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⏴

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[ The lack of reaction is curious, but Dion would rather that than alarm anyone. He merely hopes to prevent any altercations with the little contingent of chocobos.

His halberd swings away promptly to be settled on the grass, having served its purpose. ]

The one with colorful plumage leads the rest.

[ He supplies this, though observation will tell her the same. The brown chocobos range around their leader, but do not stray too far from its orbit. ]

[ John makes a quick calculation in his head. He thinks Carver will turn him down, but he wants to offer. People listened to him when he fell apart, helped him though difficult things. It's worth asking. He's learned a hard lesson that some things need to get aired out; he's trying not to be alone so much. ]

Do you want to talk about it?

Now, all that's left to do is to find him.

[ that red troublemaker of a bird. as she understands it, he's quite the protective type—but also dangerous, and even nearby there's residual debris from burnt foliage around them as a result of its reckless attacks. and if anybody understands the consequences of careless use of fire, it would be blaze.

by now, they've managed to fence in a large field using supplies from around the city. it's quite generous of aurora to allow them to utilize whatever they please here, but for now, blaze's focus is entirely on the red bird. she spares a glance to the hedgehog beside her. ]

Once we do, I will nullify its attacks, but I believe it will be up to you to help us bring it to our destination.

You read my mind.

[ how astute of him, and she can hardly complain—though she does have some doubts about how the sweetness of cherry might blend with the warm chai spices. of the list, it seems the least like a risk to order, so she'll ask: ]

Please order two, if you will. I'd like to try the same.

[ or maybe it's less asking, more telling, but that's what she's used to regardless. ]

[ oh, she misspoke, but she doesn't mind that he's quick to catch the difference—attentive, and certainly committed to his decision. trusting that it will be taken care of in his hands, she offers the box back without so much as a glance to it. ]

But not this, specifically.

[ she's able to glean that much from his words, pursuing them to their natural conclusion. ]

May I know of what else has occurred since your arrival, if it isn't too much trouble?

[ blaze observes the clearing, and the birds as well, stanced up cautiously in case one of them decides that she is a threat. still, she'll hold her hand out to them. ]

I don't want to fight you.

[ they're smart birds. she's learned that much, so maybe they will understand her words. for now, understanding that they aren't intending to make the first move, her gaze lands on the place where more of them have gathered, taking steady steps closer and calling out towards the trees as she approaches: ]

We don't have to be enemies, Shadow.

I asked him where his friends were, and this is where he led me.

[ she isn't necessarily saying that their friendship is a fact, but that's exactly what happened, and here she is. the bird alone should be proof of her words. but... what a smart creature. she'll gently pat the beast on its side for a job well done.

she still sighs though, a little troubled. ]

I thought that i would take it back to its family and part ways. I didn't anticipate it would be so fond of you.

[ he shouldn't even be hungry anymore? ]

No. It's hungry.

[ that's all he has to say about that as the bird is staring at him intently in the same way that shadow saw it before. this thing? follows him around because it wants to eat, and since he is... like a giant, black and red spiky morsel to it is why it'll trot over in an attempt to bite. shadow shifts to the side, dodging the bird, and it almost skids off the roof if not for using those claws to stay within bounds. ]

I left it to you.

[ even blaze can't calm this thing down?

again, shadow disappears in an instance.

where did he go! ]

[ Does it make him a coward if he says no too quickly, too loudly? Carver digs his fingers into the box, wanting desperately to open it again and take the photograph. To tuck it into his pocket and lay it over his heart. He’s lit candles for the dead. He’s written their names into walls, cut them into trees. He honors them the ways he knows how.

And now there’s a photograph. He could make a proper altar now, couldn’t he?

He clears his throat, deliberately not looking at John. ]

You want a drink?

[ This is a cruel thing to offer, which is precisely why he does it. ]

[Accelerator waits patiently for him to calm down. Since he isn't snapping back immediately he's guessing he doesn't need to step in or anything, so he remains quiet where he is. He doesn't relax, not even when this Shadow-a-like seems to chill out.]

Well, it'd be really irresponsible of me if I just left and you ended up destroying the fucking hospital.

Yeah, it's like it's mimicking someone going shopping.

[It's a little unsettling, when you think about it.

He sighs. Maybe the library would have books on chocobos, but he doesn't want to leave this thing alone.]

What do they eat? Maybe it'll give the damn thing up if there's food right in front of it.

