WEEKS 9 & 10

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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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ROUND FIVE

[cirquedesang]

[Eli grabs his arm, and while the shadow recognizes that being close to him is, ultimately, good, especially considering his words... he still tries to jerk away. It's a decent attempt! (18) If Eli had rolled any lower, he would be free! But since he isn't, and since Eli is promising to stay with him, even in the darkness if need be... he leans against him somewhat, instead. He doesn't need to, not after that full heal from Mafuyu, but... he wants to.

And then Yoon takes his hand and pours his sweet little heart out, shaking as he does, and others are quick to voice their support--

It doesn't pull him back, not entirely, but hey, does that gold look a little more green to you, now?

He might be distracted from the planning session with the talk no jutsu, but unfortunately Majesty is still a passive AoE, so. Enjoy, Yi Sang, Yoon, McGillis, Argenti, Haruka, and Atem.]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ There's a moment where Celeste tries to pull away, where Eli holds his breath in dread, but his grip is stronger than the vampire, it would seem. He only lets that breath out again when Celeste moves to lean against him instead.

Oh...

He'll move from holding onto his arm to hugging him instead. ]

...I'm right here. You can rest while I protect you, alright?

[ Though he's completely oblivious to the plans of others. This little bit of peace may be short-lived. ]

[strawsandals]

[ That sweet boy from literally a second ago turns to look at all the chaos – ]

Oi. Settle down, you morons.

[ Is he brainwashed (2) or just fed up...why does he seem like a mom scolding a bunch of her kids....

He casts Matarunda and lowers the Attack for Aaron, Sunrise, Shalem and Haruka. ]

[cleansewithfire]

[ Sunrise is trying to look for any clues that could stop the Majesty, but...

...Maybe she's just so overwhelmed by everything that she can't see shit (2). ]

[cirquedesang]

[...Even with a 2, she can see the scheme squad, it's fine. <3]

[cleansewithfire]

[ Even if she knows a stake can't kill Celeste she knows being stabbed in the heart kind of sucks, so. ]

[vogelfrei]

[ And just like that, McGillis is back under Celeste's control. The awful thing about the effect of Majesty is how natural it feels. Protecting Celeste from the others suddenly feels just as natural as building a wall around himself and cutting off his heart.

Speaking of cutting off his heart-- Izou is standing extremely close to him, isn't he? He's been letting his guard down a little too much around the other man, and suddenly it feels like everything is slipping out of his control a little too quickly--

McGillis unleashes a Vicious Strike at Izou, Rutile, Shalem and Mafuyu (19). How well it hits probably depends a little on proximity, but McGillis and Fenrir are not holding anything back here. ]

Haven't you had enough yet? Is it too hard to fit it into your heads that you're just being a bother to him? Weak emotions such as yours will never be enough to pierce through and reach him.

[speedingticket]

[ Ow...

Rutile isn't even upset he got hit (even though it hurts like a bitch). What McGillis says afterwards jolts anger through him and he snaps his head up, fixing him with a good, hard glare.

he has no context but what is wrong with everyone— ]

[goei]

[Yeab being right here means Izou really takes that Fenrir right to the face! Which hurts! The words... Probably would have hurt too, except-]

Nice try, idiot! But you already told me you liked how intense I was so I know that's bullshit!

[beathollow]

( mafuyu shrieks but tries to stand her ground. )

If he can't say it himself, without the influence of anyone or anything, then I can't believe it!

[metagame]

[Despite Atem's rallying cry to stop Majesty and their little planning session, he's under its influence again (1). And, quite unfortunately, Atem knows what Aaron and Arven plan to do with their stakes. There's only one way to stop them!]

I won't let you hurt Celeste! Come to me, Re-Horakhty!

[Atem casts Mafrei! It connects on Aaron (19), Argenti (14), and Arven (19). And misses Mafuyu (6) entirely... Maybe she shouldn't be standing so close to Arven!]

[supherb]

[Well...whatever plans that are being cooked up will have to wait, because Arven is under fire and so is Mafuyu!]

Ngh...!! [Damn this stupid brainwashing attack!] H-Hold on, Mafuyu!

[And everyone else that he heals with Media. Himself, Mafuyu, Aaron and Rutile get some healing!]

