etrayalogs | JUNE MINGLE

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⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Hawks has never been invited to join a tea party before, and his primary goal is to talk to people and learn more about wherever he's been brought, not really the whole fun thing so he smiles and nods. ]

Sure, that sounds great.

[ Pillows are nice and easy for him to sit on too because there's no backing to hamper the massive wings on his back. ]

( given the nature of her job back home and the unique skill sets she had to learn, inara was far from one to stare at anyone with anything unique about them. wings, a missing limb or an extra one, whatever it was, her focus always remained on the other person's eyes. so as hawks came down to sit on one of the various cushions she had strewn out on the floor, she smiled at him gently and nodded, picking out a cup for the tea just for him.

across the table was a tray of sandwiches, which she lifted and brought closer to him, waving a gentle hand to indicate he was free to grab as many as he pleased. )

Thank you for joining me. As much as I enjoy my time alone, I find meeting new people is always worth while. Tell me, are you new here? I don't think I've seen you before.

( as she picked up the teapot and began to fill his cup and her own with cold brewed green tea, she decided to introduce herself. )

My name is Inara Serra by the way.

[ Everyone is so polite, trying to to look at his wings, but he really doesn't mind. He knows they're striking and unusual, even in his world that's the case. He settles in and glances at the sandwiches, but he'll just take one to nibble on. ]

Yeah, anytime. [ Hawks watches her movements from behind his goggles, the only part of his uniform he kept on and he smiles. ] I woke up here today, so you're right about that. I'm Hawks. It's nice to meet you.

( he was quite lucky then, most people who seemed to be brought here were brought under far worse circumstances. a day at the beach was far from being terrible really, but now she was left wondering if she should share what little she knew about this place.

after all, she had only been here for about three months or so. )

Well I'd say welcome to Etraya but most people aren't too ecstatic about being here to be fair. So I hope you can enjoy today to the fullest.

( she smiled back at him, taking a sip of her own tea. )

If you have any questions on anything, please let me know. I'll see what I can do to help.

[ He hums thoughtfully, is he upset about it? Not specifically, it's more like a problem that needs to be solved, rather than something he's going to get emotional about. ]

Thanks anyway. [ Hawks chuckles. ] Uh, yeah this place is pretty nice. I've never been to water park before.

[ He hums and sips his tea but smiled. He has questions, but he has no intention on interrogating her without some finesse in his approach. ]

A generous offer. I will ask one question though, is everything run by robots around here?

Really? I must admit I may have seen it referenced once or twice as a child but in my world this kind of thing is reserved for the elite, the rich and powerful. I went once-

( as the companion of one of her wealthier clients but that was neither here nor there. )

As for that well outside of Echo and Aurora I'll be honest....I don't think anyone here is a native of this place. Every single person I've spoke to has come from another world and while I have yet to reach out to Aurora to ask her to confirm, I have to say yes for now. That does make things a bit....complicated doesn't it?

I think they're pretty common in my world, but I didn't get out much. [ To put it mildly. ]

Huh, well I guess that does make it easier for them to stick to the same story, doesn't it, considering the bots would all be programmed with the same knowledge. People can be swayed, but code typically can't.

You know something? I never thought of it that way, but I can't say for certain. While I'm personally not knowledgeable in handling robots and programming them, I know of someone here is quite skilled at that thing. It almost makes me wonder if he can reprogram them but....

Given Aurora and Echo are in charge, I'm sure they'd revert them back to the way they are....

( who knew such curious thoughts could arise at a simple little tea part of all places. )

Are you concerned there's a native population here? It's not something I really thought about but in a way I'm glad there isn't. It would be shame to intrude and drop ourselves upon them, even if it was unwillingly.

That was the limit of my knowledge on robots though, so unfortunately I don't really know anything about hacking, or programming them. That seems likely though.

[ All Hawks does is work, so that's usually what's rattling around in his head. ]

I was worried about that. I don't want to impose on anyone either, but it's even more curious that there isn't a native population.

You know you do raise a good point. It almost makes you wonder if this world was...

( now this was an interesting conversation, enough so that it made inara pause in her tracks and hold her tea cup as she mulled over the conclusion she just came to. she didn't know all the answers, she didn't know why they were specifically chosen to be brought here but now that hawks was rolling the ball well...

one thing was clear. )

Was created to hold us hostage. You know something, I know you're new here but you reminded me of something even more strange...they have the ability to bring things from our world here. Like animals apparently?

[ Well he wasn't quite intending to tip his hand so early, but for now he can speculate. He sips his tea while she thinks it over. ]

If it's only those of us here, then yes, I can see that perspective. [ They are hostages, one way or another, for their benefit or not. ]

Is that so? How unusual. I mean, I was brought here, and so were you, but to go back and forth...that's interesting. I don't know what it means, but it's definitely noteworthy.

I must apologize...

( the conversation they were having was beneficial to a degree, but not truly worth stressing a newcomer over. she immediately offered him an apologetic look, lifting her shoulders up as she poured him some more tea. )

I'm sure we're both right to a degree but there's no sense in needlessly badgering you about it. You're new here, you should get used to the situation and acclimated. Have you encountered anyone else from your world here?

JUNE MINGLE

Tea party

ty for your patience, apologies for the delay!

No worries!

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