{ event 7 } A▒ E█SI▓Y ░▒▓25░9.▒░█

[expiationmods]

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY

March 11. The sun is shining, streaming in perfect sunbeams through uncovered windows. Birds and animals twitter outside, basking in trees that are verdant green and full of life. Outside, the town begins to wake, stirring to life with the sounds of ordinary everyday happenings. Footsteps, carts rolling down the road, the distant sound of friendly neighbors greeting each other.

And you–you have lived here your whole life. Or maybe you’re a visitor to this fine town. Either way, you’re a neighbor here, too.

Aldrip is having another beautiful day.

i. OUR TOWN

The town square is a bustling place to be for locals, and this week is no exception. Aldrip is a vibrant swell of activity: stores, stalls, and stands all open their doors precisely on time, welcoming the new day. Things are quiet, theoretically, while the local school is in session, but anyone playing hooky won’t get a second glance. Everything is fine! It’s too nice a day to be inside, anyway.

(Just like all the other days before, all too nice to waste.)

That being said, Aldrip is not without its own brand of nuisance. Fairies are rarely seen in town, these days, but this week, they seem to be in fine form. They can be found playing harmless tricks on people: taking things from them and moving them somewhere else, rolling carts when no one is holding onto them, mostly-unscrewing screws that hold together mechanical parts… They avoid magical pranks, for now, but these mundane tricks are such a nuisance! They even pull all of the wares out of a local vendor’s stall: dozens and dozens of colorful, patterned scarves. They had been on “deep discount,” leftovers from some “Day of Devotion” event, but the discount is about to get even deeper, on account of how dirty they are.

ii. TEMPTING FATE

A recent expedition to the Lorentia Caves uncovered a hidden gem–literally. Enterprising rock enthusiasts have brought back wheelbarrows full of round geodes, and have made a game out of cracking them open. Geodes that are green inside will get a lavish prize: a stay at a local spa or a gift card to a fancy restaurant. Purple or red inside will get a free drink at the local coffee shop, or a small gift card to use at a local shop. Brown or clear gems get nothing special–but you get to keep the rocks! They hold no special properties, but can be nice to look at and make great paper weights, and some of them almost seem to

g̵l̶o̶w̷

i̵̗̐n̷̯̉ ̶̞̒t̷̝̃h̵͙̆e̸̩̍ ̸̢̌d̷͕̀a̷̬̕ŗ̵̐k̷̼͝n̴̨̍ȅ̶͎ş̵̈s̷̟̽

…

ERROR: MULTIPLE REDUNDANCIES DETECTED
RECALIBRATING
LOADING UPDATES...
PLEASE WAIT

Occasionally, very occasionally, breaking open one of these rocks causes it to crumble, becoming little more than gray ash. Static pops across the surface before it disintegrates.

ERROR: DATA CORRUPTED
PURGING CONTENT

Those who have found these ashen geodes will find that memories of them disappear just as soon as they turn away from what they’ve just seen.

.̸.̷.̵.̴.̷.̸.̸.̶.̴.̴.̸.̷.̵.̵.̷

…

Anyway.

No one quite knows where the pop-up casino came from, but it’s doing a bustling business at night. Now, this establishment is small, nowhere near the size of the one in the past, and is not nearly as expansive. Nonetheless, it helps create a thriving nightlife in town: there’s games, drinking, dancing, and all sorts of fun. Locals are encouraged to participate either by attending or working, or even performing in some way!

It’s a beautiful day in Aldrip. Just like yesterday. Just like tomorrow. Just like every day s̴h̵o̸u̶l̵d̸ ̶b̸e̵.

iii. LOST AND FOUND

You wake in a maze surrounded by fog. You have no memory of entering the maze. You have no idea which direction you might have come from. You are simply here, and there seems to be no exit above. So. The only way is forward.

You may be alone, or have company. Either way, aside from you and any other characters you may find, the maze seems empty. Without end. Without purpose.

Whatever twists and turns you take, all will eventually find themselves in the center, in their own time. There is nothing here, either, except for an overwhelming sense of aloneness. There is nothing here. There is nothing there.

There is nothing–

ERROR: REDUNDANT PROCESS FOUND
PURGING CONTENT

...

You wake up.

It’s another beautiful day in Aldrip.

Like all the days before and all the days after, your morning proceeds apace. You start your morning, you say hello to friends and neighbors. You…

… you find something unusual in an area you frequent. An item. It’s small, and somehow, it’s something you think you should know. Some will feel compelled to pick these items up. Some will feel a deep sense of unease when looking at them, and refuse to interact. Turning your back on these items will cause them to disappear. You won’t have to worry about that anymore. Not on this beautiful day.

Picking up the items causes a rush of information to flood your mind. Something like a memory plays in your head: the person in this memory looks and sounds like you. But…you don’t remember living that life, or doing those things. So how does it feel so real?

Throughout the rest of the event, these items will continue appearing. Characters are free to interact with them or ignore them as you see fit. Regaining more memories means they may regain their powers, as well, though whether they remember how to control them is another story.

These memories will feature prominently in the event poll that goes up after this, and your choice of how many memories they regain (or don’t) may have a lasting effect on your character. Not filling it out will also have an impact on them. So please make sure to fill out the poll!

iv. MISSING LINKS

As this strange memory phenomenon takes over Aldrip, other odd things begin to happen. It’s small, at first, and barely notable except that it renders Aldrip slightly less idyllic than usual. There are a few clouds in the sky. You may get caught in a passing rain shower, or maybe sleep through your alarm…

It gets worse.

The end of the month crawls ever closer, slow and steady. As it does, things begin to go missing. Small things, at first: personal possessions, the lunch left in the break room, flyers that look like maybe they were torn down in the town square. Is someone thieving? Here? In Aldrip?? You’ve never known Aldrip to have a problem with crime. Everything is so…

…

Pleasant.

Everyone becomes a suspect. It could have been your neighbor who took your wallet, or a coworker. Maybe your friend took that bracelet from the counter while you weren’t looking. But close to the end of the month, this starts getting bigger. What happened to that tree along the path you walk every day? Wasn’t there a butcher shop on the corner there? Where have all the birds gone?

ERROR: DATA LOST

Things go missing.

They keep going missing.

Why have they disappeared?

And…where have they gone?

v. THE COUNTDOWN

Sunday, March 31.

It’s raining.

It never rains like this in Aldrip.

Characters wake in the morning to anxiety twisting in the pit of their stomach, inexplicable and impossible to trace. As the day wears on, this sense of foreboding ramps up. Characters may even see significant numbers throughout the day that seem to count…down.

Twelve. Morning. How funny, to see these recurrences. Odd.

Eight. Seven. Around noon. This must be a coincidence, and yet, you cannot help but wonder if it is meaningful.

Four. Late afternoon. Wonder and curiosity are replaced by dread. Whatever is at the end of this countdown–it feels like a finality. Terrifying and unknown.

Two. Night. Those going to bed will find their sleep restless and filled with bad dreams.

UPDATES INSTALLED
RESTARTING…

One. Midnight. The clock strikes twelve, and whatever your character is doing–sleeping, waking, etc–the whole of existence seems to blink out.

(Info about what happens after this will be forthcoming in the event poll results and April’s SOTG.)

vi. WILDCARD

Go wild! We know that you all have plotted extensively for this event, so go ahead and do what you'd like with it!

♡

Comments

QUESTIONS / COMMENTS / CONCERNS

[expiationmods]

[bonobos]

So THREE questions. One is really bad so I apologize in advance.

1) Sha-Ming is a zoologist with a keen interest in anything that isn’t human — would it be possible to study the fairies in any way? Nothing oppressive, just observations he might be able to glean about them, how they function and their behavioral patterns.

2) So like. Is it possible to engage in anything sexual with them. Because unfortunately he’s going to try. I told you this was gonna be a bad question.

3) I APOLOGIZE IF I’M MISREADING THINGS but are characters guaranteed to get their memories back in full after the event or is that a part of the mystery?

manjiro sano "mikey" / tokyo revengers

[invinciblemikey]

𝐢'𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐧 (cw blood, violence, fairy murder...)

(there are always those who will live in the shadows that the sun casts. manjiro sano, age 28, is one of those people. a visitor who lives in a neighboring town, one not as nice and as cheery as this one. it's a business venture he is looking for - this pristine town feels too immaculate for him not to exploit or devise its cracks.

for the first day, he walks unattended, a moment of tranquility and independence as his tired eyes take in the view of this place - the laugher fills the air and it nearly echoes in his brain, and he most likely has never seen a fairy before this place ever so gracefully offered him the experience. issue is, he's not fond of the stunts, or to be more transparent, manjiro's not fond of most things. the white of his hair attracts one that wants to employ the strands as a hiding spot after their shenanigans, which the man didn't quite enjoy. it's too effortless to hold them in a palm, and easier it is to close it. the remains are dumped behind him, his hand shaking to relieve it of the excess blood.

it's a perfect day in aldrip, huh?)

𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 (cw drugs)

(the casino, while unexpected to him at first, it's where manjiro sets roots. perhaps, it's fair to say that the house always wins as long as he is around. extortion and blackmail bring an extra layer of reassurance that it will go as expected, his cut will be sitting on his desk by the end of the night. the house now cheats with loaded dice, false dealing of cards, machines that had been rigged and as a bonus, thanks to some men manjiro has hidden within the staff. on the tables, baggies with pills can be seen before they are discretely hidden, distributed as samples here and there for those who would like a taste.

if someone shows a good amount of money and achieves a level of trust of the staff that is definitely not from the casino, they will take them to the back, where manjiro sano counts the bills and coins that he has made this evening. the gun is held by him either way, regardless of how his hand comes and goes between writing and organizing the stacks.)

Quick, I'm busy. What do you want?

𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝

(you know what to do! if there is interest, i'll amp the crime lord plot and leave things for characters to play detective. find me at #sunshineinpockets or fullofsunshine!)

bro your supplies are wack

[drugsnotclubs]

[Good amount of money, shows a level of trust-- or is a dumb enough asshole to bitch loud enough at one of Mikey's Muscle men, getting him dragged back behind the scenes. But it's not like Shinjiro's gonna keep quiet. Sure, he'd gotten some of the supply-- and had been bored enough to figure what the hell and give it.

But he'd choked trying to dry swallow the fucking pills, ended up vomiting, all the while with fucking scenes playing through his head: Chest pains, struggling to breathe, a massive pounding searing pain splitting across his head, soothed with the feeling of hard oblong tablets down his throat. The steely glint of a gun, the threat of going without. None of them have context, none of it means anything-- And then when he'd finally shaken himself out of it, trembling and lost and confused-- they were all fucking gone, anyway.]

Your shit's fucked, you know. [He spits the words as he's dragged in, despite the large man grabbing his arm like a vice to make sure he doesn't pull anything or keep causing further trouble in front of the boss.]

The hell are you even trying to push here?

[also he wants a refund]

kakashi hatake | naruto

[battlefieldbrat]

mischief makers

[it's a beautiful day outside, and kakashi is primed for mischief! school is for losers so he won't even consider going by there. but there are countless buildings to graffiti, birds to throw rocks at, stalls to unscrew the brakes from...just the little things that keep a little boy occupied. and if he gets caught...well, he's a great runner, and he'll even laugh at you while he escapes. he's harder to get the drop on than you might expect, but maybe if you're extremely diligent you could catch him unawares?...]

home turf

[do you know kakashi for some reason? maybe he's been a partner in crime to you, or maybe you've gotten to know him well enough despite his mischief that he's begun to trust you? in that case, you might find him at his hideout in the woods. it's a cozy place, blankets piled up in a small clearing, surrounded by homemade noise traps to alert him to any visitors. colorful but dirty scarves flutter in the wind as they have been tied to tree branches all around to give the place a homey atmosphere. dusk is approaching, and the smell of a savory stew floats around the place as kakashi tends to a pot over a campfire. what business have you here?]

closed to cr

[as the month wears on, those close to kakashi might find him suspiciously difficult to track down. when you finally find him, he has pressed himself into some nook or cranny away from the bustling streets. he's holding something - a blue cloth with a metal plate sewn into it. a short sword. or a small, three-pronged throwing knife. no matter the item, he seems visibly distressed, tears and dirt streaked down his face.]

