etrayamods: (Default)
∎ ETRAYA MODS ∎ ([personal profile] etrayamods) wrote in [community profile] etrayalogs2024-11-22 06:27 pm

November Mingle

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: November 22nd - Early December
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, and an unexpected guest!
NOTES\WARNINGS: N/A, please note any needed warnings in threads.



⏵ arrival ⏴

Welcome to Etraya!

Arrival goes as expected - or it would, except it is not just Aurora that greets the newcomers as they arrive. Certainly they receive their earpiece so they can communicate with one another as those before them have, however there is what seems to be a woman waiting for them that is of a more flesh and blood persuasion as they leave the hospital. She carries an air about her that isn't quite like the newcomers themselves, but she is decidedly not one of the companion bots, nor Aurora.

She has bone-straight blonde hair reaching past her shoulders, with a straight-cut fringe hanging above her eyes. The black dress that ends just before her mid-thighs also has a rather revealing neckline, though the sleeves which cover her arms almost feel like a mockery of modesty considering the rest. She is also wearing black stockings and black pumps, and the red of her lipstick is striking against the extreme contrast in shades she otherwise holds.

As each newcomer independently files out of the hospital, she makes certain to garner their individual attention, either with a wave of her hand, a wiggle of her fingers, or directly calling them over. She is persistent, and with being so new, it is wise to heed her. Not that anyone can force one to, if they choose to walk away, nor does she seem interested in trying to, but she has her means for those proving stubborn.

However, those who aren't...

“Hey! I know you’re not just walking past me. I’ve got- you know, plot relevant, written all over me. I picked this dress out just for you, you know?’

“C’mere, listen up. Mama’s got a little bit of homework for you, but it’s gonna help you, too, okay? I need you to go find the hot goss, the piping hot tea on the street for me. Find out what everyone’s saying about the people we’re stuck with, okay? People are a lot more relaxed and honest when they talk about others, right? This is about efficiency.

Efficiency, honey.

Don’t worry, I’ll be in the trenches, too. But make sure you come find me again. I’ll be around here, okay? I know you’re as confused as I am. Well no. I’m much less confused than you are. But if you can tell me about the people here, I’ll tell you more about where you are and what this is about.”


For those who ignored her, or those not newly arrived, they will receive a message through their earpiece:

“Girl. Hey. Listen. I’m kind of in a pinch, okay? I need like… a little favor. But its a fun favor! I need you to get your girl some info. I need the word on the street, honey. I need the tea piping hot- I need you to go talk to your friends, enemies, frenemies, butt buddies, cousins, and have them tell you about anyone they know. I need straight facts and good gossip on everyone here. And then get back to me. Kisses.

And this isn’t something for nothing. If you bring me some good goss, you’ll get some good info in turn about your whole situation. Cause that’s what you’re missing most besides home, right? Context.”




⏵ spill the tea ⏴



Tatianna having now tasked everyone (new and old) with finding out more about their fellow inhabitants—if not for their sake, for her curiosity—and in exchange she will give them valuable information that may aid them with acclimating here, or something far more valuable depending on how hot the goss is! However, she will not just hand out her secrets so easily, and so she will need one piece of gossip about each inhabitant. So she expects everyone to get mingling and talking, she isn't a charity here!

To assist in this, the companion bots have set up cozy little wicker daybeds around the main hub of the city. All of which are suspiciously cozy and warm once you have sat down on them, but especially so with the accompanying aroma of the tea wafting from the kettle which rests on the center table, accompanied by sweetmeats. The tea itself also stays warm despite the cool autumn air, and so long as you stay within the daybeds, the biting chill won't reach you either.

However, the tea is not only perpetually the right temperature, but it seems to have a way of loosening one's tongue. Especially the more one imbibes it. Did you mean to share that secret that might not have been yours to begin with? Or that personal detail about your best friend that wasn't meant to be known by anyone but who they themselves have told? Probably not, but the cat is out of the bag now, isn't it? Well, hopefully word won't get around...after all, it isn't likely who you are talking is going to tell everyone else, right? Right?

