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

[limiterrings]

Hmph.

[ look at him chasing after the bird like he's it's keeper, even going as far as to find it another scarf that matches what the chocobo already has. the creature looks at the scarf, tilting its head, and then the beady eyes of it looks down at a table where accelerator can set it, but where he chooses it is even better.

a clothing rack. that way the bird can walk over, drape the scarf over the handle to take a look at the two.

watching, shadow doesn't interrupt, but it is something knowing how less inclined the other was in the last location, but going through so much effort to appease a bird.

the scarf must mean something to him. ]

...

[ the bird squawks, taking both the scarfs now to hold in its beak before hopping happily at accelerator, and moving to another section to peruse more clothing. ]

[limiterrings]

[ is this the sort of games they're playing now, not even time to reflect, the bird aims at him. it's a smart move, but not smart enough. he's quick to summon a chaos spear into his hand, the light blindingly green as it slices through one meteor, his air shoes activating to help him skate against the ground in a quick motion to dodge the incoming fiery lumps.

when they hit the ground, it leaves various craters in its wake, and fire starts to pick up on the ground. not a problem, he can handle this. once the red chocobo is close enough, shadow disappears momentarily to avoid the chance of it rushing into him again, and appears right above the creature to swipe the heel of his shoe downward against the top of its head. ]

Pathetic.

[ he uses the bird as a spring, jumping off of it to land right behind the creature. ]

[limiterrings]

[ and who do you find on top of the building's roof, shadow the hedgehog who happens to be overseeing what he can. when he turns, catching both blaze and that blue beast, the hedgehog raises a brow. ]

What do you want?

gifting: receiving take 2

[limiterrings]

[ the hedgehog doesn't expect anything in return, rather, his gaze doesn't remain on the older gentleman, instead it looks left then right as if searching for someone. blonde hair, blue eyes, a warm smile and fair hands brushing down a sky blue skirt of her dress. this is what he searches for, but no matter, there's no one here that fits the description. ]

...

[ she's not here.

it's becoming more and more apparent that the young girl probably didn't make it, and isn't he the one to blame for it? his eyes fall back onto the box as he considers that none of these presents he's opened has anything that belongs to her.

so he inquires. ]

Young girl. Blonde hair, blue eyes.

[ yes or no. ]

[levindicated]

Neglecting- Is there some sort of problem?

[Cid asks with brows raised. He does go out to the stables at least once a day, knowing full well that Barnabas will feed and water him even if he does not.]

[There was more to the care of this creature, of course. But what does Cid know about breaking in or desensitizing horses?]

I can’t ride my colt out to the shops, nor can he swim.

[thelightshines]

[The brown chocobos continue to wark at their stranger, flapping their wings in an intimidation display. Otherwise, they aren't attacking Scott. Shadow is...well he's still not happy when someone finds him, but seeing that it's Scott. They're harmless as far as he's aware. He steps forward from the chocobos, still keeping distance between himself and Scott.]

What are you talking about? [Deliver what? He didn't order or expect anything.]

[odinpusrex]

Were you more attentive you would need not ask that question.

[Which doesn't answer it in the slightest. However, Barnabas keeps his eyes on the chocobo once more as they are mostly content to ride the water than fight against it, peacefully puffing up their feathers as one of them preens a wing.]

[levindicated]

And here I thought I was being courteous and giving you your space, your quiet time alone with the beasts.

[He’s either bullshitting him or there’s a problem. But he sort of doubted it in this case. Were it anything else, he would not simply sit content and allow it all to get worse.]

Is this an invitation?

[godsandbats]

[Kirk nods. He's familiar with those types of people. They usually become his targets for meals]

No empathy with an interest in chaos.

Gift Hunt

[cantilevers]

[Well, well, look who was also was collecting and distributing packages. He had no idea what holiday was being referenced, but he had no issue showing up, sharing and drink and exchanging gifts. Perhaps they could give each other gifts for people they knew or maybe it would be a right party with many people showing up to chat and have a drink or two.

Either way, it sounded like Vander's kind of fun. So, he of course showed up with his satchel of gifts that he had collected around town, and he had even stopped by to grab himself and Cid a burger. He assumed the guy was looking to keep a table reserved and was probably nursing a drink or two.

