Test Drive Meme #11

[seasonsmods]

Test Drive Meme #11
LOGS | NETWORK | OOC | MEMES | NAVIGATION

Arrival

Part 1

You arrive in an unknown space, dressed in white clothes (player choice what kind of clothes, as long as they cover everything). Whatever was happening to you before no longer happens. It's like everything was put on a pause and you were transferred away from the situation without you realizing it happened.

The space that you find yourself in is one of these four options:

An empty landscape filled with snow and ice, almost like a blank canvas.
A field with cherry blossom trees and spring flowers.
A sunny beach near an ocean that seems never ending.
A quiet forest with falling autumn leaves.

All of the spaces seem to continue endlessly. No matter where or how far you walk it almost seems like you're not moving at all. There are no animals here - just those who happened to wake up there at the same time, in the same place. Everyone is wearing the same kind of plain, white clothes.

Despite the possible rollercoaster of emotions you might be feeling, the place somehow feels familiar. Like somehow you belong there.

And it looks like you're not alone.


Part 2

After half an hour has passed the surroundings change as everyone is teleported into a room with all the other new arrivals, no matter what space they woke up in. It's a large place with plenty of seats to sit in and beverages to enjoy. Medical attention is offered to those who need it and the doctors here are very prepared for any challenging situations.

Here, in this room, everyone gets an answer to where they are and why. A hologram of a man appears at the center of the room, waiting to be heard. He brings a message on behalf of the leaders of Ellipsa (someone near the hologram mumbles that Olwen still hadn't sent them a new message, even if he talked about updating it).

The Message [ Click to Expand ]

Hello, my name is Olwen. I'm one of the leaders of Ellipsa as it currently is. I'm also one of the four who summoned you here.

Our world is in trouble and we need your help. I apologize for tearing you away from your world and forcing you to come here but I hope you understand. The magic we used doesn't let us ask in advance, nor does it let us choose who we bring here.

This world is composed of four Seasonal Segments. All of them represent one of the seasons. They were the places we used to get our resources from, but now they're dangerous places no one should go into unless they have the power to fight back. All of them have their own sets of powerful monsters and natural catastrophes.

We used to have plenty of people here who could control the powers of the four Seasons. We called them Seasonal Power Holders. Unfortunately, due to a tragedy you can read about later, we lost almost all of them. Now only four of us remain and the world is in chaos. We have done our best to protect the world, but we need more power holders to do that.

That's where you come in.

All of you have been assigned to one of the seasons. Whatever space you were in just now is what season you represent. You will learn different skills based on the season and those skills are going to help you save this world.

These powers don't interfere with your own natural powers. They use a new energy that has formed inside of you. It's harmless to your health, but it's vital to your seasonal powers. Your own powers should still work, even if the dark energy outside the city might interfere with them.

Unfortunately bringing you here wasn't as simple as it sounds. We couldn't do anything about how to keep you anchored to this world other than making a simple spell that helps with it. That is, you need to touch someone else who is not from this world ideally at least once a day. It will help you stay in control of your powers and boost your magical energy. If you don't, the consequences aren't very good. But as long as you hold someone's hand or give someone a handshake, you should be fine.

That's all I have to say about the situation. The staff of the Research Center will give you more information about housing and other necessary things. I will, however, promise that you will be sent home once the situation becomes better. That's the least we can do.

The hologram can be viewed in private in a separate room later, should someone wish to look at it again. For now, the staff of the Research Center hands everyone their new smartphones with their small flower lucky charms (the flower is anything the player decides). They're also told that the building next door is where everyone can find a room assigned to them with some of their belongings there and possibly even any animal companions. Those concerned about their mount-sizes companions are welcomed to the stables downstairs to see if their friends are there. The mounts are allowed to stay there until you find a place more suitable for them.

In the Arrival's hall there are also several stands with information pamphlets.

First type of stand is for the local Guilds and about the benefits or joining one.

Second type of stands is for the Welcome Center that aim to show otherworlders what the world is like and help guide people in the beginning of the journey and helps in getting settled into the new world. They even have people to help if you're unfamiliar with the new phones.

Once you get your smartphone and necessary information, you're urged to go out and find your apartment. After that whatever you want to do is up to you.

Part 3

The building next door is where everyone can find their new apartments. As you enter, you're told by a friendly native that for the first two months you can live anywhere rent-free and five meals a day are paid for you. After that they get a monthly payment that helps with some of their living expenses, but otherwise they have to have a job to support themselves.

All of the apartments are comfortable, two bedroom apartments with all necessary utilities. They are also completely soundproof. Sometimes the magic system, however, does glitch and you might find yourself rooming with a stranger. This is not the intention and the staff will immediately prepare you your own room if you ask them. But maybe having a roommate isn't all that bad?

Hymn for the Missing

Part 1

October is once again the start of the nameless festival of honoring the dead, where regular people can join in helping ghosts pass into afterlife. This ritual can only be done at this time of the year, as the air is filled with a mysterious essence that helps with passing on. The scientists have yet to properly determine what the essence truly is, but it seems to concentrate on the park and at least it's not dangerous for the living.

Much like last year, the key is to partner up with someone and hold up a special wreath made of flowers. Once the wreath starts glowing they must release it and let it float upward. During the ascent, the ghost will be visible to everyone, even if just for a moment, before vanishing with the wreath, leaving behind glowing, floating lights in the air.

Another part of the festivities is sending off floating lanterns. These lanterns can be used to pour all thoughts and feelings of someone the person misses and send it to the skies. Legend says that it will eventually reach the person they thought of, alive or dead, eventually on its journey. It's also viewed as a way of lessening one's emotional weight.

Ortherworlders are also encouraged to light special candles. Doing so will grant them a protective spell that will be with them until its spent. All damage they receive will be halved for three hits. This spell can't be stacked, but it can always be redone during the course of the festivities (until late November).

Part 2

The restaurants in Blossomcrown are also participating in the festivities. They are offering the ghosts a chance to enjoy one final meal before leaving the world. This is only made possible by volunteers.

The food will be provided by the chefs: All the volunteers need to do is let ghosts possess them. They'll be given a magical brooch to hold that will make this happen. Once the ghost has taken over someone's body, they will tell what their favorite food is. It could be just a strawberry cake or something more exotic like haggis.

After they've enjoyed the meal the ghosts usually leave the brooch and the stop possessing the person. However some of them are greedy and will run from the restaurant. It's likely they want to fill their heart's final desire, whatever it may be. It could be singing on a rooftop or even running naked through the marketplace.

During the two months the festivities are happening, the natives will be much more understanding of any weird stunts and crimes the otherworlders do, assuming they're possessed by a peculiar ghost. Unless they see that someone doesn't have a brooch, of course.

Those caught doing dangerous and/or malicious things without being possessed will be put into a pillory for the afternoon, so natives can toss tomatoes at them.

Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake

Part 1

Nightwake has adopted Halloween as an official holiday. The city has been decorated with various spooky things and people dress up in different themed outfits. Even the cat-sized dragons residing in the city have cute accessories like witch hats or devil horns.

The natives are especially proud of the haunted houses they've set up on every district. They fit the theme of the place they're in and some of them even have actual ghosts to set up the mood. Nothing actually dangerous happens in the houses, just some good-willed spooky fun and perfectly cut screams.

Stores are also doing a promotion for boo baskets! Anyone who gathers a basket full of halloween and autumn filled things (clothes, food, decorations, chocolate etc) will get 50% off for their total purchase! The boo baskets themselves are designed as various things, such as pumpkins, bats and different monsters from all around Ellipsa. Anyone is also welcome to design their own basket.

Speaking of baskets, during the festivities everyone will receive a harvest basket on their doorstep. There are those filled with vegetables, some filled with fruit and berries and then a mix of both. Usually all baskets have at least apples, corn, potatoes, pumpkins and squash. The card in the basket says "Please enjoy these, but don't leave them sit in the basket for too long!"

