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 youโ€™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
๐ŸŒ™ Welcome to Lunae Calamitas's first event post! Yer a wizard, whether you like it or not.
๐ŸŒ™ 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...
๐ŸŒ™ Your OOC plotting post is here! Please keep all your plotting on the plotting post, since not everyone uses discord or plurk.
๐ŸŒ™ The South will be going on their mission next week to get this party started. Keep an eye out, Southies!
impacter: (010)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-07 04:07 am (UTC)(link)
That's right. [And with a final swipe, he takes his place back in the center of the circle, a sleek black wand pulled from his jacket.]

I'll ask that you stand back for a moment, please. We don't need extra blood on the grounds.
annihilator: (โžค 44)

[personal profile] annihilator 2024-04-07 04:07 am (UTC)(link)
[The first part gets a laugh from him, but it's the second part that has his interest.]

Good eye; yeah, it's magitech. I've had a few people help me out with it in the past but... well, they ain't here, are they?

[And also he betrayed one, another betrayed him, and he ditched the one at Rosalie's place, so...]

I'm no expert with this, but I can maintain it well enough 'til I can get home. [...] Probably.

[If we're stuck here for awhile he may be in trouble, but that's a problem for future Malice!!]
revengier: (104)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-07 04:07 am (UTC)(link)
[ While Kurapika is glad that that subject gets dropped, he'd honestly have no problem discussing it. Mostly. ]

Honestly, I was surprised that they were surprised. It didn't give me much faith in thinking that anything here would be organized at all.

[ A pause. ]

It really could've been worse.
annihilator: (โžค 34)

[personal profile] annihilator 2024-04-07 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
[poor shortstuff...]

Huh, sentimental stuff I don't have here right now... Yeah, I guess I can think of some things— uhh, somethin'.

[Yeah, just the one thing. Don't worry about it.]

So what do I do? Just... focus on it an' try to will it into existence or somethin'?
annihilator: (โžค 47)

[personal profile] annihilator 2024-04-07 04:10 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, yeah, don't wanna ruin anythin'.

[Back he steps! Quite a ways back, actually. Malice has a very healthy fear or magic and what it can do to a vampire weak to it, thanks.

So how's this going to go...??]
annihilator: (โžค 53)

[personal profile] annihilator 2024-04-07 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
I just got done bein' locked up, so I'll take a little disorganization if it means havin' my freedom again!

[malice maybe you shouldn't just be announcing this to the world— no okay.]

This place's pretty good so far, all things considered. But I guess we'll see how things turn out, yeah?
impacter: (092)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-07 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
Caramel? There's an idea... I suppose I can try that next.

[He coughs into one of his sleeves as he's shooed away, looking slightly hurt.]

You don't need to say things like that. I've never heated magical sugar before, sure, but I wanted to work efficiently. 600 degrees brings a boil a lot faster.
troublereduction: (pic#17020442)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-07 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ Huh, now he's kind of curious about what Kurapika's so curious about. ]

Just happened to have these on hand, so I figured I may as well try. [ If these turn out to not be his focus, he wouldn't know what to think. ] You got any ideas for what to use for yours?
dyingtohealyou: ([Sweat] with memories I)

[personal profile] dyingtohealyou 2024-04-07 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
Aren't those-?

[...

Eh, if it sparks joy for him, far be it from Ahito to stop him.
]
troublereduction: (day40)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-07 04:17 am (UTC)(link)
I guess? It can't hurt to try when magic seems to run off feelings here.

[ Idk my bff how does summoning items work here??? ]
dyingtohealyou: ([Sigh] If there's a heart)

[personal profile] dyingtohealyou 2024-04-07 04:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Yeah what kind of dumbass would do that on purpose.]

High risk for high reward?
revengier: (94)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-07 04:19 am (UTC)(link)
Mm, we will.

[ He shoves his hands into his pockets, glancing over at Malice. ]

Why were you locked up?

[ It really isn't something someone should announce, so now he's curious. ]
dyingtohealyou: ([Sigh] If there's a heart)

[personal profile] dyingtohealyou 2024-04-07 04:19 am (UTC)(link)
No thanks. Just 'til it's a more reasonable hour.

[But he is in fact turning to head back to bed.]
fallingsand: (34;)

[personal profile] fallingsand 2024-04-07 04:19 am (UTC)(link)
[ Are they, though?! Is any of this real?! Perhaps the burning pain from the seals proved enough. Would the dead still feel pain? ]

Wh... what? If someone had a gift like that, then they're being really irresponsible with it! Just grabbing a whole. A whole bunch of strangers like this?!
revengier: (53)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-07 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
I've considered a few things.

