*The people in this world seem to be increasingly blind and deaf, unable to feel. It's a horrible thing to watch others go through. Sonico has managed, somehow, to keep herself free from the effects of whatever this illness might be, and she's determined to offer what help she can.

For the benefit for those that can't see, she introduces herself*

Good morning, everyone. It's Sonico here. I'd like to extend my help to anyone who finds themselves struggling. Perhaps you need personal help to aid yourself, or around your home. I am willing. Or perhaps you are unable to do daily tasks and chores, or to go to your place of work. I will do my best to help you. Please don't be afraid to be in touch.

*Next, for those who are perhaps unable to hear, Sonico repeats the same speech, this time holding up pieces of card with the message written on in bold green letters*

If you know someone who requires help but will not ask, please let me know.

*Sonico ends the video with a sincere smile and a bow*

Gooooooooood evening ladles and jelly-spoons! This is your Ibuki Mioda here, reporting live from - well, you'll just have to wait and see, won't you?

[Ibuki might just be in a good mood. It's not clear where she is for how close she is to the screen, though there are certain bells and whistles that anyone who's been to an arcade around here might recognise. That's probably not why she's looking so pleased with herself, though; that's coming right about now.]

Anyway, where Ibuki is right now doesn't matter. Ibuki has a huuuuuuuge announcement to make. Hold onto your hats, hold onto your seats, grab your loved ones, whatever it takes because Ibuki is not responsible for any injuries or other illnesses because people didn't prepare themselves well enough.

[She will even pause obligingly for people to ready themselves...for a few seconds.]

Okay! Ibuki won't tease any longer. You are now looking at the new hottest thing to grace this city, the rock star from the peak of hope who'll grace you all with her one true sound. Ibuki has been working hard to produce her debut album and now she's about to put on her very first show. So clear out your diaries, because the first weekend in October, Ibuki will be performing for all her loving fans!

But wait! That's not all! Because Ibuki's moving houses too, and at first she thought, wouldn't a housewarming be neat? But then Ibuki thought, wouldn't it be even better to turn her housewarming into an after-party too? So, keep an eye on your inboxes because as soon as the guest list is finalised, Ibuki will be sending out invitations to the privileged few she wants to come along.

["Privileged few" basically meaning anyone Ibuki's spoken to a few times and hasn't ended up disliking.

She's still not done though. Instead, she briefly pans the camera to show more of the arcade and a certain girl utterly absorbed in her gaming.]

One last thing. This here is Chiaki Nanami-chan, seen in her most natural environment.

[Gotten a good look at her. Good, because Ibuki's back in focus now and there's a rare seriousness to her expression.]

Chiaki-chan is Ibuki's friend so everyone be nice to her or I'll come kick you in the shins. This is my first and only warning.

[And after that brief moment of serious sentiment, she flashes a cheeky grin and wave before ending the feed.]

[Yashiro’s video feed starts up and he’s sitting at the table in the dining area of his apartment. He has a cup of tea sitting next to him and a script on the table next to that.]

Throughout my entire life, I have devoted myself entirely to the performing arts.
[He takes a small sip of his tea before speaking again.]

Perfecting each skill that I could was necessary to become a true artist. I have met a few others here that have musical talent. However, I am curious. How many others here have talent in similar fields of performing? Acting, singing, dance and the like.

[That is just something he’s been wondering for a while now.]

Another question. What is it that people typically do with their free time?

action; genessia; outside the bay

[Fet casts an impressive shadow in the late summer sun, standing before Weiss' hologram, watching with interest as she speaks. Much like an attentive student during a lecture, he references the materials he was provided, fingers the pendant draped around his neck at it's mention, and looks toward the sky when the barrier is brought up. As the hologram continues its explanation, he reaches into one of the many pockets in his vest and withdraws a cigarillo, lighting it and holding it between his teeth for a moment before taking a drag and holding the flavorful smoke in his mouth for a second before releasing it slowly.

His jaw muscle works thoughtfully as the hologram finishes, and he brings the cigarillo to his lips again, taking a slower pull from the wrapped tobacco and releasing it with an exhaled sigh.]

...Is that right?

[His voice is heavily accented, something Eastern European, and he works his jaw thoughtfully again before he reaches into the pocket of his coat, much too warm for this weather, and pulls out the device he was left in the box, just like everyone else, looking down at it thoughtfully before tucking it back into his pocket.]

