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

[cirquedesang]

Maybe I don't.

[He does.]

Do you want to check?

[He will reposition himself though... not to get up or anything, unfortunately?]

[goei]

[He simply has to look away at this point ]

I told ya to quit pickin' on me like that!!

[cirquedesang]

How am I picking on you now?

[Okay, but he'll have mercy and stand... For now. The second Izou looks disappointed all bets are off.]

[goei]

[For now he's just relieved he can look at Celeste normally.]

Fer, y'know, saying shit like that! I may not be the brightest guy here but even I know whatcha mean about "checking fer bones".

[cirquedesang]

[Well he wasn't going quite as far as implied (this time), but. Well. That it could even be a question is, apparently, the problem.]

And you believe I'm just picking on you when I say things like that?

[goei]

[The tragedy of this being at the flea market so Celeste doesn't have The Threads]

Well yeah. Yer like the kinda sexy vampire lord they write those romance novels about and I'm just a... y'know.

[Scruffy murder hobo.]

[cirquedesang]

[The realest tragedy of them all it's true...]

I am far from a Lord, Izou~ [Remember when he said he'd been in the ✨garbage✨ before after your palace?

...He'll take the 'sexy vampire they write romance novels about' comment as a compliment, though.]

You're a... what? Handsome sword genius? [He didn't say cute this time!!]

[goei]

[Listen people can go from rags to riches or vice versa it happens!!!]

I mean, obviously! But like, it's different!

[It simply just is different. Because he says.]

[cirquedesang]

[Sure! But he's still a circus gremlin.]

Is it? How so?

[Yeah, can't just "because I say so" your way out of this one.]

[goei]

Well like, lots of people, when they look at me, they're just gonna see some scruffy killer, you know?

[In the back of his mind Izou still remembers Celeste is a monster he's sworn to kill if he goes feral, but right now he's blinded by Recent Pretzel Gymnastics.]

[cirquedesang]

[Don't worry, he'll remind him.]

And lots of people will just see me as a monster to be eliminated.

[Shrug!]

What does it matter what people think of you? You've left them with an impression. They won't forget you.

[goei]

[That is true. He's pretty hard to forget one way or another. But then, that raises the most important question...]

What do you see me as? Like not in terms I use or yer weird teasing. Fer real.

[cirquedesang]

Hmm...

[It's very tempting to pretend like he has to leave, like he'll be due on stage any moment...

But that would be doing Izou a disservice.]

You are... Izou. [Does that count as weird teasing? Maybe. He'll continue, anyway.] And Izou is a funny little paradox of a man who has both the biggest and the smallest ego I've ever seen. He is also fiercely loyal, and protective, so much that I find myself a bit jealous of whoever is worthy of those feelings from you. [Said as if he isn't. Hmm.] He has an impressive dedication to his art, and his title is clearly well earned. [High praise from someone with a similar obsessive need to perfect his own craft, here.]

And he is, of course, very cute.

[...Yeah, can't escape without a little teasing, he would die otherwise.]

[goei]

[Izou is turning red, even though he asked for this. What the fuck!!! This is TOO sincere!!!]

You- [WHAT DOES HE EVEN REACT TO FIRST????] You don't gotta be jealous! I'll protect you if you want! I just didn't think you needed it!

[cirquedesang]

[Here, Izou, have some very cold hands on your very red face.]

Then I shall rely on you, if I ever do need it.

[He is right he doesn't need it often, but, you know. Sentiment.]

[goei]

[I FORGOT ABOUT HIM HAVING COLDASS HANDS. Izou would jump but with his face it's actually a welcome chill.]

Cause, y'know I worked as a bodyguard inbetween when I was killing.

[He's got CREDENTIALS!!!]

[cirquedesang]

[HE'S GOT COLDASS EVERYTHING-- Except when he doesn't, but then he risks getting hungry about it it's a whole Thing.]

Mmhm. It suits you.

[goei]

[As much as he barks about being a manslayer, it's clear this compliment makes him happy.]

You think so? Katsu sensei would always say I was enjoyin' myself too much when I cut people down.

[cirquedesang]

I do.

[Okay, but sometimes bitches need to be cut down.]

Would this Katsu sensei have preferred you hated doing what needed to be done? That seems... cruel.

[goei]

I... I guess? [NOW THAT YOU FRAME IT LIKE THAT IT ESPECIALLY DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!!!]

I'd always just say ta him that if it weren't fer me, it'd be his head rollin' instead of the guys I cut down.

[cirquedesang]

[IT REALLY DOESN'T, GLAD YOU CAN SEE IT, IZOU.]

And that's how he treated you. [Tch.] Ass.

[goei]

I mean, he was nice ta me too. When he went ta fancy places fer meetings he'd always insist I eat with'em instead of just standin' there.

[cirquedesang]

...Complicated ass.

[Dicks can still do nice things, sometimes.]

[goei]

It's all damn complicated, that's why I'm pissed off!!

[He can't just be straightforwardly mad at anyone because it wasn't like they were cartoon villains who abandoned him for fun!!!]

Even with McGillis it ain't as clearcut as I thought!

[cirquedesang]

[Things would be easier if they were... Alas.

...But oh. That sure smells like Tea.]

Are they not? What has changed?