Lunar Interlude 3

[balancemod]

What a mess. NAVIGATION 1. NEW RECLAIMERS A. WELCOME WAGON For the 14 of you who will be arriving today, the story is the same: though you may not remember it, there was a moment where you were living out your life, at home or wherever you were ... and then there was the moment the Hunger came. And amid the television static that is your memory of that moment, a hand reached out to you, beckoning your escape as the tendrils of darkness destroyed everything that ever existed about your world. "Would you hurry this up, please? Your world no longer stands a chance. Come with me, we are the last bastions of hope for all universes everywhere. And we're going to need you." And then, unceremoniously, you are dragged through the universal wringer and plopped down on the soft, though not quite cushioned, grass of the Moon Base Quad. You're not alone, either. Along with the newest members of the Bureau, in a fashion probably not unlike this, there are people waiting here for you. People who wanted to see the heroes the Director has managed to bring in this time. People who are excited to see what you're capable of. You have a few minutes to talk with each other — or maybe lob a few questions at the impromptu welcoming committee, or any of the older Reclaimers who may happen to be nearby. But before long, you're whisked away to a different area of the Moon Base. B. THE VOIDFISH The 14 of you are quickly divided into three groups, and brought to the easternmost geodesic dome, to an elevator in a well maintained, but sparsely landscaped field. There's nothing particularly ominous feeling about the space — in fact, the two guards who greet you at the elevator entrance seem pleased with your arrival. You are, after all, one of the few chosen by the Director, the few who will reclaim what the Hunger has destroyed. And in a few moments, you're about to find that out for yourself. After a tightly packed elevator ride, your group is ushered out to a rather grand looking hall, banners of the Bureau of Balance adorn both sides of smooth metal walls. And inside the Voidfish's chamber stands a tank — impossibly tall, and soaked in a black ink that obscures whatever the tank may be holding. You may notice a melody, someone playing the violin. It's a bard, on his third round of introducing Reclaimers to the Voidfish. When he's finished, he pulls out a few pieces of paper — sheet music — opens a drawer at the bottom of the tank, drops the papers in, and shuts it. And suddenly, it seems you've forgotten everything that may have been ironic about that melody. If you seem alarmed, the bard takes notice of it. "Yeah, man, like... don't think too hard about it, it's like that every time. I'm guessing you're here to be inoculated? Just a heads up, you might want to, like, seriously, hold your nose while you drink it down. It tastes wicked gross, man." You sort of get the sense that he's said this speech once or twice in the past. It's well rehearsed, much like the stories you'd expect a bard to be able to recite. "Anyway, I'm supposed to tell you that you have a choice. If you drink the black stuff, you'll be able to hear through the, uh... Huh, how do I describe it? Through the [TSHCSCHTSHCHSC] sound. You guys like, hear that? Anyway, it's all about knowledge or something. I don't know, I'm just here to, like, feed the thing. We call it the [TSCHHSCHSCH], by the way. So, like. You get a choice. You can drink it and understand stuff, or not drink it and then hear that crackling noise all day every day. If I were you, I'd drink it. But, hey man, I'm not like, your dad or anything." The bard takes five cups and draws liquid from a spigot connected directly to the basin of the large tank. Stormy, muddy looking ichor is drawn into them, one by one. He offers each of you a sip. Drink it (he wasn't kidding about what it tasted like), and you're inoculated to the wisdom of the Voidfish. You try to remember the song this bard played a few moments ago and the melody, the meter, every octave, all come back to you. And if you think back to your arrival, some of the things you may have heard other people in the Quad say, that simply sounded like static, are suddenly clear. Bureau of Balance. Grand Relic. Reclaimers. Yet you still can't remember the Hunger or what it had done to your world. And as you look back to the tank in front of you, the water has become clear. There's a jellyfish, as tall as a building, floating within. You look into the body of the creature and you can almost make out a beautiful, tiny universe floating within it. 2. THE TEST OF INITIATION With your new knowledge on the Bureau of Balance and your purpose here in tow, you are led without hesitation to the Arena, where the final phase of your initiation into the Bureau will be held. You are partnered up, whether it is with someone you drank the ichor of the Voidfish with, or perhaps even a veteran Reclaimer, who either stopped by to help, or simply out of curiosity. After the proctor confiscates your weapons for the test, the room you are placed in is stark white — it sort of gives off the vibe that it was supposed to do something other than look so sterile once upon a time, but for whatever reason, that function is lost. With a sound similar to an airlock, the door is shut behind you, and the outline disappears, the lines of the door frame magically filled in with the rest of the wall. Your task here is to escape. You are provided with the following tools: ○ A small flatware set from the café. Two forks, two spoons, two butter knives ○ A popular Faerun children's toy: "It's Elementary, My Dear Brewer: Chemist Set for the Discerning Beginner." It's essentially a simple chemistry set. ○ An inflatable hammer that plays one progressive note of a jingle a lot of you probably hate by now with every hit. ○ A wooden toy sword. ○ A plate of spaghetti — hear us out, though. Thanks to a Reclaimer who came before you, and thanks to the robot that's making your food, it's the kind of spaghetti that grants you extra strength for an hour after eating. ○ A crowbar, with a note attached to it: "DO NOT USE CROWBAR." Seriously, don't use the crowbar — the purpose of this test is to assess your ability to find a solution outside of the most obvious one. The purpose of this test is to determine if you are capable of resisting the call of a Grand Relic. Use your wits. Use the path actions granted to you when you arrived. Use any ideas your partner has. But do not use the crowbar. 3. NEWBIES AND VETERANS, AROUND THE MOONBASE A. I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN The Reclaimers were already sort of elevated to a certain level in the Bureau, as The Director's chosen few, the ones who were ultimately tasked with saving everyone, and the ones the rest of the Moon base is charged with assisting. And now that the Reclaimers have successfully brought home two Grand Relics, they're ... starting to become something of household names. Moon Base names? The next time you wander into town — an old Reclaimer veteran or a brand new face — you may very well be accosted by a well-meaning, if curious admirer. And they have questions: Did you get to hold the Grand Relic? Is it true that you took out a sandworm by tricking it into tying itself in a knot? Can they see your weapon? Would you spar with them sometime? Maybe they're not quite this annoying. But still annoying. You may need the assistance of another Reclaimer to escape from this wholesome new Adoring Fan of yours. B. MALFUNCTION Resting on the Moon Base is your time to catch up. Maybe there's someone you didn't spend a lot of time with in the Netheril. Maybe you're new, and you're still working on meeting as many of your fellow Reclaimers as possible. Which is fair. These are the people you will have to cooperate with for the foreseeable future, so it's best that you get to know them as well as possible, right? And then, one day, your Bracer buzzes with a message: Hello! Not all that curiously, the message appears to come from a username that you recognize. Whoever it is, it's another Reclaimer — one that you know well. Much more curiously, the message is followed by an odd beeping, and a perhaps familiar two-toned sound of something shutting down. And when you try to message your friend back, you may find that: For the next 24 hours, your bracer's translator feature is broken. You will not be able to understand Common — and when you speak, you won't be translated into Common. Have fun with that! And yeah, that probably wasn't actually your friend messaging you. Add another mystery to your list of weird phenomena that needs addressing. C. POWERING DOWN This is meant to be a few weeks of rest while the rest of the Bureau prepares for your next mission. The Director, however, believes that this free time should be used to better oneself however they might see fit, and she certainly won't stop anybody who'd like to spend time in the areas they've visited previously — and any new Reclaimers who would like to learn a little more about Faerun. Grab a pal and try these options, both on the Moon Base and beyond, on for size: ○ Stop Dying 101: Also known as Fatalistic Fauna, and Danger Sense to channel your inner barbarian. This is a class that was introduced after the first field mission that offers instruction on basic survival strategies when up against the more inhospitable areas of Faerun. The class is open to everyone, but if you have died at least once during the course of Balance, attendance is mandatory (Unless you're an old bird who was talked into teaching a class instead). Yes, that means you, Komaeda! Curiously, the simulators for this class seem to be working just fine. Neither the Director nor the instructor are going to question it. The monster of the month you'll be facing is the Tarrasque (scaled down to size, but that doesn't make it any less terrifying) — are you cunning enough to escape the simulation? Or are you going to go against the point of the class and try to fight it? ○ Winding down room: A small room filled with the kotatsus brought back from Vista Virs, board games, books, and other quiet activities for one of the days where you're feeling a little more restful. At the front of the room, a keyboard and other instruments are waiting — unnamed Bureau members will offer a few quiet, soothing performances throughout the day, but you're welcome to play as well. ○ Visiting New New Aspen: You may have noticed that there's an enormous tree (You say Christmas, we say Candlenights) jutting out past the atmosphere, nearly touching the Moon Base itself. This was the site of the first field mission, and the tree stands as a monument to the Reclaimers first success in recapturing a Grand Relic. At the bottom of the tree, a peaceful town that cherishes the ornaments it makes sits. The mayor of New New Aspen, Matthew, will greet you warmly, and invite you to any number of ornament carving classes, or to dinner with his Aunt Laurel (She's a giant spider, by the way), or to even just spend some time with the giant cats that protect the town. Perhaps worringly, though, the cat captain of the guard, Bread, is missing. ○ Visiting Vista Virs: A town in the middle of an unforgiving desert that was left completely destroyed. If you choose to return, expect to be put to work — you'll be gathering supplies, helping rebuild homes, or just comforting the Needlers, a race of catcus people who inhabited the town, who have lost everything. D. THE MOON IS YOUR SPACE OYSTER (WILDCARD) There are plenty of other locations around the Moon Base that you can explore at your own discretion. Feel free to refer to the Settings page for more ideas on what shenanigans you can get into. Additionally, we'll be fielding Bender rolls again this month! If a food item was destroyed in a failed roll previously, you may roll to try to fix it. Bear in mind, of course, that you may make it worse. Successful food rolls will stay in place at this time, and can be utilized how you like. Keep in mind that only one magical effect can be in place at a time. blurb code by photosynthesis

Comments

RNG

[balancemod]

Want to try something with the setting? Want the outcome of a thread randomized for you? Let us know here!

