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!
1145pm: (pic#16970054)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-08 08:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ A lot of food seems to be labeled "kind of like ___," or "feels like ___," and ingredients in those containers seem to vaguely resemble foods from Earth. Some things are alien, with more alien-like names, but there's plenty to choose from. ]

I don't think so. [ He leans against the kitchen island, watching Solomon rummage around. ] I think there was another Japanese guy before the last one, [ which would make Tatara the third in a row, ] but I don't know about the rest. Probably from all over.
shadowkin: (012)

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-08 08:09 am (UTC)(link)
Isn't it the same thing? People who can read an' people who can write... So the library.

[He doesn't even finish that sentence because he's too lazy to. He's also still sprawled over the table, but he dutifully examines the... sides of this guy's books. Wow. Book hoarder, like a dragon sitting on top of a pile of riches--

Anyway, Cid has thought about mass isekais before but he's never really thought about nationalities. You'd presume that it'd be an international kidnapping ring but like... universes... complicated. His singular braincell is doing too much work here.]

Maybe it's more like they're all supposed to write stuff... But nobody I know of's asked. [why didn't he himself ask, does he look like the reporter type] Maybe the moon ate them all.
1145pm: (pic#17103096)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-08 08:09 am (UTC)(link)
A week, hm? I'll remember that.

[ Maybe he should write that down? What are calendars, anyway.

After a second, a grin bursts over his face in amusement. ]


Huh. I've never had a vampire drink my blood before. What's it feel like? Do you know?
1145pm: (pic#16970054)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-08 08:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ he's so valid ]

Then that means you're no longer a wizard, which means you won't be one of my wizards anymore, which means... [ Tatara thinks for a moment. ] ...You'd just become a part of this world as a regular human, I guess?

[ Theoretically, even if he were able to send everyone back, would it take to someone who was no longer considered part of the affected crew?

Thinking hard... ]
shadowkin: (S: this right eye of mine glows)

artistic projection

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-08 08:16 am (UTC)(link)
I sense a stirring in the spiritual energies...

[


Well, okay, so there's suddenly and stealthily a guy behind him clad in a whole dark cape-and-mask ensemble. His voice is not quite Nakata Jouji levels of Way Too Deep but the novel loves to describe Shadow's voice as ~*abyssal-deep*~ so you're getting some echoes of that while he's wrestling with magical vocal chords or something.

But mostly, Shadow (wizard version) is currently running analog. When you're suddenly not-reincarnated into a new magic system you kind of have to go with what works.

He's got his arms crossed and seems to be surveying the chalk circles with a thoughtful expression from what is visible of his face.]

But it may be that they're just gossiping about this. Are you using something from your home?
fullspbar: (13)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-08 08:20 am (UTC)(link)
Might as well, if we're going to the same place.

[ Four hands are better than two, after all! There's a hell of a lot of foreigners around here, though... ]

Aragaki Shinjiro.

[ He can talk, but Shinjiro's already going to start walking. Better sooner than later. ]
1145pm: (pic#17103120)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-08 08:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh? That it isn't just a feeling or self-negativity piques Tatara's interest. Well, professional interest. He lifts his head from his hand slightly. ]

What kind of gift?
fullspbar: (43)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-08 08:25 am (UTC)(link)
Probably better to do two trips, then, unless you ain't getting much.

[ Personally, Shinjiro's not pressed about his room. He's never been much of a decorator to begin with, and it's...been a while since he's actually had space he knew he was going to be in for a while.

But, since the guy is offering. ]


Already checked the kitchen, but better to see all the oddball food they have here firsthand if we're gonna get used to it.

[ God, he hopes there's at least some normal food. The screaming seaweed has left an impression. ]
fellheart: (can yoυ мaĸe мe)

words to live by

[personal profile] fellheart 2024-04-08 08:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ this is, unfortunately, who he's bumbled into, and apparently this particular pest simply disregards the clear signals that robin does not, actually, care to hear him out. here he is anyway.

oh, is this a chance finally to get in a word edgewise? ]


... "Steal your heart?" Did you get that out of a cheap bodice-ripper?
shadowkin: (003)

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-08 08:28 am (UTC)(link)
Oh. Right, it'd be easier to go that way if you come from a rougher place.

