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

[restingstitchface]

[Pallid? Sickly to the point of needing a bed? He sees worse inside Arkham - has caused worse on a daily basis - and finds it noteworthy but unworthy of immediate address.

Crane draws his hands across his stomach and clasps both together, comforting himself by providing a layer of distance. He angles his head, like the bird perched on this stranger's finger, or wherever else he is held, and shows no emotion or expression while studying whoever this is.

For personal reasons. But also because he craves stimulation.]

Springtime lethargy, perhaps?

[His voice is gentle and reserved.]

[godsandbats]

[The songbird proceeds to make himself comfortable on Kirk's shoulder. Evidently, it's become a well-practiced routine at this point.

Kirk replies in his own reserved voice, monotone and dry]

I suppose. Though I'm sure there are plenty who would feel otherwise.

[The bright-eyed bird included]

[restingstitchface]

[Trained behaviour. Tamed. Crane cannot miss noticing how this reserved man needs to control something in his environment. Did he lose control of his life at one point in time?]

Yourself included.

[It is not a question. He feels pretty certain this man isn't questioning himself about the issue at this moment in his life.]

[godsandbats]

[Kirk shrugs]

I have no attachments to it. Each season has its own pros and cons.

[For Kirk, the pros and cons would be what could be studied in their natural habitats during what times of the years]

[restingstitchface]

[Crane remains placid and still, revealing neither expression nor emotion as he quietly finishes the sentence.]

Each have an opportunity to learn.

[One might believe he shares his emotions through words. They would be wrong.]

[godsandbats]

[Kirk nods]

Ultimately, they're all equal. It's just a matter of a personal preferences.

[restingstitchface]

[One moment or two of silence. Crane then mirrors those words, the agreement this is a combination of factors, and pointedly asks his question.]

Then even a man like you possesses a liking for one season over another?

[godsandbats]

I don't. I just see their advantages and disadvantages.

[There's something... analytical about the stranger but so far, Kirk can't pin down what it is]

Why do you think spring is so nice?

[restingstitchface]

Spring offers meaning to those fortunate enough to survive winter. By giving life shape, nature reveals herself to humanity in a manner we understand and makes it possible for us to understand what it means to be human.

[He remains calm, barely blinking while speaking about a subject he is passionate about.]

[godsandbats]

A poetic and classic view of the season.

[Kirk's voice remains monotone and nonjudgmental. Schrödinger chirps, seemingly in agreement]

I suppose my view is that nature is always happening, all year round. It just depends what aspects you like.

[restingstitchface]

[Crane deliberately raises a brow. Poetical is almost worth accepting as a compliment. His eyes flicker to the bird before returning to the stranger. Studious. Curious. There is no fear in his gaze.]

Then you interpret nature as a constant. Not as a variable.

[Science? Science. Science! He loves science.]

[godsandbats]

[Fellow science nerd! Kirk is getting an inkling of that impression as well]

Precisely. Nature doesn't end. It's just in constant motion.

[restingstitchface]

[One more moment of thought. One moment to study this subject.

A physicist, perhaps? Or possibly a chemist? He would think the latter, then surmise he specialises in biology given his approach to the natural world.]

Dynamic and constantly changing. Much like the mind...

[godsandbats]

[Interesting phrasing... A mental health professional perhaps?]

Yes, always. It's easy for people to use metaphors and similes comparing one's mind to nature.

[restingstitchface]

Of course. People like to imagine they share a spiritual connection.

[Crane believes himself professional. Rachel Dawes would label him the consummate unprofessional professional. Regardless, he continues with his calm and uneering stare.]

But I hardly made the comparison because it is simple. I made it because it is accurate. The mind is as much a physical world as it is a mental sphere.

[godsandbats]

[Kirk nods, agreeing]

Psychological and and physical go hand and hand when it comes to the mind, more than most people realize. Brain chemistry in reaction to whatever physical things the subject was exposed to.

[restingstitchface]

[There is no reason to enquire whether this man is a scientist. Crane recognises that in his manner of speech and line of questioning.

The only question is what discipline? Biology is a certainty. The man is studious when it comes to chemical processes in living organisms.]

You are a biochemist.

[It is not a question. It is, again, an accurate statement of fact.]

[godsandbats]

[Kirk is not at all bothered by the statement as it's true. It seems fitting that academics would recognize each other. He's almost appreciative of being read like that]

Yes. Hematology, biochemical genetics and molecular biochemistry. Are you a psychiatrist?

[The study of mental health is rather broad so the question feels necessary to Kirk]

[restingstitchface]

[Crane moves his hands, sliding one across another, not grasping his wrist but gently resting.]

Correct. Clinical psychiatry to be precise. Psychopharmacology is my primary field.

[Were he less proud of himself, he would be more guarded about his specialty, his involvement with criminals. But he is proud of himself and proud of his work.]

[godsandbats]

[Crane's reply would explain his earlier statements. Kirk is curious like any good scientist]

The marriage of the physical and the mental is an interesting field to work in.

[restingstitchface]

[There is nothing to elaborate on that point. His discipline is an interesting one, misappropriated by former colleagues who misused their knowledge and devalued their work to soothe their egos. Each had stabbed him from behind. Only one had dared to stab him in the chest.

He inhales gently before nodding, appreciating the mild air.]

I find it fascinating to explore something we cannot touch that certainly exists.

[His voice is soft, soft enough that one could wonder whether he is speaking at all.]

[godsandbats]

[Kirk can understand that fascination. He had been interested in what cannot be seen by the naked eye for years, going all the way back to when he was a kid]

Something that isn't obvious to most but can have dramatic consequences. It's fascinating to unravel something that seems invisible.

[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.

[godsandbats]

That tends to be the explanation for many situations. Superstitions or myths sometimes come from people not yet having the scientific explanation for a phenomena.

[Like so many creation myths or mythical monsters]

[restingstitchface]

I believe anyone else would agree.

[Anyone else without an intelligent mind.]

But our lack of understanding has never stopped anyone from encouraging myths to control a population.

[In short, he agrees with that "sometimes".]