[WORLD TWO | FEBRUARY INTRO LOG]

[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 226
Open/Closed: Open to All
IMPORTANT: While some prompts are newbie exclusive, all characters can tag this intro log!

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. You'll also have a letter slipped under your door with some explanation about your whole coven situation, as well as info that explains you have magic now! And yet what kind of magic is conveniently left out. Are you up to speed? Great. Now, here's the question of the hour: what are you going to do about all this? A ▢ One of the places you may arrive in Shehui is your apartment -- and if you're not a newbie, then that may be where you're hanging out anyway. There's likely going to be at least one other person in there with you. Are you going to say hello? Are you on good terms with your roommates? Do you even know who they are? Discuss. B ▢ If you want to go out and do something else, that's also acceptable. Because no access card is needed to enter the recreation floor, which contains the game room, garden and more, it's likely a lot of coven members are hanging out there instead of waiting around for roommates to let them into their rooms. If you want to blow off steam, the game room now also features a karaoke machine and photo booth. C ▢ Word of the recent jailbreak -- which you'll likely need to be caught up to speed on, if you're new -- has made it out into the greater part of Shehui. The job board in front of the apartment is somewhat depleted now that a number of coven members have been "black carded," and thus have no need for credits. This doesn't mean jobs aren't available, though! The newest jobs are going to be related to the upcoming festival, which includes card delivery, chocolate carriers and water holders. These will be explained in a bit -- but there are a lot of other jobs you can utilize to make money. What interesting position will you find on the job board to try out?

Those coming into Shehui today are in luck -- today is Neyi, which translates to "the day of darkness." Today you'll see a lot of old furniture on the sides of the road, people drinking depressedly in bars and a general melancholy aura in the air. The point of Neyi is to get rid of the pain, heartbreak and toxicity you've been carrying around in your relationships. D ▢ Chocolate carriers are walking around the busy streets of Shehui with boxes that are held with straps that go around their necks. Some of these boxes contain four pieces of chocolate, containing a very strong liquor. It doesn't take much for these to get you drunk. Other boxes circulate as the night goes on, other boxes circulate that are a lot more gentle and amorous. These chocolates contain a caramel that has a slight aphrodisiac -- not enough to turn someone into some raging horndog, but they are inclined to make someone a little more cuddly than usual...although, it's worth noting that the more you eat, the less true the previous statement becomes. E ▢ A lot of Shehui residents who aren't into the somber feeling of Neyi have begun to get their true Yuenai party on. One of the most traditional charms of Yuenai is giving out cards with well-wishes, romantic sentiments and other positive emotions. Those who want to send cards can choose from two options: personal, or competition. Personal cards are a lot bigger and more ornate depending on the credits used to purchase the card. Competition cards are part of a little game played on Yuenai that focuses on who can get the most well-wishes. These cards will contain one sentence and then the name of whoever sent the card, and are meant to be a small symbol of appreciation. These can be received all day on Neyi or Yuenai. F ▢ One of the biggest rituals of the day is the ceremonial bonfire that's held in the middle of Shehui. Participants are welcome to bring photos or mementoes of those they hate or ache for, then throw them into the fire. Usually, there's a special powder that's inserted into the fire in order for it to change colours once objects come into contact with it -- it helps with the symbolism, you know? Instead, because of a lot of confusion and ruckus within the contraband rooms, the powder has been mingled with something a little more magical. Now when these items ignite with the fire, a representation of that person springs to life within the flame. They aren't a true physical person, but instead an eerily accurate visage. While they can't possibly be that person, they do speak tormenting or heinous things to those who dare to throw in an object. Bear in mind, this can be performed with something even as simple as writing their name on a piece of paper. G ▢ If you want a less drama-filled evening, then you may want to skip out on the big bonfire and instead head out to one of the smaller parks. There are more personal canister fires scattered throughout each park, and water carriers are asked to patrol in case fires get out of hand. These smaller burns don't contain the same contaminated powder and instead will ignite into a fierce array of colours if anything is burned in them. Others who don't have the same relationship needs as the sad sacks on Neyi have actually begun to use these fires for marshmallow roasting, scary stories, or just outright warmth. It is a little chilly out. H ▢ The discovered magic has, of course, put the residents of Shehui in a tizzy, even if most of them think that this is just an amplified version of what happens on Neyi anyway. Despite this internal reassurance, that doesn't stop most Shehui residents from being very on edge. Fights are becoming commonplace in the street, and the added liquor candies and open bars aren't helping this out, either. What kind of person are you? The kind who has been devastated by Neyi yourself, or the kind to break up those who are causing a scene? There are also an assortment of sad drunks on the street who may need some cheering up. I ▢ Unlike the Valentine's Day that many worlds celebrate, Shehui's Yuenai is open to more than just romantic love. There are also tiny kiosks that are giving away personalized pins that state the holder's name. They can receive up to five of these for free and are asked to give them to those that they consider family. The pins are in the shape of a bouquet of lilies, with the ribbon connecting them the location of the engraved name. The person who requests these will have their name on the pin, and those who receive it are to wear it proudly, showcasing who cares for them. J ▢ Those who are completely new to Shehui may feel a little left out if they don't quite have any close relationships already present in this world. Citizens of Shehui will be given a gift basket by the monitors that contains the names of several already established members of the community -- this is an exercise in relationship building. They're to give the people on this list part of their gift basket, including a competition card and a box of chocolate -- you can pick which kind! Have fun hunting down the people on your own list. [OOC: You have the choice of either selecting your own names or picking people at random based on the taken list. You can also keep this open-ended -- hey, can I ask you to help me find this person? Oh that's you? What a coincidence! etc. Also, this is open to everyone -- not just newbies!] K ▢ Finally, the fact that the Shehui government has been put through the wringer lately is evident by the rain that begins to fall ahead of schedule, around 10 PM instead of at midnight. The major bonfire is a little too powerful to be taken out quickly, but the smaller park fires will be put out eventually. This rain is also a surprise to a lot of residents, and taking cover is a slow process with so many people out and about. L ▢ Wildcard! How will your character interact with this new and unusual world?

