etrayamemes | TDM 002

Entry tags:

!tdm

TDM 002

⏵ arrival⏴
Arrival goes as anticipated. Characters awaken in the pristine, new hospital, greeted by Aurora and potentially getting a rundown of what's happening depending on their approach to being dropped somewhere new. The door to their room opens, and new arrivals are left free to explore their new environment.

When the first round of citizens arrived, Aurora and the companion bots had been largely unprepared. This time? They made sure to put up welcome banners, even if the sentiment isn't quite right. There are cupcakes and cookies set out in the hospital's lobbies, and a digital map has been placed just in front of the entrance of the hospital, telling others how to reach the various locations throughout Etraya. Companion bots wander throughout the city, some carrying construction equipment to half-built facilities while others act as nurses, servers, or sales associates throughout the constructed buildings.

⏵ rainy awakenings ⏴

Many concepts are new to Aurora, including rain. She is familiar with how it functions, and its purpose, but rain has never been present on the lands of Etraya. Given how new it is, that may not be all too surprising - but the method of how it’s being introduced is… a little much. Rainfall commences in the early days of April, a persistent downpour that waxes and wanes in intensity but never ceases entirely.

Most nights in Etraya are characterized by a soothing patter of rain against rooftops. Yet, some nights leave the grounds flooded come morning. Rivers begin to swell, the current much too strong to justify trying to go for a swim. These showers also bring a new assortment of plants blooming across the green lands: bright blossoms whose petals spread wide when the yellow sun shines down on them, while numerous cherry blossom trees have grown out of nowhere, flourishing despite the rainfall. Clover carpets the grassy expanses of the islands, weaving a beautiful tapestry of color across the grounds.

⏵ Getting drenched by the rain can trigger a surge, followed by a slump. Initially, individuals will feel giddy, excited, full of energy, and ready to take on the world. However, in the subsequent days, they’ll find themselves feeling depressed, lacking the energy and motivation to move forward. Aurora advises that these effects are only temporary and should fade within the week, but they can be resolved more quickly by embracing a stranger. Attempting to hug anyone they already know well will not produce the same effect.

⏵ With the rain comes a significant increase in the greenery around Etraya that isn’t fake. Most of these plants will resemble ones originally found in the characters' universes.

⏵ A couple of these plants contain magical properties:

The Emberloom is a bright red, fiery flower that only inhabits smaller land masses. Those exposed to its pollen will experience heightened aggression and impulsivity.

Shadowbloom resemble tulips during the day, but during the night the petals open and it looks more like the night sky: dark petals with specs of white throughout them. Growing too close to the apartment building for comfort, those who look at the petals after nightfall will fall into a deep sleep. Worse yet: the dreams they find themselves in are not their own, but are the dreams of other residents. Ones who had not looked into the Shadowbloom, but had drifted off to sleep elsewhere on the planet. The one who looked into the Shadowbloom will find they cannot awaken until the person whose dream they have entered does.

These flowers will continue to bloom through April, after which the companion bots will search for and remove them from the atmosphere bubble.

⏵ If there is a specific, unique plant that those in game (or those accepted during the next round!) would like to add, please comment to the LOCATIONS page! We’ll add mentions of these to the Outskirts section.

Along with the botanical resurgence, numerous new animals appear: glowing fish swim freely through the waters. In the canopy above, new species of birds and critters flit among the branches. Some diligently construct new nests in anticipation of the coming spring, while others seek refuge in the shelter of trees, retreating from the weather.

Not all the creatures are so small, or so peaceful.

⏵ Small critters make themselves comfortable in the forested area around Etraya, staying mostly out of the way. There are the occasional visitors that will let themselves in through windows for a quick visit, or maybe a snack, but they’re mostly harmless.

⏵ Several larger beasts make their way into the city to try and find land that’s more habitable for them. Giraffes navigate gracefully through the areas designated for new arrivals, using their elongated necks to reach for the foliage near the hospital when they aren’t finding new places to make themselves comfortable. An eclectic array of cats, ranging in all sizes and breeds, brazenly saunter into buildings they don’t belong. Hopefully, the lioness lounging in the apartment complex's common area does not prevent residents from reaching their rooms, because she has no intention of yielding.

⏵ The leopard adorned with a rattlesnake tail in the hospital's cafeteria may be difficult to ignore, given his determination to devour everything in sight and attack anyone in his way.

⏵ Cat scratches and bites pose a significant risk of infection. In the event a character is injured, individuals can expect the companion bots to quickly seek them out and approach them with a special antibiotic cream developed specifically for these cats. Refusal of treatment may result in severe symptoms, including high fevers and itching. In extreme cases, individuals may begin to exhibit cat-like characteristics, ranging from physical alterations to changes in mental traits.

⏵ Numerous other creatures of all shapes and sizes will be coming and going through the city. You may play with this as you wish!

While the uproar caused by these guests doesn’t particularly bother Aurora, she does send out a message to everyone wearing an earpiece to request their assistance in capturing the larger animals that her companion bots may not be able to handle themselves. She has converted an island to the East into a temporary holding area until the companion bots can set them up with something a little more permanent.

⏵ network ⏴

Welcome to Etraya! Upon your arrival, Aurora provided an earpiece, a device to make communication with others stuck in the same situation more simple. The device connects to an internal network, which is accessible by everyone else currently residing on planet. Whether you’re looking for guidance, camaraderie, or want to see if there are any familiar faces around, this is the perfect place to do it! Please feel free to post any questions, offer your name, ask for assistance, or maybe complain to the powers that be about how you’ve got better things to be doing than sitting around here completing their missions. Maybe they’re listening. Maybe they’re not.

