November Mingle

[etrayamods]

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⏴

Comments

[banworthy]

[ 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. ]

[messenger]

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. ]

[banworthy]

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. ]

[messenger]

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.

[banworthy]

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.

[messenger]

It's rare.

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

My source is in Jerusalem.

[banworthy]

Well, that settles that, it seems.

[ Giving up on acquiring -- could he ask Castiel to acquire it for him? A holy item for a holy item? He has a common seal but that might be worthwhile. ]

I'll have to run some numbers, but I'll keep it in mind that it is rare.

[messenger]

Okay.

Is there anything else you want to know?

[ it might be an equal exchange in that case. how much would a jug of holy oil cost him? the bigger question is what he'll do if this information is spread, but... he doesn't think that it's an easy enough item to come by that it would pose him any true danger. ]

[banworthy]

Let me think.

[ His fingers tap on the table as he feels like he's losing out, but he does have some leverage. It's too much leverage and that leaves him feeling uneasy. How to level the scales?

Can he trust Castiel with knowing about Heather? He's said 'she' but he doesn't know her. However, it wouldn't be too difficult to figure out who he's talking about, hm.

Maria also comes from his world. He could use her as bait if it came down to it; it'd be repayment for her lying to him. A lie for a lie, if it ends up that way. Heather is far more important than anyone else, and her value is too much to barter or deposit anywhere.

He stalls with a question: ]

How does your vessel feel about being here in Etraya?

[messenger]

Jimmy is dead.

[ well, that's an easy question to answer. what that says about the body he's occupying, though...

even castiel isn't entirely sure. it isn't too common to inhabit a body with no soul. anna had a shell made for her by someone upstairs after her original was destroyed, but it was her own body — which made her also an outlier. she had fallen and impregnated a young women and been raised human.

castiel can't begin to imagine it. ]

[banworthy]

Dead? What do you mean dead?

[ Is that the result of his possession? ]

[messenger]

I was killed by Raphael while protecting Dean. When God resurrected me, Jimmy was gone. His soul is in Heaven.

[ so not a direct result, no, but one could say it was castiel's fault. ]

[banworthy]

I see.

[ Well, that is better but not by much. ]

You must care about Dean.

[ Reanalyzing the situation that he's in. He thinks it will be fine to let Heather know about Dean's existence; the two of them can commiserate and be sad about being vessels to higher powers together. His emotional support isn't much for those who aren't already deeply in the Order, anyway, so nothing he says will make her feel better.

Both Castiel and Vincent are invested in their charges just in different ways. Meaning there is an equal amount of leverage to be used. Dean's also human and could be killed easily (question mark). Pin in that thought if needed for later. ]

You've done and are doing so much for him... I'm quite sad to hear that you're not more important to him, Castiel. [ Because he can't use Dean in the same way. ]

[messenger]

I...

[ he trails off, and before he can complete the thought, vincent has already continued with his own. awkwardly, he looks down into his tea, turning the cup this way and that. nothing is more important to dean than his brother. no matter what kind of advice vincent tries to give him, that will always be true. it's not like he would really want to change it, anyway. (would he?) this is the way things are meant't to be. (aren't they?) ]

I'm his friend.

[ dean said so. ]

[banworthy]

'Course you are.

[ Okay.

Well, his feelings towards Heather are nothing like Castiel's but he has his investment in her remaining herself. That seems enough to ensure that neither one of them will mess with their charges, as it were. For now, anyway.

Again, pin in the whole idea that Dean can be killed (question mark). Death may have no meaning here, but that doesn't mean that to those that people care for, it doesn't hurt them. It leaves him with moral questions, of course, but that's its own can of worms.

In any case, humans are social creatures; they need others to exist. Seems the same is true for angels. ]

That's all that I was wondering.