Shinobi don't cry...but what does that mean?

home turf. since we said they should know each other

[solitarysoul]

[Levi was well aware he wasn't a good role model, but he hung out with the younger delinquents from time to time. He liked Kakashi, since while he liked the whole idea of graffiti he had no artistic talent and the younger punk enjoyed it. Also sometimes Kakashi would cook in that weird forest hide out he had and since Levi was perpetually short on money free food was always good.]

Hey kid. You in there?

jinx / arcane.

[opheliac]

ORDER UP ☕ ! CLICK HERE

3

[solitarysoul]

[It wasn't that uncommon for Levi to stop by the shop in the late afternoon.  They didn't live in the orphanage anymore, but he still felt he knew Jinx enough to be casual with her.  But he was usually there trying to bum free or cheap baked goods, so she may not be so happy to see him.]

Yeah that's a, uh...unique one.  What flavor is it?  I'm guessing not 'brain.'

[At least he was nice.  And never seem too put off about her weird creations.  As long as they tasted good...he did have quite the sweet tooth.]

Nikolai Gogol | Bungo Stray Dogs

[quizpersona]

i. 🕊️ Devotion

[ Like most citizens of Aldrip he's often seen in the same places with the same agreeable kind of faces. A fitting corner piece in this grand picturesque puzzle. Today Nikolai wedges himself against a door to hold it open in anticipation for the next person with a smile like any polite neighbour would.

The heterochromatic gaze shifts a few inches to the side to over that newcomer's shoulder as he spots one of the fairies carrying a brooch he feels a momentarily misplaced and impossible sense of ownership for. The feathers made of encrusted white stones, the body a deep-jade tone, the eyes purple—A look of acute distress flits across his features, yet resolves as quickly as one recovers from a sneeze when the person he was holding the door open for gets close enough. ]

Is it nice weather we're having?

[ The confusing emotion is actively dissolving away from his voice by the time the friendly greeting is offered alongside a belated wink. It's cheeky because when are they ever not having nice weather? ]

ii. 🕊️ Tempting

[ A certain someone has squirrelled some of the geodes away to crack at the local coffee shop in anticipation of a win... Well, another win. Judging from the glittering purple of the geode laid split on the table he has one free drink to redeem already. The steaming cup of black coffee thoughtfully sequestered off to the side of the table helps paint that picture further.

Of course there was the sheepish promise that he'd clean up any of the mess made before leaving the cafe.
With a grin he rolls up the sleeves of his cardigan before presenting a uncracked geode with one hand. Both eyebrows lift his face into a playfully expectant expression. ]

If this one is a winner you can have the prize.

[ Hard to spot from a certain distance with the two halves of the geode being held together with a hand: but it seems the results are already known. The red crack peeping out from underneath a bare palm is just a little too evident to be hidden from those who are looking. ]

iii. █ Lost

[ The curious thing about experiencing death in a dream is how you're supposed to snap awake.

The Nikolai who belongs in this dream and to this hazy labyrinth is never meant to walk out of it alive. Is it by instinct he knows of this fate? No answers will come even as he wanders using the feet of stranger. At some point like a nightmarish manifestation a benevolent hand reaches out to touch him. He dies— He—

P̸̧̧̧̱̜̻͙̳̤͉̝̞̮̖̦͔̲͈̝̤̭̲̬͚̓́͑̓́̿̒͒͜͜͜͝͠U̶̧̢̡̡̬̻̣̞͇̫̩̖͇̙͇̞͉̎̽̈́͂́͋̇̆̆̈́̃̀̋̊ͅͅR̴̨͈̦̬̝̝̦̗̜̝͕̼͚̹̫̙̼̣̗̼̠̯͚̍̾̏͌͒̅̊̈͂̏̔̀̂͊̅͒̈́͛͘͜͝͝G̷̥̟̮̳͚͔̳̰̘̼̫̬̼͉̠̣̩̬̘̩̐̎͗̐͊̇͋̀̈́͝͝ͅǏ̷̪͓̥̜̞͉̲̱͙͍̮͇̲̬̽̓̆̎̋́̈̿̄͂̏̐̈́̈́͘̚N̴͚̞͇͍̲̽̀͂͋̀̓̓̽͂́̆̀͛̏͝G̶̢͔̝͋̈́̈̈́͊̋͌́͂̇̊͊̉̄͒̊̓̕̕͘͠ ̵̢̛̠̦͎̜͕͖͍͉̲̼́͒̈́̾̔̋̏́͑̽͋̆̄̊̉͗̈́͋̈́̒̌̒͐̔̐͘̚̕͘C̶̢̛̱̪̜̞̺̘̳̓̇̈́̎͗̐̑̋̐̑̒͌̌̀̽̕̕͘͝Ŏ̴̢͈̞̹͐̍́͒̄̎N̶̢̡̳̬̤̙͚͉͕̼͍̜̟͎̤̥̳͈͚͚͈̲͎̖̖̼̭̮̱͒̍́̎̐̄Ṫ̸̳̜̥͈̪͕͉͚͇͓̻̼̥̺̓̏̓̉̒̊̉͠͝Ë̴̺̝̱̬̣͈̮̠̯̝̜̬́ͅŅ̶͕̗̻̰͈̪̝͇͈̭̒͆̿̅̋̓͗̀̿̔́̏̀͒̂͗͋͛͌̉̀̕̚͝T̶̢̢̡͙͍̯̲͚̼̲̺͉̥̲̣̞͚̦̹͍̺͕̫̰̬͂̇͜͠]



[ It's such a beautiful day, once again. As per usual a perfect day to go feed the ███ḋ̸̠͚̒́͠ͅs̵̞̹̠̋̀͝͝ in the park.
After tossing a handful of seeds the platinum haired man turns his face up towards the sky in muted anticipation of seeing something that will never fly down to partake in the offering. A █î̸̼̠r̷̡̘̈́̈́ḍ̴̓ born in a cage doesn't notice that it's a prisoner. Yet once it notices those bars? In this manner did a unshakable mental disturbance come about and take hold.

It no longer feels like such a nice day. Is that rain? Regardless of if it is Nikolai doesn't move to find any cover in the park. He doesn't move at all. ]

iv. Wildcard

[You know how this works! HMU. Generally Nikolai is going by his first name far more than he usually does during the AU. I have a plotting comment here because it's never too late to scheme being a really normal member of society.
LMK if you tag in and you're down for a short cameo from space manipulation shenanigans because Gogol's getting haunted by the Overcoat as some metaphor for remembering the true self or something. We love metaphors and pathetic fallacies here ]

i

[thegtg]

[and who should be bustling through the door but gogol's eccentric older brother, the trinket peddler gojo. he slaps gogol on the shoulder as he passes, not noticing his brief lapse of attention.]

Full of jokes as usual, eh, bro?

Shinjiro Aragaki | Persona 3

[drugsnotclubs]

[A link to my Plot with Me comment! Tl;DR: Shinjiro's Stepford-AU is a troublesome teen, always pushing out boundaries and causing minor issues without actually dipping into real criminal territory. Loiters with his equally disillusioned youth pals, hangs around and lowers the areas rent, probably has Done A Graffiti. No goals for life because Everything Is Perfect so Why Try?

He does have an apprenticeship as a farrier on the farm, tho, shoeing the horses and trimming the hooves of the goats and cows and whatever. Feel free to know him or know of him however! After all, we all grew up here together, right??? Anyway, hit me up if you want anything custom, contact info is in the above link. Anyway, here are some open prompts!]

First Half - Ignorance
Fairy Misfortune

Oh, motherfucker--!!

[He goes to grab for the fairy that's laughing and making off with his wallet, but his grip falls short when it flutters up a little higher. How he even got into this predicament is anyone's guess, but his eyes are narrowed and keeping track of it, lips pressed into a thin line. Not today, you stupid fucking fairy. After a moment, he's snapping his fingers at the closest person to him.]

Hey, help me out so we can corner that thing.

[How they plan on cornering a small, flying pixie-esque creature is anyone's guest, but he sure as hell plans on trying. Even if it takes them parkouring across Aldrip.]

The Casino

[The bright lights and game are something different from the typical quiet, idyllic paradise that is Aldrip-- so of course it's going to garner peoples interest and find all types hanging around. Whether it's playing games or just hanging outside and smoking, it sure is a happening place to be.

Good thing he got his wallet back from that fairy somehow. There's no fear of being unhoused or not eating in a town as perfect as Aldrip, where people will always help one another, even if it comes with a stern chastisement-- so why not blow your money away?]

You any good at the cards? [It's idle conversation in between games as he mills about the floor, seemingly unsure what to waste his time on next.]

Midway - Suspicions.

Memories.

[A small sash of read, and he's stopped in place, staring at the accessory for sale like he doesn't quite understand what he's looking at. Something--- he's never seen before, but feels intrinsic, feels correct? Idly, a hand goes to his waist, and finds nothing. Looking back up, and there was nothing that was ever there to begin with.

Strange.

And the trend continues- Once or twice he reaches for the object leading to the disassociating sensation, and he can't tell if that's worse. The way his head aches and splits, the intrusion of thoughts and familiar scenes and emotions that disappear just as quickly, tethered to nothing. But they all have something in common:

They're from a life outside of here.

By midday, he's keyed up, eyes darting as though in search of anything else that would trigger that alien, disturbing, addictive sensation of momentarily knowing something that wants to flicker and fade as soon as the object is gone. But he'll at least ask the person with him-- maybe they're having lunch together, or skipping out on work, or just been having a conversation at a cafe.]

You been... seeing things that go missing lately? Like they're there, but once you look away or grab them-- not anymore?

Doubt.

[Birds don't exist anymore. Which is very weird because he is at the farm to fit a chocobo for a bridle and trim its talons, but instead Chocobos just don't exist.]

--What the fuck? Where the hell did the asshole birds go?

[Hello???? The stalls are empty? There aren't even feathers on the ground. Is he going to get paid for this??]

The end - Everything feels Wrong
Countdown

[It's pouring rain and everything feels wrong, like there's static in his head that pulses louder and softer with no rhyme or reason. The day goes by, but there's barely any focus he's able to put into it.

Everything feels wrong-- fake? And sometimes when that thundering, white-noise-esque buzzing crescendos in his head, momentarily a spectral creature, looming and metallic and impassive, might be glimpsed hovering directly over him, if only for a second or two.

He'll spend the whole day wandering about Aldrip-- suspicious of what's real and what isn't, never quite feeling right. There's something hidden from them, something they can't see, aren't allowed to see, and none of this can be real.]

Misc.

[hit me up fam i am out here to have a good time. lmk if you want anything specific because open top levels are hard and i'm happy to write individualized starters.

I'm good for anything from slice of life to memory regains to dumb delinquent bullshit to conspiracy theorizing! Just let me know around what point of the event it is (Beginning, middle, end, etc) so we know the general Suspicion vibe.]

For Kotetsu! (Earlier in the event)

[drugsnotclubs]

[It's something he always dreads, if only because the guy cares too much. A meetup with his Uncle. They'd initially been distant, but Kotetsu had gotten dramatically more involved after the deaths of his parents. (How did they die? Who were they? Weirdly, these are questions he never thinks to ask. It's just What Happened, and it's Well Known, and there's no use in going over all those details.) While Shinjiro had always pulled back, fiercely independent-- he at least owed the guy these checkups.

Which is why he's hanging outside at one of the local cafes, idly poking at his drink with a spoon, and waiting for Kotetsu to show up. Just one of their once-or-twice a week meetups, how is everything going, are you sure you don't need help, I'm worried about you, etc etc etc. He'll argue that he's doing fine, and Kotetsu will get that Sad but Accepting look, and he'll be free for a few more days to do nothing with his life.

