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

[laserguy]

Dude, where are you even from?

[...Granted, before he started living in Xavier's Institute, he never encountered New York. Or a farm. Not the point though!! Conveniently, he's just not going to mention that.]

But I haven't given him a name. I guess we should, since he's hanging out with us. [Another content noise leaves the chocobo, almost like it's agreeing, but it's probably not likely that it understands either of them.] So, something like Feathers?

[Don't let Scott name anything--]

[hyphanated]

I'm from— [Wait, where should he say he's from, uhhh...saying he's from the Abyss might not be the best idea?] I'm from the Northern Base.

[But hm! Feathers, huh? He carefully pats the chocobo, an act that's made slightly difficult when he's still weighed down by its beak.] That seems like a good name. It has a lot of feathers, after all.

[Mushrooms don't have naming sense.........]

[laserguy]

Cool.

[What even is the Northern Base?? Something military?? Maybe he's the son of an officer. Scott slots the information in the back of his mind for now, more focused on their friend they're currently making. So, Feathers it is, because obviously there would be no complaints. He's so good at naming things. Duh.

He takes a few steps closer to them, which only causes Feathers to make a small 'wark' before shifting its head slightly to press its beak back against Scott's face. Oof. He rolls his eyes, trying to shove Feathers away just a bit, but the chocobo is being a little persistent with him again. And. Guess he has to accept his fate...]

I'm Scott, by the way. Since we're giving out names right now.

[hyphanated]

It's nice to meet you, Scott. My name is An Zhe.

[Pat pat pat...he suddenly wonders if humans enjoy pats, but decorum prevents him from acting on that thought.]

Feathers is a lot more affectionate than I expected him to be. Animals would usually hunt you down or run, if you aren't one of them...

[laserguy]

[An Zhe, okay. Interesting name, but cool.

He mindlessly pats Feathers' head a bit, pressing against said feathers as the bird happily accepts the attention. Maybe it's not just humans that enjoys this kind of thing. Honestly, Scott finds himself smiling just a little, the corner of his mouth twitching upward despite all this. Yeah, okay. Maybe he's hearing the call of wild now--]

Yeah, he is. [Though he sends An Zhe a questioning look.] ...Are you chased by animals a lot back home? Got a bad experience with them?

[hyphanated]

[An Zhe slowly shakes his head at that.]

Most didn't consider me worth preying on. The wildlife here is entirely different from home, though—I've never seen a bird like this before. [He pats the bird's side some more, now quietly wondering if it's some sort of bird mutant. Probably not...but maybe?]

Are animals always friendly where you're from?

[laserguy]

Yeah, same. Didn't have birds walking around like this. Closest thing is an ostrich.

[And they're still a lot smaller than chocobos. He's pretty sure people can't ride them... no, those poor birds would probably collapse. Not like this guy, right? Another smile forming, Scott can't help but pat Feathers a little more, with said chocobo leaning into his touch.]

No, not always. Like pretty sure a bear would want to tear me apart. Or a cougar. But some are chill. [...] You mentioned being from the Northern Base. I've never heard of that, is it on Earth?

[hyphanated]

I've read about bears before. [Not so much the others, but...

A nod!] That's right. The Northern Base is located— [give him a second to remember—] on the continent of Asia. I was living elsewhere though, when I arrived here. Is New York in Asia too?

[laserguy]

[Scott can't help but scoff lightly, though his tone is more teasing than anything else.]

Wait, seriously? You're from Earth and never heard of New York? I know I suck at geography and shit, but I at least know where Asia is at.

[He really is far too amused about this, but his overall good mood is rubbing off on Feathers. The chocobo makes another 'kweh' before turning back to An Zhe, pushing his face closer to him as if expecting the mushroom to pet him in a similar way.]

New York is in the United States man. North America, if we're going just by continent.

[hyphanated]

[Wow, don't laugh at him, that's rude!! An Zhe doesn't noticeably pout, but he does purse his lips slightly, looking away to focus on petting the chocobo instead.]

In the Earth I know, the only settlement in North America is the Underground City Base. And I know all the geography I need to. [He knows where home is!]

[laserguy]

[Blaming his lack of knowledge on parallel universes... uh-huh. The easy way route. Okay, he knows that An Zhe is probably being serious about that, but he's just having a bit of fun right now at his expense. Thanks for being a good sport--]

Nice one, man. I can say the same too. [...] Like I know the best way to get to the closest mall back home.

[Thanks to Jubliee, really.]

[hyphanated]

[On one hand, irritation!

On the other hand...] ...What is a mall?

[laserguy]

Jeez, you too?

[Another lost soul that he has to teach...... he sees how it is. So many teens not knowing what a mall is and the worst part is that he can't even show An Zhe what one is like around here. Ugh, this is what happens when they're not in America. He really has to do the heavy lifting around here.]

It's only like one of the best places? It's a huge building with smaller stores inside, so you can get clothes and shoes and other stuff like that. But there's also a food court to snag food and sometimes even an arcade.

[...] And since you probably don't know what an arcade is, it's a place where you can play games at. You've really been missing out.

[Feathers will make a 'kweh' sound, almost like he's agreeing. Yeah, of course. Definitely not just a random sound at all.]

[hyphanated]

[A building with smaller stores inside, that sells clothes and food and things...]

....So a mall is like the black market?

[Just look at this look of perfectly innocent curiosity, he's totally serious.]

[laserguy]

[He gives the other a slight side eye with that comment and given that he's wearing sunglasses... it's kind of impressive.]

That's really the first thing that came to your mind? [He's actually serious with that comment too... wow, okay. Someone has to help him with normal stuff and guess it will have to be Scott, even if there's no malls around here. Maybe they'll find something just as good.]

Do you know what a diner is? A convenience store? [Also part of culture. Clearly.]

[hyphanated]

[An Zhe takes a moment to contemplate this question.]

I know dining halls, and the food district...one of the stores I've found around here might be a convenience store. [He lived in an apocalyptic dystopia, okay?]

[laserguy]

Okay, we're going to the diner later, before something else depressing comes from you.

[Next thing he'd probably hear is An Zhe only having rations to eat his entire life... even though he just mentioned that he knows dining halls and stuff. Whatever. He half expects those dining halls to just be prison food or gross grub of some kind.]

I believe I saw one earlier on the map. [He's so bossy??]