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!
lustro: (035)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 06:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ That shuts him up. Because it’s true: he does think very little of a lot of people. He’s disinterested in their opinions, their comments - when it comes to…

When it comes to some things. Private, precious.

But he does want to help everyone and that has always been true, too. ]


The ones I mean, I would say.

[ He doesn’t deny the rest, which is answer enough, he’s sure. Robin can make of it what he wants. ]
fallingsand: (52;)

[personal profile] fallingsand 2024-04-19 06:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ Complicated is only scratching the surface, buddy. ]

Yeah... it's. It was just. It was better that way.

[ To let everyone think he was gone for good, taking all the terrible visions and bad luck with him. ]

Maybe it's stupid to worry about people who, well. These people don't even know me but. I'm used to folks having bad reactions, that's all.
shortleash: (pic#17103568)

[personal profile] shortleash 2024-04-19 06:29 am (UTC)(link)
( ...

His brows furrow a bit, lips pursing. )


... It doesn't feel right to.
shortleash: (pic#17072496)

[personal profile] shortleash 2024-04-19 06:31 am (UTC)(link)
( Hm. )

All right. I'll humor you. What possible detriment can there be to extrapolating from all the things I've known?
lustro: (007)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 06:31 am (UTC)(link)
[ The irony of Ginger being the one covered in blood this time is not lost on him. ]

Is that the normal thing to do?
dyingtohealyou: ([Sweat] I forgot that day)

[personal profile] dyingtohealyou 2024-04-19 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
[Catching those looks - it's hard not to with proximity given the whole, you know, casting +10hp spells repeatedly.]

There's plenty of people here who are explicitly studying magic right now. Everyone will get healing, one way or another.
troublereduction: (day65)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-19 06:35 am (UTC)(link)
Is wakin' up in the middle of the night to a small bloodbath normal?

[ Is there a normal way of going about this, ]

But you did lose some blood. And frankly, you ain't lookin' good right now either.

[ He gestures at Ginger let him have a closer look at his injuries though, so he can add to the healing. ]
Edited (Whenninnotcie I forgot to close a tag,) 2024-04-19 09:27 (UTC)
fellheart: (ι'м gonna ѕay)

[personal profile] fellheart 2024-04-19 06:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ a raised eyebrow. ]

You are hardly the only monster here.

[ because by now he's probably heard mika's explanations of what happened to some of the others who've been recruited into this mass healing session. ]

Pity, though. The first would have been simpler to solve, but surely there must be ways to make it more ... palatable. Unless it has to be fresh?

[ direct from the source, so to speak. ]
shortleash: (pic#17120818)

[personal profile] shortleash 2024-04-19 06:46 am (UTC)(link)
... It can't be spoiled, but I can take it in a cup. That's better for everyone involved.

( The bite does things to the receiver... and to the Mikas. And if he's biting, there will always be a powerful instinct inside him to drain the victim dry.

Muttering, in partial protest to the first remark: )


I don't enjoy being a monster.
mirristry: (5)

[personal profile] mirristry 2024-04-19 06:49 am (UTC)(link)
[And therein lies the problem: of all of the things Phil is confident he has the ability to do, healing isn't one of them. Has never been one of them, even back at home. Even if he tries his best, will it work? He isn't sure.]

... yes. They did say that.

[And he is the Biqe, so there's no reason he shouldn't be able to become just as skilled in this world's magic as well. He knows this logically.

Emotionally is a different story, however.]


So... I should be able to do something. I hope.

[He sounds like he's saying this as much to convince himself as he is Mika, though...]
themanwhoerasedhisname: 13 (Default)

[personal profile] themanwhoerasedhisname 2024-04-19 06:57 am (UTC)(link)
[Hearing what kind of people they are makes Kiryu grimace. Uf, that kind of people...]

You're better being different. The little 'societies' like those are never worth it.

[Any group of people who looks down on others like that almost never are worth it]
impacter: (032)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-19 06:57 am (UTC)(link)
Pointless deaths, for one.

[That's an extreme, but he's not really in the mood for softballing that sort of answer with such a dramatic question.]

This is a world of humans as well, if you weren't paying attention. Humans that cannot use magic, but don't seem to be fond of the magical, if the library's record is correct. Humans that may as well be frightened of what you say is common, or judgmental of those things that you also don't like.

Extrapolate what you need to with the humanity of your world. But letting it cloud your view here is going to cause more harm than good, both for you and the people you've been asked to help.
shortleash: (pic#17077612)

[personal profile] shortleash 2024-04-19 07:00 am (UTC)(link)
( Mika hears him out, at least. )

All humans I've known, even the one who seem decent, have the same capacity for harm. A man who seems decent today can be a monster tomorrow. But If the humans here are so pure that their hearts can remain untouched by the nature that defines them in my home, I'll believe it if I see it.

