etrayalogs | FEBRUARY MINGLE

Entry tags:

FEBRUARY MINGLE

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: February 14th - March
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, a mini mission, and some new city features!
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.

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, the last remnants of snow are melting in the sunlight as the weather begins to warm up. It's still chilly enough one might want to put on a coat, but not so cold a jacket is necessary for wandering around without freezing off one's fingers.

We hope you enjoy your stay.

⏵ heroes return ⏴

As the Quantum Rail train glides to a halt, returning passengers step out onto familiar ground - the train station, right where they had initially begun their mission. When exiting the station, their earpieces vibrate, indicating the automatic download of a detailed map which highlights key locations, transit paths, and notable landmarks. As Aurora promised, she had been working on a few renovations around Etraya! A sleek trolley system now winds through Etraya, following clearly marked pathways through the city bubble to make travel across the city smoother. However, the trolley only moves one way, eternally following the loop Aurora has set it on. And because of this, it takes six hours to complete it's loop all the way around. Don't miss your stop!

Pets and animals have been returned to their usual preferred areas, some awaiting the arrival of their owners, and others keeping to themselves in the forested areas throughout Etraya.

Beyond the small upgrades, things seem relatively unchanged - until one familiar sign catches the eye. One marked by four vertical lines, methodically crossed out one by one: the final slash has now been drawn through. The tally is complete. What it indicates has yet to be made clear, but it has to mean something, right? No one would go through the effort of making an ominous-sounding sign without following through.

⏵ love in the air ⏴

This Valentines Day, Aurora and the companion bots have opted to try something a little different: they have scattered mystery valentines across the city. Hidden within mailboxes, tucked into cafe menus, slipped under doors, on the outside of high windows for those wall-crawlers to spot. There are countless of these little slips of papers, strewn throughout the city. And within each valentine, is a challenge or gesture to complete. Please feel free to make these up yourselves as long as they fit in with the theme!

Some examples include:

Deliver a flower to a stranger.
Write a heartfelt poem for someone.
Share a box of chocolates!
Confess your feelings for another.
Play matchmaker for two people - this can be platonic, or romantic!
Gift a friend with a stuffed animal.
Give five different people a genuine compliment.

While not mandatory, completing five tasks will earn an individual an additional ten points to use towards anything they would like!

Each little Valentine is signed "Your Secret Admirer. ♡", and some of them may even be addressed to specific individuals. Don't be surprised, Eddie, if you see one or two that are specifically addressed to you lurking around your collection of chicken friends!

And while most of these are harmless, some of the valentines cards come with effects for those who come into contact with the paper. Perhaps they thought it was a piece of garbage, or were just kicking it out of the way rather than intending on taking part. It doesn't matter! They get to join in on the fun, too.

Heart Eyes - your pupils literally turn into hearts for a few hours, making it hard to focus on anything other than things (or people) you find attractive.
Love-Struck Stammer - You can only speak in poetic compliments or romantic declarations, regardless of whom you're speaking to.
Chocolate Bliss - Everything feels good. Simple. Easy. As if there's nothing in the world to concern yourself with. You feel happy, without any concerns or worry.
Rose-Tinted Vision - everything looks soft and romantic, as if you're in a romance novel. You know the ones.
Magnetic Attraction - regardless of what you had been doing, you suddenly find yourself unable to leave the side of the person closest to you. Had you been eating chocolates while walking down the street? Well, have fun getting stuck to the guy who'd been out for a jog!
Serenade Syndrome - you find it impossible to resist the urge to sing your words, turning all conversations into love ballads.
Heartstrings - A thread appears, connecting you to someone close by who you share many similarities too. Perhaps you had never met this person before, but the threads tied around your pinky fingers that refuse to let go until you allow yourself to open up to them clearly means you should be a little more familiar with them.

Love is in the air—or maybe just a bit of well-intended chaos! 💕

⏵ NOTES ⏴

Welcome back from the mission, and welcome to Etraya for our newcomers! We've tried to keep this log simple for an easy introduction, as well as some downtime for our mission-goers who worked hard to solve the Quantum Rail mystery.

