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!
revengier: (80)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-18 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ Shifty indeed! Kurapika narrows his eyes. ]

Would you really rather draw a picture?
annihilator: (➤ 71)

[personal profile] annihilator 2024-04-18 03:15 am (UTC)(link)
Battle royale... What, so you've gotta fight for your place in the family? Huh. Who're you fightin' against? Other potential Khuns?

[This is not how it works where he's from, but he can appreciate how crazy it is. Having to fight for your place is kind of his thing anyway, just not quite like this.]
annihilator: (➤ 53)

[personal profile] annihilator 2024-04-18 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
[Malice lifts his shoulders a bit at that, but he doesn't take offense to it. It is a little depressing, honestly...]

Yeah, absolutely. Might as well make it as homey as it can be, yeah? So if you need to get more stuff at any point, lemme know an' I'll come out with you!

[Is this just an excuse for Malice to obtain more random trinkets, maybe...]
dadsandals: (yama54)

[personal profile] dadsandals 2024-04-18 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ Yeah, that's fair. But. He just sighs and shakes his head. ]

You say that like bad things are about to happen...

[ But eh. If Ithaqua wanted to tussle or something, he'd have done it by now, Yamato assumes. ]

It's fine. I'll learn how to survive one way or another.
fullspbar: (105)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-18 03:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, that's what he meant, huh. Shinjiro finds his eyebrow quirking, if only because...well, it's a bit of a first. Not many people offer anything in exchange; usually, it's subtle hints or outright asking. Sometimes they'll help out, but seriously, he's used to these greedy bastards. ]

So, what. Offering to swap chores for me cooking, is what you're saying.

[ Not a bad deal, he supposes. Not that he minds things like cleaning here and there, but it's not his favorite.

His stride doesn't slow as he thinks, but eventually he shrugs. ]


Why not. If somethin' ever pops up, I'll think about it.
impacter: (053)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 03:49 am (UTC)(link)
Reformation... that makes you sound like a righteous officer of some sort. That's a bit of a surprise.

[Ginger doesn't really give off any Religious Police vibes right off the bat, anyway.]

Hahah, did he really get under your skin that much? I wonder what happened. [Besides Tatara just being himself, anyway. He settles his posture from one leg to the other with a sigh, waving off the joke(?) lightly.]

Yes, I spoke to Tatara for a little while. He comes across as a very relaxed person on the outside despite the position we're in. Is he getting himself into trouble already?
fullspbar: (64)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-18 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
...Everyone's got one, I guess. [ Like him, ] Some people won't ever ask for it when they need it, so not the worst one you could have.

[ For someone who has something to say about people sticking their nose in his business, he sure does have a habit of doing the same sometimes.

Well, anyway. ]


It's pretty cheesy. [ Like they said, something out of a manga or a sentai TV show or something... ] No idea what language everyone else is usin' what from I've heard, though. Latin?
Edited 2024-04-18 03:54 (UTC)
impacter: (030)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
That's a terrific thing to know about yourself. What sort of things do you find inspiring, then?

[Hopefully not weird guys drawing on the ground at late o clock.]
jorunna: (comet05)

[personal profile] jorunna 2024-04-18 04:04 am (UTC)(link)
I'm not used to it... I'd like to not be noticed at all.

[ Ginger is trying very hard... ]

Do you get compliments?
revengier: (91)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-18 04:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ He raises an eyebrow. ]

Generous of you. [ And he's sure that Malice would jump at the chance to grab more knick-knacks, so he isn't that surprised by it. ] I'll probably take you up on your offer.

[ His gaze slides to a desk for sale on the other side of the small shop. ]

I'd like to come back for that another day, so you can come with me for that.
impacter: (020)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
[Ah, that breeze feels nice... Solomon coughs into his elbow at the change in the air as the smoke shifts.]

That's going to be quite the undertaking! The number of languages present really is very impressive.

[He continues to work on cooling off that spoon, waving at it with his other hand as he goes to look for a cup. Is he leaving the pan behind on the stove? Yes. Don't tell Shinji.]

If our urgent deadline wasn't an issue, I wouldn't want to leave any page unturned in there. But it sounds as though we need to use our time wisely.
shadowkin: (022)

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-18 04:26 am (UTC)(link)
It's all about the attitude too, the attitude. Isn't that what you said?

[Uno reverse-- also don't ask the questions you don't want the answers to.

Cid will accept being labeled slightly edgy though. He has that much self-awareness (probably), even if he probably has to reflect on his acting. Eventually.]

