lunaecalamitas | you opened your eyes, spreading it wide

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

» NAVIGATION

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Fresh. Do it in whatever way will be the most effective and produce the least mess. [ ...he has absolutely no right to be this commanding or assured, especially tonight of all nights but. He sure is Khun Aguero Agnis. ]

[ Wow, bossy lil' would-be murderer, but Bruno did offer, so! ]

Sure thing, kid.

[ He'll pull out a second cup since he may as well have one more for the road. He won't leave anyone sipping tea in here all on their lonesome. After that, it's a matter of filling up the kettle, lighting the stove, and prepping a freshly washed-out teapot. ]

Ya didn't get yourself hurt during all of that, did you?

You have eyes, don't you? And ears? [ sure is a bratty kid. he sits down at the table with a huff. ]

It's not anything that's new to me.

[ Excuse...? ]

I walked in on everyone yelling and lots of people being covered in blood. How am I supposed to know who else got mangled in that mess?

[ Boil faster, little teapot. ]

[ You know, valid. Khun doesn't say as much but he does answer properly now at least. ]

It was all Ginger after. Mikaela didn't touch me.

So, um.

[ Ah, there's the kettle. One minute. He takes that off, puts out the stove, and gets the hot water into the teapot. From there, the floral scent of freshly brewed chamomile tea fills the air. ]

I just gotta...

[ He holds the teapot up by its hanger and waves a hand over it, murmuring his incantation. Su futuro espera. There's a hint of magic, Bruno's own giving off the sense of being quiet and mousey in a way, and the teapot glows a faint green for a second. He pushes the magic into the tea, willing it once more to be extra nice and calming, similarly offering a good night's sleep to any who drink it, same as he did with the previous pot of tea. ]

There we go. Just gotta let it sit for a minute and we're good. Uh, right. [ Turning back to Khun and setting the teapot down by their soon-to-be-filled cups. ] But you sure touched Mikaela, yeah? What was that about?

[ the scent of the tea is nice, and khun lets his eyes slide closed. this brings him back, and though he's not a particularly nostalgic person, he lets his mind drift in the memories of afternoons sipping tea in the family manor. ]

Hmm? [ his voice is a little distant but not purposefully. ] I tried to kill him. If I had more familiarity with vampires I would have succeeded but...

[ ah well. he gives himself a failing grade for this one, and that's exactly how it sounds. like he just flunked an exam and not failed in a murder attempt. ]

[ Uhhhhhhhh, is this guy okay? ]

R-right, but. I mean, more of the why? I figure people don't usually try to behead someone for fun.

[ But the tea should be all good by now, so he goes and pours them both a cup, and once he sets the pot back down, he'll slide Khun's over closer to him. ]

[ His eyes open slowly, crisp and blue. As he raises the teacup to his lips (he really must be used to drinking tea or simply be a masochist.) ]

What do you think is a person's greatest weakness?

[ Bruno is going to let his cool down a bit first, thanks, but he does loop his hands comfortably around the porcelain as he waits, absorbing that nice warmth. ]

A person's greatest weakness? [ He tilts his head, gaze wandering as he turns the question over in his head. Their greatest weakness... is... ] Their knees.

[ No. ]

Wait, um, or their heart? That one seems pretty important.

[ the tea slides down his throat, hot and loosening something in his insides. part of it might be the magic but the other part is just the circumstance. how many times had he sat with his mother like this, going over his results and areas for improvement? ]

That's right. [ a shake of his head at admitting even that, even if he can pivot to the obvious physical implications here. ]

And what do you do when someone threatens that? You strike back and you strike to kill. You give no quarter, because that is how you survive.

[ Bruno isn't immediately sure how to approach a response like that. For all the trouble he's had with people at home, killing was never even a thought when it came to settling any of that. The valley was peaceful, and so was the village; people may have feared him, and he may have been an outcast, but there'd been no physical harm... ]

O-oh. [ He awkwardly fiddles with his cup of tea, finally taking a sip as well, before asking quietly, ] Um, and how did he threaten that? Your heart? Y'know, that other kid.

No. [ he's not answering that, or at least in the way he's interpreted initially. revealing what mikaela read from his thoughts is just as bad as what actually happened. though it does make him snap more to the present, and after another sip of tea he realizes that it was a different question asked actually.

he's really doing awfully tonight. it's been a long time since he's felt this off his game, but even he has his limits. ]

Mind reading. Or something like it.

Or something like it? You didn't stop to figure it out before going after him?

[ Bruno's trying his hardest not to sound judgey. That's the fastest way to Khun deciding to take his cup of tea and leave. ]

Why would I? It was close enough. [ even if all mikaela got was the name of the person he holds tight against his chest, he still would have done it. you don't wait for a problem to become a bigger one, you just deal with it then and there. that's the reality of his world and the reality of the family he was born into, even more so. ]

That's the thing, though.

[ Bruno's gaze wanders down to his tea cup as he fidgets with it. ]

Everyone here? A lot of them are running into stuff they couldn't do before. I mean, okay, sure, mind-reading isn't alright or anything, but... if he was that obvious about it, there's a real good chance he didn't even realize he was doing it? Magic's just messy like that sometimes.

That doesn't matter.

[ He slams the teacup down forcefully but thankfully doesn't break it. ]

[ Bruno cringes. That would usually be enough to make him back-peddle and change the topic but this is important. This kid is just... murderous... for some reason or another. ]

It does. You could have just... just talked it out, but now everyone is gonna be watching you. You didn't gain anything from that.

[ Apart from enemies, anyway. ]

I did. I know now that beheading a vampire isn't the most efficient way to kill them.

[ attempted beheading but either way, he feels like there's got to be an easier way based on how it went. ]

And they should have been watching me all along, so that doesn't change anything either.

See, that makes you sound like you're gonna try killing him some other way now...

[ Uh. Wait. ]

Which. Which you aren't, right?

Edited 2024-04-30 15:44 (UTC)

I'm not stupid.

[ very much in the tone of: jeez dad. he leans back into the chair, releasing some of that tension he was holding moments ago.

sometimes now and again, khun actually acts his age. ]

[ Kids... ]

Well, that's a relief. [ Bruno, similarly, can relax a little. ] If everyone in this place keeps getting blood all over every other night, we're all gonna end up with a curfew.

...that's pretty normal in the Tower, so you know.

[ people getting offed left and right, it's rough out there. still, he knows things are somewhat different here. ]

It... it is? Why?

[ That isn't normal at all, Khun! ]

Because that's the easiest way to move up the Tower. Eliminating the competition, getting stronger, gaining resources... it's all made pretty straightforward by killing people.

There are non combat floors and people who make their living by being merchants and the like, but death is just a part of the Tower.

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