JUNE MINGLE

[etrayamods]

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: June 27th - Early July
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers and summer fun!
NOTES\WARNINGS: N/A

⏵ 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. In the hospital's lobby are several party tables set out with miscellaneous baked goods: croissants, cookies, breads, slices of strawberry shortcake, as well as iced tea and iced coffee to accompany them - as well as some strawberry lemonade, for those who are opposed to the other offerings. Should they check their earpiece and the network it is connected to, they will find that they have an assigned username already, that being their own name. Furthermore, if they do not ordinarily possess a surname, they have been assigned one at random. This only seems to affect the newly arrived, as they will find that others don't have such a kindness bestowed upon them. Outside the hospital, it is most assuredly summer! It is hot out, the warm summer sun bringing with it all the light and life one might expect of the season, but so too the possibility of sun burns if one is not too careful! What better way to beat the heat than to cool off with a swim? Though the many rivers that snake their way through Etraya might not be the safest place to do that, even if the aid of those large blue-feathered bipedal birds. However it isn't long after leaving the hospital that they may find themselves approached by one of the companion bots ushering them towards a fresh path leading to the south. If asked, they will suggest that everyone is to follow the path, and everything will be made clear once you have arrived. Should they oblige the helpful little bots, they will take a little trek through Alexandrea's Wake, past the trolley lines, and towards the bank which faces Seasands. Every few meters there are signs staked into the ground pointing along the way that read Beach! Summer Fun! Waves this Way! Once arrived, they will certainly see why... ⏵ sea la vie ⏴ Along the water's edge there sits what looks to be a water park! As guests approach the pools, they will notice the water itself. While it is indeed water, and should one inquire about it or inspect it, they will find it is truly only that, visually it looks rather different. That is, it is not only blue in hue but also green, and red, and purple, and so on. An entire spectrum of colors across its depths, like light in liquid form. The colors will swirl and feed into each other, morphing with movement and shifting in prismatic range as one moves within their depths, or even as they walk around the edges of the pools. As they enter, they are greeted by a stand with swimsuits available for those who do not have their own. However, these swimsuits are a little...retro in their style. Not far from them is another stand that has various types of water guns, as well as water balloons, for all your water-war related needs. Though, the largest and most exciting of guns needs an adult's permission to get, so be sure to have one of those if you're not of age! This park has all the popular amenities. There are land-bound pools of various depths that are connected to each other, all with with typical water features as one might expect at a water park. There are water umbrellas that cascade water down from its brim, burbling spouts, splash pads, wave pools, and so on. Naturally there are water slides of various heights and types, emptying into the appropriate pools to accommodate for the velocity of the rider's exit. There is also a lazy river that connects to the main pool, inner-tubes are available at the mouth of the river, offered by one of the many lifeguard companion bots. They are easy to spot, seeing as they seem to be wearing a strange headpiece of sorts, a hat that almost looks like the bristle of a brush (some looking oddly flattened giving the impression of a wide brim hat). An odd choice of fashion, but it certainly makes them distinct! There are beach chairs around the park for those who are less interested in splashing around, preferring to soak up the sun. Though one shouldn't swim for an hour after they have eaten (Pool Rules), there are also concession stands, but they are offering food that doesn't quite fit the pool atmosphere. Perhaps someone somewhere wants to eat a baguette at the pool, but there might be many who question the choice. In fact, there are mostly Viennoiseries available. However, there are sandwiches like Jambon-Beurre, Chévre-Tomat, and Pan Bagnat​ made with the aforementioned baguettes. There’s a stand with every flavor of Macaron as well, should one dislike the pastries. As for drinks, there is wine (red or white) available, but also other non-alcoholic drinks, such as caprisun (tropical flavor). There is, of course the matter of the waters beyond the park itself. That of the river that separates Alexandrea's Wake from Seasands, and while there is no physical barrier keeping one from going into the depths, as the tallest slide actually empties into the waters over there, the companion bots advise against any teens or younger from doing so. After all, there is wildlife in Etraya, and the waters themselves are not free of them. That is strictly adult waters, and everyone has to follow the Pool Rules! ⏵ pool rules ⏴ The rules are simple, and perhaps "has to" is a bit strong when there isn't any noteworthy repercussions that occur if someone doesn't follow them. In truth, it only results in the bots fussing and reminding them to follow the rules. All the same, there are signs posted throughout the park of the rules, which are as follows: 1. No running 2. Must Wear a Swim Suit 3. No Kids in Adult Areas 4. Wait 1 Hour After Eating Before Swimming 5. No Horseplay Except in Designated Areas 6. Have Fun 7. Be Nice To Your Lifeguards :) While the bots will not be punishing anyone who