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

Do you think you ever will?

[ experience happiness.

the rest of what vincent says leaves him with an intense sense of longing making knots in his gut. stability was once something he did not have to concern himself with. an angel is immortal and unchanging. so, too, was god. everything as it is and always will be, or so he thought.

and now, nothing.

his gaze remains fixed on his cup. does dean desire stability? he considers his longing for home, and thinks: yes. he does. is that something castiel can give? ]

I don't know.

If there is one positive to being alive, it means I might.

[ Funny how he puts it like that, however. But it is true.

He lives in a city where he doesn't need to worry about money; he can create whatever persona that he wants; he can live without ever telling anyone what he witnessed; make friends; find love; however temporary that it all is, he could live a life of a simpering fool who only desires to get along with people around him.

Vincent lived that life and didn't find any happiness. He ran rat race after rat race without feeling a hint of happiness. People around him were happy; people around him might tell him they were happy knowing him, but he wasn't happy knowing them. They didn't know who he was; they didn't like who he actually was.

And he likes who he is! His rotten, terrible personality is something he likes about himself. He accepts that he is a selfish, self-centered person but what of it? Acceptance and liking oneself never brought him happiness, either, but at least he has that over everyone else who claims to want to change because of how unhappy they are.

So. There. ]

What's there to doubt?

[ he studies vincent. it seems a surprisingly optimistic point of view for a man like him, although it's grounded deep enough in reality to have merit regardless of one's perspective. he can't really conceptualize for himself what vincent's life would have been like before he gave all his money away and moved from the city. castiel has only ever been utterly honest, both in word and deed. he does only what he must and what he wants. he says what he thinks, often to his own detriment.

there's just no pretending with him. no shroud. no mask.

so there's no possible way he could put himself in vincent's shoes. to imagine a life where he's only ever pretending to be something he's not.

he can't even imagine what it's like to be happy. but he can imagine what it's like to be sure. and to feel confident about one's place in the world, even if that isn't how he feels anymore.

if he could give that to dean... castiel shakes his head. never mind. it's either try or don't try. ]

You're right.

Glad you see reason, Castiel.

[ As much as he dislikes him, Vincent appreciates being told that he is right.

He claps his hands together. ]

You may be new to the idea of -- [ Gesturing with his hands, he tries to find the right word. ] -- consoling and manipulating someone into putting you first, but I see in you the ability to do so. [ Because something has to fill the emptiness that is most likely apart of him. ]

And I wish you both all the happiness in the world.

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. ]

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?

[ he wonders what that benefit is. but he doesn't ask — he feels compelled to answer the question vincent has given him. he might even if it weren't for the tea. this feels like a comparatively safer topic. ]

Vessels are established through bloodline. Finding a host that could contain me wasn't easy.

[ castiel cups both hands around his tea. ]

Through bloodline.

[ Vincent mulls over that answer and immediately frowns. ]

It seems there's an item that I have to request from those companion bots. [ But since it's an item that is bought with points he earned; it doesn't feel like he's in debt for using them. Good. Good. ]

Thank you... I was hoping it was easier than that...

An item? [ what is it? ] Do you want to be a vessel?

[ castiel places a hand over his own chest. ]

Jimmy also prayed for this.

Absolutely not. My bloodline isn't that great and I'm a normal person.

[ He shakes his head at the idea someone would wish for it, but he supposes that isn't that deranged an idea. ]

This has nothing to do with you, I'll start there, Castiel. [ Since he feels like he needs to tell him what he's acquiring; it's like the desire to be right is overriding his desire to keep things to himself. (Which sadly isn't that different from how Vincent usually is when he gets going.) ] It's a means to force the divine out of a person's body and keep someone safe from all supernatural entities' powers.

Jimmy was also a normal person,

[ he feels the need to point out. but he doesn't interject again until vincent has finished speaking. if anything, he only seems more interested in the conversation, his hands folded as he leans forward on his splayed elbows. ]

Are they already possessed? Trapping the afflicted in a circle of holy fire could suppress the angel for long enough for the host to force them out. [ he doesn't feel any particular way about sharing this information. there's no host in his body to oust him any longer, so it's not a technique that would work to subdue him. of course, he could still be trapped in a ring of holy fire, but the tea causes him to not particularly care about this detail. ] I could give you a way to prevent demonic possession and ward a person from angelic attention, but angelic possession is entirely consent-based. At least, in my world.

