( Skyhouse Suite 102 )

[Video]

[Gale had been staring at his phone for a good solid ten minutes. This didn't feel real. He didn't want it to be real. His hand shook as he slowly turned the video on. He was aiming for audio only, but he got video by accident, so to hell with it. He was slumped on the floor as he gave a blank, empty stare to the screen as he gave slow, shaky breaths. Then he quietly spoke.]

Faye is gone.

[His voice was strained. He didn't want to say it, because that all but confirmed it. He inhaled sharply before he gave a dry, pained laugh which completely betrayed the unreadable expression on his face.]

I guess this means Nova will be lookin' another deputy again, huh? Because why the hell wouldn't this happen?

[He gave another strained laugh. This really was his luck, wasn't it? There was nothing to do but laugh, right? Right?]

Who: Ayame Sasaki & Andrea Hendricks with their respective dates
When: Various days in January

[ OOC: This is a catch-all log for the resulting dates for both Ayame Sasaki and Andrea Hendricks from the Date Auction event. Top-level comments below for each date, set in different times and days within the month of January. ]

It had been far too long since Camilla had been able to soar through the skies astride a wyvern. Ever since she first learned to, it had been one of the few outlets of freedom she'd really had considering her mother. It hadn't been too much of an issue since her arrival in Genessia, cut off from Nohr and the responsibilities that came with being royalty, but she had begun feeling the itch to soar through the skies once more. During her off time from her job, she'd been researching the breeds of dragons native to Fayren and where they usually nested for the winter. After diligent research into the matter and a day off from her job, she decided the time was right.

She didn't want to go into the mountains alone for obvious reasons, but she also didn't want to burden her family. Thankfully, Andy had entranced Camilla with her knowledge of strange technologies and food while showing interest in the more fantastical that was normal to Camilla. Besides, Camilla owed Andy a date from the auction and this seemed like the perfect excuse to introduce her newest suitor to the rest of her family.

She hummed to herself as she finished packing supplies and gear at Lakendell, glancing out the nearby window, looking for any sign of Andy. After all, it probably wouldn't make for the best of first impressions if Xander or Leo answered the door. She loved her brothers but they had such scary faces at times.

[Log for Andy and Camilla going into the mountains for wyvern taming, with a mingling place for the Lakendell folks before they set off.]

So, first of all, congratulations are in order for the newly elected guardians. Secondly, I find myself down two deputies. Satou obviously will be moving to Genessia to carry out her duties as it's new guardian, and Sakuya Izayoi will be moving to Everglade to serve as Remilia Scarlet's deputy, both with my blessing.

So. I suppose if you're interested, let me know?

[VIDEO]

Hello, Citizens of Genessia! I suppose this is as good a time as any... My name is Satou Kuroneko, and I will be the new Guardian of Genessia. I look forward to working for you all! Please, feel free to bring any concerns to me at any time. I'll be working on enacting a few changes to the system, so I would appreciate any and all feedback as I get started.

I would also like to hire new Deputy Guardians. I've got the funds to hire two or three new Deputies and will be taking applications until next Sunday. I would also like to hire a Secretary for our Guardian office. If you're interested, please stop by the office or call me back about an interview.
I'll give you more details about what I'm looking for, but.... For the moment, I'm really hoping to talk to people who know how the Police Department works, and people who know about healing. Of course, people who are strong are also going to be very important. 

Thank soo much! Let's work together to keep Genessia safe, for a long time to come!

[ACTION]

[Satou will be at the Genessia Guardian Office for most of the day. She's working on making some IKEA-isc furniture for the office, including four more desks and a lot of rolling chairs. Of course, as a magical girl, she's able to cheat a bit... That's why the furniture pieces are floating all around her and putting themselves together.

When someone arrives, she waves and lets the furniture land softly on the ground.]

Hello! Are you here for an interview?

[OOC: Deputies will earn 4 stars in payment. Secretary will earn 2 stars in payment, and get part-time hours.]

Who: Andrea Hendricks and Camilla
What: Date night
When: December 21
Where: Attleton
Warnings: 18+
( Read more... )

Attleton:

[ Andy is not hard to spot in the quiet streets of Attleton. She looks like she's having a little too much fun with the current event, wielding a flamethrower that's currently slung on her shoulder as she uses a big Bowie knife against a gigantic snow beast as tall as a bus. Putting her knife in reverse, Andrea shows off her superhuman agility; jumping to one side to fool her opponent only to leap to the other flank once the creature fell to her feint. With it's entire side open and defenseless, Andrea jumps on the creature using her knife as a way to hold on to the giant, while using it's knee as a platform to step on. Jumping on it's back, Andrea stabs the creature repeatedly as it tries to wiggle and pry her off of it's back.

