etrayalogs | APRIL MINGLE

APRIL MINGLE

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⏴

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[With a wark, Shadow successfully slams the bird into a tree and it starts to descend. Eyes are still watching the approaching hedgehog though. As they get into strike range, the chocobo flaps it's wings, positioning itself in a way that it manages to get it's claws onto his spear, effectively stopping Shadow's attempt to skewer it. There's a hiss as it burns the chocobo's feet, but it keeps it's grip, squawking several times as magical glyphs appear behind Shadow once more.

More flaming balls of fire appear and start to chase after them as they fall. This red chocobo, clearly has no concern for it's well-being to be in range of it's own attack. Or perhaps it is immune to them.]

Nothing about the process is voluntary. Nothing but the choice to follow rules and protocol.

[His rules. His protocols. He could say the greater challenge is convincing the court these people can be rehabilitated. But he doesn't care. So he doesn't.]

Edited 2025-04-28 03:34 (UTC)

[He glares at the other, taking a moment to let their words sink in. Breath. His eyes stop glowing as they close. The sparks coming off him eventually slow to a stop as he remembers to breath. The hand still clenched against the wall, moves away, still shaking. Bits of the wall falling onto the floor once the hand wasn't there.

It wasn't his intent to get so angry, but everytime the discussions veers to the other one, it just makes his blood boil. When he opens his eyes again, he's back to having a resting bitch face.]

You have no reason to stay. [He's not the one they know.]

Independence can be a strength, is that not so?

[ The criteria by which they are selected is unclear. None Dion have spoken to seem to know why they are chosen to be the representatives of their worlds, so he surmises it's a mystery to all. Perhaps, as Joshua had suggested, their differences are one reason.

It would, at least, explain the presence of both himself and Barnabas. ]

Given the length of your stay, it mustn't be seen as a demerit.

It seems they could.

[ Dion agrees, watching the more colorful chocobo dash after that rolling treat. He didn't know what to expect of Etraya, but it wasn't a gaggle of chocobos everywhere he wandered. ]

Though that may be troublesome, depending on their temperament.

[ Full-grown dragons are much more of a threat than chocobos, after all. ]

[ that is a decision, shadow guesses that it's immune, because why else would it place itself in this range? utilizing his air shoes, shadow's quick to touch ground first, the palm of his left hand holding up his body. his should responds from the gesture, blood spills on the ground, but shadow ignores the pain.

the fire from the bottom of his shoes subside, and he sweeps his legs around in a full circle once. it doesn't seem to do anything initially, but he follows up with two more, one sweep after the other growing stronger and wider quick in pace as he spins on the ground almost like he's break dancing, and his movements create a strong gust of wind in the shape of a small tornado that spins in the direction of the incoming fireballs to send them away.

a ring of blood stains the area, but he knows to push himself back with his arms to avoid the chocobo attacking him while in that stance.

skidding back, he groans in annoyance as he knows that he'll have to work harder here. maybe if he leads it towards water he can limit how much it can do. ]

[ There's not much a change in his expression, but Bruce isn't quite satisfied with her response. Keeping it safe left vulnerable to be stolen or misused and honestly he couldn't have that. ]

That isn't what I asked. Give it back to me.

[ He holds a hand out to take the box back. ]

Etraya is a strange place and strange things happen do happen often here.

[ imagine being the adult and you're just a hog, that's how it feels to watch accelerator run around chasing after this thing for a scarf. ]

...

[ shadow remains quiet, the look on his face gives off that he doesn't care what it is, but if he hasn't learned by now then accelerator really has kept his distance from these things. ]

Chocobo.

[ whatever that means, but he will offer some insight on what he's learned. ]

Usually hungry. This one's different.

[ could it believe that the scarf is it's favorite food? or reminiscent of it? who knows, but at least the bird doesn't seem to be acting out to rip it or anything. ]

And how is your success rate on that?

[Now there's a shift from academics and science into more hidden shared interests. Many times, Kirk doesn't allow his targets to even make it to due process. They're too far gone and corrupt and in some cases, would know how to manipulate the system]

[ The question gets a half-smile. ]

It depends on who you ask.