Ugh.

[ He certainly doesn't feel like he'd want to have the divine in him. ]

I wouldn't want the divine in me unless it was to deal with someone getting in the way of God's plans, and even then, I can't say it'd be something desired.

[ That opens it's own can of worms. But Vincent is a person full of contradictions.

He's willing to sacrifice his universe to stop God if God has descended to Earth. That's because the God Claudia invoked is one who knows only suffering, hatred, and anger; such a God would make Paradise and Hell the same.

He's willing to be a vessel to carry through with God's plan which would be to stop the madness that Claudia from succeeding. Because God will one day descend on earth - purging everything. But that is on Her terms, not anyone else's.

While mankind came before God, they are to be Her worshipers, and to ignore doctrine to force God's hand is nothing short of sacrilege and blasphemy! ]

They are not already possessed. [ Unless something HAPPENED while he wasn't watching Heather. ] I guess it wouldn't hurt to have something else, too. [ He clicks his tongue. ] Divine possession is not consent-based in mine. That is why so many troubles have been happening - if it were, ah, whatever.

It isn't without its hardships. [ jimmy had asked for it. jimmy had also hated it. he hadn't wanted to continue; he had wanted to go home to his family. but he had had to. demons nearly killed them all just to possess a shed vessel. ] Jimmy wanted to be done with it after a year, but he refused to let me take his daughter in his stead.

[ but he listens carefully to what vincent is saying, storing away this information for the future in case it comes in handy. it doesn't entirely surprise him. it always felt like a curious quirk of their nature, though maybe not for the reason vincent might assume.

castiel shrugs with one shoulder. ]

... It doesn't make much of a difference, to be honest. There's nothing to say an angel can't simply... torture you indiscriminately until you say yes, and that's exactly what they've tried to do to Sam and Dean. I was lucky to have leverage and the ability to hide them. But once we're found...

[ that's it. they're done. god abandoned them and they have no plan. ]

I can't imagine it would be a walk in the park. [ Vincent lifts his head as he muses over the adage he used and adds: ] Meaning, it'd be silly to think that it would be without hardships.

I find it interesting that this isn't well-known in your universe. It is something generally known in mine. The process of calling the divine puts strain on the body. [ He holds his hand out like that should be obvious. ] I suppose that is one way to force consent.

[ Interesting that Dean and Sam both seemingly have the means to house divine. His head tips up as he feels that anxiety eating at his stomach, again. Does he have to get something for Dean, too, just to be safe? ] ... once they're found, they're found. There's no way to ward them further, hm? Which means in our current case, he's here.

[ Holding his hands out. ] Listen. I'll find a means to acquire another of the items I'm getting for Dean, too. It's a one-time use but whatever. [ A beat. ] And in return, you'll give me some protection for my own walking vessel, right?

It was known when I last walked the Earth. Things have... changed.

[ the way castiel says this, it comes as a shock to him as well. back home, every time he mentioned angels and demons and the great war, dean talked over him. his only reward for his honesty was odd looks and dean's ridiculous explanations that were, apparently, more believable to the average human being than the reality. he didn't understand it at all.

but before he met dean, he hadn't understood why people lied, either. he simply thought it a... quirk of human psychology. but then dean told him: people lie to get what they want. it reminds him of what vincent was saying about manipulating dean so that he might become important to him. it's essentially the same thing, isn't it? ]

I'd be willing to make an exchange. Actually, anti-possession symbols are relatively well known in hunter circles, [ that is to say, it's not information that would come by a high price. ] they're only effective on demons, but it's something I could give you... "up front".

Funny, isn't it? People just decide to twist the doctrine to whatever they feel.

[ On the word twist, Vincent makes a strangling gesture with his hands. Lifting his hands, he soon waves them dismissively. As irritating as irritating is, that is just how people are. Dahlia did it; Claudia did it. Everyone warps the words to better suit what they want instead of how it is supposed to be. ]

Hunter circles? [ A name of a cult? No? ] I appreciate it all the same. [ A beat and decides to add: ] As I said what I have works against everything and everyone, but only used once.

