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

[shadowsincryo]

You’re right. I did say that. But what are you going to do with what you can’t eat? [No poison. Just beep boops. Dutiful little workers getting things all ready. Drinks are in carrying cups and set in a carrying case. Snacks and desserts in their own wonderful set up.

Any food industry worker would be proud.]

[rudelanguage]

[that silly ask does prompt Knife to look over with a quick squint.]

...Eat it later? [obviously? what kind of question--] It's good until it smells like rot. [and even then? still a chance.

...though they didn't anticipate so many beverages. hell, whatever. if they hate them, they can dump them easily; they are not afraid to litter.

they're already greedily grabbing bags, though these sticky fingers seem ambivalent to the one thing that may be worth pilfering: napkins. never met her.]

[shadowsincryo]

[So good of Knife to be with someone who notices the things to make life easier. He snags a little stack of napkins while the bots finish up. He puts in his own order while he’s up by the counter.]

Then you’re taking the offered housing? [Knife seemed like a wild creature before. And the talk of fey stuff has a suggestion there.] They do have that box that chills things like a good cellar does. That could help some of it keep for longer.

[rudelanguage]

[they construct a very unruly tower of bagged boxes with beverage holders atop it. this is not OSHA compliant, but that's ok because they don't know who OSHA is or why they would defer to them.

distractedly:] No. Haven't made sure... [whoa. Jenga moment. again: don't know that, not an issue.] ...those spaces are safe yet.

[shadowsincryo]

We could check yours out. I did a sweep of mine. And you could trap it if you’re not sure.

[This will be a problem for someone else not him.] Would you like some help with that?

[rudelanguage]

Grab what you can. [the rest, if there is any rest to grab, will be snatched on a second trip.

they do pretty well balancing their overbearing load! (17 (10+7) but...the door is a situation they have to negotiate - and they do, rebuffing polite help in favor of shouldering the door open and scuttling out into the daylight.

once on the pavement outside, they peer this way and that past their little tower to get their bearings.]

...Where's the nearest bridge from here?

[shadowsincryo]

[He has a more modest set of bags. His lunch and drink are in a seperate bag.

He blinks.] Straight east. Once you see a sign, turn left. It’s right there.

[It is fortunate for them both Kaeya doesn’t know the story of bridge trolls. For one his friend Gorgug might take offense. For two. Jokes.]

[rudelanguage]

[after a short pause to get their bearings, Knife moves along east, eyeing the buildings framing the way.]

S'weird how empty it all is. Right? [it's not just them?

they've never had a doll house, but it definitely has doll house energy.]

[shadowsincryo]

It feels like a sculpture more than a city. [He says as he keeps pace with Knife. He gestures to the world around them.]

If it was broken up it would be ruins a researcher would love to look over.

[rudelanguage]

Let 'em have it. I'd rather be elsewhere. [or here...but with Soliton. not alone!

they tilt their head so they can see what's past their tower of too much food, ambling along in a way to accommodate the slight sway of the boxes. it doesn't seem to be too much trouble (dexterity 15 (8+7)).]

If it's a mission, why's there no training? Seems like a lie.

[shadowsincryo]

It does. Doesn’t it? It would make sense to choose the most capable. But I talked to a priest who informed me a lot of them don’t have the combat skills or abilities some of us share.

They’re at a known disadvantage. And it’s upsetting to have to rely on someone you don’t know to help you survive in any circumstance.

[rudelanguage]

[fodder, then? padding for conflicts? Knife's not a war tactician, but they've seen squishier folks get scooped up to hold a pitchfork and die in advance of anyone with skill.

somewhat mumbled:] Maybe picked up because nobody would miss 'em.

[saying that feels bad. Soliton would miss them.

...but would they bother looking for them after a point? considering they expect to be alone in the end? hm.

they glimpse a bridge and then veer a little toward where the ground angles down to the water, setting stuff down and grumbling a cuss when one of the drinks inevitably spills and rolls away. oh well. hopefully that wasn't going to be their favorite.]

You can just leave the stuff here.

[shadowsincryo]

[He sets the bags down and eyes the bridge. He considers that as he takes his drink out of his bag and pushes the tab in to let him take his first sip of mint chocolate cocoa.

He takes a second to let the taste sit with him. No one can prove it if he tucks the drink close to him. No one.] I don’t think that much thought was in it. I believe they’re grabbing at random.

She seems to know all she can about who she grabs, but there’s nothing selective about it.

[rudelanguage]

[Pending's nose crinkles, and it's unclear if it's because of the sandwich they've shoved in their mouth or the notion of being known.

given how fast the remainder is wolfed down, likely the latter, but then again, Knife would eat the whole thing regardless of taste.

after a minute or so:] So, a diviner. [good thing Knife's visage is distorted and shielded from scrying, they suppose.] High-level wizard?

[shadowsincryo]

High-level technology. It might be a mix of magic and tech. That's my best guess for now. [He sips his drink. It's fantastic. He will find a way to get more later.]

Aurora can't talk about Echo, her creator. Finding out about Echo is tricky, but doable.

[rudelanguage]

Could be dead. [said with a shrug before a big chomp and a length of quiet for chewing.

after the gulp:] Dunno much about, uh, tech. Sorry.

[shadowsincryo]

I think they’re not. The evidence supports them still being active just… not available to chat. As greater spirits often love to be.

[He is visibly keeping his drink close to him and taking little sips. Damn, this is wonderful.]

[rudelanguage]

Dumb royal stuff, sounds like. [which warrants an eyeroll while they polish off one of those many, many sandwiches.

...it's both a good and bad thing that it's filling; they're gonna have to stack a bunch of shit under that bridge there later. sigh.]

Or god-stuff. Also dumb. Guess it doesn't matter which is which. Still prisoners.

[shadowsincryo]

[Another sip.] As I said, greater spirits are complicated. Seems like that sort of situation. There are rules here we can't see.

Or, [He holds up a finger.] We're not supposed to see them. But, as you said. Still stuck here.

[rudelanguage]

[they sigh, grumbly, tossing the empty box aside (what is littering, that's not a thing) and laying on their back, scowling skyward.

the food hit a spot, but there's still someplace empty inside that food won't fix.

they're lonely. they miss Soliton. feeling safe. feeling safe spoiled them. now the sky is too big, the city too wide and empty, and Knife too afraid.

This sucks.]

So it's...waiting. That's it?