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linkingup2024-09-14 11:29 pm
linkupmods) wrote in linkingup2024-09-14 11:29 pm
WEEKS 7 & 8
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.
Characters who journery into the Nekyia when it is raining may find HP-restoring items dropped during combat with Shadows.
COMMISSIONS
REAL WORLD COMMISSIONS
NEKYIA COMMISSIONS
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!
no subject
Seeing the brief grin in gratitude and well, he does take note of his own better state. Only to pause at the sound of the crack? Maybe it's from Sayaka?
But, he looks back at her if she says that, and nods. ]
But of course. We must depend on one another, after all. There is no shame in that.
[ ...Even if a part of him did only learn that moreso in truth recently. To rely on others more, or at all, in earnest. Then, the bright light hits, which afterwards so does the memory. It isn't exactly pleasant, but it is one nonetheless, and the feelings that cycle through him are complicated, and he feels the displeasure settle in afterwards. The lack of love Sayaka was given, also the sheer wretched emotion the manager showed towards her. ]
...You did not see it? It appears I witnessed a memory of yours. Perhaps that was the intention, as unfortunate as it was.
Those managers of yours truly should have reflected dearly upon their actions, for one. And I see...you did not have much in the way of support back home, either.
[ He says, still blinking a bit away the disorientation. Still, he looks around, to make sure there are no immediate dangers, before turning his gaze back to Sayaka. ]
cw talk of parental neglect
...I saw it. Didn't think you would've. She...we talked about this. She and I. When we woke up in this place. We...talked, about some stuff like that.
It was the fact she had to do things all by herself, right? Mixed in with the managers trying to strip that independence from her and tell her she's just gotta be a pretty face. For daring to want to help.
[...]
Her dad was...I don't think he was evil, or anything.
[Let's walk while we talk; for now, Argenti may be able to hear some noises in the background, but nothing too spooky. It sounds like people talking, just out of reach, but... (roll 5+)]
He worked a lot, from what she told me. Had to, to keep a roof over their head after her mom left. She just got more and more shoved onto her as she got older, and like...she loved her dad, but she also resented him. He made promises he couldn't keep to her, a lot of the time. And he always insisted that she come home to help as soon as school was done, so she didn't have any time to try and ease her loneliness with anything but TV.
...Heh. It's kind of [GENTLY CARESSED] when you think about it, huh? She really didn't have anyone but herself.
no subject
Argenti takes note of it, and the implications are clear - not that he hasn't missed the subtle hints already that this Sayaka is not exactly as she should be. He has had an idea of that already. ]
It's good that she hadn't had anymore untrustworthy figures to worry about, though I wish she would have had someone she could have relied on for certain.
[ He means her dad, of course. But as for his listening to that, Argenti is good at properly splitting his attention (17) ]
...Though I do judge the fact that he held her to such a high standard to not have time for anything else at all, considering she was not allowed time to spread her wings going on outings, and the like.
In the end, I won't disagree with your conclusion. I cannot.
Even if now, things have changed. I firmly believe that as of this time she does have others to rely on.
People who would look out for her when all is well, and when all seems to have gone dark around her.
[ He clenches one hand determined, as he finishes gently with words tinted with unrestrained resolve. ]
...That is why I am here. I refuse to let her face this alone.
no subject
"How much longer until we can start this properly?"
"We still haven't taken care of those stupid defectives. If we don't do that, the boss will kill us."
"Well, get on it, then! They can't have gone far!"
"But sir, what about the girl on stage? If they get to her--"
"She's plenty occupied with the trap we put her in, don't worry about it--"
...That probably doesn't sound good, and it appears to be coming from further ahead. "Sayaka" sadly doesn't hear it due to being distracted, but she's alert and looking around at least. Keeping eyes toward where the enemies could pop out...]
Oh, trust me. You're not the only one. If I could deck that [REAR END IN A TOP HAT] myself I would. After some of the things he said to her before she left for that academy...
["Sayaka's" hands ball into fists, and she looks deeply angry.]
...This place, it's...it's really the first time she ever got the chance to spread her wings and be a human being. She's been so tightly and rigidly wound for so long, without any sort of reprieve or anyone to help her. She...
She really cherishes the [GENTLY CARESS] out of you all--
[Something knocks over, immediately causing "Sayaka" to jump in front of Argenti and hold a hand out.]
--We got company. Eyes peeled and stay behind me.
[Roll a 1d20 for me to determine how the battle starts~]
no subject
Though, they don't sound all that friendly, yes. Argenti's lips curl into a deep frown, and he is certain that soon enough battle will be upon them.
But, first, he listens to what Sayaka says, which doesn't bode well for how Sayaka's father had been treating her in the slightest.
He can at least imagine, though. Which isn't exactly helpful either, and makes him wish he could sit the man down for a six hour lecture; that enough would make him regret his actions, he is certain. And if it made him mad instead...so what?
Alright, that last part is not something a Knight of Beauty should think, but it's fine, he too is embracing how he newly is walking this Path. ]
...I am glad. She deserves a place to -
[ Wait, what. That sure is a sound. When Sayaka leaps in front of him, his eyes widen momentarily. ]
- wait. You do not need to do that!
[ And...we've got a (2), which clearly means we're starting out stellar here, folks. ]
no subject
I'm doing this because I want to, someone has to keep you safe--GAH!
[The room is sadly too dark to make out what enemy is attacking, but given the blast (14) that hits "Sayaka" and sends her to the ground, it's definitely on the stronger side. Another blast that Argenti will realize is a similar element to his own whizzes by his head, missing him in the process. (5)
It seems as if the enemies are hiding behind some props...there's a couple different racks of costumes the enemy could be hiding behind--three to be precise. Roll your normal attack roll and pick which one you want to try attacking!