Once she had her fun she'll jump off of the creature, flipping her aviators down and taking the flamethrower to burn the giant snow beast into nothing. All of this happened within seconds, with Andrea seeing things in slow-motion through it all. Tossing the orb in her hand, Andrea watches the beast melt from the residual heat from the flamethrower, tossing the crystal like a fastball at the trapped spirit. ]

Just like the simulations!

[VIDEO]

Good afternoon, Genessia! It seems we're having a problem with mean snow. 

I'll be helping with the effort to clean it up, but I can't be everywhere. I do have some spare cash this month, though, so... If anyone has some free time, and can fight, please contact me! I think we'll need some extra help in Genessia City and Everglade, where some members of the Guardian staff are presently missing...

Oh! And I can also make warm coats and gloves. If you're planning to be out, please make sure you're dressing appropriately.

Guardians, please feel free to contact me if you need any of the help I'll be hiring!

And Dante, please direct me as needed. I'll be working my usual patrol route otherwise.

[ooc: feel free to use satou's post to mingle, if you'd like!]

[Video]

[So Gale had gotten numerous reports earlier of Nova citizens getting attacked. Obviously, that was a call to action, but the reports all seemed kind of peculiar... even moreso when he saw the culprits in person. Genessia is just the gift that keeps on giving, isn't it? So Gale starts a video message while he's outside.]

Well, this is odd, ain't it? In case some of you haven't been outside yet today, I'm gonna warn you to be a little careful. The forecast today is chilly with a chance of snow monsters. If you have no combat abilities, I would advise stayin' indoors or travelin' with folk who can help you out. They don't seem like too much of a threat, but... y'know how compact snow can get.

In the meantime, the Nova team will be workin' to put these guys on defrost and--

[In mid sentence, one of the aforementioned snow creatures decides to take a swing at Gale, who gracefully dodges before turning to it and giving it a dirty look.]

Excuse you! Attackin' me in the middle of an emergency report is snow fair! Now you're sleeted for a lesson in manners.

[And the video cuts.]

[Private Video: Nova deputies, Gale Force employees and Andy]

[After he reduced the creature to a puddle, he turns on a new video feed, dusting some snow off of his jacket with a huff.]

Heads up, I left ya all some flamethrowers if you feel so inclined. Deps, they're on my desk in the Skyrise. Club folk, they're in the break room. Andy, there's one with your name on it on the table at home.

Just be careful where ya throw fire around, eh? I don't want things to get too hot to handle. Make sure the safety's on when you're not usin' 'em. I'm not responsible for singed eyebrows.

[Don't ask where he got them. A military base in a certain subarchway is down a few flamethrowers. And Gale regrets nothing.]

[Action - Snowva Nova City]

[ A: Gale of course is out on the front line. By now he'd come across that weird guy in the jacket (who he had to mentally question if that was even a guy at all and not just small children), wondering what he was supposed to do with those weird stone things. They were supposed to help somehow... okay, sure, whatever, he'll figure it out as he goes. He's just thankful that these snow monsters weren't a full blown invasion. The downtime between attacks was appreciated. He had one of the aforementioned flamethrowers on his back, but he wasn't using it- it was more for show really. He was content on jumping around and using magic instead like the show off he is. He was frequently going across WayPoints to keep those zones clear.

... but eventually, one might see him riding one of the creatures like a snow bronco. Clearly, this was his first time to a snowdeo.]


[ B: Admittedly, Gale was probably having more fun than he should have been. Of course he was taking it seriously! ... just something was hilarious about angry snow monsters. Clearly, Frosty was pissed.

One encounter later on would catch Gale off guard, and that was when he was standing face-to-face with an exact snow replica of himself. Which meant his hunting was put to a grinding halt as he actually stood there admiring himself, and his snow clone was mimicking his actions by appearing to do the same thing. He's vain even in snow form. Man, Gale didn't want to have to torch this one! This was great!

So there Gale was, killing time with his snow self by admiring each other, striking poses and seemingly having a dance-off in the street. This idiot was probably moments away from flirting with the damn thing.]

