you opened your eyes, spreading it wide

[promittere]

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

Comments

[dadsandals]

[ Wednesday morning, there'll be a loud shout coming from somewhere in the manor. A familiar voice calls out: ]

Wahahaha! Today I'm gonna be the pied piper~! I don't have a pipe, though! C'mon, Chibipika! Dance all cutely. The rest of you, attack~? It's an army that can surely take control of the entire mansion with cuteness, right!

[ A certain red headed idol seems to be very excited about something as he emerges from the Fourth Floor, down the stairs, into all the common areas of the manor...with some little friends following him.

They are plushies. Plushies of a few of your fellow wizards.

Chibipika (Kurapika's) is holding a single pink pistol in its little hands. It's just walking around with a gun.

Leocchi (Leo's) can be found climbing on top of people, his new noble steeds, with a toothpick sword. Sometimes he'll even try to dance with them, or chase butterflies around.

Malichibi (Malice's) will be hiding in inconspicuous areas, and will attempt to jump out at people with its...very soft claws.

Chibiyams (Yamato's) is just. On the floor...being pushed around by Musashi. Slowly. Occasionally, he will sit up. Surprise jump scare!

Anyone who cares to detect where this all came from will sense Maya and Leo's magic on them, with a faint trace of Yamato's.

(OOC: Players will be tagging as their respective characters and plushies! If you'd like to engage with any specific plush/character, feel free to specify! Otherwise, we will randomize it up.

You can treat this as an open mingle as well!) ]

randomize me

[foresightis2020]

[ Oh, that sure is a familiar voice! Fellow Westie...

So, guess who is wandering throughout the manor, looking chill with a random little bird sitting on one of his shoulders?

It's Jing Yuan.

He looks...

I wouldn't say off-guard? Maybe delightfully surprised at suddenly being jumpscared by a plushie. Which one is it that's doing the sudden appearifying, though? ]

[discomposer]

[ He found Leo!

...Except not. Leo's voice definitely called out but instead of Leo himself there is a cute plushie idol stabbing at Jing Yuan's boot with a toothpick from behind and then going to Scale The Mountain (the mountain is Jing Yuan) ]

[foresightis2020]

[ Is it Attack on Jing Yuan pt. II because he sure is ready for that. By which we mean, absolutely the opposite of ready because he has no defenses against a toothpick! ]

Oh no, what's this? Am I being attacked?

What am I to do?

[ He is very bad at sounding panicked, because he is far too amused as the plushie begins to scale Mt. Jing Yuan, help. ]

[discomposer]

[ It IS attack on Jing Yuan although since this plushie has Leo's personality imbued in it, it's probably gonna get distracted by the bird up there.

There's the occasional playful jab of a toothpick as he climbs victorious to the other shoulder...! And then peers around Jing Yuan's tower neck to see the bird? Bird friend??? he waves with his toothpick sword. ]

[foresightis2020]

[ The bird will happily chirp at Leo as he climbs up further. As for the playful jabbing of the toothpick...Jing Yuan can put up with something like that.

When Leo waves at said bird, it only chirps at him, peering curiously from where its perched on one of Jing Yuan's shoulders. ]

My little friend says hi to you as well.

I wonder how exactly this has all come to pass, however...

[discomposer]

[ Leocchi is trying to climb around the front of Jing Yuan's neck to get to the bird to pet it (?) help him. Or the bird. Help one of the two.

There's outright laughter from someone else nearby, though, so Leo's probably actually within eyesight now. ]

[themanwhoerasedhisname]

[Hoh, le'ts go for a random one! Hit me!]

[dadsandals]

[ Hello, Kiryu! You can have Chibiyams, who is...not so graciously being pushed around on the floor by Musashi. Upon seeing Kiryu, however, he abruptly sits up and looks straight up at him. Surprise.

Musashi pushes him straight into Kiryu's feet. Whoops. ]

[themanwhoerasedhisname]

It's always one thing after another.

[Looks like when magic is involved the shenanigans never stop. Kiryu reaches down, grabbing Chibiyams by the back, away from the roomba]

It's not the real you, is it.

[Please tell him you're not inside this plushy, Yamato]

[dadsandals]

[ Chibiyams just stares up at Kiryu...