Part 2

A few days after everyone has received their harvest baskets, something strange starts happening. Vegetables that haven't been eaten or prepared for later somehow start growing at rapid speeds. Most vegetables just grow into the size of middle sized dogs and stop there. Locals suggest carving the pumpkins especially into small houses for Harvest Fairies... or just for decorations. Some pets really, really love pumpkin and might enjoy a small house built for them.

Corn is the worst one to leave in the basket as those grow a full corn maze all around the district they end up growing in (including in the house it started in). It's entirely possible to encounter a corn maze even in the middle of Frostreign. Magical corn doesn't care about the soil it grows in.

It doesn't take long for corn maze turf wars to start happening. Mysterious moving jack o'lantern (creatures with pumpkins as heads on different bodies - including void cats pretending to be jack o'lantern) and very regular seeming scarecrows start fighting over their territory.

The locals try enlisting anyone to stop the fight because jack o'lanterns carry lanterns and try to set the scarecrows on fire - and no one wants the corn maze to go up in flames when some of them connect indoors. The scarecrows in turn use any weapons they might get their hands on - including people and animals.

Of course getting rid of the mazes is also a priority. Fire is a no go, but the farmers are willing to lend their scythes for the occasion.

Part 3

During October 21st, Nightwake natives are engaging in a weird new tradition. Apparently, while looking at modern holidays, they found a something called a National Throw a Short Person - day. So it's entirely possible to see short people being thrown into different soft mattresses and other surfaces lined up for the occasion.

They're even encouraging people to participate, saying that it seemed like such an important holiday to honor. How they came to that conclusion isn't very clear.

OOC TIPS

Summary of the prompts [ Click to Expand ]

Arrival
• Characters appear in one of the four seasonal spaces, depending on what season they are
• After half an hour they are teleported to the Research Center lobby and given information
• Hologram of Olwen (Winter Guild Leader) plays, explaining the situation
• They're given their smartphone-like device and told about the Starter Apartments next door
• Possibility of finding a roommate!

Hymn for the Missing
Part 1
• Nameless festival of honoring the dead starts and continues until late November
• Flower wreaths are used to help ghosts pass onto afterlife
• Floating lanterns are send to skies with thoughts and emotions of someone missing attached
• Lightning candles will give people a protective spell

Part 2
• Volunteers are asked to let ghosts possess them so they can enjoy one last meal
• This is possible by a magical brooch
• Some ghosts will want to do other things as well and run away
• Those caught doing dangerous and/or malicious things will be caught in the pillory

Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake
Part 1
• Halloween is now an official holiday
• Decorations and costumes pop up everywhere
• Every district has a themed haunted house
• People are encouraged to make boo baskets
• Everyone will also receive a harvest basket with an ominous message

Part 2
• Few days after the harvest baskets are received, magic happens
• Vegetables start growing into the sizes of middle sized dogs
• Corn will make full corn mazes everywhere
• Turf Wars start in the corn maze between jack o'lanterns and scarecrows

Part 3
• October 21st is the National Throw a Short Person day

- Ask your questions related to the TDM here.

- The TDM is available only to friends of the mods and their friends. If you want to play in the TDM, please leave a note here to inform us who invited you over. We will get to you as soon as possible.

- Test Drive is open for current characters to make a top level as well. New characters can add TDM on their subject line to indicate they're new!

- Current characters cannot access the starting area again to meet new arrivals. They can, however, be at the Research Center when the newbies are teleported in.

- The TDM is game canon so anything in the TDM can happen for your character(s) in the game as well.

- Smut is not allowed on the TDM. You can play situations leading to it, but if the thread is turning into smut, please move it to a private space such a post in your character's journal, or a locked post in the game's log community if you decide to app!

- Check Locations: City to find more areas to explore inside the city. Every place in the districts are open.

- Similarly, Locations: Segments is useful for outdoors adventures.

- You can find monsters to encounter on Beastiary.

- FAQ has information on characters' smartphones as well as general things about the world that might be handy.

code bases by tricklet

Comments

Questions

[seasonsmods]

Re: Questions

[abnormalizes]

yeah hi sorry

re: the ghosts working in the haunted houses:

-can evangeline get a ghost's number
-do ghosts in fact even have phones in the first place

New Character Top Level Links

[seasonsmods]

Emeth Rose | OC | Autum | New character old player

[heartshards]

Arrival
There’s a lone ten year old in the welcome centre looking at her phone like she’s never seen one before.

“Hello? I want to talk to Mom...er I mean the magic advisor of the kingdom of Carreg”

She pokes it and rubs her hand over it and must have brushed the power button as it turned on with a little jingle.

The girl jumped the phone flying out of her hand and she scrambled to catch it, only to find herself juggling it in the air as she failed to get a good grip on it.


Hymn for the Missing

The little ten year old grey haired girl held the lantern at eye level. There was a stuffed patchwork dog that was half her size sitting next to her.

“Okay, tell Mommy than I’m in a new place with a lot of nice people so I’m safe but I’d really like her to take me home okay?”

She held the lantern up as high as she could standing on the tippy toes as she let it go. But just as the lantern took to the air she gasped. Running after the lantern as it drifted higher. The toy dog stood up and started running after her.

“I forgot! Tell her to bring Rhiannon too!”


National Throw a Short Person day

“Oh that looks fun! Can you throw me?”

Being a young child Emeth is totally small enough to be thrown, the problem might be the large toy dog, that might be growing bigger even as you look at it, growling at anyone who looks like they want to pick up and throw his owner.

Arrival

[saint_sami]

"I got it! I got it!"

Another girl would show up, trying to catch the phone being juggled. Long blue hair in twintails waving around as large pink eyes tried to keep up with the phone.

Richard "Dick" Fords | OC | Summer | In Game

[luckynumber13]

Hymn for the Missing
Dick would help anyone who wanted a partner to hold up a wreath with, but right now he was focusing on the floating lanterns. Talking about Mikaela with Lucifer and pulled open an old wound and he he figured this might help a little at least. Even if it sounded farcical.

“Listen… I don’t know if you’re still with Sam and the bitch but… whatever they say about you doesn’t matter.” Dick whispered to the lantern. “You’re clever, and you do your best, and you’re worth twenty of them. And hey… if you get the chance to run away maybe you should take it, don’t be a coward like me okay?”

Dick head the lantern close for a few heartbeats more before letting it go.

National Throw a Short Person day
Dick just has one thing to say about anyone who suggest he should let himself be thrown.

“Try it and I will bite you.”

hymn for the missing

[abnormalizes]

"...I don't think you're a coward."

She really shouldn't be eavesdropping, but she'd meant to say hello to Dick and then caught part of what he was saying to the lantern.

Elzia Perry | Chronicles of Darkness (OC) | Autum | In Game

[nodealplz]

Hymn for the Missing
Eliza had been drawn to the park, being a werewolf meant she was actually half spirit, not that anyone had told her that exactly. Lucky she watched what other people were doing before interacting with anything and after watching a few wreaths float into the sky helping the spirits move on figured out that the weird feeling in the air was what was helping them move on. This helped he ignore the itch of instinct telling her she could do something with it. She’d have to ask Max about it later.

For now she really wanted to help the ghosts move on. So she picked up one of the wreaths and started looking for a partner.

“Hey, uh, does anyone want to do the wreath thing with me?”


Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake

“Look out!” Eliza yells as two spirit wolves ran up and pulled down a jack o lantern ripping the lantern away clawing at it until it broke apart. The pumpkin headed creature, having lost it lantern ran away, the wolves, naturally chased after the moving target.

Eliza finally caught up to the mess just as the lantern started to set more of the wheat on fire. There was a nasty cut on her arm and blood dipping from it but she seemed more concerned about the fire.

