etrayalogs | MISSION 004 (part 1)

MISSION 004 (part 1)

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: July 19th-July 27th.
WHERE: Moorecroft Village
WHAT: Enjoy life in your new suburban neighborhood!
NOTES\WARNINGS: Potential death.

⏵ welcome home ⏴
Welcome to Moorecroft Village, where the sun casts a gentle glow through soft white clouds. Pavement paths wind around the village, adorned with wildflowers in every hue. Birds sing a soothing melody, while a few content cats lounge in sunspots or on benches along the streets. Cars hum by, ferrying residents to work, the store, or back home after a busy day.

It looks almost perfect. The ideal little village, occupied by individuals from all over. Orcs, elves, faeries, werewolves, vampires, and dhampirs coexist harmoniously, each contributing to their quaint little town. Despite their varied backgrounds, they appear to embrace this place as their own. They take their baby carriages out during the day for a stroll, chatting with friends and neighbors about current happenings, discussing their most recent mission (a ‘game’ of Whodunit, in which one of theirs, Theo, was tasked with killing one of their own each day and they all had to figure out who had killed them before they could come back to life) and the difficulties therein, new job assignments, weird things the teens in their houses are getting up to... generic, neighborly conversations.

The village is full of life. There are numerous facilities to wander and things to do! The library houses a vast collection of books spanning history from countless other worlds and whimsical children's tales. Teens gather at the ice skating rink, while the movie theater screens films spanning generations. An aquarium full of wonders: glowing rainbow fish, miniature great white sharks, a colorful octopus with patterns running over it that almost look like ivy, and numerous others.

In the daytime, everyone can explore clothing stores, indulge in gourmet cakes from the grocers, and partake in leisurely pursuits without financial concerns; just like on Etraya, money does not exist here.

⏵ help wanted ⏴
Moorecroft surpasses Etraya in its development, offering attractions and activities to engage its inhabitants throughout the day. But with these advancements come additional responsibilities. By day, at least one adult from every household is expected to fulfill their shifts at 'day jobs', lasting anywhere from four to eight hours. Meanwhile, the youth are expected to go to school, absorbing knowledge in various disciplines.

Each job duty requires different skillsets, but whether or not those required skillsets are matched to those who are expected to work them... well. They’ll have plenty of time for training, won’t they? Or perhaps they’ll get dropped right into their job and be expected to figure it out all on their own.

For the younger residents, education is structured into two main institutions: "Sandalwood Lower" for those twelve and under, and "Maplewood Upper" for older students. These schools offer a broad curriculum encompassing Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Technology, Fine Arts, and a diverse array of Foreign Languages. Electives range widely, from specific sports to Survival Training, Creative Writing, Journalism, and Sociology.

At lunchtime, the school cafeteria presents an array of choices. Options range from standard fare like school pizza to other offerings such as vampire's blood, brains, and hearts—just in case an unexpected guest should drop in. After all, one never knows who might show up in Moorecroft.

⏵ honey do's ⏴
But life extends beyond work and school. A structured routine of what is expected of each household is kept on digital calendars, and installed on the wall in the kitchen of each house. These calendars update daily with smaller tasks, and weekly with larger ones, detailing what is expected of those residing within its walls.

Typical tasks include simple activities such as:

Take the child(ren) for a walk outdoors.
Visit the local park.
Bake a pie for the neighbors.
Tell your spouse(s) how important they are to you.
Share a secret.
Shop with your child(ren).
Mow the lawn.
Don’t forget to attend your child’s school’s PTA meeting!
Help with homework.
Take family photos.
Go on a date.

More complex tasks are found under weekly checklists, and may involve:

Host a neighborhood barbeque competition.
Volunteer at the hospital.
Teach your child a sport.
Start a soccer league.
Create a garage band.
Get a part time job.
Join a club.

Eos will check off each task as it is completed. At the bottom of each calendar, a tally records the completion of tasks, providing a visual measure of productivity and community involvement.

⏵ night watch ⏴
As the sun lowers over the horizon, everything shifts. Every long-term resident understands the consequences of curfew and the threats within. They retreat to their homes, urging those unfamiliar to them who may not understand the rules just yet that they, too, need to return indoors for the night.