You can also ask Bender for a new food item here. We set a standard DC of 11 for all Bender rolls — also, keep in mind that everything listed as a success here stays the way it is. You can ask for items that are under the failed column, though.

Happy rolling!

[oculusriffs]

dave would like some aj

please don’t break apple juice again, bender

please

i’m begging you

[mylawn]

i. welcome wagon (for a newbie)

[The second round of newcomers isn't as surprising as the first. It's heartening, in a way, to know that there are still people being rescued from the Hunger, even if 76 has mostly given up hope of seeing anyone from his world among the new arrivals. Vista Virs took a toll on everyone, and heading out to the main quad when he gets word that there are new Reclaimers is a nice distraction--better than sitting alone with his own thoughts, at least.

He foregoes the tactical gear, trying not to look too intimidating, though he imagines that someone of his stature is going to be a little off-putting, especially when you've just tumbled out into an unfamiliar place. When this happened to him, he tried to take someone hostage. He gets it. He's been there. 76 offers a hand to anyone who looks like they might be a little shaky on their feet.]

Here.

[He's not sure he can explain this, but at the very least he'll make sure you don't fall over.]

ii. dojo

[It’s no secret that 76 spends a lot of his free time in the dojo, and now that they’re back on the moon base, he sees no reason not to continue doing just that. The excuse is that he needs to keep his skills sharp, but the truth of it is that he can’t stay idle for long. It’s not in his nature.

With the simulations down, he has to do things the old-fashioned way, and anyone who happens upon the training area while he’s occupying it gets a front row seat to him wailing on a punching bag with frightening enthusiasm.

That might be an indication that he doesn’t want to be interrupted, but he seems to be cognizant of other people using the area. He doesn’t stop until he’s good and ready, but when he does, he’s quick to ask about anyone approaching.]

Need something?

[Alternatively, you might find him asleep sitting up somewhere. Just. Passed out in some weird dusty corner, like a weirdo. Also he is snoring becuase of course he is.

DON'T WAKE HIM UP or do I'm not your mom.]

iii. winding down

[Despite an apparent committment to spending as much time in the dojo as humanly possible, even super soldiers need to do something that's not spend as much time in the dojo as humanly possible. 76 isn't the sociable type, but this room is (dare he say it) relaxing, and he finds at least a little time to spend there, if only in a futile attempt to unwind.

He's asked Bender for exactly one thing since arriving on the Moon Base, and now that it's on his menu, 76 makes good use of it (it's whiskey). He's got a whole bottle, which he is slowly draining into a glass (and then drinking) as he sits at a table, paging through the available books. It's all very quaint.

76 is willing to share, of course, but there's one question that must be answered first, especially if you are of the younger persuasion.]

There a drinking age on the Moon?

iv. room 305

[Maybe you are looking for Akira? Maybe you are knocking on the wrong door? Either way, this guy is here now, either looming in the doorway, or approaching you in the hall because this is his apartment, thanks.]

I think you have the wrong room.

v. wildcard

[Hit me up for anything you want. 76 likes to TRAIN AND FIGHT and also drink so if you’re looking to spar or boost some combat skills or need a Test of Initiation partner or want to drink I’m super happy to set something up. You can find me on plurk at whitticus.]

ii

[ardainianhonor]

[When he finally turns to address her, Mòrag glances up from where she'd been frowning at the inactive simulation terminal at the end of the room, and shakes her head slightly.]

I'm only familiarizing myself with the area. This... base is a lot to take in—for many reasons. I take it you're one of the [a small pause] rescued?

[ilves]

1b. the best possible first impression

[Lalli can deal with arriving in this strange new place? Lalli can even deal with being led around and stared at, although the latter thing causes him to, you know, pull up the collar of his coat as high as it will go and try to hide behind it. It's almost like he's some kind of strange, two-legged turtle...

What Lalli cannot deal with, however, is this gross cup of something he's been handed. He peers down at it for a few seconds, not impressed with how muddy the liquid looks, before he lifts it to his nose and takes a very cautious sniff. It doesn't really smell like anything, truth be told, but...

...Nope! Nope, nope, nope. He looks right over to the side, eyes narrowing as he studies someone also holding a cup of this nastiness. Is he aware that he has to take a full sip of this Mystery Juice? Yes. Does that stop him from leaning over and trying to sneakily pour most of his cup's contents into the cup of his unsuspecting neighbor? Nah. This is just how Lalli rolls...]

3a. in which lalli is sent to hr on day one

[The hustle and bustle of even the smallest towns isn't really... Lalli's cup of tea, and yet can't resist wandering about this particular town. Everything about this place is so different from what he's used to? It's overwhelming, really; he's tempted to hide under his bed for the foreseeable future, hands clamped over his ears as he attempts to slowly process all of this brand new information, but... well. Even though his world and everything—everyone—in it has disappeared, Lalli is still a scout at heart; he knows that the best thing to do at this point in time is to just keep... steadily pushing himself forward.

But that takes... a lot of effort, you know? A ton of concentration, which is why, when some annoying stranger pops up in front of him and starts babbling away, Lalli has zero (0) patience to spare. He spends a good thirty or so seconds blinking back at this weirdo, obviously incredibly confused, before glancing around to see if other people are witnessing this nonsense. Maybe he makes eye contact with your character, and maybe that look on Lalli's face—something akin to THIS—convinces them to hurry on over? Or maybe, just maybe, they decide to wait to see how his all plays out—which means that they can soon watch Lalli take his hand, place it firmly on this innocent fan's face, and firmly shove them back.]

Go away.

[Where is the Bureau's HR representative??? Blease help...]

3c. i just want lalli to steal someone's food tbh (ft. baby's first kotatsu)

[So you've had a long day, huh? You thought you'd come visit the winding down room to, like, peacefully chill at one of the many kotatsu? Well, whether you're waiting on some friends to join you or enjoying being alone—hello! Lalli has been drawn in by the promise of COMFORT and WARMTH, which is why he's, you know. Plopping right down across from you without even asking if it's okay. Why does this table have a blanket attached to it... he's going to hold it right off the floor and silently stick his head underneath it, because he is Intrigued...

Tell him to move? Tell him to quit letting all of the warm air escape? Tell him to stop eyeing whatever tasty thing you have sitting on the plate right in front of you, because it's YOURS and you're NOT SHARING? Choose your own wacky kotatsu adventure!]

wildcard!

[Throw anything—seriously, ANYTHING—my way and I will roll with it. The stupider, the better tbh!! Also, feel free to contact me over at tuchanka if you want to hash things out/want me to write a starter just for YOU/want me to hit up your toplevel. I kept my prompts simple because I'm hoping to tag around like crazy, so 👀]

the dumbest initiation test of all time, ft emil

[ilves]

[Guess who's never seen a jellyfish before? This boy right here! Thankfully, however, Lalli isn't the only idiot staring up at this (disgusting-looking) creature; Emil is standing right beside him, a fact Lalli confirms by coolly and casually glancing over his way. There are still so many things to process—so many emotions to sort through and bury—but one thing is for sure: it's... good... to know that his one friend is here with him? It doesn't make up for everything—everyone—they've apparently lost, but in a weird way, it... helps. A little. Maybe.

Or: Things aren't as horrible as they could be. Like, Lalli has no access to his familiar magic, Lalli has no way to verify that Onni is Gone, Lalli is trapped in some strange world he has nothing about, but Lalli has a) his rifle strapped to his back, b) the bag of cinnamon rolls he's been clutching ever since he bought it, and c) Emil. ...And he can actually understand Emil. That is an added bonus for sure, so after a second's consideration—]

...It's like a troll. [The ones he's occasionally seen in the water, but as he looks back up at... it? Hmm.] Or something Mikkel would cook.

