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

Brandon Carver | The Walking Dead | ota

[fortitudosalutis]

Birds of a Feather

[ Of all the weirdness that this place likes to pull, getting surrounded by large, misshapen chicken-things is far from the worst that’s been inflicted lately. Even so, Carver has no desire to interact with the damn things. Maybe he’ll hunt one down and make it lunch later on, but he’s not in the mood right now.

Unfortunately, a group of green ones have decided to follow him on his morning run and shouting at the damn things has not deterred them at all.

He rounds a corner and skids to a stop, considering his options. ]

I will eat you fuckers, go away!

Gift Hunt — Closed to John

[ somewhere, somehow, there’s a box tucked away in a nest with a photograph inside. A battered little polaroid depicting a woman with reddish hair and a boy around six years old, both of them smiling at the camera. There’s nothing written on the back, no indication of who either of them are except for the recipient’s name on the gift tag: Brandon Carver.

He’s not in the photograph. But he took it, years and years ago. ]

Wildcard

[ Hit me up at mirrorfaded if you’re in the mood for something else. ]

[rudelanguage]

[the closer the bird gets, the wider a berth Knife walks at, completely leery of being at risk of sudden lunges or pecking. animals are unpredictable and they don't love that about them.]

That-- [do not look at me, creature.] Really sounds like...fey stuff.

[rudelanguage]

[and thank goodness for that! because Knife has no fucking idea how this part of town is laid out. or any part of town, frankly! it'll be all too easy to get cornered, turned around, or altogether fucked if they have to keep at it.

they can still hear the woman's heavy footfalls from a distance, the acoustics of a nigh-abandoned city doing real ruin on Knife's nerves.

pressing themself flat around a corner to catch their breath, begging those steps to go the other way (prayers not answered, as usual), they mutter a couple curses before dropping low and peeking around the corner.]

Fuck you!

[they throw the childlike voice back the other way, get up, and start hoofing it again.]

[rudelanguage]

A--FUCK!!

[Knife wasn't expecting that, so they fall heavily on their ass, pilfered goods scattering and clattering all over the floor.

sitting up with a groan.] What...the fuck...

[they blink blearily.

there's a giant dog-thing standing there.] Huh-?

[limiterrings]

[ he ponders if those chocobo were the cause of this, but the mess is too specific to be them. looking up through the cracks of the leaves, shadow catches a golden streak of light flash before his eyes, and the hedgehog is very familiar with the sight. it's enough to make his heart race because there's a chance she...

he watches him curl into a ball, proceeding to spin dash, but the form is too poor, and he'd even believe a homing attack would end before attacking a target. he manages to hit the trees, but the output of power paired with where he's going is certainly why he goes splashing into the lake nearby. too much force and not enough to distribute his speed between, truly a mockery, but the hedgehog knows why he's doing it.

what he's seen of shadow so far, they follow up in a way to mimic the gestures. he saw it at the last world within that escape room, and now he's doing it here. he's presented with new skills and tries to shape them into something he can use, it's... odd. is he really not familiar with these arsenal of attacks?

that information doesn't matter at the moment, what does is what he's waiting for. an innocent voice filled with worry and concern, one that would cry out to that shadow to make sure he's fine... much like she would him during his own tests, but the sound never comes.

shadow's tail slowly shifts down, as alert as it was before thinking that maria would be close to him at least, but there's nothing. all he's offered is the sound of trees collapsing in the area from the previous hits now, some chocobos running away in fear. there's maybe, one or two younger chocobos hit by some trees before, resulting in a broken wing, but it's not like the younger hedgehog knows this.

however, what the older hedgehog knows is that she isn't here either. even as he stands still, not even moving to leave, he's holding onto hope... that maybe she's making her way over to him soon. as much as she held onto him, craved that physical contact, but... no footsteps, no rustle of leaves, no... maria. ]

[thelightshines]

[Those ears are picking up a bunch of various objects clattering and banging onto the floor along with whomever he hit. What...? He steps around the knicknacks, getting a better look of who he actually hit. No one familiar. A thief perhaps, with everything they were apparently carrying?]

Hmph. [Not his concern, he turns around to try and leave them to clean up their own mess.]

[rudelanguage]

[weird-looking dog.

they lob a roll of gauze at its turned-away head.]

Rude little shit. [they assume that'll be the end of it, because dogs can't talk.]

