WEEKS 9 & 10

[linkupmods]

WEEKS 9 & 10

AS YOUR BONDS DEEPEN...

The charity event and the dreamscapes have come to an end... and the Fashion District seems a little better than it once was. Your efforts are being recognized, acknowledged by the environment and by Braphine herself. There's still work to be done - the thinning fog allows you to venture even further into the Office District, where there are stronger foes lurking around the corner and in dark alleyways.

Speaking of Braphine, she is pleased by your progress as a group thus far, and has given characters a little blessing: If there is something you've always wanted to tell someone – whether it be how you feel about someone else here, someone at home, a secret you've been holding in, or something else entirely – but have lacked the courage to do so, you may find the strength to say it now. While the God of Conflict forced ugly truths out of you, Braphine would like ones that come from a place of willingness without fear. This sensation will last until the end of your stay here.

How nice, isn't it? To feel like you're finally starting to get somewhere with your fellow Chosen.

The God of Conflict, however, thinks otherwise.

A LOOK IN THE MIRROR...

The world around you has seen a few changes. There are the positives, thanks to your efforts in completing commissions and forming connections, both of which aid Braphine.

However…

If you look in any sort of mirror, window, puddle that will give you your reflection, The God of Conflict is there, looking back at you, gazing at you eerily, freezing you and holding you in place.

"Well, well, well. Fancy running into you here, Chosen. Tell me…do you really believe that you're aiding Braphine in her mission? Do you really think any of the bonds that you've made here matter all that much, so much that it'll stop me, in the end? Don't make me laugh. We'll see how much your flimsy little chains hold up in time."

And then, just like that, he's gone…not without another little gift, though. You will be surrounded by 2-3 Nekyia Shadows once he disappears…in the real world. The Shadows, notably, will not attack unless provoked, and the locals will not be able to see them. As always, the only way you can attack them is through using your Personas; as soon as you engage in combat, you will also disappear to the locals like the Shadows.

For those who decide not to fight them, they will simply stare at you as you leave... but they will each briefly flicker into another form: The God of Conflict. But before you can say a word, they’ll disappear.

However, should you choose to engage in battle with them, any harm done to the environment or the locals themselves through the battle will be tangible. If you slam a Jack Frost into a building, it will leave a dent, in other words. The locals will not be able to see the actual fight, but they will notice the weird explosions and damages happening to them and around them. An important thing to note is that, being outside of the Nekyia, you will drain energy faster as you fight them, but you can defeat them with your Personas as usual otherwise.

THE DARKEST BEFORE DAWN.

So, maybe you didn't spawn a Palace, or even create a weird Nekyia environment like Soujuurou and Joshua have. That, however, does not mean you are free of your Shadow selves.

However, you are trapped with them. If you venture into the Nekyia, every so often when you look over your shoulder, they may be there, watching you, taunting you, following you around, even interacting with people (yourself or others) as if they were corporeal-- blink and you may miss them hovering over your shoulder, and turn the corner and you may just see them in the distance.

What follows your Shadow selves even after you return back to the safety of the dorms are the nightmares... which you find yourself having a little more often than normal. If you happen to stumble into a shared dreamscape, it looks... slightly different from when you last saw it. The nightmares always end the same way, though, even if the dreams are different: your Shadow self is staring back at you, haunting you before you wake up.

For anyone who has already confronted their Shadow selves, however, there is a glimmer of hope. In the Shadow's place is the best version of yourself, reminding you that although this is a nightmare, it does not have to continue forever. You have changed thanks to the people around you. Perhaps this is Braphine's reminder to you that she is still here, and despite her quiet, she's still watching.

Speaking of quiet, though…

…Has anyone checked on Mina lately?

And why does a certain brown cat keep on pacing in the dormitory hallways?

( OOC: A few limitations to keep in mind regarding this prompt:
• Shadows can now appear exclusively in nightmares, in the Nekyia, OR BOTH.
• Since the Dream King has not been vanquished yet, those who want to continue the dreamscape prompt as your nightmares are free to do so (this is optional though). Your Shadows are going to be here regardless!
• In this prompt, Shadows are NOT going to possess any characters. They are haunting you in the Nekyia (and may engage with other player characters, should you desire to go that route)!
• On that note, you can let your Shadows manifest however you'd like – they can yap, they can be completely quiet and stand menacingly, they can appear in quick glimpses and jumpscare you or linger for as long as you're in the Nekyia. They can stick to you or talk to others. Either way, everyone will see each other's Shadows.
• At this time, Shadows cannot be defeated outside of Palaces and mod-run mini-events.
• The same limitations apply to those seeing their best selves over their Shadows. )

WEATHER FORECAST

Balmy weather with a light breeze. Weather looks fair and comfortable for the next two weeks but don't forget to wrap up warmly or risk catching a chill! You wouldn't want to fall sick, would you?