[Imagine THAT floating around in a pot. Anyway, are there people coming to collect them soon for that weird initiation thing they were talking about... probably, but Lalli's going to watch this creature float around for the foreseeable future. He's not squeamish, and yet... to think that he seriously drank that water...]

[shootstyles]

i. welcome wagon

[Izuku hits the ground hard on his left shoulder and groans as he rolls over onto his stomach, trying to remember what happened. He can't remember much, a hand, a plea to come with, and now he feels like he's just spent an hour on a roller coaster and he hates roller coasters.

He tries to push himself to stand but only makes it as far as one knee off the ground before he collapses back onto his hands and knees, retching a little. Then, as he debates if he's going to hurl or not, he notices that there are... people... standing... watching him debate if he's going to vomit in front of them.

Oh no. Ohnoohno. His face turns red and he starts leaning towards 'definitely going to hurl' just as his brain goes 'oh god, do NOT hurl. DO NOT.']

Um, H-hello?

Stop Dying 101
[Why is Izuku here. He hasn't died. But this definitely feels like a relevant class because... he doesn't want to die. He sits in the front of class with his tongue between his teeth, muttering furiously to himself as he takes notes. It's probably kind of annoying tbh.

Oh wait, the simulation is starting. He glances at the creature, his eyes a little wide.]

That's the sort of thing we're up against...?!

Winding down room
[Izuku's wound tight as hell. Which is probably why HR tells him to go spend a few hours in the winding down room because his muttering is driving everyone crazy and someone is "going to chuck him off the edge of the moon if he doesn't calm down".

He wanders the edges of the room for a bit before coming to stand in front of the keyboard. He's a bard or whatever? They really expect him to play an instrument?

His fingers come to rest against the keys and he experimentally plays one note. It... sounds okay. He plays the first few keys of "do re mi" before hitting a sour note and wincing as he pulls his hand away.]

They really expect me to play an instrument? Couldn't they have picked something more fitting. Maybe I can apply for a different path or something?

[Don't count on it kiddo.]

initiation test ft the wonder duo

[shootstyles]

[If they're going to make the effort of saving you... you'd think they'd trust you're right for this job they've recruited you for. Or at least, that's what Izuku thinks. He's not really pleased about having to take some test to prove himself. He has proven himself. Isn't that why he's here without any choice?

The proctor thrusts him into the room with little encouragement beyond letting him know that his partner is waiting. Probably one of the people that he arrived with. Either way, he's confident he can get them both out with little trouble.

He steps into the room, blinking a little at how the stark white hurts his eyes. Then his vision focuses on the person leaning against the wall on the other side of the room.

It can't be.

His stomach leaps into his throat. He feels like gagging. How? How? Everyone is gone, they told him. Your world ended. There's nothing left. Everything you loved is gone.

And yet... here's something.]

Kacchan...?

[His voice is so low, so quiet, that if they weren't trapped in this empty room it would have been lost to the air. Like he's afraid that if he says it, he might wake up from a dream.]

[noblegarnet]

a: LET HIM REST (or don't)

[Ferran goes through the entirety of the initiation rigamarole with a dull stare on his face, quietly following instructions without much more than a squint or two. Whatever's going on, his heart clearly isn't in it, but it's not like he has any reason to argue... or any energy.

Whether it means people leave him alone or question his lack of questions, his mood isn't going to change just yet. Normally he'd at least be putting some effort into looking like he's fine or something close to it, but the past couple of days have been... a lot.

At the very least, he needs a good eight hours of unconsciousness a few times over. Whether that ends up being in his actual room, on the grass of the quad later, or half tucked under a kotatsu, he's not going to complain how it comes. Someone else might, though.]

b: Must... know... things

[Maybe it's not just because the day before he arrived was a lot. Maybe it's also because he ends up shoving himself into every possible semi-useful distraction he can manage.

As stupid as it feels to just... go to school, that's nonetheless what he's doing, but that only takes up a small part of the day—he spends most of his off hours doing one of two things. Either he's got his nose in one of a couple dozen books, wanting to catch up on what the hell's going on in this world, which can happen in the library, the cafe, or the winding down room... or practicing his magic in the dojo, the arena, or the quad. He is... still getting used to that ice spell, so hopefully he doesn't shoot a random frost spray at someone's foot or something. But hey, he's still pretty good at making copies of things, if you want a backup of your favorite jacket.

Despite keeping himself busy with the above, he is paying some attention to what's happened shortly before his arrival, so even if he's a little weirded out by the furries fox-people, he's interested in hearing their side of the story. And what better way to get acquainted with a new world than to learn one of their languages? His pronunciation is probably horrible, but he's trying.]

Closed to Hibiki: Initiation

[noblegarnet]

[Ferran guesses being trapped isn't anything new, at this point. That doesn't mean he's any more pleased about it, and he ends up staring at the provided items with an increasing amount of Done. If looks could kill, he'd be burning holes into the wall.

As it is, they're still stuck.]

I expected the end of the world to be more serious.

[He is so tired but he can at least manage something resembling humor. ... literally, he hasn't slept in a couple of days, god help them.]

[seasaltkeys]

A - Too Well Known

[Since the return from the desert, Roxas has noticed that things are a little different at the Moon Base. It's not too surprisingly that people seem to recognize him since he's lived there long enough now. But now people seem to Recognize him, and he's been approached more than once for an autograph or a handshake. And it seems to be increasing in frequency.

So he's hiding out in the Winding Down Room. It's quiet in here, and nice under the blanket, even if he's almost buried under it. But he's also nervously glancing at the door and ready to push back if it's anyone trying to ask him for something.]

Hey! -- oh, sorry. I thought you were someone else.

B - Planar System Study Buddies!

[For a relatively active kid, Roxas has been visiting the library rather frequently. But he's also got a mission.

The past mission showed him that the world is a lot bigger than he thought. In ways that he couldn't begin to imagine, and honestly, he wants to know more. Especially about the Astral Plane. Where Souls go. And if Souls were anything like Hearts, what did that mean for something like Kingdom Hearts. It's hard to wrap his brain around and so he's looking for anything that could help.

He's positioned himself by the shelf of books on the planar system and has a stack beside him as he reads. He's also rather absorbed so you might need to shake him to get his attention. Or trip over him.]

C - Day to Day Moonbase Life

[Eventually life returns to normal, and Roxas can be found at his regular haunts:

i. Dojo Training - Roxas is continuing to practice with ranged weapons and dual wielding a keyblade/sword combo. He's getting better. Most of the arrows hit the target now, rather than around it. He still struggles with his spear though..

ii. Skateboarding - Whether it's on his way to the Academy or anywhere on the base really, Roxas can usually be seen zipping along on his skateboard. It's mostly for travel, but in the right location you find him showing off a few tricks or grinding down a rail.

iii. Meditation - Or thinking. Or just napping. Roxas can usually be found under the statue of the Director or on the edge of the Moon Base, especially around sunset. Although he looks a little forlorn in these situations. It just doesn't feel right to watch a sunset without ice cream.]

B - Study Buddies

[notthatbutler]

[Oh! Isn't that...yeah, that's Roxas, isn't it? Over by all those books. Somehow, Dwyer's near the planar system section - probably because deities and somesuch brush up against the Astral Plane - and he spots the other boy engrossed in reading...not just reading though, but definitely researching.

Ah. As the kids say, #relatable.

Dwyer tucks his own selection for the day under his arm, a volume on dragonborn and a record of oral history regarding a couple of pantheons, and sits down nearby, cracking the first book open and sputtering a little as dust rises up. He was going to say something like, "Did you find anything interesting?" but no one has touched this particular tome in decads and gods it smells like musty something-or-other.]

[ardainianhonor]

3C.

[This was all too much. Mòrag had too many unanswered questions and too many unresolved worries; given that was apparently a common state of the new Reclaimers, she'd quickly ushered to the "wind-down room." Maybe it was the fatigue and need to not thinking about all of this that lead her to the keyboard. She hadn't played anything like this for years.]

[It's different from the steamwork organ she's used to. Half an hour of puzzling out scales and some warm ups, she launches something a little this, but rougher around the edges.]

D.

[Later, after she adjusts, the soldier winds up pacing circles around the quad, sometimes reading the pamphlets that'd been shoved at her (Paladins 101: When To Be A Paragon of Justice And When To Develop A Sudden Interest In Architecture and Torm And You), sometimes marveling at the sheer greenery and the lake.]

I can't fathom how they sustain all this.

[Or if you're a veteran Reclaimer that even mildly looks like they know what they're doing:] May I ask you a question?

Wildcard.
[Go with it. I'll roll with it the best I can.]