Within the confines of their houses, life continues under a fragile veil of normalcy. A peek into some of the homes of long-term residents will find them playing board games with their family units, completing homework or work assignments they were unable to finish during the day, watching a few family-friendly shows on their couches, or enjoying a late dinner. Eventually, they’ll return to their beds and wait for the sound of their alarms.

In Moorecroft, no friendly companion bots roam the streets during the day. In their place, highly advanced robots emerge to enforce curfew once the time comes. They silently make their way through the streets, sweeping away anything that isn’t part of Eos’ design: trash left out on the street, bugs left by suspicious men wearing cowls that have ears on them, graffiti, new decor that Eos decides she doesn’t like. No winds shake the trees, there are no cars on the road, but noises can be heard coming from outside that don't sound... normal by any means. Croaks, whispers, scratches against doors and walls alike.

Those who defy curfew will be asked, once, to return to their homes. If they opt not to listen, they are met with force: physically restrained, subdued, and dragged back to their homes. If they decide to fight, the bots are not above killing them and dropping their limp bodies just inside the front door of their houses. They will revive after 48 hours but not without cost. Each return carries an absence—a missing memory, a lost skill, or a fragment of their very essence, stolen away in the process of their revival.

Even those who manage to evade capture will awaken in their beds with no recollection of their death or what they may have witnessed before dying. They will instead have a vague feeling that something horrifying happened.

⏵ NOTES ⏴

Daily and weekly tasks can be chosen by players! We won't be listing these out for each household, but relying on players to choose what's most fun for them to play with within their households.

As noted on Mission Plotting, we're open to one group successfully staying out past curfew, but would like to keep this to one thread.

We have a separate log for NPC interactions for this mission!

For any questions relating to the contents of this log, mod queries thread on the initial plotting post to assist us in keeping all mission-related information in one place. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ.
⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

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[ Hob glances down at his attire and blushes at the compliment. Ahem! Thankfully, Loki gives him something to be curious about. ]

A curator? That sounds marvelous.

[ He certainly could have been given worse jobs. ]

I enjoy museums, as well. Perhaps I can stop by and see the exhibit.

[Loki notices the brief glance down and purses his lips against a smirk. He enjoys the small reaction he sees, but he doesn’t want his new friend to think he’s making fun of him when really he just finds him charming.]

I am finding it quite interesting. I do not know why I was given this particular job, but I’m rather glad they did. [At very least he thinks maybe he can find out the history of this place, it might give him some clue on how to contact those in charge.]

Oh, yes please. I would love for you to come see what I have done. But only if you give me your honest opinion. If it does not meet your tastes, I would like to know about it.

[ Hob doesn't think Loki is making fun of it him at all. He's flattered by the compliment.

Hearing that Loki would enjoy a visit at the museum gives Hob something to look forward to. ]

I'll do that.

[ There's a soft clearing of someone's throat from a door to the back room. An older woman is eyeing them both over her spectacles. Hob quickly puts his coffee cup down and reaches for Loki's. ]

Uh, anyway, right this way sir, and we'll get you sorted with something nice.

[ Hob gives Loki a look, as if asking him to play along. ]

I look forward to it.

[A smile quirks at Loki’s lips as he keeps looking at Hob and tells himself he’s acting completely normally for someone who has made a new friend. The feeling of an almost nervous and excited feeling in his stomach is perfectly normal.

His smile turns to a frown when they are suddenly interrupted by a rather stern looking woman. He almost says something but then notices the look on Hob’s face just before he speaks. Ah yes, he’s more than willing and capable of playing along.]

Oh yes, I trust fully that you will. You’ve already been so helpful I just know I will get exactly what I came for.

[ Hob leads Loki over to a dressing area with three mirrors so he can admire his godly self. All the while the woman peers and slowly goes back inside the other room, but leaves the door cracked a couple of inches. ]

You're too kind, sir. This shop has the most amazing tailors, though. I can tell you're a man with refined taste, as well. Although, you are rather tall, so I'm not sure we have something in your size. But in a couple of days, we can make anything you'd like.

[ He's relieved Loki is willing to let him go through his work routine so he doesn't get into trouble at his job. ]

Just hold your arms straight out from your sides and I'll take a few measurements.