breaks the rules, those who extensively do so will find that they are being watched more closely than other people. They might even notice that the lifeguards' entire attention is on them, as if anticipating a rule to be broken at any moment. Some others might pull out a small notepad and start writing. The paper is surprisingly waterproof! Though if one confiscates the pad of paper, they will see that it is not the beginnings of a manuscript, but rather amateurish doodles of said rulebreaker decidedly following the rules and having a lot of fun doing so, everyone around them overjoyed by the change of heart! If only reality were so sweet, alas. ⏵ fun in the sun ⏴ Water parks are often known for their chaos despite their suggestion of rules, however those are not the only thing being suggested in this watery playground. Indeed, there is something else that might inspire the inhabitants than the polite reminders of the companion bots to maintain safety and order, which is the promise of points. These will be offered for those who are willing to participate in what might be considered a "mini-mission". By no means is this required, and lack of participation will not be held against anyone. However the bots will inform everyone their participation will be rewarded with 5 points should they complete five of the following activities. Activities Ride the Slides There are many slides throughout the park, some more winding than others, some far taller, and even others that are both winding and tall. To count this task complete, one must ride each of the slides that are available to their age group at least once! The tallest slide with the most loops (thus the most fun) is naturally not accessible for teens and younger, this is "strictly" for adults. Raft Volleyball This game takes place upon the river, as the rafts themselves are anchored there away from other swimmers for safety's sake. Because of this, the activity is adult only, though this will not be enforced. The object of this game is a 1v1 match where each participant tries to stay on their raft as they hit the ball back and forth. Falling off the raft is when the game ends, otherwise points are ranked up when your opponent misses the ball and the ball hits their raft. Effectively, if no one gives up or falls, this could go...indefinitely. May the strongest serve and will win, for only then will the task count! Pool Noodle Duel Choose your noodle and be ready to duel! While duelists will be encouraged to keep these duels to the shallow pools and away from groups of people, they can technically happen anywhere pool noodles are (which is everywhere around the park). Each duel will be decided by best of 2/3, first to land a hit will win the round (the hit will be obvious as the pool noodle will leave a temporary slap of color where it has struck). This task is considered complete when a duel is won. Chicken One of the medium depth pools will serve as the "Colosseum" for this game, companion bots will be available for those who do not have someone's shoulders to ride on for this water-based wrestling. Once your opponent(s) have been decided, it will be a test of strength to knock the other off the shoulders of their "steed" into the water below! Win or lose, participation counts this as complete. Treasure Diving Around the deeper pools there are coffers of "treasure", the contents look like they might be fat gemstones and gold bars, but in reality they are fake weighted toys meant to be thrown into the water to then be collected. However, this particular challenge is for a competitor to collect all the contents of a coffer within two dives. Hotdog Eating Contest Despite there not being hotdogs available to order at the concession stands otherwise, they are available for a test of gluttony! So long as you challenge someone to an eating contest, you and your opponent may eat as many as you both like within the time limit (10 minutes). Participating in this marks the task as complete. Lazy River Relaxing on the Lazy River is highly encouraged, but especially so when done with a friend. Enjoy its gentle course for its full length and the task will be considered complete. Surf the Waves Experience the wave pool! Catch the waves in whatever manner or meaning of the term appeals most! Whether it is literally trying to surf or just being bodily tossed around by the waves themselves, it doesn't matter. Participation is completion. Try a New Treat Try something you've never had before at the concession stand! If you've already eaten or drank everything on the menu, well, you can always get creative with what's available... Sunbathe with Friends Soak up some sun and work on that tan with a friend! Of course don't forget to apply sun lotion to each other first, which is available on a small table near each of the tanning chairs around the different pools throughout the park. Regardless of your tanning results, doing this at all will be considered complete. ⏵ NOTES ⏴ Welcome to Etraya newcomers and happy summer!! For those wondering who qualifies as "adults" that is anyone 20 years or older. What this means is that this is not based on height, appearance, nor physical capability. Simply chronological age. So, if someone has the full capability and mind of a grown adult but has only been alive for, say, 3 years, they will be considered "one of the kids". Around the water park leading to the river's edge is a sandy beach newly placed with the apparent construction of the water park. This can be enjoyed by both "kids" and "adults", though the bots will certainly remind the former that the waters are dangerous and not for the kids. Towels, sandals, showers, and so forth can be found within the park's myriad little buildings, but they aren't meant to be anything too fancy. Simply functional and convenient! 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

