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

SPOILERS ALL THE WAY DOWN

[banworthy]

I do.

[ One step closer. ]

And I think you did, as well. You knew God would have chosen the time She would return to set things right. [ It was supposed to be centuries before Her revelation, but Claudia decided to speed things up. Why? For Heather? For Alessa? For herself? ] No -- [ He answers his own thoughts with a sneer. ] -- you'd make more sense if you were selfish.

But you wanted to help everyone now instead of let their salvation come when it was time.

even more spoilers

[devota]

[Her head tips upwards, contemptuous.]

You really would look at the world and not see why God is needed.

[That this mirrors a conversation they've already had isn't lost on her. But despite her frustration with Vincent, she sees very little reason to retread ground they've already walked upon.]

But there's a second chance here. You've already started, haven't you?

[She knows Vincent. He'd get to work even when Claudia floundered and wondered what to do.]

[banworthy]

That's why we're here, Claudia! It's why the organization exists.

[ Anger is unhelpful. He rests his hand over his forehead, drumming his fingers against the skin, as a means to calm down. A reset is coming - of his emotions, of his agitation.

He breathes out the fire and settles his insides before saying anything truly cruel to her. It'll end up right back where they were before, and he'd rather not end up stabbed. Again. For a third time. ]

I have. Obviously. God is punishing us with immortality so we must prove we're worthy for the road of penance.

[devota]

[Claudia accepts the anger as she always does, with no outward reaction.]

Then we must show our faith.

[It's not a lecture, just her thinking out loud.]

Have you spoken to anyone about it?

[banworthy]

Regardless --

[ Vincent makes a dismissive gesture with his hand. ]

-- you'll sound insane if you tell people that you think you're being punished by God.

[ Which doesn't quite answer her question, but answers it enough for him. The only person that he talked about that extensively was Maria. Frowning, he wonders if he should discuss her with Claudia. Crossing his arms, he supposes that if they're working together that he should offer something -- beyond yet again finding a location for them to practice their faith. ]

But those blessed by God are here, so we can feel some sense that we're on the right path.

[devota]

You mean Maria.

[She doesn’t smile, but her hands clasp together.]

What a fascinating thing, God creating a woman for a nonbeliever. Her love is boundless.

[That the sinner would reject her is disturbing to Claudia, but She allowed Maria to live.]

[banworthy]

That's right.

[ He tilts his head away as he affirms and agrees with her. It didn't used to be so rare that the two of them were on the same page. Either way, it seems like death has done wonders for Claudia's madness. ]

But Echo views her as a person. [ He holds his hands out. ] A miracle.

[devota]

That shows the power of God, doesn’t it?

[Echo saw her, even though by Maria’s admission she was made for one person.

The organization could do so much good here. But they’ll need more than just the two of them.]

[banworthy]

It does, but --

[ And he holds his index finger up. ]

-- that's for us to know and no one else to find out.

[devota]

[She gives him a look that says she disagrees, but after a moment sighs.]

Very well. You have been here longer; I'll do as you ask.

[banworthy]

Death has done wonders for our relationship.

[ Vincent decides to address the elephant in the room by violently stabbing it in the side. ]

[devota]

You haven't threatened to kill me thus far.

[She manages to sound rather blasé about it.

She'd let him get away with the threats twice. As far as she's concerned, she'd been plenty lenient.]

[banworthy]

I didn't threaten to kill you last time, either.

[ Semantics! ]

I am a little sad, however, that I didn't get to keep the knife you left in me.

[devota]

But you would have, given the opportunity.

[There's no judgement from her.]

Would you have kept it?

[banworthy]

Are you insane? [ His eyes roll up before he corrects himself: ] No, I wouldn't have.

[ Because he doesn't have the power to do that, obviously. She can say if he had the opportunity, but he knows the difference between them. So, there never would be one! ]

And I might've.

[devota]

...If you insist.

[She doesn't believe him, not after him stating he wanted to see her die repeatedly. Though, she supposes, he might argue it doesn't count since he would try to get someone else to do it for him.]

A shame you didn't come here with it, then.

[banworthy]

[ Him trying to kill her and him trying to get others to kill her is a completely separate matter as far as he's concerned. Also, he's firm in his belief of his sanity. ]

I know. We call be very sad about it together.

[devota]

[...Keep telling yourself that, Vincent.]

It is rather unfortunate.

[It's difficult to tell if she's being serious or not.]

[banworthy]

Anyway --

[ Moving right along. ]

-- I've secured a place for us to practice our religion.

[devota]

Have you?

[She's interested, now.]

It's out of the way of prying eyes, I imagine.

[banworthy]

Obviously.

[ Vincent barely is able to keep from rolling his eyes. ]

It's actually one that was brought by another inhabitant here. However, they have been gone for months... so, I've started to spruce the area up to be more suited for [ Again, he barely keeps from rolling his eyes. ] our purposes.

I just ask you don't let this become another repeat of the other church I built.

[devota]

[Huh. She wishes she could have met this person. It's a shame they're gone. Though maybe they wouldn't approve of Vincent's claiming of the space.

Well, it hardly matters.]

There won't be a repeat.

[She's not sure she could bring the Otherworld here even if she wanted to, though she's not keen on trying.]

[banworthy]

I'll hold you to that, Claudia.

[ Vincent makes a dismissive gesture with his hand. It's uncertain from his tone and movements if he believes her, but sometimes, he isn't even sure if he does or doesn't. ]

Anyway -- [ He glances to her and seems to be looking at her for the first time. ] -- take care of your things. It's your one and only treasure, after all. [ A beat. ] It may even get you to get along better with Heather.

[ His shoulders bounce in a shrug as he turns as if preparing to leave. ]

[devota]

[She dips her head in acknowledgement.

As he turns to leave, she speaks again.]

Vincent.

[It's a searching tone, not the sort she uses when she's demanding something of him. It's closer to how it used to be, when she sought his advice. When they spoke even when discussion got heated.]

Do you like it here?

[banworthy]

[ He takes a half step before pausing. Shifting, he turns around to face her as she calls to him. His head tilts as he waits for her question, but is surprised by what she asks. ]

No.

[ His eyebrows furrow in confusion. ]