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Expiation Mods ([personal profile] expiationmods) wrote in [community profile] expiationlogs2023-08-20 06:10 pm

MINGLE LOG: AUGUST

IT'S CASINO


What have the five NPCs that split off to work on their special project been doing all this time? Well, they’re ready to unveil it. The new NPCs as well as the locals hand out small pamphlets to invite the Chosen to a Great Unveiling that’s going to be done in the evening on the 21st of August. They encourage them to dress their best, and miraculously, Rin's tailor shop has new clothes for sale! When the time comes and the Chosen have begun to gather, the workers who have prepared this building so diligently cuts a bow up in front as the building flickers to life behind them.

It’s a casino! (Who knows where they got that idea.) Or rather, a new event hall. But right now, it looks like a pretty flashy casino.



Come on in!


 

ANTE UP!


I. DON'T BET THE HOUSE

     

Chosen who decide to meander past a grumpy man and into the casino itself are met with an opulent scene before them.

There's a large main hall, full of tables with games run by a surprising combination of fairies and local citizens from Aldrip. Further in, there's a massive space to lounge, socialize, and eat. Here you'll find couches for cozy conversation, tables for dining, and a cash bar on the side.

Rooms in the back offer more serious games--you may find a table of fairies playing poker, for example--but...some attendants may close the door to bar your entry, at least for now. These tables are for only the highest rollers, folks.

The sound of music may lead you further back, where you'll find a stage and musicians playing a plethora of music from different worlds that have gathered here, and a space to dance as well. For those who aren't the gambling sort, it seems as if there are still plenty of things to do.

Party away!

II. PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT

     


There is a grumpy-looking man in a small, dark room off the main hall of the Casino. He’s drumming his fingers on the table, and, if approached, is rather rude about it. He’ll try to chase onlookers out of the room, and then start groaning about how someone is “taking too long” and “not respecting his valuable time, for goodness sake!”

Shortly, some of the NPCs from the desert approach the room with giant sacks and lots of apologies. The tinkerer pulls tablets and cords out of the bags (some half-fixed thanks to industrious Chosen), throws his tools onto the table, and gets to work. He has tools to fix cracked screens and inner parts of the tablet to make them…work? Interesting.

For now, this tinkerer is not interactive, but he has some choice remarks for those brave–or brazen–enough to try socializing with him. Don’t just stand there! Hand me that screwdriver! or take this out to the dumpster around back, will ya? or even the occasional grab me a drink! It’s stuffier than an armpit in summer back here...though if you’re planning to run errands for him, be aware that his tab is not in good standing. If he wants you to run errands for him, you’re probably going to have to pick up the tab, either with coin or with work.

If someone were to look over his shoulder as he's doing his tinkering, they might see the words CYCLE 15 on the loading screen. Otherwise, it's just a lot of blue and black maintenance screens as he's essentially having to do a system restore of the tablets.



 

LUCK OF THE DRAW

     


The tables in the main room are where the more adventurous Chosen may go to gamble. Currently, NPCs are running the roulette and blackjack tables, but if someone wants to be the one to run these games, they won’t say no! There’s also slot machines from the sounds of the bells in the distance, so there’s plenty of ways to test your luck. Just be aware that there may be… consequences, whether your character does well or poorly at the games.

Below, there will be a comment section for players who may want the mod team to choose their luck for them. There are three options that you may choose:

  • You comment with a heads or tails, and we’ll roll the dice for the corresponding “good” or “bad” scenarios.

  • You comment with whether you want “good luck” or “bad luck” to happen to your character, and then we’ll roll for their consequences.

  • If you want to put your character's fate in our hands, you can just comment that you want us to rng it all!

    SPOILERS: if you want bad effects to be a surprise, don't peek!
    The “bad effects” are as follows: memory loss, temporarily loss of taste, can’t speak certain words for a couple of days, feel compelled to follow orders to the person they lost to (kind of like a King's Game), forced honesty, bad luck (which is entirely up to you, the player, on how to interpret this), and temporarily losing one ability of your choice for the next event.


    If you want to participate and there’s something you’re not cool with us landing on for the bad effects, just let us know which ones you’re not comfortable with and we’ll leave it out of the rng pool!

    A Note: The “good” and “bad” effects won here may have some mild influences on your character for the next event. Nothing life threatening or incapacitating, but just keep in mind if you want us to roll for your bad effects. If you want to just say you had shit luck in the slots and you don’t want your character to have any effects at all, this is fine. It’s not mandatory to have either effect happen to your character to have a good time playing in the casino.




  • WILDCARD


    Go wild! This is a casino after all, and there’s supplies to play pretty much any gambling or card game laying around. If you can’t easily find it, an NPC would be more than happy to help a Chosen find the items they need to play the game they want. Want to play Go Fish while you drink your cocktail? That’s fine too. Anything goes!

