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

[lordfuckleroy]

Jaw opened, jaw shut again. Repeat this at least (5) times, it was not that he hadn't seen a cat hunt a bird before, his sister was absolutely a cat person and she possessed a cat who was particularly of the 'hunty' type.

It was the size of the bird that was indeed the kicker.

"I think that it was a fair bit larger than you? Which was.. I mean I am not doubting your abilities, clearly I have seen them in action. I am just almost wondering what sort of extra powers you have that allow you to do that."

Another small beat.

"Oh yes, and where I am from-- cats do not normally talk so you must forgive me surprise."

[definecat]

"To be honest, cats don't normally talk where I'm from, either. I'm just unique like that. And I'm not even the weirdest thing to come out of New York City."

They love being a New Yorker. Even if they aren't the typical one.

"I'm a very good hunter. When I choose to be. Is that the kind of power you mean?" Sorry, Henry, they're probably not going to enlighten you too much.

[lordfuckleroy]

Henry attempted to think of all of the things that he associated with the New York State of mind; he'd been there a few times since it seemed to be an epicenter of American culture; the fast talk and the even faster flow of time that could be dizzying even to a royal who was used to whirlwinds. "Well, you just took on a bird in a substantial size gap.."

Also he would not mention the ichor, he was much too polite to do so.

"Were you bitten by something that gave you superhuman strength or dexterity?" he knew there was something that he was forgetting, but that brain haze was rather substantial.

[definecat]

"Any powers that may or may not have originated with a radioactive spider are strictly inherited. I much prefer to bite than be bitten."

A beat.

"I could have taken one. It's the rest of the flock that made things complicated."

[lordfuckleroy]

Ah yes, that.

It felt rather surreal to be discussing hunting with a cat, a unique cat such as this one who looked like they were ready and primed for absolute and utter murder. He was not a cat person, but he knew enough of them (from his sister's siamese) that they were already murder machines.

This was just, upping the ante considerably.

"Perhaps you should try for the red one, if you want a challenge?"

[definecat]

"I'm not a fan of getting torched," they say, tail flicking with annoyance. "If it makes you feel better, I try not to eat anything or anyone to whom I have been introduced."

They consider the human for a moment, then shrug.

"My name is Sleeper."

[lordfuckleroy]

Alright, so that does make him feel slightly better. Being the lawful sort (he would make an excellent Paladin) he is quite relieved. He would offer his hand however he is not sure if one does that in this world-- the offering the hand for a shake. Also, he knows that it may seem patronizing, which he also does not want to do.

After all, this cat-creature absolutely made dinner of something a great deal bigger than them.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Henry." that's it, no Prince no nothing. "I have heard stories about the Red Bird, there are a few who have tangled with it and to their own detriment, best to be safe than sorry."

[definecat]

They lost their meal due to being outnumbered in an angry flock. If the chocobo had truly been alone, a different outcome might have resulted. But they don't really intend to try again. People seem fond of the the birds.

"The red bird only seems to be a problem if someone bothers it. I don't think it deserves to be hunted down for being inconvenient. Plenty of people have said that about me and my family." They consider Henry, and his hesitation, and move over to shoulder-block into him in a friendly, feline manner.

"You really aren't a cat person, are you? Pity. I hope you're not taking your new situation too badly. Aurora's strange, but she's not bad as far as I can tell."