[ as the stranger and the bird converse, or if he tends to its needs, the hedgehog no longer shows any interest to his surroundings. he parts ways, moving to another tree that hasn't been damaged by his blows, and leans against it with his arms crossed to mind his own business. in the background of it all, he can hear the low clicks of the chocobo and the stranger's words, ears twitching, and all the while he does nothing.

they all share the same company, but shadow is separate from them, he doesn't take part in the intwined lives of the bird and man. even with the photograph taken, it's simply a picture of the black hedgehog facing away from the viewer, and what seems to be another just like him only that he's blue in color, and seems to be enthusiastic while looking at the viewer. two different personalities all in one, but with as much as the hedgehog seems to try and stay out of the way, it must have been a rare occasion.

the background illustrates a wide building with flags held up, and a small pond off to the side that's somewhat blocked by the blue hedgehog in the photo.

in truth, the bird only returned because of the other person here, a soothing and calming presence as it had heard his words before. as for the other creature here, the picture was familiar and of course it would be the one that attacked it before. now whether this bird holds a grudge doesn't seem likely with the way it returned, but it does slowly squat down against the ground, beak brushing up against its hurt wing as though its given up enough energy to make it back here to such a dangerous place.

shadow hasn't left yet, still around only because it's a location that's owned by one person. at most, listening to the sound of nature without being bothered is the best he can get here in this place. ]

Hi mods, sorry for another question! We were wondering if Spicy can fly? Actually, can any of them fly (if trained)? Just for reference for how herding and containing him should go 😊

[ He's not entirely sure why Carver asks, given their previous encounter. Is it a selfish request? Is he making a dig at John?

It's easy to say "yes". Just one with a buddy. He'd done that after he came back after Joss' death, just one with the team. Just one. ]

Not doing that these days. But I'll keep you company.

[ He can still feel the slipperiness of that slope. He could probably do it, just one. But his recent experience is still too fresh and he's trying. One day, probably, but not yet. Just like he'll probably fall off the boat again, but there's no reason to put himself in that precarious position right now. ]

Everyone? [they scoff.] How many could that be?

The building's full of not-people, outside's full of chickens...What people?

[must not've met the giant cow-thing. he's around, it'll happen.]

There's much better things to do with my energy than fight birds; avoiding them is easier.

You saw that other place, right? [their eyes narrow a bit, trying to parse whether or not they even glimpsed Shadow in Aphasia.] With the scores, the numbers. Those spyglasses, right? [the cameras.] Might be stuff like it around here, you think? Messing with stuff like that seems way more useful than wrestling animals.

[ could have been an esper in its past life, be nice.

shadow stands there, looking at accelerator then to the bird before figuring he can just leave. the other is now going as far as to want to feed the thing, so he can be the keeper this time.

...

and shadow turns away, walking towards the entrance of the building to leave.

the chocobo is still within the shopping plaza, accelerator can hear it as the creature knocks over a stand... stares at it, then continues on. it's the first one its bumped into so it is mindful of its surroundings! ]

I see, thanks for the info.

[Crane studies the stranger with a calm and curious stare. There are implications for this man who is asking about recidivism when one might assume his career has no connections to it.]

I would like to claim perfection but rehabilitation is a persistant challenge.

[And he can read into that whatever he likes]

Are you not classified as part of "people" unless you're an idiot.

[ why they in here then... there's people that come inside!! ]

Making others aware of your problems will have a bleeding heart that says you don't understand the ones outside.

[ and what will that lead to? them letting the birds inside, but the robots could also become those bleeding hearts. ]

Do not make trouble for me.

Do not be a fool, I am not suggesting that you fight them to pass time.

[ but if they're in the way of where the other needs to go, slaughtering them along the way seems easier. perhaps this is common sense to shadow. then again, he's the violent person that people should avoid. ]

Even if so, are you able to extract data from them?

[ now this is where those skills come to the test. ]

[ Carver makes a brittle noise. It isn’t laughter. Just something giving way in his chest and suddenly he’s moving. Going to the lone bottle of vodka he keeps hidden away among the rest of the supplies. He doesn’t allow himself to drink himself to sleep, no matter how bad the dreams get. But this is different, isn’t it?

It feels different.

He gets the bottle out and takes a long swig, rocking on his heels. The box tucked safely, reverently, to his chest.

Then, just as abruptly, he pivots on his heel and throws the bottle into the wall just to hear it shatter. ]

[Knife has to fight the urge to roll their eyes. Bucko, I'd imagine the fact I breathe air near you is designated trouble for you, but okay. Sure. Whatever. What a fucking pedant! Sure I'm part of people, but there sure ain't a fuckin' LOT of them, are there!! Fuck!

Pending just has to stand there and feign stupidity. sigh.]

Right. You are more important. Of course.

[ John isn't here to judge when Carver drinks straight from the bottle. He hadn't been any better not that long ago. He understands. He also doesn't even twitch when the bottle shatters. He still doesn't say anything, he doesn't think Carver is looking for him to do anything. Or maybe he is, and John isn't going to take the bait. John doesn't think there's comforting words that will help Carver through whatever is happening right now, he just has to wait for the other man to get to a point where he can hear anything. ]

[ Grief is a hateful fucking thing, Carver thinks. He hardly realizes he’s pacing before he’s in motion, glass crunching under his boots because he cannot hold still. He will, he’s certain, die if he has to hold still. And of course he’s got a witness, John watching silently as he paces in tighter and tighter circles like a crazy person.

Crazy’s bad news. Everyone knows that.

He stops abruptly. Not looking at John. ]

My sister had a kid.

[ This is snapped out, almost like a blow. ]

And I guess he was kinda my kid, too. One of those things.

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APRIL MINGLE

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