thousand dreams, lotus boats upon the waters

[promittere]

NEW MOON ADAGIO

Between the constant requests from the North and the sense of tension that pervades the manor, Sage Tatara makes an executive decision: we're going North, baby.

Of all the things that have happened thus far, let this be the ultimate test of your magic. Even as we near summer, it's frigid. Protect yourselves and your allies from the cold. Protect yourselves while also fighting off monsters (or other territorial wizards, should you make the terrible mistake of wandering into another's territory), flying through the vast wilderness, or protecting the poor humans who need your help to survive. Time to blow off some of your steam. Just be sure to obey Tatara's one rule: don't kill each other.

One particular problem of note is in the Forest of Dreams. Without its guardian, many of these rogue monsters and dangerous predators, displaced from their normal habitats, have found their way into the forest. Many of them, however, are unable to survive against the fatal toxin, and there are plenty of animal corpses and mana stones that litter the forest. It might be best to clean these up before the forest guardian returns...

That said, the toxin is yet another thing you must protect yourself against in addition to the cold. While you can likely keep yourself from dying from the toxins, you may not be immune to its effects. This deadly toxin causes anyone who breathes it in to dream and hallucinate vividly, be it images of the past, imagined futures, thoughts of the present processed and warped...

Strangely enough, those nearby may end up sharing in your dreams... Did you want the darkest recesses of your thoughts, hopes, and fears unearthed for others to see?

Those who decide to venture far past the more populated (in relative terms) parts of the North may find themselves stumbling upon what looks to be an abandoned bandit hideout. It seems it's been abandoned for quite a while—nothing to loot here, sorry!—but there sure are a whole lot of monsters that have decided to make this hidden corner of the North their home.

While you're at it, you may find a nearby cave. Beautiful crystals dot the walls and the floors, and there are small pools of hot spring water free for relaxing. It seems to be relatively free of monsters, too. So maybe this wouldn't be a bad spot to relax, away from everything else?

However, there's one thing that makes this cave truly unique, and it isn't the vistas or the springs—it's the bats. These bats hear echoes of the past and replay them for visitors. Should you stay a while and listen, a bat may pay you a visit. And when it does, it may play for you the voices from the memories of visitors past, whose stories may hold a clue or two to your circumstances...

While the Forest of Dreams is a memory/dreamshare free for all, the aural memories replayed by the bats in the Cave of Time will come from one of the original wizards only. If you'd like an audio replay of a perhaps significant moment either in their personal life or a clue as to what happened to them (it will be randomized), then please reply to this comment!

JOB BOARD

Clean-up and repairs. While thanks to the hard work of your Eastern friends the worst was prevented, the City of Rain emerged from their short ordeal a little worse for wear.

Buildings need repair, blood needs to be cleaned off the streets, the injured need help. This is, perhaps, the only time you will be allowed to use magic openly in the city (you've been given permits and everything!), but you still are not allowed to talk outside of designated zones. Please, please don't get arrested...

As for the scrap that litters the streets? Unfortunately, you'll have to take it back to the scrapyard. But this time, there's a big, roaring bonfire out there. Just chuck all the scrap and debris in the fire. The city isn't taking any second chances—extreme situations call for extreme measures.

Reverence. Several Northern villages are currently outside the protection of a wizard, and have requested the sage's wizards' presence. They're terrified of the monsters and worried the barriers for their villages will fail sooner than later. They don't simply ask for help for free, however, and these smaller villages are steeped in their tradition—they'll pay you their respects, praying to you, offering you gifts, groveling at your feet, in hopes for a modicum of your time and protection. Do their offerings please you? Then assist them with what you deem appropriate for their worship to you: kill a few monsters for them, or a lot if you're pleased. Strengthen the barrier a lot, or not at all if you're displeased. It's up to you! You have the power here. What's it like to be a god for a day?

Ladies' night. The monthly lady officers' gathering is coming up in the City of Affluence—it's an exclusive meetup for the women involved in and related to Western military and bureaucratic affairs. Anyone is welcome, so long as they meet two requirements: they are outwardly presenting feminine, and they have an invitation to the gathering. Here's your chance to flex your transformation and glamour spells! Infiltrate the meetup with a disguise and a fake invitation, mingle, enjoy the drinks, the jazz, the entertainment, and find out what you can... What's the Western army up to? Be careful, though—don't get caught and kicked out!

The attendees seem to be excited about the new phantasmagoria technology and the upcoming display, and many whisper about the upcoming Venator meteor shower...

