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⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Ever the killjoy, Accelerator has been avoiding all the fun Halloween setup the companion bots have been putting a lot of effort into. He isn't a candy person, he isn't a costume person, and he certainly isn't a party person, so like an old man who tells kids to get off his lawn, he's decided to ignore all of it and focus on other things.

Namely, getting through the day without sleeping through most of it.

He sees 37 and 6 hovering around the booths. That's probably a good thing, all of this nonsense is annoying but seems mostly harmless, so it's probably good for both of them to be exposed to something new. Somehow he doubts either of them, particularly 37, has a lot of experience with such an American holiday. He turns to continue on his way, but he's pausing when he realizes something pretty damn important.

37 has no shoes. In fact, she's barefoot.

For a second he debates turning and walking away, leaving it for someone else to deal with, but.......... he really shouldn't. She could cut herself, or inadvertently get frostbite, or something worse. He doesn't want her to hurt herself.

So with a sigh and a curse under his breath, he heads on over to them, gesturing all judgey at 37's feet.]

Oi, are you seriously still going around barefoot? Don't you have any shoes?

[For that matter, he looks over at 6 as well, and scowls.]

You too?

((Lmk if anything needs editing!))

( this place is genuinely an odd place, she isn't familiar with its customs nor has she found a costume to call her own. instead, she's been moving from one place to another, but this time it's not for the festivities, it's more to prove a theory. with her arms extended out for balance, she steps with one foot then out with the other as she shows 6 she can follow the pattern on the ground. )

Do you see? The surface here isn't completely flat so... be mindful of this slope.

( there's no slope to be found visibly, but to 37, it's there and shouldn't be ignored. it's a dangerously small slope that someone or anyone could trip over, and when she's about to show 6 the best place to step is when a voice appears, it throws her calculations off as she wasn't applying it to her abstract world.

she turns her head to see where it's coming from, her eyes catching accelerator mid complaint, and mot watching her step — the hem of her toga catches underneath her feet, tripping 37 forward and onto the ground with a loud thump. )

I see...

[ it's hard to miss as she falls face-first into the ground, demonstrating her very own theory of imbalance he supposes. he observes her with a distant look to him, as if this whole ordeal of hers has nothing to do with him; it isn't as if it's a particularly rare occurrence, at least, so she's fine, surely. he's more puzzled over the fact that sophia allowed her to keep this long-sleeved toga despite the fact.

but a certain individual seems rather passionate about their lack of shoes, drawing his attention away from the spectacle momentarily

... or rather, perhaps it's worry? ]

There was no need for them on the island, though I suppose you raise a fair point.

[ his feet are kind of cold. ]

[Alright, he didn't mean for that to happen. Upon seeing 37 completely faceplant concern actually crosses his features, though it's very brief, and he looks over at 6 expectantly to help her up. This is entirely practical - he's the one with the crutch, and 6 and 37 know each other so it'd be less awkward.

But with that passive expression on his face...................

Accelerator clicks his tongue in annoyance, then stoops over and tries to grab 37's arm with his free hand to help her back onto her feet.]

I haven't been here for a winter yet, but the temperature's been dropping since summer. Wouldn't surprise me if we get a lot of snow here.

[ that's crazy, 6 expected no such thing. in fact, when accelerator reaches out to take 37's hand, 6 raises his own in a "stop" motion, shaking his head. give him another moment, and he'll pull a scroll from his sleeve, unfurling it so that, in a moment, he can read the contents aloud. ]

Do not pick up what has fallen.

[ he rolls the scroll closed once more, looking to accelerator with a look that might be... expectant? hard to tell when his expression doesn't change so much. ]

( she didn't expect the help at first, an embarrassing slight would be her own mistake to carry. accelerator's assistance judged by the scripture, and 37 gets to her feet with a pout on her face— like a cat sprayed with water. )

What do you mean! That only goes for inanimate objects! You know this!!!

( 37 doesn't see accelerator holding onto her for long, and when she's able to have her arm back, that's when she will cross them before her chest. with a turn of her head, and nose stuck in the air, she turns her back to 6, then turns it to accelerator because what if he believed that scripture for a minuscule of a second!?

whichever is true, she's facing a direction where she can't see either of them before she squats down to wipe any dirt with the toga's fabric off her face. )

The ground within the World of Matters is faulty...

[This is possibly the most bizarre thing that has happened to him since he got here. Accelerator just stares at 6, completely bewildered. Possibly the weirdest thing is that he apparently just has this scroll on his person right now. Does he walk around with his society's rules to recite whenever he wants???

Once 37 is back on her feet he lets go, expression judgey.]

That's a stupid rule. [Even if it's only for inanimate objects. Especially when it results in 37 acting like a fussy child.

He shoots 6 another look when she squats down, then takes a moment to decide on a course of action that isn't just going back to his apartment and sleeping.