Adding to the oddity of it all, the tea one drinks might not be the same tea that their companion is drinking, despite it pouring from the same kettle. What might be one person's earl grey, is another's pumpkin spice chai. Whatever it may be that pours out, it certainly seems to be to one's liking, or its closest approximation. There's probably some deeper meaning in that, some sort of symbolism one might surmise from the nature of sharing gossip and it being tainted by personal bias, but who cares about navel gazing about such a thing?

After all, this is meant to be an enjoyable endeavor! Getting to know your fellow inhabitant should feel as comfortable as catching up with an old friend. What better way than to do it by sharing tea you both will enjoy? ☕


⏵ close knit ⏴


As the tail end of November draws nearer, people will have already begun to see the first flakes of snow. It grows colder, and while there isn't quite a blizzard or a snow storm happening, the snow does not seem to let up with its descent. It doesn't quite get so cold that it is untenable, of course, but it would be advisable to bundle up! In fact, the companion bots seem to be on the case with assisting in just that!

Around the city people will find groups of companion bots busily knitting sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats, and so forth. In fact, the moment they see someone they clock as not quite bundled enough, they will insist on supplying them with whatever they deem as being without. Are you already wearing a scarf? Well, clearly you need two of them! How about the gloves? Couldn't hurt to have several pairs!

However, that isn't all that's available to people, after all there are cafes out and about where one might get a hot beverage to help fight off the cold, but for those less inclined for such establishments, the companion bots are here to serve! There is at least one companion bot per knitting group that seems to have hot cocoa on hand. If they see someone who is looking particularly cold (almost everyone is, the companion bots aren't particularly keen on the signs of successful temperature regulation), they will have a paper cup of hot cocoa imposed upon them that has their name on the side.

Or, sort of. It is at least a close approximation of their name, or maybe it is an alternate spelling? Really, who can blame the bots for getting confused, there are so many of you!


⏵ snow more games ⏴


The snow is here to stay, but that doesn't mean that it has to be a bad thing! With everyone well supplied in their winter garb, the companion bots have set up spots for fun activities! Perhaps the inhabitants would enjoy a fun snowball fight, or some sledding? Some of the waters have frozen over, so ice skating is always a possibility too. Though one might want to be careful if they are to venture past what the companion bots have marked as safe.

Some of the companion bots are trying their best at making a snowman, but all their efforts seem to come out rather...square. They're trying their best, but maybe they can learn by following the inhabitant's examples. There are others that will offer gold star stickers to those who seem to dominate in the snowball fights, but unfortunately the stickers don't stick too well with all the snow. Well, they tried!

People will still find bots out and about with nice warm beverages available to fight off the cold, too. That service will continue to be available for the foreseeable future. Similarly, if someone comes out who is a little too under-dressed for the weather, the bots might have to pick up those knitting needles again, so be sure to put on your winter clothes..!



⏵ NOTES ⏴


To report information to Tatianna, do so here! She will only give each person their rewarded information once she has a bit of information on each character in the game. Each bit of gossip does not require a thread to count though it should be IC knowledge gained through IC means. Try to check what gossip has been given to her already, because doubling up will not yield results! Good luck!

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

messenger: neutral, looking down, profile, frowning (❝ like the football? ❞)

[personal profile] messenger 2024-12-13 08:40 pm (UTC)(link)
You... do?

[ that doesn't seem good. but he trusts that vincent is being impartial, in part because they aren't friends, and he has no real reason, as far as castiel knows, to sugar coat the truth. ]

Oh. Thank you.

[ what an odd conversation this has been. ]
heavensnight: (Default)

[personal profile] heavensnight 2024-12-13 08:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[not the answer she was expecting to hear! but well, can she say this is so strange? Gorgug is so different so it only makes sense.

not that she can wrap her mind around it.]