After all, Aldrip is perfect. There's no chance of failure.

He glances up as the other guy approaches, barely straightens from where he's sitting, and gestures to the seat across from him.]

....hey. I ordered you a drink.

[A coffee drink, that is. It's brunch.]

Levi | Fear & Hunger 2: Termina

[solitarysoul]

i had this weird idea about posting later in the event prompts later in the actual month so bear with me ^^;
plot with me | ConnectiveTrick | content warnings (a lot don't apply until he starts getting memories back)
basics is that levi is an orphan (though as he's 18 he's been kicked out of the orphanage) and a high school drop out/junkie. got bullied a lot when he was younger and is generally grumpy and stand off-ish. smokes a lot, but less legal drug use is usually behind closed doors (or in an alley late at night). he loiters a lot and sometimes engages in petty theft or graffiti (even though he has no artistic skill). occasionally does More illegal things in exchange for drugs or money for said drugs, but that's less likely to be known unless your character is also doing illegal things. everyone is free to know he's some loser kid with no future though.

Early Days

[solitarysoul]

1
It was a bright, beautiful day. Clear skies, not many clouds to obscure the sun from shining down and brightening everyone's day.

Levi hated it. He hadn't slept well last night, like most nights, and the bright light was giving him a headache. Would it kill Those Who Were There to let them have a cloudy day every so often? Its not like he's asking for rain or something, it could still be a nice day. Not that he believed in Them or would bother to actually ask them for anything. But he could sure grumble about them.

He was outside anyway, though, because the fresh air was nice and, mostly, because he wasn't supposed to smoke in his apartment. So this morning, like most mornings, he was out loitering in the town square, sitting on a bench and people watching while having a smoke. It was nice and warm out, so he's got short sleeves that leave the track marks on his arms visible to anyone paying attention. The bags under his eyes were quite obvious. Despite how idyllic Aldrip usually was, Levi had still managed to have a tough time.


2
One thing Levi would actually admit to liking in town was the casino. He wishes it had shown up earlier, but he hung out enough at/by it in the afternoons and evenings that he almost made up for it. Since he rarely had any money, and was not a good candidate for employment (and he didn't want a job anyway), he was usually found outside of it. Sometimes Levi would hang out near the entrance, other times out back. Maybe talking to people and socializing, maybe just smoking by himself. Possibly out near the back to take some minorly illegal odd jobs or purchases.

Some nights he managed to have enough money that going inside was worth it. He'd play various games each time, but often ended up playing poker. It was one of the few things he was good at, since his poker face was somehow almost perfect.

claude von riegan | fire emblem: three houses

[feintofhart]

gen overview.

Everyone who's anyone in Aldrip (and outside of it) knows Claude von Riegan. The golden child of a respected councilman, Claude has spent the entirety of his life doing precisely what has been expected of him; near-perfect grades in school, skill in archery and horseback riding and rubbing elbows with the elite, impeccable manners and dancing prowess, and often leaving Aldrip for political visits with other towns.

Up until, on the cusp of his eighteenth birthday, it was revealed that Claude's mother was not the esteemed councilman's wife, but was one of the women that his father had fabricated trips to go see in a nearby town, and everything went to shit. Disgraced and cut off from his family's connection and wealth, he was cast out by high society and family alike, and sent off to find his own fortune, at which point Claude embraced all of the rebellion that he had stymied in his youth.

These days, you can find him canoodling with whatever person he fancies, working at the bar and casino tables and dealing in classified information to ne'er-do-wells (only plausibly legal), and living a life of general hedonism and nonsense. His life isn't what he expected it to be, but he's content. ]

i. bar man & a gambling man

[ Need a friendly ear to listen to your troubles, or someone safe to show that weird thing you found? You'll find Claude behind the bar, leaning over the counter, shirt artfully unbuttoned just enough show a glimpse of his chest. He's known for being a better listener than he is necessarily a mixologist as he waves you down with a gleaming smile. ] Hey, welcome! What can I get for you?

[ Or, perhaps you're here later at night, when people start making more dangerous gambles, to meet with Claude behind one of the tables, shuffling cards. Maybe you're new to this, or maybe you're old hat at it, aware that Claude's as good for a gamble as he is for trading a secret or two. ] Come on down! The first game's on the house.

ii. lost & found

[ When Claude first gets a strange vision, he thinks that maybe he's hallucinating. Maybe one of his cigarettes was spiked with some sort of hallucinogenic, or somebody slipped something in his drink. But the more it keeps happening, the less certain he is of anything. He pauses where he's stood, frowning down at the stall he had just found a strange banner in, swaying on his feet. ]

That's... that's odd. [ He begins flipping through the fabrics, a little frantically. ] Did you see what I was just holding? That banner, with a deer on it? Where did it go?

[ And why would he hallucinate about a fight like that? Claude's never been in more than a brief scuffle or two in his entire life. He pinches at the bridge of the nose. ]

I swear I'm losing my mind.

iii. groundhog day.

[ One day, Claude wakes up and realizes that his quiet little life, every day much like the last, is beginning to feel... strange. When he steps out early in the morning, the birds are no longer chirping. His horse in the stable seems oddly unsettled, stamping her hooves and snorting at him, turning her nose up to the feed he pours for her. When he goes to say hello to the neighbour woman he's had a dalliance or two with before (when she's on break with her beau, which happens delightfully frequently), he stops, stock still.

The shop she runs is still there. But the apartment she lives in above it is gone. ]

What the hell... [ He just stands there, still in his pajamas and slippers, staring dumbfoundedly up at it. He's noticed things going missing, of course. But this? An entire home? ] That's... where's Joann?

[ Or maybe you run into him on the last day. In a coffeeshop, looking up from the newspaper as the clock rings precisely noon. He sets down the newspaper and looks at you, across the counter, something grimly frightened in his expression. Across the paper is a large: SEVEN. It's followed by an article explaining it, but it's as flimsy as every other justification he's been able to come up with. ]

...what happens when we reach zero?

[ Maybe you'll stay with him, until then. If it's the end of the world, nobody deserves to be alone. Not even a cad like him. ]

iv. wildcard.

[ Shoot for the stars! If you'd like me to rustle up a custom starter, or to plot with me about assumed AU backstory, feel free to contact me on my plotting comment here, on the discord, or hit me up on plurk @ wisdombitch!

i.

[identitycrisiscore]

[ Claude shouldn't be surprised when he turns and sees posted up Aldrip's local delivery boy and fetcher of all things improbable, posted up on a barstool he gravitates to every night he's in town and not travelling. It's part of the bar that has a good line of sight to the stage (hmm...), and the blonde-haired man offers an easy grin. ]

C'mon, Claude, cut the service-with-a-smile tone. [ A friendly barb to the man behind the counter, before following. ] But if you have to ask, you got any good ciders in recently? Kind of want something light, tonight.

[ He rolls his shoulders a bit as he gets settled in. ] Let's turn the tables for a change — how've you been?

sha-ming | gnosia

[bonobos]

fairy fun

[ the sunlight creeps over the town, stretching out to its outermost edges: a usual sight. somehow, he always feels as if he's one step away from it all going to shit.

the market is teeming with life -- stores and stands welcome all with open airs.. vibrant bursts of color pockmark the town square, but that's hardly noteworthy. sha-ming's attention is affixed on something more important...

the faeries, flitting around him, chattering endlessly. his mouth cants into a long line, curling at its edges, feline-like and lackadaisical. one fairy sits on his shoulder; another is yanking at tufts of his black hair. ]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Tell me more about you, babe. What kinda environments do your peeps thrive in? Whaddya chow on? You guys pacifists? What are your mating rituals like...do you guys br--

[ another fairy swings a leg right into the back of his head, whoops. ]

Just tryin' to learn! [ and then there's you, and sha-ming's head pivots to greet you wordlessly, a hand raising. ] Hey, you. I'm taking notes on these little bastards, think you can tell me anything? They're cagey as hell...

[ the fae burst into a chorus of laughter. ]

Laugh it up, cause I ain't giving in -- even if you play hard to get.

welcome home

[ tucked away in the joint minato + sha-ming household is a so called "office". books strewn everywhere, papers scattered across the floor, writing on the wall...

and animals. live animals. there are a handful of chickens, plump and merry as they waddle aimlessly. a sheep, standing atop a worn mattress, baaing eagerly at the sight of you, dogs vigorously ringing around one another, cats sprawling their legs across his desk... it's a wreckage, and yet somehow, everything here is--

healthy. happy. safe. pawing at his legs, nuzzling at his ankles, crawling up his arms. sha-ming sits on a stool, and then pulls up another, wood screeching against the floor. ]

Siddown. This shouldn't take long. [ he pens at some parchment. suddenly, his head jerks up-- ] Cedric, hey, don't shit on the bed. C'mon, get it together, you know you're s'pposed to go outside.

[ the sheep baas forlornly. ]

I'm not mad 'atcha. We got a guest, so like, maybe have some manners, m'kay? [ a beat. ] Anyways-- before we get started, I'm gonna ask you a question.

What do you think separates humanity from all of the other species out there? And don't say some bullshit like "oh, it's love!" cause that's not even true. You and me-- what makes us human?

casino

[ it's unlike anything he's ever seen before. glittering golds, silver coruscating in the dark, treillage lining everything and everywhere. sha-ming hadn't even known that this much money could accumulate in one place; there's a wrongness about it, a peculiarity to it all that sits in his gut.

it doesn't stop him from having a good time. he's dressed in a stark white suit, shirt cut down to reveal the v of his chest, hair slicked back as he sits at the bar -- only to shoot you a cat-eyed grin. ]

Yeah, this whole thing's fishy as hell -- but we might as well live it up anyways, right? Don't get to see things like this often around these parts.

[ his eyes rove over your face. ]

Sometimes I wish I could leave it all behind. Just say fuck it and go. But-- I just... I just can't.

charm/network

this is a mass text

any1 kno where my fuckass little brother is

minato if ur reading this ur literally dead meat btw

anyways if u help me out i'll pay u back

not with money i'm fcking broke but like

if ur a kid i'll give u a piggyback ride idk

if ur not we got options dw

wildcard

[ sha-ming's event plotting post is here if you want any further details/want to do something specific! i am literally game for anything. if you'd like to talk privately feel free to hit me on moontrip as well. ]

network

[opheliac]

tempt him with food. they say a way to a boy's heart is through their stomach! 🍨🍰🧁🥧

minato arisato | persona 3

[memori3s]

general overview.

[ Average high schooler with a habit of going where he pleases, much to the chagrin of his older brother (Sha-Ming). You might know him from school, his part-time job at the cafe, or because he can be spotted Literally Anywhere. He helps out with some of his brother's zoology research too.

If we've discussed cr for the event in advance feel free to incorporate it into your reply!! ]

i. really gets my goat.

[ You're minding your own business, browsing some wares from a local vendor. All the vendor has to offer are tattered, dusty scarves. They're deeply discounted, and though that raises some suspicions about the quality of the items, the vendor is quick reassure you the price has nothing to do with the items themselves. They're just... old, that's all, and he needs to get rid of them asap to make room for something new.

You reach into your pocket to grab your wallet, but the sound of hooves galloping against the ground catches your attention. It grows louder and louder, and as the source draws near you see it's an irritated-looking goat heading right for the stall. The goat lowers its head, crashing into scarf display in a seemingly targeted attack, sending everything, including your wallet, careening into the air.

Unfortunately, it's been mixed in with the poor stall's wreckage.

There's a second set of footsteps thumping against the floor, but instead of the goat, it's Minato sprinting over as fast as he can with a fistful of hay. Oblivious to the chaos, he lunges and wraps both arms around the goat. ]

There you are, Billy.

[ The goat snorts and lets out a disgruntled maaa, snapping at the hay in his hand. Minato hands it over to the goat who chomps on it contentedly, seemingly placated.

Minato glances up at the vendor, ducking his head at them. ]

Sorry, sir. I'll help clean up.

