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]

[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".]

[godsandbats]

Knowledge unfortunately has a way of getting weaponized when in the wrong hands. Whether it be the existence of it, the lack of it, or the flow of it.

[Something that Kirk has seen in so many ways]

[restingstitchface]

[Crane listens patiently and affects some level of consideration. But he believes this man will likewise as cruel with his knowledge as anyone.]

Some people just want to watch the world burn, don't they?

[Those people they are discussing.]

[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.

[restingstitchface]

Then perhaps you can make an educated guess about the kind of patients evaluated by a forensic psychiatrist.

[Criminals. Scum. Lowlifes.]

[godsandbats]

[Kirk's neutral expression doesn't break but that tidbit does catch even more of his attention. It seems they have quite a number of shared interests]

High concentrations of narcissism, sadism, and several other volatile personality disorders. Likely numerous deep seated untreated childhood traumas as well.

[restingstitchface]

The pattern of criminality.

[He exudes a sense of composure and control, reflecting his professional nature.]

Between fifteen to twenty percent of prisoners in correctional facilities suffer from a severe mental illness. Sixteen percent state, seven percent federal, I believe.

[Sir he's from 2005 these figures are accurate. Leave him alone.]

[godsandbats]

[Eh. Close enough]

Quite the challenging role since your patients aren't coming in voluntarily for diagnosis or treatment.

[restingstitchface]

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.]

[godsandbats]

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]

[restingstitchface]

[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]

[godsandbats]

Understandable. It sounds like you work on a number of severe cases.

[To put it politely...]

[restingstitchface]

[There is nothing suggestive in his gaze about whether he finds that a criticism or a compliment.]

I try not to picture it as work. The courts call what I do a public service. But I cannot imagine my work being that either.

[He gently lifts his shoulders: a miniscule gesture that hardly moves them at all.]

It is simply what I do.

[godsandbats]

[An interesting answer and Kirk almost wants to say if it was "meant to be." But sentimentality has a way of mucking up facts]

Have you worked as a forensic psychiatrist for long then?

[restingstitchface]

[Crane angles his head. There are times to keep quiet, but there are times to share. He knows few people - hardly any - have his career at his age. Have taught at a prestigious university from an even earlier age.]

A couple of years, at least. I've been Chief of Psychiatry at Arkham almost three, now.

[Say whatever you like about Arkham, he is proud of his accomplishments.]

[godsandbats]

[Ah... Now that's an interesting reveal. Given his own work, Kirk is well familiar with Arkham. The criminals he's beaten but haven't eaten wind up in Blackgate or Arkham. The doctor's previous comments are cast in a different context as well. Kirk doesn't know yet if it's good or bad.

Is the doctor another member of that so-called BatFamily? So far, Kirk hasn't been particularly fond of them. There's a sense of unwarranted arrogance from them so far. Plus, Kirk is unlikely to forgive Damian anytime soon for trying to stab Hernan with a kryptonite knife]

Quite the achievement. Arkham in itself is a challenge.

[Kirk might as well reveal himself to be a Gothamite, albeit from an alternate Earth. There are only so many Gothamites here and most are connected to the BatFamily. It's only a matter of time before the doctor finds them too]

[restingstitchface]

For others, maybe.

[Crane is aware his comment can be interpreted as arrogance. Except by his own standards he is telling the truth. He has earned the right to be proud of himself, because he is good at what he does, even if what he does is enforce discipline and order on people who should never have been there.

It is the people around him who are the problem. Falcone. Dawes. The Batman.]

Perhaps the challenge is how busy work there can be.

[When, you know, you're working on committing terrorism on the side.]

[godsandbats]

[Kirk clocks how confident the doctor is. He's not sure yet if it's warranted but it's another comment he mentally files away, just in case]

It seems like it would keep most people rather busy.

[Kirk remains neutral and his tone even, just like Crane. He finds the man's mannerisms somewhat similar to himself]

[restingstitchface]

[His eyes study Kirk for a moment, finding his words a curious puzzle, considering his manner of dress. But his face is emotionless about figuring out the truth behind his identity.]

Gotham is like that.

[He doesn't look away.]

[godsandbats]

[It's almost like a game with the two scientists silently trying to read each other. Kirk for his part wants to know more about the doctor but isn't sure yet if it's a good idea to show more of what he is]

Always. It almost feels like it attracts eccentrics.

[Yes, he's aware he's saying this while in his Batman suit]

[restingstitchface]

One man's eccentric is another man's nonconformist.

[Or subject in his case. But none of them are true outsiders; criminals and lowlifes do function within a substratum of society.]