[ He gestures around with his index finger. ] It renders any spell useless and drives out any possession, but if another comes along just as powerful, Dean might be in trouble... so tell him to be careful with who he chooses to use it on, hm?

[ It's quite powerful but rare. Also, as nice as it would be to stockpile these, it isn't guaranteed that he'd have enough points every month to acquire one. Furthermore, if more than one of these is needed for their (what's the word? perfect vessel buddies? charges?) people then they're in more trouble than ever. ]

Yes. [ castiel seems regretful when he says it, both of the actions of the humans who've done it, and to the way the doctrine has been lost to them. of course, very little of the scripture is entirely accurate, but watching humanity lose touch with its faith is... it's something he feels about. he watches the twist of vincent's hands and imagines a broken neck. he wonders if it isn't for the best, but then it clearly isn't since it means there's no practical way for humanity to organize and fight back against the forces of heaven and hell. ]

Hunters are humans who hunt dangerous supernatural creatures. [ demons, of course, included.

castiel sits up a little straighter. some of the boredom and resignation that always seems to shadow him seems to slough off. it can drive out any possession. his heart is beating just a little faster now, fingers curling against the tabletop. ]

What happens if the same creature would try to possess him after being cast out?

... why?

[ Humans hunting supernatural creatures? Seems a little deranged. ]

Unfortunately, it doesn't stop the same creature from trying to possess them twice. However, the positive is that the entity is greatly - shall we say - deterred from trying it immediately right away.

[ Placing his hands on the table, he interlaces his fingers. Yet again he feels the desire of being right over keeping information to himself. ]

In terms of possession, the entity is forced out but it isn't just removed. It gives them their own physical body as they wished... but incomplete and not as powerful as it could be. Not to say that it won't be powerful, but different than being in the vessel they chose.

[ He sits straighter. ] You can then kill it. [ A beat. ] Granted, death is -- [ He wiggles his fingers. ] -- for the divine. However, I'd say that's enough to be a deterrent to keep them from trying it again any time soon.

[ His mouth twists into a nasty smile. ] Being forced out of a body, forcibly given a ruined meat sack to exist in, then dying at the hands of the one that they were trying to possess ... I'd say that would turn off any entity from trying the same thing twice.

Edited 2024-12-15 01:15 (UTC)

That's... [ he doesn't answer vincent's question. it completely passes him by. his mind is racing. his eyes dart back and forth, tracing through middle distance.

it would be stupid to get ahead of himself. it's entirely possible this information can't be transferred from one universe to another. that whatever he could potentially learn from vincent might not be applicable to his situation. but there's a chance, isn't there? there's always a chance. this could change everything. michael would never anticipate it. neither would lucifer. imagine, if they could strike both down in one blow? if they could force them to strike each other down, but on a smaller scale? if they could spare the earth? spare sam? spare dean—

his gaze snaps to back to vincent.

castiel is doing an absolutely piss poor job of hiding his interest. that would be the intelligent thing to do. never let someone know when they have something you want. they'll always sell it for an up-charge if you do.

but castiel can't even gauge his emotions, let alone temper them. his desperation is plain on his face, but he doesn't see it. he leans in, arms braced against the table, eyes a little wide. his stare could bore holes through steel. ]

I understand.

[ there's a pause, and suddenly — castiel has disappeared. wingbeats echo in the air. but he's returned before more than half a second has passed. he's holding a notepad in one hand in a pen in the other. he draws on the notepad, his sure lines forming a sigil. a pentagram inside a circle of flame. ]

This is an anti-possession symbol. It has to be worn on the body in some way, though a tattoo would be the most effective form of protection.

[ The desperation on his face is obvious.

This allows Vincent the time to think. While he has been viewing this as a one-for-one exchange, he realizes that it might not be. Castiel's item is common while his is not. His also has wider range and much more terrifying resuls to divine entities.

Should he be happy that the Order attempted this enough that its well-known to him what aglaophotis can do? Probably not. But there has been memos regarding it further than that -- he doesn't have a chance to chase down those leads, but at least, he knows what he's saying is accurate.

So, how to use this?