Having gnomes, statue ones anyway, in our lawns...yeah. Yeah, that would seem weird, I guess.
messenger: side-eye, brows raised (❝ bitch ❞)

[personal profile] messenger 2024-12-13 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ there are a lot of things he could use books on, but history says he learns best through practical means. of course, some things are difficult to convey through practical means, so books it is. it's not like it'd hurt for him to read a little more.

ironically, angels just don't read very often. ]


Ah. I see. That does make sense.

[ castiel takes another sip of his own tea anyway. hm. ]

Who is John?
levelshift: (neck crack)

[personal profile] levelshift 2024-12-13 09:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh, she thinks he's cool.

Yeah, sleeping isn't the coolest thing for a hobby, but looking bothered would just be uncool, so he keeps his expression neutral.]


Like what?
ingestion: (Default)

[personal profile] ingestion 2024-12-14 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
( unfortunately for them both, it was a rather recent tragedy and while it was still fresh on her mind, she hadn't quite gotten a chance to properly mourn him beyond the time she spent alone in her apartment. she knows he wouldn't want her to sulk around, crying over him so she had kept up a rather strong front to others.

naturally though, she couldn't help but speak about him if the situation allowed it. he wasn't her biological father but he was loved. for now though, she's thankful he switched the topic a bit. )


I'll take a look, couldn't help to develop new skills if I'm going to be here for a while.

( his next comment, a self-observation of himself does make her give him a questionable glance. )

We're walking to a cafe and holding hands. I think you connect to people plenty actually, but if you feel like you need more help, I can help you with that.
heavensnight: (I know I have good taste)

[personal profile] heavensnight 2024-12-14 12:26 am (UTC)(link)
[the happy good boy didn't seem like much of a military dog.] He retired? Though I guess in the end, he's still a dog with dog needs. Like you loving him. [he seems so happy with Harold and it is nice to see. Harold obviously loves the dog.]

I don't think you mind having him around. Isn't it nice, though? To know somebody out there cares. Right, Bear?
redheadcarrier: (Yeah you're gonna have to come in)

[personal profile] redheadcarrier 2024-12-14 12:35 am (UTC)(link)
I dunno. Figured you'd be the kinda guy trying to reverse-engineer technology or going out of your way to find something...

[ Alas, her impression is dashed to pieces. ]
heavensnight: (My ego's another)

[personal profile] heavensnight 2024-12-14 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
An informant? We talking spy, like you shouldn't be discussing this information type of thing? [most people's minds must go to spy, she thinks.] That seems useful if you know how to get information. That Tatiana woman clearly wants information. [Maria, despite it all, couldn't tell anything she was told. it didn't feel right.]

Who knew there could be so many earths, huh?
heavensnight: (Default)

[personal profile] heavensnight 2024-12-14 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
Aw, do you think I'm pretty? [really, anybody else this would be considered flirting. yet she can't see this man flirting with anybody. but it seems like he could put up a good pretense of it.]
fortitudosalutis: (024)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2024-12-14 01:11 am (UTC)(link)
I think you know how to use it.

[ He gives her a smile, perfectly calculated. He remembers how to flirt, the motions of it. He hasn't done it and meant it in years, and realizes he doesn't really care to try. ]
heavensnight: (It's funny and it's ironic)

[personal profile] heavensnight 2024-12-14 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
[James have you ever known whimsy in your life?]

Crazy how time slows down when you don't have monsters chasing after you.

[into the store they go! which surprisingly does not have a big mug selection. who would have thought? she frowns.] Must not have a lot of coffee and tea drinkers all things considered. Oh, look. [a mug with his name on it. she holds it up.]

How about this?
heavensnight: (Don't embarrass me motherfucker)

[personal profile] heavensnight 2024-12-14 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
I think you think you've got me all summed up in that head of yours. Wonder if I'll live up to it?

[she doubts it.]
fortitudosalutis: (018)

[personal profile] fortitudosalutis 2024-12-14 02:07 am (UTC)(link)
Guess we'll have to find out, won't we?

