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!
foresightis2020: (50)

[personal profile] foresightis2020 2024-04-19 10:44 am (UTC)(link)
[ Sure can!! ]

...Only blood? Has that always been the case?

[ Not impossible, Jing Yuan believes. There are all manners of life found across the universe who consume different forms of...sustenance. ]
lustro: (060)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 01:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Lose, like it was taken; it’s more that he gave. ]

I, uh, volunteered.

[ If that makes things any better. He obediently tilts his head for a better view of his neck. ]

A bloodbath probably won’t happen again?
lustro: (077)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 01:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Like a guilty puppy, he ducks his head. Caught, oops. ]

I know, but - I’m not human and they are, so it’s hard not to worry.
themanwhoerasedhisname: 8 (8)

[personal profile] themanwhoerasedhisname 2024-04-19 01:44 pm (UTC)(link)
That's it, you better learn some magic to save you if you fall.

[For safety reasons! It's magic, it should be easy enough to -- and truthfully Kiryu said this because he decided to look into that as well, after the rush of broom racing. He's a bit amazed he didn't crash into the earth at the end from how fast his broom was going]
troublereduction: (day41)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-19 01:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Blood loss is still blood loss, even if it's a donation.

[ Y'all,,, Maybe he shouldn't be surprised that some of this was consensual, though.

Day carefully brushes his fingers against where he can see Ginger's injury, murmuring his spell that is, essentially, asking the spirits to do him a solid and make sure this heals up decently. ]


And I hope it won't. Get old pretty fast otherwise.
lustro: (091)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 01:58 pm (UTC)(link)
We’re rare, s-sure…

[ But angels and demons work together now, so if anything more of them might be born. It makes sense in his head, but he doesn’t really keep track of the baby rates, so.

Also, Solomon’s excitement sends chills up his spine,,, help,,, someone,,, ]


… I already said I’m not human. You just want me to say it out loud for some reason. Fine, half-demon.
lustro: (088)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 02:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Periodically between his healing(s), he goes over to give Mika’s sleeve a subtle tug, no words. Still here.

Then he’s gone, back to being healed with full judgement on blast, sitting like a student in trouble and taking it all. ]
lustro: (068)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 02:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He kind of… makes a complicated face at the touch. Not uncomfortable, exactly, but more he just remembered something that borderlines discomfort. He doesn’t pull away at least. ]

… Are you mad?

[ Day is smiling a lot. ]
lustro: (041)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 02:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Replenish nutrients… He holds up the bar and squints at it. Will this work for him? Coffee works, in a way, but he’s pretty sure that’s been modified for heavenly consumption. Everything else they just eat or drink for fun, having adapted some human habits over time. ]

I’ll let you know if it works. I’m… sure… you’ve guessed that I’m not exactly normal.
impacter: (009)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-19 02:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[YAAAAAAAAY oh its christmas and his last 100 birthdays all at once. Demon!! One he's never met!!! Presumedly anyway!]

My my... I wonder if you'd be a triumph or a point of contention back home. I feel Diavolo would love you. [The House of Lords probably wouldn't... something something celestial wars.... but they didn't much like what Diavolo did anyway.]

Are you expected to represent both the celestial and the pits of hell, or do you get to chose for yourself?
lustro: (076)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 02:52 pm (UTC)(link)
He didn’t mean to. [ That first because he wants her to understand and he knows she will try to. ] And I volunteered, but um, the others didn’t have much of a choice I think.

He wasn’t… himself. If we get a system going, it’ll be okay.
lustro: (003)

/2

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 03:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ]
lustro: (061)

[personal profile] lustro 2024-04-19 03:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ And after he’s done questioning every sin he’s committed to deserve Solomon, Ginger reaches out and

covers

his mouth. Covers that smile. It’s too big, too excited - he doesn’t like it. ]


Solomon, stop being a creep. [ … And then, reluctantly because he always gives in to these damn weirdos: ] … I’ll tell you later.
specialinquisitor: (not happy)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-19 03:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[To judge by her expression, she hadn't expected this either. In fact, her hand faintly trembles, fingers quivering where she holds it...]

[But then she relaxes.]


This appears to be a Blade's core crystal, but it is not. I don't understand this...
specialinquisitor: (contempt)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-19 03:17 pm (UTC)(link)
You should be aware that I have never taken kindly to being mocked. [There's just a hint of warning in her voice. Playful banter like this might just be his style, doubtless he meant no offense...]

But being a student is no shame. I have found that no matter your stature or standing, there is more to learn.
impacter: (042)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-19 03:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[suffer

Why do they always have to call him names? Really, can't they just consider it social marketing?

Regardless, he doesn't put up a fight, eyes no less excited as he gives a thumbs up and nods behind the press of Ginger's hands.

heeheeheeheeheeheehee]
specialinquisitor: (contemplative)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-19 03:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[After a moment, she nods.]

Good. It doesn't appear to have killed or maimed you. My turn, I suppose.

[She holds out one hand, expectantly.]
specialinquisitor: (surprised)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-19 03:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[About to extend her hand again, she pauses, and then motions for him to go first. She'll observe, and see if she can learn anything or offer any advice from what she sees.]

[Optimistic, yes, but if it fails, no harm done.]
specialinquisitor: (surprised)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-19 03:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Old man...?

[What kind of a weird description is that?]

...Very well. I'll offer whatever assistance I can render.
specialinquisitor: (surprised)

[personal profile] specialinquisitor 2024-04-19 03:34 pm (UTC)(link)
A... [She very quickly shakes her head, before those baffling words can get too deep into them.] Sadly, I cannot oblige.
jorunna: (comet02)

[personal profile] jorunna 2024-04-19 03:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Someone (me) forgot to actually send the tag during the start of the game where they bothered Shinji in the kitchen about the weird kombu because they'd actually like miso soup or smth. Oh well, that's then, this is now and Comet gets to be a weirdo. ]

You look like a person who doesn't want to be bothered if you're busy.

[ Man's always busy in the kitchen. The first questions would be a "yes" then, but that's not really important right now. They roll up the sleeves of their jacket. They've got a towel. ]

Of course, and yes. Move your hand, please.
lighthaus: (1)

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-19 03:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ let's see...

he could do this the normal way or-

a quick, decisive impero gives away his location only to be followed by the sound of an explosion. it's probably fine? he figures most people would jump at that, even if it was just a mimicry of the sound. ]
troublereduction: (day19)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-19 03:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Hm? Day notices the change in expression, so he pulls his hand back. ]

"Mad" kinda feel overblown for it. More like...kinda baffled something like this happened, I guess.
lighthaus: (4)

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-19 03:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ khun listens attentively; it doesn't sound entirely dissimilar from the tower, though it does sound more compressed. the tower is many floors tall and given that people usually takes years to even get permission to climb beyond the first floors...

he still wouldn't want to run for 80 km even if he's confident he could. he smiles. ]


Judging by your description, I assume I'm looking at Hunter Kurapika.
lighthaus: (047-b)

[personal profile] lighthaus 2024-04-19 03:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Me either. Now follow your sensei and let's sell this all.

[ he is too used to this title already.

and wastes little time gathering up a respectable portion of sugar to carry. he is not in fact a twink! ]