Comments

[osteotome]

B.
[ The garden in the recreation area of the apartment is honestly a comfort for this new fellow to Shehui. It's quiet, peaceful, and in weirdly modern place, it's nice to see flowers! Maybe with advanced science they're... interesting flowers (strange colors and scents... just in time for the season, the newly planted ones are darker in hue smell like chocolates), but he wouldn't mind hanging around here them for a while. ]

Do you think... I could pick a few? My room looks very plain right now.

[ He's asking whoever may be enjoying the gardens too, probably passing by if not enjoying the soothing sights too. Honebami has his eyes on these blue flowers, but is very tentative about picking them, because as it were... something has been bothering him withing the first hour or so of "arriving" here. ]

This place has strict rules. People keep mentioning them, and the black-carded people who broke them.


E.
[ He needs something to do, so he'll take one of the jobs! It happens to be card delivery, because that seems safer than the chocolates and their odd scent of alcohol. Of course, he doesn't really know anyone here, so the better option is the competitive cards! ]

Here, please take it.

[ No matter who you are, you're getting a cute little cutout card shaped like a round bee, with some bee pun or sweet message. They're also addressed from a "Honey"... because the printer misheard his name when he received the cards. It explains the theme, but he doesn't seem to mind. Hooray for slight anonymity! ]


H.
[ The ruckus about discovered magic is... maybe a bit concerning? but Honebami simply wants to get to somewhere safe for the night than deal with rowdy folks and drunk ones too. Not to mention, he's been trying to avoid the fires for reasons, especially when they're making the citizens freak out. ]

They're blocking the way.

[ Ah, things can't be easy, right? There are some irate folks getting in the way with their dramatic fights with suspicions and accusations flung with their fists, quite literally blocking off areas as some onlookers give them space to avoid getting caught in there. That would be smart to wait it out, even if it took a while. However, to the person he's assuming is wanting to get through to wherever they need to be as well, he says, calmly and simply. ]

I'm going to deal with them.

