expiationlogs | MINGLE LOG: OCTOBER

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MINGLE LOG: OCTOBER

TRICK OR TREAT

Aldrip locals are buzzing with excitement as the end of the month draws near. According to them, two beloved traditions are just around the corner: the gathering and the witch hunt!

Let's get started!

WE GATHER HERE

I. EVERYBODY MAKE A SCENE

Those who come from worlds with trick-or-treating will find that this sounds pretty familiar: dress in costume, get treats. Rather than going door-to-door, however, the locals have set up a whole line of booths in the bustling marketplace. Participating locations will have pumpkin-shaped lanterns over their stalls, and will hand out various items: candies are traditional, of course, but pastries, treats, and even savory foods may be available. Some booths may also offer drinks (alcoholic or not) or small trinkets like pins, stickers, or scarves.

What's the catch? You must be in costume, of course! Some Chosen may welcome this as a fun activity—costumes are available at Rin's Shop from now until the end of the month. A number of traditional costumes will be readily available, of course, but the Tresed locals who have taken over the shop also have some...let's call it "eclectic" original designs. They also take requests. And they seem even more excited than the Aldrip locals, if you can believe it. Some reluctant Chosen may find themselves bullied into participating, if they're not careful.

We leave these costumes entirely up to you: they could be generic costumes like "witch" or "ghost," or something from your character's world. The tailors currently operating Rin's shop are capable of making mostly anything.

At various points during the night, Chosen could discover that they've been either TRICKED or TREATED by participating in this tradition. Comment in the thread below if you'd like to participate, and we'll roll you a random effect.

A WITCH! A WITCH!

The Aldrip Witch Hunt is a symbolic tradition that, according to locals, goes back by countless generations. Local opinions seem to be mixed on whether there is a real witch to speak of: some claim that the Council has chosen someone to act as the witch every year since its inception. Others claim that it's all conceptual. Either way, with a small number of frightening fruits still on the loose, locals are willing to let the Chosen deal with any dangers.

Those intrepid Chosen who wish to seek out the witch are told to head into the forest, where small electric lanterns will show the way. These lanterns seem to be scattered across the forest, in some cases leading Chosen off course or off the beaten path. Some may end up lost in the woods. But some lanterns do seem to light the way to different locations. Visiting these locations may yield some…interesting results. If you’re interested in investigating these areas, leave a comment in the thread below to let us know which location(s) you visit, and we’ll roll something for you.

II. THE UNDERGROUND GROTTO

Following a stream in the woods eventually leads to a cave opening. The floor of the came is wet and a little slippery, so take care where you step. The cave is deep, and as explorers move through it, they're going at a gentle descent, the Chosen will uncover old cave paintings, faded and worn with age. Most of these are little more than marks upon the wall, but occasionally some may find images that look almost like worship, figures captivated by strange boxes, hands in the air as if in veneration.

Occasionally, items from other parts of Expiation can also be found. The odd tablet part, an old-looking shoe, a piece of rusted jewelry or a shell that looks like it belongs more on the beach…these don't seem like they should be here.

The Chosen who explore this cave ought to be wary of the time. As the tide comes in, water begins to slosh around their ankles, filling the bottom of the cave and rising quickly.

III. THE BUNKER

Those who took it upon themselves to investigate the strange chimera creatures from earlier in the month might have seen this weird little bunker before, but the turrets that seemed to protect it at the time are now powered down, allowing access inside.

That said, whomever was there seems to be long gone, leaving behind a flurry of documents, diagrams, and other miscellaneous work in their wake. The bunker has two levels, connected by stairs. The first level seems to house medical experiments, ranging from various herbal concoctions (if you get my drift) to precise surgical work. Things have been meticulously cleaned up on that front, so they won't be walking into a bloody mess. Everything has the faint smell of rubbing alcohol and bleach. Notes on this level are mostly medical in nature and quite rudimentary, some aspects bordering on pseudoscience or magic. Near the stairs, the Chosen will find cages, all empty. Strangely, even though the animals were only recently released, things are coated in a deep layer of dust, as if this place hasn't seen activity in a long, long time.

The second level seems to be comprised of mechanical experiments, builds, and engineering work. There's all sorts of different types of technology down here: some looks familiar, in a similar style to the tablets. Some is quite advanced, from the look of it…but it all seems to have been taken apart, cannibalized, and put back together in ways that make no sense. Glass screens drilled onto metal casings, keypads that don't seem to attach to anything, engines tied to attempted vehicles with rope. Most of these elements have been damaged beyond repair with hammers and staple guns.
Something interesting of note is that some areas within this bunker still seem to have power. Among them, a small block of video screens that seems to be used as surveillance. Most of these screens show areas just outside of the bunker or within the entry way. Other screens seem to flicker, occasionally showing static, but sometimes showing something that seems like faces within the static, figures moving in some way.