...and then he seems to slump over again, positioned like he was when Musashi was pushing him around. It almost seems mechanical, but if Kiryu moves him around too much, he'll lift his head again...and start flailing his little limbs around.

What a weird plushie, eh? ]

[themanwhoerasedhisname]

[Kiryu sees the flailing and he...he takes it as a yes. So this is Yamato, locked into the shape of a plush!

That's it, he's got to protect this until someone figures out how to return Yamato to normal. Kiryu glares down at the roomba]

If you think I'll let you vacuum him you're very mistaken!

[Kiryu, stop being intense at Musashi]

[dadsandals]

[ Musashi just simply keeps scuttling along...and it keeps bumping into Kiryu's feet. The plush is just flailing around pathetically. It sure is a scene, alright, for the real Yamato to walk into. ]

Kiryu-san? Is everything okay? I heard you yelling...

[ ...Whoops! ]

randomize me (or idk you can all come at me)

[leewards]

[Whoever this is, Ithaqua plucks the toy by the scruff and brings them close to his face. Mask. Something.]

Hmmm~ I think I'll keep you.

[annihilator]

[Malichibi has been caught in the act!! How could this happen to him, etc. He squirms in Ithaqua's grip, but there is no escape. He is but a small plushie who cannot get free.

...But he can try to slam his little plushie claws into Ithaqua's mask?? It doesn't do anything because it's just as soft and cute as the rest of him but An Attempt Was Made??]

[leewards]

Hello~ Heheheh.

I appreciate the attempt, little one, but the bigger, meaner beast always wins against a solitary enemy. [But this bigger, meaner beast has enough mercy in him to put the soft toy into the palm of his hand.

He has to wonder who made this though, and in such a short amount of time. It's not easy to make a toy, and with recognizable details.]

I suppose you can't speak, can you?

[annihilator]

[But he's supposed to be a big, mean beast!! He's a hunter!! Look at how dangerous he is!!

You probably get the distinct feeling that the toy is pouting, somehow. But he behaves and sits in Ithaqua's palm. At the question, he shakes his head. Nope, no verbal communication here!]

[leewards]

A shame! [He rubs the toy's cheek with a finger, taking care to keep his claw out of the way.] You would have been amusing conversation, just like the person you resemble.

[annihilator]

[Chibimalice bonks his little face into Ithaqua's finger as if trying to take a bite out of it. But he does not have a working mouth or teeth and so the result is just a very sad attempt. Rip.

But! He turns his attention back to Ithaqua at that. Praise?? Praise for Chibimalice?? It seems he's also got that in common with his not-a-toy self, because this toy is somehow managing to look incredibly pleased with the praise - it even gets him to stop trying to bite Ithaqua!]

Plushie gacha! Hit them.

[jorunna]

Hm, don't you look familiar.

[ Assuming they didn't approach one already trying to achieving new heights via jumping/climbing (Comet is short, they can win), they lower themselves to inspect the plush, holding a hand out. ]

You also feel a little familiar.

[ Maya is definitely a magical presence they'd recognize thanks to the Southern Wizards' mission, and maybe a little of the other two. Yams and Leo good... ]

[revengier]

[ Did they want a little plush holding a pink pistol? Because that's what Comet gets from Kurapika. He doesn't point it at them, however, simply staring at them while holding it firmly in his plushy little hand.

Then, he moves his head a bit, looking down at their hand. Hmmm. Should he take it? ]

[jorunna]

[ Imagine if he had little felt bullets for his gun... ]

Do you have somewhere to be? I can carry you around.

[ A pause. ]

I don't want Musashi to eat you.

[revengier]

[ If only...

Kuraplush looks up at Comet and seems to consider their sentiment. Hmmm. Hmmm!!!

He hops onto their hand. Carry him! ]

[jorunna]

[ Up Kurapika goes. They'll just hold him in their arms. ]

You want to ride on a broom with me? I wanted to go out and do some shopping.

[ That... sounds dangerous. ]

[revengier]

[ An adventure? Hell yeah let's do this thing.

Kuraplush seems eager at the thought, immediately hopping out of Comet's arms and climbing up to sit on their shoulder. Onwards! ]