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

2

[velocityraptor]

You know what they say about being curious. [ That expression has more to do with cats than birds, but what can one do? Hawks flips a chair around so he can sit on it seamlessly so the back is in front of him to accommodate his wings. The movement is fluid because he does that often. ]

What are you doing, anyway? [ He figures he's been invited to ask, so he does. ]

[shadowsincryo]

Mixing drinks. They don’t have a wide variety but, it falls under that requirement to try something new. [He spins the swizzle stick in his fingers and glances back at the menu.]

And I can’t let some skills go to waste. Especially with all this time to cool our heels.

[velocityraptor]

Is it really a requirement, rather than a suggestion?

[ He hasn't been convinced, considering everything on offer is a wide variety of pastries and he typically doesn't eat those. ]

Is that unusual? [ He's only just arrived, he's a bit lost. ]

[shadowsincryo]

A suggestion but we do get rewarded for it. [He adds more wine to the middle cup and studies it. He thinks about it and adds more. This batch could do with less juice.]

And frankly, I would like to adjust the train. Points will let me make changes to it.

[velocityraptor]

I don't think there's anything I want. [ At least at the moment, as far as he knows, but he's never really been motivated by rewards, just a good meal. ]

I haven't encountered the train. What's wrong with it?

[shadowsincryo]

[He makes an irritated sound. It's the first change from a lazy smile he's had. He waves a hand.] It is the least helpful thing. Something like that should be useful to the people. Instead, it runs a long route. If you miss it at the beginning, you have to catch it and somehow get on.

It runs slowly. Good luck getting anywhere on time. If we had horses or regular carts, traveling would be less annoying. The riding birds...chocobo? They help if you can tame one.

[velocityraptor]

[ The train probably isn't going to be applicable to him, wings and all, but that doesn't mean it's not a problem. ] I wonder why it's so slow, I mean, where I'm from trains are pretty fast. How come there's only one on the long route? [ He completely gets it.

He's not about to offer himself as a taxi service mostly because he thinks that would get tiring fast, but he could definitely work in a pinch, and would do it on request. ]

[shadowsincryo]

Because everything is built on request. Think of this as a hub between worlds. Aurora only builds what we ask and how she understands it.

[He sits back, turning the swizzle stick into an ice coin. He walks it across his fingers.]

It’s up to use to refine it and make things work. Such technology wasn’t present continents wide where I’m from. And I imagine others have some wishes they want more. It will be sorted in time. Until then, quite useful way to keep in shape.

[velocityraptor]

I mean I guess... [ Hawks looks thoughtful, but engineering is not his strong point, he knows next to nothing how anything works, so he can't really offer to help fix it. ]

Does that mean someone asked for there to be a water park? That seems like a strange request.

[shadowsincryo]

No. That’s Aurora’s doing. We think this was to encourage use to bond and work together. [He waves a hand. He tosses the coin and catches it. He opens his hand and three more coins rest in his palm.]

[velocityraptor]

I guess that makes sense, get people at ease with one another before a team up.

[ He's not used to that. He doesn't team up very often, and when he does it's just expected that everyone will get along. ]

[shadowsincryo]

Yes, and not everyone will. A basic fact. My last mission most of my team didn’t. Can’t help with how people feel.

[He isn’t bothered. He does what he feels needs done. If other people don’t, that’s their issue.]

[velocityraptor]

In my experience as long as you can shove it to the side for the mission, getting along isn't actually required, but it makes things more pleasant.

[ He's also the type of person who does what needs doing. ]

[shadowsincryo]

I agree. Not everyone does. Or they ditch the mission entirely. The problem of kidnapping people from their worlds and not asking them.

[There is a spark in his eye for a moment. The cold ruthless brutality of winter. He never forgets they were kidnapped. That rage is a thing he sets aside every day. He smiles, light and easy.]

Just part of the hurdles here.

[velocityraptor]

[ It's that spark that catches Hawks' attention though, and he files it under 'this is someone who might know something'. Not that he's going to start pestering the man out of the gate, but it's something he's making a mental note of. ]

Kidnapping people isn't a very nice thing to do. [ He won't dispute this. ]

I can understand the desire to rebel. [ Boy, does he ever. ] Problem is if you burn everything down around you, you might never find what you're looking for in the process. If anything I was told today is true, then that's a factor to consider.

[shadowsincryo]

Exactly. If we constantly try to wreck things we won’t find anything. [He gestures to the whole place.]

So far, the investigation hasn’t yielded much. But considering who might be obscuring things? Hardly surprising.

[He sips his drink. He lets an ice cube break in half. He swirls his cup.] I’ve only been here for one offworld mission and two here. So, we’ll see what we can find out next.

[velocityraptor]

Even if that's the goal later, first you usually have to play within the establish rules to learn what you need to know. [ Not everyone is built for the slow and steady approach, but Hawks is very used to this. ]

I wouldn't expect it to be particularly easy, no. [ He hums and smiles a little bit. ]

You're ahead of me there, I just got here.