[As Hob leaded him to the dressing area, he keeps a casual eye on the woman as she moves away, but is clearly keeping an eye on them. It sparks an urge to play a little game…]

Oh, I am sure they are wonderful. I have to assume they made your outfit? Because it fits you perfectly. [Loki obviously eyes Hob and puts on his best flirty tone. If asked, he would say he’s flirting, but only to see if it draws the attention of the woman. Really, it’s possible he would have a hard time not flirting with Hob, no matter where they were or who might be spying on them.]

I have every confidence in you. [He smirks just slightly and holds out his arms as instructed.]

[ If the game was meant to make Hob blush, then Loki is winning. ]

Oh, y-yes, they did make it. If you like it, they can make you something similar. I'm certain it would look amazing on you.

[ And that's not just a line. Loki would look very handsome in a suit with a fitted vest. Even if a bit of flirting is going on, Hob still appears to be working, so the woman doesn't come out again just yet.

Hob takes a length of measuring tape from his pocket and steps closer, then pauses. ]

Um, excuse me...

[ He reaches both arms around Loki's body to take the end of the tape with his other hand. It's nearly an embrace, except he manages to keep a couple of inches between them. Once he has the tape, he takes a step back and uses it to measure the width of the god's chest. ]

[That hadn’t been Loki’s intention, but he certainly doesn’t mind the result either.

A slow grin spreads across Loki’s face.] Do you think so? [Loki turns and poses slightly, twisting this way and that as if he were trying to imagine it on him. He briefly considers using a bit of magic to just see how he might look, and possibly to take Hob by surprise with a little display, but decides against it for the moment. Right now he’s perfectly content with watching Hob work, especially when it means the other man moving into his personal space.

He really shouldn’t be thinking this way, of course. He needs to think with his brain if he wants to get himself and everyone else out of this place, but the man currently trying maybe a little too hard to keep space between them is entirely too distracting.

Still, Loki doesn’t try to hide that he’s looking at Hob when he steps back while taking the measurements, the smile still on his face as he watches him work.]

[ Hob would have to be blind not to enjoy the little show Loki puts on as he poses. The god is quite striking in every way and at every angle.

Once he's read the measurement, Hob releases the tape and takes a small notepad out of his pocket to jot the number down. When he looks up, he notices Loki smiling at him and can't help but smile in return. ]

I'll measure the length of your arms and your shoulders now.

[ And so, he gets to work once more, starting with holding the tape along the length of Loki's right arm to his wrist. ]

Did you end up in a house with others here? Mine is rather full, but they're all nice people.

[Though he manages to keep a straight face, Loki rather enjoys the attention he’s getting from Hob. The word ‘charmed’ comes to mind again and he knows part of him would very much like to say screw it to his new-found glorious purpose and simply stay here, flirting with this man.

He can’t. He knows that, but perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to enjoy himself just a little while he’s here?

Loki only nods in response, oddly quiet for the moment as he holds his arms out for Hob to measure. His mind is once again swirling between what he wants and what he needs to do.]

I, um, yes. I was situation with another man and woman. I had met the woman before, on the station where I first met you. She is quite interesting. I like her quite a lot. I haven’t not spoken much with the man. I get the feeling he does not like me much. Or perhaps he does not like anyone. I couldn’t say. Oh, and there is an infant I do not quite know what to do with.

Is there a child in your home?

[ At least Loki is able to share a house with someone he likes. Hob thinks he's pretty fortunate, too, since he already met Natasha and the others in the house are friendly. Hearing that the other man doesn't seem to like Loki makes Hob smile a little. ]

I can't imagine someone not liking you. Maybe that fellow is just the grumpy sort.

[ Hob nods and continues. ]

Yes, a baby. She's very cute.

[ His tone already sounds fond of her as he jots numbers onto his notepad. ]

You can put your arms down now.

[It is pretty lucky that he’s ended up with someone he’s actually met before. Though he’s still curious to find out what she knows of him, seeing as she seems to have met a variant of his. He’s really just relieved that whichever variant she did meet, he couldn’t have been anything like the President.]