Characters who journey into the Nekyia when it is getting chilly may find that Shadows in combat may be randomly afflicted with Freeze during combat.

COMMISSIONS

REAL WORLD COMMISSIONS

NO HORSING AROUND

The zoo is looking for volunteers! They need hands available to feed and clean up after the petting zoo animals in particular. You won’t be dealing with lions on this job, but you will be face to face with goat kids with a penchant for headbutting, so do take care while you work!

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

A new writer is in town to promote their book at the library! The problem is... very few people signed up for the meet and greet. Library workers are looking for volunteers or, really, anyone off the street who can be convinced to at least attend the poor author’s reading and fill out the room a little. Those who do end up attending will be treated to a reading of a high fantasy tale with romance, trysts, and a surprising number of werewolves, but those who manage to stay attentive may just notice a suspicious individual slipping in partway through... A disgruntled netizen has decided to make a mess of the author’s first meet and greet, and will get violent unless someone stops them.

DABBLING IN DELINQUENCY

Some of the students on the island have decided not to return to the classroom after all - instead roaming in packs around the city and causing general mischief. Try to turn them back on the path of decency! Especially when the boldest of them decide you’re a prime pickpocketing target...

NEKYIA COMMISSIONS

FANDOM WARS

“Disgusting... Anyone could pick up that slop and read all kinds of depraved things... People who write that stuff should just die.”

It seems someone got a little too into fights online about books - because their gripes about today’s tales has created a Shadow in the form of level 39 Thoth in the Nekyia. Worse yet, those who are inflicted by Rage by this Shadow cannot be cured with a simple spell - instead, those afflicted will find themselves venting out their frustrations for their battle companion to hear. The effect ends once the battle is completed, or they finish getting everything off their chest, whichever comes first.

KILL THE LIGHTS

“Don’t they see? There’s so much money to be made! If we just expanded our influence...”

A crooked politician trying to drum up support for military activity has generated quite the shadow. A level 40 Eligor can be found deep in the Nekyia’s business district, muttering to himself about all the profits to be had with a little conflict. Needless to say, things will get very, very bad if he goes through with it - take him down before he can start anything!

HORSING AROUND

The Nekyia business district is overrun with Unicorns teaming up with Ganesha to make quite the formidable team of a fierce fighter and a powerful support. That said, those who defeat the pair may just find that their foes have dropped quite a useful healing item...

(OOC: Please turn in your threads for this commission on the rewards page to receive a Bead Chain, which fully restores HP to all allies (maximum 4 including the user) and is valid for one time use during any battle. This is only valid for the first turn in of the commission.)

OOC

READ ME!!!!

Welcome to your log for Weeks 9 and 10! Feel free to use this log for any developments that happen during the next two weeks. There will be no log next week.
We're heading into endgame and AC is due 30 September, Monday, at 2359 EST! The boon for this month's AC has been updated as well - please have a look!
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.
Palaces are still going strong - sign ups for Atem (here) and Kirumi's (here) capped palaces are still open, and sign ups for our FFA palace will be going up later today.

ic comm | inboxes | ooc comm | full nav

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Comments

[prozaic]

as your bonds deepen (before Atem's palace)
(cw: lots of horror, possible childhood trauma, possible mentions of terminal illness, possible violence and graphic descriptions of death, macabre bullshit, theater kid drama, lots of murder cult things. literally none of Shalem's secrets are pleasant.)

Hmm... [Despite looking tired, Shalem is... oddly in high spirits! He is never in such a mood, because he's been more gloomy lately. But at least he's picked up a bit, relaxed in some manner. A rarity, and one that perhaps should be taken advantage of because this place has become more harrowing. More difficult as the weeks go by.

He looks at his companion and indulges them with a smile. A genuine one.]

It's an interesting day, isn't it? I dislike speaking too much, but perhaps there's something I can find that will not be too... terrible, hm? Would you like to have some conversation? [He looks like he's thinking of having more than just a simple conversation-- and given how he's always so quiet, why not indulge him?]

[ dying to ask him a question? roll a d6! ]

nekyia commissions (any time during the week, shadow may cameo)

We should-- we should not be here for too long. [What's this? A stutter out of the normally well-spoken snake? Actually, yes. He looks worse than usual, like he hasn't been able to sleep lately. But with what's been going on, can you really blame him? But of course, that doesn't explain why he's so nervous to be here.

And nervous he is, not cold. He has a thick jacket on, to be comfortable in the chilly Nekyia air despite his handicap.]

Let's just finish the mission, and then leave, hm?