“Crap…” Eliza started stomping on the fire trying to put it out before it could spread. “Can you help me with this?”

hymn for the missing

[abnormalizes]

"Oh, yeah, sure!" Evangeline approaches Eliza to take a hold of the wreath. "I don't have a lot of experience with ghosts, but this sounds pretty easy, I think?"

Evangeline | Original (Lobotomy Corporation) | Summer | in game

[abnormalizes]

[floating lanterns]
-I know you're probably very confused right now and maybe a little scared, but you're going to be okay, alright? It's a much nicer place than home, you'll be safe there. I'll come join you there when I can, I promise.

[Fae deals to relocate your parents to a safer world probably do not come with letting your parents know what's up, so this is well timed.]

[haunted house]
Oh! Hi there, handsome- oh, wait, you're working right now, sorry. Don't hit on service employees on the clock, got it.

[The ghost that just jumped out at Evangeline and you looks very confused.]

[throw a short person day]
I'll have you know, I have very high standards. Not just anybody can throw me into a mattress.

[The standards are 'visibly not a human'. Those are the standards.]

[roundandaround]

[Rinku giggles. She's got her Slender Ring on to see the ghosts too, so she waves and continues on.]

They're doing really well, though! The fake hallway was pretty cool. I'm glad I didn't take Mecchan, he cried just from the SEAKEA haunted maze and this one's way scarier!

Kantera | END ROLL (Imeeji CRAU) | Spring | in game

[happydreamed]

[floating lanterns A: unreality talk]
...Truly, I don't know if this lantern will reach you, Gardenia. But if I still lingered in some form after our world disappeared, able to be called to another world, then you should as well.

-You would truly thrive in Ellipsa. There are so many people I would like to introduce you to, so many places you would be delighted to experience. But even if I never see you again... I hope you're at peace, in some form.

[floating lanterns B: probable familicide talk, possible dementia talk]
...What if the person you want to speak to most likely doesn't want to hear from you? At least, I can't imagine Grandfather wishing to speak to me again, nor can I blame him.

[Even if he did talk to his grandfather, what would he say?]

[throw a short person day]
Don't even think about it.

[Kantera is smiling, but it's not a happy smile.]

[floating lanterns B: probable familicide talk, possible dementia talk]

[noodleboi]

What if he does? [MK asks gently and touches Kantera's arm.]

You aren't the original. His sins aren't yours. Even though you live with them. Like you said to him. Maybe your Grandfather would like to hear from you. And I think you have some things you wanna say, right?

Aimoto Rinku | D4DJ (Dig Delight Direct Drive DJ) | in game

[roundandaround]

[Hymn for the Missing 1]

[Rinku came prepared. She's got armfuls of wreaths and her Slender Ring on, and if you can see ghosts, a number of them are congregating around her. She runs over to you excitedly.]

Hey, let's help all of them! Or as many as we can! It'll be fun!

[Hymn for the Missing 2]

[Rinku doesn't look nearly as excited about this one. She can't even go through the door. She's standing in front of the restaurant, taking deep breaths.]

They're not gonna hurt us if they possess us... it's gonna be fine, right...

[Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake 1]

[If you're around Solarpeak, you might see Rinku wandering grocery stores, humming to herself.]

I guess if I gotta use all those vegetables, I gotta cook way more... what do I even make? Hey, you have ideas, right?

[Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake 2]

[Did someone say pumpkin carving? Rinku has set up a little area in the outside platform under her stilt house in Solarpeak to carve the giant produce! Even her Pokémon are getting in on it; Mecchan the Sobble is using one of those little plastic pumpkin knives for kids, and Hina the Zubat is just chewing holes in the gourds.]

Hey, do you wanna come carve? We're doing pumpkins for the whole neighbourhood!

[Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake 3]

Whoaaaa--

[Rinku flies through the air, chucked by the nearest person, and lands on a stack of mattresses. She looks up at the crowd and laughs a little as she gets up.]

What kind of holiday is this, anyway? It's kinda fun.

Hymn for the Missing 2

[mayoninofukucho]

It better not hurt.

[Hijikata looks about as unsure about this as Rinku, but for some reason, he's pushing himself to do it nonetheless! He has his Emboar and Doublade with him, whether as emotional support or for something else.]

Being able to taste your favourite food is important, isn't it, Rinku-chan? Everybody deserves that.

Amahiko Tendou. Charisma House. Spring. New Player/Character.

[wsa]

00. ) NOTES/WILDCARD

//////////////////////////////// ???? ////

( amahiko is a character who is kind of a sex pest in canon. like i'm not kidding, his "job" is World Sexy Ambassador. i'm looking to play him in the middle between his more secret self, the sweeter and kinder and thoughtful guy he can be, and the sex pest he usually presents himself as.

the tl;dr: he won't be WSA-mode like usual to children and will stop (sooner) for people who aren't receptive! please let me know if you'd like to dial it down further or if you're okay with him going full WSA. your comfort matters to me! )

01. ) SOMBER FOR ONCE

//////////////////////////////// HONORING THE DEAD ////

( Being solemn and reverent like this is not Amahiko's usual mindset or manner, but it is possible. Those from home might have found it strange, the quiet way he goes about looking over the lanterns and wreaths. He seems only a little lost.

But when the time comes to find a partner to release a wreath, Amahiko has one in hand, approaching someone who doesn't seem to have a partner either. )

Excuse me. Are you in need of a partner? It won't do to be alone for something like this.

( Wait, why does his voice sound vaguely ... flirty. )

02. ) DUDE WHAT

//////////////////////////////// HAUNTED HOUSE ////

Oh my. This is ... sexy.

( His brows a little furrowed, taking in the sights of the haunted house he's bravely stepping into with another. Arms crossed over his front as he walks, taking in the sight of the typical haunted house trappings. This isn't normally something he bothers with, despite the fact it is pretty enjoyable with others.

And new experiences are sexy.

At least until an actual ghost floats out of the wall and it makes him jump a foot up in the air with a very loud shriek. )

2

[abnormalizes]

Right? I'm glad you agree! It's totally sexy!

[Evangeline apparently seems to have entirely disregarded that shriek in favor of his initial response.]

-Oh, but the ghosts are working right now, so you shouldn't hassle them too much on the clock. Like flirting with baristas who aren't allowed to tell you to fuck off, basically.

[He can definitely flirt with her, but she's only interested in non-humans. But him getting shot down in favor of the actual ghosts sounds hilarious if you're up for that.]

Yzerevaq | Final Fantasy XIV OC | in game

[skypiracy]

hymn for the missing i

[There are a lot of things Yzerevaq has had to get used to quickly, and showing up in this world is certainly one of them. She likes to think she's adaptable and able to bounce back from a bad situation with her head held high, and so far she thinks she's doing a great job. But this whole business with ghosts? Yeah, that's... a bit above her paygrade here.

One of those special wreathes has been shoved into her hands and she's been told to go find a partner, but why exactly is this happening?? Why her? She'd rather not tangle with ghosts if she can help it, so when she approaches you with her expression settled into a forced smile, she has just one very important question.]

Hi, I'm new here. Does this sorta thing happen often?

hymn for the missing ii

[Okay, now this is more Yzerevaq's speed. Sending a lantern off is a custom that she's unfamiliar with, but it's straightforward enough that she doesn't need to be told twice.]

Someone I miss, huh...

[She holds the lantern carefully, head inclined a bit as she considers. There's one really obvious choice, and so she releases the lantern with a fond smile, watching as it floats upward and away.

...And then she promptly cups her hands around her mouth and yells out:]

Hey ol' man! I'll be back soon so don't go gettin' into too much trouble without me, ya hear!?

