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⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Ah, missions. Another reason to befriend people who offer him shelter and security. Crane adjusts himself to sit upright, in the proper position learned from experience, now he has ceased reading to address the younger man across the table.]

I can draft a list and send it later today. [His fingers begin moving the book, gently and with care. ] I assume you are happy to wait?

[He might want to take his time because literature is a subject close to his heart. Perhaps he wants to dawdle because he would like to finish his book. One might assume his attention is entirely directed towards aligning it straight. But they would be wrong.]

[Accelerator blinks at that.]

Huh, you're serious.

[Here he was expecting one or two titles, maybe just an author. To him, a whole list seems like a lot for a total stranger.

He tries to wave it off as no big deal. If he doesn't, he knows he's going to kick up a fuss over someone going to that much effort for him, and while that's tempting he knows it'd be unfair to start getting hostile over a damn list of books. So casual indifference it is!]

Yeah, fine. Do what you want. I've got another author I need to look up, anyways.

Interesting.

[Crane cannot fault the young man for seizing the opportunity. He would be disappointed were anyone to refuse the chance to improve themselves. But he recognises the need for emotional distance, being fond of it himself.

Can he bridge the gap? It would be a pleasant challenge if nothing else. One hand gestures politely towards the opposite bench.]

But might I suggest you take a seat? It's more comfortable this way.

[Accelerator's antisocial nature has him looking a little reluctant to stick around, but he isn't in any rush to see Aurora. Plus, he's pretty sure this guy must be new, so if he has questions about Etraya it's better to get them out of the way now before any trouble can happen.

Not that he's the best person to be introducing this whole mess to someone, but he's been here a while. He moves to sit down, letting go of his crutch and leaving it standing on its own next to the table.]

[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

[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.]

Correct. I know everything she shared, but also find myself limited by her perspective. I would like to hear yours.

[For those who read between the lines, this is a man who hangs around to listen, whenever the situation demands. By contrast to the younger man, his body language is more reluctant. His hands remain collected upon the table as he remains sitting in a prim and proper position.]

It would be a great help.

[A great source of information.]

[That isn't surprising to hear. When most people show up they're pretty skeptical, either or what Aurora tells them or of the AI herself.]

Okay, then the first thing you're probably wondering is whether or not this is all bullshit. The answer to that is we don't know.

[In his experience, that's always the first thing people want to know about. Are they actually saving their universe, or is that a load of garbage they're being fed?

Accelerator keeps on going.]

The second thing you're probably wondering is how do we find out if it's bullshit? Can't we just confront Echo? The answer to that is no, as far as I know no one's been able to communicate with them. We only have what Aurora has told us, and her information is limited.

[Not "Aurora could be lying," which he knows some people around here believe. Those people are, in his opinion, wrong. He trusts Aurora, so if she's giving them false information it's because she was led to believe that information was true, not because she's trying to deceive them.]

[The question of deception is no question at all. Crane hardly trusts anything told by anyone, whether he knows it to be true or false. Either his actions dictate the fate of his world or are as meaningless as the people who walk the streets of Gotham.

Nobody is truly important to the grand scheme of things. Here they are told the opposite. The question is why: but has wondering why ever truly mattered? His shoulders pull inward. He understands all to well it has.]

Or it is what she was led to believe.

[What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.]

But she appears to want to be a good host. [Role model.] I would consider the question of whether she is misleading or assisting us to be irrelevent. That is a question of morality. Even if she has ulterior motives she is still protecting us. It would be foolish to discount that.

[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.

[Crane observes both gestures, the slightest nod of the head and the irritated click of the tongue. By contrast, his own expressions are lukewarm at best, nothing but a brief tilt of his head. He straightens it after offering his agreement.]

I have to say I appreciate having my freedom. I can only imagine others have proven themselves more unaccepting.

[Of being kept as pets, being controlled. He cannot claim he doesn't understand that. But their situation is what it is.]

[This guy's reactions are muted, and Accelerator can't tell if it's out of shock, if he's just like this, or what. Right now it's pretty welcome, since he really doesn't want to be dealing with someone having a panic attack or throwing a temper tantrum. Neither would be very helpful.]

This is a hell of a lot better than Eos' idea of a city. She was a fan of American suburbia.

[From the disgust in his tone he was not. In fact, he's suppressing the urge to shudder as he remembers just how awful all of that was.]

[Crane maintains his calmness and controls his movements. But he thins his lips and narrows his eyes, glancing away in order to stomach the thought the young man has shared.]

People who enjoy playing house tend not to have much of an imagination.

[He knows from experience that people are willing to conform to poor visions of what society should be.]

One might consider the architect to be lonely, given suburbia's fondness for community. But again, I haven't been here long enough to form a solid opinion.

[He can't say whether or not that's an accurate appraisal of Eos, but she's an AI and as annoyed as he was about living in the suburbs, he's still inclined to be a little less harsh towards her. He frowns faintly, offering up an explanation.]

She thought a societal structure like that would be good for everyone's mental health. [That's what he had gotten out of her when they talked, anyways, that having those kinds of day-to-day responsibilities would help. He can't fault her for that reasoning, even if her solution to keeping everyone sane was, in his opinion, completely flawed.] And I heard she was into families, so that's what her city ended up being. Like Etraya or not, we aren't being forced into shit like having a fake family or attending school.

