etrayalogs | 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

[Crane looks unmoved, indifferent to everything he's heard about the pathetic situation. What sort of psychiatrist would let this teenager weedle under his skin?]

Correct. [He softly presses his lips together, thoughtful.] I know your situation is your own. But perhaps it might strike you that I understand more than most.

[That he has endured circumstances equally severe.]

Yeah? Like how? [Jason looks a little candidly surprised despite trying to school his expression.]

[Surprise: a state of awe and disbelief that begets anxiety. Crane denotes the telltale response and adjusts the chess set and book cradled beneath his arm.]

Norepinephrine. Serotonin. Dopamine. All have key roles in the human nervous system. By modulating the limbic system and prefrontal cortex with such medication, it is possible to alleviate symptoms.

[The barest gesture of his shoulders. The boy wants solutions, he'll get solutions.]

Psychopharmacology is my specialty. I consider myself a strong advocate.

[Oh. Well if that doesn't remind him of--

The older Jason told him Crane was here, but Jason didn't expect to run right into him.]

You're Crane, aren't you. Jonathan Crane. [He holds up his hands defensively.] Hey, don't worry. I'm not gonna throw you into Arkham or anything just. Maybe we could work together on this. He and I were friends back home.

[Crane studies Jason with a calm and curious expression. Now there is hardly a need for named introductions, leaving him to draw one conclusion as to why. Some little bird has been chirping in his ear. One from another version of home.]

We can talk about it. [He falls silent for a moment.] I would hate to believe there is nobody willing to listen to what I have to say.

[There always has to be some reward, some resource he can put to work. In this case the resource is the boy himself.]

Yeah, let's talk about it. [A small smile breaks across Jason's face, a touch of that bravado coming back. He's getting comfortable with this conversation.]

Whatever it is you need.

[Should he really be laying himself out like a Thanksgiving turkey, no. But he's got shit he needs to not process and Crane is a familiar name, a familiar story, even if he isn't familiar visually.]

Something strong and black.

[He glances back and forth across the street. Still removed from this conversation but affording it all his attention.]

Do you take coffee?

[This child hardly needs enjoy it. In fact, he would respect him more for swallowing such bitter medicine, just like a good boy should.]

[Jason is not about to tell Crane to his face that he doesn't drink coffee.]

I do, yeah. Black, right? No better way to drink it.

[Okay that's a little over the top, but Jason needs to be seen by Crane.]

[Jason chirps about black coffee like he is proud of some original thought. But his desperation for attention is obvious.]

Correct. Just a small shot of expression. Sometimes less is more.

[Control yourself better, sir.

In any case, Jason has his attention.]

Less is more.

[And boy does Jason like that attention. It's not the shouting kind, not the you better buck up kind of attention. Just this nice, easy attention that makes Jason feel like he's standing in a warm ray of sunshine.

He's also desperate to hold onto it.]

Assuming you know where a good coffee place is?

[Crane gently shakes his head. His movements are slight enough to be missed by those unfamiliar with his mannerisms.]

Hardly. This place is new to me. Perhaps you have a suggestion?

[Oh look! He's trusting this boy with a little bit of power. Something he can easily reclaim, but still!]

I've been here two hours, maybe? [Truly tragic, the two of them. Still, Jason is eager to keep that sunlight on him.] Wait, let me look at the [He makes a hook gesture over his here before pulling on the device.]

So. Looks like there's a cafe near the apartments. Gotta have coffee there.

[What a nice suggestion. Crane gently leans forward, occupying more room, more space in the younger man's mind. Impressing himself with intimidation coached as amicability. He gently presses his lips together and angles his head.]

Perhaps somewhere private is better. Unless you have no problem about our meeting raising all sorts of questions. [You know who he means. He, too, has that family breathing down his neck.] Barring the fact if you want to cause them a little trouble, of course.

[And who doesn't mind doing that?]

Edited 2025-05-03 02:47 (UTC)

I wouldn't mind, usually, but there's like fifteen of the fuckers.

[His earlier meetings did not go well is when Jason silently telegraphs with his words.]

Private. The store's not far. I can pop in, grab a coffee maker. Unless you're fine with instant.

[Ah yes, the unopened package of instant coffee on Jason's counter.]

[Careful. Cautious. Crane has words prepared about how such wisdom vanishes through the absence of fear - but he lets the teenager run his mouth off trying to seem impressive.]

Machine is fine.

[He was close to advising the boy to get an Italian coffee maker. American coffee by comparison is sugared garbage. But in the grand scheme of things, is that truly important?]

[Give Jason the chance and he will spout off at the mouth like an angry kettle.]

Got it. We head to the store and then back to my place.

[Casual, cool, friendly, like he isn't trying to avoid at least several bats in order to have a private conversation with Crane.]

APRIL MINGLE

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