etrayalogs | APRIL MINGLE

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

[ Something Crane and Bruce had in common: a deeply rooted suspicion of others. It's often a quiet questioning of their motives. A desire to know what they might gain from interacting with him or gaining his favor somehow. Money and power made Bruce an attractive target.

But when those kinds of people threw themselves at his feet, he just stepped over them.

In this instance, he sits down across from Crane, Ace making himself comfortable close by. He wants to understand this version of Scarecrow. If he's anything like the man he once knew back home. And there was really only one way to find out. ]

Dr. Crane, a pleasure to see you again.

[ That's a lie. It's never a pleasure to see anyone. He looks at the box as he slides it over. He doesn't offer to lift the lid. Not right away. ]

How is Etraya treating you?

[Crane remembers their first meeting, recalls their tense pleasantries and introductions, and finds himself becoming more suspicious. He seems pleasant and unassuming, but he doubts anyone finds his company a pleasure.

Which begs the question what does this man want?

He controls his emotions and makes himself difficult to read. One meeting can be circumstantial, two indicates motive, three creates the beginning of a pattern. But doesn't a pattern start at the very beginning?]

Not bad at all. I think it treats me as well as it treats yourself.

[Think not feel.

In any case, this world treats him the same as any other place. The world is bricks and stone. What treats you - excludes or invites you - are people. And he is quite done with people.]

You should hope it treats you a little better.

[ He wouldn't call forcing him to relive the most traumatic events of his life, and then giving him items from it, disguising them as gifts treating him well at all. ]

What were you gifted?

[ He looks at the box and then at Crane. Better not be fear toxin. Or chemicals of any kind. Not even Baby's First Chemistry set. ]

A collection of books and a chess board.

[One can look around at all the literature arranged in alphabetical order, at shelves burdened with all sorts of works, and get the irony. Gifts of literature for a man who spends more time in the library than his apartment.

He leans forward slightly in his chair, positioning himself marginally into the other man's personal space.]

I could be lying of course.

[Bruce, in his mind, is studying the box like it's a booby trap. Why would he ever open it for the man?]

Seems appropriate.

[ And it did. Jonathan Crane was a brilliant man as Bruce knew him; giving him books at the very least didn't seem so out of the ordinary. It was just a shame he put that brilliance to use against the people of Gotham. If this Crane is similar, Bruce wants to at least slow him down. Distract him before he starts dumping chemicals in the waterways. ]

Do you play chess?

Obviously.

[His tone is neither dismissive nor affectionate as he studies the possession he had locked away back home. Unable to enjoy it, unable to part with it by offering it as a donation or throwing it in the trash. So it had been placed in storage and gathered dust.

His fingers gently thread together as he keeps his hands on his side of the table. He noticably avoids explaining why. Not out of fear but simply because it is nobody's business. Whether he tells anyone is something he controls.]

One needs to be able to play if offering it as therapy.

[Do you need therapy, old man?]

[ Bruce's head isn't a good place to be, Crane. There's a 'no trespassing' sign on the outside. It's called his face.

Either way, this is a curious interaction. Bruce never had the occasion to speak so directly to Crane, outside of his ahem work as Scarecrow. It's not an interaction he's fully committed to continuing. But he's at least willing to see where this goes.

Reaching for the box gives Bruce a chance to check for some kind of release mechanism. The weight doesn't feel off and there doesn't seem to be a trigger. But he's still slow and deliberate as he lifts the lid, something he'll blame on his age if he's asked about it. He peers inside when he's ready and takes his time assembling the board. ]

Then you won't mind a game.

[ Also that's a no on the therapy, bag face. ]

Not at all.

[Obviously he does. But he hides his distaste and wears his curious look more cleanly than he does his suit. He understands one cannot face problems by closing the lid and calling it a day.]

Let me guess. You prefer black?

[Dark knight, geddit? Therapy for thee, not for me.]

[ He does prefer black. But he also prefers to be contrarian. So he simply reaches for the white pieces and lines them up in front of him. And it gives him the advantage. ]

White, actually. Since I like making the first move.

[ When Crane is ready, Bruce takes a moment to study his side and when he decides on a piece, he moves it. E4, the king's pawn. An easy and predictable choice. Your move, Crane. ]

[Crane rises to the challenge but not the bait. His face looks as emotionless as the pieces on the board, as he rests his finger on the E4 pawn. He moves it forward: a tactical opening all about domination and control. Predictable but the other man will recognise that. Notice that he will turn combative with his back against the wall.

He personally enjoys it for its asymmetry. The chance to think and strategise.]

I prefer to wait and gauge interest.

[To lie in wait and ambush? Yeah that's a valid strategy leave him alone.]

[ The queen's knight he moves next. He takes very little time to ponder the move and only keeps his eyes on the board long enough to make it. Then it's back on Crane, appraising him in the way only an elderly person can. So, basically, judgemental.]

It's been some time since I've played chess. You'll have to forgive any mistakes.

[His fingers immediately move the knight beside the king, positioning it towards the middle of the board, mirroring the movement of the other side. He challenges the centre by enforcing the illusion of space.]

You seem to be performing well so far.

[An observation disguised by a compliment, coldly delivered. Does this man truly believe he thinks he is making mistakes? Doubtful.]

[ The move is noted and Bruce makes his. The other knight. Again, there doesn't seem to be any consideration behind the move. ]

I'm guessing.

[Crane immediately moves his pawn from e7 to e5. Unashamed of showing how fast his mind works, adapts and evolves to new dangers.]

Or being ecumenical with the truth.

[Calling you out sir.]

Edited 2025-05-14 18:25 (UTC)

[ Rude. He finally pauses and takes his time to study the board. But he ultimately mirrors Crane's move. ]

I don't have a reason to hide anything from you, Dr. Crane.

[This game is something he would love to freeze. Their words are something he needs to pick apart and analyse. He looks at the older man across the board. While he cannot stop, he can stop playing but for a moment.]

We all have reasons to hide something. We all need masks.

[He means in the Jungian sense, but if Bruce wants to take that another way, that's all right with me.]

[ Bruce understands what he means, still, the irony isn't lost on him. Since the game is paused, Bruce stops studying the board and looks up at Dr. Crane. ]

What could you possibly have to hide, Dr. Crane?

The fact I love stitchwork.

[His fingers pick at each piece and place them inside their bag. One game is over. Something more interesting begins.]

I find it relaxing, a good exercise for the brain.

[You know what else is good to the brain? A needle.]

That's nothing to be ashamed of.

[ Stitch work, huh? What are you stitching, Crane? A bag for your head? ]

What can I say? I enjoy being a little crafty.

[Emphasis on the crafty instead of craft.]

You'll have to show me some of you work some time.

[ It's not hard to pick up on the double meaning. ]

I'd like to finish this game. If you're up for it.

[Crane angles his head and responds.]

Of course.

[But which request is he answering? That's the question. He deposts the bag he refilled with pieces back upon the board.]

Some other time. You know how it is. We all have places to be.

That I do. It was good to see you again, Dr. Crane.

[ it was? He sounds convincing. ]

I look forward to it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

APRIL MINGLE

Pattern recognition

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wrap soon?

🎀