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!
discomposer: (ᴀᴛsᴜᴛᴀᴅᴀ ᴏᴛᴀᴋᴀ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-18 04:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Why would I blame you for that~?
discomposer: (ɢᴀʏᴀɴᴇ ᴄ'ᴇʙᴏᴛᴀʀʏᴀɴ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-18 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Rats can count as friends!!!!!!!! ]

Yours must be, too! ...whoever you are! Hey, did you tell me your name?
discomposer: (ᴊᴏʜᴀɴɴᴇs ʙʀᴀʜᴍs)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-18 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
If it's a cute cat I make no promises!

[ So, yes. A cat, seriously. ]
discomposer: (ʜᴀɴs ᴢɪᴍᴍᴇʀ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-18 04:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, do! We can have best friend matching nametags~! ♪
discomposer: (ᴋᴀɴ'ɪᴄʜɪ sʜɪᴍᴏғᴜsᴀ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-18 04:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Only if it's a good boy!
revengier: (24)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-18 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)


[ Hold on, give his brain a moment to catch up here. He can’t even be bothered about the “cute” nickname anymore, not when he feels so supremely caught off guard, embarrassment creeping up along the tips of his ears and turning them red. Thank goodness that his hair is covering his ears. ]

You can’t say that to someone you just met.
revengier: (50)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-18 05:21 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, now that I know it’s a possibility, I’ll just avoid showing off in front of him.

[ Heh. ]
revengier: (29)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-18 05:22 pm (UTC)(link)
There might be books in that language…

[ Which… hm. That might be motivation enough for him to try to learn. ]

Are you a fan of ciphers, then?
impacter: (99)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Your partner? [He'd make a good cop/bad cop remark here if Ginger hadn't just shut down the idea.]

That's a lot of pressure on a decision that's ultimately out of your control. Is your partner the one who decides if you've succeeded?
discomposer: (ᴀᴋɪʀᴀ ɪғᴜᴋᴜʙᴇ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-18 05:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Welcome to the Leo Tsukinaga Experience (tm). ]

Huh? I can if that's how I feel! You come off pretty buttoned up and serious, but you're kind underneath it. And you're willing to play around a bit. I love that! ♪
impacter: (044)

1/3

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 05:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[Don't worry, this weirdo man will at bare minimum give him a wave to let him know that he's in the clear!

Well. Hopefully.]
impacter: (108)

2/3

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[The wand is held out, like a conductor at a choir. As his lips part, Solomon's tone grows commanding and confident, a sharpness born of experience.]

Manu Propria.

[There's an immediate ripple palatable through the air, though the seal shows no reaction. Still, the tension pulls as he continues.]

"Hear me, denizens of darkness.

You who are born of shadow and you who give birth to it.

Hear me and do as I command."
impacter: (99)

3/3

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 05:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[Still no response. Though the cadence of the incantation sounds as though there is more, the syllables don't continue. Instead, Solomon lets out a firm exhale through his nose, lowering his hands and running his fingers through his hair as his eyes trace the seal. Nope, still the same as he left it.

He couldn't even connect to them anymore from here, huh?]


Hm. Well, that answers that for now, I guess. What a shame.
Edited 2024-04-18 17:48 (UTC)
lighthaus: (047-b)

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-18 05:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Exactly. We can help each other out that way, everyone has their own strengths.

[ mooching off others is one way to go about things for sure, but khun's never been like that. not that he's not greedy in other ways, but. ]

Don't forget homework too.
impacter: (090)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 05:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh my god a helper already? Hooray! It must be his birthday.]

Hm? You mean to test their limits?

Our mentor is doubtful, but I don't think that's reason enough to be discouraged. Some experimental help is always a bonus.

[He eyes Kiryu up and down, as though assessing.]

Could I have your name?
lighthaus: (004)

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-18 06:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course. There's at least twenty of us each year, sometimes more than double that. My father is very prolific and sires a lot of kids. It's not an exaggeration to say I have thousands of siblings.

[ his family is a Lot. ]
impacter: (058)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 06:03 pm (UTC)(link)
More or less. This isn't my first experience with some of this, though I think it would be a little too convenient if this was a repeat situation.

[At least Ibuki was with him last time, in a realm of their general understanding with less dire consequences.]

Well, we're going to the right place! [Which is probably like two doors down at this point given how long they've been walking.] I don't think our mentor would have assigned us an entire research paper if there wasn't some way to learn about them.

The ones from the North are apparently rather aggressive.
revengier: (109)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-18 06:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He’s really going through the Leo wringer here. Kurapika stands, dusting off his clothes just so he has something to do. ]

…Still, I think you need to latch onto better people than me.

[ Leo deserves better. ]
foresightis2020: (17)

[personal profile] foresightis2020 2024-04-18 06:05 pm (UTC)(link)
It is.

Hopefully they happen to have something here that can work in the same way. Otherwise, I'll have to simply use my phone.

[ So, yeah.

As for the other matter... ]


And why is that? Are you allergic to fruits?
lighthaus: (0049)

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-18 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ his smile is tight, but khun doesn't remark further. his father is...a lot of things both lesser and greater. ]

Khun Aguero Agnes. And before you get any ideas, just call me Khun.
foresightis2020: (19)

[personal profile] foresightis2020 2024-04-18 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
That's right, I am.

[ It's fine, Jing Yuan can handle judgment. A polite expression of thanks to Kurapika after he opens the door. You're a pal.

He begins to scope out some things, and finds like maybe a croissant, pointing at it. ]


You should try this.
impacter: (009)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-18 06:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[Thank god Syr values his life even if he doesn't value his stomach.

There's the outline of Solomon through the smoke, examining his creation for a long time, before he reaches over to grab something off the counter, lift his arm, and slam it down into the pan. The sound of glass shattering immediately echoes through the mess as blackened crystal shards go scattering.

Laughter peals through the smoke like bells.]
lighthaus: (035-a)

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-18 06:12 pm (UTC)(link)
All of that, plus your wish. Only Rankers—those who've reached the top get access to certain perks like being able to travel freely among the floors, access to certain skills, priority housing. The benefits are too many to name, but it's not overstating it to say that they're set for life.

[ there's an entire system to it, for better and worse. ]
discomposer: ᴋᴡɪɪ_𝟷𝟷𝟷@ᴛᴡɪᴛᴛᴇʀ (ᴍᴀᴜʀɪᴄᴇ ʀᴀᴠᴇʟ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-18 06:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Stands up to follow Kurapika like a lost puppy, for some reason? ]

Disagree~! It's already too late for you, so give it up. ♪ I like you, so I'm gonna stick to you!
revengier: (39)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-18 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He raises his eyebrows. Is Leo going to go with him…?

Ah, whatever. He sighs. ]


Then do whatever you want, but don’t complain to me when you regret it.

[ Because Leo will, Kurapika is sure of it. ]