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

[oblige]

[ He still recalls how quickly and easily Shadow had knocked out pursuers back in Aphaia. It's clear he's a capable fighter, and his swiftness would avail him. ]

I've no doubt about that.

[ Dion, to his credit, manages to suppress a smile. It seems to be as he suspected: Shadow could benefit from the affection of a chocobo. Or several, as the case has proven to be. ]

They aren't averse to being petted.

[ He suggests this casually, gently patting the bird nearest to him. ]

[thelightshines]

[One of his ears twitch irritably. How about, he grabs them by their beaks and shoves them back.] Enough. [He roughly pushes back any others trying to smother him. The force isn't enough to harm, but to get the point across he doesn't want their nonsense. A few feathers ruffled, but otherwise they aren't too upset by his reluctance. In fact, they just wark with enthusiasm as if he was playing some game with them.

He rolls his eyes, nearly startled when the leader comes up and playfully nudges him forward from behind.] I said stop! [He is not as gentle with this one as the other. He outright punches it in the face. It warks in a panic and confusion as it's knocked back, nearly stumbling over. The other of it's herd squawk along with their leader who runs back over to them. Confused and hurt by the mix messaging. It should have been obvious from the start he didn't want anything to do with them. That's their damn fault for trying their luck.] Tch. [In a flash of light, he's gone from Dion's side and teleported himself into one of the nearby trees. Dumb birds can't bother him here.]

They're your problem. [It only got to this point because of his insistence. Isn't he in the middle of looking for someone? Why are they just wasting time?]

[oblige]

[ Automatically, Dion moves to soothe the birds. He knows well enough these particular varieties of chocobo are quick to retaliate if they feel threatened, and they are no match for Shadow. Better that they never learn that for themselves.

He gently coaxes the birds nearer to him, smoothing a hand over ruffled feathers and one sore beak. ]

One of my men prefers the company of chocobos to people. "They don't pass judgement", he told me. I think back on that, occasionally.

[ He keeps his eyes on the birds, but he notes the difference between creating distance and leaving. It appears to him that Shadow isn't accustomed to animals, or maybe it's that he's unused to simple affection. He could certainly understand the latter. His father was never warm, and much of the world saw him foremost as Bahamut or some distant, heroic figure. Few were affectionate with him, and only one of them openly so. ]

They have limited means to communicate, and they take time to learn commands, but it isn't necessary to be forceful to make them understand.

[ He explains this calmly, absent any judgement, as he keeps his focus on the chocobos. If Shadow was overwhelmed, Dion had created that situation. ]

[thelightshines]

[But he doesn't want company, human or not. Why doesn't anyone grasp that he wants to be left alone and not be bothered? Judgement is not a concern when you keep them all out. He scowls, sitting on the branch with his back to them.] I don't want anything to do with them.

[Dion can take them for all he cares. A herd of fine chocobos to do whatever with. These birds, while understandably startled, are more confused by the mixed response from their furry friend and their fleshy companion. It takes them a bit just to warm back up to Dion, but they thankfully aren't attacking him. Just wary.]

[oblige]

[ He wants nothing to do with them, yet he lingers. Dion doesn't question it, instead offering the chocobos more greens as recompense for his part in their misunderstanding with Shadow. ]

It may be difficult to avoid them entirely, from what I have seen thus far.

[ Everywhere he has gone, there have been more chocobos. It's been a shock to find them here at all, let alone in such plentiful numbers. ]

But most are either friendly or skittish, unless attacked... Though that would hardly be a fair fight.

[ A casual statement of fact, for he's seen some of what Shadow can do. ]

[thelightshines]

[He chances a glance, see Dion busying himself with feeding the chocobos. This seems like a good opportunity to take his leave. He slides off of the branch, landing back onto the ground. A few chocobos lift their head at the sound, seeing their little fuzzy friend (?) back on land. But there's also delicious greens in front of them and as Shadow suspected, keeps them busy.]

If it'll get the point across. [Just as he punched that chocobo without hesistation, he's willing to do it again.] Keep them company if you care so much. [He's walking off. This discussion should have ended when he comfirmed their friend hasn't come through here anyway.]

[oblige]

[ Dion says no more. Whatever Shadow has experienced, it has left its mark on him. That is not something a stranger can fully grasp in the span of an encounter or two, and Dion knows well enough that it isn't his place to pry.

Yet for a few moments, however brief, it seemed to him that Shadow didn't find the chocobos entirely intolerable.

Dion will just have to hope the fellow won't go about punching more hapless birds, wherever he is bound for. As for himself, Dion takes his leave once Shadow is gone, reasonably sure the same birds won't be attacked twice this day. ]