( A balanced, though critical, view - one that expects failure of the premise. )
Edited 2024-04-19 07:01 (UTC)
jorunna: (comet08)

[personal profile] jorunna 2024-04-19 07:00 am (UTC)(link)
[

Ah. A slow nod. Comet deals with demons, people getting possessed... This feels familiar and getting upset won't do much. ]


Is the monster under control now?

[ It's said a little sarcastically, their expression unchanging. ]
shortleash: (pic#17103575)

[personal profile] shortleash 2024-04-19 07:04 am (UTC)(link)
( ... )

... I don't know.

( An unhelpful answer. He doesn't have a lot of faith in himself right now. But... )

I usually know how to keep myself under control.

( Which clearly failed this time - but he's making an effort right now, basically. )
shortleash: (pic#17120818)

[personal profile] shortleash 2024-04-19 07:07 am (UTC)(link)
( How do you make someone have confidence... Not that he'd use this knowledge for himself even if he knew how. )

... If you really can't manage, then get them some wet towels and food. I'm getting more than one person to heal, so... they'll need those when they wake up.
impacter: (008)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-19 07:10 am (UTC)(link)
Then let's hope your eyes stay open enough to see it.

[He has a suspicion this guy would rather look for the warnings than the differences.

With a sigh, he stretches his arms over his head.]


I think that's enough for now. I learned enough to narrow down quite a lot for my research.

I'll leave the night to you and your fellow night owls, dear Mika.

[He has no qualms with Mika not getting his name in return.]
dyingtohealyou: ([Look] long night with)

[personal profile] dyingtohealyou 2024-04-19 07:22 am (UTC)(link)
-?

You're asking a kid to pick up your mess?

[Wow... Such an irresponsible adult...]
troublereduction: (day82)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-19 07:23 am (UTC)(link)
I mean, it's already happened. I'm pretty sure at least one person's gonna chew you out once they find out.

[ (Wanderer. He means Wanderer, if only because he can't imagine he won't have something to say about this.) ]

It's your call if you want people to know 'bout this, but dried blood's grody as hell, and...if your concern's whether you can keep a hold of yourself, I ain't sure if blood stains are gonna help.

[ He thinks he's managed to figure out that much based on what he's seen so far, between all the blood, the seeking help, the apparent guilt and punishment here. ]
themanwhoerasedhisname: 5 (5)

[personal profile] themanwhoerasedhisname 2024-04-19 07:37 am (UTC)(link)
If it has to be kept secret then it means it's not innate?

[Is this deduction correct, then? Any random person could learn Nen, if they understand the rules and try to get into it?]
shortleash: (pic#17120206)

[personal profile] shortleash 2024-04-19 07:45 am (UTC)(link)
( Ugh... Logic... it's effective. He looks like he wants to protest, but he's not going to be stubborn when he's already struggling against the scent of blood absolutely flooding this room. )

... They should do more than chew me out.

( But... Mmgh... he doesn't argue the rest. )

... Fine. I can get a towel.

( Honestly, he shouldn't even be here, what with all the blood, but it seems like he's waiting for someone to chew him out, in fact. )
fullspbar: (21)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-19 08:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's this guy, huh...normally he'd be stubborn, but it doesn't take much for him to back down this time. ]

I ain't gonna argue with that.

[ He thinks others need it more than him, but really, he knows he's pretty fucked. ]

Do what you want.
fullspbar: (100)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-19 08:32 am (UTC)(link)
Like making you cold or something? It's some kind of magical crap.

[ It's probably way more broad than that, but if he thinks about it, it'll inevitably give him a headache. ]

But stew, huh...Like nikujaga? The vegetables might be a little different than we're used to, but it should be doable.
mirristry: (12)

[personal profile] mirristry 2024-04-19 08:35 am (UTC)(link)
They only fell off because I was trying to get a book for you...

[He realizes just how pathetic it sounds as he says it, though.]

... but you're right. I made the mess myself, so I shouldn't be asking you to help me clean it up. I'm sorry.
1145pm: (i look like mikoto in this picture)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-19 08:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ If his healing had to be painful or uncomfortable, then he would have prefered the blaze of a fire, not a physical, forcible tear...

But it's not like he gets to choose, is it? And it isn't like he's ungrateful, either. Despite the lingering shock of being pulled from death's doorstep, he feels a lot more comfortable. When Robin's healing settles, Tatara takes a deep breath, and his cheeks warm once again. The pain is gone, though he still feels a bit woozy from blood loss.

His eyes flutter open, he stares at his little brother old god, and tries to push himself up off the couch. ]


...Where's Mika?

[ His voice is weak, but it's there. ]
Edited 2024-04-19 08:46 (UTC)