[brat]

( eyes narrow, the lenses of his domino mask appearing more like small slits of white as he - looks to the boy. his appearance is notable enough he should have remembered him, had they crossed paths before, but. )

Should I?

[levelshift]

[.... Right, okay. He's been through this before, so it's clicking in his mind. Damian went home, and this is either a version from a different universe, or the same one from an earlier point in time. Both of those options explains his question.

He debates how to answer it, and sighs a little. This always sucks, though there's nothing that can be done so he tries not to dwell.]

If you don't remember being here before then no, you shouldn't.

[brat]

( he hasn't been around long at all, but it's been long enough to start getting a gauge of what - this is. there are pieces to the puzzle missing that he can't quite place, and it's irritating, to have others know things that he doesn't. damian considers leaving the conversation with a scoff and just - opting to pretend it hadn't happened. he doesn't need a child in his life, especially not now.

instead, he clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth and leaps down from his perch, landing silently on the ground beside the boy. )

Follow me.

( rather than grabbing for him, damian just starts off in the direction of an area that looks less crowded. )

[levelshift]

....

[Well, this is probably better than just walking away. Accelerator isn't really sure, he hasn't exactly been great at dealing with people leaving and then coming back with their memories gone.

He follows after Damian quietly, questions in his mind being raised. If Damian wants to be filled in should he tell him everything, or leave things out? Knowledge is power, but it's like Vincent had said. If everyone who remembered something had gone does it matter anymore? Maybe he should keep his mouth shut.]

[brat]

( he's on unstable footing.

it could be worse, of course. he could have run into himself, and if there is one thing damian is certain he wouldn't be able to handle, it's damian wayne. once they've gotten far enough away from the water that he's relatively certain they won't be interrupted, robin turns himself around so he's facing accelerator.

drops the hood that's covering his head down so it isn't blocking his peripheral vision. )

Did you know me?

[levelshift]

[Accelerator comes to a stop behind Damian, noting that they're now in an area of the park that's a bit more private. He isn't the least bit concerned about that, though a serious expression remains on his face.]

Yeah. I did.

[That question, he figures, is referring to the whole secret identity thing.]

[brat]

( knowing robin is no big feat. knowing more about who robin is, what he does, who he associates with - that's the information he's concerned about. he's standing comfortably, keeping eyes on the boy because this is, if he can get what he wants, an important conversation to cover. )

Did you know those who I associated with, outside of yourself?

[levelshift]

[He gives a slight shrug.]

You said you had family here. [He doesn't specify any of them, because he isn't really sure who. Family had seemed to be a complicated subject with Damian, and besides, there's a more important person he needs to mention.]

