promittere: (Default)
lunae calamitas mods ([personal profile] promittere) wrote in [community profile] lunaecalamitas2024-04-04 11:33 pm

if you say it's magic, then you're my wizard

WANING GIBBOUS OVERTURE
The seconds tick by, the elevator rattles. There's a soft, musical chime announcing your arrival before the elevator doors creak open, leaving you and a number of others in the courtyard of a stone manor. The manor is large, looming over the trees surrounding it, and the gardens are well maintained, rows of hedges and beds of blooming flowers as far as you can see. The doors linger open until you clear the threshold, as if waiting patiently for you. Dawdle too long and you’ll feel a gentle push, nudging you out into the yard. The doors shut with more rattles and a cheerful ding!, and if you turn to look at it there's nothing to be seen behind you but the milling strangers.

Then there's a sting, mild at first. But soon, the spot where your sage's crest is starts to burn. It's as though you have been branded, and the searing heat clings to your skin. Should you look at your crest, you'll find it glows a faint red, like the dying embers of a fire, but given enough time it will cool to black and no longer hurt.

Once the pain fades, you notice is that the air around you feels distinctly different. It's hard to say exactly what makes it different, or how. It feels brittle, but malleable. That perhaps if you said or did the right thing, you could command reality to your liking—

The wind blows, stirring leaves and flowers, and that's when you notice there are two people in the courtyard that did not emerge from the elevator like everyone else. The taller of the two looks briefly shocked, before a warm smile blots it out, while the shorter of the two looks remarkably unimpressed—for as much as you can make out his expression under the large hat he wears. He glances at the taller man, the charms that hang from his hat clinking, and crosses his arm over his chest.

The taller man nods, turns to the group, and says, "Sorry. I know you were probably in the middle of something important. But...I need you. My name is Tatara Totsuka. I'm your sage, and you are my witches and wizards."

He looks up to the moon hanging in the sky, still pale and visible despite the light of day, and lays it all out for you: a wizard under the sage's guidance is supposed to fight off the Great Calamity—the moon—when it nears. But you are not meant to carry out this task. The original sage and twenty-one wizards suddenly vanished not long ago. No one knows what happened to them, or where they are. They aren't dead. They are gone.

That you are here, that there are so many of you, that you came from different worlds, means that this is a mistake. Something, somewhere, isn't right. Yet the world has decided to claim you in a frantic attempt to keep itself together.

This world is breaking. If you don't fix this, then you'll be stuck here fighting the Calamity yourselves.

When Tatara looks back down to the rest of you, there's a smile on his face, tinged with apology. "But I think it'll be okay. We'll figure this out... Right?"

The golden light of sunset is oddly cold. It settles over you not in a welcoming embrace, but in a possessive hold. There is a sinking feeling in your gut: whatever your home was before matters no longer. Welcome to a world on the brink of destruction—let's hope it's not for good.


The day begins to draw to a close. You're given the rest of the day to process Tatara's words and to familiarize yourselves with the manor. There are plenty of empty spaces in the manor with sparse furniture where you can rest and try to unwind, and hopefully get some sleep. Everything about today might be a lot to unpack, but surely you can at least relax and prepare for the next day.

The morning starts with the sound of bells. A cacophonous racket of them, ringing in your rooms, in your head, jolting you from whatever slumber you can grasp. The source seems to be a note, unassuming if not for the way it shakes with each toll of the bells, and the noise only stops when you read it.

"Go to the courtyard," it says, and if you try to ignore it the noise returns, growing louder and louder until your vision swims and you find yourself standing in the courtyard with everyone else—and the shorter of the two men from yesterday.

"Practice starts right now," he says, looking bored and just as unimpressed as he did yesterday. The sun has barely started over the horizon—it's early, almost absurdly so. "You need to learn magic sooner instead of later, unless you want to die like miserable worms. If you do, just quit now so we can replace you with someone useful."

His explanation on magic is brief—he explains that magic is a deal struck between caster and the spirits of the world, using a meaningful word or phrase to communicate your will to the as-of-yet unseen spirits of the world, who will respond to your desires and power your magic. A focus, an object of significant meaning, will help strengthen your ties to the land and direct the magic for your spells. If you have nothing that would work as a focus right now, he says, chances are the perfect thing will find you anyways.

While he looks unhappy to do so, he emphasizes that magic—as it works here—is all tied to your emotions and your convictions, and then he assigns you a challenge for the week. He wants you to come up with your incantation—the words you'll use to cast all of your magic—as well as find or draw forward your focus, with the final task being summoning a magic broom you'll use for transportation.
Threading out magic practice and ICly discovering your characters' magic words, manifesting their foci, and summoning their broom will count as three different jobs, and will be eligible for a set of rewards each. While not technically classified as a job this time around, this is a special circumstance. When you've accomplished any of these things, please submit them to the rewards page as a job submission.