He swaggered in to Harry's with satchel secured cross-body and bag in hand of burger and wandered over to Cid's table to move a chair with a foot and plunk himself down.]

Not sure what extras you wanted on a burger, so I asked for one of everything that you can add whatever suits your fancy. [He turned and raised his hand to order himself a beer.] You had many take you up on your offer for gift exchange yet?

[thelightshines]

[One could easily assume they really are a thief and just used to running from the authorities. But the look on Knife's face when he saw those robots, seem like there was more to it. He stands there and watches them flee the scene, leaving behind all their hard/not so hard earned effort to procure supplies.

Then came another shout down the hall from them. He sighs, shaking his head, as he leaves the bots all gathered around their damaged companion. There's a snap, a flash of light and a short breeze when suddenly, Shadow is standing behind Knife, off to the side. He blinks, staring at the large yellow birds awaiting outside the hospital. Never seen one as big as those, but he's staring to Knife who made quite a reaction over it.] Don't like birds either?

Scott Summers | XMCU

[laserguy]

a boy and a bird;
[Scott really had no interest in this bird taming thing. Seemed like a pain and he prefers actual vehicles, thanks. Motorcycles, sports cars, those kind of things, obviously. Cool stuff. So really, he just planned on sitting on this grassy hill with the same grumpy ass expression he's been wearing since he got to Etraya. Why? Lots of reasons. The normal teen angst, just compounded because of being kidnapped to another planet and being a mutant.

But apparently one particular green chocobo didn't get the hint.

As if sensing the young teen's distress, it has waddled up to Scott before bending down to nudge the boy's back with its beak. Good intentions, but...]

W-what the hell?! [Obviously startled by the sudden presence of the chocobo, Scott tries to scoot himself away-- although the bird only squawks before rubbing its entire head against his cheek.

What's going on... hopefully he's not about to be eaten.]

giftbox;
[Yeah, he managed to grab hold of a box. And it's not like he's excited, okay, but he is curious what might be inside. No one ever fully outgrows the anticipation of opening a present, even if you're the grown up age of sixteen years old. Right. Nonetheless, Scott pulls open the cover--

Only for his face to fall immediately flat as he takes out a pair of some cheap sunglasses. Really now.]

Wow, hilarious. [He's tempted to just throw it over his shoulder-- in fact, he'll do just that without looking back. Sorry if it hits someone.]

wildcard;
[Plot with me via PM or currykirby.]

[godsandbats]

Kirk bends down to look at some of the boxes.

"To say the least," Kirk agrees dryly. He had been mostly holed up in the Tower of Justice and only coming out at night for supply runs. The sudden appearance of the gift boxes has gotten him curious enough to step into the sunlight today.

[thelightshines]

[Ahhh, don't give him the greens. Stop! He doesn't want them! He groans as the leader bird comes in to nibble at the greens before he could shove it back to Dion. He will punch any other greens that come his way. He swears on it. Besides, the rest of it's herd still needs to be fed and he only has one set of arms to do this-]

No? [Wait, hold on. Dragons do exist in made up stories in his world, yes, but otherwise...Dion gets a curious glance from him.] Are they real in your world?

[aimsforknees]

[ John has to stop replying to check the map. He didn't even remember a subway from before. It didn't matter to him then. Suddenly he realizes exactly what subway this must be. This is what Shaw meant by him not recognizing where Carver is staying. Something hurts in his chest and he's not sure he's ready to see the subway again.

He can do this. ]

Thanks. Be there in thirty.

[ It's a quick jog over to the subway. When he gets there, sees the builds he walked through so many times, their little hidden entranceway, it hurts even more. For a moment he's not sure he can do this. There's not going to be the Machine, he doesn't think Harold, Root, and Shaw are waiting for him in there. Their second home, the place of their final crusade. A place he will never go back to, a place he will never get back.

He almost considers asking Carver to come outside, but decides he has to face this eventually and walks up to the vending machine. It's almost a reflex to open it up, but he catches himself— this is Carver's home. He pulls up the network again. ]

I'm outside the vending machine.

IV, what's two enemies feeding some birds?

