etrayalogs | November Mingle

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⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ John is passing by with his cup of hot cocoa that reads John Warren when he notices someone. Not particularly in the mood for conversation he's about to just keep on going with his own business when the earrings catch his eye. He remembers them. Instead he puts on a smile and steps up. ]

The scholar from the masquerade. Right?

(... the voice rings a bell, he'll say. they never exchanged names, but the only thing chrollo has that can be called upon are the earrings he never takes off...

well.

there's a smile on his face, pointing to the cup with a quiet chuckle.)

So much for not telling me your name.

[ John makes to glance and the cup and gives a chuckle of his own. He doesn't offer that "Warren" is an alias. ]

You can thank the bots for that. What can I call you?

Not much I would thank them for. I'm Chrollo Lucilfer.

(which could definitely sound like an alias - but it is real, that is him. he'll gesture with his head for the other to sit if he'd like.)

[ Lucilfer. John almost misses the "l" considering how similar it sounds. An alias? No way of knowing. He'll just have to roll with it. ]

How many people mistake your last name for the devil?

[ He thinks it's probably annoying to be asked about his last name, but doesn't mind falling into that category. He doesn't have much of a conversation hook otherwise. ]

It's written differently in the universal language of my world, so some associate it, but not so much so.

(due to the alphabet, that is. too many languages exist in his world, as he assumes is much like any other.)

John is also a religious name, he's an apostle.

[ John isn't sure if his name is religious, he never got a chance to be old enough to ask his birth parents. Regardless, his family growing up wasn't religious and he isn't, though he knows enough to hold a shallow conversation. Anything more detailed and he would need Harold in his ear, which, well, he doesn't have right now. ]

We weren't a religious family, I think they just picked a common name.

[ It was decently popular at the time. An easy name to give a kid. ]

It is a good one.

(or it isn't, it hardly matters. he'll raise the tea the bots gave him when he first sat, not the one he ordered for himself.)

Want some? I do not trust it, so I am not drinking it.

(wait--)

[ John does his best not to raise an eyebrow at that. He keeps his expression smooth, as if that was a perfectly reasonable thing to say. ]

I already have a drink, but thanks.

[ Not that John has had a single sip. He also doesn't trust the drink he's been given. ]

(everyone is doing their best, because chrollo is too attempting to keep his expression embarrassed rather than surprised that he said it in the first place.

a slip-up, but he wouldn't just give this man who equally withholds information any without some trade back.)

Sorry, I should have put it in another way... I'd be careful with that one, too. I have been told that the food is laced more often than not when they offer things like these.

[ Hence why John's cup is completely full. And why he didn't drink at the masquerade ball. And why he doesn't drink anything but tap water or eat anything except what he cooks from groceries. If he could get away without eating or drinking anything he absolutely would, but since that's not the case he limits his footprint to the grocery store. ]

I don't mind. I try to be cautious with the food and drink here too. A girl I met was compelled to eat dirt after eating some of the offered food.

I cook by myself, seems like the groceries are safe.

(it's almost like being helpful could erase the former statement, right? ... right? either way, he offers his hand for a handshake.)

It's nice to meet you without the mask, anyway. I suppose the earrings gave me away?

[ John accepts the handshake with a calculated grip; Chrollo knows he was a soldier so his handshake is firm, but not overly so. He's not trying to win a competition, but he wants to keep in line with the profile he's set up already. ]

They did, they were the only distinctive thing I could pick out from our conversation at the party. Do you wear them all the time?

(two can be mindful of what they put forward, which his why the handshake is mekier, almost weird as if he lets the other lead it from beginning to end.)

They were the first real thing I stole, so naturally.

(... oh. oh, he was foolish. he realizes that now, the mistake he made. what an idiot - he should have realized it sooner, what is wrong with him?

it cannot be helped. the moment he said it marks the end of a harmless persona, so he hardly needs it. carefully, he removes the bandana he has been wearing since he first arrived, putting it in his pocket - the tattoo is out, and so is his real demeanor.

his voice is quiet, lacking personality and intonation, his face and expression more distant, colder.)

The tea brings out the truth. As I recognize you as man who skates around it, I suggest you do not try it, lest you make the same mistake I did.