[ This is a boy who is just past 5 feet tall and pretty slender. It might be absurd, but he looks very serious about this. Help him? Stop him? Or watch if that seems like an entertaining idea. ]

b

[dividepain]

[ Laphicet, currently on his way to his favorite bench that's surrounded by a flowers quite similar to Princessia flowers, notices Honebami and comes closer to him when he hears the question. ]

I'm not sure if it's a good idea. But there's a flower shop nearby, you could buy yourself some plants with credits.

[ To think of it...it never occurred to Laphicet that they could decorate their rooms. ]

We can go together if you'd like.

[osteotome]

[ Oh. that's something he could do with the credits. Honestly having "money" on a card is still a thing to wrap his head around. ]

Understood. They're for everyone here, after all.

[ Laphicet's maturity about this has Honebami smile just a bit, getting up from where he was kneeling. He feels oddly nostalgic, being reminded of his brothers. ]

Let's go. I haven't been outside of this building yet... Maybe we can find pink flowers like those ones.

[dividepain]

[ Laphicet nods in response, ready to go at any moment. ]

There's a lot to be seen! You just need to watch out for people who want to sell you things you don't need. They're everywhere.

[ He might or might not be exaggerating. ]

Do you like flowers that much?

b

[guerrilla]

[Robin gives Honebami what can only be described as A Look, then reaches over and picks a few of them himself...and then a few more for good measure. Maybe Hakuno would like flowers in their apartment too.]

If anyone gives you shit, send 'em to me.

[osteotome]

[ Sorry for being a law-abiding newbie, Mister Robin. Honebami follows that example though, taking a flower or two. ]

So it's okay then.

[ Or it will be, just have Robin kick someone's ass! Not that the wakizashi would do that. That's a surprising amount from a surly dude with The Look, though. He shakes his head. ]

I don't want to cause trouble for a stranger. Do you like flowers that much, though?

[guerrilla]

I like 'em well enough, but my roommate would probably appreciate these more than me. As far as I can tell, you can only use these for decoration.

[Call him when they set up a poison garden like the one in London.]

Don't worry about me, though, okay? I've gotten into plenty of trouble here already, so a little more won't hurt.

[He was part of the infiltration team, after all.]

B

[quakeitoff]

Oh! Well, since they're small, I'd only go for it if you wanted to take a few. And if you're still worried about it, there are actual flower shops to decorate from, too! That sounds like a nice idea. I don't think you'd get in trouble for picking a few flowers, but since things have been a little tense like you said, I understand wanting to be careful, haha...

[Keiichi laughs a little to try and ease the message some, since it seems like this guy's new and he doesn't want to put him too on edge! But it IS true that some big shake-ups have been happening, and the new folks shouldn't be unprepared, either... So he aims to strike that balance, smiling as he speaks but being honest about the current situation. He still feels new himself and knows it's a lot to get used to!]

[osteotome]

[ It's a thorough explanation! Very appreciated. It gives him something to think about... ]

I'll think about it later, then. I don't want to start on the wrong foot

[ Honebami takes the issued card out of his pocket. It's so new, it has one of those informational stickers that he peels off. ]

You shop with this, right? I don't know to use it... it's only one card.

[quakeitoff]

Oh! Um, it might sound confusing, but think of it as if your money lives in there! The card knows how much money you have, and then when you buy something, you hand it to the salesperson and they'll do something with it that tells your card to send the money to their card instead. That's making it a little too simple but it's kind of like that, okay! Does that make sense? We can go to the shops and I can show you, if you want! Oh! I'm Keiichi Segawa, by the way!

["Thorough"... Yes, "thorough" is ONE word for it.]

e

[talim]

Hey, hey!

[ jude is quick to reach out a hand and grasp his shoulder, effectively stopping him without being rough. ]

I'm... not sure that's such a good idea. Getting mixed up in this is only asking for more trouble.

[osteotome]

[ ((i think you meant h but pm/pp me and i can edit this, no big!))

That stops Honebami at least, turning to look at Jude. He looks a little surprised that he's being stopped, but he does listen. ]

We're already in the middle of trouble.

[ Sorry Jude, this is what you've got to deal with. At least the wit is more out of exasperation than criticizing Jude's words. ]

What... should we do, then?