For Grell

[ardainianhonor]

[Mòrag pauses outside of 404. Her deep breath does little for her tension. She's exhausted from her battles, halfway sick with worry, could really use a bath, and tired of having random crap shoved in her hands. First the ink-water, the bracelet, a collection of pamphlets... and of all things, when she went to get something to eat, that... Artiface spat out a giant, 4ft, offcolor moonbeam banana instead of what she requested.]

[Why would these quarters be any less trying.]

[Another sigh, the soldier activates the door and steps inside. They said someone else lived here.] Hello?

[despairing_hope]

[New New Aspen]

[Komaeda hadn't really explored much of New Aspen so he couldn't say much about the new version of it. What he could say was that he liked it and it wasn't such a bad place. Especially since coming here enabled him to have a nice new left hand, made of wood. It was a bit strange, but, it was better than having no left hand.

He could be found wandering around town, stretching and touching his hand and wrist. He would pick up random things as well as touch things peculiarly. He had to test it out somehow.]

[Stop Dying 101]

[It was embarrassing being forced to attend such a class, but he couldn't deny it.]

I don't feel confident about this, this is definitely going to fail.

[The Café]

[Before him was a loaf of bread that was so severely burned that it must be charcoal, literally. The sad thing was it wasn't even done burning, and all of Komaeda's attempts to put out the fire failed. He sat a bit forlornly at a table unsure of what to do, causing the entire place to be vacated by anyone who came even somewhat near.

If it was still burning he couldn't throw it away but he really wanted to get rid of it. In the end he decided to just wait, ignoring the butter churn he was given he just sipped at the jug of milk. He supposed he could think of it all as a half success.]

I wasn't really that hungry anyway....

[Malfunction]

[The message had been strange, but he didn't think much of it at the time. Almost forgetting about it, who would contact him? It wasn't like anyone ever sought him out after all. And because of his isolationist nature it took a while to realize that... he couldn't understand most people around him.

It was a slow realization that crept up on him in a rather anxiety inducing way. The voices he heard, the words being spoken, they were all foreign and languages he didn't even recognize.]

Ah... it was a matter of time, wasn't it?

[Of course something like this would happen, he still had to pay a debt.

But, he had to try and find someone who he could communicate with. He knew he could talk to Gundam, and probably Kaede, but beyond them he didn't know.

How troubling.]

Excuse me? Do you speak Japanese?

[kirimson]

A. Biggest Fan

[Grand Relic? Sandworm? Weapons? The admirer that found and stopped Kirishima was asking about a lot of things he didn't know, or only heard of in passing so far. He's new, after all, and still coming to grips with everything. Especially the whole "oh yeah everyone you know and love are dead and gone sorry" part. It's disorientating, frustrating, upsetting...but he was quickly coming to realize that the people back home weren't the only people he had to worry about and focus on. Clearly these people here were in need of help too. The way the lady is talking to him reminds him of bystanders in awe after a hero comes and saves the day. Curious, amazed, excited...and even though he didn't do any of those things, it at least gave him kind of an idea of what to expect. Hero work, which is something he could do.

And that work would start right here with this admirer. She doesn't annoy Kirishima at all, the teen smiling and standing just a bit straighter.]

I'm actually pretty new, I've got no idea about that sandworm stuff or anything. And I don't have a weapon yet either, sorry...but the hero Red Riot is gonna help look after you guys now too! Whatever those villains who are out there destroying worlds do, I'll definitely help stop 'em!

[He doesn't really need help escaping, per se, as talking to the public is just part of the job. But he also clearly has no idea how to answer any further questions that come his way, that confident line and face slipping into something confused soon after. So maybe some assistance would be good...he's glad she's so enthused with his answer, but what is a Vista Virs or a path or everything else she's talking about?!]

B. Stop Dying 101

[That...that monster looks pretty terrifying, if Kirishima's being honest here. Sure, they had villains with all sorts of quirks back home that could make some monstrous looking opposition but this thing clearly isn't human. It's just, quite literally, a monster. He doesn't immediately jump it, hanging back and doing his best to take in the surroundings. He already used up his quirk earlier during that stupid test, so taking any solid blows is out of the question. He doesn't really understand yet why that's the case, but that is unfortunately the case. But that's not even his main issue.]

Hey!! [He's asking just about anyone present who'll listen here, calling out while keeping his eyes trained on the simulated beast.] Are there any civilians here? I know this is about survival but I can't ignore even simulated people!

[He hasn't seen any, but that doesn't mean others haven't either.]

C. Winding Down

[Kotatsus. He hasn't been missing them like some of the old Reclaimers may have been, but it's really nice to find these waiting for him when he's ushered into the room to relax a little. "It's naturally to be stressed as a newbie," someone said as they pointed him in the direction of the relaxing room. It was definitely nice...he'd found the first free kotatsu there was, sat down at it, and rested his head against the table. It was a really heavy weight on their shoulders, having to save the world. Save everyone they loved and cared about, who were now dead...help save the worlds of the others brought here just like them, and even the ones here on the base.

And for that matter, they were on a moon?! A moon! They were in space! And everyone was from different universes somehow? It made his head hurt. He wasn't really stupid or anything, but this weird...multi universal shit was beyond him. How he was pulled from his own universe and was now here was beyond him. And he just kind of needed a nap. Resting against the kotatsu's top would have to do for now.

You can approach him, or you can mind your own business and relax too, letting him eventually lift his head and look over in your direction.]

Uh, hey. Is everything they said about this place and stuff really true? Like...it's kind of crazy to think about, isn't it?

Test of Initiation - Kaede

[kirimson]

[Why were they being tested immediately after they got here?! They were just saved, just brought here, just informed that their friends and family and loved ones and everyone was dead! Wasn't it a little much to just drag them around like this? Force them to drink some disgusting liquid, lead them here and there, and now they were being told to pair up and prepare for some kind of test?!

But Kirishima wasn't going to complain. As frustrating as it was, as much as he wanted answers, he kept reminding himself that he had to save everyone. And if doing this was going to let him, then so be it. It wouldn't be manly or heroic to throw a tantrum just because the circumstances weren't what he'd like. That's how heroes worked, they took bad situations and turned them around. But that left him with the task of finding a partner. He watched for a bit as people paired off and took their turns, trying to find someone to choose approach, before finally spotting the first person standing on their own he'd seen yet. He quickly approached the blonde girl in pink, waving a hand in greeting.]

Hey! Do you have a partner for this test thing yet? Wanna team up with me if you don't?

[hxppythxughts]

♥ 1A - welcome wagon! ♥ (OTA)

[The feeling as Sayori finds her bearings after tumbling clumsily over the grass in the Quad is strange. It's like she's just gotten off a roller coaster, one which has unsettled her stomach and her head a little too deeply.

She squeezes her eyes shut and puts a hand to her forehead from her position crumpled on the ground.] Uuuu...

[Gosh, she doesn't feel good. But there are other people around! Sayori straightens up a little, her eyebrows furrowed as she puts on her smile.] Ahaha, wow, what's going on? Is there going to be a performance?


♥ 2 - test of initiation! ♥ (closed to Dave Strider)

[Sayori didn't have all that much to confiscate, but she still feels a little bit unsettled by the whole process and the emptiness of the room. The taste of the jellyfish liquid probably has not helped with how off she's feeling. She looks around, hoping to find some evidence of...something else in here. The random smattering of tools helps.

And not being alone helps too! She's sure to shake off any notion of negativity before turning to her companion and giving him a bright smile.] Ehehe~ I guess we'll have to work together, huh?

My name's Sayori! [It is possible that Dave was already told this upon being partnered with her. She has no idea.] What should we try first?


♥ 3A - biggest fan! (OTA)

[To say Sayori is not expecting the reception is an understatement. At first, she feeds off of the excitement, simply parroting back the enthusiasm and friendliness she's receiving. But people are asking a lot of questions. Some of which pertain to things Sayori has not been filled in on, and she has trouble getting a word in edgewise:] Ahaha, I actually just got here, [and:] I don't really have a weapon, [and:] W-wait, why would I fight you?

[She's getting a little flustered by all the attention.]


♥ 3C - winding down! (OTA)

[The visit to town was fun, but a little more overwhelming than Sayori was expecting. She's relieved to find the cute, quiet kotatsu room. And she takes a good look around at what there is to offer, but she knows what will really make her feel better.

With her cute pen--her weapon, now, she guesses?--and some lined paper, Sayori seats herself at one of the kotatsu and begins to write. The focus on her face as she regards the paper and occasionally scribbles a line down is almost comical.]


♥ 3D - wildcard! (OTA) ♥

[Have an idea? Hit me with it or contact me through plurk ceesawaseesaw or Discord! ♥]

AND MORE

[hxppythxughts]

♥ room assignment! ♥ (closed to Faolan)

[Sayori doesn't question why they all have roommates, but she does have the thought that she'll have to try not to be so messy if she's going to be living with someone. Hopefully they have separate bedrooms.