Masquerade! Paper faces on parade
Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade! Every face a different shade
Masquerade! Look around, there's another mask behind you




Welcome
Though the evening outside is chilly, there’s nothing but warmth and lively atmosphere inside. The room itself (the ballroom atop the self proclaimed ‘most romantic and luxurious’ Genessian getaway) is almost blinding, glittering with gold from floor to ceiling, save for the towering framed windows that provide a beautiful sight of the city below. Tables are scattered here and there around the perimeter should attendees wish to rest their feet, but the centerpiece of the evening seems to be the massive, sparkling chandelier casting its warm, golden glow over a rather extensive dance floor. One end of the room is reserved for the band, poised just near the hearth featuring a roaring fire, while the other showcases a grand staircase on which one may make their entrance, should they choose to explore the upper lofts that surround the room beforehand.

Early in the evening, once the room has begun to fill, a couple steps up to welcome everyone on behalf of Genessia’s Performing Arts Center and the cast of their most recent musical. While the event is free, and they are delighted to be able to share a magnificent evening of splendor with everyone, they do wish to make everyone aware that should they choose to donate tonight, be it through benevolent gift or through the auction or gambling tables, all proceeds will be donated to the Red House Foundation- more specifically, Genessia’s branch, located in the heart of the city herself.
The call to enjoy the masquerade is punctuated with a deep bow and the swell of the band picking up once more to lead everyone into a night of majestic merriment.


Photos
With numerous celebrities about and the event in full swing, it’s to no one’s surprise that there are photographers practically crawling the place. Fortunately for all, quite a few have been hired by the event planning team and will be snapping moments (both candid and posed) of everyone in attendance. There’s even a designated area with various props to play with and a lovely backdrop doused in gold. These photos can be downloaded from the network later, so take advantage of these professionals, should your heart desire! After all, did one really look their best if there’s no photo to prove it?


Dancing
While there’s certainly no pop star performing and the music is much more classically suited, one will hear a familiar tune more often than not, spun by the tuxedo clad musicians to suit a more modern crowd. It’s upbeat and energetic for the most part, but every so often, they're likely to switch the mood to something much smoother (dare they say, romantic?) to sway to. Instructors are scattered throughout the crowd, should those unfamiliar with the ballroom style wish to learn something new!


Food
A party without food is absurd, regardless of the occasion. Drink flows readily from the bar, and an impressive variation of hors d’oeuvre has been laid out in a brilliant spread on the long tables along the edges of the room. Partake as you will, and leave a donation to show your appreciation if you’re so inspired!


Costume Parade
What’s the point of a masquerade without an outfit promenade? Show off your inspired attire to all who will gaze upon you. The more flamboyant, the more attention your costume will draw, and the more in-character one seems, the more believable the evening will be- Embrace the masks and let loose! Tonight is the night to be whoever (or whatever) your heart desires.


Gambling/Auction
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, there are multiple donated items on which to bid, ranging from weekend getaways to baskets of sweets to… rather peculiar fashion and odd home decor.
To the right of the auction display, there are multiple gaming tables with waiting croupier, ready to assist those with heavy wallets attempt to woo Lady Luck. The winnings (should there be any) can be kept or donated- the choice is yours.


Gardens
If one finds a need to escape the swirling of dance and swell of the music, the gardens below may serve you well. There’s a lovely courtyard, and just beyond the fountain, a garden maze, well lit for the season with the gentle glow of dazzling lights. Take a stroll alone, or hide away with a lover or confidant, or snag a seat for the fireworks- the choice is yours.


Fireworks
No grand gala ever ended without a burst of excitement to round out the evening. Toward the end of the evening, the sky will be lit with a brilliant display of silvers and golds, all timed perfectly with the band’s final performance. One can watch from the gardens or the rooftop, or, if in need of something more ~private~, the balconies throughout the hotel.



Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade! Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you
Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade! Take your fill, let the spectacle astound you

((ooc: Questions? PM this journal or poke dovefire on Plurk! Have Fun!))

Who: Andrea Hendricks, and anyone who happens to be in Nova City.
What: "Pilfered Parts" Bounty, Andrea is on the hunt for some thieves.
When: 11.05.
Where: Nova City.
Warnings: None

[ Andrea takes to the streets of Nova City, usually in the more populated places like plazas, bars, shopping and entertainment centers. Definitely within 5 miles of where her target is reported to have been seen. She's no detective, so she did what most people would do and ask around. She waves hello and asks: ]

Hey, got a sec? I'm looking for somethin', I'll be outta your way in a bit but...