[ And then he glances over at you, adding: ]

I'll help find your wallet too.

ii. seventeen and at the club.

[ This kid should not be at the club. He can't be more than seventeen years old. But here he is, wandering from person to person, table to table. It's difficult to tell what he's up to, given the music is too loud to overhear his conversations with each of them. He exchanges a few words with each person, nods, then heads to his next target.

He glances in your direction. The two of you make eye contact, making it impossible for you to avoid him. The kid heads straight to you with an expectant expression. ]

You're here for a drink.

[ Of course you are. Why else are you milling about the bar section of the club? ]

You can tell me what you want. I'll tell the bartender and bring you your drink.

[ Perhaps he spots your baffled expression. He's quick to offer an explanation. ]

...they said I could stay if I helped out.

[ How did he even get in to begin with? Whoever the bouncer is, they're slacking because Minato Arisato should NOT be at the club.

In any event, he cants his head at you, waiting for your order. ]

iii. all my toplevels have a naptime prompt now.

[ Minato doesn't believe in gods. If they exist, they can't be that great.

The world would be a better place if they were real.

It's why when night falls, he has no qualms about slipping into the church and curling up on one of the pews. He slides his headphones over his ears and turns his music player on.

He'd stumbled upon a red armband earlier, and when he picked it up, he'd seen -- no, it's not worth dwelling on it. He's here to try and forget that strange vision. So Minato shuts his eyes, quickly drifting off to sleep.

He sees a rooftop and... is that him? He can't tell. But there's something huge and amorphous crawling up the side of the building, and its shadowy arms reach out to grab him --

Thunk.

Minato wakes with a start, cold floor against him and a dull throb against the back of his head. His heart races as he forces his breath to even out. He raises a hand and carefully touches the new welt.

Hm, that's probably going to leave a mark. Oh well. ]

iv. wildcard

[ as noted above feel free to incorporate any AU CR if we discussed some for the event! I'm game for anything, though if you'd like to discuss any details or any CR for the event, feel free to hmu on Discord/Plurk/plotting comment/etc. ]

iii

[everblooms]

[ she lets him sleep. it's not like he's in any danger here, and aerith wants to light a few candles, anyway. it's a ritualistic habit, and she's got an hour to kill before she's supposed to be anywhere, so an easy calmness wades its way into the church while a boy sleeps and dreams of a world he's supposed to have never seen. and while minato dreams, a young woman lights a punk stick, standing before rows and rows of long extinguished candles. she clasps her hands tightly together, a perfect recreation of a prayer pose, and does what she always does. she prays— perfectly, even, as she's been taught to do.

a collision is made; a body hits the floor, the sound echoing in the emptiness of holy grounds, and aerith whips around to catch the tail end of his new injury being made. ]

Finally awake, are we? [ with long, languid steps and her hands behind her back, she approaches, finally, just to stand very helpfully over him. ] That sounded like it really stung. I'll take a look at it. [ stand up, boy!! ]

Sandry | Circle of Magic

[threadmage]

[ Sandry is working at a tea shop for the AU! Who owns the tea shop? Best not to think about it too much, Sandry certainly doesn't. She serves tea and cookies to anyone who comes in, and mysteriously there's never more than one group of customers at a time!

If you'd like a specific starter or to hash out any AU details feel free to message me on plurk or discord, both @ biowafers! ]


i. Ordering at the tea shop (any time during the event)

[ Sandry is behind the counter of the tea shop with her apron on. There's a case with some cookies and a chalkboard on the wall with different tea blends written on it, decorated with little flower drawings.

Maybe she's just waiting patiently for someone to walk in, or maybe she's working on her homework. Whatever the case, the door opens with a jingle and she comes to attention. ]

Hi, welcome in! Let me know if you have any questions.


ii. Baking flurry (later in the event)

[ The cookies are all gone. All of them! All of a sudden! The case is completely empty. So Sandry is in the back of the shop, baking as fast as she can. One batch in the oven while she prepares the next one.

When the door opens with a jingle there's a clatter out of view in the kitchen and she appears from the back looking somewhat harried. Her apron has floury handprints on it and she's a bit out of breath. ]

Hi! Sorry for the mess, how can I help you?


iii. New companion (later in the event)

[ Sandry is behind the counter as usual, but she's not her usual attentive self. In fact, she doesn't even notice when the door opens. Instead she has a small roll of ribbon on the counter, one end unrolled, and is dragging her finger slowly side to side in front of it. Strangely, the ribbon is following her finger while Sandry watches with a pensive look.

Suddenly she realizes that she's not alone and snatches the ribbon off the counter and shoves it into her apron pocket with a small blush, embarrassed at being caught. ]

Hi, welcome in!

[ She's clearly pretending nothing happened. ]


iv. Alone in the dark (very late in the event)

[ She really meant to be going home before this, but it just didn't happen. Now it's dark. Sure there are street lights but there's lots of dark patches between them, and sometimes a poorly placed tree is blocking it. So Sandry is running home, absolutely terrified. She can't explain why but she recently became afraid of the dark. It doesn't make any sense, but she can't deny it.

The thing with it being dark and her being in such a rush is that it's very easy to nearly run into someone. Which she nearly does! She comes to a screeching halt just before collision. ]

Sorry! I'm so sorry!

[ Should people in Aldrip be as scared as she sounds? ]

Ii

[solitarysoul]

Um.

[Whatever Levi came in for is forgotten for the moment.  She doesn't look okay.]

S-should I come back later?  Are you alright?

☁️ cloud strife // final fantasy vii

[identitycrisiscore]

[ 0. an overview ]

Despite not arriving in Aldrip until his adolescence, Cloud Strife has made it hard to not know who he is in the quaint little town. Having lived in Aldrip on his own since he was a teen, he's made his stock and trade in doing, well, whatever might need doing, though his deft hand with a sword arm (a normal sized sword, what do you mean he usually uses something bigger? It's not like he could wield it—) and his trusted winged steed, Zachariah, means he has gotten into the business, primarily, of deliveries, whether it's ferrying things from town to town, or simply heading out into the wild blue yonder to find something something needs fetched from the forest or nearby caves, you can bet on Strife Delivery to handle it with a smile and professionalism.

He's been a native to the town for many years now, and as much of a busybody as they come.

If you'd like to figure out how our characters know each other in more detail, hit me up on my plotting post or message me at svensational.

---

[ i. fresh air and sunshine ]

[ It's another day in Aldrip. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the blonde, chocobo-haired man has decided to make his presence the only way he knows how: meddling.

Maybe you're a teen playing hooky who runs into him after he's finished a delivery, where he gives you a sort of cocky smile and a knowing side-eye. (He'll let you off... if you help him make this next delivery...) Maybe you're an adult expecting the man to make his rounds around the small businesses and wares in town (he's been buying some herbal remedies lately, Zachariah's having trouble putting weight on one leg, you see—), but the most likely place you'll find him is in the town square as he pours over a noticeboard.

Of course, anyone who is planning to post anything on the noticeboard is likely to know he's usually there. Ditto any other busybodies who can't help but nose their way into other people's problems. Cloud can't help but pour over the requests, while taking the time to bask in the sunlight of the town. If you catch him at the right time, you might find him leaning against the noticeboard and practically nodding off in the noonday sun. You might even catch a fairy having decided his fluffy blonde hair is the perfect bedding for a nap of their own. Such is the life of the bored deliveryman. ]

---

[ ii. night life ]

[ Of course, those who work hard also have to play hard. Given how Cloud is rarely stranded in town for multiple days, hitting the nightlife is always a highlight. Especially given a certain... someone can often be plying their trade to the drinking, merry, evening crowd. You might have even have him catching a glance around, as if trying to spot someone. Though they always tend to glance towards the stage in the bars and taverns that are open well into the evening.

Of course, the rowdy types who know Cloud also badger him a bit. It's an open secret that while Cloud is a good man on horseback, he's actually a damn fine dancer. While he's tight-lipped about where he learned and how, it'll eventually get late enough that a couple people pester him, as a repeating bit, about getting on stage to some music and proving he can dance circles around half of Aldrip. His response is the same as ever: ]

I don't dance for free.

[ And with that, the badgering disperses with some good-nature grumbling as Cloud keeps posted up at the bar, nursing a drink long into the night. He can't help but make small talk as folks come by. He might have even have gotten out a deck of cards, looking to see if anyone's interested in a game of cards. He's got all night. ]

---

[ iii-a. a fleeting reminder ]

[ It starts off small. Something innocuous. Something that Cloud might have ultimately ignored on a busier day. But as he's walking by one of the bigger fountains in the center of Aldrip, there's a hearty plonk as something weighty seems to drop into the fountain, splashing Cloud and getting his outfit just a little bit wet. A minor inconvenience, until the man turns to see what caused him this latest inconvenience.

He practically freezes. The clear water of the fountain marred by an brilliant green hue of its latest unintended passenger — a perfectly spherical orb, that seems to gleam with light within. Something about it calls to him, even as another part of him is deeply unsettled by it. Nevertheless, the curiosity gets the better of him. He'd look to one side to make sure no one's watching him act like a fool before he takes a step into the fountain. Oh, his shoes are going to be ruined. Zachariah will never let him hear the end of this.

Upon grasping the sunken green orb, he can only clutch his head, high-pitched noise practically whiting out all thought as the images flash through his mind. A church under a shattered steel sky. A woman who makes him think of something else falling, clattering into the water — but only for a moment. A vision within a vision? The details come fuzzy, but the man who comes knocking, less so. He brandishes a sword, far too heavy for him to wield, as the woman calls him bodyguard. She insists on the arrangement, clearly not wanting to leave with the man in front of his eyes...

And then, as soon as he blinks, it's gone. The sun is still shining above him in Aldrip. His clothes are still wet. He's clutching his head, stock-still in the fountain, undoubtedly making more of a scene than he would have before, as his hand clutch at air.]

What was... where did it...

[ Maybe someone should check if he's okay. ]

---

[ iii-2. the hopes of those who fight ]

[ This one is much more noticeable. In fact, it'd be harder not to notice it.

Cloud usually wanders the backstreets of the town in the afternoon, soaking in the flora of the town. But it's different, today.

There's a small patch of flowers he always visits. There's something about the smell that's comforting him, and steadies his nerves. Of course, it's hard to revel in that comfort when there's a sword planted in the middle of them.

The slab of steel is about as tall as Cloud is — which isn't very tall for a man, but massive for a sword. He can't help but stop stock still, caught in the grip of the way it leans, the way it catches the light - clean-cut steel, polishes to an edge, the crossguard only wide enough to carry the blade above it. He can't help but shake the feeling of deja vu, the feeling that if he blinks, the sword will e gone, and that was... unconscionable. Something that dug deeper than bone telling him he needed to pick it up, even as the unnaturalness of the scene pressed on him. Look away, the scene seemed to say, even as the sword invited him like... an old friend?

You'll find Cloud transfixed in this spot, unable to move. Caught between the pressures of looking away, and the pressures of reaching out for the blade. ]

---

[ iv. distant thunder ]

[ This is the worst month he can ever remember having. Which is saying a lot, because the work coming in should be making him happier than not.

Maybe you've lost something. Maybe you haven't, but you've noticed other people missing things. Maybe you've noticed other people missing. Maybe there's something missing that has no sense being missing. Either way, if you pass by the noticeboard, or hear from occasional passerby, flyers posted: "Taking on work to find lost articles. Come see me at the inn. — C.Strife".

Of course, the inn is where Cloud plies a lot of his trade, and it's easy to see he's in by the fact that the stables are housing Zachariah the chocobo, who's loud but friendly kweh causes Cloud to come around the corner and peek his head outside— ]

Settle down, Zach, I heard them.

[ There's a... harder edge to his voice. Or is it your imagination? It's hard to say. What isn't hard to say is any flyers posted about missing items have made their way to a table Cloud has commandeered. The crease on his brow is an obvious tell that he's stumped. If this was a normal rash of lost actions, it'd be one thing, but this looks like an epidemic, and it's got him stumped. ]

If you're looking for info on a lost item, I'm working on it, but it's slow going. [ He doesn't even look up to address the person at first, so busy he is trying to connect the dots of the accounts he's given. ] Unless you're here to mention something else went missing...?