[Well, it's also just pragmatic in general.

Midgar isn't a super downtrodden place, but you can still run into serial killers and crazy conspiracies all the time. Or maybe his perspective is skewed, as an Eminence (nominal). Surely not.......]

..... did we have somebody in the place named Tara??

[He's already bad with names, save him.]
1145pm: (pic#16970047)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-08 08:32 am (UTC)(link)
[ Most don't talk, or wiggle. They come in all kinds of funny colors and shapes, maybe somewhat familiar to an Earth eye, but hard to place. They look delectable all the same.

Tatara's brows shoot up as he's handed the nametag, but after a second or two, it's obvious it isn't out of offense. If anything, he's delighted, and he sticks that on his shirt with pride. Probably helps that it's in red. ]


If there would be a magic police in this world, that would be the sage's wizards... [ He pauses for dramatic effect, hand cupping his chin in mock thought. And when he opens his eyes, there's a glint of a tease in them. ] So, you?
troublereduction: (pic#17020440)

[personal profile] troublereduction 2024-04-08 08:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ Screaming seaweed... ]

I'm just looking to get a vase or two. [ For decoration. He probably wants to get some flowers too, but that can wait for later. ] Wonder how all the, uh, interesting food is gonna work out if anyone's got certain restrictions or needs. [ Says the guy who's unaware there are two vampires in the manor, he was thinking something a little more mundane than that, but the point still stands. ]
fullspbar: (17)

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-08 08:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ He bet your ass he's the stove police. Put your hands up.

Shinjiro can feel his eye begin to twitch faintly...he's said before to eat something regardless of how you think it tastes to respect the chef's effort, but that's concerning actual edible food? This is...definitely not that. This is a biological hazard in the making.

He clicks his tongue as he pulls the pan full of water from the sink to set it back on the stove, so Solomon can ogle the normal sized fire instead. Now to pray this stuff will boil off. ]


...Never thought I'd meet another guy as stubborn as that idiot. [ That's a feat and a half. ] All you're gonna get by eating this is making yourself sick. If you think this is 'perfectly fine', there's something seriously wrong here...

[ Ugh, the smoke still burns. Has this guy never had a decent meal in his life?? Is this the issue? Or is he just...Yamagishi, but worse? ]
fellheart: (gιve мe yoυr lυng)

[personal profile] fellheart 2024-04-08 08:41 am (UTC)(link)
[ honestly he actually does apply himself in a thorough comb-over of the garment, materials and construction both as well as what he can of the more magical side of things. sometimes you just... learn certain habits. from existing around a multitude of hex and curse happy dark mages and sorcerers, as you do.

(not that they would dare, these days, but...)

harmless enough, it seems. satisfied, he'll resettle the uniform on an arm, mainly because a black coat with violet accents on top of another black coat with violet accents would look ridiculous. ]


... Interesting. Made by yourself, or procured from elsewhere?

[ the countries they've been assigned to? ]
leewards: (005)

[personal profile] leewards 2024-04-08 08:43 am (UTC)(link)
We have many requests to think about, this one was the simplest on paper. [Just casually emphasizing that they have more than just the major one hanging above their head.

He's still unsure what to think of it, just that it's really not his job and should have nothing to do with him.]


And if you cannot do the simplest, what are you to do about the more difficult ones?

[At this point it's not about providing to the humans who are so incapable of helping themselves. It's about making sure you're not neglecting yourself.]
shadowkin: (012)

[personal profile] shadowkin 2024-04-08 08:44 am (UTC)(link)
[You know what, he'll try some of these? He'll try some of these. He's not the type of traveler(?) to get put off by foreign cuisine as long as it doesn't look visibly alive and like it's about to crawl off his plate. Cromch.