These doubts aren't obvious in her face as she's brought to her assigned dorm, though, where she hopes she can meet her new roommate! But everyone here is so busy, they might not be home. It does seem to be a big day. As she enters the common area of room 505, she raises her voice a little, inquisitive and lilting.] Hellooo~?


♥ 3D - thanks bender! ♥ (OTA)

[The wide array of foods available in the café is astounding to Sayori, and she's so excited to eat them all that she's not sure what to try first until she realizes she can request anything. What she does next is basically a given.

So Sayori can be found sitting in the café with two plates of cookies--one with the astounding, magical, ever-warm chocolate chip cookies, and one with triple chocolate cookies, which are not literally magical but are figuratively magical to one girl with a bottomless stomach for unhealthy snacks.

She has a cookie in each hand, one of each type, and is alternating bites of them with a very satisfied expression on her face. But she has whole platefuls of these cookies--perhaps she'll share with you if you join her!]

[whippings]

1A
( On one hand, if the world is truly ending and someone out there has put together a crack-team of professionals from all across the multiverse to save it, it is only natural for someone of Franziska's talents to be included. On the other, it's a lot to take in at once, even if one is to accept what is happening at face value, and whatever mechanism has brought them here has left Franziska feeling quite nauseous.

As a result, she's rather pale in the face as she does her best to seek out more information on the people she might be working with. She'll turn to anyone nearby and ask: )

So why have they brought you here?

1B
( Franziska cradles the cup of mysterious black liquid in her hands. It is possible that this may all be some elaborate ruse, and the concoction she holds is actually some sort of advanced poison. Yet, the place they are in is nothing she has seen before, and if she is being told the truth... she refuses to be afraid of some mere drink, no matter how disgusting it might be.

So determined she is to not be cowed, Franziska does not heed the bard's warning before raising the cup to her lips...

... and immediately regretting it.

It is only as she takes her first sip that the full stench of the foul liquid hits her nostril and it's repugnant, to put it lightly. She can't quite place her finger on the scent but her first thought is of someone setting a pile of rotting meat and manure on fire on a hot summer's day. She sputters, but dutifully drinks the whole thing, daintily wiping at her mouth with one of her overly-large sleeves.

She glares at the other people in the room with a stare that seems to read, 'What are you looking at?'

It's only when she then looks over at the tank that she lays eyes upon the giant jellyfish floating inside.

Her nose crinkles. )

Did this ( she gestures with her empty cup ) come from that?

( Because WHAT IN THE WORLD. )

3C: Stop Dying 101
( Loathe as she would be to admit it, Franziska is out of her depth with her new position. There seems to be a lot more physical combat involved than she was expecting. And in typical Franziska fashion, she hated feeling inadequate at anything, and the best way to resolve such an issue was learning so here she is as Stop Dying 101, even though she hasn't died once (yet).

Nonetheless, she is still overwhelmed by the concept of trying out the simulator, and she turns to ask the nearest person: )

Are such creatures common around these parts?

( How much effort does she have to put into learning how to mitigate this risk? )

D
( wildcard! want to plot something out? hit me up on ziskandra on plurk! )

Closed to Maya (Test of Initiation)

[whippings]

( On any other day, Maya Fey might not have been Franziska's first choice of partner when it came to solving puzzles. However, this is not an ordinary day, and a familiar face, with abilities and limitations that Franziska knows, is better than attempting to complete this test with an utter stranger...

... and that's what brings the unlikely duo to the sealed, sterile room, Franziska's fingers twitching in the absence of her whip, which she'd surrendered to the proctor before the test begun.

She's not a fool, after all. She's in a strange new world, and the best thing to do for the time being is to play along nicely.

Naturally, her gaze immediately drops to the crowbar, and although she's not going to pick it up (what an obvious trap), she almost wishes she could hit someone over the head with it.

Not Maya, though. She had gone to great lengths to help rescue her... acquaintance? )

Well ... ( she starts, without any further preamble ) you've more experience with being kidnapped than I. Where would you suggest we start?

[petsthedog]

i. i'll follow you until you love me

[He was over the adoring fan thing in Vista Virs, honestly. It's no less annoying now than it was then and he's also in a significantly poorer mood than at the beginning of the mission so rather than attempt to humor them he just straight up ignores every question that's asked of him, with a short "get out of my face" delivered to anyone who shall we say, is too enthusiastic to take a hint and tries to block his path in order to get his attention. Younger fans that are closer to his own age will get a somewhat kinder brush-off, something more to the effect of "I'm busy", but pretty much refuses to give anyone the time of day beyond that.

He's fine with things this way right up until someone is far too nosy for their own good and filches the Evoker at his waist to get a better look at it, and they're in the process of asking him where the bullets go when he snatches it back out of their hand and gives them an absolutely venomous glare.]

It ain't a goddamn toy, alright? Go away.

ii. malfunction junction

[Oh huh, that's a message from somebody or other that he he knows. He doesn't get a whole lot of messages, so that's a little surprising, but not much. Maybe someone's just bored. He can kill a few minutes on this.]

おっす

[.....huh. That's weird. He hasn't been able to speak or write in Japanese in months.]

iii. malfunction junction pt. 2: electric boogaloo

[So. This is unfortunate. Not that he hasn't missed being able to use his native tongue, but communicating with people is going to be annoying as hell...he probably should've at least paid more attention in English class back in the day, ah.

If you're someone who Shinjiro knows to be Japanese or is otherwise obviously so, he'll probably grumble with you should you cross paths.]

These guys really oughta get a better handle on their tech, huh. What a pain.

[If you aren't, however, and you're attempting to get his attention in some way, he'll have one of two reactions depending on what language you're trying to use. One of these is rubbing at his neck in faint embarrassment because he only understood part of whatever you said.]

Sorry, crap English. What?

[Please use easier words for this boy, thank. Or--he'll roll a shoulder helplessly at the use of any other language around him, because he might as well be hearing Voidfish static for all the good it does.]

日本語は話せる？

iv. rest in peace - vista virs

[The news about Suwa hits harder than he would've thought. Shinjiro doesn't go back right away, because he's never been good at confronting grief in any way, and there were people down there that had lost everything. Hell, he'd only met him a few times; the Kitsune had lost their leader, along with their homes.

Eventually, though, he does find himself back down there. He helps with the rebuilding for a while; it's a good distraction from his own thoughts, and feels like a more productive use of time than moping around the moon base. But he can only do that for so long before he needs to stop, and he makes his way out to the graves out on the outskirts. There's no way to know which one belongs to him, so he just sort of ... addresses the whole lot of them. Feels a little dumb doing it, but there's a weight sitting on his chest that demands a release, and he has some privacy for the moment, at least.]

....You big dumb idiot. Figures you wouldn't've stopped fightin' until you couldn't anymore. Way too damn much like Aki.

[He misses Akihiko more than he'd imagined, either, and maybe that's why this hurts for him the way it does, because the resemblance in their personalities had been something he'd felt from day one. It was a little like losing him all over again.

He doesn't know much a whole lot about how things work around here, about the Astral Plane or any of that other stuff, but .... he hopes wherever Suwa's spirit is now, if it even is anywhere, that he's at peace.

And for the first time in more years than he can even remember, he kneels down before those polished stones and puts his hands together, not quite in prayer -- he can't really say there's gods he believes in, these days -- but something like it, maybe. If another Reclaimer should wish to join him, he won't turn them down.]

iii

[protegge]

[So, here's a fun fact about Guido Mista. He doesn't do any of that international relations shit himself, or trade, or anything really remotely related, because he's no diplomat and he doesn't want to be. But: he does need to know some basic phrases. While Can you speak Japanese in Japanese is not one of them, he does recognize the word Japanese in Japanese. The rest is context clues.]

[He regards Shinjiro with a long, slow blink before it clicks. Ah. This . . . this is some shenanigans, ain't it.]

[After another moment, he breaks into a wide grin.]

Parli italiano?

[secrowtary]

( 1A: Welcome wagon )

[ This surely is an impressive welcoming committee, but at the same time it feels a bit off being welcomed like this. Especially after everything that happened up until now. Despite the festive atmosphere, Hibiki doesn't hesitate to ask: ]

Can we get down to work already?

[ It's all fun and games until your world gets destroyed. If they truly have a duty to fulfill, there's no point in dragging it out. It's definitely has nothing to do with coping with the situation. ]

( 3A: I'm your biggest fan )

[ That welcoming committee from before was nothing compared to the army of admirers that is currently chasing Hibiki down. It's his own fault for blinking at a few people in awe made them join the chase. This allure skill is too OP and he needs to find out how to control it right away. Or how not to use it, like, ever again.

While Hibiki doesn't mind a jog around the place, he's really not used to that much attention. ]

I haven't done anything yet! Would you kindly leave me alone, please?!