(You can also try to misdirect the enemies if you want to! Seems like they can't exactly see either.)]
no subject
He is about to even say something, about knights and protection, only to see that she ends up on the wrong side of a blast of some sort. He lets out a sound of dismay and runs on over to "Sayaka', immediately casting Dia right on her. ]
Are you alright?!
[ But indeed perhaps his movements ensured he would miss a blast being sent his way...making him recognize it was his element. Though, he looks irritable at that - and immediately flings an Eiha straight towards the second rack of costumes (11)
But then he will try to help "Sayaka" up if she needs to, quietly, and farther away from the racks. He should probably think of a strategy in regards to misdirection, but he can't think of one right now (7) ]
no subject
["Sayaka" has decided it's her turn to protect, for better or for worse. Which is very unfortunate given the visibility in the room.
...And also the unfortunate fact that neither monster hid behind the second rack, which just feels unfair. Both of the monsters laugh a bit in the process. (roll with advantage this turn!) On the minor plus, the attack does send the rack over so they can't hide in it, and it vaguely lights up the room to let Argenti see a bit more. Perhaps most importantly, the two enemies he fights against; a Nue and a Shiki-Ouji! Neither of them hide this turn, growing confident...
Which means Sayaka is absolutely rushing into the fray to punch the Shiki-Ouji in the face. Sure, she absolutely cracks her fist and hand a bit more, but it's worth it to see the Shikigami crumple like that!]
Who's the boss now, mother[LOVER]?!
[Thankfully, this does mean the Shiki-Ouji misses it's Psio (4) on Sayaka, but uh. The Nue takes aim at Argenti with an Eigaon, heads up-- (16)]
no subject
[ Any further words are halted in that moment because there is suddenly a lot going on, what with the monsters suddenly deciding to get cocky and attack - that is what that horrendous laugh means, right? Argenti's nose wrinkles in dissatisfaction at hearing it.
But, then there's Sayaka leaping back into the fight, slamming her fist into the Shiki-Ouji, and honestly? Argenti feels proud of her.
He actually lets out a surprised sound of something that sure is close to a laugh on his own part, though delighted all the same. ]
...You did strike that monster well!
[ And then he gets hit with an Eigaon. Alright, buster.
Argenti turns his attention immediately towards these guys before unleashing a Mapsio on both, even if the Shiki-Ouji has a resistance to the attack, (14,
8) is still decent enough to have an effect. For the Nue, though, it gets hit pretty hard (7, 17), so there is that. ]And I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiment!
no subject
See? I've got a few tricks up my sleeve too. I've spent so long trying to get good to fight alongside you all; I'm not some pretty little princess to be protected.
[The Nue attempts the same trick again on "Sayaka", though this Eigaon fails to connect (7), frustrating the creature further. The Shiki-Ouji, on the other hand, aims a Psio (15) at Argenti, though with a swift kick (14) from "Sayaka", she sends the creature right over to striking distance for Argenti.]
Let's show 'em why you don't mess with the best!
no subject
...I know. You done well to have improved considerably in battle.
I cannot wait to see more that has resulted from experience.
[ Though, that doesn't prevent him in looking out for her wellbeing, naturally.
The Nue's tricks are aren't exactly going well for it, huh. But at least when the Psio lands against Argenti, it's an element that he's familiar with so the attack is something that while has a high hit value isn't too distracting. The red head will turn the tables on it, striking the Shiki-Ouji with another Mapsio (11), even if he'll miss the Nue (2) ]
And now with what I had said, I cannot help but give praise to your teamwork!
no subject
What can I say? We've learned a thing or two from watching you all work, and teamwork makes the dream work or something like that!
[The Nue, feeling sufficiently ignored, goes on the offensive and. Severely whiffs! (2) Tripping over his own damn face.
"Sayaka" attempts to attack in kind, though, but ends up tripping over her own two feet with the sound of something possibly shattering (1) but don't. Don't worry about it.
Feel free to roll with advantage, this is turning into a clown show. But Argenti can likely see that weird, shadowy black mist pooling around "Sayaka" as she tries to fix something that went wrong...]
no subject
[ Argenti himself says this and then watches the Nue make a fool out of himself, almost even having him laugh at this silly display. But...
Well, there goes the mood as shock and worry cover his face in an instant. ]
W-wait, are you alright?!
[ Damn! Argenti turns around and stabs the Nue pretty hard (19) before heading on over to Sayaka. Where is this shadowy black mist concentrated? Around a spot in particular or truly just her entire being? ]
styllized gore cw
I'm fine, I'm fine, d-don't--don't worry--
[It's thankfully concentrated from one spot directly in front of "Sayaka", though it spreads like a pool beneath her that he can definitely see now. The light is still not the greatest, but Argenti will be able to see it no matter how much "Sayaka" tries to hide it.
Her right arm seems to have completely shattered, and the shadowy essence almost seems like blood with the way it sits on the ground. "Sayaka" tries in vain to keep it plugged in, and she's. She's actually freaking out a bit.]
No, no, no--not now, not when she's in danger still--!
no subject
[ Excellent timing, because he's still worried about "Sayaka" here. He's getting ever the more worried about how that pool's looking, to be honest.
His heart even leaps into his chest as he takes stock of the shadowy essence of blood, and even if he knows it won't work he casts Dia again...like a couple of more times, even.
Even as she says 'she's' in danger. Does she mean the true Sayaka? ]
You're...by 'she' you mean Sayaka, do you not?
[ What does he do? He reaches out to her, without hesitation even so. ]
Is there anyway we can fix this? Even if it shall not be the case, I will protect you to the end. So that we are able to see this through.