[ Open to alternatives. He's good at fighting (and apparently it's second nature), but a hassle is a hassle. Violent drunks are always going to be a hassle. ]

[talim]

[ I DID MEAN H sorry about that! ]

Good question.

[ jude puzzles over it for a brief moment. ]

Maybe... Maybe I can try talking to them. See if they'll listen to reason. Anything is better than adding more fuel to the fire.

H

[splendente]

[ Someone should really be a responsible adult and tell this kid that maybe it's not worth it, and maaaaaaybe they should go somewhere safer and let the drunks deal with this themselves.

But that person is not going to be Mari! ]

Go on, go on! Show them who's boss Honey-kun!

[ Truthfully she's really curious, she wants to see if she'll get to see him in action. ]

I'll be right here if you need anything!

[osteotome]

[ That reassuring! Honey-kun bows his head a little, before getting up from... where they were probably ducking somewhere safe. A bench or something. An empty chocolate box is thrown and just misses them. ]

Thank you.

[ It's honestly a waste to write up something elaborate for this... So, a summary!

1.) Honey sneaks behind one. He's not getting in between them, that's not smart.
2.) Drunkard A is knocked off balance by Honey just as he goes for Inebriate B with a sloppy punch, because he left his ankle out there.
3.) Honey pushes Drunkard to the side and closes in on Inebriate. Hope you like jab to the solar plexus with a sheathed sword, pal.
4.) Drunkard does not appreciate the ko-stealing! Too bad Honey just whacks him in the neck with the sword too.

They're both out, so he goes to fetch a Mari! The slightly tired look he has about all this with a tousled cowlick as the only sign eh was... in a fight? Yeah, technically. It keeps the citizens away as they generally come to decide it's okay like this. ]

We should get moving, Ohara-san.

[splendente]

[ The little guy certainly doesn't disappoint. Mari claps quietly all the while, watching the display with a rather childish amusement. When he's done she loops her arm through his, letting him lead them away from the mess. ]

Honey-kun that was amazing! All that and not a scratch on you, well except--

[ She reaches over to smooth out his hair. ]

You pack quite a punch for such a small package. Just make sure to never turn those skills on me o~kay?

E.

[unlightmusic]

[Ugh, too crowded. Suzu needed to buy some things while she could, in order to make her unwanted stay here more comfortable, but for that she needed to build up credits... Which meant, either way, she had to end up going outside.

She practically freezes when a voice addresses her, and she sees an arm passing her a greeting card. Perhaps it was just cultural instincts, or her being too startled to act defiant, but she ends up subconsciously accepting the card as she looks towards its gifter. It's... a guy she doesn't know.

Okay, don't panic. She's the rebellious Fallen Angel, she can handle this just fine! Suzu's eyes narrow skeptically, as if studying the young man standing before her.]

... Hah?

[Her skeptical gaze moves from Honebami's face to the bee-shaped card in her hand. The round shape, the dotted eyes and tiny smile, the utterly lame "Bee Yourself" printed on it in Comic Sans...

It's... kind of cute... but having her heart moved by something like this isn't 「Rock N Roll」 at all, so she'll keep that to herself.]

Why're you givin' this to me? [As opposed to the stranger's brief but very polite words, she was curt and informal from the get-go. This is SUSPICIOUS.]

[osteotome]

[ Miss Fallen Angel gets a headtilt from him for the brash response and suspicion. He doesn't seem offended... and she didn't exactly reject the card so much as question why to her of all people. He can answer that though. ]

It's my job. You give them out for a holiday here.

[ He's is not up to date for modern Japanese culture like Valentines and White Day to have a good reference for this. But the general description of Shehui's version sounds nice enough? Bonds between others and kind words make for an alright sort of holiday. ]

Receiving them supposed to be encouraging. Like there's someone who wishes you a good day.

[ He's honestly not trying to be convincing because... Hm. Bee puns. But the sentiment speaks enough for a simple tsukumogami like him. ]

[unlightmusic]

[Uh... huh. It's good that he wasn't trying to be convincing, because Suzu still remains skeptical about this whole thing. She makes a dismissive half-shrug with her free hand, shaking her head with disapproval.]

