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!
1145pm: (pic#17103096)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-07 10:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ don't look at his history it's fine

The suspicious glance is met with a little look of surprise. ]


Manipulative?! Is that how that sounded? [ No awareness how he might come across, it seems. Tatara sits back in his seat with a little chuckle. ] Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean it like that.

[ More like, he'd heard the previous sage say something similar before to touching results. Guess it doesn't work when he says it, though. His attention drifts to the fountain, watching the water trickle under the sunlight. ]

I don't know. But it is true that I'd worry if you wore yourself out before you even got a chance to shine. [ He glances— ] What was your name again?
leewards: (Default)

spirits

[personal profile] leewards 2024-04-07 10:49 am (UTC)(link)
[Ithaqua tilts his head like a confused bird, his hood's ear twitching.]

What's this, then? [He always tries to be polite... but he's far too curious right now.] What's happening here?
jorunna: (comet07)

[personal profile] jorunna 2024-04-07 10:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ A nod. That's right! Ginger's multilingual prowess aside, their Japanese handwriting has gotten better to where it's readable and that's all they can ask for. ]

My stepfamily came up with the name. It's handy.

[ Said matter of factly. It does in fact, make life a little easier while their rralname can seem like a nickname.

Ginger said it really well though, they think! ]


Your Japanese is really good.
1145pm: (pic#17103102)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-07 10:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ look if he weren't the sage he'd be in west—

After Ginger offers, Tatara just studies him for a little bit. Not prying, or examining, or even triumphant—but a soft look. There's a hint of gratefulness in there. ]


Really?

[ As in, he's really offering? Tatara hands over a fistful of candles (the one without the big red one) with a small smile. ]

So long as it makes at least one person happy, that's fine with me! Thanks, Ginger.
1145pm: (pic#17103097)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-07 10:55 am (UTC)(link)
[





]


Basketball?

[ He wasn't expecting that, honestly. He blinks, then thinks for a moment— ]

There must be balls somewhere in the manor... [ ... ] But I don't know where they are! Wanna come look with me?

[ And thus go along with his evil plan of making sure Yamato explores the manor anyway? ]
troublereduction: (pic#17020437)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-07 11:43 am (UTC)(link)
[ The good news is that even though he is a little scuffed up, he doesn't seem to be seriously wounded. Though maybe his reaction to getting the crest gave a different impression. ]

Oh, it ain't mine.

[ ...Wait shit this doesn't actually sound much betterโ€” ]
impacter: (053)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-07 12:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Mmm.

[Tatara isn't much of a salesman, is he? Not that Solomon minds. An anxious response tells just as much as a confident one.]

People have the capability to get through quite a lot, even if they're far from home. I wouldn't see a need for lost faith just yet when we've only just arrived.

[He raises the stem to his mouth to taste. Brief, thinking, nodding. Interesting]

No need to worry about tomorrow, dear Sage. You've gotten through the day, haven't you?

Celebrate the accomplishment. Whatever it is you wish to accomplish here with us, you can't go far with it if you doubt at the first steps.
foresightis2020: (03)

[personal profile] foresightis2020 2024-04-07 12:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah...not going easy on me, are you?

[ A wry expression directed his way. ]

Very well, then. A minute will do.

[ Jing Yuan looks like he's vaguely amused, though, in saying as much. ]
foresightis2020: (11)

[personal profile] foresightis2020 2024-04-07 12:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Never.

Anyway as they head to the bookstore, he's biting an apple or something. ]


I see. It's reasonable you would have experience in such matters, then.

Hopefully you do get some reasonable amount of downtime...or, well, I suppose this would be considered 'downtime', wouldn't it?

[ In a manner of speaking. He chuckles, looking through the selection with a seemingly lazy and idle gaze. ]
foresightis2020: (05)

[personal profile] foresightis2020 2024-04-07 12:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ OFF WE GO.... ]

Magical knick-knacks indeed.

Are you hoping for something like a crystal ball?

[ The unequivocal, universal, fortune-telling magical device. At least the market is pretty lively. It says a lot about the kind of economy's state, from Jing Yuan's perspective, and the potential buyers they may meet as well. ]
foresightis2020: (10)

[personal profile] foresightis2020 2024-04-07 12:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Jing Yuan chuckles at that. ]

If you were serious, I'd have to prepare myself for gaining a sweet tooth or worse.

[ Anyway, he gives a nod. ]

Fortunately, you've chosen the most hardlined sugar-judging individual around. I'll wait for you to grant me a taste of whatever sample you prefer best.
foresightis2020: (11)

[personal profile] foresightis2020 2024-04-07 12:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Jing Yuan. A pleasure, Ginger.

[ Ginger maybe more like ginger root, then. Since the hair is closer in color to that, or so Jing Yuan mulls over.

He will follow. At the question, he raises one dark eyebrow. ]


...Don't you know it's rude to ask a long-lived man his age?