G'RAHA TASKS

Greetings, new friends! I am G'raha Tia, and while I hesitate to call myself a mentor or a replacement for the one you had, I am eternally grateful for the assistance I received and will do my best to help your cause in any way I can. To that end, I feel I may need to be caught up to speed on the events and get to know all of you.

We can have some tea and sandwiches and have a discussion! That's the best way to learn, sometimes.

TATARA ACTIVITIES

Even if we're not here for very long, I think we should leave our mark (not literally! Don't paint on the walls!). I got paint and big paper in the dining hall, but no brushes... Do you know what that means? Finger paint! Finger paint a portrait of yourself with your name and I'll hang it up in the library when they're all done!

Thanks to Cid and Khun, my camcorder works now. The thing is, what's the point of filming anything if we have no way to watch the film?! Could you guys work together to make some kind of projector? Or like...VHS player? We could have a movie night together!

OOC NOTES

🌙 Welcome to your fourth event! It's your dreamshare and memshare event! Ready to open up with your deepest and darkest secrets?
🌙 We're halfway through the game. How do you feel?
🌙 Back at the manor, Kurapika and Maya have set up a bulletin board! Leave comments, argue with your neighbors, have fun. Be nice. Don't set it on fire.
🌙 On the admin side of things, Lav has swapped out Wanderer for G'raha! Please say hello to your new mentor NPC.
🌙 Your OOC plotting post is here! Remember to keep all wider plotting to the post, and remember to check back frequently, since not everyone checks plurk or discord all the time.
🌙 The next country to go on their mission is North. Do you think a PVP-enabled mission will go well?

» NAVIGATION

Comments

[foresightis2020]

i. CLEAN-UP & REPAIRS; (multiple prompts)

[ In the aftermath of such chaos, Jing Yuan doesn't hesitate to lend a helping hand. He is occasionally seen yawning here or there, though. Not because of him not getting rest, but even when he gets enough rest, he is still like this.

Feel free to catch him literally dozing at one point with scraps on hand.

On another time he is waving at a fellow helper, smiling. ]

Oh, hello. How are the pick-up efforts going?

[ That would be fine, except he's talking outside of a designated zone. Even for an introvert for him, this city is trouble.

He will be more than happy to run away from guards, though. ]

ii. REVERENCE;

[ Jing Yuan so happens to be coming back to a hoard of people crowding him asking for certain assistance. He is used to crowds due to being an Arbiter-General back on the Xianzhou Alliance, and being fawned over (look people have a fan club out there too), but seeing them throw themselves to their feet makes him look comfortable.

He has a gentle expression as he even kneels down to help one to their feet. ]

Please, that is unnecessary. Whatever troubles that ail you, I will do my best to assist you.

[ If he catches the eye of another, he will wave them down with a smile like come over here. There are so many to wade around it'll be easier if he has a second... ]

iii. LADIES' NIGHT; (multiple options)

[ Jing Yuan is one who is confident in his masculinity, to the point where the idea of transforming his appearance for the sake of infiltration doesn't phase him.

So, perhaps one can witness Jing Yuan wearing something close to the usual uniform while shopping, including shorts since the West is more warm anyway. She will smile at whoever has accompanied her. ]

Did you decide on what you're going to wear yet?

[ Now at the actual infiltration party, Jing Yuan has picked something very appropiate as well. ]

Hmm, what do you think of the crowd? Is this your type of scene?

[ Light-hearted jocular questions, fufu. ]

iv. WILD CARD; (multiple prompts)

[ I've got a plotting post here. If I've already plotted out a memshare with you, I definitely will just bat it back at you in the same thread rather than separate it out.

Stay tuned for a hotsprings thread in the wild (no, just kidding.) ]

TAILORED PROMPTS.

[foresightis2020]

[ will go here ]

KHUN

[foresightis2020]

[ The reverence the people show in the midst of the village is actually more unwelcoming than not, Jing Yuan heaving a sigh once they're free and clear of it. Though, once again, he is not the type of person to be unfamiliar with the concept, it still is quite the burden to experience at all.

Anyway, the Forest of Dreams apparently has monsters that need killing, and they are to fulfill the request. So onwards we go in that direction! Surely everything will be fine. ]

Hmm. It seems we have quite a rather...enthusiastic number of villagers when it comes to our presence, don't we?

[lighthaus]

Enthusiastic? They're just groveling.

[ he is evidently not a fan. despite his huge ego, he's really not one who enjoys being praised by others. ]

[foresightis2020]

Mmm, that too.

