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lunaecalamitas2024-04-18 11:41 pm
promittere) wrote in lunaecalamitas2024-04-18 11:41 pm
you opened your eyes, spreading it wide
THIRD QUARTER ALLEGRO
While our newly-arrived wizards have been settling in, learning their magic, and getting to know one another, the sage and their mentor have been busy with a different kind of work behind the scenes—bureaucratic work. It hasn't been particularly exciting, but it has paid off.
Because now, the world is ready to receive them.
Put on your finest clothes, because Granvelle Castle invites you to a welcome ball in your honor.
Didn't bring any fine clothes with you? No need to worry—specially chosen tailors from Central Capital have been commissioned to take care of you, and they will be visiting the manor to get you gussied up in the fashion of your choice for the day (by this, we mean feel free to pick whatever fancy clothes you want for the ball).
As the sun sets on the designated day, all the residents of the manor make their way to the castle. Granvelle Castle stands proud in Central Capital, its lights a beacon in the darkening city, and its doors open to outsiders for the first time in weeks. Upon arrival they're greeted by brightly lit halls, welcoming staff, and a grand ballroom, windows flung open to let in the spring breeze and pale moonlight. Everyone and everything seems determined to make this a cheerful affair, despite the underlying sense of dread and tension.
Live music fills the air, played the greatest musicians in the world. There are some larger ensembles, solo acts; some pieces are of more traditional folk dances, while some are slower, and some are upbeat and avant-garde. Regardless, the floor is open for dancing—grab a buddy and dance the night away!
Lining one wall is a long banquet table, filled with plenty of food and drink, both alcoholic and non to sate the new arrivals. The hors d'oeuvres and small plates comprise an array of delicacies from around the world, with everything from savory lobster bites to the sweetest portions of tres leches you have ever tasted. It seems someone has also put in a specific request for Japanese food—a part of the banquet table has been set aside specifically for Japanese dishes, and this includes small portions of ramen. There also seems to be a plate on the far end of the table filled with lovingly stacked pieces of charcoal... Is that meant to be food?
You aren't the only ones in attendance tonight. Representatives and dignitaries from around the world are also present—they have quite a lot to say about the unusual situation, and they are most curious about these otherworldly individuals tasked with fending off the moon under their national banners. The most dignitaries are from Central, West, and East, while there do seem to be a few representatives from the less populated North and South. Those from Central, West, and South in general seem to be the most social, while the rest are more reserved. There are also a few of the castle staff that seem (begrudgingly) willing to speak with the new wizards. Most are here to chat and mingle—lend them an ear, you may learn something new...
For those tired of socializing, the ballroom opens out onto a breezy, spacious balcony. It looks out over the main thoroughfare leading to the main castle entrance, and the nighttime lights of the Central capital twinkle in the near distance. For those that would rather take a breather, there is a small patio table and a couple of chairs. Despite the waxing moon in the sky, it is a very nice evening.
Because now, the world is ready to receive them.
Put on your finest clothes, because Granvelle Castle invites you to a welcome ball in your honor.
Didn't bring any fine clothes with you? No need to worry—specially chosen tailors from Central Capital have been commissioned to take care of you, and they will be visiting the manor to get you gussied up in the fashion of your choice for the day (by this, we mean feel free to pick whatever fancy clothes you want for the ball).
As the sun sets on the designated day, all the residents of the manor make their way to the castle. Granvelle Castle stands proud in Central Capital, its lights a beacon in the darkening city, and its doors open to outsiders for the first time in weeks. Upon arrival they're greeted by brightly lit halls, welcoming staff, and a grand ballroom, windows flung open to let in the spring breeze and pale moonlight. Everyone and everything seems determined to make this a cheerful affair, despite the underlying sense of dread and tension.
Live music fills the air, played the greatest musicians in the world. There are some larger ensembles, solo acts; some pieces are of more traditional folk dances, while some are slower, and some are upbeat and avant-garde. Regardless, the floor is open for dancing—grab a buddy and dance the night away!
Lining one wall is a long banquet table, filled with plenty of food and drink, both alcoholic and non to sate the new arrivals. The hors d'oeuvres and small plates comprise an array of delicacies from around the world, with everything from savory lobster bites to the sweetest portions of tres leches you have ever tasted. It seems someone has also put in a specific request for Japanese food—a part of the banquet table has been set aside specifically for Japanese dishes, and this includes small portions of ramen. There also seems to be a plate on the far end of the table filled with lovingly stacked pieces of charcoal... Is that meant to be food?
