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!
shadowkin: (DEF: the aho in ahoge)

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-17 08:00 am (UTC)(link)
What, really? I thought it'd be like your broom and stuff.

[Not that Kurapika's broom is super flashy but it's not the most lowkey either. Ignore Cid, who should also probably not be invited into one's room.

He turns the chopstick(?) hair ornament(??) over a couple more times, shrugs and then tucks it into his pocket. It probably won't fall out.]

Still, I'd like to have it as a prize... [even if he keeps trying to pawn it off] Oh, yeah. Should we look for more? I dunno how many we're supposed to get, like is it a scavenger hunt or one of those checkbox exercises??

[It's not like he's hoping to find something more valuable or anything.]
impacter: (059)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-17 08:06 am (UTC)(link)
Now, now, no need to jump to so many assumptions. Anyway, if it isn't to your liking, I won't take offense. I'll simply enjoy it for myself.

[The water starts to run, just briefly, and steam mixes with the smoke in a sickening crackle. Neat Colors Bro.]

Mmm... in a way. It feels more like returning to my fledgling days than anything else.
impacter: (079)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-17 08:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh this kid has been busy, okay okay... consider him intrigued.]

Mm. Waiting to see what will sprout from your fallen hydra's neck?

What do you plan to do when this problem of yours arrives? Continue felling the beast? Or perhaps you plan to place it under your control?
fullspbar: (51)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-17 08:24 am (UTC)(link)
It's not like the taste's bad.

[ Admittedly, it is pretty good. Standard kelp. ]

Would be better in a stock, though.
jorunna: (comet02)

[personal profile] jorunna 2024-04-17 08:28 am (UTC)(link)
Ithaqua... I don't know if it means anything special, but I like how it sounds.

[ They give Ithaqua a smile. ]

I like it better than calling you a "beast" at the moment, anyway.
1145pm: (intense stare)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-17 08:29 am (UTC)(link)
You won't.

[ If he's so worried about that, then it's likely this magic isn't going to be a problem.

He gestures to Lazuli again. If anyone can tell him more, it's the mentor. Go! ]
fullspbar: (81)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-17 08:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ He's got plenty of time to do so. ]

...Met someone in the kitchen's who probably shouldn't be there. [ Traumatic flashbacks... ] And I knew a guy who'd put protein powder in just about anything if you'd let him.

[ Still, that's...Shinjiro can't imagine not being able to taste. That's pretty much the whole enjoyment of food. If it's how she gets around it, that's good for her, but subjecting someone else to that..oof. ]

I'll pass on that. All for whatever works, but...I've got my limits.
1145pm: (pic#16970042)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-17 08:35 am (UTC)(link)
Sure.

[ Tatara grins at Kurapika, glances down at the book, then begins to wander over to the counter. ]

Did you want anything else?

[ He calls this over his shoulder because he has now forgotten they're in a bookstore. ]
impacter: (075)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-17 08:42 am (UTC)(link)
[Leaving it to him, huh?

He carefully considers, looking Tatara up and down in silence. Hm, what does their Sage remind him of...

His smile broadens slightly as he carefully works out an outlined silhouette. A couple stars here and there, some garnish...]


There we are. Whimsical, aloof and intelligent, with no fear of fun.

[Solomon picks up the plate in both hands, carefully turning towards Tatara as he holds it out for him, head bowed slightly.]

May you be as good a guide between this world and your wizards as a dolphin is to sailors on the sea.
1145pm: (i'm a happy little hipster boy)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-17 08:43 am (UTC)(link)
[ Sorry Ginger... He likes dragging people into his nonsense. ]

Yeah! I don't see why not. [ He says this as he plops a candle on a windowsill, then strides past it towards the lounge. ] The manor's ours for the time being. We should make it cozy!
1145pm: (pic#16970047)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-17 08:49 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you!

[ Is he proud that Laz's name matches him? Yes! Thank you, Maya.

But he laughs out loud. ]
That's not a bad choice for him, either. Especially with that big hat of his—I always think of mountain hermits with big hats, you know?!
impacter: (049)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-17 08:56 am (UTC)(link)
[He was perfectly fine with just humoring this fellow for a little while longer. The identifiers aren't a surprise. The correct guess of the seal, however, earns the raise of a brow.]

My, what a studied sorcerer you must be. [Still casual, light, as though they're talking idly over a meal.] You've seen these sorts of configurations before?
troublereduction: (day65)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-17 08:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ He isn't entirely sure what protein powder is, but it sounds pretty unappetizing from the name alone.

And honestly, the fact Sunrise can't taste has mostly meant everyone else back home getting creative and trying to find ways for her to enjoy eating, which Day has come to appreciate. ]


Heh. We basically don't let her cook unsupervised anymore, yeah. Dunno how good everyone can take spice here anyway, so at least I won't be making anything too hot to handle.
1145pm: (pic#17103102)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-17 08:57 am (UTC)(link)
Bruno. [ Uncle Bruno... Tatara lightly shakes their hands, and he gives a little smile. ]

I understand if you can't trust me right away. But I trust you, and I believe in you.

[ He gently lets go, and pulls his hand back. ]

Just remember I'm on your side. I don't think you're bad luck. If anything happens, we'll figure it out together, okay?
shadowkin: (S: the earth glows)

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-17 09:03 am (UTC)(link)
[It's always the funniest thing when all the crazy studying he did before he became an actual sorcerer suddenly crops up into the picture. He really didn't think there would be this much relevance to things like old-timey Earth black magic when it didn't do shit for him back on literal Earth.

But perhaps the worlds out there are far stranger than his little shadowy philosophy.

Shadow gives a nod, just as casual.]