[ Holding a holographic image projected from a device on her wrist, is a hovercraft truck that's linked to the thieves. It has a flame decal on the front with purple and orange colors ]

Seen this particular truck around these parts? I know it's a long shot, but it's important.

-----------

Video/Action - Fayren

[ Flipping her sunglasses up as she parks her motorcycle at the front of Konoka's store - Mahora Fortune and Onmyoudo - Andrea gives a low whistle at the very Japanese decor as she struts in the store, activating her phone to make a network video before being briefly distracted and calling out to a clerk at the store ]

Heeeelllloooo? Anybody home? Konoka, you alive?

[ She looks around for a second, turning her attention back on her phone ]

Hey network, gonna make this quick. I'm on the lookout for people who use magic, and I'm offerin' to train with you sometime. I'm a frequent patron at the Holodeck in Nova, and I need to expand my skills and get familiarized with magic some more. Since that's pretty much everywhere in this place, gotta know how to deal with it. In exchange, I can teach you what I know. Modern infantry tactics, close-quarters combat, use of firearms. Let's talk, y'all.

Hello, everyone! Thank you so so much for your help with the doll incident in Everglade! I believe that's under control now. If you're still having problems, whether it be a lasting injury or property damage, please submit a report to me. I'll do my very best to pass it along to the appropriate parties as quickly as possible!

With that settled... I have to say, it was really amazing just how many people jumped into action to help! You guys were all super amazing and capable too.

So I was thinking! I'd like to make a list of people who are willing to help in incidents like that. If you'd be interested, please give me a call back. I can't pay you right now, unfortunately, so this would be mostly a community service type list.... hm. I don't know much about running a business, but I should read about it...

Oh. And what are good things to put in a gift basket?

[private : Remilia / Ted / Homura / Lancer / Camilla / Faye / Shirou / Rin / Andy / Augustine / Aizawa / Sync / Mavis]

[Everyone who helped in Everglade will be receiving an individual and private thank you message from Satou. The message includes words of gratitude for their help, and a a request for their physical address. Satou will be sending gift baskets and flowers as a 'thank you.']

[Orihime's face is serious as she regards the screen. Once the device is turned on, she sits back and takes a breath. There's a lot she wants to talk about...the new branch of Cake Town in Fayren, the two-week disappearance. But the latter is still too raw to discuss without leaving a bitter feeling in her gut, and the former too trivial.]

I want to know...if there are other heroes out there, who don't really make themselves publicly known.

[Her fingers dig a little tighter into the mattress.]

Last year there was one who went by X-Ray. He didn't have a good reputation, but he was a good hero. He didn't sign up for any hero jobs because he didn't want to be paid for what he was doing. Being true to his ideals meant he didn't have a great place to live, and couldn't really afford to eat well either. And that didn't seem right to me.

[Her gaze drifts down for a moment, her jaw tight. Then she glances at the camera again.]

So I thought there might be others like that here too, in similar situations. It's been bugging me for a long time, so I've worked really hard at expanding Cake Town. That way, I could afford to do something about it that isn't just donating leftover bread. If you're in a situation like that, let me know. It doesn't have to be a public response, and you can use whatever identity you're comfortable with. I'll keep it confidential.

[Orihime eases her grip on the sheets, exhaling quietly.]

...And let me know if you're open to the idea of a team or if you prefer to do things solo.

[With a nod of her head, she reaches forward and disconnects the feed. She has some training of her own to do.]

( Action Prompts )

[Mingle Action at After Life Night Club]

Invites will have gone out to everyone but Gale much earlier in the week - for Gale's surprise birthday extravaganza! Guests were asked to arrive from 7.30pm. Gale, on the other had, received a message from Faye telling him to meet her at 8pm, giving enough time for everyone to gather and get in the party mood before the birthday boy arrives. When he does, the band will strike up, and there will be a chorus of 'Happy Birthday, Gale!' This is all cringey as hell; for Faye, it's really rather painful. But Gale loves being centre of attention, so she's sure that he'll love this, really.

( Dance and drink the night away... )

video, bay area (can also be action)

[Waking up in strange places is not something Sumia would say she's used to doing. In fact, she can say for certain that she had fallen asleep in her tent back at camp.

