APRIL MINGLE

[etrayamods]

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: April 25th - Early May
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, spring activities, and feathered friends!
NOTES\WARNINGS:

⏵ arrival ⏴ Welcome to Etraya! Arrival goes as expected - characters awaken on hospital beds and are offered an explanation of their situation: that they have arrived in the city of Etraya, and they are their world's only hope. They are welcome to wander the hospital if they would like to - the upper floors are mostly empty, full of pristine hallways and numerous rooms filled with supplies, cots, and things one would expect from a relatively average 21st-century hospital. However, if they are arriving from Aphaia, it's a little different, though mostly through means and familiarity. They will still show up in the hospital of course, but how can vary. Either through Aurora offering a portal for escape, their own demise (however it might have happened), or even a simple blink of their eyes and they're in the hospital. They had been given the briefest explanation last time they were here, but at least Aurora can better answer their questions now. No time constraints nor rushing them off to a dying world, this time! In the hospital's lobby are several party tables set out with miscellaneous baked goods: croissants, cookies, breads, cake slices, as well as tea and coffee to accompany them - or hot chocolate, for those who are opposed to the other offerings. Outside the hospital, spring is sprung, it is warm and comfortable. Flowers have bloomed, and everything is in a sharp contrast to Aphaia—there is life within the bubble, and even the myriad wildlife seems to be basking in the glow of it all. Almost as if a celebration of that life itself. Bees are buzzing, birds are—warking? ⏵ Birds of a Feather ⏴ Etraya has always had its interesting assortment of critters, but there seems to be a particularly colorful array of birds wandering around. Those familiar would know they are named Chocobos, those less so familiar, well, these are some strange looking ostriches, or whatever large bipedal bird equivalent fits. While the birds all seem to be of the same species, there are certainly some variety in their features. Some with friendlier faces and others looking a bit more eagle-like. They are not particularly congregated in any one spot within Etraya, seeming to stick to groups, while others don't, yet even some are accompanied by newly hatched chicks. The observant might be quick to notice that their colors dictate some level of behavior, or even where their little groups mingle: Colors Behavior and habitat Yellow Can be found just about anywhere in Etraya, they don't necessarily stick to self-made groups, and typically are more likely to be friendly to people. However, if they are in the company of a newly hatched chick, they can become wary, though easily won over with some greens. Green These Chocobos are mostly found in grassy or woodsy areas, almost always in pairs, and sometimes found in the trees themselves. They are more wary than their yellow brethren, though if they see someone struggling or in danger, they are quick to offer assistance in what way they can. Doting like motherhens. Blue Most often found by bodies of water, these Chocobo seem content to keep to themselves. Three to a group, they are not so easy to approach without being noticed. Their skill and love of water is clear, however, and it's not unusual to find them flapping about or swimming. Though they may flee to the water if you spook them. Brown The most skiddish of the Chocobo, they can be found throughout Etraya, though further away from anything occupied by people. They stick to groups of four, though they have a clear leader who sports blue and green feathers, but seemingly is not of the other two types. Should they catch sight or sound of someone approaching they are like to run off, or they might attempt to defend themselves. Red There seems to be only one of these running around. Highly aggressive to anyone who dares to approach it. Best to avoid it. Very likely to hurl comet-like balls of fire your way. Untamable. The birds all favor these strange cabbage looking plants that can be found out and about in the wilds of Etraya. Some proving a little overeager in their voracity to eat the leafy greens. One should be careful, with those large beaks of theirs. ⏵ Gift Hunt ⏴ It isn't only the birds that have shown up out of nowhere. Small to medium sized boxes, wrapped as if they should be under a tree, and maybe not hidden in a tree, have also appeared. For whatever reason (possibly the same reason eggs were given out over winter) there seems to be gifts hidden all over Etraya! Some in more difficult to find locations (in trees, on top of a roof, on snake island), while others look as though whoever "hid" it gave up halfway through and simply dropped it on the ground and put a leaf over it. For those who need a little extra help, well, certainly your fellow Etrayans could lend a hand, however there are also perfectly capable birds about for those still left wanting. Certainly that blue chocobo could assist with crossing the river to obtain that perfectly balanced gift on a rock! Or what about that green chocobo roosting in a tree not too far from that gift stuck in the branches because it has entirely too many ribbons? With that said, there might also be some dangers in trying to take one of the myriad gifts from a chocobo's nest, especially if there's a chick presently sleeping next to it. Perhaps befriending them would be a good idea first, besides, isn't friendship with a big bird the truest gift of all? On the tag of each and every gift box says the same thing: To: You Love: 💋 Each gift has a random assortment within. Some contain candy, others contain alcohol, make-up...maybe even a pair of socks, very perfunctory gifts with very little thought or feeling put into them. However, there is at least one gift that is personally relevant to each character in Etraya. This item will be the equivalent of a 5 point AC reward, and does not have to be found by the person it is intended for. What better way to break the ice than to give someone their gift which you opened! ⏵ NOTES ⏴ Welcome to Etraya newcomers and happy spring to everyone! It appears that someone is trying to correct her previous mistake of handing out eggs during the winter holidays, and now there's a hunt for gifts accompanied by a bunch of lovely birds to help out! Some notes in regard to Chocobos: -Each color can be tamed except for the red one, he's a free spirit. Should someone wish to harm or attack this chocobo, let us mods know. There is only one of him, after all. -The others will just take various amounts of work to win over, however, but they are loving and cute companions for those who are willing to put in the effort! And who knows, maybe more colors could arise with time and patience... -Feel free to pull from all the designs of chocobos throughout the Final Fantasy series. If you fancy FFXII's, for example, there are some that look like that. Variety is the spice of life! Concerning the personal item, be sure to plot out and get permission when finding someone else's item. This is meant to encourage possible new CR and mingling, but the choice of the item should ultimately be within the hands of the player who is receiving it. If you are uncertain if your item is appropriate for the reward cost, feel free to ask here! 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]