[ He just... casually pulls a handgun out of his pocket. ]

Like this, for one. But I don't have any real special attachment to it. Do you have one to your prayer beads?
shadowkin: (004)

iii. tasky task

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-07 04:21 am (UTC)(link)
There's way too much theory. If the world's gonna end at some point, wouldn't they want to go with practicals above everything else? Especially since we're basically getting drafted.

[Like, if he ever got drafted into the Knight Order, he's pretty sure he wouldn't be stuck writing essays and whatnot -- but of course, "Cid Kagenou" wouldn't ever join the Order anyways, for about a billion different reasons.

At least some of them apply here. He shakes his head and puts out his hand, mumbling a little bit; a broom about the size of a pin drops into his palm. Oops??]

... Still not that great at summoning brooms, though. Takes me a try or three to get anything I can use, so you guys are really...

[He totally admires people who don't immediately summon toy brooms at the first opportunity.]
revengier: (22)

[personal profile] revengier 2024-04-07 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
Mm, that's correct. For example, you can create unbreakable chains if you place a strong enough condition on them.

[ A totally casual example. ]

If your targets are specific, you place a rule that you can only use them on those targets, otherwise you'll be hurt. Locking your power in that way means that it'll become that much more potent.
dyingtohealyou: ([Fear] or world peace)

[personal profile] dyingtohealyou 2024-04-07 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
What the hell-

[Glancing around for some kind of surface he can use as a mirror, fuck, fuck, fuck.]
fallingsand: (37;)

[personal profile] fallingsand 2024-04-07 04:24 am (UTC)(link)
Mm, I don't think I can rely on my definition of normal. [ His normal isn't very healthy, overall. ] Although, I think there are only humans where I'm from.

[ Look, he's never left the valley. Maybe the rest of Earth has plant people! Anyway, his gaze wanders off again, lest he stare too long at Syrlya. ]

But no. I mean, I showed up with a bucket? And Rodrigo but I don't think I can use a living creature as a focus? I mean, that'd be weird. Kinda rude, too, like, he didn't sign up for that.
dyingtohealyou: ([Serious] my body; in)

[personal profile] dyingtohealyou 2024-04-07 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
[He would blink twice if he knew he was supposed to here, but alas.]

Do you know what the criteria was for selecting us?

Besides, that doesn't account for the mages that already live here.
shadowkin: (010)

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-07 04:26 am (UTC)(link)
Pretty sure I saw a fountain like... thattaway? Before my eye went weird, anyway.

[He is adding a disclaimer so that if the vaunted fountain doesn't materialize, he can claim Eye Problems. You can't blame him for possibly seeing water or hearing the sound of water or hallucinating it.

Ah, but his shade........ one must make some sacrifices to force the other person in this ridiculous exchange to take the heterochromia bullet.

If he doesn't look at it, he doesn't have to worry about it.]
impacter: (001)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-07 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
I see. [Rather detached to all this, isn't he? How odd for someone that clearly has a knack for it.]

Well, sweet dreams, then. Maybe I'll see you taking that broom for a flight when you're feeling a little more adventurous.
chronosynthesis: (โ– Sympathetic Visage)

Questions

[personal profile] chronosynthesis 2024-04-07 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
[Syrlya winds around to find Tatara after he's had a moment to... come to terms? That's not quite right, perhaps simply find himself not in a state of being wary of everything. At least enough to take Tatara at his word.]

Pardon me. Do you know more about what happened when your prior wizards... disappeared?
dyingtohealyou: ([Sweat] I was singing to)

[personal profile] dyingtohealyou 2024-04-07 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
[That doesn't sound familiar at all, but... figures.]

Ahito, student of Kamisaid Magic Academy.
shadowkin: (010)

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-07 04:29 am (UTC)(link)
The tech back home's really grown by leaps and bounds since they figured out more of the magitech thing. We even have steam nowadays. Can't say I know too much about the mechanics of it.

[There's something a touch dry about this.]

But I guess that doesn't help anybody here... [Malice is right about that, even if his arm problems appear to have arm problems] ........ so how many arms do you have?

[If they keep getting more complicated there are more problems for future Malice, but what Cid really wants to know is whether they get cooler.]