You aren't the only ones in attendance tonight. Representatives and dignitaries from around the world are also present—they have quite a lot to say about the unusual situation, and they are most curious about these otherworldly individuals tasked with fending off the moon under their national banners. The most dignitaries are from Central, West, and East, while there do seem to be a few representatives from the less populated North and South. Those from Central, West, and South in general seem to be the most social, while the rest are more reserved. There are also a few of the castle staff that seem (begrudgingly) willing to speak with the new wizards. Most are here to chat and mingle—lend them an ear, you may learn something new...
For those tired of socializing, the ballroom opens out onto a breezy, spacious balcony. It looks out over the main thoroughfare leading to the main castle entrance, and the nighttime lights of the Central capital twinkle in the near distance. For those that would rather take a breather, there is a small patio table and a couple of chairs. Despite the waxing moon in the sky, it is a very nice evening.
If you would like to have a chat with an NPC, then please respond to this comment. NPCs will be assigned randomly if no preference is given. While everyone has something valuable to say, they're not giving potentially sensitive info out for free—let's hope your diplomatic skills are up to snuff. We're doing our best to give everyone meaningful conversations, so please bear with us!
JOB BOARD
Rejuvenation. Thanks to your Southern friends' hard work, the South has been saved from a potentially devastating crop failure, and these fledgling towns can continue to grow as they're meant to! Give them a pat on the back and a round of applause.
But the South is not without its scars. While the root cause has been taken care of, the damage has been done. A town's wheat field has been partially destroyed—help them tear out the blackened, dead wheat, till and fertilize the soil, and replant what can be replanted. The City of Clouds, the most prosperous of the Southern settlements, have also offered extra tools, hands, and seeds to help set the town back on the path to recovery. Transport these supplies to the town. Let's hope your broom skills are up to snuff too, because it's a long ride.
But the South is not without its scars. While the root cause has been taken care of, the damage has been done. A town's wheat field has been partially destroyed—help them tear out the blackened, dead wheat, till and fertilize the soil, and replant what can be replanted. The City of Clouds, the most prosperous of the Southern settlements, have also offered extra tools, hands, and seeds to help set the town back on the path to recovery. Transport these supplies to the town. Let's hope your broom skills are up to snuff too, because it's a long ride.
Shadows in the night. The residents of the Central capital have recently been reporting eerie sightings after sundown: shadowy figures lurking in corners, the constant feeling of being watched, and, in some extreme cases, these shadowy figures attacking when traveling alone at night. Many reports seem to indicate an odd concentration of these creepy figures lurking around the Granvelle Castle moat, as though trying to find a way into the castle. Residents are understandably frightened and unnerved and cannot go about their nightly business—beat back what shadows you find and make the streets safer for the Central capital residents.
While physical attacks don't seem to do much against them, they dissipate rather easily under magic. Try not to wear yourself to the bone, though—there are a lot of them.
While physical attacks don't seem to do much against them, they dissipate rather easily under magic. Try not to wear yourself to the bone, though—there are a lot of them.
Escorting nobility. The Eastern Blanchett noble family have called an important meeting, inviting nobles and others of import from across the Eastern Country. However, their castle lies beyond Sherwood Forest, a very large, dense, and deep wood—while a fine natural defense for the Blanchett family, it's a bit of trouble for those looking to visit. While the Blanchett's own forest guard is absent, it is your job to safely escort these nobles to the Blanchett abode, and back out. But be careful: lurking in the shadows amongst the trees are all sorts of territorial predators like bears and wolves, not to mention the magical beasts that sneak up on unsuspecting prey. You may come across a brigand or bandit or two, since the forest is a near perfect hiding place for illegal activity. And please—try not to get lost.
Typical of any Easterner, the nobles are reluctant to make much small talk and are a bit suspicious of the new wizards, but they are otherwise pleasant and will generally comply with most requests.
Typical of any Easterner, the nobles are reluctant to make much small talk and are a bit suspicious of the new wizards, but they are otherwise pleasant and will generally comply with most requests.
WANDERER TASKS
Can you go a week without ruining food or the pots and pans? Stop being so wasteful and learn how to cook or stop trying.