Wildcard

[cantilevers]

[Vander had been told to be on the look out for Laura by Jinx, who seemed oddly intent on seeing the girl 'dad'ed apparently. He knew she lived with Accelerator and was friends with Jinx, and that was good enough for him. He did not go out of his way to look for her, but he was aware of her appearance to pick her out in a crowd.

He happened upon her after a trip to the store and had a bag under his arm when he spotted the drawing on the sidewalk. Initially, he was attracted to it because Powder had been the same with her chalk and oil-based crayons. He peered down at the drawing and identified all but one person immediately.]

You're very talented. Those are all your friends, I take it? Are you planning on adding a self portrait with them?

[restingstitchface]

[Crane locks his thought within his own mind. While it is fascinating to unravel the mind and see how it affects the subject, it is thrilling to watch that subject break apart. He considers it delightful how they lose themselves to nothingness until little remains but his control. And to know he brought them as low as that? It's a powerful feeling.]

Perhaps what we consider invisible is simply infinitesimal.

[thelightshines]

[There's been a gradual growing number of injured chocobos with these two around, be it intentionally or not. Sooner or later, it's going to grab the attention of a certain formidable beast. Silence starts to fall in the forest, the wildlife, chocobos included start to flee the area. An easy assumption that they're just getting away from these two hedgehogs.

As Shadow gets back on land, he shakes to get some of the water off him. His fur poofs slightly, hands reaching to fix his quills. There's no one here but nature itself to bother him. A moment to think. Is there a point to all of this...? Sure, he wanted to be able to stand up against the other with his face, but why does he bother? Not too long ago, he was ready to end it. Still thinking about it. Maybe it's the thought of dropping dead knowing they're still around that pisses him off enough to keep going. A scowl as he starts walking in a direction. Too out in the open here to rest, too irriated that stupid imposter keeps getting to him. How can they not though? After everything? That hate doesn't just go away. He knows that all too well.

Meanwhile, there's movement approaching the other hedgehog. Just one set of footsteps. What light coming through the trees reflecting plumages of red moving through the forest. Another stinking chocobo it seems, but this one seem to be alone and without a herd. It lets off a single wark, coming into view of the other hedgehog. This one felt different, how it doesn't flee like the rest and making eye contact with the other hedgehog.]

[thelightshines]

[His body turns slightly as he catches the gauze.] Don't open the door so fast. [He tosses it right back at them. Damn fault you're on the ground like this.]

[restingstitchface]

[The young man takes his seat and takes his first step. Crane cannot indulge himself with a smile but he can acknowledge progress.

He finishes aligning his book, satisfied with its flawless position, and collects his hands upon the table. Fingers slide together as he begins encouraging a polite and pleasant conversation.]

I would enjoy learning about your time here. If only to inform me about what I should expect

Birds of a feather

[thelightshines]

[...It's another guy in a costume. First guy did not leave an amazing impression, so Shadow is decidely not engaging with them. He's going to watch the scene while perched in a tree.

They say he has it under control, but it doesn't look like they do at all. He seem just as panicked as the bird itself to be honest. He crosses his arms, looking unimpressed. If he's supposed to be some superhero, they're doing a poor job at it. ]

Vander - Arcane

[cantilevers]

Birds of a Feather

[Those were big birds! That they came in different colours wasn't a surprise, and he had mostly observed them at first, marveling at them. Then he had spotted people trying to feed them and even tame them, and Vander was curious enough to inquire to the specific food types. Plants were varied and lush here, which was vastly different from his own home after all.

He stared at the green in his hand, turning it over. It didn't look like much, and he went so far as to sniff it as if some particular odor might be an attractant. Nope, smelled earthy and fresh?]

Okay and you just hold out your hand and offer it to them? They'll actually take it and maybe let you touch it?

[He sounded skeptical, glancing to the side at the unfortunate person who had been roped into this situation with him. Pets were luxury that most in Zaun couldn't have, yet it was important. They tended to be cats, dogs and rodents though.]

I've never tried to tame a bird before. Are we sure this is safe?

Gift Hunt
Giving

[Vander had made a point to pick up any gifts that he happened to find around town on his usual rounds. He had a cross-body sack by the time it became apparent that there were plenty of gifts that needed people to be found. It was like a scavenger hunt but for people, and he considered it an excellent way to strike up conversation with random strangers that might otherwise consider it odd.

Between collecting giftboxes, examining the name on it, he walked around town to people he didn't happen to yet know and held up a hand in greeting.]