He instead decides to plant a hand on top of 37's head, mostly to get her attention, since he isn't entirely sure she'd be listening otherwise.]

Anyways, you two dumbasses need boots for winter, and I need something warmer than what I'm wearing. [Then he turns and starts walking.] The only clothing store here is this way.

Boots!? Those weird de-angled ticks, why would they be needed for the winter? Are all methods of footwear in the World of Matters connected to a season? Considering we are born into this world without, wouldn't going without be perfect year round?

( just a little fussy while she lifts up her hands, the palms resting on top of accelerator's own to keep him there so she doesn't mess up his balance when she bounces back into supreme form and bundle of energy from resting his hand there. from the touch, accelerator will be able to tell that it's a little messy, some strands of hair caught together, but it's something that's easily ignorable.

her attire is longer than it should be, one piece of fabric already slipping underfoot, but this time she manages not too fall. )

Also! It is not a stupid rule! ( she argues, shaking her head. ) Tell him, 6! This rule has saved many people, and maybe one day it shall save you too.

( yes, she thinks this as she turns towards him now with a thumbs up towards him. )

[ see? she's fine. no need for the nasty look! it's more like friendly sibling teasing than anything mean-hearted, and 6 watches with a faint amusement colouring his expression as 37 is back to her feet at full energy, defending the very rule herself in just a moment.

he returns her thumbs-up though, since that seems to be expected — is that something she learned here? ]

37 is right, it is an important part of our scripture.

[ though it is perhaps not the rule itself, but more the discipline that the rule taught through which it saved those lives, but he's fine with allowing it the credit here. this time he turns his attention from accelerator back to 37. ]

However, your friend may be correct about the boots. Our home is much more temperate than this place seems to be, and it would do us well to follow the customs of a place in which we are guests.

[ just the same as they expect outsiders to follow the scripture of apeiron when they wash up on the beaches, so too should they do the same for others. accelerator is only trying to help them out in that sense, clearly. ]

.......................................

[Accelerator reluctantly keeps his hand where it is until she's back on her feet, then pulls it away. Absently, he notes that someone needs to brush her hair, because he's fairly sure she isn't the kind of person to remember to do it herself.

He also still thinks that rule is stupid, regardless of what both of them claim.]

We aren't friends. [Just putting it out there.] Of course I'm right. The colder this place gets the higher the likelihood of frostbite. You don't want to start losing toes, do you? It's not about a custom, it's just being practical and adapting to a new environment.

[ well, accelerator may get a bit caught up missing the forest for the trees, and that 6 was just trying to find a way to tactfully convince 37, the much more difficult of the two, but he doesn't mind that. anyway, there are more important things for the two of them to argue over. ]

... Are you not?

[ the slight pause, if not the tone, makes the words sound doubtful. he seems rather friendly and concerned for the wellbeing of them for a stranger. it's really quite easy to continue walking along if you don't have any strong feelings for someone. does he know? ]

H-- ( uh! ) W-- ( hat!? ) I!!!

( what does he mean they're not friends! what the h*ll are they then if they're not friends, isn't this how friendship is supposed to work! then to say this in front of 6 who sounds doubtful, like it's all misleading! there's a part of her that's a little embarrassed, her cheeks red, and... and...! )

I'll show you losing toes!!!

( she's going to step on his foot really, really hard before walking off in the direction of the store that accelerator had pointed out before. crossing her arms, she's going to look forward and not look at anyone else! why are they both bullying her, why is this happening to her? )

[If asked, Accelerator will claim he doesn't have any friends at all, because he isn't that kind of person. He's never had friends and never will, and that's perfectly fine with him.

He doesn't get the chance to say any of that, because one small foot is stomping down on his.]

--!! [He yelps and curses, stumbling back. Thankfully, with his crutch he isn't falling over, but it still isn't great!

Once he's regained his footing he's looking bewildered and offended, from 37's back over to 6. 6, you're the oldest here, please explain what just happened.]

What the hell?!

( she can hear him behind her... baffled, but that doesn't matter to her! she's walking off as she remains in the right direction.

she doesn't need to make nice with other numbers!! )

[ oh, oof, 6 hadn't expected 37 to react so strongly — but it makes sense, given her situation. 6 is concerned for a moment, debating giving accelerator a hand as he stumbles back from the stomp, but he seems to right himself well enough, and 6 doubts that a young man who can hardly accept a "thank you" will do much better with a hand extended to him.

so instead, 6 just looks at him with an indifferent expression as if he should have known better.

then he gestures off in the direction of 37. ]

Shall we go?

.............................................................................................

[Accelerator is very quickly learning he should not expect help from 6. Making an exasperated noise, he nods and starts off after 37.