[ That might not happen for a while... ]

( Wildcard: Back to school )

[ Winding down room? Please, taking notes is way more relaxing. Not to mention that gathering information about Faerun might be way more useful than just resting and listening to music or something along these lines. There's already a huge pile of papers next to Hibiki even though the lecture has barely started. A few minutes later, he'll turn to the person sitting closest to him: ]

Excuse me, could I borrow a pen? Or maybe two. If it's not too much of an inconvenience for you, of course.

[ Is he taking notes or writing a book? ]

( Wildcard 2.0 )

[ If there's anything else you'd like to do, just go for it! I'm always available for plotting and stuff via PMs and on plurk @ koohii ]

school!!!

[grakraka]

[Akechi likes school, so he's perfectly fine with attending the class, even if it's annoying that Qrow got out of it. (Then again, he doesn't have to worry about Qrow actually doing his homework, so overall a win). He also takes a reasonable amount of notes—not too many that information gets lost but not so few that he misses important details.

When he hears the request, he reaches to grab a pen to offer him but he actually looks and stares for a second.]

A-Are those all of your notes?

[illequipped]

3a. biggest fan

[Maybe a year ago, Emil would have reveled in this attention. Even though he barely comprehends what's going on (and honestly, drinking the weird... monster juice!!! made it worse!! he has no idea what's been happening!!!!), the idea of adoring fans admiring his many talents has always been, you know... something he kind of wanted. Who wouldn't want that?

Well, Emil himself, he's learning now that he has just the one. Being accosted by reporters (all three of them) a day ago was enough; being followed around by this relentless stranger is the worst. Can-I-see-your-weapon this, can-you-fight-with-me-for-fun-really-wouldn't-it-be-fun? that—Emil has had Enough.

He's decided to make a run for it, which is the second time he's decided to make a run for it today, and while he's leaning against a wall catching his breath and someone- that's you- comes innocently around the corner into his periphery, he does the only natural thing and startles, then nearly takes a swing at your face. Because that's the done thing, right? Just trying to punch people in the face? To his credit, he does stop in time, but then he's just standing there, fist raised, looking uncomfortable about the whole thing.]

Uhhhhh— I thought you were someone else.

[cool yes this explains everything about his actions]

3b. malfunction

[Emil is luckily(?) no stranger to abundant lack of translation - actually the whole automatic Common thing is a little shocking after the, like, 50% understanding lifestyle he's been living lately - but it's still annoying. Really annoying, because here's the thing: as far as Emil is aware, there are only 5 languages left and none of them are at all common (aha) around here.

He's Swedish, he keeps trying to insistently explain to people. He speaks Swedish and like twelve words of Finnish that are even less helpful. So after his instant and at this point, tired response to whatever nonsense words are coming out of anyone's mouth, which is just a dull stare and:]

Va?

[He's going to... draw pictures to explain himself. This is great and will not make anything harder to understand at all. He can't really... draw, though? What he comes up with is probably the voidfish but he ruins it by writing on it in goddamn Swedish anyway.

He is holding this up to basically everyone, because he understands no one. He also might have some misconceptions about what the voidfish actually does— "it didn't work???" his desperate scrawling is trying to convey.]

3c. chillin

[please god just let him rest

Or: a room with light music and mysterious, like, heated table things...? Emil finds this place once and practically moves in. Does he recognize a single board game? Not besides, like, chess and checkers (both of which he sucks real ass at, for the record), but he isn't going to read the rules, either, and will simply start taking out pieces of various Classic Games and trying to figure out what to do without step one.

So, making it up. Come play this Mouse Capture Game with him, which he may have added chess pieces to just for kicks.]

wildcard!!!

[Want something else? Catch ya boy anywhere, including but not limited to: refusing to go into the defense class because school is the devil but loitering pointedly outside to try and listen in anyway; not comprehending being on the moon; complaining that he doesn't get his own room and how this is the worst thing to ever happen.

Or plot with me at jojoveller yeah!!]

3b

[oculusriffs]

[that is the highest quality rendering of the Voidfish or whatever that is that Dave has ever seen. like, frame that shit and pop it up in the Faerun Louvre.]

[he doesn't have a clue what the artist's commentary says, though, so after a minute of staring blankly at the paper, eyes hidden behind a pair of sunglasses, he lifts a hand, closing it in a sort of "gimme" gesture.]

[let him see the paper for a sec?]

[oculusriffs]

i. bonus earthbound track

[so, what do you do when you're a kid who has a both taste bud-inspired and kind of sentimental attachment to apple juice ... what do you do when you're a kid who hasn't really had the real, actual stuff, aside from a serendipitous birthday gift, in four years, and suddenly, the really idiotic Moon Base foodbot is churning out serving-sized bottles of the stuff?]

[you fall back on old habits. you know, the one where you collect apple juice and squirrel it away in your closet.]

[to that end, if you happen to live in one of those rooms that begin with four, or if you're just passing by, you might find an absolutely obscene amount of apple juice in the hallway. like, we're talking enough apple juice to drown planet fucking Jupiter, bottled and ready to go, just sitting there in the hallway. it's not exactly clear how whoever's been carrying them all over here for who knows how long at this point plans to get them all into his room (god I'm sorry, Roxas).]

[and there he is, carving out a path among the AJ with his foot as he carries back another small armful.]

Hey. Relax, I'll stop littering in a sec. [are you really, Dave.]

ii. reconnaissance

[that's not to say that Dave isn't bothered by having seen Vista Virs destroyed, or that he isn't upset by the fact that so many people died, or even that he doesn't empathize with Lucas so goddamn much. they probably all can, in a way, having been dragged away from their universes before the Hunter destroyed everything, and everyone.]

[and aside from that, somewhere down in those awful afterlife kinda caves in the middle of the desert, Dave caught wind of a time loop he really doesn't like. Dave caught wind of a time loop he really doesn't like, and with the time god powers he usually complains about nerfed, he can't think of a goddamn thing to do about it.]

[which brings him to the Artificer's office, a particular kind of pastry in hand, sounding congested, on the cusp of a bad cold. he's not the type to write, or hell, even read, a world's GameFAQ if it gets too longwinded and flowery, but if it's for someone he loves? yeah, he'll do it. he'll figure out if the laws here operate in the same ways that are so familiar to him, and he'll goddamn fix this.]

[either that, or he'll turn the next bookcase he touches hot pink. you might want to stop him.]

iii. wildcard grab bag

[yeah, he is most definitely sick. caught a hell of a common cold somewhere back in Vista Virs. if you don't mind with putting up with a kind of gross teenager, gross in face and also in language, you can also find Dave:

- hiding in his room, with his half papered in bottles of apple juice. (sorry again, Roxas)
- in the winding down room, keeping warm under a kotatsu
- stuck in Stop Dying 101, because unlike SOME OTHER CORVID CHARCTERS IN THE BUREAU, he could not cheese his way out of going
- sneaking out of Stop Dying 101 and catching an orb down to New New Aspen — mostly to bring back some peppermint, giant fruit and a random tidbit about a certain giant cat that's gone missing.]

iv. wildcard again

[anything else you want to do, i'm game! let's do it.]

i - apple juice apple juice

[notthatbutler]

[He's just passing through. He's literally just passing through to walk around. What the heck is all of this. What the absolute heck.]

...I'm guessing you found an even bigger apple this time?

[Dave you have a problem]

[notthatbutler]

3A: Please tell me you didn't just wake me up just to say hello.

[Overall, it's nice to be back at the Moonbase. As strange as it is most of the time, it had started to become...not "like home" or "home", but "homey". It was comfortable for him to be there, and familiar enough that he knew how to get around, and he had this excellent spot on the Quad underneath a tree to sleep on some of the best grass ever that, usually, no one troubled him at.

Usually.

Lately his nap spot had been disturbed by the odd Bureau member or three converging on the spot, as if they were lying in wait for him, asking questions all the while as he tried to get comfortable on this good, good grass.

Is it true you're the guy who got thrown out of New Aspen for mooning the town?

Hey, aren't you the guy who became King of the Goats in Vista Virs?

So how did you punch out a behemoth-sized doppelganger?

...All of these questions are ridiculous. And also highly exaggerated. Who's reporting on the Reclaimer missions, and why is the universe so unfair that now he needs to find a new napping spot? If you happen to be ambling about the Quad, you may find that Dwyer comes up to you with surprising speed, looking furtively back at the Bureau members trailing behind him, and whispers,] Please pretend you were looking for me to...talk about something, anything. They won't leave me alone otherwise...

[please help him]

3B: Quibbles.

[It doesn't matter who actually sent him the message - not that he thinks it really was from someone he knows, not with Miss Zarves still skulking around someplace or another in the ethereal magic that is technology. All that matters to Dwyer is that he suddenly cannot understand a word most anyone speaks or writes, and while he looks generally unphased, on the inside? He's kind of freaking out. It's why he retreats to the Artificier's office, mouth clamped shut as he looks at books. Not reading, because now he can't, but. Looking. Specifically at dragon-oriented books, diagrams and illustrations and even the rare religious tome on Bahamut. After all, he...he needs to learn about the god who settled for him, somehow. And while he can't read, he's doing a remarkable job of copying the titles of interesting tomes exactly as they're written, even if he can't understand what each says, so he can try to ask for them later. And he's sketching out the symbol of Bahamut too, perhaps for later reference?

