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!
specialinquisitor: (surprised)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-06 10:30 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sorry, lyrics?

[That is such an apparent non-sequitur it throws her for a loop.]
discomposer: (ᴊᴇᴀɴ sɪʙᴇʟɪᴜs)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-06 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
For a magic incantation!

[ He's thinking of it as lyrics, yeah. ]
discomposer: (ᴀᴛsᴜᴛᴀᴅᴀ ᴏᴛᴀᴋᴀ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-06 10:39 pm (UTC)(link)
That is more of a Knights color, but would you even fit in mine?

[ He's got red, and not only is he shorter I think he might be thinner??? ]
discomposer: (ᴄʀɪsᴛᴏ́ʙᴀʟ ʜᴀʟғғᴛᴇʀ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-06 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure, then what d'you wanna do! We can deliver sugar orrrrrr do magic stuff?

[ He's easy. ...When he feels like not being a pain, anyway? Sometimes? ]
divineth: (🌒 85)

[personal profile] divineth 2024-04-06 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Though I would not use the term "wizard", I can indeed wield magick where I come from. This world's method differeth from what I am accustomed to, but 'tis not entirely unfamiliar to me.

[He gently pushes the air beneath the star globe, sending it back to its place on his back.]

If it pleases thee, I might have some advice to impart. What hast thou attempted thus far, if anything?
lustro: (045)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-06 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh. Vampire hunter?

[ Edgy. ]

Is that what your weapon is for? [ Nodding at the sheath. ]
discomposer: (ᴊᴜɴ ʏᴀᴍᴀɢᴜᴄʜɪ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-06 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Nope! It's hardly "just" anything! It's also a kinda song written for voices only! Wanna hear one? Il bianco e dolce cigno is a pretty good one, although it's a bit slower than my usual fare. ♪
1145pm: (pic#16970041)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-06 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ yay he's winning ]

Mmm. [ He tilts his head, now resting it fully into his hand. His eyes stay trained on Mika, taking the brunt of his displeasure. ] Theoretically. I'm looking into it, but I'm not exactly sure how it works yet.
discomposer: (ᴋᴀɴ'ɪᴄʜɪ sʜɪᴍᴏғᴜsᴀ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-06 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Can't I make it orange with magic?

[ He has no idea how to do anything but this could be motivating for him??? Help ]
positivize: (pic#17104058)

[personal profile] positivize 2024-04-06 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[Maybe they can circle back to the pleasantries later, alas... Because in this situation, any kind of information is important, especially if they all want to fix the problem that's on all their plates.

Still, that's a bit sobering to hear. Even so.]


They said "usually", so that doesn't mean it's 100% of the time, right? Let's think positive! After all, it wouldn't be fair if you were the only one would couldn't return.
1145pm: (pic#17103103)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-06 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ imagine.... ]

What other choice to I have?

[ When he smiles this time, there's a faint hue of sadness to it. He's still mourning, all things considered, and the new world and new job's been a good distraction, but. ]

I think I'd rather do this than wander lost in an unfamiliar world.
meanspirited: (pic#16390278)

[personal profile] meanspirited 2024-04-06 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[rip bozo]

Is that the best you can do?
discomposer: (ᴋᴏᴊɪ ᴋᴏɴᴅᴏ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-06 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Leo was already reaching out to touch the object. It's moving and shiny, he's game. ]

Hmmm~~? Well, looks like he wanted a bigger task! Did you not feed him enough crumbs?
shortleash: (pic#17103537)

[personal profile] shortleash 2024-04-06 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Unfortunately not.

( Would that he had the strength and luxury... He glances down at his sword, something of a wry smile curling the corner of his lip. )

... This is for protecting the person I care about. That's all.

( The irony being that it's also vampire made... nevertheless. )

At least I managed that much before I came here.
discomposer: (ᴀᴍʏ sᴄᴜʀʀɪᴀ)

magic practice

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-06 10:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Huh? Well, I have options for words! But I dunno which are best! Or how to do the focus thingy.

[ If he can mentally link it to music it might work out better. ]
1145pm: (pic#16970053)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-06 10:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Tatara's smile twists wryly at that—probably the first somewhat negative reaction he's had to this whole thing all day. This isn't the responsibility he wants, but...

His gaze drops to the leaf as Solomon fiddles with it. ]


I do. [ Said with pretty firm conviction. He's seen weird things, so believing in all this was an easy step for him to make. ] I haven't seen the state of the world myself, but I saw the toll it took on the last wizards. If I'm honest, I'm a little worried.
discomposer: (ᴋᴀɴ'ɪᴄʜɪ sʜɪᴍᴏғᴜsᴀ)

professional student

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-06 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ On the other end of the scholastic spectrum is the guy who almost never attended his classes and who frequently ditched anything and everything he didn't find interesting enough...Leo's a genius in a lot of ways and there's plenty of things he'll work hard on!