There is no such thing as wasted knowledge, particularly in the shadows of the world.

[Yes I'm sorry he has to literally title drop at every given opportunity even if he hasn't properly introduced himself yet.]

I was once an avid student of this strain of black magic. Though, I've since moved on to mediums more compatible with the power I wield. I have my doubts that this configuration will manifest completely here.

You are missing quite a few pieces, unless you have something else to fill the gaps.
fullspbar: (51)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-17 09:08 am (UTC)(link)
[ He does, because this is already more than he dares share with most people. It leaves him feeling awkward, with an itch in his fingers. Shinjiro's problems usually tend to stay his own.

He'll take blunt. Makes things easier. ]


For the most part.

[ But, if he does need to ask anything else...after a pause, he lets his gaze shift to the manor. ]

...If we don't learn how to control this stuff, it'll get dangerous, right?

[ Just...to be sure. ]
jorunna: (comet05)

[personal profile] jorunna 2024-04-17 09:10 am (UTC)(link)
...I hope not, it was an old lady at the park. She's seen some things but no one takes her seriously... thank goodness.
impacter: (068)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-17 09:18 am (UTC)(link)
[This dude is so extra. Maybe Leviathan would get along with him?? Hm... he'll have to see if he starts talking about anime or speaking acronyms out loud.]

Missing? You don't say. It must all be slipping my mind with the stress of our journey.

[He knows it's not - he's performed this summoning so many times that he could do it in his sleep, though he hasn't had to do it by hand for a long, long time - but he'll let this kid flex a little.]

Are you still sharp enough in your studies to point out my mistakes?
shadowkin: (S: this right eye of mine glows)

wildcard: whomst'd've observed the observing

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-17 09:19 am (UTC)(link)
[Scene: The not-so-pristine Observatory of the West under the light of the infamous moon over the cliffs, cascading down, down and down to the water like a reflection off a knife's edge. This place is wild and polished at once, settled over both the great bounties of nature and the distant glitter of Western civilization like an eagle over the plains.

Perhaps unsurprisingly (or possibly surprisingly, come to think of it), it's a great place to find people spelunking for thrills. It's perhaps less common to find those here for research or other useful pursuits.

Just now, Shadow is doing neither. He's pulled out his grand piano right next to the telescope and is musically chewing the shit out of the scenery at this time, a svelte shadowy figure in a cape-and-mask ensemble. It's perhaps a little inconvenient for those wanting to see the moon in peace. But:]

Do you, too, seek knowledge of the Calamity? You are one of the first here -- I expected much more, even if you've all just arrived.

Tell me, seeker: what will you do with what you find?

[He hasn't quite mastered the art of transformation enough yet to rely on it entirely for his disguise, but it's good enough to make his voice deeper, more resonant, and a good accompaniment for the mellow drama of the melody.]
Edited (me forgetting to do a describe) 2024-04-18 03:50 (UTC)
1145pm: (pic#16970053)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-17 09:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ One of the compartments Cid pops open is where the tape goes. And indeed, there is a tape in there. If he takes it out, there's no label, but it seems like it's been lightly used already. Didn't get much use before it ran out of power.

He'll find the battery as well, and it seems to be in good shape, all things considered. Just dead. ]


Hmm. [ Tatara stares at the camera for a second before wandering away. Don't worry, he's still engaged in conversation. ] So we need mana stones, a way to hook it up to a wizard, or a mana stone...

[ He whirls around to look at Cid. ]

How much time do you think it'd take?
fellheart: (perнapѕ ι can мaĸe yoυ)

[personal profile] fellheart 2024-04-17 09:31 am (UTC)(link)
Certainly sounds like something you'd never forget, at this point. It seems like you'll carry it with you for a while yet...

[ hmm. ]

Would your focus then reflect these lived experiences, or would it be your incantation, in that case?
1145pm: (hehe im jk)

1/2

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-17 09:43 am (UTC)(link)
Whoa, a dolphin!

[ He's only been to the aquarium once, and he's seen a dolphin precisely once. It's childlike in the way his face lights up at the design. You know what? He'll take it. He'll embrace his new dolphin persona—can't be a loyal hound now without a king to serve, after all.

He gently takes the plate and goes to sit at the kitchen island, marveling a little longer at the nice presentation and delicious scent. He feels like a kid.

As he takes the spoon in hand, he looks up to Solomon with a bright, delighted smile. ]


Thank you, ah...

[ What was his name?

Anyway, surely the kind gentleman will answer as he takes a hearty spoonful in his mouth. :) ]
1145pm: (i'm sad because you're a dick)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-17 09:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ It tastes...




Awful?

There's just a brief moment where Tatara chews, trying to power through and decipher the taste. But it looked so good. It smelled so good. Why does it taste like... Like this?

He tries to swallow, but it feels like he's choking instead. He frowns, pounds his fist to his chest, but— But—

Ah, and so the sage loses consciousness, crumpling face-first onto the island, before he can even take the second bite of his beautifully-made dolphin omurice. What a shame, what a shame... ]
fellheart: (one wнιтe crow)

[personal profile] fellheart 2024-04-17 09:48 am (UTC)(link)
Oh? This manor, which has withstood the test of time for who knows how long, would be that easily damaged? A wonder it's still standing, honestly...

[ he says this, and it's so terribly at odds with the sunny expression on his face. ]

Worry not. Your base of operations will remain ... more or less intact by the end of any altercations that I may be involved with, anyway.

[ he's not fixing shit if other people break it. ]
leewards: (001)

[personal profile] leewards 2024-04-17 09:53 am (UTC)(link)
[Then he takes things literally... Good to know. Ithaqua mustn't tease him too much with metaphors.]

No thoughts about learning the whole language?