[She's got the spirit, at least?]

pumpkins scream i

[Yzerevaq is a woman on a mission. She has been given a scythe, pointed in the direction of a corn maze, and told to take care of it, and boy is she delighted at the prospect. Scythes are woefully impractical as weapons (unless you're a Reaper) but there's something really cool about swinging one around, even if it is just to cleave corn.]

I could get used to this! Almost as much fun as swingin' around a sword!

[She's in high spirits as she goes deeper and deeper into the corn maze but uh... well, it isn't long before her path of destruction is swallowed up by the corn, leaving one very, very lost catgirl.]

I must've come from this way, right...? Shoot. Hey, you!

[Yeah, that's right, she's talking to you, unfortunate victim.]

You know the way out? I guess I got turned around.

[...Are we lost in this corn maze together??]

punkins scream ii

What— Hey, put me down!

[You'll never guess who is just under five feet and is now being picked up for the sole purpose of being thrown. Yzerevaq is not above squirming and clawing her way for freedom, but thanks to her gloves she's not getting very far with the latter. She is chucked straight into a mattress, bouncing a bit before settling. Her ears are perked straight up as she tries to decide what she thinks of this.]

...Well, ya could've just asked!

[And then she's running back over to be picked up again???]

C'mon, throw me like ya mean it!

[This is absolutely the equivalent of those cat videos where the cat wants to be chucked onto the bed again and again.]

wildcard

( Yzerevaq is a new character to the game, so I'll gladly enjoy any sort of CR, positive or negative! She stands at 4'11", carries a gun and twin swords on her, and looks like this. Yzerevaq is a FFXIV OC, but not the Warrior of Light, so she doesn't come with spoilers of any sort! If you'd like to do something else with Yzerevaq, feel free to PM me or hit me up on plurk at pokerap! )

hymn for the missing i

[happydreamed]

Ah, with the ghosts specifically, or in general? Large events that we're encouraged to take part in are fairly frequent, I would say.

[Kantera takes all this in stride, naturally, having been here for over a year now.]

The wreaths are new this year, and frankly an improvement over last year's activities.

The Princess | Slay the Princess | Returning Player, new muse

[shifting_and_changing]

Arrival

Despite having arrived in the same white clothes as everyone else, the moment everyone's eyes were off the pale woman, and then on her again, she was dressed like royalty. The clothes were still white, but now a regal dress. She doesn't seem to have any reaction to this sudden change.

Instead, she was looking around at the new surroundings. It was hard to tell what she was thinking from expression alone. Curious was the most someone would be able to pull from it without talking to her.

Hymn for the Missing

The Princess's eyes were fixed on the lantern ritual. Her expression was somber, looking between the lanterns flying high, as well as the lanterns being offered to people for their use.

Each time a new one was sent up, her gaze followed it, even squinting to see it for longer. As if it'd give her an answer. It never did, so she muttered her question to herself.

"Why can't I remember?" the frustration in her tone was obvious.

Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake

One particular corn maze had become a concern for the locals. They weren't sure what was in there, but they were hearing laughter that didn't sound like the Jack o'lanterns or the scarecrows.

If someone was brave enough to push in deeper, the first thing they'd notice was that much of the corn maze was cut down. Following the laughter, as well as the now clear screams of the pumpkins, they'd come upon the source of the noises.

There was the Princess, mouth pulled back in a joyous smile. The way her mouth stretched seemed somehow wrong, the corners of her lips reaching farther than they should.

The Princess held a knife in each hand, and she laughed in apparent rapturous glee. She pummeled Pumpkins and shattered Scarecrows, just as she had been asked to by the locals.

pumpkins scream in the dead of nightwake

[kerontribution]

Oryou is well-known to be afraid of absolutely nothing, so it's natural she was asked to go investigate the corn maze. She floats over, a good foot off the ground, and watches the Princess stab and smash pumpkins and scarecrows for a moment.

"Is it that fun?"

She's laughing a lot, so she must be having fun, but these don't look like particularly exciting opponents to Oryou.

MK || Lego Monkie Kid || Autumn || Established Character and Player

[noodleboi]

Hymn for the Missing Part 2

MK wasn't sure about this honestly. Last year the candle lanterns and boats were nice. He was able to say goodbye to someone and have a dream about them. He was hoping he could do it again this year and he still can. But there was something else going on too with the restaurants. Let a ghost possess you and let them eat their favorite meal one last time. Then they could pass on.

MK knew how important food was. Good food when it is right, it's home. Letting them feel home one last time sounded like a wonderful thing. Being possessed did not. Still, they said it would be okay. The ghost would eat then leave. So MK put on the broach. He felt himself fall back into himself as the ghost took over. The meal was delicious. Savory chicken, buttery potatoes, and fresh corn. It was a happy feeling of home and fond memories.

Though once the meal was finished, MK didn't feel his limbs again. Instead, his body stood up and booked it from the restaurant fast enough to kick up menus and napkins in the wind. The ghost in control smiled as he raced off through the streets. He had other plans. Once last thing he had to do before he could rest. And MK was along for the ride.

Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake Part 3

National Throw a Short Person Day was so funny sounding. Of course MK was going to join in. He could easily toss short people toward the mattresses and piles of soft cushions and pillows. That was easy. However, MK also wanted to be the tossed person. Which was why he made himself little! He could shrink an shrink he did. He was about toddler height now. He lifted up his arms and smiled.

"Come on! Throw me! It's important!" Well, the locals said it was. So it had to be, right?

throw a short person day

[happydreamed]

"Oh goodness, you're so tiny!"

Kantera does pick him up, but only to squeeze the adorably travel-sized MK into a hug. Throwing, what throwing.

Levi Ackerman // Attack On Titan // Winter // In game

[wingbound]

--1. Hymn for the Missing, Part 1

Much like last year, Levi dedicates a whole day to spend at the festival. After all, it was this very festival last year that, as far as he's concerned, had brought him Erwin. But while he's found somebody, he'd also lost someone else. Once again, he buys a whole pile of lanterns -- eleven this time; Sasha is here, safe and living her best life, so she won't need one, and Erwin's name has been replaced with Hange's as he whispers it, gently releasing the last lantern into the sky.

I hope you found your way to someplace like this. Someplace you can be happy. Someplace you get to live.

Afterwards, you can find him in some quieter corner, contemplating the sky filled with lanterns. It's hard to say if he's in the mood for chatting, but he would probably be grateful for some company.


--2. Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake, Part 3

Levi may or may not have been informed about this particular holiday, but he's out and about as usual nonetheless. Maybe he's getting tea leaves and groceries, going about his day. Maybe he's standing near some of those strewn about mattresses, glaring at you.

Do you dare to even attempt this? He's deceptively heavy for his size...

Or perhaps you mistook him for a less intimidating target from behind? He may or may not be wearing his new cat-eared hoodie, after all.

Approach at your own risk.


--3. Wildcard

(( ooc: surprise me! :> open to any prompt. ))

hymn for the missing

[abnormalizes]

Evangeline looks uncharacteristically solemn as she approaches Levi, a lantern still in her hands.

"...This festival's always heavy, huh?"

Toshirou Hijikata | Gintama (Prismatica & Isle of Avalon CRAU) | Summer | In-Game

[mayoninofukucho]

1) Hymn for the Missing I

[How is it already October again? Time passes by even faster when one can experience all seasons of the year in one day. This nameless festival always makes Hijikata a bit melancholic, though for a perhaps unusual reason. He's fortunate to not have lost all that many loved ones in his life - even his Mitsuba, who was taken away too soon back home, now lives elsewhere in the multiverse on Prismatica -, but he misses his ghost subordinates from Avalon. While his death magic there allowed him to see them there, he's left blind to spirits here on Ellipsa, and it remains a difficult adjustment even after all this time.