Hmm... This sage really rolls with the punches. But that's sort of the air he gave off anyway? Is it airheaded? Is it just that he's got protag armor??? Who knows right now. Cid is satisfied with having made a nametag.



He gets to work on more. He might as well have some to go around. There's a pause from him also, though it's less dramatic and more not-quite-mock-chagrined.]

Man, joining the Knight Order was one of the things I really didn't want to do. But I guess you're not Alexia or a Cult of Diablos guy, so it could be worse...? [unsure given present circumstances that he doesn't understand, but oh well] Your recruitment pitch could use some work.
fellheart: (тнe wιnder oғ тнιѕ вroĸen world)

[personal profile] fellheart 2024-04-08 08:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ so many night owls! ]

Hm. And were the previous Sage and wizards still around at that point, or did you arrive to an empty manor and have to piece things together on your own?
leewards: (Default)

[personal profile] leewards 2024-04-08 08:50 am (UTC)(link)
That's your prerogative, then. [A wave of his hand.] I shan't be helping with that.

But meat is best fresh.
1145pm: (pic#17103101)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-08 08:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's fine! Tatara's smile just widens at that, mostly out of amusement instead of any sort of reassurance. So he's that kind of person, hm? Not that he minds—he's used to the type. ]

But you were summoned as a wizard, so it probably already thinks you have the potential. [ He cups his chin in his hands. ] Have you tried anything yet?
1145pm: (pic#16970048)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-08 08:59 am (UTC)(link)
Ooh, then don't mind if I do.

[ Tatara reaches over to run a finger over one of the leaves that frame his face, and he isn't quite sure what he's expecting, but yeah, that sure is a leaf! ]

Whoa...

[ And because there's no such thing as boundaries, he grabs Syrlya's wrist to get a better look at his hand. Sorry... ]

What's your name? [ He asks, peering curiously at him. ]
1145pm: (pic#17103117)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-08 09:11 am (UTC)(link)
[ In a little twist, Tatara seems a little taken aback at the outburst. But he recovers quickly, a neutral expression settling on his face. ]

No, I guess you don't.

[ He shrugs, passively. He's really starting to wonder how the previous sage pulled this off... ]

All I can do is ask for your help, but I can't force you to do anything.
fullspbar: (9)

put that back!!

[personal profile] fullspbar 2024-04-08 09:11 am (UTC)(link)
[ He's neither of those, thank you very much. He's just familiarizing himself, nothing more, nothing less. Completely innocent behavior.

He's turning at the door opening, but he's not really expecting the culprit to just...saddle up to him? And get in his space? Excuse him? Shinjiro's lips purse tight as he leans a bit away, but he does let the guy read the label. ]


I doubt they'd put anything that would kill us in a damn kitchen.

[ Food-wise, anyway. But he does turn his attention but to the jar in question, pulling out a piece with a scrutinizing eye. Sure does Feel Like Kombu. ]

If they've gone through the trouble of labelling it, they've probably tried it already.
jorunna: (comet04)

[personal profile] jorunna 2024-04-08 09:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ Comet nods as a yes for the first question. ]

I might asking for too much from them... Since we're all new.

[ The Mentor said he could understand the spirits, so it must be an experience thing. They actually believe him, what good is lying. ]
dyingtohealyou: ([Serious] Then that must be)

[personal profile] dyingtohealyou 2024-04-08 09:20 am (UTC)(link)
[By hopefully not acquiring wizards with specific magic trauma probably. And also, protag rizz.]

Then get the others to help you. I don't just weave spells for anyone - not with the price I have to pay.
1145pm: (pic#16970042)

[personal profile] 1145pm 2024-04-08 09:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ He glances back over his shoulder as he continues his march down the hall. ]

Where do you think they'd keep the balls? [ Asked like Yamato would know. ] Do you think the other people would know what basketball is? Like the plant guy?