At the moment, it's an exchange. One item for one item. But could he ask for more? Third quarter profit prospected to be higher than expected, but taking risky gambles might lead to an unprecedented loss. He puts terms like that -- yes, he should ask for more, but not too much more.

Castiel is an angel with both massive amount of knowledge and naiveity when it comes to people. However, he doesn't know who Castiel knows beyond Dean. Someone else might find his involvement and requests of the angel to be suspect; it'd cause a bad reputation. At the moment, he thinks that his reputation is a normal man with religious beliefs.

Being a bad person will ensure that people stay away from him (good), but he won't be able to use anyone for his own gain (bad). So, he has to acquire the monkier of "bad person who does good things," because he knows his personality is rotten and doesn't mesh well with many others. Furthermore, it'll ensure that people don't needlessly bother him, but also that if it's for the betterment of others, he'll help out.

Castiel vanishes after saying he understands and Vincent has enough time to think: "Did he just leave?!"

But the notepad is produced. He hums as he looks over what is drawn. Ah, that's quite useful. ]

I'm not planning on tattooing her. But acquiring something like that for her to wear might be good. [ Yes, yes, that'll work. ] Thank you. I'll do what I can to acquire you your item as soon as I can. Since I don't really know how these points work... I can't guarantee a turnaround time, but as soon as I have enough, it's yours and Dean's.

[ A thoughtful hum. ] While our relationship didn't start out well, I feel like the two of us have become friends in this endeavor... I hope it's all right to view things that way, Castiel. [ And he holds his hand out to give a small hand shake. ]

A charm would be efficacious.

[ something small that one might keep on their person, like cast metal or perhaps a slip of painted fabric. there are many possible ways to go about it. if permanence isn't an option, then something easy to miss, something an assailant wouldn't have easy access to. the pronoun snags his attention for about half a second before he lets it go — it's proof that this isn't about warding vincent himself from harm (though it's not as though castiel would care if he made use of his information that way) but it's none of his business. let him do what he wants with the information he gives him.

he needs the ability that vincent's item would impart. the most important thing now is to make sure vincent is able to procure it, and that by the time he does, that he still wants to make the exchange.

castiel takes a breath. ]

... Yes. Friends.

[ vincent extends his hand to shake.

castiel takes it. then he presses his other hand over vincent's, clasping his offered hand in both of his own. they're dry and a little cool, especially at the fingertips. a bit like a corpse. he holds on several seconds too long. tips his head forward and adds, earnestly, ]

Thank you.

[ before finally letting go. ]

I'll keep that in mind.

[ He scratches the side of his face as he looks over the drawing once more. Unlike the Seal of Metatron, this seems like the real deal. An angel wouldn't give something faulty. There is that creeping feeling up the back of his neck that maybe he's being played - but the desperation that he saw on Castiel's face is real.

Vincent doesn't think that his partner is someone who would try to pull one over on him, but he decides to add one more piece of information to ensure the deal is balanced in his head -- ]

You mentioned something about holy fire. That's something that can bind the divine where you come from, yes? [ Might not be terrible to get this information.

Furthermore, other wheels are turning -- interest, dividends, etc. Everything comes together to ensure there is more profit than loss. ]

Yes.

[ as he speaks, he becomes more subdued; some of the intensity leeching out of his manner and features as he settles back into his seat. there's a comfort in explaining these things that he knows with such certainty, especially since he hasn't caught onto the fact that he's been played — not by vincent, but by etraya itself. ]

Pour a circle of holy oil on the ground and set it aflame with the divine inside, and they'll be trapped. It will burn for much longer than a normal fire, but not forever, and they can still use their powers even when they're within it. You have to take caution when using it.

Holy oil.

[ That doesn't sound like that's easy to acquire. A pity.

However, his wheels continue to turn on what he should do next. The scale feels unbalanced but it's only due to cost and demand. Something tenuous and difficult to manage without completely manipulating the stock. He has those means, but the buyer might end up remorseful and trouble might come later. ]

I see. That's fascinating... I don't think I've encountered anything like that before.

It's rare.

[ if vincent wanted to exchange some, he would have to use 'points' to do it. though— ]

My source is in Jerusalem.

November Mingle

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