    A Note: This casino is going to be available in full capabilities until the end of the month. After that, the mod team will explain what’s going to become of it then and in the future!

    entreats: (as if hurrying the sound of rain)

    [personal profile] entreats 2023-09-08 08:16 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ With absolutely zero hesitation: ]

    A game killed my family.

    [ .. It's hard to even know if Ange is being serious here, or if she's joking. She says it with such a flat, deadpan tone, and not a single muscle in her pokerface twitches as she says it.

    It's a good thing the other people at the table are probably way too invested in watching the ball roll to really pay attention to what's going on with the two circus clowns at the table over here. ]
    coordinatroll: (irasshai~)

    [personal profile] coordinatroll 2023-09-08 08:19 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Ah, so it's about taking a life. Not something Mitama expected to hear about tonight, but she doesn't look terribly shaken or disturbed by the confession. In fact, she remains perfectly calm, almost morbidly so, as though this is the kind of subject she deals with every day. Her smile is still on her face, unchanged, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes anymore. ]

    You don't strike me as a serial murderer type.

    [ Her tone is still as light-hearted as ever, but there is a certain gravity to her words, so it's hard to mistake it for a joke. The girl places her head on her knees, too, but rather than hiding her face like he does, she keeps her gaze fixed on Scott. ]

    So I'm guessing there must be more to that story, hmm~?
    chemex: (0215)

    [personal profile] chemex 2023-09-08 08:21 pm (UTC)(link)
    [He loves this for her, actually. Please feel free to get saucy, ma'am, he'll just chuckle and tap his face where she's splashed noodle onto hers. He wiggles his toes in the Kotone-foot-sandwich, and promptly drops his fork at her mention of getting a date.]

    Wait-- seriously? Who! I'm gonna haze them.
    orphne: (Kotone 119-1)

    [personal profile] orphne 2023-09-08 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Oops! Thanks buddy, she'll get that off her face with a napkin.]

    That doesn't make me wanna tell you who it is, you know! [with a laugh as she puts the napkin back down. While her smile doesn't exactly waver, it does fall away from her eyes a bit, less playful and more thoughtful. This is the kind of thing she'd want to talk to someone like Yukari about, but the only people she has like that whose insight she trusts in this kind of thing are Dazai (who's absolutely out) and Akira himself.]

    I mean, it wasn't really being "officially asked," as it was him asking if I'd ever want to. [His words, not hers as she props her chin in her hand and absently pokes at her noodles.] It was kind of cute!
    entreats: (and it ain't coming down)

    [personal profile] entreats 2023-09-08 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
    ...

    [ She turns her gaze properly towards Noel now - but it might just be since the girl's pokerface actually drops. Not fully, but just enough to show that she's clearly baffled, if the arching of her eyebrows and the look in her eyes is anything to go by. ]

    You really think they would build something like this just because one person gave them the idea to do so?

    [ The thing is-- She's not even fully sceptical here. She may not have spoken tons to Noel yet, but he sounds serious enough as he's speaking about all of this.

    Like he really does think it's possible, as weird as it sounds. ]
    entreats: (the time of suspicion comes around)

    [personal profile] entreats 2023-09-08 08:37 pm (UTC)(link)
    .. you needed a distraction?

    [ It's hard to tell if she's judging him over his words. Mostly because of the pokerface, really, since it makes it hard to tell Ange's full intentions at any given time.

    Still, it does seem to be a genuine question, otherwise she would have said something else afterwards. But Ange doesn't - instead just letting that question hang in the air, staring clearly over at Kazuki, like she's waiting for his answer. ]
    chemex: (0040)

    [personal profile] chemex 2023-09-08 08:39 pm (UTC)(link)
    [He wrinkles his nose, shaking his head.] I'll find out whether you tell me or not-- but I'll go easy on him as long as he passes the vibe check.

    [He folds his hands together over his plate, resting his chin on them and looking curious, but also relatively serious, for him.] What'd you say?
    ticket218: (♠ 4)

    [personal profile] ticket218 2023-09-08 08:39 pm (UTC)(link)
    It was a rhetorical question, Mr. Summers. If you really had any malicious intent with that power you wouldn't be talking about it with any random stranger who approached you.

    [ Some people can be pretty cocky, sure, but rarely that cocky. They also usually got violent right about now, and Scott seems to be doing a good job of keeping his temper in check. ]

    I can't do anything. I've no authority here, only a friend or two on staff, and I don't want to tell them someone was taking advantage of their clientele. So I won't, if that isn't what you've been doing and don't aim to start.