---

[ v. eye of the storm ]

[ The rain hasn't let up all day. If anything, it's gotten worse as day has given way to night. A sign seems to light with a flash of distant lightning, the word THREE etched on it in place of its usual carved text.

His clothes are soaked through, clinging to him. The rain feels unfamiliar, but the barely lit night, the dread, they feel like the coldest comfort. Old friends he quite can't place.

His sword is out. A finality seems to ring through his ears, but at the same time, he feels like he has to be out here, facing whatever it might be. Inevitability? It's hard to say. For some reason the idea of a her to blame comes to his lips, but he can't even think of who she is. The tangible idea of something, someone, to fight, has kept him out longer than he should — he might catch cold or worse at this rate. But a part of him feels like going inside would be a retreat.

Do you feel the same? Or are you trying to coax the deliverboy to his senses?]

---

[ vi. wildcard ]

You know the drill, if you want a custom starter or want to pitch me something not covered here, feel free to let me know at svensational! We can work something out.

I

[solitarysoul]

Hey, come on.

[Cloud may think he has caught a kid to return to school, but though Levi looks like a kid he isn't really.]

I told you, I don't go to school anymore.  Don't give me that look.

[...he'll probably help if asked, though.]

yu narukami | persona 4

[izanagis]

i—won't you be my neighbor? [around town]

a. [Aldrip's pleasant sleepiness suits him just fine, most of the time, but Yu does like to keep himself busy. He juggles two jobs: one at the flower shop and one at the bookstore, and he can be found in either location when he's not at school. The bell above the door clinks pleasantly as it opens, and he pops his head out from whatever he happens to be working on at the time—putting together a flower arrangement, watering the plants, restocking shelves, quietly moving the shop cat off of the register…]

Hey. [Said with a small but friendly smile.] Can I help you with something?

[He is, after all, a people-pleaser, at heart.]

b. [Been a while since they've seen fairies around here. Yu isn't entirely impressed—especially when they start snatching things from him. Whether it's a book, a pair of flower shears, or even his store apron, he'll enlist help to get it back—] Don't let it get away! [—because honestly, what the hell, he's just trying to live his life, okay.

At other times, the fairies seem much happier to try dropping things on peoples' heads. Anything from pouring water on them from a watering can, dropping a whole flower pot, or emptying a trash can over them. Thinking this seems…hm, unnecessary, Yu elects to help keep people from falling into this trap. Or getting concussed.]

Hey—watch out! [A flower pot crashes down just where you were about to walk. Or maybe a stream of water from a watering can—Yu may or may not now be dripping from it.]

ii—cracks in the foundation [memories]

a. [The sign from the bookstore is missing. The whole sign. Yu stares at it, hands on his hips, a big old glaring error on an otherwise perfect day. Who takes a whole sign? And how? And why? He spends no small amount of time checking the area for clues. Footprints are tough, because the shop sees so much activity…but thus far, he hasn't seen any other clues. His amateur sleuthing interest is really getting put to the test right now, huh? What would a good detective do…hm…

Ah. Look for witnesses. Right?]

Have you seen anything strange happening recently? [He gestures at the sign hanger, which is empty.] Things going missing?

b. [It's the strangest feeling of deja vu. Yu has found his way to the casino, for the first time, but—not? Maybe? It's sort of confusing. Moreso when he tries his hand at one of the card games. He looks at the dealer, and then back at the card he's been dealt. It doesn't look the same as the others…instead of the brightly-colored playing card, it's in muted shades of blue and gray. Instead of a suit and a number, it says: VII. THE CHARIOT.

He goes still for a moment when he picks it up, an expression of disorientation coming over his face for a moment. He comes back to the present with a soft gasp, and then looks down at the card in his hand.

It's a normal playing card.

…] Sorry, [he says to the dealer, after taking a second to compose himself.] Been having kind of an off day.

[Starting with the dream from last night, culminating in this. He sticks around the casino for a while, though, and he can be found playing games, trying the food—he can even be tempted to dance, if you ask nicely.]

iii—the knot untied [denouement]

[0. THE FOOL. The card means something; as soon as he sees it, he knows, without a doubt.

Does he want this? Any of it? They've felt so heavy, these cards, so unalterable, so permanent—

His hand moves almost of its own accord to pick it up.

"It's impossible for humans to grasp the truth with their own hands…" But it's not, and for a brief moment, his heart aches for what she's trying to do. The peace she wants to bring. He understands it, but it's wrong. It's a lie.
All of this is a lie.
He has to show her.

Myriad Truths. The power to banish the world's curses and falsehoods.

In the memory and in the current world, he holds the card in hand and then shatters it. The creature that appears behind him is huge and imposing, all in white, bearing an enormous weapon, and while Yu seems to have summoned it, he's struggling almost immediately, jaw clenched and shaking. The absolute power radiating off of the creature is overwhelming. It's too much. Izanagi-no-Okami raises his weapon, shining a stream of light over anyone that happens to be nearby.

The effect of Myriad Truths is this: anyone affected has the fog of the AU lifted, glimpsing the real world and their true selves only for a brief moment. It can be more powerful for those who have collected memories; those who have not could easily be immune. Whether this causes clarity, disorientation, fear, or panic is up to you. This is totally opt in; if you don't want to be affected, it can either cause a harmless flash of light or hit your character for a small amount of light-based damage.

Whether you're affected or a bystander, Izanagi-no-Okami doesn't stick around for long, sapping almost all of Yu's power and causing him to stagger to his knees the moment the Persona disappears.]

wildcard
[after the last prompt, yu will be looking for his CR from outside the AU, whether they remember him or not. during the entire event, he can be found snooping and investigating in his off-time, and also attends the local high school. what i'm saying is i'm open to anything! please feel free to throw a wildcard at me, or you can hit me up for a more specific starter either on my plotting post or on plurk at posolutely

i a

[thegtg]

[look who's approaching the bookstore! it's gojo, the weirdo trinket peddler. he's always trying to trade random goods for comic books and today is no different.]

Heyo! Got any good action comics in? I've got goods for trade!~

Scott Summers | XMCU

[laserguy]

your boy next door;
[It's a beautiful day and your local boy, a known apprentice of everyone's favorite family owned sandwich shop, is handing out free samples at the corner nearby. Look, it's at least a little less embarrassing than spinning a giant sign around, not to mention that he helped prepare this sandwich with ingredients only used by the freshest that Aldrip has to offer! Maybe it's your local farm or butcher shop or bakery where he got the ingredients from, but Scott basically waves at anyone nearby, his bright blue eyes shining along with his smile.]

Hey! Come and try a piece! It's really good, totally promise.

[He's not the best marketer around, but there's something a little charming around him. Maybe it's that boy next door energy.]

why's the sky not red;
[It's not like this is the first time he's been to the glasses shop here, but for some reason, he's really drawn to it today.

Besides, with several sunglasses on display on a rack outside, it's pretty hard not to at least try on a pair, especially since something is compelling him to. Maybe he just wants to wear some cool shades for this beautiful day in Aldrip? Yeah, that's probably it. Kotone will probably like them too.

But hand reaching out to the sunglasses and holding them, Scott suddenly flinches and-- why is everything red and something's coming out of his eyes. The shades fall to the ground, thankfully unbroken, but the teen barely notices, eyes shut tight, afraid that if he opens them, he'll... blast the building down? How does that make any sense?

He stumbles back, hopefully not bumping into anyone in the process. He's just... afraid of opening his eyes again, not without ruby quartz covering them. Scott almost looks pained from how tightly he's shutting them.]

missing links;
[He often comes by the park with some leftover bread to feed the birds and everything, but... one big problem, there's no birds around. There's no chirping, no singing at this area, and as he looks around, there's not a single feather out here. No peep, nothing. ...Not to mention, the bench that he normally sits on is gone as well.

There's definitely something going on here, huh? The weird memories, things just... fucking disappearing, there's an unfamiliar anger in him that he hasn't felt in a long time. Who the hell is messing with them--

Scott's hand clenches around the bag he's holding, before looking at the person closest to him. Maybe it's time for him to stop pretending that everything is okay.]

It's not a fucking nice day here.

network/charms;
the sky's supposed to be blue, right. wait, pretend i didn't ask that.

...okay, i'm going to ask an even weirder question. maybe.

anyone had really weird memories that don't feel like your own? or. the opposite. [If you know, you know!! But great, there goes his reputation as being some wholesome kid, but Scott has to ask about this. He can't just let it go now.]

wildcard;
[ooc: Wanna do something else! Hit me up! Scott's probably at the casino too having a good time before memory regains, or I'm down with meeting at the maze. Maybe some last minute gathering as the numbers count down? Feel free to plot with me as well at currykirby]

network

[solitarysoul]

maybe

[Levi usually isn't this cagey, but this memory thing has him paranoid.]

i guess you did?

Naoto Shirogane | Persona 4

[killjoyprince]

Fairy ''fun''
[It was a normal day, the same as any other. Naoto was up bright and early, heading to the bookstore she'd worked in since she'd been old enough to work. When she'd been younger she'd been busy all the time. She could do her work and read books the rest of the day. But as she'd gotten older she'd devoured most of the books she wanted to read.

So she'd gotten another job, one she could do while also minding the shop.

And so, Naoto could be found sat at a desk positioned so she could see the door as she tinkered away. An array of small screwdrivers and tools as she repaired pocketwatches. Cleaning the insides, replacing broken parts.

Or she had been. Others in the room might have noticed the small fairy slowly sneaking across the desk getting ready to do something. Or a few others high on a shelf holding a garish scarf. One of them would do something, they were just waiting for the perfect moment.]

Smashing
[Calling her scawny might have been an understatement. There was no denying that she was short and though she loathed to admit it, Naoto wasn't particularly strong. Which meant she was having some trouble with the geode she'd acquired.

In the end she'd settled at a bench. Taking her pouch of tools out and finding....something that shouldn't have been there. Naoto wasn't even sure what it was, the disk-like object?

Then she winced, her grasp on it tightening and... it'd started blinking? Small red and blue lights that continuously flashed. Not that Naoto was paying attention to that. She was too busy gritting her teeth.]

What was that...an eye?

[She inhaled through her teeth. But what kind of creature could have an eye so large?]

Wildcard
{{Anything else? Just let me know. Naoto's AU backstory is pretty plain. Though compared to her normal life, anything is plain... But she was raised in an orphanage, that nerdy, smarmy kid and now works in a bookstore. Very much that book snob who needs shoving in a locker.}}

[drugsnotclubs]

An eye?

[Naoto doesn't seem to be holding anything that he can see-- but she's got her little toolkit out, so what does he know? He'd come up from behind the bench, stooping down low to look over Naoto's shoulder while she clutched something tight, expression almost-- pained?

When she relaxes, he straightens up again, an eyebrow raised.]

You seeing shit now?

[also hello how are you doing. He uses those ridiculously long legs to step over the back of the bench and onto the seat, and then down again onto the ground, just to flop back onto the bench seat next to her, hands stuck in his pocket the whole time.]

"Hades" | Final Fantasy XIV | open (will match format)

[emet_sulk]

"Hades", Doctor
(Uncharitably known as 'Doctor Death' or simply 'Death')

He knows of no other life than that of a doctor. Growing up, the thought of becoming anything else had never really entered his mind. His school grades had always been impeccable, although his bedside manner could use some work. A lot of work, as the nurses frequently tell him - an opinion he thoroughly ignores. He never saw the point in lying. He can tell, sometimes as soon as he lays eyes on someone, whether they are beyond saving. Why drag out the pain? Why offer trite reassurances about the patient's chance of survival when there was nothing which could be done? Why waste time and resources delaying the inevitable?