[ She's an interesting woman. ]

What's your name?
aimsforknees: (60)

[personal profile] aimsforknees 2024-12-14 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ That actually leads to a question that John has pondered since Bear's arrival. He knows that buildings are identical, but is Bear... Bear? John had searched him, had catalogued all the little identifiers he knows, and Bear certain has acted no differently than usual. ]

Is Bear our Bear? Or is he a replica like the buildings?

[ Are they buildings even replicas? Or is there now a library missing from New York City? Are they missing? Is this just a frozen instance of time? He doesn't think Harold will know, but he's curious for his thoughts. ]
aimsforknees: (23)

[personal profile] aimsforknees 2024-12-14 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ Unfortunately for John he will in the future meet Vincent, but also unfortunately for Vincent he will meet John. ]

I'm pretty good at being a bad conversationalist.

[ It's said a bit like a joke, but John knows he's not a chatty guy. Heather's obvious feelings of awkwardness in this conversation are proof of that. ]
aimsforknees: (11)

[personal profile] aimsforknees 2024-12-14 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ Chrollo might not sound nefarious, but John is paranoid, so he's keeping his mouth shut on that topic. It does go both ways, but he's decided to risk in this direction. He doesn't want to make his association with Harold too obvious least people use it to get at him. ]

There's a lot of children here, I won't see them go through more hardship than they already are.

[ It's enough of an answer that hopefully Chrollo will accept it. ]
aimsforknees: (11)

[personal profile] aimsforknees 2024-12-14 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ Is he a teacher? No, John doesn't do something so... good. Though he immediately thinks of Elias, who was a teacher, a good one by all appearances, but also a ruthless mafia leader. It just goes to show that it doesn't take a saint to be a teacher. Maybe it's okay that John can do it right now. Maybe teaching a kid to ice skate is part of his redemption. ]

No, I don't.

[ He doesn't even explain that he's only doing this because he likes ice skating. That's too revealing. But he should clarify, just a bit. ]

You're learning well.
unaliveyourself: (pic#17455222)

[personal profile] unaliveyourself 2024-12-14 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
Very true! It begs the question of whether our worlds have ever been truly in danger or not, don't you think?

[All they have to go on is Aurora's word that the multiverse will collapse without a culling, but there's been no evidence that supports that idea the entire time.]
tinflower: (pic#17255875)

[personal profile] tinflower 2024-12-14 11:38 am (UTC)(link)
Alchemist? [ Of course, that's the part he focuses in on... ] That's the kind that works with chemicals? [ A pause. ] Does he have to hide who he is too?

[ Which might be a dumb question, Gorgug may realise a moment later, considering he might have to hide in the sense of not being great out in the sun? But he's gotten to be a bit of a nerd about classes, okay... ]
tinflower: (pic#17333115)

[personal profile] tinflower 2024-12-14 12:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She remarks that he connects well, and Gorgug looks at their hands as it's mentioned, and considers what she says and how he feels about it. Does he do well? He's quiet for a moment as he thinks back on the examples that make him wary, even though, truthfully, there's more current ones that could be used. ]

I guess it's... more that I'm worried about the follow through after making a connection? I, but I've been trying. But I might ask for help. My friends-- the ones from my world, I think they've been feeling stressed lately. Because of what happened with the mission before the last one, and, they've been here longer than I have. And, we did lose another friend...

[ And he can see how that can affect them. It affects him too, even if he feels more unsure, isn't sure of what to do, but that again is a problem for them. Is it that a state of mind anyone can help with? Feeling too strongly the bars around them that none of them can escape.

Or it might be a lot to expect another person to have an answer as to what to do. Gorgug isn't sure even now if it's a problem anyone can fix, or aid. ]
maximumlegend: (you kiss and tell)

[personal profile] maximumlegend 2024-12-14 12:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah.

[ At least he seems willing to give her that answer, despite still awkwardly eyeing the recorder a little as he says it. ]

Seems like we all did. [ Considering both of them have, and Fabian has overheard other people talking about it too after his friends told him they also got that message. ] So is that what you're trying to do? Going around and getting gossip for her?
tinflower: (pic#17252428)

[personal profile] tinflower 2024-12-14 02:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Unfortunately, his love for ice skating might be a possibility enough for even Gorgug to make that assumption. He doesn't say that, though. ]

Thanks. [ ... ] I'll try the next part.