Kidnapped then, is it?

[A lot of the message is lost of Fet, though he assumes he'll come to understand it in time. He's more concerned about understanding who else might be here than figuring out where here is exactly, at least for the moment. He thought vampires overrunning the city was a big deal. This just made his life a lot more complicated.]

video;

[Fet takes the phone back out of his pocket and turns it on. The interface is fairly intuitive, and starting the video transmission is pretty self-explanatory. He holds the phone up, greeting the network with a friendly smile. While his words are thickly accented, his command of the English language isn't in question.]

Hello, everyone. Or is it fellow captives? I don't know what to call the lot of us. Anyway, I'm Fet. Looks like I just got in off the boat.

[He begins to walk in the direction the documentation indicated toward the offered housing. A place to sleep is a good place to secure first, after all.]

I don't remember buying a ticket, but the vacation's nice. [He smirks.] Anybody know if it's paid, 'sides the cash they left with the phone, I mean. [And he shakes his head slightly.] Also, what can be said of this place, eh? I know what the welcome message said, and the pamphlet, but the best way to get to know a place is to ask the locals. I don't really care about what's outside the barrier, or any of that. Not yet. Just would like to know what a newbie should know.

[And he flashes the camera a charming smile.]

Thanks for listening.

Wasn't that masquerade wonderful? Why don't we recapture that moment?

The rules are simple:

1. Every critique comment is anonymous.

2. Under each category, put the name of the person you’re critiquing and why you think they’re best or worst dressed in the body of the comment.

3. Others can vote +1 or -1 beneath the critiques. THESE VOTES ARE NOT ANONYMOUS!! So be careful! Or not.

4. Profit?

Let the games begin.



(OOC: As usual, anonymity is optional and to your discretion, and the same goes for remaining anonymous when you "vote"! All you have to do is mention if it's anonymous or not in the subject line! The post itself, made by Grell, is anonymous!)

Who: Open to anyone who wants to attend
What: A Masquerade! Complete with masks, costumes, music and food.
WhenSaturday August 20th 8pm-midnight
Where: Genessia
Warnings: Tag them if they apply

( Come dance away the rest of the summer )

Who: You! Anyone and everyone is welcome to come!
What: A Festival of Fireflies with games, food, rides and more!
Where: Genessia
When: August 15th-20th. Starting at 7pm
Warnings: Be sure to warn in your threads appropriately.


[The gates are open and the air is filled with the sound of music. Whether you're a reveler, a vendor or anything in between-- come and enjoy the festival!

The Firefly Masquerade post is here]

[To be honest, Everglade's new vigilante was bothering Azalea more than she'd like to admit. Again, it all came down to blaming the wrong people. Labeling people as "evil" when they were just trying to save themselves or others. Do these humans even know what evil really is?]

Azalea had been questioning these laws in general for quite some time. They didn't seem to deter violence at all, given all these bounties that are listed in the newspaper...]

With everything going on in Everglade, I have to wonder...what good do these laws do? I understand that these laws are intended to protect people, but people are either ignoring them, or working around them to commit their crimes.

On top of that, people are pointing fingers at the wrong people. Why are the Guardians to blame when the problem is too big for them alone? Is there truly a permanent solution for this? Can there truly be a world where one living being doesn't kill another?

For as long as I've been here, I thought Genessia was safer than Sornieth. But now I'm starting to rethink that sentiment. Even if we're less likely to die here, we're still in danger if being shunned by the public. You get punished for killing a beast, even if it's to save your own life. We have people killing others for the most bizarre reasons. Just what are they trying to accomplish?

Back home, we only killed beasts to survive. I'm not going to claim that that's right or honorable, but we just do what we have to do. The only reward is that we get to live for another day.

[There's a part of her that prefers that simple kind of life, even if it was more dangerous. She sighs, her breath shaking a little bit. She almost wants to break down and cry, but she stays strong.]

I'm so tired...I'm tired of dragonkind being labeled as "evil" just for trying to live...

[And then she'll cut off the feed.]

VIDEO

Hello Genessia. It's been sometime since I addressed everyone and I do hope everyone is doing well. This address will be directed towards public relations as well as a general announcement.

[She smiles into the camera, her bright blonde curls perfectly framing the angelic curves of her face.]

I've decided to sign up with a talent agency which will range from singing, acting to modeling and hopefully more. As such my hours at After Life might be affected though I've yet to learn what my schedule holds.