IV. THE HOUSE

This abandoned house sits derelict at the edge of town. Has it been there this whole time? It certainly doesn't look new…

A graveyard stands just beyond its gate, in front of the house, warning away trespassers. These graves don't look terribly worn with age, and have no years carved into them, but have names and some even list cause of death. "Threatened the wrong scoundrel," "may Those Who Were There have mercy upon their soul," or "charged with a crime they did not commit" are not uncommon claims. There are dozens of them, daring intrepid Chosen to pass them and enter the house.

Said house is old, creaky, and creepy. Inside, the already-spooky effects of the forest seem to be more pronounced: one may occasionally hear voices or see visions from the corner of their eye, only to look and find nothing there. Peculiar things seem to happen in this house, though. Mirrors still hang in some rooms, and while they often show a true reflection of those who look at them, they occasionally show others as well: shadowy figures, strange people the Chosen have never seen before, even some faces of Aldrip locals, distorted and sometimes missing parts. The shadows within the house seem to shift, as if they can't quite decide what they should be hiding. Portraits also hang in the hallways, faded and dusty. Mostly they show unrecognized people in old-fashioned clothes, but occasionally one might think they see their own face, or the face of someone they knew from home.

The attic is of particular interest, containing among its many cobwebs a single large chest in the middle of the room. Opening this chest reveals an item of great importance to the person who first touches it, something sentimental or meaningful to them. Upon touching this item, it seems to crumble away into nothing.

V. THE STONE CIRCLE

Some lanterns lead past the forest, out to the meadows and fields where most of the Aldrip locals plant their crops. On a hill beyond those fields stands a circle of ancient-looking stones, their edges dulled with age, covered in moss and lichen. This stone circle stands within a large earthen barrier, little more than a hill beneath the grass. Opening doors within this barrier reveals what looks like ancient offerings: broken pieces of earthenware, bits of metalwork or broken pieces of armor, even the occasional rusted, useless weapon.

The stones themselves encircle a paved circle with markings at regular points. It almost looks like a clock or a sundial. Standing within the paved circle, one may imagine that they hear voices of people they don't recognize, along with a faint ringing in their ears. Within this circle, the sun always seems to be directly overhead, during the day. At night, the stars twinkle, but seem to move in their nightly pattern much faster than they normally would.

WILDCARD

Go wild! If there's anything that you'd like to do in the Trick or Treating portion especially, go right on ahead! Other than that, anything else that you may think of may go!

A Note: The festival will be available every night, and the lanterns will be visible until the next State of the Game post.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( well wherever they're heading, the school/clubhouse thing scott holds his twat club is in the far far distance if they keep heading that way. trying not to appear head over heels or twitterpatted as they say, jinx clears her throat as she fiddles with a few locks of her hair with her fingers. )

Y-Yeah, so far. ( there's a brief pause on whether she should leave it at that, but... )

Some people think I'm being reckless though. ... Dating a guy I don't know too much about. And, I dunno, maybe I am. But it's a lil' hard to explain, ya know? We sorta... clicked when we first met and he's already seen the worst part of me. And I saw a tiny bit of his. Then I learned he and I got a few things in common... so.

Edited 2023-11-02 22:21 (UTC)

[When in doubt, go to TWAT club. As much as Kotone is a club person, he doesn't think any clubs are going on right now, so she probably won't be there. It'll be fine.

And are his eyes deceiving him, but does Jinx look almost... bashful right now? It's not really a look he sees often on her, or ever, actually, but she actually looks happy, if slightly nervous talking about the other mutant. Him and Quentin still don't really get along, which is weird considering they live together and all that, but mutants stick together or whatever.

It's what Quire said and Scott agrees, even if he threatens to kick him out at least once a week. Or day. It is how they communicate.]

...Yeah, I get you. [It's how he felt about Kotone, meeting her and gelling with her, and then... maybe not seeing the worst parts of each other, but when they were most vulnerable. Although, considering she's the source of his angst right now, maybe not the best comparison, so he doesn't mention that.

Or maybe he should tell her that she's being reckless and be prepared for disappointment, but he holds back still. Somewhat.]

Dating is fucking hard, Jinx. Maybe you are being a little reckless, and there's probably a dozen reasons why none of us should get involved with each other here, but just go for it still. Besides, you still have time to learn about Quentin.

