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

[goei]

Huh...

[Dog boy learning moment.]

Well either way, down here they just look like little lights! Yer eyes're more like, well they're powerful! When ya get serious it's obvious from the intense look in yer eyes that you could off somebody if ya needed. But then the way ya look at people you like is real warm, so it'd make any girl feel like she could be safe with you, y'know?

[A fierce protector sort of thing.]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Eli is over here having trouble deciding if Izou's been spenidng an inordinate amount of time thinking about his eyes or if he's just trying to be a supportive wingman. He's too puzzled to get flustered for once. Amazing. ]

Oh, uh. Thanks?

[ It makes him want to pull his hair back over his face, actually?! Do other people think that?! People who aren't Izou and Rutile?! Do they?! ]

I... guess I'll stop worrying about it, then? I mean. If you think they're cool, then they are. Like, you've got eyes like literal fire, so you would know and all.

[ Seriously, are those orange? Red? Is it a spirit thing?! ]

[goei]

[Eli you should learn to take compliments the way Izou does. He brightens up.]

Yeah, like a demon's eyes, ain't they?

[He's reclaiming being a demon, apparently. Definitely of his own volition and not because any tall handsome blond people encouraged him to.]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ He's getting used to the concept, okay? ]

Hmm. [ He cocks his head to one side, considering. ] Sort of. Imps got red eyes, I suppose, but those are sort of puny to be comparing you to them.

[ Izou, he's spent his entire life dealing with actual demons. Don't compare yourself to one unless you want serious consideration. ]

[goei]

[Yeah hold on for a second.]

Yer tellin' me in addition ta werewolves you also got actual demons where you come from?

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Wait, did he never tell Izou about that part?! ]

Yeah? What else did you think my world went to shit over? We got invaded by a fuck ton of demons. If you want to get real technical about it, werewolves are demonic, too? But more like... demonic corruption than actual demons?

[goei]

[I think he did but I forgot so I guess Izou did too.]

Oh yeah. I guess I got yer crazy situation mixed up with one of the other crazy situations people've come from here.

But then that means you've got demon eyes too, don't it?

[fullmoonmutt]

I don't like to think of them that way, but yeah, pretty much.

[ He's working on accepting he's a wolf guy, Izou. He doesn't want to add demon to that! ]

[goei]

[Ah right. Eli's hangups. Because of the prejudice.]

I mean, I get that. When other people called me a demon it feels different. But I'm uh, what's the word... reclaiming it!

[fullmoonmutt]

Why would you want to, though? Weren't you all about getting people to stop calling you a demon and treating you like shit?

[ Now he's confused?! ]

[goei]

[The problem with him getting this idea from McGillis is that he didn't think through it fully the way someone like McGillis does.]

Huh? I mean.... I guess that way if someone calls me that it's like, yeah, I am, and it's cool! Or something?

[fullmoonmutt]

Ha, alright. That's like how I'm trying to get over all my weirdness about the lycanthropy shit, yeah?

[ Which is... also related to McGillis. Funny how that guy is just going around and telling people to be their best (aka most powerful) selves. Super weird. ]

Just try not to go around yelling you're a demon if you ever drop by my world, though. It wouldn't end too well.

[goei]

[McGillis encouraging our personal growth while refusing to have his own...]

Yeah! I mean I'm still first and foremost a sword genius! That's what I'd yell.

[fullmoonmutt]

Well, good. That won't get you shot, at least.

[goei]

Tch, like a bullet could stop the great Okada Izou anyway.

[This sounds like insane boasting but in his defense McGillis did shoot him and he survived.]

[fullmoonmutt]

How about a rocket launcher?

[ Eli can't help but ask that with a grin. ]

[goei]

A what!?

[LIKE A SPACE ROCKET GUYS FLY INTO SPACE???]

[fullmoonmutt]

It's like a gun but shoots explosive rockets at you instead. You got to hold it up like this.

[ Eli mimics holding something big and heavy on his shoulder. ]

[goei]

[JEEZ. Ok so surely not as big as he was imagining if you can hold it but still.. Big.]

... Ok probably not, but there's probably some other heroic spirits that could survive that.

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Eli can't help but laugh at that, but he'll stop mimicking holding the launcher and reach out to give Izou a pat on the shoulder. There, there. ]

Don't worry. We only bring those out for big, scary demons. You'd be fine.

[ Now he's just poking fun at him... but that pat on the shoulder does something odd. When he draws his hand back again, it appears to be trailing, what is that? Threads of some sort? ]

[goei]

Why- As if I ain't-

[OH NO. THOSE DAMN THREADS AGAIN! Izou freezes up but. It is too late. The threads have appeared and the Meanings have been understood. He points acusatorily at Eli, face flushing. Pink! Pink String! As if there isn't a similar one trailing back from him]

You!!

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Fucking hell, again?! Eli stares at the pink threads, more in horror than anything else. Sure, he should have expected this. It happened immediately upon meeting Rutile even. Only this is different! Izou is his best friend?! Probably?! ]

...shit. Shit. [ He steps back once, twice, three, perhaps even four times until the threads disappear again. ] Look, just. Ignore those, okay?!

[goei]

[Yeah, probably!!! Both of the sentiments behind the pair of pink strings are tinged with similar shades of shame.... But then.... if it's mutual??? Maybe it's fine??? Luckily Izou has a lot of practice processing information and acting on it quickly, even if it's usually in terms of swordplay and not complicated social situations.]

No, I mean- [Surely!!! Surely it's fine!!! I mean, they're here to form bonds right???]

I mean, if you want to too, then I ain't against it!??

[fullmoonmutt]

It's...! It isn't that simple! I'm!

[ Ugh, no, stop. Breathe. He's starting to make a scene and he doesn't want everyone staring at them. That would make this ten times worse. ]

I... [ Much, much quieter. ] ...I think 'm in love with Celeste... and I dunno if... you know. If he'd be fine with... that? Or. Maybe he won't care? Or he doesn't feel the same and... it doesn't matter... but we do and then we ruin our friendship somehow?

[goei]

[On the one hand, frankly, this isn't that surprising to Izou because he understands the appeal of Celeste. And with the way they were so attached to eachother in Argenti's palace... On the other hand there is a part of him that's jealous because aformentioned understanding the appeal is of course based on his own attraction. On a secret, third hand, love is a powerful word. Does Izou love Celeste? Well, yes but, really, it's in a more platonic way that he feels connected to everyone that pulled him out of his palace. He wants Celeste's attention and affection, but he also wants Mafuyu's. Does he think Celeste is attractive? Would he sleep with him? Also yes.

But then, he could say the same about Eli. He loves Eli, probably. He would sleep with Eli. But is he in love with either of them??? There's a flash of someone else when he considers that question but he refuses to engage with either possible identifications he could assign to it.

At the end of the mind labirinth, the only thought that stands out to him as clear at this moment is he wants Eli to be happy.]

... Well. I think you aughta tell 'im. I think... I mean, you know how hard it is ta tell when he's being serious. But I think he probably does feel the same. After that... I mean... Ta me no matter what happens yer gonna still be my friend. So like I said, if ya want!!

[He manages to maintain eye contact for all of this. To show he's being sincere, but the moment he closes his mouth he has to look away because AUGHHHHH]