...It is quite disturbing, for them to go to that much trouble. That says enough about their history concerning receiving assistance.

[ Jing Yuan doesn't dance around his own opinion on the matter, because it just seems very unwarranted for them to go to such extents, but it is what it is.

Upon further stepping into the Forest, one might anticipate a fight right away. In fact, the feeling of foreboding, unfriendly presences are certainly there, though there is also something else as well like the usual chill. Thank goodness he has thought to prepare a warming spell for the cold.

...Speaking of which, it was cold before, but somehow, the air seems even more frigid all of a sudden. ]

DAY

[foresightis2020]

[ The Forest of Dreams is certainly...a Time.

Picking up after others isn't exactly new, nor is it something that he considers to be all that bothersome. But, at least there's company! ]

Back to the usual activities, hm?

[ Though something resembling normalcy is good to have, isn't it? With everything bound to get out of hand more easier than not. ]

[troublereduction]

[ It sure is. Day is wondering what on earth happened since he last came here, because it sure as hell wasn't in this bad a shape back then. ]

Would you say it's a relief? [ Preferable to dealing with the Northern villagers, Day would say. ]

[foresightis2020]

[ The apocalypse...!!

Okay, no, just kidding. Jing Yuan has started to pick up some of the mana stones, putting them away, and whatnot. ]

...Mm, yes. If not for the cold wind.

I am not one for this type of environment, you see. Hopefully you are more well-acclimated to these types of temperatures, however.

[ It is definitely preferable to being praised thoughtlessly by far, though. Anyway, there are definitely more clouds overhead now, but that seems like such a mild change compared to many others that are possible... ]

Waving!

[specialinquisitor]

[Architect's sake... Mòrag shoots him a glare sharp enough to cut, then jerks a finger across her throat to signal him to shut up. This is the last thing they need...]

[foresightis2020]

[ Mòrag used glare on Jing Yuan. It was...somewhat effective? Maybe. Debatable.

Jing Yuan is smiling a little in the face of it, but other than that, the message seems well-received!

But then he ushers her over to another section... ]

[specialinquisitor]

[Just moving areas doesn't get him free from the glare. Learning from your mistakes is all well and good, but not risking arrest and incarceration in the first place is better!]

[Nonetheless, she answers his question.]

We need a better distribution of effort and more efficiency, but in what operation is that untrue?

[foresightis2020]

[ Mercy, mercy, Special Inquisitor! Jing Yuan's poor, old man heart can only take so much!

...Nah, he'll be fine. Jing Yuan is glad that she answers his question well enough. ]

Haha, well, I do believe that while your answer is true enough, it is also true that this operation can benefit from being efficient in certain ways that would be different from others.

...Such as to get rid of those inefficient laws regarding those certain areas where people are unable to speak.

[ The criticism of this place is coming out on main. ]

Ladies' Night | Party

[chronosynthesis]

[It's been getting easier to cast illusions, and though Syrlya is still mindful about being touched lest it become very obvious she is not what she seems, she at least has a very convincing illusion to appear a human female. The human part really been the important one.

She smooths the end of her dress. Jing Yuan, at least, is easy enough to recognize so she remains relaxed.] I like it well enough. Seems everyone is taking the opportunity to relax away from business.

[Which means... he hasn't overheard a whole lot.]

[foresightis2020]

...Mm, I suppose that they are.

[ Jing Yuan says simply, because that appears to be the case. If so, then, she supposes that there is only certainly folly in pursuing the idea of trying to obtain information at a party.

It's time to enjoy herself, her hand already around a drink's container, yet despite it all she can't quite get into the mood just yet. Ah well, she will just give it time. ]

But, it is not too surprising. After all, everyone certainly does need time to relax, no?

[chronosynthesis]

Yes, that's true. [Syrlya glances around, and then leans sideways toward Jing Yuan.] I did overhear something about "phantasmagoria technology". Not sure what it is. I imagine some recently developed magitech.

[foresightis2020]

It does sound quite interesting. If it's being put on display it could have something to do with a kind of visually-aligned technological advancement. Though that is not a given, and I may be basing it merely on the definition of the word itself.

[ So just baseless hypotheticals or theorizing at this moment. Hmm in retrospect...she got initially excited but forgets how much she isn't exactly too of a great fan of parties. It doesn't matter if it's all men or all women. ]

So, how have you been managing in getting along with others, by the way?

ladies' night

[divineth]

[Urianger is present, assuming the disguise of a very tall and beautiful human woman in opulent robes suited for the occasion. She's been able to maintain her usual calm and mysterious demeanor for the most part, but occasionally she'll stroke her chin in thought and balk at the lack of a beard that is usually there.