There is something else going on, but. . . well, no one seems to know what! The computer that had been on the lower floor of the hospital is now missing, and Aurora may seem a little flustered as she flits around Etraya, in search of something.

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⏴

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Huh. [ It's really all he could say. He tries to think of where it would be hard to acquire chocolate, and he supposes some poor area, actually? ] Well, then, it seems like you should be able to partake in a lot of new and wonderful foods here.

[ Vincent nods along. ]

It's fairly common. [ Not that he's taken to eating it lately. Actually, he should try to eat more sweets. This is a good reminder. Ugh, but does that mean he has to do more training? Isn't that how it works? He glowers at the box of chocolates for a second. ]

Well... are you feeling close to me now?

[Dealing with a robot-like being was not that unlike dealing with Lola back in the mountains of his home. She wasn't human, and was just as baffled by concepts like property and currency.]

Um. Kind of?

[Shelley shrugged. There was a lot of nuance to this and he wasn't a science guy. He made his living watching people.]

It's a little more complicated, but you have the right idea. It gets cold in the winter. And dark.

... Do you wanna get an ice cream?

Ah, see. That's why I have to keep up the mystery. Once you know it all, what else do I use to keep you coming around? [it is absolutely meant as a joke though it hits her that may come off a little too self-deprecating.] Other than my charming personality, that is. [there, that landed a little better.]

I'll be on the lookout for a cheerleading outfit, then. Honestly, I've begun to wonder if I should try shaping up a bit. You know, at least defend myself a little better. [after what happened on the train, it was weighing on her. people being hurt for her here was different.] We'll see.

[that is so much food and her eyebrows raise in showing that she is surprised by how much food that is. but hey, he's a big guy. he's bulking up. it makes sense. when they start talking again, she's back to all smiles.] Mm, so you're not a prude. Duly noted. But you want a kiss? I'm honored.

[ There was a brief second where he thought he should spike the toy into the ground at the comment of being friends. When did they get that close? And why?

He immediately attempting to figure out how to lower the favorability he's somehow gained, but he can't figure out where it came from. What sort of idiot makes this decision? He has to go through cost-and-benefit. Ugh.

But-- ]

[ Hm? ]

Oh? It won't hurt you feelings if I give it away as soon as I get that request?

[ Felicia doesn't think that's really an answer. He sure likes to keep his secrets. ]

I do whatever I want, but I live for the next heist.

[ It's her world. Her greatest joy. ]

Transformations, in a manner of speaking, are more divine by Barnabas' view. Those that can undergo such vast changes are typically those blessed by the Almighty Himself, though he is not fool enough to believe that only the divine can do as much. Still, his association, his bias, does not lead him to find such transformations a specific negative as Gaia might, with the Sineaters fresh in her mind.

After all, some might believe those fiends the work of the divine, holy in their violent simplicity. Much as Barnabas views the Akashic, but that is neither here nor there, and so Barnabas comments no further on that topic.

However, he likewise does not rebuke her estimation on his standards. Primarily because what one might believe to be "high" is another man's "reasonable", and when it comes to saving existence, is there truly a standard that can be too high for what is at stake?

He is, ultimately, a realist by his view, and a solution is better than none, though that does not mean he is without judgment for the people and tools at their disposal for such a thing.

As they walk onto the bridge, the tension in the air unwavering and electric, Grani's hooves crackle a little with each beat against the stone beneath them. This is certain a lightning touched area, though the primary source was not recreated with Stonhyrr's placement, the aether conductivity remains.

"Stonhyrr has even been charged with levin," he begins simple enough, looking to the castle, admiring its silhouette though it lacks the imposing beauty of Drake's Spine. "The mothercrystal responsible for its aetheric pull towards that aspect is not present here in Etraya."

Though its effects clearly remain. Something that will fade with time due to the lack of exposure, as is to be expected, though it is not something quick.

Barnabas looks to Gaia, intrigue in his gaze.

"You are sensitive to aether. Of this I am not surprised, though I am left to wonder the nature of your senses."