But it's your job, right? That means a lotta people passing these cards around are just doin' it just for the credits. It kinda cheapens the sentiment, y'know? Like all these foolish gestures lose all meaning. [A sigh.] Even in another world, 「mortals」 sure find a way to be pathetic.

[She says that, but... Suzu stares down at the card in her hand again.]

... Well, I don't really care, and there's no particular reason I shouldn't keep it, either. [IT'S NOT BECAUSE THIS STUPID BEE CUTOUT IS CUTE OR ANYTHING.] But know this: I ain't thanking you, 'cuz I'm a rebel!

H

[osuni]

[Okuni has been watching the chaos unfold with a surprisingly neutral expression on her face. Despite being a very obvious fan of chaos back home, this isn't the brand of chaos she's really into. (mindless chaos is just so... unproductive). But for all her dislike, she's not actually stepping into the throng and sorting folks out. Maybe she should... Maybe... if she... felt like it...

Then her attention focuses on Honebami, whose 5 feet everything seems immediately out of place. He's smol but... the conviction in his voice makes her pay more attention, tilting her head in curiosity.]

Oh? And how exactly will you do that?

[will there be murder involved]

[osteotome]

[ No! No murder, Okuni. But the straight faces shared between them is probably a unique sight amidst this mess. Maybe funny? Anyways, he responds promptly when asked! He actually did think about this and decide what to do. Also a second opinion would be good for this course of action.

Implying here that Okuni would be impulse control. ]

They can't be continuously provoked by each other or their surroundings if they're unconscious.

[ Casual incapacitation! His composure is still steady to completely sate her curiosity about this odd pale twig, ready to fight a man. Two man, in fact. Also, Honebami's going to take his sheathed wakizashi from his side, peace-bonding it with its cord to keep it from slipping out of the scabbard. ]

b

[drizzle]

[It wasn't strange to find Nike close to the gardens whenever she happened to be in the area. After everything that had happened, with the forceful lock ups and other issues, she had gotten the courage needed to make certain decisions: such as leaving the apartment building, for one. Even so, she never was going to shy away from her favorite spot in said building, so she was in the area, after picking up the last of her stuff from her once known room.

When she overhears a question and comment being directed towards her, she'll turn towards the owner, only to instantly notice their unique colorings of hair and eyes, leaving her speechless as she has never met anyone else as pretty as Riku until now. Were they really a boy? She had to investigate by...]

I don't see why you shouldn't. It sounds like a good idea. But don't go overboard with decorating or making yourself at home, we won't be here for very long. Hopefully.

[She really was beginning to miss the simplicity of the floating island hub, almost wondering over its current conditions. With a sigh, she'll shake her head before turning to the other person.]

I'm guessing you're new, huh? If you're making these questions, then you got to be. Who knew she still had enough energy to summon more?

[Qri was really something, indeed.]

[osteotome]

[ Despite the silver hair in a layered bob and long eyelashes, he sounds like a boy. Not a human one as her hunches might guess down the line, but anyway. Getting an an answer like that seems to satisfy that concern of his though. He relaxes a little. ]

Understood.

[ He nods, taking a few flowers in his hand. Nothing overboard like she suggested, just a few stems for a little vase. ]

I am. So, this stay is temporary? I didn't know that.

[ They didn't say anything about it in the introduction/welcome to Shehui. The message seemed to be the opposite, even. ]

B

[inspiteful]

[ Ahahaha black-carded people who broke them, this skinny dude happens to be one of them. ]

Well, they're strict, but the severity of the punishments generally match how minor or major a rule you broke.

[ Personally he thinks Honebami can pick a few if he wants, but maybe it's not a good idea for him to be giving that sort of advice right now. ]

You could just buy some flowers from the store, if you're worried.

[osteotome]

[ He's new and innocent! No judging aside from "oh they're troublemakers". Blame family, even when he's trying to be good because he's new and in a strange place. ]

So it would be minor, compared to something more disruptive.

[ Honebami prods the flower's petals one last time before standing up. ]

Hopefully they wouldn't be too expensive. But that's a good idea, do you know where I should go?