[The preference for discipline and order suggests exposure to disorder and trauma. He has little idea of the scale and refuses to rush to unearth more details, knowing those shall come with time. His main concern is not triggering the temper hidden beneath that frown.]

You prefer to find your family rather than have one foisted upon you.

[It is an observation, not a question. His fingers gently tap the top of his book, before resting upon his lap.]

In any case, it is good you respect the responsibility our hosts feel towards our welfare. I think some people would hardly be so understanding.

[Okay, this guy isn't wrong at all and it's a harmless observation, but Accelerator dislikes being perceived like that, especially when it comes to something personal like family. Any normal teen would be embarrassed, so with all his baggage he's downright mortified, tensing and narrowing his eyes.]

...............

[Since it isn't a question, he only scowls. It's better if he doesn't get angry over something so insignificant, he refuses to be that immature despite it bothering him.]

They aren't. Sometimes when Aurora announces the next mission over her network people get shitty with her.

[Observe people. Learn where their boundaries are while furthering yours. People can be labelled, categorised, organised: controlled. Crane denotes the tense posture, narrowed eyes. He bows his head in thought, contrite about his remarks.

Sometimes unfortunate things get mentioned in conversation.]

Better an unkind word than a inconsiderate action that jeopardises everyone, I suppose...

[His voice trails off with a sigh.]

[Even if that's true, Accelerator still doesn't like seeing Aurora get hassled for things she has no control over. He'll never admit to being an empathetic person, but his soft spot for artificial beings is hard to obfuscate.]

Tche. No Etrayan has messed with her physically yet. [There was Im'mari, but that thing wasn't from Etraya.] If they try to they're gonna have a real fucking problem on their hands.

[It's him, he's the problem. He'll get violent on someone who tries to hurt her if he needs to, regardless of the consequences.]

[Crane quickly realises the implications. He angles his head, leans to his side and drums his fingers. But he does not condemn the violence or disapprove of action.

He just notes it inside his mind, filing his tendency to fight instead of flight. A response he would want to test sometime, he thinks, as he categorises his subject. Following which, he stops drumming his fingers and straightens in his chair, reassuming a polite and proper posture.]

I'm hardly a violent person. But sometimes it can be necessary.

[He's agreeing with you, sir.]

[Accelerator doesn't feel the need to make what he's saying more explicit. There's no point, not when this guy is at least agreeing with him about the necessity of it. As much as he's trying to be better, he is a violent person and he isn't going to deny that. He can't, it'd mean lying about a major part of himself.

But he can apply it in a practical and productive fashion. Controlled violence. Despite his young age, it's something he has a lot of experience with.

Rolling his shoulders, he absently rubs at his right forearm, the arm he uses for his crutch.]

Right. Aurora keeps Etraya running, so if she's taken out of commission we're all fucked.

[That pragmatism is completely reasonable, and does a great job of keeping him from having to admit out loud that he's also interested in protecting her because he likes her.]

[Pragmatism does make conducting business a breeze. Trading skills and information, acquiring resources for his work, it makes life efficient. He brings his hands into his lap and folds them over, denoting that absent-minded gesture the other made but saying nothing.]

Then perhaps you might know whether there is anybody worth watching?

[Is anybody in their community predisposed to violence that is entirely unproductive? Is there anybody who needs to be controlled? Is there anybody who has been an unruly little shit?]

[That's a question Accelerator doesn't answer immediately. Whether or not this makes him a narc or a gossip isn't something he really cares about, the value of trading information goes beyond what kind of hit his reputation may take (not that he has much of a rep here to begin with, but the sentiment is still there). This just happens to be a question where he can answer in a few different ways, and he's mulling over which path to take.]

You mean people who are potentially dangerous, or just irritating?

[Those are two different lists. It's a Venn diagram with some overlap, sure, but in Accelerator's eyes most people are irritating but not outright dangerous.]

Well, I am interested in the former, but actually mean neither.

[Crane is willing to hear impressions and opinions, but wants to indulge his own interests, and has a particualr category of people in mind. His shoulders draw in and he slightly bows his head.]

You might have noticed people with poor impulse control. People who indulge their urges without considering consequences. I would be interested to hear your observations. If you don't mind.

[Oh, that isn't the answer he's expecting. He blinks a bit, not bothering to hide his surprise.]

Seriously? That's really specific. [Wanting to know who could be violent in a general sense is one thing. There are plenty of powered people here, and at its core they're apparently competing to save their universes, so it's reasonable to want to know. But poor impulse control? Would the logic in wanting to know be the same? Is it because the combination of poor impulse control and powers can be incredibly deadly? He wasn't asking for the latter, though, just the former.] Why?

[Oh, it's a little shocking to receive an answer that deviates from a pattern? He reminds himself to remember that while his body relaxes, shoulders unclenching while eyes open and hands unwind.]

Well, I'm a psychiatrist. You are aware there are different fields of psychiatry, correct? [His soft tone implies this is an observation and not a criticism.] In any case, my expertise has long centered on assessing the likelihood an individual might commit future violent acts

[What might this person respect about someone? The choice to make a positive difference.]

Perhaps I might be able to help.

APRIL MINGLE

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