Learn how to use magic to repair things. Again, if you're going to keep ruining the kitchen at least learn how to put it back together.
TATARA ACTIVITIES
I need milk. I'm trying to perfect latte foam art, but I haven't really gotten the hang of it yet... I used up all the milk (oops, sorry!), so I need more. Actually, could you grab me other kinds of milk while you're at it? I want to experiment! I'm sure other markets in the farther reaches of the world will have weirder milk... Please!
We should start a veggie garden! Or an herb garden? Doesn't matter! I found a nice sunny patch of grass in the training forest—we could dig up that spot, right? Help me get it set up! I need people to dig, and till... Oh! We need seeds to plant, too! Please and thank you~
OOC NOTES
🌙 Welcome to your second event post! Get out your snazzy outfits. It's time to party.
🌙 As you grow into your magic, your character might start realizing they can differentiate between everyone's magic. Everyone has a unique signature, and you may be able to start sensing who cast what, where. Someone put a magical seal on the kitchen door? Smells like Shinjiro's magic. Akira had some of Solomon's sugar? You can sense that, too!
🌙 As you start getting past the basics, your character might realize they have a much easier time with certain kinds of magic over others. For North, this will be offensive and attack spells; for East, this will be intricate seals and curses; for West, this will be manipulative magic like illusions and transformation; for South, this will be healing, purification, and protection. Central? A little bit of everything. Read up on your country if you need a refresher!
🌙 It's been peaceful at home in the manor thus far, hasn't it? Do you think that will last?
🌙 Your OOC plotting post is here! Remember to keep all wider plotting contained to the OOC post, since not everyone checks plurk or discord frequently.
🌙 Our next group to go on their mission is Central. Be ready, heroes...
no subject
[ Or it could be simply happenstance. Though, Jing Yuan doesn't believe in pure coincidences; therefore, he thinks that Mika's train of thought in actuality has merit. No need to voice otherwise.
At least, in terms of the majority brought here. Not all can be easily so 'strangely kind' in the exact way Mika means. But enough numbers for him to point it out as such. ]
I can see why a normal human wouldn't. Your capabilities seem to place you far above most who would have a difficult time subduing you.
[ In fact, the regenerative abilities would have immediately made Mika more or less considered...dangerous on the Xianzhou Alliance. ]
...What exactly are you? And even though you mention that your kind habitually feeds on and eradicates humans, is that something you prefer to avoid?
no subject
( Does he need to repeat the monster part again? Emphasize how heartless his kind are ???
Unfortunately, he can't actually say no to Jing Yuan's question. Which is frustrating. )
... I'm a vampire. ( And because some people here don't know what those are: ) An immortal undead. We have to drink the blood of other people to survive, and we eradicate humans when they start doing stuff that'll cause the remaining human population to dwindle. I don't like doing that stuff, but it's not because I'm decent.
( But given he doesn't follow up with an explanation, it might not be hard to guess he doesn't have an excuse. )
no subject
It is a bit too early to assume much of someone I have just met, is it not? How am I to gain understanding if I don't find it out myself, instead of presuming?
[ Jing Yuan's smile is wry in the other male's direction to indicate that an opinion of sorts is still in process, but he will not bend immediately to assuming either way, despite Mika's description of his kind.
Neither will he kowtow to the idea of this young fellow is necessarily such a kind individual. Yet, does it mean he is not worth his consideration? No, all the same, even when unknowing, he still holds that his reaction is apt. ]
You're the second vampire I've encountered since coming here, then. [ But... ] If you say that you don't like doing it and it isn't because you're decent, what is the reason, exactly?
no subject
Still, he does manage an answer. )
I'm just worried about myself. What it means for me. If I were indifferent to the things I need to do to survive, or the things I've done to humans... I'd be more of a monster than I already am. That's all.
( ...
However, )
... Malice is... he's not as bad as vampires usually are. ( Tsun :/ ) So neither of us are decently representative.
no subject
He wonders if Mika has been told he isn't as bad as he think he is by others. As for his thoughts on this one before him...this is just their first meeting. Jing Yuan isn't in a habit of making final summations from initial impressions. ]
Perhaps the two of you are outliers indeed.
There are some tales in novels about the behaviors of such creatures back home and none of them are anywhere near pleasant. Though, seeing as neither of you two are like those or 'proper representatives' of what vampire are, that's for the best, isn't it?