[ Ah. So it's like that. Once again John's paranoia is proven right. He has another proof that nothing is safe here. Maybe one day even the tap water won't be safe.

He did with Harold before, after the double identity case. When Harold was easy and loose and had asked him to ask a question. John hadn't then, and even though it's a tactical advantage to do so now, he still won't. It's... dishonest. It's not morally correct. This is where he draws the line. ]

I can leave. Or walk you back to a safe space in silence so others don't bother you on the way.

[ He has so many questions, but now is not the time. ]

I broke the role the moment I spoke, and further when I removed the bandana out of my own free will.

(he hopes that it makes it clear he hardly minds, and may the fact he takes another sip cement it.)

Therefore, it is unnecessary - I am mostly truthful regardless of it.

[ Well, isn't that interesting. John certainly would go hide away, he has no desire to be so honest. But if Chrollo is offering, who is John to say no? ]

Are you really a scholar? You mentioned "the first thing" you stole.

I enjoy studies, but I'm someone you most likely would have fought against if you really were a soldier.

(naturally, john doesn't have to be as truthful as he is. whatever answer, true or otherwise, has value, and chrollo doesn't mind listening to either one.

chrollo had decided to hide in plain sight, taking advantage of knowledge and giving mostly true statements, modifying them to fit who he had been playing. who knows, perhaps that's the same for john if he too is playing actor.)

[ So it's not blatant honesty, it can be manipulated. He feels... better? He appreciates that he's not fully taking advantage of Chrollo. He thinks the part about the unknown continent is true, and even if it isn't that doesn't really change much. It was more small talk than anything. ]

If I fought you with a gun would I win?

[ He's assuming from the way that was phrased that there would be a fight, but he knows many people here have special powers. Things that empower them beyond a simple gun fight. ]

(listen. without giving too much, too soon, nor explaining what nen can do and what nen is, his hand sets atop john's shoulder.

it can say a myriad of things, all he will let john fill the gap - 'don't fight me, it ends badly' all the way to 'i feel for the fact a gun is what you can offer to it', it remains open for interpretation.)

Not even if you tried hard if that is all you have.

[ A chilling thought, but not an unexpected one. He's known since his arrival that he's outclasses by many people here given that he has no "supernatural" abilities. Clearly Chrollo falls into that category. John wants to know if he can be killed with a gun, but that might be too pointed of a question. Too close to John's current plan of getting a long range weapon and trying to take Chrollo out that way. Not that he has any immediate plans to do so, but he's making a mental list of how he'd kill everyone he's met. Just in case. ]

If I ask will you explain what it is you can do?

Not entirely.

(perhaps the hexagon of nen can be explained as he had before in etraya, or some general idea - but not the book. the book is too intrinsic of him, even though to a smart nen user, they might easily understand that it is not all powerful.)

I can tell you that I do not intend to sit back and be told to fight for the right to exist. If I were to lash out, would you try to stop me?

[ Would he stop Chrollo? Doubtful. Unless he was planning on hurting John's allies, which he would like to say number simply one (Harold, of course) but he thinks of Hikaru and Cassandra, two kids he said he would protect. Then there's Heather, whom Harold is fond of. Krouse, who can probably take of himself, who lied to John but clearly not maliciously.

For all the effort the CIA put into killing the soft parts in him, they never truly made much progress. John can make hard choices when he has to, but he's always just wanted to protect people. Do the right thing. ]

It depends on who would be caught in the crossfire.

[ He's not going to explicitly say he doesn't care what happens to Aurora, but she's not included in that list. ]

And if I were to ask for your support?

(since it all is being spoken in hypotheticals, rather than hard questions with evidence to go with it. he doesn't intend to harm the few people he finds to be good company - some who overlap in that list, but he won't suffer if he happens to do it.)

[ Another question that's easy for him to answer. ]

It would depend on the nature of your request. I'm inclined not to risk my position for the sake of the world I'm from, but it's not a hard no.

[ Certainly he'd hear Chrollo out. And then give a simple yes or no. He's doubtful he'd participate in any open rebellion without Harold's blessing and that's not in Harold's nature. ]

November Mingle

tea!!

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ah headcanon time

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