Unlike his usual cocky and brash demeanour, his participation in the different rituals - the wreath-holding to aid the ghosts' passing, the lantern rite, and the candle-lighting - is quiet and even a bit solemn. Regardless, if he catches someone's eyes during any of the activities, his verdict is fairly positive.]

It's good to have this kind of festival, isn't it? I think the people need it.

[Look at how far this scaredy cat has come in terms of valuing rituals related to the dead! Well, unless a ghost intentionally scares him. Then all bets are off.]

2) Hymn for the Missing II

[Hijikata feels distinctly unenthusiastic about the prospect of letting a ghost possess him, and he struggled with himself long and hard, but ultimately, wouldn't he love to be able to enjoy his beloved 'Hijikata Special' (rice with mayonnaise... or, depending on how one looks at it, mayonnaise with rice) once last time before passing on to the afterlife? Whether he's about to be possessed in the restaurant, or watching someone else about to take their turn, he places a big mayonnaise bottle on the table and advises the ghost (invisible to him as they might be):]

Whatever you order, add a good helping of mayonnaise. You won't regret it.

3) Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake I

[Hijikata is not a fan of haunted houses. During his time on Ellipsa, he was dared and taunted into visiting more than one, and he lost years of life expectancy each time!! As such, he can't help but at least brag a little when the topic comes up in conversation (or even just after overhearing someone mention the new attractions).]

I bet these new haunted houses are practically for kids. Have you ever been to the one that used to pop up in the Segments? Now that was a horrifying experience.

4) Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake II

[Since Shoto is the one who takes care of most of the shopping for his and Hijikata's household, given that his mentor's palate and need for varying decorations at home are both rather limited, the harvest basket that arrives on their doorstep is left to his devices... and thankfully, they have an Emboar living with them. As such, between Shoto's best efforts at cooking a few "seasonal" meals and Hinobuta's enjoyment of roasted fruits and vegetables, they manage to consume everything before it can multiply in size.

Alas, not everybody can manage that, so soon enough, Hijikata fields one of the corn mazes that sprung up out of nowhere, sword in hand and Doublade by his side. Despite being well-equipped to handle the situation, he has a frown on his face.]

"No fire"... this is ridiculous! There's no better and faster way to get this mess under control, and it'd take the scarecrows out in one fell swoop! Don't they trust us summer power holders to have a good enough handle on our flames?

[marvelloussky]

I think it's a fairly reasonable precaution. The number of times my team hasn't gotten paid because Natsu accidentally burnt something important is... ahaha...

[Wendy's wings extend from her back, and with a few flaps she takes to the air.]

Sky Dragon's Wing Attack!

[Razor sharp winds fly from Wendy's arms and cut down large swaths of corn.]

Should I try to scout ahead, Hijikata-san?

Frieda Reiss | Attack on Titan | Spring | In-Game

[urtitan]

1) Hymn for the Missing I

[While Frieda's first anniversary in Ellipsa slowly approaches with the end of the year, she never experienced the nameless festival before. Every aspect of it moves her deeply. Thoughts of the dead, after all, are always right under the surface for her, inherited along with the memories of war and oppression and her people's countless sins.

As a result, she releases many lanterns over the month, allocating entire days to it on occasion. Thinking of those who suffered under the Eldian Empire and, selfishly, of her own family and other loved ones back home, people she holds dear yet must either condemn to a horrible end, or never see again. One of the lanterns is for a person who inhibits a special position among them: Her direct predecessor.]

Uncle Uri... I really wish you could see Ellipsa. I wish I could have been stronger, too, like I promised... but I haven't given up yet, you know? I'm still hoping that somehow, all the suffering can be averted.

[Her eyes emit a brief glow as she murmurs that, and she frowns as she struggles against the immediate internal backlash - isn't it preposterous of her to hope that her people will be able to evade their rightful judgement and punishment? Eventually, she manages to calm down enough to refocus on her personal feelings for her uncle.]

...

Wherever you are now, I hope you're unburdened.

[She lets the lantern go.]

2) Hymn for the Missing II

[Kind and thoughtful of a ritual as the possession-facilitated final meal is, Frieda can't muster the nerve (nor the appetite, given all the emotions she's going through) to participate. But that isn't to say that she can't encounter someone possessed by a ghost who decided to have some more fun beyond just the restaurant experience! If it's someone she knows, she'll offer a smile and a little wave (though her eyes look a bit red as she's been crying - it's been cathartic, though!).]

Would you like to try helping the ghosts pass on with me? Or are you headed elsewhere?

[If it's a stranger... well, she's nothing if not approachable unless it's Karl time!]

3) Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake I

[In between the solemn rituals, Frieda feels the need to lighten her spirits - if for no other reason, then to remain able to help with the activities, she reasons. Standing in line for one of the new attractions, she offers a slightly tired smile to the person next to her.]

Do you think these haunted houses are very frightening? I could handle the maze at SEAKEA decently well, I'd like to think!

[Granted, she had brave company... and she still got spooked and startled here and there!]

4) Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake II

[Frieda was delighted to receive a harvest basket even at her and Jade's remote address in a quiet crook of the artificial sea in Solarpeak, but as much as both of them like to cook, they couldn't use up everything in time... hence, a corn maze soon colonises the entire breadth of the beach (which, in fairness, is narrow here) and spreads onwards from there.

Having circumnavigated the maze by swimming around, Frieda now stands in front of it, frowning as she catches up on the news about the city-wide phenomenon on her phone.]

This is unbelievable... these corn fields just sprung up, and already creatures are fighting over the territory? If only my titan weren't so frightful to the people!

[At over 7 x her usual size, it'd be easy to spot and remove the scarecrows and jack'o'lanterns, not to mention pulling the corn from the ground faster than it can be mowed with scythes! Alas.]

4

[turneditin]

[Sisu is ... actually lost in the maze, but she seems fine with it! At least for now. She waves at Frieda when they meet.]

Can you believe this place? I was just swimming around and noticed this place pop up. Crazy.

Edward Elric 🔥Fullmetal Alchemist (Brotherhood/Manga) 🔥 Summer

[heartofmetal]

Hymn for the Missing

It's been around year since Ed arrived to Ellipsa. For a good portion of it he had both Winry and Alphonse with him. Now it was just him and Winry. They may have been a mess with different timelines, but Al was Al. His brother. And he missed his brother now.

Which is why the lantern he releases first is for him. Ed takes a long moment of silence as it rises into the sky. He has other lanterns to light up, too, but he takes his time to pay a moment of silence to his brother first.

"One day, we'll meet again and get our bodies back", he says quietly out loud. "And you, the different timeline Al... I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for."


Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake
Corn Maze Edition

No fire, eh? Fine. That worked for him. Ed use the ground to make a fist with his alchemy to punch a scarecrow from a distance before jumping over to snatch the lantern from a confused jack o'lantern.

"Break it up, or I'll have to use more force."


Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake
Throw a Short Person edition

Ed is furious, as a random tall native guy picks him up to be tossed away.

"LET ME GO YOU JERK!!"

Luckily, they come across a fence which he can use (with alchemy) to tie the person down and escape. Gently, of course, as he doesn't want to hurt any of the natives. It should at least be easy enough to escape that later.

If someone is looking at him wrong he turns and glares. "Don't even think about it."

the short and the furious: 2 short 2 furious

[rebody]

[ I mean he was going to take this seriously and apologize for disappearing but this is funnier and he'll take all the funny he can get, these days. Al follows them as stealthily as he can and--honestly he's a little disappointed that Ed managed to wiggle out before someone could chuck him onto a mattress.

THEREFORE, THE JOB FALLS TO AL. There is no greater honor.

He waits until Ed seems to let his guard down a little and then fucking just. Moves to body him and toss him over his shoulder. Al's more grateful than ever that he's got some of his own height back. Not seven feet of metal, but still. ]

Not so fast.