[He tries for a small smile, even if it's forced, and teases her lightly.]

Although, not sure why you want to know that prick.

( there are definitely so many solid reasons to why no one should be dating anyone here. especially given in the fact they can all just disappear without notice. but that can say the same for having friends too. in fact, why establish any relationships at all?

although, it's strange for people to disappear when this place is meant for everyone to do better and rehabilitate. isn't a way to do that is forming bonds with one another and be a better version of yourself for that person? loophole. but anyhow, she smiles back at him before she chuckles -- it's warm at first, but then that smile of hers curls slightly wicked. the kind almost everyone sees on a daily basis with her. )

The way to handle a prick is to become a bigger one. I've already threaten his life and dunk water on him when he wasn't paying attention. And the next time, I'll set traps all over his room and maybe I'll humiliate him if he crosses me the wrong way.

( flashing scott a wink, she looks even more devious than a few second ago. )

— If he tries to one-up me, I'll just go higher. That's how it works.

Edited 2023-11-03 15:50 (UTC)

[You know what, he's not even going to argue against that logic. Guess if there's anyone that he doesn't have to worry about when it comes to being taken advantage of, is Jinx. ~~Probably~~ Still, he's glad that she has a... plan? A strategy?? To always have one over Quentin. He's sure that his fellow mutant isn't going to backdown from this fight though, which will probably lead to Jinx be even more crazy-- as she just mentioned.

Good luck with that, Quire. Just don't ruin his house or he'll actually kick him out.]

He doesn't stand a chance. Just don't blow up my house.

[Scott says almost wryly. Also, mutant solidarity?? Never heard of her.]

Is it hard at all, dating a telepath? [JUST ASKING FOR REASONS.]

I can build you a new one if I do.

( can she? just because she can build weapons, toys, and certain knick knacks doesn't mean she can build an entire house. but her ego is fairly large when it comes to her engineering skills. but with his question, jinx puckers up her lips in thought -- thinking over what's the best way to describe dating someone like the amazing quentin quire.)

I don't think so. ( she says finally after a second or two. ) — I kinda like hearing him in my head. It's like this... personal thing we have between us. Even when I know he can just go into anyone if he REALLY wanted to. But I like havin' him that close to me.

( personal space? what's that? to jinx, this is the closest to them "becoming one" she will ever get. and if only she can have something like this with her sister or her father -- being so intertwined to know where she'll know their every thought and how they feel about every little thing. )

And 'sides, it comes in handy when I can't put something into words and he can just tune in and get where I'm going for.

Don't blow up my house, Jinx.

[Even if she can rebuild it, which maybe she can because she's really good with gadgets and stuff (but also maybe not), Scott doesn't trust that the toilet wouldn't suddenly pull out a gatling gun if he wanted to take a shit in peace.

Also the thought of having Quentin Quire in his head almost makes Scott draw a face because he's bad enough just hearing through his ears. Guess he asked though, didn't he? And it's not like he's really thinking about Quentin when he asked her this--]

Not afraid of him creeping through your mind without permission and stuff? [Even if he doesn't do it intentionally and everything. Although, it seems that he has more control over his telepathy than Jean. Maybe.] Or you just like that sort of thing?

[Which he didn't really expect from Jinx, but whatever.]

I'm an open book. ( again, saying so matter-of-factly and as cool as a cucumber. ) — Just about everyone here knows who I am, what I'm capable of, what I do, and what thrives me.

( taking a moment to finish her treat, she tosses the leftover in a nearby trash can. at least she is nice enough to put it there this time around. although the only reason for her doing so is because of the sentencing thing. her strength is already on empty and she doesn't want to go below it. )

I have nothing to hide so if he wants to poke around, he can. 'Sides, I am his and he is mine. It's a pretty straight forward equation, a kid can solve it less than thirty seconds.

Edited 2023-11-05 06:07 (UTC)

What you see is what you get, huh?

[Scott respects that though, really. Even if Jinx goes overboard at times and is probably like, legitimately crazy or something, at least she doesn't fake who she is. You know who she is when you start a conversation with her, although, he finds himself surprised sometimes by how... insightful she can be? Maybe? He's not sure if that's the right word, but guess if anything, she's definitely not stupid.

He glances slightly over to the trash can when she easily tosses her leftovers in it, but resumes looking at her.]

You belong to each other... [Scott repeats to himself, trying not to look or sound too depressed when his thoughts return to Kotone for a brief moment.] It's so simple for you and him.