    [ It's not exactly a threat, and even as one it'd be pretty mild. "I'll tell on you", ooh, scary. But at the end of the day it looks like this kid just hadn't thought too hard about what he was doing, which makes sense considering the atmosphere breeds an act now, think later attitude. Everyone, just about everyone at least, deserves a quick reality check before they jump off the deep end and have to face the consequences. ]
    orphne: (Kotone 53)

    [personal profile] orphne 2023-09-08 08:41 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Oops, she's laughing again, covering her mouth with her hand at that bold declaration. She can't help it -- it's funny. Everything about this is funny, from how they'd been sitting in the middle of the road, to this argument over piggyback rides, of all things.]

    Then hop on! [Her eyes sparkle with cheerful mischief as she puffs herself up to her full five-foot-three height. Does she think she can actually carry him all the way to the inn? Absolutely not. Will it be hilarious when they both tumble over? Definitely yes.]

    Or~ do you want a second chance to carry me back? [Just a little saving grace for his "manly pride" or whatever. Following the laws of the universe or something.]
    rebellions: (eye. twitch.)

    [personal profile] rebellions 2023-09-08 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Ragna groans, rolling his eyes as he does. She does have a point: it feels almost unnatural for him to look like... this ("this" being a decent human being, apparently). ]

    If I never have to wear this shit, it'll still be too soon.

    [ The man narrows his eyes at her. At first, he thought she was just freaking out, but now that she's calmed down and explained stuff... he figures there might be some truth to it. ]

    ... All the more reason to keep an eye out for anything outta the ordinary. I still don't buy that crap about them setting this whole thing up for us outta the goodness of their little hearts; maybe whatever the hell's happened to you has something to do with that?

    [ Call him a conspiracy theorist, but pigs will fly before he believes people can do something for others without some ulterior motive. ]
    orphne: (Kotone 1)

    [personal profile] orphne 2023-09-08 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
    He's a really nice guy! [she insists, wiggling her foot out from between his and gently kicking him under the table. Be nice!] He's probably, like, one of the most normal guys I've ever met.

    [She takes another bite to buy herself some time to think, but it doesn't really work because she does just continue speaking with her mouth full,] I said I didn't really want anything serious. I think it upset him a little. Like, it didn't reverse the social link, but...

    [Feels bad, man. She still doesn't know what she did wrong, if anything.]
    chemex: (0019)

    [personal profile] chemex 2023-09-08 08:55 pm (UTC)(link)
    Normal can be good, [He offers thoughtfully, nodding. He doesn't think he could ever do normal, being who he is. Having done what he's done. How do you date someone normal after shooting a God square in the face? Maybe Kotone coped better.]

    [He purses his lips.]
    Well, it's a point in his favor that being turned down didn't reverse a link, but... I think I might understand a little better, but to "one of the most normal guys you've ever met", "not wanting anything serious" is just gonna sound like rejection. If he's insecure, it might sound like you're just brushing him off, like you don't expect him to be serious. [That's... surprisingly insightful, Akira?]
    orphne: (Kotone 248)

    [personal profile] orphne 2023-09-08 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
    [She frowns, but at least she swallows her noodles before answering this time.]

    I think he is serious. That's the problem, right? I told him it'd be fun to go on a date, but...

    [She idly kicks the top of her foot against Akira's leg, smile fading into a frown.]

    I mean, I just don't think it's fair to him to promise him something impossible.
    chemex: (0096)

    [personal profile] chemex 2023-09-08 09:15 pm (UTC)(link)
    [One eyebrow raises.]

    There's not much serious about a first date, I don't think. Unless he's way less normal than you say, but... I don't really think anyone takes a first date like it's going to be forever. [He nudges his shin back against her foot, leaning forward.] What's so impossible about it?
    orphne: (Kotone 54)

    [personal profile] orphne 2023-09-08 09:20 pm (UTC)(link)
    That's what I thought, too! [See, he agrees with her! It's Scott who's the weird one. Anyway, she reaches across with her fork to try a bit of what Akira's got on his plate.] That's why I wanted to make sure he knew that.

    [The thought of telling Akira the real reason -- because she's dead, there's no future for her once they leave -- doesn't even cross her mind. She'd already learned her lesson with Scott. Nothing good comes from telling people about that.]

    We're from totally different versions of Earth. It's just gonna make it harder for him to want to find his way back home, isn't it?
    chemex: (0007)

    [personal profile] chemex 2023-09-08 09:23 pm (UTC)(link)
    [He glances down, but leans back to let her, nudging his plate forward. He doesn't look away from her, though, and just blinks at her reasoning.]

    ...you're really gonna quote that as your reasoning? Kotone, Goro is dead for me. None of us are going to return to what we came from, why let that stop you from enjoying yourself while you're here?
    orphne: (Kotone 250)

    [personal profile] orphne 2023-09-08 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
    I am enjoying myself. Every day.