The Roxx is large and crammed with racks upon racks of clothing. Styles from all over, from all different eras litter the place. It's an easy place to get overwhelmed.
Once the three of them are inside, Accelerator stops and looks around, making a mental list of everything they need. Chances are, these two need some additional warm clothes like sweaters and coats....]

Everything in here is free, so you can just take what you want.

( she does not need their help in searching for clothes, all she has to do is figure out how sophia would do this for her. it's hard when 37 never really paid attention to herself and sophia would do everything else.

it's like a jungle in here, the metal limbs are like the extension of trees, and the fabric their leaves. 37 slips underneath some clothes to come out on the other wise impressed by the miraculous color change. )

What would she choose...

( she mumbles to herself, it's the only reliable source she has in terms of her personal betterment.

while she should be looking at the shoes, she's too busy picking up a shirt with too many frills as she brings it up to her own clothes to decide which she likes best.

spoilers: she likes her own best. )

[ yeah, that's a bit much to expect of 6. he's more of a bystander — an observer, even. but 37 is quick to disappear into the racks, weaving her way between the colours with a stubborn pout on her face, and 6 is not in such a hurry, pausing alongside accelerator as they step inside. ]

I owe you an apology. [ he has at least that much sense. ] It was not my intention to cause conflict.

[ he thought it was like, a he's old thing, not an accelerator hates friends thing. it makes him feel a little bad for 37, who had clearly gotten her hopes up. ]

She has gone through great losses, and there is still much for her to learn, but...

[ most importantly: ]

She clearly appreciates your company, so I made an inappropriate assumption.

[For a few moments Accelerator remains there with 6, just watching 37 disappear into the maze of clothing racks. He glances over when 6 speaks up, his expression relaxing a little from its previous exasperation.

He doesn't really deserve an apology. It's normal for people to refer to each other as friends, there's no reason why 6 wouldn't have thought they were friends. This is just Accelerator's own baggage coming to the surface.]

....... It's fine, don't worry about it. She isn't the first brat who's been through too much that I've had to deal with.

[Last Order, the Sisters, Laura, Asuka.....................................

There have been a lot. He doesn't regret knowing any of them, even though they stress him out.

He glances back towards the last spot he had seen 37, taking a step forward.]

She's going to need help focusing, isn't she?

[ it's an odd sentiment, in a way. accelerator doesn't look particularly old himself, and 6 can't help but recall what he had mentioned about his experience being in prison — could he, perhaps, be amongst the numbers of those "brats who've been through too much"?

it's a thought he doesn't have long to ponder though, or even time to answer; as soon as the words are out of accelerator's mouth, he's quickly interrupted. ]

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!

( comes a loud scream within the shop.

she's made pretty good distance in searching around, there's even clothes thrown on the floor... whatever they decide to do, follow the clothes or follow where they thought the scream was...

they'll come to the woman's section... )

[Well, there's the answer to that question. Accelerator's eyes widen and he shoots 6 a concerned look before turning and heading quickly towards the source of the scream. He's even going to have his free hand on the switch to his choker, just in case, when he gets over there.]

The hell?

( 37 is nowhere to be found...................

all that's there are clothes spread across the floor, knocked over mannequins and clothes hanging off the hangers as though they were tugged off. )

37...!

[ it's not exactly very loud, but clearly concerned. what on earth could she possibly be doing to leave behind a mess such as this? there are limits to how bad of a situations he can get herself into in this place, he's sure, but 6 can't help but remember the circumstances under which he first encountered her here, and it does little to ease his worries.

he's following the trail of scattered clothes. surely, at the end...? ]

[Okay, this is worrying. One would expect the only clothing store in Etraya to be dull and, you know, safe, but maybe that isn't the case. They really shouldn't have let her just wander off on her own, especially so soon after that whole nonsense with Im'mari.....

That's on him. Out of the three of them, he's the only one who's been here long enough to know how dangerous it get can around here, even with the barrier.

Accelerator follows after 6, a wary hand still on his choker.]

Wildcard - let's go shopping!!

and lil bro accelerator will be paying!!

bro i thought 6 had sandals this whole time i gasped when i double checked

Sophia is the only one with common sense

missing her already

stop i can get a new red haired girl... asuka... asuka be my corrector

rip asuka. also i loled 6 u shit

the unflat surface in the world of matters will get him next

be nice he's allowed to have fun too!!!

good ol' deadpan fun

oh accelerator...

im ctfu

this is going swell

it is i for one think its wholesome

6 is enjoying himself

it's good one of them is

accelerator needs to learn from 6 so he can enjoy himself too

i kind of like him cranky

his crankiness is endearing

no subject

i think hes the cutest when hes angry he should get angry more often

he's cutest when Last Order is crawling on him

and there being nothing he can do about it

it's true

37 what shenanigans are you getting up to!!