[He wonders if Jinx is ever afraid of Quentin cheating on her or something, but honestly, as much as his housemate pisses him off at times, he doesn't see him doing something like that either.]

Yeah. ... I like to think he and I do belong to each other. ( she grants him a small shrug while moving her locks away from her eyes. ) I dunno how he feels about me though. I'm not all that... cool.

( that's probably a strange thing to hear isn't it? jinx might not be human (in her prospective) either, but quentin can do a lot of amazing things and all she has going for her is building weapons and her speed. a guy like him definitely deserves a chick whose more flashier than her. and given there are new arrivals every two months, there will be somebody who will someone who is up to his standards for sure. )

Edited 2023-11-06 23:56 (UTC)

[...That's an incredibly odd thing to hear Jinx say. Scott almost stops walking hearing that particular admission. He figured that she'd be entirely confident about Quentin liking her because she's the bomb and all or whatever. Sure, she was a little bashful earlier, but... this is like some actual self-doubt and shit. Totally unexpected.

Does he reassure her or not? It's not like he can really speak for his housemate, or really know what's going on in his mind, but.]

Nah, you're like, totally his type. [As in 'willing to put up with Quentin for more than 5 minutes type,' but yanno.] You're way cooler than him anyway.

[And crazier--]

( nipping at her lower lip, she chuckles again in a girlish bashful way as she tugs a strand behind her ear. )

Eh heh heh, thanks... glad you think that. ( jinx clears her throat almost awkwardly to swallow that little embarrassment away. she has a reputation to uphold, right? she can't be seen being all mushy and fluffy all the time. )

Hey, Scott? Can I... tell you somethin'?

[Guess Jinx is still a girl in the end, that's what Scott is getting. And girls worry about stuff like this ~~although what does that say about him~~.

He almost looks at Jinx from the corner of his eye, but uh, he can't really do that too well, so he tilts his head with a slightly curious expression because anyone that starts a sentence with that kind of intro usually wants to make a confession or something. Not that he expects a love confession or anything like that, but he still wants to hear.]

Yeah, sure. What is it?

( again, jinx tugs on her bottom lip with her teeth -- looking rather unsure if she should say this next thing or... just skip it all together. )

I-It's just... well —

( her gaze flicker away from him, she rubs her arm anxiously as she attempts to build up all the courage in her to speak up. )

( — and it's so quick, a swift movement to lift up her wedding dress to quickly reveal the pistol that's been wrapped to her thigh this entire time. she unhooks it from its hostler quickly and zips close to scott's personal space -- jamming the barrel up underneath his chin with her index dangerously curling over the trigger. the timid look she had dissolved somewhere in the mix of all of this maneuvering, her expression is dark and hardens with her pupils gleaming a haunting glow that she would hope will be in his dreams tonight.)

When you have a girl problem, you oughta learn to not throw your pathetic temper diaper baby tantrum at someone who's trying to be helpful. It's not nice.

( the teen presses the gun just a wee bit with force against his skin -- just in case her point isn't being clear enough. )

Next time you come at me like that, I'll be sure the next girl problem you get will be somethin' that can't be resolved. Am I hittin' the mark with ya yet?

Edited 2023-11-07 18:12 (UTC)

[Sometimes he forgets that Jinx is extremely dangerous, because they can have normal conversations, and it's almost fun talking wit her.

He's not going to forget now.

A startled yell rips out of the mutant's throat when the pistol is jammed right underneath his chin, the threat loud and clear and really, it's a miracle that he just doesn't piss his pants right there. Sweat beads down his head as he sees her finger curling around the trigger and honestly, he half expects his brain to be blown out across the pavement as he looks at the dangerous glint in her eyes.

He wants to back away from her, run elsewhere, but his legs won't move. Instead, he swallows tightly as she makes herself loud and clear, with Scott hastily nodding against the gun.]

I-I get it! I'm sorry! [He sounds pretty pathetic, but look, there's a gun right underneath his chin and even if they are... weird friends, he believes that Jinx wouldn't hesitate to kill him. He hates life right now, but he doesn't want to die either.]

I-I won't talk to you about my problems again!

( in some twisted fashion, jinx missed this. sure, it's only been a month and a few weeks since she scared the living days out of someone, but a month is a very long time for her. she enjoys the rush coursing through her veins of someone stammering over their words, the fearful body language, and the person willingly to do anything just so they can breathe another day if not more.

it's a powerful feeling, the sense of being in charge, and whatever she says goes. and jinx yearns to do this more, but she learned the downside of it -- how jerry and/or the council can just rip away her energy and leave her defenseless if they truly wanted to. there's still rage burning within her over it. no one should be able to control her like that unless she wants to be controlled. still, her eyes are glued tight on her friend... deciding whether or not his apology is good enough. )

...