[He looks around as if he's looking for something... But not like one would if they're attempting to spot their quarry. Rather, he looks like he's looking out for stalkers. As if they, themselves, are the prey.]

one for the books (any time during the week)

[After the initial scramble to fill seats, there's... very little to do, really. Shalem is about to nod off in a corner in the room where the promotion is being held, but then he hears the door open, and he opens his eyes. And frowns. That's not one of the people he pulled in, he's fairly sure. So he points that person out discreetly to his partner for this little commission.]

Did you invite them in earlier? [Because they look suspicious. There's something off with that expression.]

one for the books

[speedingticket]

Hm?

[ Having been a part of his dream in the beginning means Rutile considers Shalem a friendly, familiar face. Of course he'll take on his first job with him!

He follows his gesture to the individual, and after studying them for a moment, he shakes his head. ]

No, I don't think I recognize them. [ Without taking his eyes off him— ] Shall I go talk to them?

[prozaic]

Hmm... [He takes a few more seconds of staring at this new person, before giving a quick nod.]

I shall go with you-- and let's be discreet about it.

[speedingticket]

[ Rutile nods! Discreet, discreet, he can be discreet—

He begins to walk forward, quiet and nonchalant, his hands folded behind his back. He'll approach the stranger from behind, gently tap them on the shoulder. And when they turn around, he'll smile. ]

Hello. [ He keeps his voice down, at least. ] Are you here for the reading?

[ They're out of seats, the reading started a while ago, et cetera, et cetera... They have plenty of excuses to suss this person out, but it probably depends on their reaction. ]

[prozaic]

[Too bad Shalem isn't paying attention to what the newcomer is saying or doing to Rutile (4), because he's busy trying to make sure that no one else makes a mess in the event that both of them are distracted with this one person.

While he's not paying attention though, the person they noted to be a bit suspicious really does start acting suspicious, and is unable to hide it. Stutters a little, looks anywhere but at Rutile, and can't come up with a believable lie at all.]

[speedingticket]

[ The lies are pretty awful, and not for a second does Rutile believe them. Yet he keeps smiling, gives the benefit of the doubt, speaks to them gently and with care. ]

I know it must be disappointing, but unfortunately we don't have any seats left for today. I'm sure the author will be back another day, and you can come back then.

[ The suspicious individual seems bewildered by Rutile's kindness, if anything, and it throws them off (11). They don't back down, though. Instead they get frustrated, their voice rises a little: "Why can't I just stand and listen? Can't I just pay you the entry fee or whatever?" ]

[prozaic]

[Well, it's time for Shalem to return his attention to this conversation... and just in time to hear something about the entry fee or whatever. And you know what? He thinks he's going to capitalize on this.

He flicks his eyes to Rutile for a moment, trying to catch his gaze, before looking down at their newcomer. And works on persuading them with his best customer service smile (15).]

Of course you could... but I still need to go to the register-- I'm sure you understand, there are procedures to be done. [Then he beckons at a direction with one arm-- towards the back, actually, even if it's not immediately obvious.]

[speedingticket]

[ Rutile catches the look and immediately gets what's going on. He'll turn to the unwelcome guest and smile. ]

Yes! [ Oh, that was loud— ] Yes. [ But quieter. ] I'm sure we can work something out, but you'll have to come with us first. Okay?

[ Rutile gently places a hand to the individual's back, but apparently they're skittish enough that it sets them off. They do not like that.

They whirl around, whipping their arm out in a not-so-gentle way of getting Rutile to stop touching them. Their arm collides with his with a loud smack (12) and Rutile recoils, eyes wide. He's a bit shocked, and doesn't react right away— ]

[prozaic]

[Fortunately for Rutile, he's not alone! And he's doubly fortunate because Shalem is a snake. A constrictor, to be exact (16). A constrictor from a PMC. He manages to grab their little "friend" quickly, snaking (ha, ha) an arm around their shoulder to seem casual, but in fact gripping them so tightly to restrict the movement of their shoulders. His other hand comes up to cover the person's mouth, just in case they scream.]

Cover me. [That's said in a soft, low voice for Rutile to hear. Please don't let anyone onto the fact that something's happening back here.]

[speedingticket]

[ That snaps Rutile back into reality, and he fixes Shalem with a firm nod.

He takes a step forward to put himself between the crowd and the Shalem-intruder pretzel. He might not be that tall or wide, but hopefully his bulky autumn coat is doing enough to hide the details. The author seems to have noticed something is going on—when met with the questioning gaze, Rutile only smiles and shakes his head. The author goes back to doing the reading, effectively removing any attention from the crowd that would have come from the distracted guest star.

With a little breath of relief, he'll motion towards the door with his eyes. He'll keep them covered in the meanwhile. ]

[prozaic]

[Shalem manages to get to a secluded corner in the back without much incident-- much (11). He did have to deal with some struggling in the form of stomping feet... which he had to cushion with his own feet. Ow. Ow... Did he really put his feet under this intruder's, or did the intruder just have good aim? Who knows.