    [Hm, his plate is good, but for now, she goes back to her own. Maybe Akira wasn't the right person to talk to after all. He doesn't get it. He doesn't have the whole story, granted, but it seems obvious to her. It's easier to keep things casual so people can enjoy themselves more. Better if he knows he can keep his options open, because maybe there's someone who can commit to him more sincerely.]

    I think dating him would be really fun, but... he is kind of like Goro, I think. He seems like the kind of guy who does take stuff seriously. It doesn't seem fair to let him think that I might be serious when I'm not, right?
    chemex: (0002)

    [personal profile] chemex 2023-09-08 09:41 pm (UTC)(link)
    You're making assumptions about him, [Mildly, as he turns to his own plate of food and pushes its contents around with his fork.] Maybe he just wants to try, and you're not giving him a chance because you're deciding he's gonna be too serious.

    [He looks up.] Goro tried to talk me out of the whole thing. If you're still gonna be friends with this guy... why not give it a try? One date can't hurt. You'll probably have a great time.
    papartner: (pic#16512088)

    [personal profile] papartner 2023-09-08 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
    C'mon Rei. It'll take a minute. Tear yourself away from your phone for a minute.

    [ we have hit the bargaining stage here. Kazuki is blindly reaching his arm out from underneath him in his struggle to get up on his own. ]
    orphne: (Kotone 36)

    [personal profile] orphne 2023-09-08 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
    I'd definitely have a great time.

    [Again, her smile says more than her words ever could -- the softer way she smiles down at her food, the lightest dusting of pink against her cheeks, and the set of her eyes betrays the fact that does genuinely like him.

    But she still taps the flat of her foot against his shin again.]


    You really don't think that would be leading him on...?
    Edited 2023-09-08 21:47 (UTC)
    chemex: (0276)

    [personal profile] chemex 2023-09-08 09:50 pm (UTC)(link)
    [He sets his fork down.]

    You're extremely direct, Kotone. If he likes you, if he's pursuing you... I think he knows how to respect your wishes if you decide more than going out sometimes isn't for you. [His tone is commanding again-- Joker. Then his shoulders loosen, and he reaches across the table to take her hand.] You deserve to be happy, even if it's fleeting.
    orphne: (Kotone 36)

    [personal profile] orphne 2023-09-08 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
    [She snorts a bit at the tone.]

    Okay, Leader, [she teases, but she squeezes his hand and gives him a smile. It still doesn't feel quite right, but... well, Scott already knows what will happen, anyway. Maybe she'll ask him out after things have calmed down a little, just to see what happens.

    Fleeting happiness, huh...? If only he knew. There's just the slightest hint of sadness behind her smile at the thought, but she doesn't voice it and instead just taps their joined hands against the table.]


    It's Scott, by the way. [Finally puts a name to the mysterious normal boy. You know, the boy she's definitely told Akira about having almost killed back when Thanatos was rampaging, and also the boy's the president of the Teens with Abilities and Talents club. Oh, and also shoots lasers out of his eyes. That normal boy.]
    chemex: (0001)

    [personal profile] chemex 2023-09-08 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Akira may eventually be a little hurt that Scott knew when he didn't. He might understand why, but it won't change that he'll feel like it meant he was untrustworthy. Like his reaction would be hard to deal with.]

    [He's already scared of having reactions to things. It certainly wouldn't help.]

    [The tinge of sadness to her smile is telling in a way he dislikes. There's more to this that she isn't telling him, but he should be glad she told him this much. Friends could keep secrets, after all.]

    [All mental melancholy is promptly thrown out the window when she gives him a name, and he perks up to repeat the name.]
    Scott. Scott? Do I know-- oh, you mentioned him with Thanatos, right? Scott. I don't think I know a Scott. Wow, that is a really normal name.
    dadinside: (pic#16497559)

    [personal profile] dadinside 2023-09-08 10:17 pm (UTC)(link)
    [There's a low grumble as he pauses his game yet again and decides to help out the whining drunkard on the bed. Besides, if he didn't, then he'd never shut up.

    Pulling himself up onto his feet, he shuffles over into the bedroom, which isn't a far walk. This room is small, like a cheap motel room, the living room visible from the bedroom when the door is open. No privacy. Not that either of them really required it.]


    Been a while since you've been this wasted.

    [He says flatly while looking down at the limp mess on the bed. There's no immediate move to lift him just yet, like he's waiting to see if he actually needs it.]
    orphne: (Kotone 1)

    [personal profile] orphne 2023-09-08 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
    [She giggles a little bit and taps their joined hands together one more time before pulling back so she can start eating again. Even if it's a serious-ish conversation, she still wants to eat.]

    Mmhm. The guy who wears the red sunglasses 'cause of his optic blasts. I'm sure you've seen him around town! He's from America.