Death has done wonders for our relationship.

[ Vincent decides to address the elephant in the room by violently stabbing it in the side. ]

[thelightshines]

[If she ever did reach the crater, she'll find no one at it's center. No sign of life anywhere. Shadow has long since moved on, too far now to even hear Fio calling for him. He has shut the world out, finding someplace to himself until he's forced to face it again with this cursed existence.]

[devota]

You haven't threatened to kill me thus far.

[She manages to sound rather blasé about it.

She'd let him get away with the threats twice. As far as she's concerned, she'd been plenty lenient.]

[devota]

[Claudia's head tips.

It's interesting to hear about these things, how much she doesn't know. Her Sight has always been reliable, but here it doesn't seem to provide her with knowledge she used to get easily.]

He's told me his ideas. He lost his hearing in Aphaia to get them across.

[Given how evenly she talks, it's hard to tell, but this is something Claudia actually admires.]

[devota]

That must have been strange.

[Though, she supposes, she'd been forced to act very fast in Aphaia, to keep from being killed.]

I had to learn quickly, given the circumstances in Aphaia.

What mission was your first?

[devota]

[Claudia nods.]

It's possible we won't. Especially given the task of... allowing worlds to die.

[She says the second half delicately, with clear dislike.]

...I'm Claudia. I believe I've neglected to introduce myself.

[banworthy]

I didn't threaten to kill you last time, either.

[ Semantics! ]

I am a little sad, however, that I didn't get to keep the knife you left in me.

[shoplifter]

[She nods.]

It feels like a long time.

But -- I like it here.

Sometimes... I think I'd like to be here forever. Even when it's bad.

[keepitgoing]

[Oh geez-]

Okayokayokay, I'm sorry! I'll behave!

[He holds up his gloved hands, making a surrendering gesture with both hands. One of those same hands is held out at Shadow, not at all worried about the yellow sparks threatened at him.]

I'm Spider-Man, by the way. Nice to meet you.

[fortitudosalutis]

[ He hums in agreement. Thing is, you can never predict when a scenario will go violently wrong. Usually, it just does. ]

Not looking forward to the next one. But so it goes.

[devota]

But you would have, given the opportunity.

[There's no judgement from her.]

Would you have kept it?

[abit_ofboth]

So not a finders keepers kind of situation then.

[He smirks slightly, but manages to keep his tone almost serious.]

So what you’re telling me here is that even though you are already wearing sunglasses, you randomly picked up a second pair from the ground as if picking up trash and then decided to carelessly throw them away and into my face. Because I was under the impression it was one of the gifts and it seems to me if you open it, it’s yours.

[He doesn’t actually know if that’s how any of this works, but it’s really been a long time since he’s been able to tease someone and Scott is making it rather easy.]

Excellent as I am also tired of holding onto it.

[He smiles, a real smile this time, and watches as Scott opens it. The object is not something Loki is familiar with, but it quickly becomes apparent that Scott is. It certainly looks to be of better quality than the sunglasses at least.]

May I ask what a walkman is?

[Loki almost hesitates to ask at first because the expression on Scott’s face is the first time he’s looked anything but angry. It must be a good first step, right?]