Speaking of, Gaia might be able to sense that something is watching the two of them. A beast of considerable aetheric composition and power: a behemoth. The creature is on the far side of the bridge, and otherwise might not be noticeable immediately to one not capable of feeling its presence due to its ~~dummy thicc~~ considerable amounts of aether.

For now, it seems to be doing nothing but watching and waiting. Neither Barnabas or Grani appear to care about the beast's presence. Or perhaps they have not noticed it, that is for Gaia to surmise.

[An Zhe blinks, curious.]

You can? I don't know much about other creatures, past how dangerous they are to me.

Ha-ha, no.

[ Vincent waves his hand dismissively at the idea that he would need a transfusion. Well, technically, he would - if he survived the multiple times he was stabbed. He's starting to wonder if he looks like a pin cushion to people. ]

What would you say are the main elements of the world?

[ He does catch sight of the notebook and realizes why she keeps it. Normally, he'd give a warning about how anyone could read what she's written and use it against her, but seeing it for himself, he decides she should be safe. ]

Wonderful.

[ He chimes in return, but his tone is that of someone who is hearing a positive event that has nothing to do with him. And that is true; he had died before the conclusion of the mission and "spirited" back to Etraya to wait for everyone else's triumphant (or failed) returned. ]

Who was it?

[ Thinking on it more, he at least had that much curiosity. ]

I have been. I've mostly been tasked with giving compliments. [ He barely keeps himself from sticking his tongue out at the idea. ] That said... I continue to be impressed with your diligence.

Never say never. It's a jinx to do so, bestie.

[ He decides to toss out a light joke on the matter. It's the best that he can do with the sudden anxiety about the subject.

Vincent doesn't intend to tell anyone he died or how he died. As far as he was aware, only three people knew (and then he'll find out Harold and Reese knows). He couldn't imagine anyone else would be concerned with the matter. It also wasn't something he thought to discuss since he couldn't imagine how he could gain something from someone with it.

Guilt and sympathy are nice cards to have from someone, but it isn't enough to move someone exactly as he has planned. Furthermore, those emotions are just one step away from "pity" in his eyes. ]

Mm. [ Vincent first makes a noise that a person wouldn't get used to dying. However, he pauses as he re-focuses his gaze onto her face. ] You've been forced to walk the road of penance? [ Wait. ] That doesn't make sense.

We would have seen you if you had... [ A beat. ] The floor is yours, Maria.

Is it bone?

[ The question comes out before he can stop it.

Ah... he shouldn't have asked. That laugh is creepy; it sends a chill down his spine. Henry supposes that it's good that his expression is usually stoic.

Could this person be really dangerous? Maybe even insane? ]

( bruce scowls, and damian returns the sentiment right back at him. )

You knew I wouldn't. ( obedience isn't a trait bruce encourages in those under his wing. to listen when it's vital is, as is the capability of following orders - but only to an extent. robin is meant to support batman, in whichever way he needs it most. they're meant to choose on their own what that support entails, even if it involves angering bruce. batman.

but damian doesn't follow. he watches bruce walk towards the door, and tips his chin up when he's questioned. )

I've gotten what I came here for.

( so, no, but he will wait here for bruce to go in. )

[She pops one of the chocolates into her mouth absently, as she thinks on it.]

... Playing games is nice, because you get to play them with other people. And the boardgames are always so fun to look at, with all of their colors...

Do you have any you like? Games?

[Connor nods. He's a very obedient robit.]

Connor.

[Let you what?]

You just said I have nothing to trade with.

[You are in trouble, Riz. To the brig with you.

He leans an elbow against the trash can, and considers this development.]

No such thing as free.

Who controls your resources?

I know.

( it's - quiet. not a rejection, just acknowledgement that he knows what alfred would and wouldn't blame him for, and alfred's death certainly isn't something he would place in damian's hand. especially given, )

Alfred sent the message to Father saying he was in the clear, and that it was safe for us to come back to Gotham. He knew he wasn't safe. That Father wouldn't go near Gotham if it would risk Pennyworth's life, but the only way to free Gotham from Bane's control was to have one of us lead the others in. It was... Pennyworth or Gotham. Pennyworth chose to sacrifice himself.