( the gun gets lowered and she spins it carelessly with her index, smiling big and friendly-like as if what just happened didn't happen at all. )

Don't be a goof, Shades! Of course I wanna hear your lil' problems. You're part of my Inx Club!

( inx... club? maybe she'll explain more on that later. right now, she links her arm around his arm in a giggle then bumping her hip against his just because she can. )

I'm JUST saaaaaayyyinnng if you're getting upset about whatever trouble you're crying over, don't throw your anger at me about it when I'm helping you.

[He barely registers what she says, something about telling her about his problems and a club, but his heart continues to beat in his ears as his sense of fight or flight remains active. Mostly flight, because he's not fighting her, and he just lets himself get pulled into her hold, almost like a rag doll.

Yeah, he's not feeling it. Now that the adrenaline is slowly wearing off, a new surge of stupid emotions rise up and he can almost feel his eyes prickle, but luckily, his shades cover that. It's stupid, he faced giants and Infected and the maze, so it's not like he's never been in danger before, but... he's just getting overwhelmed again.]

...Yeah, okay.

[Scott responds quietly, but at least without sounding too pathetic. He absolutely does not want to tell Jinx about any of his problems. Maybe she'll decide that he's just being too annoying or something like that and shove that gun in his face again.]

( ... oh, did she go too far again? normally she wouldn't give a crap and let the said person shake in their boots. and while jinx kinda hopes he gets haunted tonight by her, scott is still a friend and he did help her during her time at the maze. in silence, jinx hooks the pistol quickly back to her thigh and moves around so she is fully in front of him. their arms become unlock but her eyes searches his face very carefully. it is a shame she can't see his eyes though, but nevertheless -- she places both of her hands on his cheeks as tender as she can. )

... You're okay. I promise.

( the girl is fully aware saying that probably won't make him feel any better or less... whatever he is feeling now. so she'll move on to a different approach. )

You don't gotta run but... I can walk away and leave you alone if that'll make you feel less afraid.

[Scott nearly startles when she places her hands on his face, almost tenderly, and it's such a sharp contrast to how she was just 20 seconds ago that he really doesn't know how to react. Or feel. He swallows past the lump in his throat, and even though he's a little aware that she's really trying, he doesn't feel comforted by her gesture. He takes a couple of steps back from her, now that he's free, but he keeps his shielded eyes on her with a mix of emotions. Some fear, some hurt, while he struggles to keep his stupid face dry.

She said that she'll walk away, but Scott finds himself shaking his head as he starts turning from her.]

I-I'll see you later, Jinx.

[He doesn't exactly run off, but he quickly moves to leave.]

( she isn't hurt by his reaction per say, but more so it's expected. after all, she always goes overboard with things and when it boils over, she loses everything. and it seems so here she might have lost a friend. somehow deep down within, she knew this would happen eventually -- her curse only allows her have pleasurable joys for so long. it's a cruel joke if you ask her, why give her wonderful things if you're just going to rip it away from her? it'd be better to do without if that were the case.

slowly, her hands fall to her sides -- mutely watching scott turn away with a quivering voice that she can't possibly ignore. jinx doesn't bid farewell back, there's no point when the damage has been done. so instead, the teen will just watch the boy's back as "mylo" approaches up to her by her side. )

'I was counting down the days when this would happen. I don't know why you even bother.'

( despite her giving her dead brother a sharp glare from her peripheral, she says nothing then turns her attention back to direction scott scurried off to. )

'I'd give up now if I were you. A jinx is always a jinx.'

( while the dead are usually wrong fifty percent of the time, sometimes they do make a lot of sense. what's the point of doing any of this when she'll just jinx everything that she touches? ... maybe scott would be a lot better off if she exited herself out of his life. it's not like she's that important or in his top ten or five of his favorite people here in aldrip. he'd be fine without her definitely. it just means when she visits quentin, she'll have to sneak herself in without scott noticing or when he's out from now on. jinx is extremely convinced she isn't welcomed at their home anymore and even if scott was alright with her coming by for quentin, it'd still be best if she didn't interact with him at all. whatever. one friendship gone, a million to go, she guesses. so with that, she turns on her heel and wanders off to the other direction -- leaving her ghost brother behind to snicker all by his lonesome. )

Edited 2023-11-08 06:25 (UTC)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

MINGLE LOG: OCTOBER

that's because you're cool. owo.

no u

/farts

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🎀 )8 cw: hallucinations