[odinpusrex]

[It has been a couple weeks since their encounter on Aphaia, at least by Barnabas' measure. He was not sure if he would see the young prince again, what with his absence when the group returned initially. Yet here he is. That familiar pulse of Bahamut's aether signaling his arrival. Naturally Barnabas does not seek him out, why would he? There is nothing for them to see eye to eye on, and even if they bear allegiance here through their world association, that does not mean they are now friends.

Not that Barnabas would name much of anyone a friend.

However, their paths crossing is inevitable, even if Barnabas tends to stick to Stonhyrr most the time. With these chocobos about, he has more reason to venture forth, and it is in one of his little expeditions to tame a group of brown chocobos and their colorful leader that they find themselves meeting once more. At least this time it is not on the field of battle...

Barnabas is mid offering one of the curious females some gysahl greens when he feels Dion's presence, his head turning to look at him. His sharp eyes locking onto Dion's own as he says nothing. Almost as if to challenge Dion to break the quiet himself, though neither of them need to—not when the colorful male chocobo lets out a loud WARK!

A warning, perhaps, as it watches Dion with suspicion. Clearly it has learned the black haired human is fine, but he's not so sure about this new guy! Pay the toll, blondy. The gysahl toll.]

[thelightshines]

[The red chocobo missed it's chance to thrust it's beak into the hedgehog. It only now taste dirt as the kick lands onto it's head. Just as Shadow lands behind it, it starts to kick up dirt in his direction. Attempting to blind him. With a defiant wark, it spins around to try and land a kick on the hedgehog. Or at least swipe it's sharp claws into him.]

lumine ✦ genshin impact

[ascendingstar]

✦ birds of a feather

Having just been to Natlan, Lumine isn't caught off guard when she sees these strange, large birds around the city after exiting the hospital. She can already tell these are different than the saurians she's seen - she has no feeling that she can indwell into any of them. She's thankful for that, because she's not sure how any of her abilities will work around here.

She approaches a yellow one, hands out to ask that it remains calm. Her steps are slow, steady but sure; as she gets close it lowers its head to her so she can put her hand into the bright feathers. She lets out a relieved sigh, then laughs as it ndecides to nuzzle into her, trying to see if she has any greens on her.

"Does anyone know what these creatures are?" She asks to no one in particular, just asking aloud. She's pretty sure she's already fallen in love.

✦ gift hunt - gift belongs to mal durrish, but open to people trying to find theirs

It's not like Lumine hasn't climbed a tree before to get a wayward sunsettia or apple, or to even get to a higher ledge of a roof to obtain the last oculus in a region. But to get a random present in a tree? That was a first. The green chocobo that had given her a boost was thanked with a green she had seen them grazing at, and she hopped down to look at the box in her hands.

"To you, from kiss?" She sounds confused, but she's even more confused when she opens it. It's not anything that she's ever had before, even on Teyvat, and that makes her brows wrinkle up. An idle scratch at her head, and she looks up to see who might the gift belong to.

"Um, excuse me," She says to the nearest person. "Is this yours?"

✦ wildcard

[ plot with me! if you'd like to find lumine anywhere, please feel free. i'm on plurk at earthkingdom if you wanna talk about things! will match prose or brackets. ]

[cantilevers]

[Well, even if no one was home, Vander was fine to wait until someone happened to return. This was the address that he had been given and matched both description and area where he had seen Sevika wander off to. Maybe he was at the wrong door, but that notion was tossed aside when the door was suddenly ripped open and Sevika stood looking her usual affronted self when it came to him.

He made a point and stepping up so he could not lean on the doorframe, casually sliding a foot into the threshold to prevent the door from being easily closed again. Bingo, he had found the right place.]

Is that a way to greet such an old friend? [He smirked, all charms and casual confidence as he crossed his arms over his chest.] I'm here to visit that adorable poro; at least its happy to see me. [It absolutely wasn't.

He gestured at his cross-body satchel resting against his hip that had a fair share of wrapped gifts.]