( and damian knows, reasonably, that there was nothing he could do. that he was unaware alfred was still in the manor, that bane had his hands on him. that damian was sent in on purpose, because they couldn't show their hand by sending in batman, but thomas wayne wouldn't have the same attachment to bruce's adopted children as he would to bruce's blood son. to an unruly child reflecting wayne features right back toward thomas. they had no one else they could send who would be brought back to wayne manor in one piece.

but he still hears it. alfred repeating, no, please, not in front of the boy moments before his body would cease all functions. the unpleasant crack. )

It was his decision. His actions. I was just - too slow to prevent it.

Why would you pity her existence?

[Connor cocks his head slightly to the side.]

You don't?

[ He holds his hands out, gesturing for Connor to answer first. ]

Being dead is sort of like being in another world, in that it's still avoiding your responsibilities even if it's a very reasonable excuse to be doing so. Death is over with a lot faster, it has that in its favor.

"Well, if we have to go back to Kamurkia first, turning into a dragon's probably easier the more you do it... And it'll give us some time to look into all of this world transfer stuff ourselves. I can put up with being tossed around a bit more if it means getting more of a say in where we end up."

Double sigh. He's mostly thinking about Sephiroth and that whole set of circumstances, but also, he doesn't want to make a bunch of friends under intense circumstances and then not see them again?

"No, I didn't exactly come in with a bunch of luggage to unpack."

Popp does a spin to demonstrate the lack of extraneous items on him. He's actually carrying more than he normally would, on the grounds that being stranded in the snow with monsters crawling about has been a very real possibility up until this morning, but it still all fits in his pockets and in a small pack under his cloak.

"They're all pretty much the same thing, right, like rooms at an inn?"

Oh if history has take me anything over the years, it's that there is always a mystery with women. I doubt I'll discover all your secrets soon. [He was also joking. He knew they were taking things easy and care-free, rarely discussing serious topics. At this point, it seemed like what they both needed.] Those charms though. I'll be enamored with those for years.

[He had no idea what a cheerleader outfit actually looked like. It sounded fascinating, though why anyone would need an outfit to cheer anyone was curious.] And just what does this uniform look like, hmmm? [He perked at the other portion though.] Has no one taught you how to punch or self defense? I can.

[When one exercised to the near unhealthy degree he was currently doing, he needed the calories unfortunately. Time spent in his apartment required activity or his thoughts would turn dark.] At least a kiss if I can charm one out of you. No pressure, of course, but you do look very kissable.

( there's a dramatic roll of his eyes, but - you know what, fine, he can break down the basics. )

Hydraulics use pressurized fluid to generate force and movement. For a prosthetic arm, I would imagine yours was created to mimic human muscles and joints, despite it looking like - ( well. ) that. It relies on Pascal's Principle: fluid pressure distributed evenly through a closed system, so when pressure increases at one point in the fluid, it also increases the same amount at every other point. Yours should rely on myoelectric sensors - sensors meant to register electrical signals from the muscles in your arm, thus registering the movement you are intending to make, so that the prosthetic can follow through. Hydraulics isn't a terrible choice for prosthetics - given they can generate more force than an electronic motor and they often prove to be very durable, I imagine it works well for you. The disadvantage for most is the weight as well as the external pump - but given your build, I doubt the weight slows you down much, if at all.

Edited 2025-02-26 23:17 (UTC)

Yes, and?

( does he look like he cares, connor. )

Unless someone is sneaking into people's homes and tying strings around their fingers...magic is a good enough guess. [ Amused as he looks at Jayce. He's not sure what the significance is, if any, but Jayce's words are met with a 'hm' and a nod as he listens, fiddling with the string that's been around his pinky finger the entire day thus far. ] Mm perhaps. It doesn't seem like it gives us any distinctive connection. We aren't sharing...thoughts or physical responses to stimuli, I don't think.

[ He hasn't tried that one out himself but they can surely experiment with it if they want to. He tugs on his own string trying to see if it elicits any sort of reaction from Jayce's at all. ] So maybe it is only to bring us closer?

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