The gossip-mongers eventually pass around the moniker of 'Doctor Death' for his uncanny, morbid predictions, and that, too, he thoroughly ignores.

For obvious reasons, he has few close acquaintances. Despite his reputation and the rumours however, he is known to have a partner in Hythlodaeus, a cheerful architect with a quirky aesthetic sense. Where Hades is stoic and broody, Hythlodaeus is his complete opposite and it's a wonder that they have anything in common at all. Whenever Hades is being difficult, one only has to threaten to call for Hythlodaeus to get Hades to capitulate (sullenly and unwillingly, but he does).

Death is an inevitable part of life, he thinks. If only everyone else had the presence of mind to understand that.


1. Ordinary Everyday

It's another beautiful day in Aldrip and you are a horrible doctor.

Hades works at the clinic most days. He has the generosity of a certain wealthy socialite to thank for that. If not for her, he would have had to work under the thumb of another and, with Hades' disagreeable nature, would likely have had a much shorter career. Unfortunately, it does mean that he has to suffer her occasional visits and house calls. But it's a small price to pay for being able to work to his own schedule.

Sickness? Broken bones? Paranoia over memories which aren't yours? Say what you want about him but he's good at his work and he will see everyone who comes to him, no matter how trivial the ailment.

2. Fey Mischief

Hades isn't immune to the fairies' tricks.

Unbeknownst to him, they infiltrate the clinic. His only warning is their soft giggling before they suddenly pull out an entire shelf of patient files and scatter them across the room. As he leaps out of his chair to shout at them, they make their escape - this time laughing openly before winking out of sight.

"Come back here, you miscreants!!"

3. Strange Memories

As time passes, things go missing. Hades attributes the loss to the fairies hiding them from him, but then he starts finding things. Unusual things. Things that clearly don't belong in Aldrip.

The first is a sleek blade of unusual design. It's like someone took a gun and attached the blade of a longsword to it. He stoops to pick it up, grumbling about irresponsible owners. But as soon as his fingertips touch the thing, images flood his mind.

tall buildings, dark skies, a planet drowning in fire

hurricanes ripping trees out by the roots

entire cities swallowed beneath the ocean

He gasps sharply and jerks away. Hades has never been a particularly joyous person but his indifference is nothing compared to the sheer volume of sorrow and anguish that has just washed over him.

Hades glances around furtively to see if anyone else has noticed. When he looks back to the odd sword, it has already disappeared. If you aren't already approaching him for his odd behaviour, he will grab the nearest person roughly, shaking them a little as he points to the spot on the ground where the sword had lain.

"Did you see where it went?!"

4. The Power to Create | The Power to Destroy

There is a side effect to Hades' curiosity about the strange objects. As if it isn't enough for him to feel like he's losing his godsdamned mind, he suddenly finds that some of his thoughts become very, very real.

It comes in flashes of anger, when a piece of paperwork is particularly onerous and sets itself on fire. It comes when he finds himself missing his cutlery for the umpteenth time and what he needs suddenly appears right before his eyes. It comes when memories of another dying world flood his mind and he's folded over on the ground, clutching his head, while despair grips his heart and he thinks: just end it all.

The pavement around him cracks loudly. Jagged edges spiralling out with him at the centre. The ground shudders and then sinks.

And from above, the skies darken as a horde of nightmarish monsters descend. Their howls and screams chill to the bone.

5. Wildcard

Got other ideas? Feel free to DM me etc.

Re: "Hades" | Final Fantasy XIV | open (will match format)

[can_i_punt_it]

2. Fey Mischief
[Eve sees the fairies fly past him, and sighs. Apparently this was not the best day to visit the doctor, but he did want to enquire on the medicines and other such items that the people of this world use. But clearly before that was possible, he should try to help the clearly irritated doctor pick up the papers on the floor.] I can see you don’t have any ways of fairy repellant, perhaps try planting clover or red verbena? Or maybe hang something made of iron above the door? The fairies avoid my home like it’s been touched by Khyber-spawn.

haru okumura | persona 5 royal

[mapsio]

An overview.

Haru is a girl from an affluent family in Aldrip. Her Father is the head of a famous food company around Aldrip. Not too different from canon, except in this AU her father doesn’t die and they have a fairly vicious rivalry with Juri's family.

Much to her father’s dismay, Haru befriended Juri, and they secretly fell in love. She’s sneaking around Aldrip to meet up with Juri during the event. Also, Astralin is her official adoptive flower uncle. Please feel free to assume any CR with Haru as well!

i. midnight rendezvous

[ Good evening, Aldrip. Tonight you might find a very well dressed girl sneaking around the streets of Aldrip. She might be slipping past a bakery, the casino, anywhere really! She seems like she’s on a mission, and she won’t be stopped!

Unless…she accidentally runs into someone!]

Oh, I am so very sorry. Please don’t tell anyone you saw me, okay?

ii. tempting fate

[Shes taken quite a liking to cracking open the geodes. Whether it’s the action of cracking it open, or revealing the colors inside, she seems to really be enjoying herself!

She cracks one open, clear, it’s nothing special but it’s nice anyways. She will show it to whoever is next to her. ]

You should give this a try! Did you hear about the lovely prizes?

[ She take another, cracking it open…ashen. It crumbles. This is strange. She turns to the nearest person.

…and before she can get anything out, the gap in her memory happens. She’s staring at the empty space in front of her…weird. ]

iii. lost and found

[ Like many others, shes has happened upon an item in her frequented spots. It’s something simple, something she wouldn’t not think to pick up. It’s just a watering can after all.

But the rush she feels is sudden and intense.



H̷̨͍͇̎̓̍ͅò̵͓̹͓̤̯̬̩͙̟̦̓̋́̍̋̔̚̕͠ͅẅ̸̨̨̞̥͓̰͇̫̖̲͈͋͆̓̔̓͊̀̾̕̚͜͠͠ͅ ̸̢̛̛̗͍͖̼͎͇͕͉̳̱̳̈́̑̅̋̀͌̈́͌͠͝͝ͅͅc̴͂̃͑̽̎̏͊͒̋̎̕͜͝͝o̵͚͉̻̰̘̺̖̲̺̭̾̿̉̋̈̏̉̔̋̏̃̋̋͜͠ű̷͍̻̺̩̲̣͊̔͠ĺ̷̯͔͔̭̠̳̭̘̍̓̈́̔́͝ḑ̴̨͙͔͖̬̱̪͇̖̠̦͕͇̬̀̎̇̈́̔̑̇͗͛̃̇̑͊̚͝ ̸̢̰̹̮̭͇̩̻́̐̎̆̕y̶̧͕̥̥͖̤̙̺̘̻̥̑͑̈ơ̸̫̣̞̌́̊́̋̂̈͠u̵̟̤̞̻̓̉̓̌͑̐͌͒̍͘ͅ ̷̧͍̘͈̱͈̮͉͚̻̀f̴̨̨̢͇̮̤͍̠̗̬͙̫̯̽͋̊̏̌͊̔͜ͅǫ̸͈̻̎̈́͋̏̋̎͒̇́͒̓̌̕̚͝ř̴̬̖̝͊̄͠g̶̠̱͎̥̯̯̳̉̐̏̚͜͠ȩ̵̛̟͉̦̱̮̙͎͕̥̬̀̋̾̓̈́̓͝͝͝ţ̷̲̯̫͙̜̟̹͂͛̋́̀̌́͒͝?̶̫͚̘̙͙̬͍̮̯̻̃̏͆̃͜?̸̱̦͗͊̽́̍͐̈͋̑̉̑̇͘?̴̡̹̖͚̫̣̳́́͆̇͐̏͒̒̚ ]


..huh?

[The memory that plays is infiltrating her father’s palace, she remembers killing the shadow of her father, thinking she was freeing him of his twisted desires. She remembers those painstaking days watching her father deteriorate over a few days, waiting for him to admit to his crimes…remembers him dying on live television.

Wait, her father isn’t dead here. Why does it feel so real?]

No, no, no…

[ That can’t be. The Phantom Thieves just didn’t know it would happen that way. They didn’t know they would kill him!

Y̷͇̻͎͚̆͒͐̐͘o̴̡̯͔͚͚̬̲̣̬͍̻͋̓̊̂̆̿̎̊̈́͑͌̂̀̕̕ǘ̵̢̱͈̣̞̮͕̝̟̹̽̿̒͌ ̶͙̜̥̰̭͕̟͍̦̩̠̳̃̄̃̑͊̈́̓̌̆̓̑̈́͠f̸͕͈̬̜̻̺̣̳͚͑ͅͅơ̴̧̻̻͇̲̪̥͍͉̮͚̑̓̓̾͐̈͜ͅr̵̭̞̝̘̯̹̱̯̻̱͙̓͜ģ̶̡̘͚͓͍̝̂̀̀̈́ͅͅọ̴̡̥̙̼̯͇̓̍̄̋̚͘ť̸̡̡̥̞̭̮̮̝̬̫̗ ̴͉̬̞͙̯͉̱̥̪͆̃̑̋͑̀͒̋̈́h̶͚͚͙͙̉̀̈́̅̃̈́̄̀i̸̡͍̱̥̦̥̙̤̦̯̩̮̦͋̓͒̓͑͌̀̆̓̒̽͑̈͠ͅş̵͚̹̳͉̳̾̀̌̆̋̌̊̕ ̵̡͎̪̹̘͎͑̂̂̃̈́̚͝͝ͅr̴̹̳͍̓́̃̅̿̓̿̉́̆́̕͝ẹ̵̢̡̪͎̞̫͎̰̳̟͕̰̳̋̒́̾͌͗͛̀̍͒͘͝a̸̛̫͉̒̏̇̈̿̾̔̈́͘͝l̸̥̳̪̖̮̙͔̱͈̠͂̉͑̍̓̈̈̌̐͊͜ ̴̛͙̝̦̜̬͈̪̠̞͉̉͆̆͂͆̅̔͘m̴̟͈̻̘̰̞̜͖͙͊̄͗͗̓̕̚u̶̧̬̘͕͙̝͓̦̾̓͌͑͂͒̈́͊̏̐́́̋ͅͅŕ̴̦̝͔̲͓͖̐̐̋͐̄̕d̷̨͚̝̻̦͓͇͖͔̱̰̪̬̭͚̓̃è̶̡̛̛̖̲̫̖̙͖̘̱̺̹̃̄͆̇̈́̽̑̄̀̚͜͝ͅr̷̨̢͎̩̺͍̩̦͚̰̪̄̀̿̾͂̾͌̂̊̐̉̀̐͝͠ͅͅe̶̛̛̗̲̲̦̗̞͓̼͋́͗́͋̈̈͝͝ṙ̶͉̹̎̈́͂̽͛̐̅͛͝?̸̢͎̦̣̞̗̲͔̖͉̥̪̲͐͛̀̍̚



It’s a beautiful day in Aldrip, right? She’s dropped her watering can, how silly of her.]

iv. missing links

Excuse me, have you noticed things going missing lately? I wanted to go to that coffee shop down the street…

[But it seems to have just disappeared. ]

Something doesn’t feel right, don’t you agree?

WILDCARD.

[PLS BE GENTLE, I had to do this on mobile!! If there are any other things you would like to do please don’t be afraid to hit me up here or at my Plurk tigridia! ]

midnight rendezvous

[identitycrisiscore]

[ Haru's lucky, at least a little lucky - the smart-mouthed man who Astralin has dragged into helping deliver flowers (or work the shop, or fetch something from another store in town, or...) keeps late hours when he's in town, and it's on a night back from the tavern (with the lingering echoes of a buzz from a light drink or two) that he finds himself jostled and his wits suddenly snap to attention. At first he's concerned (why? It's not like crime is a problem in Aldrip—) but when the adrenaline wears off he's simply giving Haru a halfway bemused look. ]

...Tell nobody, huh? Not even Astralin? [ Telling her dad would probably be a bit too heavy a threat. But Astralin is a mutual acquaintance that might hold some sway while acknowledging that Cloud's going at least a little easy on her. ] I dunno...