... It's Cid Kagenou. And you, gramps?
impacter: (061)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 04:29 am (UTC)(link)
Do I come across that way? Carefree? [A dry, almost-humored laugh, though it's tinged with a smattering of disappointment.] And please, calling me an old man?? That might be even meaner than throwing my hard work away.

[Outside the shocking white color of his hair, he doesn't look beyond his 20s. But he still regards Shinji in silence for a long while.]

...You're a far more caring and considerate person than one would think from first impressions, aren't you?

I wonder why you would say magic doesn't have anything to do with it, though.
troublereduction: (day12)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-18 04:36 am (UTC)(link)
[ Day watches Malice, and despite his better judgment telling him he probably should not go for Round 2, he still takes it to try again. It kind of feels weird not to when Malice is trying. ]
impacter: (103)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
Exactly right. I do always enjoy my own cooking. It's like a special gift for a hard day's work. Ah, what was the way he said it... [His free hand lifts to air quote.] "Treat yourself"? Something like that.

[As for the question, Solomon simply tilts his head back with an easy, rolling laugh, light and unbothered.]

Ever since I was a child. As for how long... mm, well, I've never been very good at remembering timeframes. But it's not entirely unfamiliar to me now.

chronosynthesis: (❖ Escape Artist)

[personal profile] chronosynthesis 2024-04-18 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
The steering, really. [He rubs the back of his neck.] It isn't the sort of mount I'm used to.
chronosynthesis: (❖ Distortion)

[personal profile] chronosynthesis 2024-04-18 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, of course. [He chuckles.] Thankfully magic as a concept is familiar to me, though consulting spirits is new... rest assured, I intend to practice as much as necessary to master it again.
chronosynthesis: (❖ Protected Phantasms)

[personal profile] chronosynthesis 2024-04-18 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[Syrlya raises a brow at his blatant uncertainty. A moment pauses.]

Who is Rodrigo, anyway? A pet of some sort?
chronosynthesis: (❖ Improved Alacrity)

[personal profile] chronosynthesis 2024-04-18 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
Well--yes, but it is stress I'm used to shouldering. And somebody has to do it. [Once again, it seems they're being asked it, but Syrlya would step up regardless. It is the right thing to do.]
chronosynthesis: (❖ Mental Defense)

[personal profile] chronosynthesis 2024-04-18 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, it isn't, but it is easier when you have a responsible party to accost for a solution. Usually.

[He shakes his head as he looked out at the rest of the group.] You are right, however. We're all in this together. I hope all of us are willing to work with each other.
chronosynthesis: (❖ Mantra of Concentration)

[personal profile] chronosynthesis 2024-04-18 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
Fascinating. [Syrlya's expression shifts, distant as he falls into thought about that.]

Then what does that make us? Have we been physiologically changed in some way? Not all of us are familiar with using magic.
chronosynthesis: (❖ Infinite Horizon)

[personal profile] chronosynthesis 2024-04-18 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
If you don't mind, I can accompany you. [It's probably good to know where to find each other, anyway. He hasn't received any communicator.]
shadowkin: (024)

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-18 05:16 am (UTC)(link)
Ooh. Wait, if it was usable before, does that mean there's stuff about the old wizards and whatever on here?

[Is this tape like, a clue? Now it's actually kind of intriguing. He likes a good mystery as much as the next guy, even if over half the time he solves things by use of sheer force. He probably shouldn't beat up the camcorder for answers, though.

He can totally do this. He can be Maintenance Detective Cid, solving mundane conundrums for the greater good during the 5-9.

Before he answers Tatara and while the other is wandering about, Cid is already poking at the workings of the camcorder with magic; he can't help it, he wants to see how the magic in this world ticks. Whether he can actually make a current is yet to be seen; lithium-ion batteries are charged by an anode-cathode differential so... maybe he should just slap it with magic and see what happens. The worst he can end up with is a bomb--]

And I dunno, I've never tried to power a machine with myself or a magic artifact before. [...] Which part of it should I be working with...

[......... he knows which part is the battery but technically he's not supposed to know what a battery is so. Y'know.]
dadsandals: (yama53)

[personal profile] dadsandals 2024-04-18 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
...Oh.

[ Sheesh, man. Everyone here is living very interesting lives. He truly is just a Guy compared to everyone else. ]

I see... You're an expert then. In any case, sorry you're having to go through it a second time. I'm sure it's not very fun.
dadsandals: (yama51)

[personal profile] dadsandals 2024-04-18 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
No, I don't.

[ God dammit. ]

I was under the impression we could create something out of nothing...that's unfortunate. If there's none of that here, then you can come up with another sport or something. Golf?