[ Vax's father didn't think so. ]

Unfortunately, we can't ask the one who brought us here. About anything. I think that's the biggest problem. It's hard to trust everything we've been told.

[ Hard for Vax to trust, anyway. Dion is kind to suggest Vax's rebellious behavior might be a strength. ]

Or the length of my stay could be a punishment. [ A shrug. ] Some here attack our mission objectives with complete conviction. If I were smarter, maybe I could fake it, but I've never been good at playing a part.

[ The last comment makes Dion's lips twitch. He doesn't quite smile, but he believes he understands. Subterfuge had never been his forte either, and he doesn't imagine that is liable to change.

Either he said his piece or he didn't, but that was all. ]

I have never been one for deceit either.

[ Playing a role ill suited him. It seems they are alike in that. ]

So there is no way to learn more about [ he lifts an arm, gesturing at their surroundings ] any of this?

[For Jason, the last mission was exhausting and had come with some surprising arrivals. He needs a little space away from the usual Gotham-related places to clear his head. A barcade isn't Jason's first choice but it's something different at least. Plus, it's unlikely one of those new arrivals would come here.

Despite his rough exterior, Jason isn't as heavy of a drinker as some people might assume him to be. Being a vigilante means he can't afford to be blotto most of the time. At the same time, the work has sent him to plenty of drinking holes for intel gathering. He can appreciate when a place is nicer than a typical Gotham dive and isn't a front for something more devious]

Got any recommendations?

Edited 2025-04-28 04:44 (UTC)

[The chocobo removes itself from the hedgehog as they land. The bottom of their feet still hissing from touching that chaos spear, but it just warks on as if unfazed by what it endured. It takes a step back as Shadow whips up a small tornado, forcing the meteors to fly off course. The few that fly in the chocobo's direction, rather than dodge them, it starts to headbutt and kick them back into Shadow's direction. Surely one of them will land.

If one of them does, the red chocobo is ready to come lunging in to strike with it's claws.]

[At least Bruce isn't the only one hating the so-called toy]

There's enough remote places to safely detonate it.

[Yup. Jason doesn't want to take his chances and is assuming the worst case scenarios]

[Jason arches an eyebrow. He hasn't known Mayuko for very long but he's surprised by what she's set up]

Getting into the carnie trade now?

I'm okay, Mister. Don't worry.

[ A small smile that's only... somewhat reassuring. She was shaken, but she won't admit that out loud even if it was only for a brief moment. She's not hurt. At least she's learned a little lesson to try to be more cautious while she's out in the woods. She's been lucky so far that her little adventure has been peaceful. Although she can fight, she really doesn't want to bring any harm to the poor birds. ]

Cho- cobo. Chocobo. [ Fio sounds out slowly. She can't help stifling a giggle, already having forgotten the shock from earlier. The name sounds kind of silly, but cute. Peering ahead, she observes the more colorful bird. Its feathers are beautiful. ] That's what those birdies are called, huh. Um... I don't want them to feel scared. Is there any way to get close to them? [ Safely... ]

No.

[ He hasn't seen anyone matching that description. ]

Who is she?

Arrival (Hospital Lobby)
Silver was in the lobby of the hospital, looking over the food and drink tables with a slight frown. There didn’t appear to be any fruit or juice anywhere so he contented himself with getting some herbal tea and a croissant.

He cut a striking figure despite his diminutive height; with pale silvery fur and narrow bunches of quills fanning up from his head in a distinct silhouette. The golden cuffs on both his gloves and boots had glowing cyan lines. The height of the tables were more for human sized figures, but that didn’t stop him any. If there was something he couldn’t reach, he simply stretched out a hand and used his powers to float whatever he needed to him.

He had a lot to think about. His conversation with Aurora only brought up more questions. It was a relief knowing he wasn’t on Aphaia anymore. The lack of crowds and cameras in his face recording his every move was bliss. As was the fact he didn’t need to worry about his rating to survive.

So far since he had woken up in the hospital, he hadn’t seen anyone familiar yet. One of the many companion bots staffing the place tended to the nasty gash on his upper arm and it now had a clean bandage. Any other injuries were minor and weren’t an issue. It had been nice to get a chance to wash up and get a breather after the constant stress of that other world. The dried blood on his fur had gotten crusty so it was a relief to get that off.