If you try to chat with him, even in whispers, what first comes out is whatever Fire Emblem Common sounds like - it's not D&D Common or quite anything that would be familiar. Then, he might try Nohrian, which is fairly Germanic in sound but not quite close to anything Germanic to translate. If that doesn't work, he'll slip into stilted and highly polite Hoshidan, which is...close to Japanese. Old, very formal Japanese that either he's pronouncing wrong or was always pronounced differently, but it's better than nothing at all. No guarantees that he'll be able to understand modern Earth Japanese, though.]

3C: Aw, you guessed it, pillow! I love you, too.

[Dwyer is, of course, going to attend Uncle Qrow's Combat Class with regularity. While usually hanging back to help with and learn more field medicine techniques, he seems to watch the combat and monster fight simulation bouts a bit more closely. He'd like to try to catch Qrow specifically for a talk, but he's not going to barge into his elder's space and time to do so.

When he's not having a translation problem, he'll also be in the Artificer's office if you want to catch him reading about Faerunian gods - and subsequently being floored at the sheer scope of pantheons. But his new favorite place (besides the Quad) is the kotatsu room. You'll find him here in the evenings, sitting quietly at a table in the corner, carefully and deftly carving out a small shield shape from a palm sized piece of scrap wood...then etching in the details of a dragon's profile...slowly whittling down a hole near the top for a string...it's a holy symbol, he's making his own to keep on his person, and perhaps through making it himself, he'll get a better feel for his god in this realm. It's as good a guess as any.

There is, of course, always a chance you'll catch him making his own coffee in the cafeteria. With his beans and grinder and the hot water kettle (along with a stupidly large variety pack of herbs and spices from the Fantasy Costco) he's making an attempt to turn kind of "meh" coffee beans into palatable and enjoyable coffee. And he seems pretty into it! Measuring spices to blend into the grounds, pouring the water over them first clockwise, then counterclockwise...this is Dwyer's moment of perfect zen.

Come have some coffee, won't you?]

3D: Er, what I mean is that I never raise a finger for anyone I don't like. (Wildcard)

[If there's anything or anyplace you'd like to interact with my sleepy boy, just toss me a scenario! My plurk is jackabee if you'd like to hash something out.]

3C(before i saw 3c i was gonna have Qrow barge into 3A all YES LETS DISCUSS YOUR TRAINING 4 a save)

[blodsvorr]

[You don't have to be polite, Dwyer's. It's Qrow. Qrow is not polite. But he has noticed that Dwyer is paying more attention with the combat and monster-fighting elements than last time. So, some time when he's wandering around checking in on kids, he decides to check in on this particular kid!]

You can ask if you want a turn on the sims, you know. Sandwich? [He is offering one of the desk sandwiches, yes. Does Dwyer need to eat?]

[unrecovered]

1. Let Me Love You

[Honestly, this isn't the first time Wash has dealt with being widely known outside of a military structure - first as a Freelancer, and then as a Hero of the Galaxy (for helping bring down what little was left of Freelancer at the time, go figure). The thing is, he's had to deal with press before; fans are an entirely different experience.]

[The first few get a smile, or polite non-answers to their questions; the problem is, it never stops with just the first few. By the time you see him, the fans have started asking questions about the specifics of Vista Virs and he is noticeably uncomfortable. After a moment, he makes eye contact with you and recognizes you - or at least your bracer - as a friend. Help him.]

2. And I'm So Damn Tired

[Of course Wash would spend time in the winding down room; he helped get the kotatsus in the first place (and is flat broke because of it, dammit), so it only makes sense for him to try out the room and see how they work.]

[Entirely too well, as it turns out; despite the mug of coffee he brought in with him, he's definitely asleep at one of the tables closest to the wall, in public, right in the middle of the day. Have fun with that.]

3. Cat? I'm A Kitty Cat!

[Wash hadn't been to New New Aspen yet, but he figures he should do at least some reconnaissance of the town where the Reclaimers had their first mission. Plus, it's nice to see mission results that don't end in pyrrhic victory.]

[He was not expecting was the giant cats.]

[He can be found with one of the cats, giving her the best chin scratches she's ever had in her life and grinning from ear to ear. The cat has her head pressed into his chest, one massive forepaw slung over his shoulder, and is purring for all she's worth.]

You are beautiful, you know that?

[He is just the picture of happiness right now.]

4. It's Times Like These

[Other than technological hiccups, it's life as normal around the base, and Wash can be found keeping up with his normal activities.]

[You may see him at the dojo, working over a punching bag or going at one of the dummies with his sword, training to improve his technique. He'll offer you a turn, or challenge you to a sparring match if you look like you're up for it.]

[He can also be found in the archive, nearly buried in books. He's decided that, if he's going to be here for the long haul, he needs to know as much about Faerun as he can, so he's embarking on one hell of a self-guided crash course. One day, he's got maps and books on geography; another, multiple volumes on the history of Faerun; another, literature on the planar system; still another, tomes and tomes of magical theory and how it affects magical practice. It's a lot, yes, but he's got a good memory and he is determined. That said, he wouldn't say no to a study buddy.]

[Or maybe you run into him at the cafeteria, eating Oreos, drinking coffee, and looking rather pleased with things. He hasn't had Oreos in forever and these are definitely hitting the spot.]

5. Hit Me With Your Best Shot (Wildcard)

[Want to do a specific prompt or something a little different? Go for it, or feel free to hit me up at kiaxet or on Discord at Kiaxet#7085!]

wildcard...!

[finalcrow]

[alright, so maybe Mikhail can sort of dig this place.

technological wonders aside (he really kind of wants to poke around the wires that may be in the walls) everything is... just a lot nicer than what he'd been put up with for the past few hundred years. the domes. the greenery. the view outside. the people. if Elysium really was as real as the fairy tales say, maybe it would've looked something like this.

but enough internal pontification. Mik's been given his room assignment and he's here to party... well, no, but he does barge in none too subtly with his arms out like he's expecting a welcome wagon and then some, doing a sharp twirl in place then pointing straight at Wash, regardless of whatever he may have been doing before this clown arrived.]

Bunkmate! The name's Mikhail— just Mikhail. Call me Mik for short, if you want.

[his arm lowers, and he glances around the room with an approving nod.]

Sweet place. You did all the decor by yourself, or what?

[cluelesscavewoman]

1a. Malfunction - To those that speak Japanese

[At first Futayo was that into trying to crutch-hop her way around that she didn't notice. The buzz got her attention for a moment, but looking required more effort that she was currently capable of. Then she does notice when someone approaches and asks her about the relic. The fan gets a blank stare, before they run. The blank stare follows and Futayo nods.]

Jud... The translation spells are broken. I do not specialize in spells, so I do not know how to fix them, de gozaru.

[Ah, so the Juds are not the only verbal tic here. Every sentence is ended the same way.

Even ignoring the tics, she speaks strangely. Using archaic verbs. Then there's the pronoun...It's a male one, but that's not the thing. The thing is that her pronoun means this foolish servant. ]

1b. Malfunction - To those that don't or just want to watch her flop at English

[Not being understood was often a problem for her. Not for this reason.

But she just stared at the reclaimer in front of her for a moment. English, English, it wasn't a mandatory lesson. The translation spells made it mostly redundant except for travelers and diplomats. So Futayo hadn't had lessons, it'd never been an issue before.

But she'd try, she'd pool all her knowledge of English into this. The effort had to count for something right?]

Hello, fuck you.

[Except like whenever teens learn a new language the first thing they learn are the swears. She even leans forward as much as she can, giving an inquisitive head tilt.]

2 She likes this new room

[Anyone going into the winding down room and sitting at a kotatsu might want to be careful. Futayo was not the stealthiest of people. But that was when she was awake.

Any legs that go within her sleeping space under one of the many nice warm kotatsu is getting swatted at. Then some growls.

Eventually a pair of arms will appear from under the cover and she'll drag herself out. But until then she nap.]

3 - wildcard

[She was not happy about the broken leg restricting what she can do. But in a general day she could be found hobbling to her lessons at the academy. Reading about different places and practicing writing(With some angry paper mushing) in the libary. There's a few check ups in the infirmary that she's bolting from as soon as she can.

Then there's the dojo... She's sulking there a lot. Crossing her arms and scowling at anyone able to train. How dare you.]

1b

[oculusriffs]

[oh, does Futayo need a native English speaker to teach her even more cuss words.]

Hey. Fuck you, too.

