[DECEMBER INTRO LOG | WORLD TWO]

[spellbindmods]

Who: All coven members, especially new folk!
Where: In and around the new world’s apartment building where the coven is staying, as well as the rest of Shehui
When: Day 160
Open/Closed: Open to All

How did you get into this building? This apartment room? What the fuck is going on? Let's refer back to this page for a semi in-depth, wow so detailed, explanation of your current situation. Are you up to speed? Great. Now, here's the question of the hour: what are you going to do about it? A ▢ Unlike the other coven members, the newbies are coming into the apartment building with non-empty apartment rooms. Depending on how polite or cautious you are, your first instinct may be to find your apartment and knock on the door. But it is your apartment now, too, and you do have an ID card that'll get you in. What horrible calamity will you walk in on? What eccentric roommates will you happen upon? The wacky situational comedy scenarios are ENDLESS. B ▢ One of the jobs on the job board this week is fundraising -- neat, right? Before you even make it up to your apartment, you may be accosted by an excited citizen -- coven member or no -- that is trying to push something onto your character. Chocolate bars? Cheese logs? Cookie dough? Some other luxury item or overpriced snack food? Because this fundraising task is based on commission, the citizen in question may be a bit pushy...or you may be inclined to buy ridiculous amounts of goods and not know what to do with yourself.

New coven members showing up today are in luck. This week, Shehui is celebrating a Keep the Community Clean event. It's rare that they force jobs on people, but there has been an influx of new citizens and the population growth is leading to more trash. Fulfill your assignment and you'll be rewarded 1,000 credits. Don't? Be fined 500. Everyone has been sent a job to their ID, be it collecting trash, cleaning their apartment building or holding up signs/handing out literature about recycling. Sweeping, bagging...it's dirty work, but someone has to do it. C ▢ Cleaning up trash on the street might be hard, but it's fulfilling! Okay, that's a lie. It's demeaning and a lot of citizens don't really care about the minimal littering credit deduction as they toss trash from their cars or miss throwing it into bins. Volunteers are outfitted with gloves, vests and a roll of trash bags, but it doesn't prevent them from being rudely splashed with snow or having to pick up nasty things. Have fun! D ▢ For those who decided to pass out literature, you did pick the better job! It's a lot easier to avoid getting nasty, but it's also awkward...having to hand out fliers, be cheerful, regurgitate boring facts about recycling. Please sir, stop and listen to this exciting speech about why should put your cans in the red bins, not the blue ones! E ▢ There is a bright side to these jobs: local businesses are getting in on the outpouring of people out and about to try and get them into seats and buying things. Free samples are abound! There's a local coffee shop, Mooncents, that is handing out free small drinks to anyone who is actually working today. Come inside, regardless if you "volunteer" or not. It's warm inside with all that snow out there...

Speaking of snow! Most businesses and buildings in Shehui have paid to have snow falling every other hour, which coats the city areas in a fine, powdery dust of snowflakes. You may be familiar with snow, or maybe you've never seen it in your entire life! It's unavoidable either way, so you're going to have to deal with it. F ▢ Children in Shehui are usually in a school building somewhere, but snow days call for some leniency. School is pretty come-and-go anyway, so don't be surprised that there are quite a few kidlets out and about on the streets. They're also fully into the spirit of snow, throwing snowballs at unsuspecting strangers. Will you get in on the action, or will you plan the murder of innocent children today? G ▢ While it's unadvised to just go lay out in the street and make snow angels, there are plenty of parks in which to examine or play in the snow. You won't be the only one acting like a fool -- it's Shehui. You're allowed to live a little! H ▢ Finally, Coins! has bought the most snow as a means for their seasonal activity -- snow paintball. If you're looking to have a good time and enjoy Shehui for what it is, you'd best be inclined to sign up. A massive field with snowbanks and excellent areas for hiding, snowball paintballs that hurt twice as much as usual. What more could you ask for? I ▢ Wildcard! How will your character interact with this new and unusual world?

Comments

[cloak]

A | Strange Roommate
[This is far from Roxas' first rodeo, when it comes to finding himself somewhere he doesn't belong and doesn't recall traveling to. The state that he's in is a little different from what he last remembers, but he doesn't concern himself with it much. His name is on the door, but rather than use the card he was given, he takes a step back from the door.

Extending a hand toward it, a very large weapon shaped like a skeleton key shimmers into being in his grip. He points this at the door, and the lock clicks open. Is there any other practical way to gain entry? Surely not.

And Roxas walks right in, just like that, letting his Keyblade vanish from his grasp]

B | Risky Business
[The last time Roxas was assigned to hand out chocolate bars, people died. It was a thing, back on Earth, and something that still bothers him even now. He hadn't been able to stop what happened or make any positive change. People were harmed, and people were hurt. While he can't detect any darkness surrounding these candies, he's still giving the box in his hands a good, long stare.

Which is a bit of a curious sight, when it's a short figure covered from head to toe in solid black attire, the shadows of his hood so deep one might wonder if there's a face in there at all. He studies the box in heavy silence for far too long, even as people circle around him as they make their way]

I should get rid of these, just to be safe...