You wouldn't happen to still be needing the location of your gift, would you? I've found some around town and might be able to assist.

Receiving

[He had been keeping his eye out for names that he recognized so that he could deliver them to the appropriate person. He had a vague thought that there was likely a gift for him, though the select items that would fit into a small box were few. He did long for little trinkets from home, of course, because who wouldn't? He was also uncomfortable with what it might be too.

So when he spotted someone who had more than one package in their grip, he approached them to inquire with a list of names of people who he considered important and he could direct them to the appropriate person.]

Say, friend, you know who those are to be delivered to? Oh. [He spotted a name amid some of the others.] That one seems to be for me. Are you going to make me work for it? [What was it? Who was it from? Was he about to make a scene in the streets?]

Rocky's Barcade

[Vander had delayed asking for a bar job, but now that Jinx had forced his hand, he was pleased that she did. It felt familiar and comforting to be behind a bar again, even if it wasn't his own. For months, he had been on the other side ordering and consuming drinks, not making them for customers. It was like slipping into a pair of well-worn, familiar boots again.

He was wiping the bar with a cloth to keep it clean and remove any spills or staining, smiling at every patron who entered the place. He made a point to lean his forearms on the bar and chat up people who came in to make inquiries of the place whether it was recommendation of a drink or about the arcade in the basement area.

He moved out from behind the bar to collect pitchers, glasses and plates to. Between wiping tables, he approached tables where people's drinks appeared to be on the low side.]

You folks need anything?

[levelshift]

[Only receiving a suspicious look in response has Accelerator baffled. Sure, from what he had seen of the hedgehog he was an asshole, yeah, but he isn't sure why he's getting this reaction.

He squints back, unsure of what to do, when something strange occurs to him.]

The fuck? The number of your spines is different.

[That's an utterly bizarre thing to clock, but Accelerator is observant when he wants to be. And the first thing that's coming to mind is what he verbalizes, feeling an uncertain tension run through his muscles.]

... Wait, is this a clone thing?

[twin_blade]

[ Dion is clearly more proper. Probably comes from nobility or something. Not that Vax doesn't, he just shuns his father's legacy and didn't live in that world for very long. ]

Appreciate it. Her name is Vex, if you see her. I'm sorry we had to meet under such shit circumstances. I'm sure you're eager to get back home, but you should prepare to settle in for awhile.

[levelshift]

[Once he's comfortable Accelerator slumps in his chair, throwing one arm over the back of it with a sigh.]

Aurora gave you the rundown already, right?

[So he has a better idea of where to start. He's pretty sure not everyone sticks around to listen to her.]

[rudelanguage]

[Knife's taken aback, but catches the roll, eyebrow quirked. wait-- not a dog?

...dogs probably don't wear shoes.

or talk.

who fuckin' knows.]

Don't stand in the way of a door. Everyone learns a lesson today.

[thelightshines]

[Oh, good of them to finally use their damn eyes. With a huff, he considers just continuing on into the room and ignoring them. That was until he made that clone remark and something just, snaps. Golden yellow sparks start to come off his body as he just, punches the nearest wall. Better he makes a damn hole in that then this idiot's head who doesn't know any better.]

I'm not them, I'm my own person! [Stop thinking he's them, stop comparing him to that imposter. Don't call him a damn copy of them! ] Now get out of here. [It is not a request, it is a demand.]

[thelightshines]

Fool. [He's more of a grumpy cat than a dog, honestly.] Why are you in such a hurry? Trying to sneak all this away? [He kicks a small potted plant aside. Are there even authorities here to report to? Be nice to give this guy a harder time if there were.]

Hungry Chocobos

[odinpusrex]

[It is odd to be greeted with the familiar birds after so long, Etraya otherwise proving itself barren of them. Granted, the more singularly colorful varieties are not ones he is particularly familiar with, though they do pique his interest, for the ones he knew were more of a sandy yellow color, while the wild ones were the brown and their blue-green leaders. The Waloeder chocobos had darker plumage than their Storm relatives, though decidedly they were still within that sandy-yellow color the domesticated bird is known for.

These bright yellow ones that are anywhere and everywhere, they almost look unnatural in some respect, and he has to wonder about what it might mean.

Though, such pondering is left to be just that as he takes notice of Ororo trying to feed some, properly armed with what looks to be gysahl greens. A key treat used in taming them, but their exuberance in the face of it could prove dangerous, particularly when it comes to wild chocobo.]