Anyway, she meets up with Jing Yuan at some point to discuss findings.]

Word of a meteor shower hath captured mine attention.

[Apparently she's not putting any effort into dropping the old English for this infiltration.]

Other than that...nay, 'tis not the sort of company I would surround myself with. Western machinations do little for me.

[foresightis2020]

[ Welcome to the party, fellow Westie! Jing Yuan definitely casts her attention on over at Urianger as they're chatting. The robes are looking positively fashionable, if one had to ask her. ]

Haha, well.

You will find that my answer to that would be very much something similar.

[ She feels that Urianger need not shift her speech pattern nonetheless. ]

In fact, meteor showers would be most definitely something more my speed. A pity that is not occurring instead of this dance. Politics never interested me much in general, in fact.

ladies night

[fallingsand]

[ Bruno gives a slight jump when Jing Yuan appears by him, as dressed up as can be. His own transformation is pretty good, although he has had help figuring out make-up and getting his now quite long, curly hair braided. In picking a dress out, too.

But, for the most part, he's doing the same as before, at the castle's ball: wallflowering.

Due to the West's warmth, though, he picked up a pretty little folding fan on the way in to infiltrate. He's been idly fanning himself with that and wondering over what can even be expected from a get-together like this. Gossip, maybe? Ah, but no matter now.

Jing Yuan is pretty obvious even as a woman. The same can be said for Bruno. ]

O-oh, uh. [ Excuse him for looking you up and down, Jing Yuan. It's an interesting dress and he's quick to bring his eyes back up, honest. ] I guess? It seems like a fun time. Getting together, catching up, all that.

[foresightis2020]

[ Jing Yuan certainly hadn't meant to surprise Bruno any, looking on over to observe the transformation with discerning eyes.

The dress, perhaps, most of all looks well chosen, in her own opinion. Well, whatever the case, she is definitely offering Bruno a little smile, perhaps hoping to soothe the teensiest bits of surprise she almost certainly unintentionally startled from the other.

Though, amusement grows when she notices she is being oogled. Eyes up here. ]

I suppose there are worst get-togethers to attend. I can't say I knew what I was expecting, in truth.

But, everyone does seem like they're having the time of their lives. Perhaps it is simply the nature of people to enjoy their hard-earned time off, however.

Though, I wonder if politics are also your thing?

[fallingsand]

[ Eyes up there indeed. Look, he can see, and he has a question that he is never, ever going to ask Jing Yuan: was the size of the bust a choice or just how they turned out? Sadly, seeing as that would be inappropriate, we will never hear what would undoubtedly be a humorous answer. ]

The music is way better than what was at the castle, that's for sure. [ This is a man who can get behind some jazz. ] Also everyone seems so excited and friendly. I mean, I know I'm mostly just. Just hanging out over here but people keep complimenting my dress?

[ It's nice? It's nice. ]

Politics, though. Hm. It's interesting to hear about them, so I don't mind the politics, but what I'm really interested in is that meteor shower.

[foresightis2020]

[ Jing Yuan supposes she hasn't quite had a solid opinion on the music...other than it is generally nice. It isn't terrible, and she probably has heard some jazz numbers.

Though, she misses the sounds that are usually heard in her home. ]

That is perhaps the bonus of spending time with those from the West. Once you're spending time with the general crowd, you can expect quite a good deal of friendliness. Though, it does help the mood is quite festive.

[ She has been the receipt of some compliments herself. ]

...I am as well. After all, no matter wherever one is, such views never fail to be nothing short of spectacular.

Reverence

[serenesinker]

[With several tall hops, Yodarha makes himself seen from the crowd. And although it takes several minutes of awkward maneuvering, he finally makes his way over to Jing Yuan.]

Need some help?

[foresightis2020]

...Ah, yes. You've aimed your timing well.

[ Jing Yuan looks at the crowd with a little smile. ]

Now, may you all please part? My ally and I do need to get going.

[ Some of them are at least amenable to that, and begin to part...goodness about those still too concerned to move from their spots, though!! ]

[serenesinker]

[Man, it's a weird feeling to be practically worshiped like this, especially after having to deal with being outwardly hated in some of the other countries. Still, it's clear that Jing Yuan wants this to end, so Yodarha brandishes his focus and lets it float in the air alongside him.]

Now if y'all can form an orderly line for us, that'd be swell! Then we can get all of your problems sorted out.