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

[ The result is an ecstatic kweh! from the chocobo before it eagerly devours the offered treat. It's so ravenously eager that the vegetable all but evaporates from her hand, leaving a pleased chocobo as her reward.

The chocobo certainly seems more relaxed in the aftermath, though it cranes its head curiously, able to smell more. It doesn't go without notice by the other birds, who also approach in hopes of food. ]

Please feel free to use more. They are bottomless pits where gysahl greens are concerned.

[ He says this as he rises, collecting two of the leafy green vegetables himself. It's best he do his part, lest she be swarmed by eager birds. ]

[Her expression is relaxed. Her lips are upturned more than she's smiling, but it's clear she's delighted by the reaction. She reaches out to pet at the flank of the chocobo curiously, delighted by the coat of feathers.]

What fascinating animals.

[Claudia is quick to offer out another of the gysahl greens to one of the other birds.]

[ The bird she offers greens to, much like those that preceded it, excitedly descends upon the food. Once more, the vegetable vanishes swiftly, leaving a sated and pleased bird gently flapping its wings as though expressing its contentment. ]

I know someone with a great fondness for them who'd certainly agree.

[ Dion can only wonder how the man fares now, and the other dragoons along with him. He hasn't any way of knowing, but the fellow would surely be delighted by the sight of so many chocobos.

The birds he feeds are no less hasty in consuming the greens presented to them, making short work of ensuring not one leaf remains, and Dion smiles faintly. ]

They seem to be in good health, as well.

That is good to know.

[She pets at this new one, too. Fascinated by how relaxed the animals are.]

Did they just appear here?

[Having only just arrived, Claudia has no frame of reference.]

From what people have told me, it seems so.

[ For what reason, Dion could not say. His only guess is an attempt at making their evironment more welcoming, but so few seem familiar with chocobos.

The birds in their vicinity remain near at hand, relaxed now that they have been given their tithe of greens. One pauses to preen itself while the one nearest to Claudia leans into her touch. ]

I hadn't the chance to observe this place before finding myself in Aphaia.

I wondered what caused such a thing...

[She gives a little smile at the chocobo accepting her touch.]

You arrived in Aphaia? Then we showed up at the same time.

[ He glances toward the chocobo as it coos, evidently quite content between both treats and attention. ]

It seems a fair few of us joined the ranks at that time.

[ Dion knows the description doesn't quite suit, yet he knows not how else to describe it. They have been enlisted, in a sense, though they are not a formal military force. ]

Perhaps it is to be expected... Yet I hope not all missions are to worlds we cannot aid.

So it seems.

[It might not be entirely the correct term, but it’s good enough. She certainly wants to help, even if she’s not here by choice.]

I hope the same. The idea is… discouraging. I want to help people.

I feel much the same. My place has ever been in service to my people.

[ Such is the role of Bahamut, as it has been for generations. Even were he neither prince nor Dominant, Dion would still desire to better the lives of his countrymen.

That none should step forth to save Aphaia, that they are barred from volunteering their own strength, is nigh unfathomable. ]

It begs so many questions, as well. I wonder whether we might not like the answers.

[Claudia nods.]

It's possible we won't. Especially given the task of... allowing worlds to die.

[She says the second half delicately, with clear dislike.]

...I'm Claudia. I believe I've neglected to introduce myself.

[ He can't disagree with her tone. It is a deeply unpleasant thing, to be expected to do nothing as a world wastes itself waiting for the end. ]

I have been remiss as well.

[ Chocobos and pondering the nature of their lots had taken precedent. ]

Please, call me Dion.

[She continues to pet at the chocobo, which seems content.]

It's a pleasure, Dion. I wish it were under better circumstances.

[ He watches the chocobo, its face and posture relaxed. A fine, good-natured bird indeed. ]

Likewise. Perhaps with time, we shall find means to better them.

[She gives him the slightest upturn of her lips; a smile, despite the grim circumstance they've found themselves in.]

Perhaps so. I'll look forward to it.

[ Dion offers a small smile in turn. ]

As will I.

[ He can only hope that time comes sooner rather than later. ]

For the time being, please use however many greens you wish. It would be a shame were they to go to waste.

APRIL MINGLE

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