If you are not too careful, it may take more than just fingers.

[He speaks up as he approaches, his gait slow and measured as always. He looks as stoic and moody in expression as always, looking between Ororo and the birds as they try to peck at the offered leaf.]

Birds of a Feather

[futuremessiah]

[To be honest, Hope has wondered that herself. She's never seen anything so big, and it would surely feed a few people for a day or two.]

Has to taste better than rat. Easier to catch, too, since they just come up to anyone holding out those green things to them.

gift hunt

[ascarylady]

[ Fate must be cruel since one of those boxes that Vander finds? It has Sevika's name written on the label, surrounded by stupid little drawn-on hearts, and signed with a kiss, not unlike all the other labels. However, considering it's for Sevika, it's extra ridiculous. That woman would no doubt chuck a gift like that straight into the trash on principle alone.

This probably adds to the sheer amusement Vander might get from handing it over personally, provided he can find her. There are two places she can usually be found, of course. If he feels less inclined to piss her off, her evening hours at Harry's tend to be regular enough that his chances are good.

But then there's the other option.

Strangely enough, she hasn't been vanishing to wherever she and Silco had holed up; that remains a mystery, as she wasn't inclined to be followed back to the decrepit subway station. Instead, she's been seen coming and going from that fairly well-off-looking townhouse. It could even border on being called a mansion, although 8 Grandage Place is a far cry from the gilded finery of a Piltover one. Most of the windows remain dark in the evenings, a grand house not as grandly populated as it could be, and it sports a thick steel door that stands out as odd in its own right.

If not at Harry's or running errands, that's where Sevika will be, although for what reason remains a bit of a mystery. ]

octavia blake | the 100

[plangona]

➤ birds of a feather.

[ the mission in aphaia comes to an end and in an instant they are back in etraya's hospital. it was something which octavia kind of had some mixed feelings about but she knew that they couldn't overstay their welcome there given the circumstances of the world dying and all that.

she can be found making a brief stop in the lobby picking up some of the various baked goods from the party table into her bag to take on the go. not long after, she ventures out of the hospital and immediately heads on her way back to the dropship camp mostly because she lives there and also she was eager to check in on helios especially after how long they'd been gone on the mission. at some point, she spots a couple of ( insert color of your choice ) chocobo up ahead right along the path she was going. she has never seen or read about anything like them so it was a new sight. she can't help but watch from a distant while addressing whoever happens to be there with her] Those birds are new. You think they're friendly?

➤ gift hunt.

[ it feels like deja vu because the last time there were gifts packages scattered throughout etraya in this type of fashion for anyone to find, they were linked to secrets to match to a person. it was just over a year ago that happened but octavia is still a little wary.

a. there definitely isn't any shortage of gifts to be found so when octavia happens to pick one up, she can be see examining the box with the cryptic label. she doesn't really have much in terms of material items but she tears up the wrapping and opens it up in the of chance it would have something she would recognize, it doesn't really occur to her the box could just as contain generic items that are intended for anyone. if you happen to pass by, she doesn't hesitate to call out] Hey! Is this yours? Do you recognize any of this stuff?

b. alternatively maybe you have something she recognizes or she is just being nosey and wants to see what other people have ended up, either way she approaches without much preamble ] What did you get?

➤ wildcard.

[choose your own adventure! octavia can be found anywhere so if you're feeling something else other than the prompts, i am absolutely open to plotting out something else or want a closed starter, feel free to hit me up through pm or plurk! for the gifts, she is getting a copy of the iliad that belonged to her brother. let me know if you want her to have found yours or just roll with something generic!]

[ascarylady]

[ This time, the thrown voice doesn't fool her. There's no reason to waste time and breath to cuss her out when the kid's already got what they wanted. So if the sound came from that way, then...

Sevika cannot keep up with Knife. Maybe she doesn't need to. Unlike them, she's been here far longer, and she knows the buildings and the streets. Her footsteps recede, but only because she's taken a shortcut. Through a building, around a fence, a quick drop off a wall here or there, and she's left standing near breathless around a corner of her own, listening for footsteps.

Maybe they're still running. Maybe they've slowed down by now since they think they've lost her. Who knows. So she stands still, listening for the right kind of pitter-patter of short legs booking it. If Knife happens to pass that corner, they're in for a surprise when she lunges out to make a grab for them again. ]