You wanna tell me what this is about? I'll give you a chance to convince me, at least. [ It's meant in jest, at least. ]

rolo lamperouge | code geass

[heartstopping]

open

[Rolo is probably recognizable as someone who lives and goes to school here, but he doesn't stand out much. He's just...ordinary. Kind of meek and not very social. If he has a reputation at all, it's for being that kid with no friends that mostly hangs out with his older brother's social circle. Lelouch is definitely the memorable one between the two of them, anyway – smart, attractive, popular, etc etc. In comparison, Rolo's just kinda...there.

Or rather, here, at least right now, in whatever random shop suits you. It's not at all crowded, but there's at least another customer or employee around that he isn't paying much mind as he idly browses. And then he comes across something that doesn't look like it belongs on this shop's shelves. Without a label or price tag, just tucked between actual goods like someone left it there by accident, is a heart-shaped locket.

Rolo freezes. It's not at all familiar, but he's struck by the sudden feeling that it's his – not just his, but his, something to be guarded jealously. It has him reaching for it on instinct even as his stomach turns with sudden unease. And then–

Lelouch's furious expression as he throws the phone with the locket charm on it. Rolo isn't sure if it was aimed at the floor or if his brother just missed hitting him in his rage. And Lelouch is shouting at him–

"Haven't you figured it out yet? I hate you. I loathe you. I despise you! I've been trying to kill you but I just keep missing the chance!"

With a strangled gasp, Rolo drops the locket as he staggers violently backwards – perhaps into a person or one of the shop's displays? He hasn't even noticed yet, eyes wide staring at nothing.]

closed to lelouch

[When Rolo gets home that day, he's shaken and doing a poor job of hiding it. Still, he's trying. It's such a stupid thing to be stressed out by, isn't it? Like getting upset over something that happened in a dream. That's what it had to have been, somehow. That he'd been awake or that it'd felt real didn't matter. It doesn't make sense, and thinking on it just leaves his guts in knots and his chest feeling tight.

He already has a weak heart as it is. It's better to avoid that kind of stress, right?

That kind of rationalizing lasts until he turns the corner into the kitchen as actually sees Lelouch, and the not-memory suddenly rushes back to him with such force that he can't help but flinch, a soft gasp escaping him as he goes pale.]

network

[Rolo's been avoiding most of the Wrongness going around as best he can, everything in him railing at the very thought of it. But there's one strange memory that sticks in a way that others don't. Maybe he just doesn't outright reject it because, curiously enough, it doesn't really seem like his.

He finally turns to the network late in the month after it's been bugging him for days.]

Does anyone know what Tresed is?

wildcard

((ooc: Hit me with a starter of your own! Feel free to prod me on discord @ orbynit or plurk @ tinybro if you wanna plan anything specific!))

the first one <:

[fieldtrip]

[ Toph doesn't really know what to do with herself apart from restlessly practicing her brand new ability to tell where she's going. As she gets more confident with it, she deliberately chooses more challenging places, like busy shops with a lot of objects and people to navigate. She's bumped into a few things herself, but when Rolo backs into a store display and causes a ruckus, she immediately thinks it might have happened to him, too.

It's not just her and she knows that by now. It's happening to other people. Which means it must be real, it must be that she's supposed to be this unstoppable force to be reckoned with that she is in her memory flashes.

Because she just can't be this person, dependent on others. ]

Hey-- hey, it just happened to you, didn't it?

[ Toph sounds a little over-eager as she hustles over to where Rolo is presumably picking himself up. She is a tiny girl wearing worn-out clothes and shaggy hair over blank eyes. Her bare feet are covered in dirt and callouses, and she leans in closer to him assertively, straining to see what she can pick up with her new hearing. ]

Did you see something?

Ethlyn | Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War (allegedly)

[baldrshand]

Welcome to life in Aldrip with Ethlyn, the well-respected widow. If you don't know her, then she probably knows you, whether you've helped out with one of her community charity events or you have a reputation for troublemaking about town. Busy, well-intentioned, and maybe a little gossipy, you'll never see her idle.

Our house in the middle of our street

[Life in Aldrip can be bittersweet for Ethlyn. She was so young to be widowed like that (like what?) but she's never been the sort to let herself stay down for too long. As much as she misses her dear husband, she can't sit in the house all day pining over his photograph. She has to be out and doing. And that's what she does, every day!

Village fetes. Soup drives for seniors. Community gardening. If it's a benevolent task she can manage, Ethlyn will be in there, sleeves rolled up and bustling about. If she has a vice, it's a bit of a penchant for getting into other people's business--always with the best of intentions, but she will pry, and she will sometimes indulge in a little gossip.]

Oh really, this is such a mess. You troublemaking fairies! [She plants her hands on her hips, a bedraggled scarf hanging limply from one fists.] I was hoping we could sell these to raise funds for the clinic. Now they're no more than dust rags.

Labyrinthine

Wha...

[Ethlyn shakes her head. How in the world did she get here? She doesn't remember walking into a maze. Come to think of it, she does not remember there being a maze in Aldrip. Unless it's a corn maze for the harvest festival, and this sure isn't that.]

Is anyone there? [Her shout bounces off the walls of the labyrinth and back into her ears.] This isn't funny! I insist on being shown the way out, this moment!

Certainty the end of a sword.

[She catches it out of the corner of her eye--a glint of light from something sharp. She's seized with a desire to not find out what it is, but she overrides it in a moment. If there's a knife been left out, of course she'll put it away... but it isn't a knife. It's a sword.

It has a name.

Ethlyn shakes her head hard. This is absurd. It's a sword, a dreadful thing, and she shouldn't even be looking at it.

It follows her.

Finally she can't take it anymore. She turns and stares at it. Her breath catches. A sword is a weapon of war. She can't think of one single reason why there would be one here in peaceful Aldrip. Even less can she imagine why part of her thinks that it is... beautiful. Everything about her rational mind says to get away from it, but there is a part of her that insists that she knows this sword....]

Who is leaving swords around town? [She blinks hard.] This isn't for some party, is it? We aren't having some sort of knights-and-princesses faire?

Wildcard!

Re: Ethlyn | Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War (allegedly)

[can_i_punt_it]

Certainty the edge of a sword
[Eve notes the sword following the clinic’s owner with mild interest]
I would suggest not touching it. The last person that I saw touch one of those, ended up looking like he was electro-shocked, and then started talking about memories in his head that didn’t seem like his.

Tsunayoshi Sawada | Katekyou Hitman Reborn

[theskyaccepts]

[A - He knows a guy]

[Tsuna hangs out in some of the quieter places in town. Not shady, so to speak, but quiet, less populated. He keeps to himself most often. He's got cafes and bars that are his usual haunts, and when he's around, people know. He's the kind of guy that can get stuff done for you, for the right price. Someone owes you something and won't pay up, someone needs a little more encouragement to get something done, Tsuna's your guy.

Just make sure you don't get on the wrong side, and find out what happens when his flames ignite. They're warm in colour, but they burn cold.]

[B - Memories]

[It's the omamori charm that he finds at first. And he doesn't really mean to grab it, but it's like he can't help himself and when he does, the memories flood in and out like a wave. It happens so quickly he can barely hold on them, only fading threads of laughter and fun and friends. He doesn't have friends. Does he?

It keeps happening to him with little trinkets. A small skull, a toy sparrow, a pair of chopsticks. Until finally, he's leaning up against a building clutching his head and at his feet is a simple signet ring.]

Why do I know all this?

[C - Network]

[It's a rare post on the network, but the thoughts have to go somewhere]

Something about the weather...is wrong.

Where is the Lightning when it Rains?

There aren't enough Clouds in the Sky.

[D - Wildcard]

[Available for any other situations or shenanigans or further plotting at urbaninja. I am on a bit of a hiatus and so will be slow.]

C

[killjoyprince]

NOW THAT YOUVE MENTIONED IT
I DONT REMEMBER THERE EVER BEING LIGHTENING

OR ANY OTHER EXTREME WEATHER

William G Maryblood | The Faraway Paladin | open (will match format)

[strength_of_will]

AU life: Mercenary/Vigilante

William has lived a hard life, which is an oddity in and of itself in a perfect town like Aldrip. Unlike most, he came from outside its walls, from the forest (or so he's told). He's too young to remember his time there but he DOES remember the way everyone else treated him whilst growing up. Avoiding him, whispering about him - no-one would dare do anything so blatant as bully, oh no, that goes against the spirit of living in this idyllic town. He does have a single friend in Ange but he tries to distance himself from her (for her sake, he tells himself) as they grow older.

He ends up becoming a mercenary. A hunter for hire, dirtying his hands so none of the virtuous, law-abiding citizens of Aldrip have to themselves. But he also earns himself a bit of a reputation for being a vigilante, interfering in matters that should by rights be judged by the gods.

William doesn't care. Let them judge him when his own time comes. If they won't act against bad deeds when they happen then he'll do it for them.

1. The hunter

William returns from the forest with a brace of rabbits slung over one shoulder. As usual, it had been a good hunt. Actually, he's not sure there is ever a terribly bad hunt. Sometimes there are less rabbits than usual, or deer, but it's somehow fitting that such a 'perfect' place also never goes hungry.

What would it be like, he wonders, if all the wildlife were to someday vanish? Leave the people starving. See how their precious goodness holds up then--

He gives a sharp shake of his head. There's a clatter nearby and he halts abruptly, tense. Sometimes the other teenagers like to 'prank' him. Nothing terribly harmful. Just annoying. Immature.

"Come out here already and get it over with!" he calls out.

2. Anomalies

There's a maze. William would swear up and down that he has just been through a dark, winding tunnel, getting lost, doubling back, until he finds the centre and gets hit with such a deep, desperate sense of being alone that it has even him turning to strike at the rock to try and claw his way out--

But then he wakes up and it all melts away. Like a dream.

He looks off for the rest of the day though, distracted, glancing around at any little thing he catches out of the corner of his eye. He spots something that doesn't feel like it belongs in Aldrip and stoops to pick it up, only to yell and snatch his hand back as though burned. Images in his head. No, memories? Memories of a far more idyllic life than this, if that's even possible. Loving family, friends, the warmth of a goddess' embrace--

Shaken, he turns his back on the thing and strides away quickly. The townspeople don't need more reason to see him as an oddity.

3. It's all wrong

Anonymous: Is it just me or has the butcher near the main square just...vanished?

He doesn't want people calling him delusional. He KNOWS there should be a butcher there. He goes there regularly to deliver the results of his hunts. But...today it isn't. A shop doesn't just up and disappear overnight.

4. Wildcard

Got another idea? Feel free to DM me!

1

[battlefieldbrat]

I wasn't doing nothing!

[ah, it's just kakashi. not quite a teenager yet, he is nonetheless a known troublemaker and there's no telling what reason he had for sneaking around. well, sometimes he tries to follow hunters around and see where good spots to trap for rabbits are, but its doubtful he's been following william for that long. no, more likely he was up to some other mischief, whether it involved william or not. in fact, closer inspection of the corner kakashi was "hiding" in shows a paint can and brushes.]

Just move along, mister!

[heartofsalvation]

[If you're involved with the police or justice system in some way, be it by working there or getting caught doing something you shouldn't, you know who Themis is. He is a judge in the courts, a middle-class man who, despite his youth, is well-regarded for his sagacity. While yes, Everything is Perfect, that doesn't mean the police aren't trying their best to make sure it stays that way...]

1) Turnabout

[This may not be Ace Attorney, but it's a courtroom all the same, and you're on trial for something. Whatever it is, it's (probably) not that big of a crime; in fact, it could even be described as incredibly petty. But the officer who flagged you didn't seem to care, or had a quota to fill or something, so here you are.

Themis takes a seat at the top of the highest podium in the room, prompting everyone to stand briefly before sitting again. He looks at the papers in front of him for a few moments... and makes a sour face. Whether because it's a silly thing to waste time with or because it's a more serious crime remains to be seen.]