Oh and I happened to find a little box with your name on it and kissy hearts. You gonna invite me in, or are we doing this in the courtyard?

an zhe | little mushroom

[hyphanated]

birds of a feather

[An Zhe is no stranger to strange creatures, and the fact these green birds seem more prone to evade than attack gives him enough confidence that he feels he can walk through the woods without worry. His entirely unthreatening aura eventually gets the birds to come back as well, and soon enough...a pair of them have flown him up into the treetops and are trying to feed greens to the skinny humanoid? Seems he's been adopted.]

Um, thank you? You're very kind. [Casting awkward glimpses downwards...how is he supposed to leave.....]

gift hunt

[An Zhe's adventure with the chocobos netted him an unexpected gift box or five! Sitting back in town with one of the green chocobos hanging out beside him, he opens the boxes to find a variety of fun items such as a bag of assorted candy, a single potato, a pack of color pencils, and a uh. Hm. This looks like it probably belongs to someone?

He looks around in hopes that someone nearby might be able to answer his question, and manages to catch your eye.

And then just holds up the item in front of him, peeking over it like it's a shield.]

wildcard

[If someone would like to find a cool military jacket way too large for An Zhe, it's first come first served! Also feel free to think up an alternate prompt if you want, I'll roll with pretty much anything.]

[oblige]

[ Truthfully, it hadn't occurred to Dion that the wyvern tail that just so happens to be there is for him. Perhaps it should, amidst so many stray items that have appeared in the oddest of places and hold meaning to one individual or another. He'd already made a point of finding who certain items were intended for.

The presence of the flower had been so surprising that he hadn't considered it. Neither had he paused to consider the prospect of something being for him, focused as he was on looking for someone who may not have made it here from Aphaia. ]

...Very well.

[ It takes him the span of a short delay to remind himself to move. It's only then that he notices an empty, crumpled box has settled on the grass a distance from Shadow's position, doubtless a casualty of when the tree was struck. Another of these strange gifts then, he decides.

His strides are stiff and brisk, if only because Dion is well aware his presence is only tolerated here. It's not an unfamiliar feeling, but typically, he is far and away the most potent force in the vicinity. This is not something he will assume with this other Shadow.

Once he reaches the place where the flower sits, he gently retrieves it as though it's some rare and fragile treasure. He doesn't think about this, treating it with such care as he does. A gift he had once declined to receive, deeming himself unworthy...yet it has found him, worlds away. ]

Thank you.

[ He says the words softly, his tone bordering on solemnity. ]

[definecat]

"They're everywhere. Someone really did the Santa thing, but way too early. Most of the stuff I've seen isn't all that wonderful. So I don't feel bad for tossing them while box-hunting."

Sleeper has priorities. Not always the ones people might want, but oh, the fun.

[fortitudosalutis]

Come in. Code's the same

[ There's nothing immediately fatal on the stairs now. A courtesy, just like the one that John's showing him now by announcing himself instead of just coming down. Carver's waiting for him downstairs, arms crossed. Dressed all in black, as is his way. ]

A gift? [ he asks doubtfully. ]

[levelshift]

[Accelerator gives a slight nod. It's entirely possible Aurora is just as much in the dark as the rest of them, he's more than willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.]

Right. Not everyone's gonna agree with you about all of that, but you're right. She's got our best interests in mind, even when people are assholes about it.

[He lets out an irritated click of his tongue.]

Anyways, those are the two big things. We aren't expected to do much around here when there isn't a mission going on, we aren't expected to have jobs and unlike her sister, Aurora doesn't have any kind of strict societal structure set up that we need to adhere to.

[limiterrings]

[ aggressive. shadow wonders what made it act in such a manner compared to the other ones, but the hedgehog has wounded some and threatened others. or maybe one got so mad that it changed colors? either way, he might be the reason that it's acting up so badly.

he curls into a ball, allowing for the kick to hit, pushing him back with a golden light in an opposite direction. with the amount of force behind every move, he takes advantage by using the creature's strength against it to make distance. quickly, shadow revs up into a tree seeing, disappearing into the foliage.

can it fly? if it can fly, but the embers have started to pick up, creeping along the ground and into the bark of trees. either way, the hedgehog waits for the creature to come close enough so when it does, he can throw a chaos spear in direction of it. if it lands, fine, if it doesn't, that's fine too. he can work with either outcome as long as he gets an idea of what he's against. ]