[He announces to no one in particular]

D | Not Easily Deterred
[It seems that on this day, Roxas is getting all the side-jobs he could ever ask for. At least he's earning currency, apparently, and that's not unfamiliar to his largely borrowed experience. While most people aren't interested in the fliers, he's nevertheless undaunted by the task, using his short body as a direct barrier and practically stuffing pamphlets into peoples' faces]

Here.

[People try to circle around him only to find him in front of them again in due course, simply because Roxas is very swift on his feet. It's quite the sight to behold, because despite his small stature, he chases down beings double his size with quick strides like some dark shadow]

You didn't take one.

[Somebody's earning his credits today]

E | Icing On the Cake
[After a hard day's work, Roxas is more than content to settle into a comfortable chair with hot cocoa and a pastry the likes of which he's never seen before. But it smells cloyingly sweet and that's good enough for him. Despite requests that he remove his hood, Roxas remains just as he always is.

Some fellow patrons glance his way from time to time, watching him drink his cocoa or nibble at the confection he chose. For all the world it seems these are just disappearing into total blackness gradually over time. If Roxas notices or minds he doesn't show it, simply watching people in turn.

Which surely means they're the more uncomfortable ones here]

E

[ensorcel]

[ camilla hadn't counted on being roped into working all day, but somewhere between delivering real orders besides samples and getting a crash course on manning a register, she realized there wasn't any real way out of this.

she figures there are worse peasant jobs out there (hell no is she picking up trash), but she isn't so thrilled with the manager's request when he says it's her turn to ask the spooky hooded guest to be a little less hooded. he can stay spooky if he wants.

with a tray of more goodies perched in one hand, camilla approaches mr. stranger danger. ]

I am afraid we do not allow hats, oversized sunglasses, and hoods inside this establishment. Could I ask you to lower yours?

[ please.....just do it....... she's a princess she's not going to grovel here ok even she has standards. ]

[cloak]

[It takes a long moment for Roxas to determine that he's the one being addressed, glancing around before he finally looks up at her. She isn't the first person to ask him, but the answer that he gives her is the same that he's given the last three employees, a certain flat quality to his tone]

Your sign only says that I have to be wearing a shirt and shoes.

[Which seems funny to him, since wouldn't they want people to also wear pants? Sort of an unusual choice, so he thinks. But he's quite fully clothed, and so he doesn't see the problem.

And unfortunately for the last several employees, they can't site any clearly posted rules that he can't patronize the establishment as-is]

[ensorcel]

[ 'WELL FUCK ME!!' she wants to scream before splashing all this scalding hot coffee onto her own face. unfortunately, that wouldn't be appropriate, though she can't say she's terribly invested in this job anyway. still, being a princess, it makes defiance a little hard to deal with, and her pride has turned this into a matter of principle.

camilla attempts a sweet, alluring smile. ]

Well yes, of course, but why hide your cute face?

[ a wink. ]

I know I'd like to see it.

a

[allforshu]

[Mika got here just a bit earlier, sprawled on the floor to relax, and at the sound of the door suddenly opening he scrambles to hide. Is he really in the right place, then?! Ohhhh, he really wishes he was alone, the only people he'd lived with in close quarters lately was the Itsuki family and... that was alright.

Cautiously, he peeks out and

ducks right the fuck back down behind the sofa, oh my god, the grim reaper has appeared. Er, a stranger with a cloak on has appeared, which is just as bad?! Maybe if he stays quiet, the person'll go away.]

[cloak]

[Alas for his poor new roommate, Roxas has good enough vision despite that hood to catch the flicker of movement on the periphery. Plenty of beings out there in the worlds have a habit of ducking and hiding.

Often ones he had to catch, but that's neither here nor there]

Hello?

[He steps into the room, stepping around a bed to find a guy just crouching there. After a brief survey around the room to see if anything overtly dangerous is there, Roxas concludes there's no reason for the guy to be hiding, and so his focus returns to this curious behavior]

Why are you down there?

[allforshu]

[He's been found!! And he can't even make an excuse with sleeping, ehh, ummm--]

Y-Ya startled me, that's all! I wasn't expectin' anyone t'visit since I just... moved in?

[Is is moving in. Technically? He guesses. Mika sits up, but he's absolutely keeping his back pressed to the bed... and keeping his eyes down, aaaaaah.]

You, uh, you got business with me? Or somethin' like that?

d

[talim]

Oh—

[ jude looks startled, looking from left to right and wondering where the heck this cloaked figure came from.

he slowly reaches a hand out to accept the flier, but not without giving him a strange look, tilting his head. ]

I know it's none of my business, but... even for the winter weather, aren't you a little overdressed?

[ seriously, jude can't even see his face. he's just... a shadow. ]

[cloak]

It's a uniform.

[The words are delivered in a flat, almost subdued tone. His coat is indeed a uniform, though he only has it because of what he is and the role he played. It's as natural to him as it would be to any of those who had worn it outside of the Datascape, his original included.

And the last place they crossed paths, he was the only one to continue wearing it. Maybe it's because it was a part of his code, but he feels strangely exposed without it]

I'd wear it in the desert, just the same.

