WEEKS 7 & 8

[linkupmods]

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!

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Comments

[moodwrecker]

[Can't believe Sayaka went so yankee she cusses more than Aubrey does...]

...She did?

[destage]

Yeah? Is it that surprising?

[It's not accusatory, perhaps surprisingly. It gets a small smile out of "Sayaka".]

She had a lot of things to talk about. About all of you. The ones she knew, anyway. Told me you were reliable, that you had a like...

Strength, I think. It sounds like something she was a little envious of, but something she wanted to try and emulate a bit too.

...Not that she really knows how, without giving up all of the politeness that's been drilled into her brain.

[moodwrecker]

Kind of. Does that mean she talks to herself?

[What's the logistics here...]

...Strength, huh. I guess I'm pretty tough, physically.

[destage]

...Nooooot in the way you're probably thinking. Think of it as like--world's [LOVELIEST] council in your head that you have to consult before you do, like. Anything? Even something as minimal as choosing what to wear. And communication with them's like a rickety bridge that only barely works, and--

--okay, [GENTLY CARESS] that. If I lose the metaphor any further you're gonna end up as confused as me. And I'm pretty confused.

[Though that brings us to the next point, earning a quirked brow from "Sayaka".]

...It's your individuality. Like. That's a strength of it's own for better or for worse. You do know that, right?

[moodwrecker]

[It's Aubrey's turn to quirk her brow.]

...Is it that big of a deal?

[destage]

I mean, you've seen the girl? The whole "demure good girl" shit is all she knows, and pretty much the hole she's been pushed into with no escape. Even with nudging, girl doesn't have much of her own.

["Sayaka" shrugs.]

It probably ain't that big of a deal to you, but it's sure as [GENTLY CARESS] not something she's ever been allowed to have.

[moodwrecker]

...

But she can try it here, didn't she? In this world, I mean.

[destage]

Yeah, she can. And surprisingly, she has. Or at least, she's been trying to.

...I think in a way, this is her finally trying to kill that habit of hers and think for herself, rather than dealing with the voices of her managers and the way they've always been in control. Kill the managers in her head, so to speak.

I don't know. This kind of [POO POO] is a bit over my [LOVING] paygrade. I just wanna see 'em bleed and pay a bit.

[...It's blunt, but at least it's honest???]

[moodwrecker]

...

So... Wait, are you trying to literally kill them here?

[destage]

I mean, yeah? Why not?

Why not kill the wretched bastards who've only caused her misery and pain? Maybe they can finally understand what they've caused her. It's what they deserve.

["Sayaka's" grin is bright, as if she's not just casually suggesting murdering the fuck out of people.]

I mean, you got any better ideas?

[moodwrecker]

[...]

...That's not a good look for you, you know. Besides, the ones here aren't even real.

Don't stoop to that, Sayaka.

[destage]

[...Huh.

Is that just you, or did something crack? It's not going to be visible immediately, though if Aubrey gets a good look, she might notice that one of "Sayaka's" arms has cracked.]

"Good look"? Good look, huh? Do you know how long we've obsessed over good look?

To hell with it all! Besides, this is a dream anyway, so what does it matter? S'not like she'd actually [LOVING] do it!

But that's okay. I can. I know what she wants, and what she'll never bring herself to say. And if she's in danger, they need to die.

...You gonna try and stop me?

[moodwrecker]

[Does she have her bat? Because she's going to grip it just a little tighter, even if the rest of what "Sayaka" says clearly surprises her.]

-Wait. What do you mean, in danger?

[destage]

[She absolutely does! Thankfully, this place hasn't confiscated Aubrey's weapons. There's a brief second where "Sayaka's" eyes glow, but--

She schools it down, despite her clear growing frustration.]

You've seen those shadowy, faceless freaks, right? That's what they turn the people here into. It's what they want to do to her. And what they would've done to me if she hadn't insisted that I'm just as real as she was.

[There's frustration, anger there, boiling--]

I can't let them do that to her. And if they'd do that, then they deserve to die.

[moodwrecker]

[Mmmmmmmm she doesn't really want to for real kill people, but if it's some kind of dream scenario...]

...Take me to them.

[destage]

[aubrey doesn't deserve this...

Nonetheless, though, while "Sayaka" stares at Aubrey for a moment longer...well, the door behind Aubrey disappears, and a new one appears behind "Sayaka". She finds herself nodding her head.]

I will. It probably won't be easy. Those bastards never would let it be.

[...]

Just keep your eyes and ears peeled, and your whits about you.

["Sayaka" doesn't bother elaborating, proceeding to kick open the new door as she does--it doesn't take long before they're in a hallway with more of those faceless idols and people. There's not very many of them, granted, but they block the road ahead just a bit.

How do you wanna approach this, Aubrey? There's a group of girls, and two security guards ahead.]

[moodwrecker]

[She does indeed approach, bat ready in hand for whatever this encounter might bring her way.]