I suppose that is possible. I find him quite hard to read, which is not something I am used to. [Though he is very used to people not liking him, even if they have good reason. He’s not about to tell Hob any of that though. He knows he shouldn’t, but he likes Hob, a lot. And on the off chance he’s stuck here longer than he would like, he would prefer to continue to have Hob look at him like that.]

It seems you take well to fatherhood then. I’m afraid I am quite lost when it comes to children. It is not something I have ever had to do. [When he was young, he had thought as a prince, he would be a father eventually, but now he can’t imagine he ever would’ve been good at it.]

[ Hob lengthens the measuring tape again and moves into Loki's personal space once more, this time to reach around his waist for the next measurements on the lower part of his torso and his hips. Having something to do is helpful while they talk. ]

It's not actually my first time.

[ There's a little pang of sadness as he admits that about himself. Maybe one never really loses a knack for fatherhood once they've experienced it.

But then he looks up from his work at Loki and smiles. ]

I'm sure you'd get along splendidly with children, given the chance.

[Without realizing it, Loki holds his breath as Hob moves back into his personal space. At night, when he is alone, perhaps he will allow himself to consider his current reaction, but in the moment, he refuses to think of how good the other man smells.

He’s startled from his thoughts when Hob speaks though.]

No?

[He can see something sad on Hob’s face and he wants to ask, but doesn’t know how.]

I suppose that is possible. I once thought I wanted a family, but I am unsure if it is what I truly wanted, or if it was just what was expected of me.

[ There's a mix of different thoughts moving through Hob's mind. His past. His present. And the man standing before him. It's hard not to notice how trim Loki is in the midst of it all when Hob cinches the measuring tape around his hips, too.

Once he has the measurement, he releases the tape again and jots the figures down in his notepad. ]

You haven't thought about it since then? It sounds like circumstances are different for you than they were before.

[It's a bit of a relief when Hob pulls away to write down his measurements. It gives him a moment to get himself under control. Loki can't help but think that this is all just because sitting at the center of the world tree has been the loneliest he's ever felt. So close to everyone he loves, and yet so far away. To suddenly be thrust back into regular life is more than a little confusing. And to have met someone like Hob only makes him want to stay, no matter how much he knows he can't.]

I'm afraid that until I arrived here I had nothing but time to think, but why consider things that cannot happen? Besides, I doubt that it would be a good idea for me to attempt to parent anyone. You, on the other hand, I imagine you are a wonderful father.

[He knows he doesn't know Hob quite that well yet, but there is just something about him that has Loki convinced.

[ Hob finishes jotting down the numbers and frowns softly. Why can't that happen for him? Hob is still lost on some of the details, but this place doesn't feel like the right time to ask.

He does appreciate the compliment, though. ]

Thank you. I could have been a better one. Hindsight, you know.

[ He taps his notebook against the palm of his hand. ]

What would you like in your order? Shirts? Jackets? Suits? Maybe some particular colors?

[In the moment, Loki doesn’t quite realize that he’s said some things that will likely require follow up questions, questions he wouldn’t mind answering at some point, though this is hardly the time or place. Somehow he just knows he can trust Hob and would like it if they got to know each other better.]

Yes, I do. I hope that one day you can try again, if that is what you wish. And I mean outside of this place, when you are back home.

[Loki has to imagine Hob would have his choice of partner and plenty who would love to have a family with him.]

Yes, at least one suit, and a couple of shirts that could be more casual? I tend to prefer my suits in black, but I do quite enjoy a nice dark green. Perhaps for the shirts?

Thank you.

[ It's kind of Loki to say so, but Hob doesn't really know what the future holds. He was happy, though, back home. He just hopes he can return to his world somehow. ]

Right. They'll be ready in a few days.

[ Hob jots down the order. At least Loki will have to return to pick up his things, so Hob will get to see him again soon. ]

You are most welcome.

[None of them do, really, but Loki has become better at working hard to accomplish what he thinks is right. And he knows well that everything happening here is wrong. He’s not about to give up until they all get to go home.

Even if that does mean he’ll miss the people he’s come to be friendly with here. Along with everyone else he’ll miss while he’s once again sitting alone for all eternity.]

I shall return in a few days then. I will look forward to seeing you until then.

[He offers his new friend a smile before leaving the shop, letting Hob get back to his day.]

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MISSION 004 (part 1)

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