etrayalogs | OCTOBER MINGLE

Entry tags:

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

[ 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.]

[ 6 comes to a pause as they approach the changing rooms, where a clump of striking blue hair that would be recognizable to him no matter the context is sticking out between the door and the frame of the cubicle. did she get her hair stuck in the door? is that why she screamed?

he would hope so, but it isn't enough to ease the tension he feels as he approaches, turning the door handle... ]

( and they will find her...

she's pouting inside of the changing room, not really caring for her hair since that's not her problem. oh, no, why are they looking like that? )

Did you two see it as well!?

[There's no sign of anything like Im'mari. Not even a rogue companion bot. Accelerator relaxes a little, enough to drop his free hand. If this is because she got her hair stuck.........

He peers around 6 when he opens the changing room door, confused.]

See what?

That!

( and she'll point an accusing finger at something on the floor a little ways behind both of them. what their eyes will fall upon is none other then...

...

...

an abomination... )

It is an affront to my very being! The curve, the circle, oh, and don't let me get started on those rectangles! The shapes inside of the letters are also contorted!! I can't stand it!

[ ah...

well, that certainly clears that up, doesn't it? 6's shoulders slump down again, as if all of the tension released from his body has caused it to deflate in its absence. ]

37...

[ at least she's been distracted from accelerator's prior offense. ]

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

[Accelerator looks from 37 back over to 6 in time to see him slump. Ah, he isn't the only one to feel this way, then. It's nice to have a little companionship sometimes.]

[Anyways, he inhales, then steps over and ninja chops 37 on the head several times. Not hard, but to emphasize his words.]

Don't - [Chop!] - scream - [Chop!] - over - [Chop!] - a - [Chop!] - goddamn - [Chop!] - shirt. [Aaand he stops.] You're gonna freak people out.

[Them. She's going to - did - freak them out.]

I — ( ouch! ) But — ( ouch! ) Waaah! ( ouch ) !!!!

( is this punishment for being honest, what did she do wrong! it's not as bad, but it's still bad enough to be scolded like this.

37 melts in place, laying on the floor after the final hit like a beached dolphin. )

I won't scream, I won't!!

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!!

i can't stand her

well...

Re: well...

no subject

no subject

1/2

2/2 thank you I have never gotten to use this icon

stop thats so cute wtf