etrayalogs | OCTOBER MINGLE

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OCTOBER MINGLE

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: October 25th - Early November
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, and some holiday fun!
NOTES\WARNINGS: Supernatural elements, temporary physical alterations, mild horror and jump scares, spooky scary skeleton robots, mild suggestion of compulsion or loss of control, mild body horror.

⏵ arrival ⏴
Welcome to Etraya! Everything is fine now. 😊

Arrival goes expected - or it does for the most part. Aurora greets newcomers in the hospital as they awaken, offers a brief explanation and gives them their earpiece so they can communicate with one another.

Around the hospital and outside of it, Companion Bots are hard at work decorating the city for Halloween—complete with festive touches like pumpkins, cobwebs, and glowing ghost decorations. The atmosphere is fun, light-hearted, and maybe just a little spooky. 🎃👻

Some carry buckets of candy, and offer those they come across a trick or treat. Except both options are, in fact, treats. 🍬 Tricks are treats specifically wrapped in a green wrapper that very clearly declares that they are tricks. Treats are wrapped in orange, and labeled with treat! Companion bots will recommend that those who do want to take a trick take them when they're beside their friends. There won't be any permanent effects from these, nor will they be terrible tricks - just fun ones! All effects last roughly 24 hours.

Giggle Drops cause uncontrollable giggling that bubbles up randomly, even during serious conversations.
Beasty Bites cause characters to grow small fangs, and they will begin craving red foods - apples, cherries, etc.
Bat Gummies cause small, bat-like shadows to follow characters around wherever they wander. These shadows are harmless, and super cute.
Pumpkin Puff is a cotton-candy-like treat, that causes their voices to change dramatically. Either becoming significantly deeper or perhaps very high-pitched, as if they've recently inhaled helium.
Floating Fudge gives characters the ability to float in the air! Just a few feet off the ground, but it's still fun. Right?

⏵ getting spooky! ⏴
Etraya is embracing the season - and maybe even going a little overboard.

Around the hospital, a few small pop-up shops are manned by festively dressed companion bots. They offer samples to everyone - although sampling isn't really necessary. After all, everything here is free!

Candy Shops: Perfect for stocking up on sweets and treats for the upcoming trick-or-treating event. These will not stock the tricks the companion bots offer around Etraya, but instead only carry harmless sweets. They do take custom requests, too, and are happy to create the treats others want!

Costume Shops: Find the perfect costume for Halloween! But beware... rumor has it, if you wear a costume, you might become whatever you dressed up as for a few hours. Those who put on vampire costumes may find themselves suddenly craving blood and growing fangs - those with werewolf costumes may find themselves feeling a little wolfish. These effects may last a few hours, up to a few days.

⏵ masquerade ⏴

In the spirit of mystery, Etraya will be hosting a Masquerade Ball outside the hospital through the nights of October 26th and 27th. Dance anonymously with other attendees and make new friends under the cover of your disguise. Everyone receives a single rose they can exchange with someone else throughout the evening. At the stroke of midnight, the roses will reveal the true identities of your masked dance partners. 🌹

⏵ all hallow's eve ⏴

On October 31st, multiple companion bots set up shop along one of the walkways through the larger island towards the center. With chairs and small booths set up, they offer candies out to trick-or-treaters who wander around through the first part of the night. Some of them will request trick-or-treaters to do a trick for them, to earn a bigger treat! They may ask characters to dance, sing, or show a talent unique to them. Can your character bend themselves into a pretzel? They want to see it, and will offer them a nice bracelet in exchange! Can they whistle super loud? Maybe they'll get a nice piece of kevlar armor after showing off. This can be anything within reason - bike parts, small weaponry, armor pieces, toys, canvases for painting. Please request these items HERE.

Not everything is as light-hearted as it seems, however. Aurora issues a warning to the citizens of Etraya: Do not stay outside after midnight. Strange happenings have been reported, and those who disobey may start seeing visions of past loved ones. The visions are compelling—guiding people away from the safety of the buildings and into the mysterious mist surrounding the outskirts.

But be careful, these spirits may not be as friendly as they seem.

If you come into contact with these ghosts, you’ll feel a chilling cold, leading to hypothermia-like symptoms. The longer you’re exposed, the worse it gets. Treatment? You’ll need to be warmed up quickly.