[speedingticket]

[ Thank you, stranger!!!!! ]

[imperiosity]

[looks over with a nod]

Thanks!

[imperiosity]

[Well, he is about to lunge at Céleste with that stake, but is instantly interrupted by Atem's mini nuke to the face, which causes him to basically careen over and miss completely (5).

Maybe that's a good thing considering the color changes that are happening with Céleste's eyes, but still. Shit hurts!!!]

[speedingticket]

[ Ahhh... Is there anything they can do about this? Rutile looks around at the chaos, bites his lip, and tries not to think of his own what ifs.

With just enough health to push himself to his feet, he whispers some words to himself, ultimately powerless here, but still a source of strength for himself, to center himself.

Energy Shower for Yoon, McGillis, and Atem. ]

Please...

[strawsandals]

[ Ah-! Where did that come from...oh!]

Thank you!

[metagame]

[WOAH HEY]

Thanks, Rutile!

[An ache thumps behind his eyes, blood pumping in his ears. He was due for a massive headache between the glowing third eye on his forehead, his usual tension, and the constant brainwashing. He pinches the bridge of his nose in an attempt to relieve the pain.]

I knew we could count on you.

[prozaic]

[Shalem lets out an awful, terrible laugh that those who fought in Atem's palace may just remember. Even if he's hurt (2), his plan to mouth off did work well enough, McGillis gave that Giant Slice some who can handle it. Perhaps he should have bullied Atem and Yi Sang too though...

He's in no condition to grab Eli right now, so he's just healing himself to prepare for it, as much as he'd like to retaliate and get some blood.]

[beautifulknight]

[ So, first of all, Argenti is far too spooked to do much of anything (6), because for some reason Majesty really does trigger his fear response. Maybe it is just underlaying fears about losing companions to events like these that are easy to make rise to the surface.

Next, he tries to see if there's something he can see, but his fear is making it hard to see (6)

After that, he will get hit immediately by a nuclear-element hit from Atem, which considering his weakness, isn't great - and does not help with the fear aspect of this all. So, he has a hand to his head, eyes closed.

...But, he isn't really thinking about himself here - but he manages to send a Media out to Aaron, himself, Izou, and Rutile. ]

[idealitas]

[ Welcome to His Majesty's Brainwashed Chaos again, how may I take your order. He just sympathizes with this abract idea that Celeste suffers cuz of everyone, time to punish.

He casts Maeiga again, hitting Arven, Sunrise, Shalem and Yoon, but it misses Arven (19, 6, 17, 19). ]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard may not be the best with encouraging words the way Yoon is, but what he can do is cast Energy Shower on Argenti and Yi Sang before they too get it into their minds to attack anyone else.

He's NOT pleased about Yi Sang's Maeiga on Sunrise, though...]

[townmusician]

[...Well. This sure is happening.

It seems like some of what people are saying to Celeste is working, which is great news? He thinks? Staking him in the chest still might help, but if they can get through to him without having to go so far... that would be nice?

Not that he can think much about stakes when people are lashing out at each other again. Goddammit. He grimaces, throwing a Diarahan towards Shalem since he's taken some pretty nasty hits this round.]

[goei]

[Ok after he gets up off the ground, Izou sees staking still isn't happening yet, but he does think maybe that is the key to stopping the spell, so he's holding back. Especially seeing Celeste and Eli...]

I know you care about us, Celeste! And see, Eli's gonna stand with ya no matter what! You and I both know he's someone you can count on! So put yer trust in him and the rest of us'll help the both of ya get back to the dorms safe and sound!

If you don't... I'm gonna have ta kick yer ass some more!

ROUND SIX

[cirquedesang]

[You can rest while I protect you.

Oh, he wants to. Not even his shadow is immune to the exhaustion the utter lack of sleep he's gotten over the past week has caused, and while he isn't pulled back entirely, not yet, the tension in the air does seem to lessen as he leans a little more into Eli's embrace.

Forgive him, he's Old, so his shadow is kind of set in its ways. McGillis understands.

But he's trying, and Izou's "threat" gets a short little huff of an almost-laugh.]

Are you? Please, I would love to see you try.

[Have an Eigaon (19) for the threat, Izou. Devil on Devil violence...!

And as for the Majesty-- McGillis, Yi Sang, Haruka, and Rutile, you're up.]