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

[destage]

[...This encounter is so unfortunate for people with eyes, because "Sayaka" also gets a 2 and proceeds to look away from where the enemy is to give Argenti a sour look.]

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.)]

[beautifulknight]

[ Argenti gives a look to go with the sour look she's giving back at him because we're just adding on more and more to this stellar wonderful performance from both parties here.

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) ]

[destage]

I'm--I'm fine, stop worrying about me and keep yourself safe! You're the one who's got more to lose here!

["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)]

[beautifulknight]

You do remember that I'm a Knight of Beauty? Please, I am only trying to help!

[ 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!

[destage]

[The Shiki-Ouji is just straight up having a bad time right now, but the Nue is having an even worse one. Both monsters aren't keen to give up, but "Sayaka's" words as she cracks her knuckles and casts a Dia on Argenti get her to grin a bit.]

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!

[beautifulknight]

[ Eat shit, Shiki-Ouji and Nue combination!! The Dia is most certainly welcome, though. ]

...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!

[destage]

["Sayaka" swells with pride at that--even moreso when the Shiki-Ouji falls dead to the ground, disappearing shortly after.]

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...]

[beautifulknight]

I would say that is a perfectly beautifully accurate statement to make!

[ 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

[destage]

[Thankfully, such a heavy blow sees the Nue disappear entirely; the two of you have won this battle!]

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--!

[beautifulknight]

You do not look fine!

[ 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.