⏵ skellys! ⏴

The Companion Bots wanted to join in on the fun, so they painted themselves with glow-in-the-dark paint to look like skeletons. But in the dead of night, for those already suffering from the chilling touch of the ghosts, seeing glowing skeletons approach from the darkness might not be the most comforting sight. 🤖💀

Stay safe, warm up, and enjoy the festivities!

⏵ NOTES ⏴

For all questions relating to this log, please refer to the mod queries comment. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ.

⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

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If Hob were thinking a bit more level-headed, he would argue, but Fabian's worrying has Hob worrying, as well.

"Uh, alright." He takes steps after Fabian to follow him. Goodness, the healer is going to think he's an idiot.

Hob knows Loki has a past, but it would be hard to imagine him so callous towards others. Not when he's been such a warm, lovely person since Hob met him. Hob finds the man endlessly charming in a way he's never experienced before. It's hard not to keep smiling around him, especially as they dance.

When he's dipped, Hob's face turns red with a blush, his arm securing itself around Loki's shoulder some more. When he's lifted up, his hold has them very close, his other hand on Loki's chest.

"It wouldn't take much convincing once anyone meets you. Though, I don't really have anyone to brag to these days."

[ ...

The teenager just stares at him. Kind of blankly. Not even a kind of blank surprise, just-- pure blankness, even in the face of the other quite literally hovering in front of him.

Then he asks, plainly: ]

What's Superman?

[ Well, that question might explain why he doesn't look immediately impressed upon hearing the title.. ]

Knowing Hob thinks of him like that would actually be a bit of a relief. Loki is confident in how much he's changed, or he was with his TVA friends. But now that he's back out in the real world, for lack of a better term, where he could and has met people who knew him before, but obviously not after could cause him much strife. Warranted strife, he knows, but the idea that someone who didn't know all the details about what he's done sees him as good in any way is simply wonderful.

Loki laughs good-naturedly at Hob's blush. He did hope for a reaction and what he gets is so much better than he imagined. Once again a voice in the back of his head says he shouldn't be doing this, shouldn't be flirting or really getting close to anyone, but he simply can't help himself. Hob is irresistible.

"I suppose it is a good thing I don't require such attention anymore then. Though I admit it would likely be amusing to see the look on their faces if they were to meet me."

I have a weakness for strong soldiers with pretty eyes.

[The fact that Cloud hasn't pulled away only which surprises him but he takes that encouragement as they dance. He matches the steps, even though it takes some adjustment with his bad foot but he refuses to falter.

Oh, Cloud, Rufus is enjoying this flirting oh so very much.]

And especially ones who can dance so gracefully.

[He's not sure where Cloud learned to dance like this but it's delightful and he even pulls Cloud into some more complicated steps he remembers learning when he was younger to see if Cloud keeps up.

He leans in just so his lips are a breath away to whisper in Cloud's ear like a lover would.]

If I find a monster like that, will you take it down just for me? I would reward you handsomely.

[ He makes a vague gesture with his hand, though clarifies by speaking up with: ]

About half and half. One of them was a friend from my world, from the same adventuring party as the three of us left in this place. All the others I only got to know in this place though, so it's likely that I will never see them again.

[ .. another depressing statement, huh. Though Fabian says it relatively casually, making it hard to tell how exactly he feels about it, or how strongly he feels about it. He may be shoving something down pretty hard here. ]

Unless they weren't sent home, of course. I suppose we don't have any concrete proof that that is what happens to those who disappear from this place.

[What is with this guy? Laying it on pretty thick, isn't he? Cloud rolls his eyes.]

Quit it with the flattery.

[But he smirks, pleased, when the leader pulls out some fancy footwork of his own. Cloud can tell the guy has some kind of old injury or something, but it doesn't seem to be holding him back, and Cloud can respect that.

He not only keeps up, but takes those steps even further, setting them up for a hell of a climax should the leader keep up in turn.

He can't help but pause, though, when his dance partner leans in close to whisper to him. Maybe less of a pause and more of a freeze - the faintest gasp escapes him at the little shiver the whisper sends down his spine, and the moment fully captures his attention.