Tsutomu Fujisawa (nonWoL OC) | FFXIV | Autumn | in game

[humbledsamurai]

1. I Ain't Afraid Of No Ghosts!

[Tsutomu find himself back in the city today, mainly to freshen himself up, clean his clothes, and stock up on supplies. Then it'll be back to the wild for him. With all of that out of the way, he makes his way towards the gates...but the festivities all around him seem to give him trouble trying to find his way.

It's...a little homesick, isn't it? Tsutomu finds himself reminiscing of home...back when All Saints Wake made its way into the Eorzean cities. But Tsutomu wasn't interested in such festivities.

...Well, he might be a tiny bit curious. Just a quick look, and then he'll go back outside. He finds himself outside one of the many haunted houses that are sprinkled around the area. He stands at the entrance, simply examining the many silly decorations that cover the place. He looks to the side at the informational sign. Ah, a couple's test of courage. Tsutomu scoffs quietly to himself as he realizes this isn't for him. But just as he's about to leave...]

You're holding up the line, sir. Are you going in?

[Tsutomu turns around and jumps at the sight of a costumed man. But he tries his best to compose himself. A worker?]

S-sorry, sir! I was just looking! I'm not with anyone, so—

Eh? Didn't ya read the small print? If you're here by yourself, we'll pair you up with another solo goer. Now come on, people are waiting!

Eh!? W-wait, I'm not—!

[Sure he could have been more assertive...but alas with the commotion and the workers trying to do their job, it was too chaotic for him to speak up, and so he ends up in the "haunted house". A cliche sort of situation, isn't it?

Tsutomu turns to the other apparent solo goer.]

S-sorry, I didn't know this would happen. Where's the nearest exit?

2. YEET—

[The more he tries his best to avoid crowds and other chaos, the more it seems to come to him??? Just as he feels he is safe...

A. He silently walks through the city, doing his best to stay low and not Garner any attention. But as he is a suspicious looking yukata-cladded 5'4 (162cm) man...is he truly safe?

B. Tsutomu attracts the attention of two natives that approach him.]

There's one! Look at this guy, he's teeny!

Eh???

[Before he could say anything or take out his sword, Tsutomu is easily hoisted by the taller of the two. He lets out an odd yelp. And soon, he's flying through the air.]

You idiot! You're supposed to aim him at a mattress!!

[That's the last thing he hears before he is unceremoniously thrown into another person.]

Wildcard

[ooc: have any other ideas? Let me know! If you choose prompt 2A, your character is the one throwing him~ And if you choose prompt 2B, you can decide if you want to catch him or just have him hit you like a missile ksjdkskeksi

Or a secret third thing where you watch him hit something else and help him out instead? Up to you how to handle this!]

2.B

[riotblades]

[ luckily for tsutomu, his time has a gladiator has taught kaien how to have some quick reflexes. he hears the sound of a yelp and turns before he finds a midlander right in his face. ]

By the twelve--!

[ he exclaims before moving his hands to grab hold of the man that was thrown right at him. kaien takes a second to turn tsutomu around so that he's being held bridal style, so he can look the man over and check for injuries. however, that plan goes out the window when he sees who he's holding in his arms. if his hold on tsutomu just tightens the tiniest bit, then that's just tsutomu's imagination. ]

Oh, did you finally fall for me?

Esme Faulkner | Changeling the Lost | Autumn

[albionchanged]

Hymn for the Missing - Wreaths
This was such an interesting custom, nothing like anything Esme had known. But knowing that ghosts and spirits are indeed real, just made him want to assist in their passage. It felt only right.

Finding a nice clear spot to release a wreath or two wasn't hard, but approaching someone to ask as his partner was more intimidating. It was for a good cause though, so he stepped up to the first person he spotted.

"Um...'scuse me? Are you also doing wreaths by chance?"


Hymn for the Missing - Lanterns
If he was honest, it would probably have taken around twenty candles to really cover the people he missed, but instead he focused on two. There hadn't been much time to think about home and his parents, and he'd kind of avoided doing so as much as he could in favor of filling the void with his new loved ones. This was the perfect moment to think about that closure though.

Sitting on the edge of a rooftop and enjoying the cool evening breeze, he looked down at the two lanterns in his hands. Was it magic that carried it into the air, or science? Maybe both, though there wasn't much of a difference in his understanding.

What mattered was the doing, so he held the lanterns close. He thought long and hard. About things he appreciated from his life with them, regrets for never becoming the man they wanted him to be and never making it home, the love he still had for, the feelings of loss knowing they were gone alongside his entire world and there was no going back, and a little bit of hope that they had lived well with his fetch providing what he couldn't.

But once he was finished, he found that he couldn't release the lanterns. Couldn't make himself do it.


Hymn for the Missing - Ghost Mischief
Was it a bad idea to just let a ghost possess you? A lot of people would probably say yes. Right now the answer was probably absolutely yes. But Esme had done it because it was meant to help, and now stood balanced on a tall tent pole a megaphone in hand.

"This is an invitation to clear your schedules for an exhilarating performance. In three hours, at 3pm I will grace you all with a death defying stunt as my final send-off before my journey to the great beyond. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!"


Pumpkins Scream in the Dead of Nightwake - Part 2
Normally an excess of crops like this would be an amazing boon outright. But the corn mazes were an obvious case of too much of a good thing, so Esme didn't hesitate to take up a scythe and set to work. It was hard work, so he focused on trying to clear doorways and alleys, listening for anyone who might have gotten lost.

"Anyone in need here?"

Hymn for the Missing - Ghost Mischief

[melodymania]

Max would never blame Esme for this. He had done it to help. It was supposed to be a simple last meal. A final send off for the spirit to go to the other side. This thrill seeking asshat had decided to take advantage of Esme's kindness. That didn't sit well with Max. Which was why he appeared under the tent pole with a death glare at Esme's possessed form.

"Just what in the hells do you think you're doing inside my lover, asshole?"

himeko inaba ♡ kokoro connect [scp crau] ♡ autumn ♡ current player

[dereban]

🖤 option one. ( cw. slight trauma & experimentation mentions; vague in the prompt itself, but it may come up in-thread. )

[ This isn't the first time having to deal with these sorts of festivals, but she still isn't really used to it. Inaba isn't exactly in the best of moods this late in the month and is actually very much more guarded than usual, a frown on her face when she hears about a certain something that the restaurants are doing.

It's enough for her to sigh as she lowers her selfie stick that she'd been holding onto this whole time, glancing at the nearest person with dry skepticism in her voice, free hand on her hip. ]

Are we seriously letting ghosts possess us now? This is the shit that we've brought ourselves down to? If you want to have a personal out-of-body experience, that's fine by me, but don't go crying to me if you wind up regretting it.

[ Because no thanks, she's not here for it! She's had enough dealings of the possession kind for a whole lifetime and she isn't going to let anyone go wild in [her body], thank you very much. ]

🖤 option two.

[ Inaba Himeko lives alone, for better or for worse, and that means that she can't exactly finish everything from the harvest basket immediately, which means that unfortunately for everyone who might be living in the apartments might deal with the corn maze in their halls.

(I'm so sorry.)

Which is also why they might hear the loudest: ]

What the fucking hell!?

🖤 wildcard.

[ Anything else you'd like to play out? Feel free to hit me up at tsundereban or on the unofficial Discord for plotting; I'm open to writing up custom starters as needed. ]

01

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto already has a brooch in his hand, familiar with the practice after volunteering multiple times. He’s been trying to use every meal time to help out. It isn’t like he knows what his favorite foods are anyway nor does he feel comfortable discovering a preference.

Hearing Inaba, he does laugh shyly and wave his hand.]

I haven’t regretted it yet. A final meal isn’t too much to ask for, I think? [He sincerely doesn’t know.

Noticing the selfie stick, Yuuto abandons any familiarity.] Are you live, miss?