There was also a girl, Laura. Brown hair, younger than me, good at stabbing people. You two were close.

[brat]

( robin has exactly one friend, and that's all he's ever needed.

sure, that friend happens to be grayson, who has taken on his father's mantle in his absence, but that's irrelevant. he'll remember laura's name regardless, and keep an eye out for a girl with brown hair who is younger than this boy in front of him. perhaps she knows more and can fill in some of the gaps. )

Did I specify which family?

[levelshift]

[He reaches up, running a hand through his hair, more reluctant to answer that question.]

A few versions of your father and some brothers. I don't know any more than that.

[Damian was always very private when it came to his family, and Accelerator never pried. He's the same way when it comes to people like Last Order, so he gets it. Even right now feels strange to talk about.]

[brat]

( brothers, as in plural. who are they counting among them now? his nose scrunches up in distaste, but it doesn't sound too far off. he doesn't suspect any potential version of himself would be discussing his family with civilians as it was. )

And you?

[levelshift]

[Well, that reaction isn't unexpected. He once again doesn't pry, assuming that whatever is going on with this version of Damian also has a lot of complicated feelings when it comes to family.]

What about me?

[brat]

You know me, but I can't say I have the luxury of knowing you.

( a name, some information, anything to connect the why of a relationship he cannot remember. )

[levelshift]

Right.

[Okay, fair. Accelerator jabs his thumb at himself.]

Accelerator. I'm an artificial esper, and the head of an independent city-state back home. It's a long story. My ability lets me manipulate the vectors of anything, and it's just as strong as you think it is. I'm the strongest esper in Academy City. I think the previous you agreed with me, because you asked me to be a contingency plan for some fuck named Superman.

[brat]

( superman's existence isn't confidential in the least, but for this child, accelerator, to say robin had asked him to be a contingency plan for him is - more than telling. for one: there is no indication the boy is lying, nor can he see a reason why he would. there's no benefit in it. an ability that powerful is a threat, even if it's being harnessed by someone on their side. one never knows when the tides could turn against them, and damian doesn't know him well enough to discern whether he should fully trust him.

and yet. )

Accelerator, then. I'll remember that.

( it's as close to a thank you as he's going to get. )

[levelshift]

Sure.

[Accelerator gives a light shrug, his posture still casual. He isn't going to push any further. Showing back up here several years younger and with no memories is jarring enough, dropping a 'hey I used to know you and we had a plan to murder someone' bomb would probably take a normal person out for the entire day. He knows Damian well enough that the best he can do in this situation is answer his questions honestly and otherwise, give him space to process.]

You want to ask me anything else, my username's the same on the network. [He's lazy what about it.]

[brat]

( he has a significant amount of questions to cover. but damian also doubts this boy will be able to answer all of them. damian rarely discusses his personal life even with those closest to him, let alone this - person he's just met who is apparently quite familiar with damian already. he hates it. detests not knowing, when others clearly have information he's lacking about himself.

there's the slightest nod of his head, acknowledging the statement. )

I assume you know what mine is.

[levelshift]

Both of them, yeah. [Unless he decides to go with entirely new usernames. Speaking of which....] If someone didn't already tell you, you can get a second earpiece from Aurora with enough points.

[The last time they had spoken Damian had talked about quitting being Robin, and this smaller him is still dressed that way, so it's a reasonable assumption he's still fully into the whole superhero thing. Knowing about the ability to get another earpiece will likely be useful information to him.]

[brat]

( he doesn't have two currently, only robin, but that's telling enough as-is. it was an offer to reach out if anything came up, and yet this boy has offered - more useful information. damian has been getting better about communicating more openly, using his words rather than responding in silence, but it's not a skillset he utilizes here.

instead, he turns around on his heels and - just starts walking off. )

[levelshift]

....................................

[Wow, he's an even bigger shit at this age. Accelerator wasn't expecting a thank you from him, but at least some acknowledgement that the information he offered was useful.

He sighs, rolling his eyes before turning and leaving as well.]