So now what? Wait until another mission? He supposed exploring the place and getting a lay of the land should be a top priority to see what (or where) he was dealing with. But first, he was going to finish his tea and then get a move on.

Birds of a Feather/Gift Hunt (exploring)
Silver had been excited to find a functional map of Etraya on the earpiece HUD. It would make exploring a heck of a lot easier rather than going blind. By the looks of it, the region was pretty large with a fair amount of islands and waterways.

He took to the air as soon as he exited the hospital; surrounding his body with the shimmering cyan aura of his psychokinesis to lift him up into the air and fly. It would be quicker than walking. He took note of the locations of the apartments and the library among other things, before moving on. He was flying at a low enough altitude that it would be simple enough to get his attention from the ground. He didn’t want to miss any details of his surroundings, or miss a chance to spot anyone he might know.

Silver stuck close to the northern tip of what was noted on the map as ‘Alexandrea’s Wake’. It appeared that waterways north of it bordered three other islands and the young psychic spent some time zipping over the waters and marveling at the beauty of the place. It was lush and beautiful and appeared to have wildlife. There were groups of large blue birds with long legs swimming and playing in the waters by the shore. He was happy to hover up above and observe for a little bit, before flying south to head further inland on Alexandrea’s Wake.

Interestingly, he spotted something shiny on the roof of a building as he flew past. Going lower to investigate, he realized it was a wrapped gift with a shiny bow. He carefully lifted it using his powers and brought it to his waiting hands, looking down at the tag on the box with a curious frown as he hovered above the roof.

“For me?” Silver looked around before looking down at the box, gaze growing a little suspicious. No one had ever given him a gift before. And no one really knew him here to think of giving him one. At least his name wasn’t on the box. That would have been even creepier. Should he bother even opening it or try using the network to ask others who had been summoned here if they had misplaced a gift.

Wild Card!
Got an idea to play with Silver and it’s not among the prompts? Want Silver to find one of the gifts that’s meant for your character?

Feel free to PM me your idea if you want a custom starter or just go ham and write one up! <3 OOC intro is here with a link to Silver’s info! You can also hit me up there if you wish. :)

[ Absolutely fair, all things considered. He glances at the box then back to Jason. ]

It will only explode in confetti.

...I could take one, if it comes to it. [He seen and read enough stuff on what dragons can do. And he has learned that he's really hard to kill. A dragon shouldn't be a problem for him.

His ear perk up as the chocobos still hovering around the two of them nearly give him a start. They've started to nuzzle his head, cooing appreciatively. His ears fall forward from the sudden attention. They're not doing anything terrible, this doesn't feel terrible, he just...doesn't know what to do about this. Like a pet that hadn't been properly socialized and being exposed to others all of the sudden.]

What makes you so sure?

[It's one of the problems about the Joker. He's unpredictable. It really could be just a toy, confetti, a bomb, Joker venom, or so many other items]

[ Is he going to be open and honest about how he knows? ]

I've seen it before.

[ Sort of. ]

He's made these kinds of things before, even down to the same purple.

[Jason doesn't mean to argue but he still on high alert]

[Mayuko shrugs, with a toss of her orange-streaked hair.]

What a thing to say! I'm not out here cheating anyone out of something they want to keep. I'm performing a service, offering a swap for any duds found out there!

[Magolor, if you're out there somewhere, Mayuko's trying to make you proud. She lifts her hands palm-upwards, framing the staging-area on the table.]

Who wouldn't want the best of three options? And two of them you didn't even have to collect yourself!

Indeed there is.

[ Dion lays his halberd down against the grass. It should be fine enough there for the time being, and he doesn't want to intimidate the little girl more than he already had without intention.

He then shrugs off the satchel he'd been carrying, settling it between them before he opens it up. Within are an assortment of what look like steepled cabbages. ]

These are their favorite food, and they are much friendlier for having a treat first.

[ Even groups such as the one nearby would be won over. ]

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APRIL MINGLE

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Rocky's Barcade

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Receiving Take 2

Gift Gacha

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Silver the Hedgehog | Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW/games)

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