[ He's joking, evidenced by the spark of amusement in his visible eye. He has no problems in saying so in exact numbers, he is simply making for amusing and idle chatter as they're walking. ]
impacter: (074)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-07 12:28 pm (UTC)(link)
To see what happens, of course. That is still why you try things, isn't it?

[OH NO HIS SNACK :( what did he do to deserve this

He pouts slightly, shaking the soot out of his cape.]


Really, you're making quite a lot of assumptions... I think it looks perfectly fine.
1145pm: (pic#16970071)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-07 12:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The genuine advice causes Tatara to falter for a second, that serene smile dipping from his face in surprise. It isn't exaggerated, or particularly pronounced, but it is there.

And when he's finished, he can't help but give a laugh. The embarrassed sort. ]


It's not often I'm the one getting advice. I'm usually on the other side of the table, so to speak.

[ It probably helps that he's talking to a 5000-year-old and not a 15-year-old... Not that he can tell. ]
impacter: (092)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-07 12:37 pm (UTC)(link)
It sure would be time consuming if that were the case, right?

[Hm. He hadn't thought about the clean up. His normal means aren't exactly possible right now...





Oh well. Maybe people will like abstract art in the courtyard when they wake up.]


In any case, there's no need for condolences.

What was your name again? I don't believe we've met.
impacter: (068)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-07 12:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Hahah... Well, advice can come from all sorts of places, can't it? I'm glad you're curious enough to listen.

[He's still got plenty of questions, but rushing through them has never really been his style. Instead, he cocks his head towards the kitchen door.]

Would you like to go into the kitchen with me for a moment? I think a snack could perk us both up.
1145pm: (pic#17103112)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-07 12:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Is it obvious, at this point, that Tatara's never really had a parental figure in his life (except for, like, Kusanagi-san, who was really just a mom friend)? Yeah. He doesn't really know what to do in the face of this kind of kindness, so he just smiles, embarrassed and awkward. Maybe he'll get used to it in time, but...

He perks at mention of food. ]


Are you gonna make me something, too? [ What is this luxury?! He begins to rise from his chair, signaling his answer. ] You don't have to, but I'll take you up on it!
impacter: (109)

[personal profile] impacter 2024-04-07 12:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Playing soccer against the moon? Hahaha. Of course not.

[teehee]

It sure sounds like the setup for a fantasy saga, though, don't you think?
troublereduction: (day12)

Spirits

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-07 01:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Who's around?
troublereduction: (pic#17020442)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-07 01:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Good news Wanderer, this is one of the wizards who accepts the coat without much fuss. and even puts it on the spot. He's a little glad for it, even, since his own coat from home...desperately needs a wash right now. ]

Question, what can't magic do here?

[ Like, just to have an idea of hard limits. ]
themanwhoerasedhisname: 11 (11)

Magic Practice

[personal profile] themanwhoerasedhisname 2024-04-07 02:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[Kiryu was there at the library as well, just sitting to a table frowning its surface like he was trying to burn a hole into it with his stare, and he looks up. Oh, someone seems to be having trouble. Kiryu, as usual, sees someone having problems and he can't help but to intervene]

You're forcing yourself too much. Relax, there's still time.

[Not that Kiryu is doing fantastic. He still is figuring things out, and that's just so difficult, especially for him who comes from a world without magic and the such. He shakes his head, in disbelief]

This all still sounds like such a weird tale.
themanwhoerasedhisname: 6 (6)

2C

[personal profile] themanwhoerasedhisname 2024-04-07 02:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[Kiryu is used to people accosting him, so he's not all that surprised about it. For some reason a lot of people see this six feet tall guy with the imposing aura and think one of two things: 'yeah i can take him in a fight' or 'i'm going to get him involved in my nonsense'.

Looks like this is one of the latter]


A broom race? You're not being literal about it, are you?

[That sounds so downright wacky! Kiryu can't picture himself riding brooms around, much less a race! He knows he's supposed to have a broom, but he hasn't gotten around to doing that -- he had figured maybe he'd find one in some supply closet and that'd work]
Edited 2024-04-07 14:08 (UTC)
leewards: (Default)

a spoonful

[personal profile] leewards 2024-04-07 03:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah?? [Ithaqua peeks into the kitchen, having smelled the smoke from so far away. Is smoke even supposed to smell like that? Not exactly, and he knows what burning wood should smell like...

So what's burning?]


What are you cooking so intently? [Not "what did you set on fire?"

Look, it's a kitchen, of course something is going to be on fire.]
leewards: (Default)

magic

[personal profile] leewards 2024-04-07 03:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Mm~?

[Who's sitting on a low wall, kicking his legs? Ithaqua is, and he's not about to stop with the little clinking noises just because someone's asked something of him.

Even if he does tilt his head down at the person before him like a curious little bird.]


What do you mean?
fallingsand: (26;)

[personal profile] fallingsand 2024-04-07 03:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's fine, he isn't even sure about what that is. ]

Sure, sure, but what I mean is, like, if there are other wizards that actually belong here, why go through the effort of getting... us? Why didn't the... the whatever... pick those instead?
Edited 2024-04-07 15:40 (UTC)