Very well, then... how do you plead?

2) Investigations

[Themis is on his hands and knees, examining the dirt. It doesn't appear to be disturbed... but as he gets to his feet, he notes that this stretch of road is particularly barren now. Wasn't there something here not long ago...?

Yes... there was. He glances around, then turns to whoever is closest and asks about it, a little frantically.]

Wasn't there a clinic here not long ago? I... There was something I wanted to...

[He trails off, gesturing awkwardly, but unable to really put his thoughts to words. Hey... the sky looks awfully dark, for some reason... like it might rain?]

3) Wildcard

[Elidibus's constantly-recurring memory item will be his red mask, of course! He'll be recovering memories at about an 8 out of 10 on the sliding scale of remembering everything; his memories of his past are already kind of fragmented, so what's a little more messing with them on top of that, yeah?

You can either throw a scenario at me to roll with, or I can tailor something to you if you want! Just toss me a line at quko @ discord, crystalzero

2

[emet_sulk]

[ Hades stares at the blank spot where the clinic SHOULD have been. It's not the only building that has randomly vanished lately but there's just something far more real about it happening to one that he has worked at for years.

At least, he thinks he has... ]

...How am I supposed to look after my patients now?

[ That seems an easier question to ask than 'where has the clinic gone?' ]

astralin turnont | original character

[scythedance]

[OKAY FINALLY REDOING THIS. His AU is as followed: He isn't originally from Aldrip, but he came here with his husband and wife to start a new farm. His wife and husband are out adventuring somewhere, but he's stayed back to deal with the affairs at home. He gave the farm to Kotone as he got older, and now he runs a flower shop that Yu works at. Kotone is his adoptive daughter, Marianne is his adoptive sister, Cloud is his delivery boy, Vi is his best friend, Haru is his flower niece/father figure. Please PM me if you want assumed CR with him!]

flower shop (OPEN)
[It's a good day in Aldrip. The sun is shining, and nothing is wrong at all! Astralin doing his normal routine upon awakening to such a normal morning. A bit sleepier than usual, but that's alright -- he had a shop to run ever since giving his adoptive daughter the farm. QUickly getting up from his bed, and preparing himself for the opening of the flower shop.

Once he arrives at the flower shop, he goes into the backroom where there are plenty of flowers to trim. Astralin remaining in the back rooms for quite some time, since it's still early in the morning, and he's a busy man, after all! The back door left open for anyone to come and see him during this time, but other than that, he preps the flowers for most of the morning.

After the early morning passes, people will find that his shop is open. Astralin, in his apron, absently arranging the flowers in the flower pot. His head turning toward the new guest that enters; a smile forming upon his lips.]

Welcome.

CLOSED TO MARIANNE

[scythedance]

[Marianne was his adopted sister, but... There were certainly things that he didn't approve of. Needless to say, he was worried about her involvement with this religious group that was clearly a cult. Still, he was never one to judge, and he certainly wasn't disappointed in her. He was glad that she found something to be a part of, but none the less, he was worried.

Worried enough that he's sitting in one of these bushes, and crouched down at one of the windows that's cracked slightly. Enough for him to hear what they preach, which makes him even more worried. Astralin listening in silence, and remaining completely still as he keeps his back pressed against the wall. Only moving when it seems like the congregation is ending, making his escape to the entrance as he waits for her by one of the pillars.]

abe no seimei | onmyoji

[foxphorus]

⛤our town.

[ An easy way to catch a mischievous little creature's attention is to be something new and shiny, and that's certainly the case for this visitor from out of town.

He's understated in his affluence but nonetheless wears it on his sleeve, his whites impeccably white and unwrinkled, and most importantly to our little creatures, jewelry clean enough to catch the sun. They test the waters by buzzing around his general vicinity, making quick tugs at his impressive ponytail and strangely pointed ears, that sort of thing. His reactions are little more than just waving them off like the annoying bugs they are, so it seems pretty safe to take things up to the next level. Right?

Right!

The gentleman is minding his own business outside a local cafe with a book in hand when it's time to strike. Before he knows what's happening his vision's clouded by a particularly colorful scarf, tiny hands making quick work of untying the finely woven braid of red, white, and gold thread keeping his hair up. He manages to pry the scarf off in time to turn and catch sight of his assailants, but that only helps their accomplices unpin and snag a dangling golden earring. ]

Hey! Hey!

[ Satisfied with their haul for now, yet another scarf is tossed his way as they zoom off. He catches it before it can blind him a second time, and both his book and coffee are abandoned as he's up to make chase. ]

⛤tempting fate.

[ Why is this stranger here in the first place, you ask? Well if you actually do, he'll say he's a scholar of the esoteric and may not elaborate much otherwise. Something about stars and weather patterns? Weird.

You may, however, find him sitting on the ground not far from these geode giveaways, a few of them cracked open and being heavily scrutinized under some kind of magnifying glass. Oh! He must be here to study the rocks! That makes sense.

What makes a little less sense is that this guy has no less than four green geodes and three purples sitting around him while he carefully studies a yet unopened one. He looks pretty unenthused about the whole thing to boot. Can "esoteric studies" give you a leg up in this game...? ]

⛤lost links.

[ The stranger doesn't seem to be doing so hot as the month goes on.

The catalyst seems to be a sword he now takes with him everywhere. The scabbard is a regal looking red, white cord woven around its handle, and an as of yet unknown blade--he hasn't unsheathed it. Only held it like something precious, never letting it leave his side even for a moment. Weird a comfort item as it is, one might expect it to bring. Well. Comfort. But it seems to be doing the opposite, his mood visibly falling further and further as the days go on and yet he clings to it all the tighter.

Now, while some may consider it merely strange, others might consider it suspect. It's a weapon, after all. Who'd trust some weirdo from out of town with one while he's looking more and more like something's about to snap in him?

And snap it does. An unlucky someone's voiced those opinions, tossing in something or another about whatever they've lost, whoever they've lost, how do they know this obvious psycho isn't the one who's done something?

Then they try to grab the sword away from him.

And the stranger's fist meets a local's face. ]

⛤wildcard.
[ You know the drill! I'm open to so much, let's plan, or just Go. It's the wild west out here this month. ]

iii!

[feintofhart]

[ Claude knows that he has something of a reputation around town, one that's largely deserved. He's been a layabout and a cad, a drinker and a smoker and a gambler, and has behaved in several untoward ways. But he still doesn't consider himself a bad person, deep down.

Which is to say, he's not the sort to stand by twiddling his thumbs when someone's face is getting punched in. The problem is, though, that he can't say that the guy getting punched didn't deserve it. So instead of jumping into the fray, he strolls in with a clap of his hands, mouth curved in a bright smile. ]

Whoa now, my friends! [ The way the other locals look at him, it's abundantly clear that they do not, in fact, consider him a friend. ] Just because this fellow is new around here is no reason to try and steal from him. Is that really the reputation you want Aldrip to have? Home of scoundrels and thieves? Gerald, I think your mother would have a thing or two to say about this.

[ He turns to the stranger with a quick wink. ] And I'm sure you won't have any reason to continue this fight if they leave you well enough alone, hm?

Juri Arisugawa | Revolutionary Girl Utena

[beautifulleopard]

It's a Beautiful Day

a - something not quite there

[It's another very beautiful day in the Adlrip, in shining warm and high and the market place is busting with action. People are definitely going crazy with the discounts and other sales. Well, Juri, being slave to vanity and opulence, is no different. She can be seen going through the stalls, picking up different kind of items from scarfs to jewellery. But at least she isn't interested in haggling with the prices? And it's definitely not done to flaunt her wealth, of course!

She's picking different necklaces from the vendor, modeling them against her own neck, when she comes across a golden rose-shaped locket. The bright green eyes widens and her mind goes blank as the strong scent of roses suddenly invade her senses -- filling her body with awful dread and making her skin crawl.

For some reason... she feels like this is something very important, but she can't quite put her finger on it. So, excuse as she spaces out right there like in middle of busy street in broad daylight??

The chain of the necklace slips along her long fingers, the weight of the locket pulling it and making it drop on the ground with a gentle "cling". Juri blinks, looks down and oh-- in the place of the locket there is just a regular golden flower ornament.

What even...]


b - catch that meddling fairy!

[Shopping isn't the only business that Juri has at the marketplace. Her family's business is also there to showcase the newest products and designs. It'd only be foolish for Jewelry Show not to try capitalize on these brand on new gems!

..But unfortunately, none of the regal rings, elegant earrings, brilliant brooches and other gems are safe from the mischievous fairies. Getting past the protecting glass case was no problem for them, tempting them to try out their luck. Juri had caught more than a few jewellery floating away -- and somehow she doubts that's all that there's to it.

Which has led her to actually get people to catch the fairies.. Or attempt to, at least?]

Your task is to prevent any of the fairies getting close to our stall, and to return any possible items they might have managed to steal from us. Use any methods you see necessary, and what you do with them is no concern of mine. Any questions?


Let's Play a Game

a - in the light

[The casino might be a sudden and new establishment in the Aldrip, but Juri is still carying herself like an old timer. She's wearing a crimson tuxedo, walking around with a drink in her hand like she owns the damn place. She can be seen casually chatting with the other patrons, the lavender painted lips curled into a mild yet polite smile.

The smile wavers a little when a staff member approaches her and whispers something in her ear. Huh, what was that? Never mind it! Juri straightens her posture, flips the fat curls over her shoulder and places her now empty glass on the tray.

Really, she's acting like she's The Lesbian Godfather herself.

Anyway, eventually she makes her way to the gambling tables. She watches the people play, slamming cards on the table and exchanging chips, tossing dice and what have you. Then, when the current round ends and people stand to leave she slides on the vacant seat.]

So, what do we have here? [She asks with a teasing voice, head tilting slightly to her side.] Cards or dice, pick your poison.

b - in the dark

[The sun has already set and it's long into the night. Somewhere away from the prying eyes, a sharp ringing sound of swords clashing echoes along the walls of the maze of alleyways. In the safety of the darkness there's a nest where the illegal fighting ring has their stronghold. And, look at that! It seems like it's a match night!

Weapons, bare hands, solo, tag teams -- anything goes! As long names are kept out of it, of course. No one needs to know just who attends there and not. Those would only make everything too complicated.

Right now, in the circle there are two fighters with swords -- both with a slim and feminine-looking build. While the other has only covered their face with a paint, the other one wears a mask that looks a quite lot like a fencing helmet. There are some red curls peeking from underneath it. Wielding a rapier the masked fighter moves fast and ruthlessly, seemingly not caring too much of the proper rules of fencing. Given a chance they do not seem to hesitate to kick other person's feet nor using her free hand to push them around when they get close to opponent's personal space.

They really live up to their nickname: The Beautiful Leopard.

Most of it is just for the show, as one can guess. And the crowd is eating it up, cheering and booing at every dirty move -- depending on who they've bet on. But everything needs to come to an end. With a one quick move the masked fighter manages to send their opponent's sword fly off. Oops, the audience better watch out! But that concludes the match. Some cheer and some curse, as is to be expected, coins are exchanged and part of the crowd disperses.

The masked fighter themselves turns to look at the people surrounding them and extends their arm out, beckoning a new challenger step up.]

WILDCARD: [hit me up with your own starter!!]

closed to haru

[beautifulleopard]

It's dead at the night and the city of Aldrip is sleeping peacefully . The moon is high up and shining it's pale light over the buildings as Juri is making her rounds. But unlike in the daylight when she's donned up in the suits, she's currently wearing her silky evening gown.

She walks carefully around the town, afraid of being seen by anyone. Once she finally makes her way to a promised spot at the fountain near the gardens, she automatically reaches her hand to grab on the necklace -- one that isn't there. Huh.. why did he even do, that? Well, anyway, that can't be important.

Juri sits down on the edge of the fountain, idly looking at her own reflection on the water's surface. The anxiety is very evident on her usually so cold and stern face. It's the nature of this meeting that has her feeling strangely.. vulnerable and afraid.]