[talim]

A uniform... But do you have to be so strict about it?

[ in the desert? jude is mildly concerned. ]

I mean, can't you at least put the hood down?

B

[drizzle]

Why would you?

[There may have been people walking around him initially, but it isn't until Nike notices the boy dressed all in black -- because, seriously, how can she ignore him -- staring a little too intensely at the box he was holding. She may have taken a peek at it too, realizing it was a box filled with candy. Hence the reason she is asking him about his decision in throwing them away, after all...]

Wouldn't it be a waste of credits if you did?

[cloak]

The last time something like this got handed out...people died.

[Roxas isn't much for mincing words, and never has been. Perhaps his original had a gentler touch unless angered, but in contrast he's frank and to the point. So far as he's concerned he has every reason to dispose of these chocolates in case they do similar damage.

It might be another worlds entirely, but the darkness that had infected those candy bars had eluded his detection until it was too late. As such, he can't trust his abilities]

[drizzle]

[His frank response will catch her off guard. She had a lot of questions already forming in her head, but instead of acting on impulse her attention will return to his box. It was clear from the way she'll reach for one of the chocolates she had something else in mind.]

This calls for a taste test! You better know the location of the nearest hospitals are. My kid is waiting for me back at the apartments.

[While speaking her very much blunt response to the cloaked boy, loud enough for the group surrounding them to take notice, some may slow their pace while others will watch from the corner or distance, Nike will remove a piece of the wrapper and place the chocolate into her mouth. Chewing for a bit. A while, actually. It won't be long until she turns to the boy with a smirk.]

It's really good! Not enough to die for, but...perfect for on the go!

[Why, yes, she may have just given a good sales pitch because some may be sighing or offering weak applauding, believing it was a random show now.]

D

[skincares]

[The way Roxas is chasing down people is funny to Carmilla. She's been watching him at work and -- when he gets to her -- she covers her mouth with slender fingers, as if she's trying to hide her smile.]

You're quite dedicated to this job.

[She isn't taking that flyer.]

[cloak]

[And yet that flier will not budge an inch.

Actually, Roxas is impressively still, unnaturally so]

It's how we earn our keep around here, isn't it?

[He's never put half-hearted efforts into any task, despite his belief that he hasn't a heart to begin with]

[skincares]

[She reaches out to put her fingers on his wrist. She wants to push down his hand, thank you. Get that flyer outta here.]

Yes. I suppose I didn't expect such... enthusiasm from any one of us.

A

[dialtones]

What was that?

[Kurapika, meanwhile, comes to the room a little late. He's been busy surveying everything else before dealing with this whole... roommate thing, so he was able to catch that whole key show at the door. Now, entering the room behind Roxas, he's wondering just who this guy is, using some magic key that can open any door. Who says it's even his roommate?]

[cloak]

[Roxas takes pause and glances around, just to be sure there isn't someone else to address. As he finds no signs of someone else for the guy behind him to have spotted, it seems safe to assume it's him as he turns around]

It's a Keyblade. Not very many people in the worlds have them, so if you haven't seen one, that's probably why.

[Although at one time supposedly there were a great many, he doesn't have much by way of useful or detailed information on the subject]

[dialtones]

State your name. If you have a card to access this room, then there's no reason to be using that "keyblade" of yours at all.

[Of course, Kurapika is automatically serious and paranoid. He has to be!!]

b

[gimmecandy]

Then you should give it to me! I'll make sure it finds a good home~! -A bright, cheery tone breaks through the crowd as a masked woman bounded her way up to him, leaning in way, way closer than was remotely respectable for a stranger. The glow of her mask was almost enough to illuminate the dark recesses of that hood of his...-

[cloak]

[Almost, but luckily for him, not quite.

Roxas hasn't much of a sense of personal space either, and so he doesn't think to lean away. He does, however, hold tight to the box]

They might be dangerous.

[gimmecandy]

Oh, well that should be fine, right? -The woman giggled, her mask seemingly able to emote with her, strangely enough. But then her voice deepened, took on a much more mature tone.- I, too, have had the very same thing spoken about me, so that simply makes the match even better, does it not?

B

[imsorey]

[Sorey can't help but overhear, and since there's no one paying much attention but him, he takes it upon himself to wander over and peer at the candies too. maybe this cloaked figure is seeing something that he isn't? no one has ever told him not to take candy from strangers before.]

I think you're supposed to hand them out, not get rid of them. Are they bad?

[cloak]

[Roxas watches the box speculatively. But just like the last time he was asked to hand out chocolates of unknown origin, he can't sense anything unusual about these ones]

That's what I'm wondering. If they're not safe, I don't want to lend a hand in hurting people.

[A darkness he can't even sense...the thought still unsettles him]

[imsorey]

It sounds like it's meant to be harmless and enjoyable for people. But I do understand if you're worried about giving out something that you're not sure is safe.

[even if he doesn't know the root cause, he has no reason to think his concerns are unjustified either. so he thinks of the quickest solution and holds out his hand.]

Here, I'll taste-test them! If they're fine, nothing bad will happen. If they're bad, we can find someone to heal me.