[ Since, to be like that, it would mean to be something far worse. That is a judgment that seems like it isn't too far off base to make. ]
no subject
It's - difficult for Mika to boil it all down to... just that, but. Pragmatically - it does come down to just that, as awful as the struggle is for him. )
... It does make all of you lucky. ( He finds he can't exactly disagree, since it's a logical assessment. ) If there'd been a vampire from my home here... they'd have tried to drain you all dry or kill you all on the first day.
( In practice, this is an exaggeration for any semi-intelligent vampire - but you also don't have to be smart to subsist as a vampire, either, so most aren't particularly far-sighted. As far as Mika's concerned, it's typical behavior. )
... You're weirdly level-headed.
no subject
Well. He isn't exactly surprised at the deduction made about himself. He doesn't see fit to make everything about himself obvious, but also doesn't see a reason not to act true to himself. ]
I can only imagine. I much prefer us all being able to relax or work together, and steadily make our way towards success in this matter than any of those events occurring.
[ In the end, Jing Yuan wouldn't be surprised at the two vampires becoming valuable allies to the group. ]
Someone has to be, no?
no subject
... Yeah. Especially given our "sage" is... ( Not incompetent, but... too easy-going, in Mika's opinion; not responsible enough at all hours of the day, just sometimes. ) ... He hasn't even mentioned the promise thing to everyone yet.
no subject
In addition, Jing Yuan listens closely to what Mika has to say, particularly when he begins to talk about their Sage. A promise...?
He hasn't heard a single thing about that at all. ]
...Oh? What's this about a promise? What exactly has he not mentioned regarding it, and why would it be important for him to have done so?
no subject
( Frustrated!!! )
Since we're considered "wizards" now, we have to abide by wizard rules, basically. One of them is that wizards can never make a promise or a vow or swear anything, because if they do and they happen to break their word, they lose all their magic. Considering what we're here to do, ( pvp the moon and monsters et al., ) that's super dangerous, and also, super important to know. People just make promises casually and break them all the time. It's just a regular turn of phrase. But even that counts, apparently.
no subject
Is he mad? Is he disappointed? Is he ready to raise Cain?
Either way, the moment of thought passes as swiftly as it comes. It's probably fine. When Jing Yuan speaks again, his tone is cool, measured, and even as he places his hands behind his back. ]
You're correct. Withholding such knowledge is tantamount to grave carelessness, considering it could endanger our mission, and subsequently our goals. Not to mention, our livelihoods.
[ Jing Yuan has access to his usual abilities, but he doesn't want to know if that might affect it as well. Considering further the potential ultimate price of all this...he's also concerned about the repercussions in general of him hiding this. If Mika has already informed him, someone else knows, and that someone probably told someone else too... ]
I appreciate you having informed me of this as he did not adhere council. Whatever the case, others should know as well, as unfortunate the possible ramifications such information not coming from him may cause.
[ Next opportunity he has to speak with Tatara, he makes a mental note to discuss the matter at length. Privately. Ideally. ]
no subject
I'm telling people when I can. ( In other words, he's only telling people he doesn't totally dislike, so, good job Jing Yuan. ) You tell whoever too. I don't even know if he can summon more people if we lose a handful to death or no magic... and I don't really want to find out.
no subject
His expression is back to its usual look soon enough, but he certainly hasn't forgotten what Mika has told him. Ah. Well.
One thing at a time, even still, though he will certainly prioritize the matter. ]
I certainly shall. Between our efforts, keeping others informed will not be an impossibility.
...But, ah, I'm afraid I didn't get an opportunity to introduce myself properly, for obvious reasons, though I believe it a good idea to correct that now. You can call me Jing Yuan.
no subject
But this place is... relatively peaceful, despite the monsters and things. It's discomfiting. (The murder attempt later will feel more his pace, when it happens.)
A beat, and then: )
... Mika. With East. And you're West, right?
( He was paying attention to who got what coat on that first day. )
no subject
Names, though, are truly beyond him. ]
I was assigned to West, yes.
Well, with all of that out of the way, I suppose we should be heading our respective ways. I'd recommend for you to get some rest, because of what you've just done as well.
[ Gently put because he feels like that probably hasn't come without some sort of energy draining consequence of some sort. ]