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

I don't know.

[help, things are bad when James Sunderland is the one telling you this-]

...Not work? Try to relax? I can't imagine your job is ever one where you can take a vacation.

Try to relax? We're supposedly here to decide the fate of our worlds. That doesn't exactly lend itself to relaxation.

[ It's stressful!! ]

It's fine. I don't need sleep either.

Yeah, it looks like it.

[Wry. Not all that judgemental, really, and this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black, but... Ivan looks really Tired. Comparable to James himself.]

I'm not saying that being here isn't stressful. But something powerful's brought us all to this place; that's not going to be undone in a day.

[It's like being at the mercy of a greater entity all over again; at least it isn't the town this time. And James is better at giving advice than following it himself.]

Don't overdo it, that's all I mean.

[ That jab earns James a flat look, but also he's not wrong. He heaves a sigh, expression softening. ]

I know that. A little asking around isn't going to hurt.

[He arches a brow in turn. Listen, he can't really criticize, but do as he says, not as he does.]

No, asking around won't hurt. If you find out anything interesting, let me know.

[ ... ]

So as a grim reaper, does the cold actually bother you, anyway? [not an unintentional D*sney reference]

[ Let it go, James. Let it go.

Anyway, Ivan gives a shrug. ]

Not really. Like I said, I run cold to begin with. The elements don't really bother me.

[maybe James would feel better about himself if he embraced a villain arc too (no)]

So that's a "no" if I asked if you wanted to tag along to go coat shopping with me? [Pathetically, the tea makes him add:] Maria made fun of my jacket.

[ Oh James. That startles an amused snort out of Ivan, a small noise that escapes before he can even think to stop it. ]

You poor thing. I don't mind tagging along. [ And since the tea is making us add things: ] Hanging out with the living is kind of new and novel for me.

[Ivan's amused little sound makes James realize... what he said. And how it sounded pretty miserable, actually. But that's fine.]

This jacket and I have been through a lot together. But I guess I can kind of see her point, so... [Aaaaa. Shrugs.] It'll be better to get a second opinion for whatever else I pick out. I'm taking advantage of your sense of newfound novelty, hope you don't mind.

[He's joking, but it would be nice to have some company so he's not just wandering around the shops awkwardly.]

Go right ahead.

[ Having company is kind of nice? Go figure. ]

Besides, if we're going to be stuck here, it would kind of make sense to have more than one set of clothes.

[It can be, when you're used to being alone. James just quirks his lips slightly.]

Yeah. You might as well find yourself something, too. At least pretend to dress warmer so these bots won't harass you anymore.

Guess that'd save me some headaches.

[ This is now officially a shopping outing. ]

And I get to pick what color everything is.

[It certainly is! James huffs and adjusts his trajectory. Time to head towards some of the shops!]

You mean black? [lol]

What else?

[ He's self-aware if nothing else. ]

[Okay, goth boy.]

Uh-huh. Is that really the standard issue color of a reaper?

[Or. Is that a hilariously apt personal choice.]

Death doesn’t make us wear uniforms if that’s what you’re asking.

[ So, yes, it sure is a personal choice. Ivan likes it, though, even if he also has to acknowledge that it’s kind of ironic. ]

So then your taste in fashion happens to align with your work.

[Like, that's kind of funny? And not that James is particularly critical of it, either way — let's be real, Ivan probably has more drip than him, since it's such a low bar to clear.]

[ Are we talking drip of the fashion variety or drip because you're SAD AND WET— ]

I guess so. Most people expect the cowl, though.

[Fashion, because James Sunderland remains undefeated in wetness.]

I'm starting to think you buck the trend when it comes to most grim reaper stereotypes.

[Anyway, we will say the shops are actually not too departed from where they started — at a distance, they're visible now as they continue to walk.]

Is that supposed to be a compliment or-?

[ He honestly doesn't know if not being a stereotypical grim reaper is a good thing or not at this point. Less scary, maybe. ]

[He shrugs a little.]

Sure. You're not as scary. More personable. Death isn't...

[A beat.]

It isn't something most people welcome. I don't think you need me to tell you that.

I know.

[ Boy does he. That's the whole reason he's here, really. ]

That's why I try to be personable. It helps... sometimes.

[Trying to be personable to help someone who's just died, to make the shock easier — he assumes. Ivan's a nice guy for a grim reaper.]

I can only guess, but I'm sure the people who fall under the category of "sometimes" do appreciate it. It's thoughtful of you.

I've been at this a long time.

[ He heaves a sigh, breath visible in the chill. A normal person might be more grateful for all the cozy knitwear in this weather. ]

I'm just trying to do my best for the people who need me.

[Trying to do your best...]

Yeah, I know that feeling. The way you frame it, though, you almost make it sound like a noble job.

[And maybe it is. What does James know? He only knows that, for a mortal man like him, death is something that'll greet him someday, too. Just not yet. It can't be soon.]

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