Thanatos | Hades | Winter

[inevitablerest]

i. Hymn for the Missing

[It's only right, somehow, that a god of death make his appearance during a celebration of the dead.

Thanatos, scythe in hand and very difficult to avoid noticing given the massive blade and the fact he is seven feet in height, floats a couple of inches off the ground and moves silently through the park. Anyone with stories in their world of such a spectre of death might well have a moment of their heart leaping into their throat when they see him but he pays no staring any mind at all, seeming more curious about the goings on than anything else.

He looks over the flowers and watches the lanterns in silence, his honey-gold eyes reflecting the specks of light as they float upwards, and the only sound out of him at any point (unless directly addressed) is a soft, contemplative,]

Hm.

[And, perhaps understandably given his job, Thanatos is not very on board with the idea of ghosts possessing people. No, not even willingly. While people are within the restaurants enjoying the final meals of the departed he won't interfere, though, but if any more rowdy ghosts happen to decide to bolt...

Well, they may just find their path being blocked by a scythe blade, and a cold, flat voice asking them where they think they are going.]

ii. Wildcard

[While he won't actively engage with the Halloween festivities he will be around for them! Feel free to boop him with a prompt from that part of the TDM too, or something else entirely.]

wildcard

[abnormalizes]

I like your scythe!

[Evangeline has certainly had worse conversation openers than complimenting someone's weapon. It isn't even flirting, although it could definitely turn that way. Scythe's an unusual weapon, she appreciates seeing other people who favor it!

Naturally, she isn't afraid or intimidated at all.]

berry sasaki 🍓 original 🍓 spring

[tabernaria]

pumpkins scream, part 2

( It starts as normally as any day after being transported into another world possibly can. Berry finds a nice, ripe pumpkin among the maze-lined streets and takes the advice of the passer by to start carving the outer husk into a home — after she's dutifully dumped the innards into a small cauldron she managed to trade her last healing potion for. With her legs tucked under herself, she perches on the steps of a building, stabbing a kitchen knife into the hollowed out pumpkin to fashion a couple of windows into it.

It's going to be a cute little home. So cute, in fact, that the jack-o-lantern stalking past her with a torch in hand doesn't register until the corn stalk near her goes up in flames. )

Aiya!

( Berry scrambles to her feet (not easy when your legs are leaden from sitting with them underneath you for so long), struggling to grab all her effects as the flames lick at the side of her new cauldron, as the knife — hastily stabbed into the side of her pumpkin — wobbles threateningly while Berry stumbles back.

Only to feel the hot sting of yet more flames tickling her back.

She gulps, twisting herself and pressing into the doorway she'd been using as a seat. )

H-help! Water, please!

spring guild

( Berry doesn't make it past the main floor of the guild when she walks in for the first time after her tour. Her fingers twitch, green eyes lighting up at the sight of the computers. This whole technology lark is completely new to her, but that just means she has to get a handle on it! She startles with delight as the computer boots up, the hologram spreading out in the air in front of her. )

... Ohhhh-kay... Now I just... Uh. ( Start picking at the keyboard, bending over to hunt out letters and, eventually, type in the word primrose, watching in awe as the screen in front of her transforms to bring up an encyclopedia entry about the flower. )

That's amazing! ( She twists her head, a bright smile lighting up her face when she sees another person milling around the main floor, waving them over. ) Excuse me! What else can these, uh, com-computers? do?

wildcard

( hmu with anything! pm me or send me a discord message (@ illella) if you wanna discuss stuff. )

pumpkins

[roundandaround]

Wah!

[Rinku doesn't have water, but she does have fire control. She just pulls the fire off of the crops and. Suspends it in the air.]

Uh -- there's gotta be someplace to put this out!

Amari Katasumi | Idol Land PriPara | Spring | New character, existing player

[itaidol]

[Arrival - Part 1 (Spring)]
[Look in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's a teenage idol, plummeting down at high speeds?! That's what happens when you get transported mid-arrival to PriPara, apparently. Amari lands unceremoniously in a field of flowers. She seems unharmed, but she's definitely got petals sticking to her hair. She sits up, dazed and confused.]

Whuh....?? Pri...Para?

[Glancing around, expression growing more worried and panicked.]

... ... This is PriPara, right?

[Arrival - Part 2]
[Amari fidgets as the message is relayed, glancing around anxiously. This was all so much to take in.]

Sorry, but I was kind of in the middle of saving a world already! Can we take a rain check? Huh? Hello? Heeyyyy! [The nervous wreck of a girl is waving her hands at the hologram as if it can hear her (it can't.)]

...W-Wasamayo...I need wasamayo to soothe my nerves...

[She's patting herself down as if trying to find something, but obviously in her new white garments she won't find what she's looking for. She looks like she's about to cry.]

Ahhhh, this stinks...!

[Hymn for the Missing - Part 1]
[Obviously, Amari was missing basically everyone right about now, but there was one person first and foremost in her thoughts. She holds the floating lantern close with a anxious expression.]

Mario, I... [Her voice wavers. She looks like she's trying to wrestle with her emotions. Eventually, she blurts out in a louder than strictly necessary voice:]

...I really hope you aren't causing too much trouble while I'm gone!!!

[Wildcard]
[Hit me up with anything else you're interested in! I'm down for whatever. Feel free to contact me via PM or on plurk at carrieface]

hymn for the missing

[abnormalizes]

Oh, you get returned to the same point in time you were taken from when you go home? So you don't have to worry about that.

[Helpful!]

Meteion | Final Fantasy XIV (Endwalker) | Spring | TDM

[starbirb]

Arrival;

[After everything Meteion had been through... No, after all the trouble she had caused... She didn't expect to wake up in a field of cherry blossoms. Her usual attire had been replaced with a simple white dress. Feeling a bit groggy, she rubbed her eyes as she pushed herself off the ground.

'Upon your return, I will gift you a beautiful flower.'

Well, it was a beautiful sight, but she felt a bit hollow. Did she deserve a beautiful flower after everything? Or rather, in this case, a field of cherry blossom trees. Well, it was best not to linger on the thought. Besides, the one who was supposed to meet her was likely not here. After seemingly a long period of endless walking, she found herself teleported into a room. Filled with others dressed similarly to herself, it was the first time she'd seen others besides herself.

Meteion had plenty of questions about where she was and why, so she appreciated the orientation. The important things to remember were that this place was called Ellipsa and one of the leaders was named Olwen. He seemed like he had their best interests in mind, despite whisking them away. It seemed like she was to represent the spring season. And there was something to do with human contact. His explanation was simple enough.

When all was said and done, the smartphone given to her came with a charm of an Elpis flower and she found herself in what was said to be her apartment. While she had no idea how to work this phone, the Welcome Center was nice enough to explain the basics. Despite being brought here without her permission, those responsible seemed very kind in supplying things she might need while she was here. For a time, anyway. For now, what she needed was to figure out what was going on for herself.

Now free to do as she pleased, she wandered around as she either spoke with other new arrivals or mayhap others who were there before her arrival. Anyone interested in the small entelechy is welcome to speak with her either through orientation or as she's wandering the locale. Welcome to Ellipsa, indeed.]

Don't Die of Fright;

[Meteion is unfamiliar with a lot of things, so holidays are no exception for her. Seeing how festively the city is decorated and those walking around in costumes, she's immediately interested in what's going on. So you can find this small entelechy wandering around, taking it all in. You might even find her wanting the haunted houses to see what they're about.]

Moving On;

[One thing Meteion has gathered from the festivities is that the idea is to help ghosts pass into the afterlife. It seemed easy enough to just unmake them, but that was generally frowned upon, so instead she decided to take the advice of those in charge. While making the wreath of flowers -- or holding one already premade -- she turned to her partner in this activity.]