If I am able to perform I'd be honored if anyone could come.

[Crystal continues after a short pause.]

For my general announcement I wanted to ask two questions. What did most of you do at home and is that what you're doing here? I've decided to branch out a little more and I'm curious as to what other have done.

Thank you for your attention.

ACTION | NOVA CITY

[Crystal can be found in many places around Nova City. She spends a part of her day shopping, hoping to find clothes that rang outside of her usual dress. She can also be found at a coffee shop or tea shop mid day, taking a break and resting her feet. She's finds it hard to remain idle so she works to keep herself busy. Later at night she can be found at work, hosting one of the VIP rooms at Afterlife. There are a few times that she can be spotted behind the bar. The bright curls unmistakable even under the dark lights of the club.]

[Charles is sitting at a table in what is clearly one of the rooms at the Amagi Inn, sipping from a cup, but the angle doesn't afford one a view of what liquid he may be drinking, only that the cup is steaming.]

I don't recall subscribing to the Newspaper, though knowing one exists is fortunate. I find it interesting the political structure of this place openly employs the use of bounty hunters to shore up at least some of its ne'er do wells. While the practice of hunting bounties isn't illegal in my own world, it isn't precisely advertised in the local paper, as it were.

[He waves a hand as though dismissing his own derailed train of thought.]

Be that as it may, it's come to my attention, while rather comfortable, the Amagi Inn will not, after all, suffice as a long-term arrangement. Do any of you know of an apartment complex or similar in any of the cities which would allow the installation of storm shutters?

[He pauses here, as though allowing a moment to pass before changing subjects again.]

Also, I've taken a position at the Genessia Scientific Research Foundation. My areas of expertise lie in Xenobiology and Archaeology, and I hope to assist with these fields in understanding what it is that attracts this place to us precisely. While I have had at least one assume this means I specialize in the biology of foreigners, I would clarify that I specialize in the unique biologies of non-humans. Werewolves, Fae, vampires, imps, ad infinatum. I've also more than dabbled in the medical sciences, and would like to offer my services to anyone who may feel their own biology is too...unique to trust to a mundane physician. My only stipulation is that our appointments be restricted to night hours.

For those of you I have yet to meet, my name is Charles Rieben, and it is already a pleasure.

[And with that, he signs off.]

[Nagito can be seen somewhere outside, based on the background it was most likely a cafe.]

Ah! There it goes. That wasn't hard at all.

[For a new arival he was pretty laid back and relaxed about it all.]

I think I have a good idea of what's going on, but I hope no one minds if I still ask a few questions of everyone.

[He shifted his arms to position the phone a bit better.]

From what I understand everyone with one of these, [He uses his free hand to lift the pendent up. His was mostly yellow with flecks of blue and red in it.] is "real" and abducted to this world. That's quite amazing when you think about it! I never expected in my whole life to experience such a fantasy like event.

But, moving on. I was curious about everyone else here. What sorts of places and states did you come from? Also, how do you feel about this place? Is there a motive behind being here? Surely there is a purpose, otherwise why go through the trouble? It must be a lot of trouble to punch a hole through to another world as well, so there must be some sort of goal involved.

Ah, but don't worry if you don't know, I'm mostly just talking to myself.

Oh, I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Komaeda Nagito, I look forward to meeting and speaking fellow abductees.

[He smiled softly and raised a hand in a friendly wave.]

*Sonico would have much preferred to do this by text only, but she figures that if she's offering her image as a way of making money then it's only fair that clients get to see what they're paying for. The video is therefore taken at a slightly awkward angle as Sonico does her best to show her face and her upper body*

Hello everyone, Sonico here!~ Before I start with the main part of this message I wanted to thank everyone I've met recently. You've all been very kind and helpful, and I feel much more settled here now. Thank you.

 

*After that, it's time for the main message. Used to her manager doing all the PR work and communications for her, this is quite a new thing for Sonico but she does her best not to let the awkwardness show so that she can give a good impression*

Today I'm letting you all know that I offer part-time modelling work, and I'd love to get started here in Genessia. Back home, I have a large portfolio of work as I have taken part in many different kinds of modelling work. So far I have experience in magazine picture spreads, single photo shoots, advertising, and I've also made appearances at conventions and events.