But...apparently that isn't the case. According to what all she had just read.]

Well, this won't do me any good just staying here.

[After making sure she had everything that had been on her, or literally on her in regards to the stack of items she woke up to, she takes off to see where it was exactly she had woken up at, while also fiddling with the unfamiliar device the package had called a "smart phone".

At which now, she's found the video function.]

Oh, I hope I'm doing this right and didn't just break it somehow. [Muttering out of the way...] Um, hello! I'm Sumia, and perhaps there's someone who can help out with something. Does "Ylisse" sound familiar to anyone here? O-or maybe the Shep-oof!

[There's a clatter, as things have been dropped and scattered as she was not paying attention to her surroundings. Honestly, that rock just jumped up out of nowhere.

An audible "Oh, horse plop." can be heard before the sound of everything being picked back up, until she eventually comes back into frame for a brief second as Sumia's now turning the phone every which way to make sure it didn't break somehow.

When she's sure it isn't broken...]

Sorry about that! Now, where was I again...? [Pause to think.] Oh, right! While I'm hoping the others didn't get placed here as well, I'm just curious if there's any familiar faces here. Or if there's anyone who happens to know someone who's familiar with Ylisse or the Shepherds. Any kind of help would be most appreciated.

action, around the city proper

[Sometime after her video broadcast, Sumia eventually found her way to the city proper, stopping frequently to find anything more about where she had woken up that hadn't been covered in the information she had woken up with.

Some things seemed familiar: there were shops, yet some seemed to sell unfamiliar fashions and items, same went for some of the stands she came across.]

An Outrealm of some sort? No, there's usually Risen or some other kind of- [Yet again, with her not paying attention. This time, she's walked straight into someone and has begun fumbling (and failing) to keep things from falling to the ground once more.] Not again...!

[And she's back to having to pick her things up, checking once more that nothing broke. After straightening everything and herself out again, she's finally looking to see who it was that she ran into.]

I'm sorry! I really should have learned to pay attention to where I was going after what happened earlier. [And a brief pause as she realizes something.] I didn't break anything, did I? I'll find some way to replace it if I did!

 [video]

Good afternoon, everyone. This is Deputy of Attleton and Detect of Everglade, Satou Kuroneko, speaking. With this recent doll problem, I'd like to organize some defensive and investigative measures in Everglade. This will be entirely voluntary, so I'm sorry about that.

Those of us with pendents are a varied and talented bunch, and I have no doubt that our skills combined can get to the bottom of this. I'd like to start by organizing investigative parties: Pairing those whose talents lie in uncovering the truth with those who can fight to protect them. I've got three primary points in mind for thorough investigating and could use all of the help that I can get.

I'd also like to suggest that we group us in pairs or trios to help anyone being harassed by these dolls. If you can help with that, please let me know what your skill set is.

I'm going to make a list of interested volunteers. Likewise, if you're feeling unsafe and would like someone to help you, please let me know. 

Thank you for your time, everyone!

[ooc; feel free to threadjack if your characters are planning to group up.]

Your New Best Friend

As many people know, Old Everglade is largely abandoned and for good reason. New Everglade may have a lot of current residents, but the deeper into Old Everglade you get, well… the more off-kilter and less controllable things get. It’s why most NPCs won’t tread there nowadays unless they really need something.

A teenage boy by the name of Thomas is worried for his sick grandmother. His grandmother is terminally ill and, though taken care of at Everglade’s Nightingale Care Institution, is likely not to make it through to the new year and told him about a childhood toy she had back when she used to live in Old Everglade. For this reason, Thomas ventured into Everglade’s abandoned areas and found the toy- this doll seems to have made friends, however, and in chasing it it led him to a very, very old bridge. The bridge was rickety, barely standing, but determined to see his grandmother smile one last time, Thomas persevered.

This was not the best idea Thomas has ever had. Crossing the bridge broke a series of seals that had been placed onto the bridge to cordon off an island known as the Isle of Doll. Thomas’s grandmother’s doll had been from outside of it and had been coaxed into bringing a human there to break the seal so they could become true friends, and in doing so released the dolls from the island. Though the island was small, it was filled with hundreds of abandoned dolls, all lining the edge of the island. They move in jerky, rickety movements as if they should not be moving at all. And now they’re out, and they’re coming to Everglade to find new friends. Forever friends. Friends that won’t ever, ever be able to leave them. Ever again.

---

( Optional Prompts )