[mccreehaw]

{ visiting vista virs }

[ It was far from the cleanest mission McCree's ever been a part of, so he's back down on the surface to help with the rebuilding efforts. It's not like he has an overflowing social calendar, and the only skill he's trying to improve is his archery skill as a backup in case he can't use his gun. There are only so many hours in the day he can shoot a target, so he's happy to lend a hand down here, constructing buildings and the like.

He doesn't want to impose on the populace, so he sets up right outside town with a hearty bowl of chili con carne and his bedroll. As soon as he takes a bite, the magic chili summons what he needs to build a campfire and have a seat on a nice log. There's an extra one, should anyone want to join him and talk about the rebuilding. Plus, there's marshmallows! ]

Here; take a load off. Mind if I smoke?


{ wildcard }

[ Feel free to toss up a starter for anything on the moon base! Fantasy Costco, the quad, cafe, dojo, wherever! Even if McCree doesn't have a reason to be there, I'll say he got lost. If you want to throw around ideas first, you can hit me up with a PM or private plurk to fairandbright! ]

future gohan

[lamentingly]

1A. welcome wagon

[lamentingly]

[ Gohan flat out screamed when he was pulled out of the void. His last memories not being those of the Hunger consuming his world, but of the androids tearing his body to shreds. Energy blasts burning through his skin, passing right through him, leaving him with the most intense pain he'd ever experienced in his life. Before everything started going numb. Slowly.

And then, before the darkness. A moment of pride, as he knew that this was what Trunks needed. This was how Gohan could save his world. By teaching Trunks the true meaning of loss.

But no, Gohan couldn't rest. And as he was pulled out of the darkness, that numbness disappeared, leaving nothing but the intense pain Gohan had experienced just before death. He'd let out a sharp yell, kneeling on the ground, panting breathlessly as he wrapped his right arm around himself, and clung to the stump that was his left arm. Shivering, trembling... as he waited for the pain to pass, for his mind to quiet down... ]

W-Where...

[ He finally looked up, and saw the people surrounding him. Some fascinated, some terrified, but most of them excited. His breathless pants started to settle down, as the situation began to finally sink in. He wasn't dead. He was alive. He was in pain, but... he was alive. Was it even real pain? Was it just his memory? Was he... healed? But how? Just... what was happening? ]

... Where... am I...?

[rancori]

3a.

[Fans? Overrated, she's quickly beginning to find. Real. Goddamned. Overrated.

Not that she's ever exactly been the nicest person to talk to, but.

Seriously, what even are these questions?]

No, I... The hell? No, I got lost in the desert and ran from a sandworm! That what you wanna hear?! I'm not...

[She runs a hand down her face, then casts a look around her. Anyone she can throw in the line of fire instead...]

Hey. You wanna find someone else to spar with instead?

3c.

[Maria has a reputation to keep up, thank you very much.

But... Maybe it's okay to take a while to relax in that little room. It's all a lot more comfortable than she's really willing to admit out loud.

And maybe she can sit and slowly leaf through one of the books in it. For reading practice. Totally for reading practice, she only started learning a few years ago, after all.

No one's allowed to know.]

wildcard.

[Want to do something else? I'm not the boss of you, hit me with anything you want! Feel free to PM this journal or PP me at freege, if you want!]

3c

[grakraka]

[Akechi spies her, though, and decides to share a spare with her.]

What are you reading?

[Most people buried in books do not want to be asked this but oh well. Time to intrude.]

[erythristic]

tempo - dojo.

[there's combat with a sword, and then there's what one's path dictated. and much as it was more trying, with false starts and lessons at the academy, Grell knows she's not going to get better if she doesn't work at it. it'd be an utter shame to call herself a Dancer if she didn't dance.

so today, she's set herself up in the Dojo, but before beginning to fight the simulations, she found music to play in the background from her bracer, and it informs her motions, working the fighting into a vicious dance, the steps into a fight. dodging, step forward, fall back, and keep the line strong. it's not as natural to her as going hard into offense, but it's surprisingly fun, and she keeps laughing.

as the set of music she put on to play reaches its conclusion, she finishes with her opponents, and stops for now, only then bothering to look towards the door to see if someone else is there. and if there is? she's giving them a deep bow.

one must always thank the audience.]

springtime - greenhouse.

[getting a small patch of space was surprisingly easy, she'd found. dirt to call her own, to be able to raise whatever she desired - but there was only one thing that she wanted to start with, and the tiny plants seemed to be growing stronger each day. every few days she'd come to check on them, to water and see their condition.

she thinks, right now, she's on her own. it means that when she's gently touching a leaf, that she speaks, in a soft voice one might use with a child, or a kitten.]

You're doing so very well. You like it here, don't you? Happier in this place? I see.

[god. if anyone saw her acting like this, she'd be embarrassed. a lady doesn't sweet talk her plants, but she's read it helps them flourish.]

research - artificer's office.

[this project she'd begun was going to take reading, and so it isn't an uncommon sight to see her in the library, scanning the shelves with a book under her arm, or finding a place to sit and read with several near her. books on magic, books on myth, but rarely far from her in these moments is a jade green tome that she's referencing to pick books, or to cross reference other books from it.

it keeps her busy in downtime, and she's intent on it. still, it's not always easy, sitting there reading for hours, and there are times when she gets up to pace, trying to clear her mind from all the complicated words, from the headache she's beginning to get.]

wildcard.

[have another idea or something you want? throw it at me, and let's make it happen.]

greenhouse

[rancori]

[Well, would you look at who's here. One of the best damn fighters she's seen in her life.

Maria isn't exactly the best at remembering to announce herself, but hearing Grell talk to the plants like that, well...

She figures she should probably do that.]

...Hey! That working out for you there?

[doubledsofjustice]

Welcome Wagon:

[Mia isn't entirely sure what she expected out of her first few hours of being alive again, but it wasn't really getting shoved around bystanders and given some foreign liquids to drink. Actually, drinking strange liquids that someone tells you quite straightforwardly are disgusting isn't exactly a logical practice. But the bard has promised information, and now that Mia's alive again information is more important than air or food or bad beverage. Mia wastes little time deciding and drinks the offering quickly.]

Eugh.

[Ah. Taste. Did she miss that sense? Not currently. Mia makes a face for a moment (despite forcing out a courteous 'thanks' to the bard), collects herself, and realises all at once that the crackling static patches around her have faded. Nearby is that voidfish and its universe, and before she can process anything else, her attention is wrapped in it. She takes a few steps closer and cranes her neck up to see, eyes wide and mouth just slightly hanging open. Knowledge, it would seem, couldn't usurp awe.]

I've never seen anything like this...

Test of Initiation - Locked to Shinjiro

[doubledsofjustice]

[Mia's lucky enough to have been paired with a volunteer to help-- a rather shaggy looking volunteer, Mia will admit, but no shadier than most she's had to deal with in court. She studies him first, then the room they're led into, walking around the whole room and dragging her fingers along the wall. It's seamless, like magic, surprising and mundane all at once. Once she's done confirming that door really is gone, Mia takes the moment to observe the tools they've been provided with, mentally taking inventory.]

(They don't exactly scream useful...)

[Mia notes, crossing her arms and lifting one hand to her chin as she thinks.]

(There's no telling how thick these walls are, but all of these seem aimed at either trying to tear them down or trying to make a fool of yourself.)

[Not one to make decisions just yet, Mia turns to her counsel, Shinjiro, and offers a polite smile.]

So, Mr. Araki.

[That is definitely not what anyone said Shinjiro Aragaki's name was, but okay.]

Are things... usually like this?


[Logic puzzles with... no logic?]

Test of Initiation - Closed to Blake

[forhyrule]

[ Surely this is a joke of some kind.

"Escape the room," seems like simple enough instructions. Except for when the proctors of the test take your only weapon, cause exit itself to completely vanish, and place a restriction on the only provided item that looks appropriate for the task.

But Zelda is not one to complain, and she studies the array of items intently. The key to success is flexibility and resourcefulness, which seem like valuable traits that the Bureau is probably looking for in their new Reclaimers. Likely, the unconventional "tools" provided are to test exactly those skills. Perhaps there is more to them than meets the eye. Could the inflatable hammer actually be as strong as iron? Could the spaghetti be.....?

Actually, she has no idea what hidden purpose the spaghetti could have. It seems (and smells) like perfectly ordinary spaghetti.

Zelda reaches to grab the hammer to lift it, expecting it to be unexpectedly heavy. However, it turns out that the air-filled hammer is exactly as heavy as an air-filled hammer should be---Zelda jerks it off the table with such force that it flies right out of her hand and sails through the air. It strikes the wall behind her and lets out the first --tink-- of it's annoying little melody.

Well then.

Maybe Zelda's first impression was actually the right one. She turns back to her partner, the kind veteran Reclaimer who had offered to help a partnerless newcomer with her Test of Initiation. ]

This is... some sort of hazing ritual, isn't it?