If you'd like me to help with work of this kind, please feel free to get in touch. If you think of something in future, you can contact me directly via the device, or you might prefer to see me in person at the Bright Sky Diner.

I look forward to working with you!

*To conclude, Sonico gives a warm smile and a soft bow of the head*

[Action Option - Come find her at the Bright Sky Diner if you so desire! She'll be there in super cute waitressing gear!]
 

[ Bei Dou is smiling pleasantly. Well. As pleasantly as he's able. That can't bode well, he's gotta have something bad to say. He's sitting with one of his many (his biggest, it's huge) snakes resting its head on his shoulder, and he's petting it with is free hand, he's sitting on the snake's coiled body, and he's apparently close to the cloister. ]

This Bei Dou is terribly bored so he has a small request to ask of you all.

If anybody would be kind enough to show me my favorite kind of spectacle? Watching war fold out is a great hobby of mine that I miss dearly, and while I realize that you cannot show me anything like what is currently unfolding in my world where the Yellow Turban party and the supporters of the Han dynasty are clashing, due to the lack of populace in these little cities, even a small war would be fine.

[ There is a wistful little sigh, as if he misses the war in China very much indeed. ]

But I will make do with what I can get, I suppose.

A. Video

[ When the video clicks on it shows Adela in the shade of a tree, sitting on the ground with her wheelchair parked nearby. She seems agitated for some reason, though said reason does become clear soon enough. ]

May I ask of you what you all do to keep active, and if it can be done from a chair or not?

----------

B. Action, Garden Park, Genessia City

[ She puts the communicator away with a sigh, waiting for responses but also just watching people around her. Honestly, it's frustrating. Not that there isn't plenty to do with her work and with the friends she has, but there's still too much she can no longer do that she just wants to.

She's leaning against the tree she's chosen as her rest spot then, looking up at the leaves rustling in the slight breeze and waiting for responses. Of course, someone approaching will get her attention and she'll look to them if they do, but for the most part she kind of wants to be left alone. ]

VIDEO

[ there's a long moment where savir just stares at the phone, fingers rubbing over the screen to black it out every so often. when he finally wills himself to speak his voice is rough, gravelly, and yet surprisingly gentle. ]

Strange. I had not thought myself drunk enough to hallucinate an entire city — and a device such as this! Magnificent, though confusing. Hm. [ he heard the speech from the hologram, - waved his hand through the thing, too, because what the fuck even is that? - looked at the map and, honestly, he just thinks he's straight up losing his mind. old age. death coming for him. wouldn't be the first time he woke up somewhere weird with no recollection of how he managed it or why — though this time was a little bit different. ]

Supposedly others can hear me on this, yes? Hello, if you can, and if so — may I selfishly request a moment of your time to answer some questions I have? I fear all of this is far beyond my realm of expertise.

[ he'd be more specific, but he has like five hundred questions so??? ]


ACTION

[ even while savir is broadcasting that message to the world, he's on the move and planning to investigate. anyone nearby will definitely be able to see the six-foot-seven, burly cat-man wandering around with a confused (and slightly...wistful? weird.) look on his face as he searches aimlessly around the city.

also maybe accidentally smacking people with his tail. you know. ]

[A: Video: Well now, he has to taunt everyone, but just how to do it...]

Seems like everything is getting a little interesting again, eh?

And for all those who don't find it so, check out the After Life Nightclub for all your nighttime and clandestine adult needs.

[Holds up a finger.] Except prostitution. Because my wife will kill you. And I'm not kidding.


[B: Library: Marco has always been a little bit of a bookworm, despite what some of his family might realize or think, but he's still boring his way through tomes and volumes, trying to study and glean all the universe's knowledge at once and comparing maps to try to put together a compilation. There's a good fifteen books stacked to his left, and rather than bother with ballpoint pens, he's using a quill to make his varying notes, please don't spill his ink.]

[C: Later at the Nightclub: He's hanging out near the bouncer, reading a book. In a nightclub. He also may or may not be sporting glasses frames that have no lens. Because he's a giant freaking dork from hell. But no, he's totally on the job. Totally.]

[D: Dungeons: You know what is the worst place ever to try to fly and fight? A dungeon. Why is he in the ruins again? "Training?" This was a bad idea. There's a blue phoenix kicking skeletons and bugbears and occasionally swearing loudly in squawks. He misses fighting at the Garden.]


[E: Private for Espio:]

Kiddo, we need to talk.