[ He moves on with his answer given, continues on with the lesson--the man isn't asking him anything else, and Gorgug isn't interested in prying on anything else. Good teacher, though. If they were somewhere that money meant anything, he'd suggest offering his services, or something. (Does that mean he should pay the guy back? Maybe he'll think about that another day, at another time.)

But for now: there's the lesson, and Gorgug doing his part. He's gone through the motions of braking, and now he has to do it for real, in action. Point your toes in, just before you push your feet out. Gorgug remembers the words as best he can, but remembers even better the man's example.

He skates, one blade gliding against the ice gently to give him momentum, and then another again. Little speed, because that's not the lesson here, and he's already slowing by the time the skates skid, slow him to his pause. It feels awkward, and yet--

Gorgug doesn't look at John this time, doesn't wait: he tries again. Picks up his feet, continues the same pace, gliding softly until he pauses himself. It makes distance between himself and the man, but not too much, with Gorgug even turning himself with baby steps so as to face the man. So he can do it again, but try for a longer slide--

so he can make his stop with his skates when they're speedier. Keeping knees bent, making sure this time not to lean forward when the stop comes.

H-he did a long glide....!! Just like people do naturally when fucking around on the ice...! And it's this time that he looks at the man, making fists with his well-covered hands. ]


I did it.

[ He did a basic step!! A baby step!! And he doesn't speak louder, but there's a force behind that simple statement that's excited. An internal vibration is taking place...! ]
unaliveyourself: (pic#17455221)

[personal profile] unaliveyourself 2024-12-14 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
That is, generally, how having enemies goes.

[He rolls a shoulder, casually.]

But not every enemy works alone, and there are some organizations that aren't worth going to war against, you know? It'd tear the city apart, and neither they nor mine would want something like that. Buuuut if there's an opportunity to sour their day a little, of course I'd take it~

[Actually, now that he thinks of it, it does sound like an amusing diversion of sorts. He puts a note in the back of his mind to mess with Chuuya's groceries, next time he gets a chance.]
banworthy: (2)

[personal profile] banworthy 2024-12-14 03:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure. I feel like there is a benefit to be had in people's happiness.

[ His head cocks to the side as he feels that's a bit too honest, but eh, whatever. ]

Welcome.

[ He hums and stares at him: ] How did you choose your vessel by the way? Is there some sort of criteria that said this body would be the best body for you? Or -- is that not how it works for your universe?
tinflower: (pic#17331249)

[personal profile] tinflower 2024-12-14 03:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Gorgug lowers the goggles on his head over his eyes, his hand, with its palm covered in a fingerless, leather-looking glove, settles over the glass of the picture frame and on the back.

There's nothing flashy from the outside. Gorgug doesn't flinch to the touch, but his eyes close, and there's a glint against the material of his goggle lenses. A memory, an expectation: intention. He takes all three, with a memory being more so memories, but there's a repeating visual for Gorgug to grab onto, a sense of familiarity that's necessary for this design to work.

The glass of the frame begins to play along its surface the memories imprinted upon it, as the transfer takes place. And while the focus might be the car, Gorgug can't erase any straying looks that might be there, glances towards Dean that could be visible before the next memory comes. He can only try to grasp onto what he's been given, a clarity of an angel making that process easier, but it's still different. Awkward. Strange. New.

But he eventually opens his eyes (squeezed shut tight behind his goggles) and removes his hand, and there's an image on the front of the glass that starts with Castiel's point of view from outside the car, flying beside it. A memory he knows--he already knows where it's going to lead to even without being just shown it, but because it's there in his own head.

Gorgug touches the glass, and watch it as it starts to move through the images, picture clear.

Hm.

His conclusion: ]


... I can probably make that.

[ Even if he's wrinkling his nose...kind of making faces to himself with the memories now just sitting in his head. Don't mind him. ]