When they're secluded enough, Shalem keeps a hold of their captive's arm, but holds them at arm's length. Spare his feet, thank you.]

[speedingticket]

[ Phew. Hopefully, no one will hear any of them scream in this secluded corner.

Rutile flashes Shalem a look of thanks before he steps into the stranger's personal space, hands still folded behind his back. Though at this point his smile has dropped, even if his expression is still serene. It is indeed the face of a teacher disappointed by a student who's missed too many homework turn-ins. ]

That wasn't necessary. Nor was stomping on my friend's feet.

[ The stranger struggles against Shalem's grip, but doesn't manage much (7). ]

You do realize we can't let you go if you're going to act like this towards the author or the other guests. [ He lets that sit there before continuing. ] Please be honest—why did you come here?

[prozaic]

[Shalem only just barely manages to hold onto the intruder, but at least he does (10). It would have been bad if he didn't! He used up all his cool points earlier...

Though the intruder, the would-be troublemaker, doesn't manage much better. They do try to get a second wind, and manages an attempt at a response (9), something along the lines of vandalism for "cool points" but that falls in the face of the thought just not being... coherent. Or even solid. Why vandalize in front of a crowd of people, during an event like this.

And Shalem is thinking that exactly, because he looks at Rutile with an eyebrow raised-- he really doesn't believe this excuse.]

none of these!!!!!!!!

[emptyself]

[ after midnight shift, nothing feels better to soujuurou than a cup of tea before a short cat nap.

aware of the time that he's returning to the dorms, he's far quieter than usual and doesn't even bother to turn the lights on, so as to not wake anyone up. he figures that everyone else must be sleeping at this time of the night-- it's only natural, after all. but as he's listlessly watching the fire of the kettle heat up the water... ]

...!

[ quietly, he turns his head around towards the presence he feels behind him. a presence so thin it might as well be smoke. soujuurou blinks a couple times, and then announces the obvious. ]

Shalem. Good morning.

[ it's like 3 am. ]

[prozaic]

Ah-- hello there. [He doesn't look too surprised to see Soujuurou in the kitchen at this hour-- in fact, he's more surprised it's not more populated. He's more accustomed to people being around no matter the time of day, because Rhodes Island is always working.

He moves towards the refrigerator for some meat and leftover rice. There's always leftover rice in a refrigerator, and Shalem tended to take advantage of that. Like right now!]

I see you've just returned from work. [Because he knows. He always knows.]

[emptyself]

I did.

[ soujuurou nods, not questioning why shalem might know when he left for work. why would he? ]

I didn't realize you were awake. I would have heated more water for you.

[ and, as if a mental alarm had rung in his head, he takes the kettle and moves it to another stove plate. as he does, there's there's a soft whistle indicating that it's has just reached the boiling point, but removing it from the fire ensures that it doesn't continue whistling. ]

I'll heat up more for you in a bit.

[prozaic]

I appreciate it. [Shalem only takes a cup of the rice, but a whole pack of fresh meat cuts-- because of course.]

I tend to keep odd hours, so of course, no one knows what time I am awake. [Though he's been sleeping through the night nowadays, he's been doing fine.]

[emptyself]

I sleep when I have time. Usually between shifts or palaces...not having to go to school right now makes things a lot easier on me.

[ a remnant of his life in the mountains, where day and night were indistinguishable from each other when they were starved and fighting for their lives. sleep came irregularly and light, in order to stay attentive for any wild animal that might see them as a possible opponent.

idly, he takes some hot water and pours himself a cup, followed by a couple tea spoons of loose leaf tea. he mixes it together, and lets it rest there while he goes to refill the kettle. ]

[prozaic]

[Shalem looked over too late to stop Soujuurou from putting the tea leaves in the mug because he was opening up the meat pack but--

He puts the knife down.]

Young man. [Stern.] What did you just do.

[emptyself]

Hm?

[ he looks at his cup of tea, then at shalem. ]

I made tea.

[prozaic]

[Places his hands on his hips.]

Why did you put the tea leaves directly into the water?

[emptyself]

Because the water absorbs the flavor from the dried leaves.

[ he worked as an attendant for a tea shop. he knows this! ]

Would you like some?

[prozaic]

Do not tell me how to make tea-- I make it every day, and I do it properly.

You're not only ruining the tea leaves, but you're also wasting it-- no wonder we're forever running out of it so quickly!

[emptyself]

I'm not telling you how to make anything. I'm asking if you want some.

[ which, clearly, shalem does not. it reminds him of alice and all the times that she has gotten angry over his methods of brewing tea (or lack thereof), so he figures that, for his safety, he changes the subject slightly. ]

What's gotten into you, anyways? You seem like a completely different person.

update :crymeow:

[prozaic]

due to Certain Events that happened in palaces, "nekyia commissions" will only be set before said palaces. thank you!!