It seems like even ghosts enjoy beautiful flowers. I'm glad I can share with them too.

Return to the Star; EW Spoilers

[After helping send some ghosts off to the afterlife, Meteion's attention was turned to the floating lanterns in the distance. It was a beautiful sight, seeing them all rising to the sky. After following the direction of where they were located, she found herself at the source as others poured their thoughts and feelings into the lanterns before eventually letting them slowly take to the air. At first, she merely observed, clutching her hands together and closing her eyes. The emotions she heard... felt... They were overall sad and yet... Filled with joy? How could one be so sad about their loved ones either returning to the star or not in Ellipsa, but still feel happy? It didn't make sense to her.

That was until she felt a tap on her shoulder as she opened her eyes to a staff member holding a floating lantern to her.]

Excuse me, miss. Would you like to give it a try? It's really easy, You just have to put your thoughts and feelings of someone you miss and then let it go. Your words will eventually reach the person you're thinking of. Isn't it a wonderful way to remember those you care for?

[So was that it? This was what the others were doing? That would make sense as to why the emotions she felt were pensive. But her words would reach the recipient? How? As she considered the possible options, she cocked her head slightly to the side curiously.]

How does it work? How do they get the message?

I think it would be better for you to experience it first hand.

[The staff member smiled at her and offered her the lantern. Once Meteion accepted it, she was given space to think about what it was that she wanted to say or to whom to send it. Her sisters were an option, but instead, the first person who came to mind was -- to nobody's surprise -- Hermes.

'Can you... hear me? I'm supposed to send some thoughts your way, but I haven't the foggiest idea of what to say. I... I miss you. It's not the same without you. I'm sorry, for everything I've done. I'm sorry I couldn't give you the answers you were looking for. I was so sure that we could find some hope out there.

After a moment of reflection, she ended her thoughts with this.

When I return, I'll find you the best candied apple there is!'

With that, she lifted the lantern to the sky as it floated away from her gently. Her thoughts were meant to be merely just that, but there was always a chance for anyone near her to have had those projected to them instead. Pretty sure those in charge of the event didn't take into account a girl who could project thoughts or feelings.]

Rich Bounty;

[A day after wandering the festivities, she found a harvest basket at the doorstep of her apartment. Reading the card, she was touched that she was offered a nice basket. For what it was worth, those who brought them here treated them well from what she could see. And yet there was one problem with this. She did not need to eat, unlike most people. She did not need to take in any substance to get by. So this wonderful gift would go wasted if she couldn't find someone else to give it to. Surely others can find more use for this than she would.

Meteion decided the first thing to do was to see if anyone else would want the fruit and vegetables in her stead. Fumbling with the phone she was given, she managed to turn on the video function as she stood in her kitchen where the basket sat on a counter.]

Hello, can you hear me? I apologize if I am interrupting anything, but something has come up that has required me to reach out like this. I'm not sure if anyone is seeing this but... I have received a basket of goods, but I'm unable to enjoy them for myself. Rather than let them go to waste, I was hoping to give them to someone who might be able to enjoy them instead.

If you would like the basket or any of the fruits or vegetables in them, please let me know. I'll get them to you posthaste.

[And like that she's gone. She might even offer them to her neighbors, so anyone is free to get them from her. The only exception is that any apples in the basket have been taken out and put aside. She's keeping those for reasons.]

Toss A Bird;

[For being someone who had no idea about traditions past her time in Elpis, the last thing she expected when wandering around while gaining her bearings was being picked up. She was small and light, so it didn't take much to lift her up.]

H-Hey! Let me down!

[And they did. To throw her on a soft mattress before leaving with smiles on their faces for the good time they just had. Confused, Meteion picked herself up and continued on. But she didn't get far before someone else picked her up to throw her onto a hay bale. Picking out the hay from her clothing and hair, she was starting to get really annoyed. Why were people doing this? None of them explained anything. Instead, they all felt satisfied once the deed was done. On the look out for anyone else who may have the same idea, She began to wonder if it was better to just go home for the day. On her way home, she found herself -- yet again -- picked up and thrown onto an awning.

Please help the small bird.]

Wildcard;

[OOC: Don't see anything you like here? Feel free to start a prompt of your own! Please keep in mind that Meteion is from Endwalker, a little over halfway (Lvl 86 main story quest?). So there is a blanket spoiler warning for anyone still playing! Anything posted may potentially be a spoiler! Please let me know where you are if you want to avoid spoilers, and I'll do my best to avoid them! I will also be trying my best to label if there are any spoilers in prompts. Feel free to poke me on plurk at byefelicia for any plotting ideas, questions, or just general chatter.]

return to the star

[happydreamed]

[Sending messages to the dead and missing is a very personal thing, and Kantera wouldn't want to intrude... So when he hears someone else's voice in his head, he feels a twinge of guilt for 'eavesdropping', even though it certainly wasn't due to any action of his.

He should let the person know that they're sharing their thoughts. But it's not a voice he recognizes, so he simply approaches the nearest person.]

-Excuse me, miss?

Rider | Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel | Winter

[snekeyes]

Throw a Short Person Day

This is... not what I was expecting...

[Ever since the start of the day, Rider had been hearing the locals talking behind her back. Little comments about 'No, she's definitely too tall', things like that. And it had started to get under her skin... but it was then she remembered she had a potion back home that could make her a little smaller. That would ease her insecurities for the time being, right?

...Right?

Only problem was, the potion proved far too effective at its intended job. Leading to a now mouse-sized Rider trying to dodge her way around the feet of passers by- and dashing for the nearest object she could hopefully climb up!]

There...!

[Perhaps someone would spot a tiny Servant dashing for a nearby cafe's furniture!]

[roundandaround]

Eh?

[Rinku blinks and walks over to the table, tilting her head.]

Rider-chan? Did you take one of those small potions? That looks fun!

Suga Koutarou | Forest of Drizzling Rain | Autumn | New character, existing player

[gemuinemanagement]

[A: arrival]
[To say that Suga is alarmed to be torn from his duty is an understatement. If he could scream, he probably would! It wouldn't be helpful, but he thinks it might be cathartic to be able to scream about things.

He tries to flag down anyone who looks like they know what they're doing, and when he gets someone's attention, pulls out a pen and a stack of notecards.]

I have to go back home right away.
I'm sorry about this world, but I can't leave my home or something terrible will happen.

[He can only hope that if he finds a way to return quickly, maybe the spirits in the forest won't have time to realize he's gone...]

[B: possession]
[You, kind soul, have offered a ghost a chance to eat a delicious meal, and the ghost has repaid you by trying to take your body for a joyride.

-Keyword 'try'. Suga blocks the entrance, and the ghost possessing you turns their nose up.]

That terrible smell... Gross! Get it away from me!

[-and the spirit leaves your body.

Suga doesn't look particularly surprised. He jots down a note and holds it out for you to see:] Are you okay?

[C: harvest basket]
[Trying to get the attention of passerby with the basket at his feet.]

It'd be a waste for me to try to cook these.
I'm really bad at cooking.
Do you want them?

[OOC notes: Ghosts, spirits, and similar can sense something off about Suga, as he's spent his life working with night glowstone, which protects people from malicious spirits. It's usually described as a kind of scent to spirits: to spirits with no bad intent, it's still fairly strong, but not outright unpleasant, more like a very strong perfume. Weak hostile spirits are repelled by his presence, while stronger hostile spirits can still get near him, but he Feels Bad for them to be around.]

a

[stavros]

[The poor worker has dealt with a lot of people desperate to be un-kidnapped, so despite their sympathy, they just shake their head and say it can't be done and everyone will just return to where they were eventually as if nothing had happened.

A short girl adjusting her headband does notice, though, and approaches Suga as the employee tries to find an exit from the conversation.]

You aren't doing well? I can understand why. You must have a duty...