Essays about things other than music are not one of those things he'll work hard on or even considers himself any good at. He stopped doing traditional schooling to attend and graduate from an idol academy for a reason and that reason is he's way too eccentric for Normal Essays, and even making that essay bout wizardry has him sulking...

Though he perks up immediately at "adventure". ]


Whoa, an adventure~? Well, if it'll make writing a paper interesting I'm in! [ "Adventure" is more appealing to him than "sit down and write words". Maybe it's all about how you frame it. ]
1145pm: (pic#17103114)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-06 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ A wizard vampire obviously means he's extra powerful, so !!

Tatara hums. He's thinking about sugar, and what he doesn't know about vampires, and then realizes he's talking to one, and that this guy is as real as the whole situation around him. But when Malice brings up drinking his blood, it takes a little moment to register, and he pauses.

And he blinks. ]


Huh?
positivize: (pic#17104135)

[personal profile] positivize 2024-04-06 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Exactly. And it can't hurt to have some medicine on hand in case someone's too exhausted to heal.
1145pm: (pic#16970044)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-06 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ but he wants to keep the weird guy, ]

At this hour?

[ Though the way he laughs and gets up from his chair says he's not going to argue. He can go with this flow. ]

Come with me.

[ And he gestures for Leo to follow him to the kitchen. He'll have to make a pot... ]
serenesinker: ponderin'... (thinking)

[personal profile] serenesinker 2024-04-06 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
1) ARRIVAL:

[Did Yodarha take a wrong turn somewhere? He just got up and left his room on the Grancypher to help make breakfast, and upon traversing through his bedroom door frame, he somehow ended up in an elevator with a bunch of strangers. This thing is clearly not of airship make, so what the heck is going on?]

Is this some primal beast mumbo jumbo...? No, that feels quite a bit different than this.

[His quiet musing is cut short however due to a stinging sensation pulsating across his left eye. He hisses a bit in pain, but otherwise stays calmer than some of the other folks in the elevator. With this eye usually closed anyway, he looks none the worse for wear.]

2) PRACTICE:

[Yodarha isn't much of a scholarly sort, but having access to magic that isn't completely instinctual could prove to be beneficial in the long run, especially when that instinct doesn't seem to be working here. No water, no mist... eh, no problem!]

Learnin' magic, huh? Guess it's worth a shot! Now to find a 'meaningful word or phrase'...

[Pointing upwards like he's trying to call a lightning bolt down from the sky, he barks out the first thing that comes to mind:]

Catch of the day!!

[Nothing. Crickets. Yodarha scratches the back of his head, a bit embarrassed.]

Shucks. This might be a little trickier than I thought, hyuk-hyuk!

3) JOB HUNTING:

[Jumping up and down several times, Yodarha finally manages to read the posting on the job board fully.]

Sugar that heals the body? And we can make it outta thin air!? Woohoo!

[That sure as heck sounds a lot nicer than cramming vegetables in your mouth to slowly recover over weeks and months.]

4) WILDCARD:

[Feel free to tag for any of the Wanderer/Tatara activities or whatever else suits your fancy! This old man is fair game!]
1145pm: (pic#17103106)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-06 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ah, it's this guy. Tatara turns to look at the newcomer, and a little smile crosses his face. He remembers him from the crowd, but not for the same reasons the louder ones stuck in his memory. ]

Heyo. [ He says this softly. It's nighttime, anyway. ] Can I help you?
1145pm: (pic#17103096)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-06 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
You will. Or so I've heard, at least.

[ Tatara studies Ahito for a second, before giving something halfway between an exhale and a chuckle. Is he??? Thinking about it???? ]

Ah, I wouldn't recommend it, though. I still need your power to send you home.
jorunna: (comet04)

[personal profile] jorunna 2024-04-06 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Training... Well whatever that is, it's probably Not That Bad.

Anyways coat is on, they are now an abstract watermelon. ]


Can you understand the spirits saying that, or are you following some instructions?
discomposer: (ʏᴀsᴜɴᴏʀɪ ᴍɪᴛsᴜᴅᴀ)

[personal profile] discomposer 2024-04-06 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ WELL this is one way to never get rid of him...! Leo follows along like the cat he is, cheerfully. ]

Any hour is a good hour for it~! Besides, I can't sleep yet!