[devota]

I believe I’d also prefer to be here.

[Because here, she’s alive.]

It’s a strange situation.

[hyphanated]

[On one hand, irritation!

On the other hand...] ...What is a mall?

[manifesthope]

[Silver nodded with a thoughtful frown.]

Yeah, I might ask him about it. [He agreed finally.] Though this Shadow was the other one I'm not as familiar with. I thought it was the one I knew but...there was some differences in his appearance that tipped me off. Plus he didn't say anything to me. I don't even think he recognized me.

Thankfully most of the bystanders were okay. No one really got hurt. Well other than the alien on the bench and whoever was in the vehicle.

[He finished off the cookie, brushing his hands off.] I'll probably do some exploring and see if I can find the ones from my world that I had seen on Aphaia. [He didn't assume that Scott would want to come with him, but he wouldn't mind if he did.] I hope they made it out okay.

[manifesthope]

[With more soothing words to the chocobo's, Silver waited until the one let go of An Zhe's shirt before he slowly started lowering them both to ground level. He didn't do so very fast, so that it wouldn't be so jarring to the first time passenger.

Once their feet touched the ground, the cyan glow around the pair dissipated and Silver grinned. He let go of the boy's hands after giving them a squeeze.]

There we go! Back to earth. [He spread his hands in an almost 'ta daa' gesture.] Were you heading somewhere? I'm one of the new arrivals here, but I don't mind going with you. Just in case that red fire bird I heard about is lurking around.

[banworthy]

Are you insane? [ His eyes roll up before he corrects himself: ] No, I wouldn't have.

[ Because he doesn't have the power to do that, obviously. She can say if he had the opportunity, but he knows the difference between them. So, there never would be one! ]

And I might've.

[manifesthope]

Silver thought on that for a moment or two. "I've done it a handful of times so it's a bit trial and error, yeah." He admitted. "The first couple times definitely didn't work. The last time though had more of a positive effect. But I didn't get much chance to see how, before I ended up back in the past again."

He spread his hands. "Normally when I go back, there's a set objective to fix. So I have a good idea on what to do. But this last time I went back, nothing really seemed amiss. So it jarred me a bit. Then I ended up here." He huffed a sigh with a small shrug. "I don't have control over it to be honest. But I have noticed I tend to go whenever I am most needed."

So maybe coming here to this world was where he was needed.

[devota]

...If you insist.

[She doesn't believe him, not after him stating he wanted to see her die repeatedly. Though, she supposes, he might argue it doesn't count since he would try to get someone else to do it for him.]

A shame you didn't come here with it, then.

[banworthy]

[ Him trying to kill her and him trying to get others to kill her is a completely separate matter as far as he's concerned. Also, he's firm in his belief of his sanity. ]

I know. We call be very sad about it together.

[manifesthope]

Chocobos? [The water was nice enough (as well as the company), that Silver decided to just tug off his boots so he could let his feet dangle in the water. He did know how to swim, so chances were high that he'd probably end up doing that too at some point.] Yeah I've never seen any wildlife like a Chocobo on my world.

It's not just the blue ones that I've seen here either. There are different colored ones. So far, I've seen green and yellow ones.

What's your world like Henry? [Apparently Chocobos weren't on his world either, so Silver was curious.]

[devota]

[...Keep telling yourself that, Vincent.]

It is rather unfortunate.

[It's difficult to tell if she's being serious or not.]

[shadowsincryo]

[Another sip.] As I said, greater spirits are complicated. Seems like that sort of situation. There are rules here we can't see.

Or, [He holds up a finger.] We're not supposed to see them. But, as you said. Still stuck here.

[godsandbats]

"Landing here would fit that pattern," Kirk notes. "So this portal hopping is an ability you don't have much control over?"

His monotone suggests he's not judging Silver though. Only a question asked in curiosity.

[cactusy]

Nah, the dog does that.

[Karla the kestrel is cool and all, but nobody holds a candle to Bear, and she's loyal to him 'til the end.

Unlike Bear, Karla does not come when called - though she does tend to drop in on Shaw frequently, so she doesn't feel quite like she's digging for a nail in a haystack as she makes a slow 360-degree turn, shading her eyes with a hand as she hunts the treetops. And sure enough-- there.

She adjusts her sleeve to make sure that her leather jacket is fully covering her skin, then lets out a loud whistle, holding out an arm. Just a few seconds later, a jet-black kestrel is soaring towards them - directly towards them, in a way that might make Vander want to duck.]