...I don't know what they're going to do. It's...everything about this place is confusing. It has been since we woke up here. I feel like the more I stay here, the more I start to lose any sense of self, and that seems to be happening to everyone here.

[There's a pause before "Sayaka" passes the headband on, but...she moves to press it into Ai's hands, her expression surprisingly kind.]

If you can actually manage it, I'll be impressed. But please: be careful. She wouldn't want something to happen to you.

...We wouldn't want something to happen to you.

[A door appears behind "Sayaka", and if Ai is eagle eyed enough--she'll notice that the door she entered in from has disappeared. Hm. Curious. But "Sayaka" lets her go.]

If anything happens to you, squeeze the flower on that headband. I'll come running. [...] I don't really know why I know that. But I'm willing to trust that you might be able to do this unharmed.

...Good luck, girl. Give 'em a show they won't see coming, yeah?

[idealies]

[ Ai knows what she's proposing is impulsive and risky. She's not good at coming up with plans, or understanding people, or being honest, but what she can do is act the part of a peerless idol, girls who aren't girls but the illusion of what others wish them to be. She'll lie her heart out if it means she can save Sayaka.

As if responding to her desire to go undercover, her uniform transforms into a dark pink offshoot of Sayaka's uniform, though the hopeless girl that Ai is, she fails to notice it (rolled 4, help). She steps forward and clasps Sayaka's hand. ]

Thanks for trusting me with this crazy idea of mine. You keep safe, too.

[ She accepts the headband from her and tucks it into her own hair. Like this, she could pass for one of Sayaka's groupmates.

Feeling uplifted by Sayaka's faith in her, Ai turns to the door that had manifested. Be calm, be polite, smile. However apprehensive she feels on the inside, she mustn't let it show. She takes a deep breath and makes a cute expression in the mirror, winking to herself and sticking her tongue out. ]

Ai Hoshino, heading out!

[ Her game face on and her cheerful cry ringing in the air, she plunges past the door. ]

[destage]

I believe in you, Hoshino-san. Show 'em what you've got!

[And for what it's worth, she means that. This creature that may or may not be something else--it believes in her.

And as Ai exits the door behind her, where she ends up is a little unusual. It's a hallway again, to be sure, but the air feels lighter somehow. There's still those shadowy people about; two groups of girls talking in the hallway, and one older man who look like security.

An announcement plays over the intercom, the light and airy tone prevalent. Strangely, it also attempts to worm it's way into Ai's mind, but she can resist it without a roll for the time being. It tries to convince her everything is fine, but...]

Attention, all performers and faculty! Our show will be beginning in approximately one hour from now! You still have some time to prepare, so please make sure that you take it.

Remember: we want you at your very best! Please make sure to take the time to remove any ███████ from yourself, and make yourself look perfect, perfect, perfect! ❤️

And remember; nobody gets in without sacrificing their █████████████ first!

[None of the shadow people react to the announcement, but if little else, you have time. Would you like to talk to anyone first, or would you like to try and move to the next door? It's just up ahead.

(you can also roll to reveal the blocked out information to yourself; 10+ for one word of your choice, 18-20 for both!)]

[idealies]

[ The announcements leave an unsettling feeling in her chest, but Ai hangs on to shadow Sayaka's words of encouragement as she looks around her new location. An hour is plenty of time to prepare, and Ai checks her uniform is spotless and no hairs on her head are out of place. She can't make out the muffled words (roll 4) so it puzzles her what exactly is forbidden, or what the voice is calling them to sacrifice, but maybe she can find out by observing the other performers. So she shuffles over to the first group of girls. ]

Hii there! How are you feeling about the performance?

[destage]

[The first group of girls looks to Ai; most of them aren't fully formed, sadly, and their responses are pretty generic--they seem nervous, but super excited for the show! Even if Ai can definitely feel that the nerves are likely way more than they're letting on.

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<small>[The first group of girls looks to Ai; most of them aren't fully formed, sadly, and their responses are pretty generic--they seem nervous, but super excited for the show! Even if Ai can definitely feel that the nerves are likely <i>way</i> more than they're letting on.

<a href"https://danganronpa.fandom.com/wiki/Ayaka_Haneyama">This girl</a>, however, gives Ai a bit of a cold look at first, though it neutralizes shortly after. Her first impression might be cold, but she also has that same sort of cotton candy scent that Sayaka's dressing room had...]</small>

<i>We've had a lot of time to practice, so this show shouldn't be a problem for us. I just have to wait for my group to get ready.</i>

<small>[Hey Ai, want to roll for perception? There's definitely more to be gleaned here. Though, Ayaka seems to look from right to left really quick, before lowering her voice a bit.]</small>

<i>What about you? I don't think I've seen you around. Haneyama Ayaka; do you got a name?</i>