When he responds, his own mouth is pretty close to the other guy's ear too, by necessity, though he only turns his head the tiniest bit toward that ear. He doesn't whisper, but his naturally quiet voice is lower than usual.]

Well...yeah. I'm a merc. It's what I do.

[Cloud, please.]

"I'm certain the look would be jealousy. They'd wonder what someone as incredibly handsome as you were doing hanging around with me." Hob doesn't think himself ugly by any means, but Loki's looks are on another level entirely.

Hob is quite common in many ways, but that's part of the reason why he was chosen. He can't really represent humanity unless he's a lot like the rest of them.

Jealously Loki can completely understand, though he thinks it might be turned the other way. “Are you sure it would not be more that they wonder how I scored so much above my station?” Of course, station for Loki has nothing to do with being a prince or a god, but rather is more about just being a good and likeable person. When it comes to that, he thinks Hob is way out of his league.

Though he understands why Hob would be selected, Loki doesn’t believe him to be common at all. He doesn’t know all the answers, at least not yet, but he does know that there is something special about Hob. Something that has drawn him in, in such a way that Loki is very much not used to. Though that isn’t to say he doesn’t appreciate it. Loki feels incredibly lucky to have met him and he wants Hob to know that, even if he isn’t quite sure how to say it.

I agree, we should. I think everyone's kind of looking on their own so far.

[She hasn't heard of any concerted effort to pool information together. But then again she doesn't check the network that often.]

[Hikaru lights up with the joy of getting to share this with someone new. She holds her hand up.]

Yeah! What you do is you take your right hand-

[She'll wait.]

And you link your pinky with the other person you're making the promise to. [She curls just her pinky out while the others close in to a loose fist.]

And you promise together while your pinkies are linked.

"Sheesh, why are you so terribly passive about this?"

At least they are starting to walk now..

.. even if it means that Hob is getting scolded by a teenager as they walk. Sorry, man. This is your fate now. At least the scolding probably comes partially forth from some sort of worry, if Fabian cares enough to even attempt to drag the other over to a healer in the first place.

"Shouldn't you be a little bit more concerned about these things? You know, your life, this awful place-- Important topics! You can't simply just 'uh, alright' your way through it!"

[ Guess who has never pinky promised before.

This guy right here. After all, Fabian's parents certainly weren't the type to be into that sort of thing, and it's not like he's ever been properly socialized among his peers before he entered the Adventuring Academy..

So he does look like all of this is super new to him as Hikaru is explaining it. And he's participating! He's moving his hand, extending his pinky, wrapping it around hers.. there they go!

Clearly clueless about this sort of thing, Fabian can't help but ask: ]

Is this some sort of spell?

[ Look, it probably would be where he comes from, really. Like some magical vow, he figures. ]

"It's all a little overwhelming sometimes, you know? How one candy can ruin your life." He's not really worried about dying, seeing as that's not a thing that can generally happen to him, but he doesn't want to live in pain, either.

Another person might be embarrassed at being scolded by a teen, but Hob takes it in stride. "It's not that I'm not concerned, but I don't know what I can do about this place most of the time. I just have to keep getting up every morning."

( this....this was a lot for heather to take in and frankly, the more he spoke the more troubling all of this was for her to accept.

the thought of coming here, making connections, and having it ripped from her at any moment was daunting and it made her more bitter towards echo and aurora. so all she could do for now was take a deep breath and place her hand over her face for a moment. )

I hate to think what happens if someone does disappear, because you're right. For all we know, they could just be killed off.

( she didn't know this yet, but eventually she would learn that not everyone that was killed remained dead here. )

I think...I'm going to check out now and take some time to think about all of this. This is a lot of information to take in.

[ The look on Hernan's face is a healthy mix of incredulity and annoyance. ]

I am.

I'm not talking about a business transaction, soldier.

[Rufus is close enough to Cloud to hear that little gasp, smirking with pleasure to get that small noise from him. It will be fun to reveal his identity and of course, he will never let Cloud forget this night.

He decides to let Cloud to take the lead for a bit, a challenge to see just what Cloud is capable of as time approaches midnight. He wants to see if Cloud has some big finish as the music swells and he knows that their time is ticking down bit by bit.]