If you're having trouble coming up with a focus or incantation, think about your answers for the first and third mandatory questions on your app! Your focus of choice does not have to be in your character's inventory—if what works best for them as a focus did not come with them, then they can focus and reach across universes to bring it here with them.

JOB BOARD
You may have just gotten here, but people across the continent still need the sage's wizards to do things for them. The job board will typically have 2 - 3 requests each event that can be turned in for rewards when completed.
Sugar delivery. Confectionery shops and pharmacies put in regular orders for wizard sugar to the manor, and despite the unusual circumstances, now is no different. Wizard sugar—sugar spontaneously created through a wizard's magic—is said to have restorative properties and said to bless those that consume it, so it's no wonder it's in high demand. It also happens to be one of the first things young wizards learn to do. So once you've perfected your sugar, go deliver it to the shops in Central capital and to the Southern merchants waiting for shipment near the Central tower.

The Southern merchants, in particular, seem rather anxious to receive as much sugar as possible, as soon as possible.

WANDERER TASKS
The wizards' new mentor knows that this must be an incredibly overwhelming experience, so he has a list of things that should help break down the process of learning and understanding magic. Or that's what he says, at least, but it feels like he's trying to make things more difficult...
Nobody is going to hold your hands for you, and the best way to learn is to understand the root cause of an issue. Use that paper being left around for something actually useful and do some research on the spirits of the countries you've been tasked to represent. I'll be expecting some actual thought out papers within the week.

For the idiots who can't research to save their lives, prove you can actually manage the bare minimum. There's a spot you can't reach without magic within the manor grounds—bring me one of the trinkets you find there.

For the even bigger idiots who are overconfident, come find me and we can spar. I won't go easy on you.

TATARA ACTIVITIES
Tatara knows things are tense and uncomfortable for his new wizards, so he'll offer up a few activities each event post to help them relax if things get too tough.
We're all new here, but we'll be friends before long, I know it! There's a table in the dining room with paper, pens, markers, glitter, and pins so we can all make name tags and get to know each other better. We'll go from strangers to neighbors to besties before you know it!

Oh, you should probably get a feel of the manor, too. This IS your new home, after all! And what better way than...hide and seek?! Sounds fun, right? I'd tell you MY favorite spot to hide, but then that wouldn't be fair!

I don't know how long we're going to be here, so it probably wouldn't hurt to settle in. Grab a friend or two and head to the market in the Central capital to stock up on whatever food you like and stuff for your room. May as well get comfortable!

OOC NOTES
🌙 Welcome to Lunae Calamitas's first event post! Yer a wizard, whether you like it or not.
🌙 While not technically jobs, ICly working out your character's focus, incantation, and broom are all separately eligible for rewards. Good luck on your basics, little wizards! You'll need them...
🌙 Your OOC plotting post is here! Please keep all your plotting on the plotting post, since not everyone uses discord or plurk.
🌙 The South will be going on their mission next week to get this party started. Keep an eye out, Southies!
1145pm: (pic#17103097)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-12 02:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's never seen anyone play the erhu before. Of course he's excited!

But he does pick up on that wording, and it piques his interest (which is already rather piqued). ]


There are others, you mean?
troublereduction: (day48)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-12 02:42 pm (UTC)(link)
One of them writes music notation on the ground.

[ As if that explains everything. ]
specialinquisitor: (explaining)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-12 02:47 pm (UTC)(link)
I have no doubt they shall be. But still, for the sake of both those we have left behind and those here we must help, let us not delay to learn this magical process.
specialinquisitor: (little smile)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-12 02:49 pm (UTC)(link)
I am not certain I agree, but I have the perspective of living through the less-exciting parts of it as well. Certainly the end of the story becomes quite thrilling.
specialinquisitor: (explaining)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-12 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
A Driver resonates with the core crystal of a Blade to incarnate them, after which the Blade supplies power and support to the Driver.

[Sound familiar? Surely it must.]
1145pm: (pic#16970045)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-12 02:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Tatara whirls around to rest his lower back against the counter, bracing himself upwards with his hands. His gaze drifts to the ceiling, and he realizes he isn't sure if he remembers what Bar Homra's ceiling looks like anymore. ]

I think it's because he liked me the way I am.

[ That's his selfish idea of the rejection, anyway. ]

There is!

[ He snaps out of his little mood shift and strides over to a row of jars lining a small shelf on the far wall. He snatches a jar appropriately labeled, feels like konbu.

As he places it next to Solomon, he peers up at him. ]


Do you need me to do anything else?
specialinquisitor: (surprised)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-12 02:55 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sorry? No, my Blade is Brighid, the Jewel of the Empire and perhaps the strongest Fire Blade ever to live. We have been partners for some time now.
troublereduction: (day80)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-12 03:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Day manages a smile, despite everything. ]

Thanks. You can talk to me too if you ever need someone to listen yourself. I'm Joyous Day, but just Day is fine.
1145pm: (pic#16970048)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-12 03:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, a composer?!

[ He's so excited by this, and it shows in the way his eyes seem to sparkle. Do they have a real team here?!

It's too bad he just knows Leo as the latte foam art guy... ]
1145pm: (pic#16970046)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-12 03:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe. [ He sticks his hands in his pockets, then leans forward a bit to peer at her. ] But your mundane could be a super exciting adventure in my eyes.

[ And then he stands up straight again, whirls on his heel with a final little wave. There are a lot of new wizards he needs to attend to. ]

Some other time, then! Don't forget!

[ He will want his story time...! ]
troublereduction: (day39)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-12 03:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ I don't even know if he knows Leo's name at this point either. ]

He's a pretty good singer too.
lighthaus: (016)

hide & seek

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-12 03:52 pm (UTC)(link)
I wouldn't say that, it's a classic. Unless you're expecting to play it in the exact same way children do?

[ hide and seek is absolutely a children's game. but it is also a game played in actual battles where Khun is from.

with a confident smile. ]


Don't worry about me, worry about how fast you are instead.
fullspbar: (103)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-12 03:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's fine if he doesn't, because Shinjiro does...or at least, he tries to convince himself of it.

Calloused fingers tug his beanie down a bit further, shaking his head. ]


Nah. Some people mince their words too much; I prefer hearin' things straight.

[ In the back of his mind, there's a quick flash to a familiar face with a set of earphones, and after a blink, it's gone. ]

It's not something I'll bother anybody else with, in any case, so consider it one less problem.
1145pm: (pic#17103099)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-12 04:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The plans are BREWING in his mind at this. Now he wants to put on a concert and make it everyone's problem. ]

Do you sing, too?
lighthaus: (049)

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-12 04:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ we are doing Great here, nothing suspicious at all about these two guys. ]

Afraid not, but we were busy weren't we? I think we're both forgiven.

Khun Aguero Agnes, but just call me Khun. [ holds out his hand for a friendly shake. ]
lighthaus: (054)

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-12 04:14 pm (UTC)(link)
I am a teacher after all~. [ as of like a minute ago.

khun picks up one of the sugar crystals, examining it with an appraising eye. ]


Not bad, not bad. You take instruction well, Leo.
troublereduction: (day23)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-12 04:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sorry, everyone else. ]

Oh, me? Nah.

[ He might have brushed it off just a little too quickly, giving the vague impression that he might just find it embarrassing instead. ]
1145pm: bet u havent heard of it (my hand lotion smells great)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-12 04:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That doesn't seem to bother Tatara, though. Instead he claps, nods, and closes his eyes as he thinks. ]

Then we'll have you on instrumental. I can join you, but maybe I could do backup vocals, too...

[ Imagining, imagining...

His eyes snap open. ]


What was the composer's name?
lighthaus: (054)

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-12 04:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Essentially, yeah. But don't worry, I can't use any of my skills here so you're safe.

[ he pockets the cube with an easy smile and no elaboration. ]

Not that I would anyway, haha.
troublereduction: (day16)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-12 04:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The manor will not know peace and Day is not the least bit sorry for it. ]

His name's Leo. [ Not even bothering with the surname, since Leo didn't strike him as a noble. ]
fallingsand: (10; always left abuela)

[personal profile] fallingsand 2024-04-12 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah?

[ No cellphone - whatever that is - so no picture, but Bruno has paper and something to draw with! Maybe Leo can't share what his sister looks like, but he can draw his own two. He flips the paper he'd been writing words on and starts doodling out two somewhat cartoony versions of Julieta and Pepa. ]

These are mine. Julieta and Pepa. Then they both have kids and their husbands and then there's mom. [ He'll start adding them, too. ] So I guess I have a big one? Though I figure there are bigger families out there.
fallingsand: (36;)

[personal profile] fallingsand 2024-04-12 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ooookay. Bruno stares a tic, not comprehending any of that, but... ]

R-right. That's, uh, too bad?
fallingsand: (86;)

[personal profile] fallingsand 2024-04-12 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
I could say that crowds usually don't like me, but, uh. Those were pretty small crowds. No idea how I'd do with a big one.
fallingsand: (26;)

[personal profile] fallingsand 2024-04-12 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
...uhhh, that it works and I foretell everyone's doom? Yeah, yeah, that's. That's the worst that could happen.
fallingsand: (17;)

[personal profile] fallingsand 2024-04-12 05:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, the awkward pause is palpable. Bruno's gaze darts between Syrlya and the grass before he ever so slowly finishes standing up. ]

Er, right. I'll just. [ He glances grasswards again and gives the back of his head a sheepish scratch. Welps. ] Sorry? I didn't... y'know, mean it. I'm sure it's very difficult being grass.