I think you may have earned yourself a rose tonight.

[Because of course Rufus was giving Cloud his rose, just to enjoy his reaction.]

[ He opens his mouth, looking also kind of incredulous, before adding: ]

Well, yes, I know that! [ Considering the other literally just said it. ] But that explains absolutely nothing. Do you think 'Superman' is some universal thing?

[ Because it isn't! Or.. at least, Fabian is pretty sure it is. Surely it can't just be that he has overlooked it in his own world. Impossible. ]

.. yeah, I can imagine.

[ Fabian certainly doesn't fault her for that. He already felt overwhelmed too when he first came here - let alone arriving now, with all the extra information they have found out along the way.

So he just nods. ]

If you have any questions later, just contact me, alright? I'm fairly easy to find over the earpieces, just send a message to 'maximumlegend.' [ He gestures at his big golden tattoo as he says it - considering that reads exactly those two words. ] I really don't mind.

[ Especially when Fabian believes everyone should be as informed and prepared as they can be when it comes to this place.

It's never merciful towards them, after all. ]

To be fair, it's not like Hob is wrong about that first part. This place is overwhelming in many ways, especially in the things it does to them on the regular. It's just that Fabian's life has always been like this - so consistently overwhelming - that he's used to dealing with it. That it drives him towards some determination in the end, especially when other people are involved.

"We could start a revolution!" He replies because of all that - rather passionately, mind you. Busily gesturing with his hands while they walk. "Have you never been part of one? Surely you have, at your age!"

.. not that Fabian has any idea about what said age truly is. It's more just a case of teenagers thinking that anyone above twenty years old seems ancient..

( although heather was preparing to bolt off, wanting to take this information to the only other person she knew here- vincent, she did pause to take a look at the golden tattoo on his neck. amidst the haunting nature of their conversation and the seriousness of it all, she couldn't help but genuinely find some small ounce of comfort in how amusing this person was-

did the tattoo come first or did the nickname? it was a question she was going to make sure to ask him.)

Alright, I'll make sure to do that, Maximum Legend.

( there's a bit of teasing in her tone and a soft smile before she waved him off and began to head out of the store. he came across as rather nice, and she felt perhaps this could be someone she could be friends with. )

[Huh? Then what is he talking about?

Cloud dismisses it - doesn't matter, they've got a dance to finish. The other guy switches things up and gives Cloud the lead, which he accepts without missing a beat.]

No holding back.

[And he sure doesn't. As the intensity of the music mounts, so too does the intensity of their steps and the energy crackling between them. Cloud's careful to keep the turning and twirling mostly in just one direction, so his partner doesn't have to rely too much on the foot he's favoring, but other than that he's pulling out all the stops.]

A what?--oh, right.

[Cloud figures he might as well exchange the roses both ways. Not like he's got anyone else in mind, and this guy is good enough - and competitive enough, and...okay, provocative enough - that yeah, he'd kind of like to see who he's dealing with.

Finally, the end of the song approaches, and despite the fact that the other guy is almost a head taller, Cloud sets them up for a finisher that will require him to support most if not all of his partner's weight. He pushes the guy away with a controlled spin, and then holds out his hand for his partner to grab to begin that final sequence.]

Come on. All or nothin', let's do this.

"A revolution, you say?" Hob is definitely amused by the younger man's zeal. "I don't know about revolutions, exactly, but I've taken part in a protest before. I'm not sure Echo would respond to a march down the city streets, though. Especially if it's just the two of us."

"We've all had to take part in the missions given to us. Even you. This place makes us be here and do these things, but everyone goes along with it until some other option presents itself."

[She would never guess!! But she smiles as they shake the hand once, twice, three times.]

It is! It's a spell of not breaking your promise. Bad things will happen if you break it.

[She knows it's a little childish, but her wanting to keep promises isn't. She fully intends not to break the promise................ again, she definitely did get possessed by Baron. But that's a different problem.]

[ Since coming here, he's learned there are apparently at least two other versions of Superman. Neither of them are he and are therefore not important in the slightest. ]

I think it explains everything. You asked what is a Superman. The answer is I am. It is what I am called.

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OCTOBER MINGLE

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going to end this one here! ♥

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