⏵ NOTES⏴

⏵ During April, Etraya’s getting a little wet! Those who spend too long in the rain may experience a few unfortunate effects.

⏵ The rain brings in new flora, including a couple that may cause characters to experience aggression and impulsivity, or take a stroll through others’ dreams.

⏵ New animals also appear! While many of them are friendly, others… are less so. The cats specifically seem to be a little grumpy. Characters scratched or bitten by these cats may find themselves becoming just as catty.

For any questions relating to the contents of this log, please reply below. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ. The TDM is game canon, meaning everything happening above is occurring within the game properly. Those who apply to join in the April application round may keep their TDM threads as game canon.

⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[That sure is a cheerful looking man that just entered the clothing store. Sure, the rain doesn't fully bother the tomb keeper outside of ruining his hair, but even he generally isn't that happy looking about... anything. Unless it's terrible.

Marik's picking out a raincoat himself, semi-tired of the constant rain at this point. A nice long purple one. Being the snide little thing he is, he can't help but comment once his search for more clothes has brought him closer to Rengoku.]

... You're certainly in a good mood.

[Because how could you not comment on that?]

[Kyojuro was sure the sadder aspects of his new reality would set in soon enough but, for the moment, he was too locked-on to preparing himself for the job of representing his realm to let such feelings rule him. His family, his friends, and his world needed him to be at his best so that's exactly what he intended to be. Clothes were just an outward representation of that, sure, but that didn't mean he wasn't blown away by the sheer selection on-display.

The appearance of the wiry youth is a bit more hostile than he expected upon his approach, but he shrugs-off the passive-aggressive tone of the comment and gives as straightforward a response as he can.]

Not particularly.

[He gives the boy a smile and looks to the racks of clothes.]

But the weather is pleasant and the selection here incredible, so there is certainly a silver lining to the cloud that brought me here.

[Hm. Color him impressed for the guy keeping a calm head and answering him... well, very straight-forward.]

You consider the rain pleasant?

[It is, in a way, but still. Most people complain about the rain.]

The selection here is incredible though. I've found every piece of clothing I've ever been interested in.

[He looks around suspiciously for a moment. Not like the companion bots are going to eavesdrop.]

... I wonder if they're catering to our needs specifically.

[Kyojuro looks out the storefront at the downpour outside before turning his attention back to his fellow shopper.]

I do. There is something wonderfully pure about the rain.

[He smiles as he continues.]

Especially when we've been called on for so serious a duty.

[Breaking from his thought to a familiar outfit on one of the racks, he cocks an eyebrow confusedly and points it out to his new companion.]

I've worn that before. How in the world did that get here?

[Marik's gaze also goes to look out the storefront at the rain.

Wonderfully pure, huh...

When you put it that way, along with thinking on why they're here, it is strangely... humbling.

He doesn't like to think about it though.

His attention turns to the outfit as Rengoku points it out, grabbing part of the collar of the kimono near the fur trim.]

I told you. They somehow cater to us with these clothes. I found my favorite custom-made lilac hoodie the first time I came here.

[A pause.]

... This is a lovely outfit though. You've got good taste.

[Kyojuro picks the hanger off the rack and holds it up to himself.]

...it even seems to be sized to me. Could this just be the outift I wore perhaps?

[A thought crosses his face before he continues.]

If they were able to bring people here from far and wide it follows that filling this shop with the clothes from our past wouldn't be any harder.

[He scans the store for an attendant, all the while continuing to hold the garment.]

Though that does create the possibility that there's a finite amount of clothing pertinent to each of us in their selection, and it's a matter of finding it before someone else ends up taking it... how strangely competetive.

It might be? Mine certainly seemed to be the same garment.

[The only attendant is a companion bot, who seems to be minding their own business or occasionally straightening up the clothes.]

... I've been here a few times now. They don't seem to ever run out of clothes. I've found outfits I thought of putting together but didn't have the time to before. I don't... think we'll need to worry about competition.

[Also finding his Rare Hunter robes was a bit alarming but he snatched those right up.]

[Kyojuro closes his eyes in a smile.]

I'm not concerned about it. If there are others who would enjoy those clothes that I've used or would choose for myself than I wish them nothing but happiness! A shared taste should be something to celebrate after all.

[He touches his hand to his chin in consideration.]

If it does work that way, though, I wonder if it's been set up that way to test how we act when a chance for pettiness or greed is presented without any visible consequence. We are here to be judged after all.

[~~So bright.~~ Marik just arches his brow.]

That's one way of looking at it, I suppose...

[A slight tilt of the head. His boujie life style is being threatened.]

... You mean like taking as many clothes as we want since it's all free?

[If that's the case, his world will be screwed. Marik's got a full wardrobe now despite only having been here for a few days.]

Not so much that.

[He shakes his head.]

I meant more that, if clothes from our specific worlds were here, it could be a telling test of character to see if we would rush to take what we perceived as ours simply to prevent others from getting them.

Hnn.

[He looks around at the various aisles of clothes.]

Maybe... I hadn't thought of that before. Still, regardless of why, it is nice to have something familiar here. If we're going to be stuck here for a while, might as well be as comfortable as possible.

Stability is certainly important. Few can thrive without a home base of some kind though, so it will be important to secure accomodations as well.

[Something Marik said earlier sinks-in to the bright-haired young man's processes, causing him to pause and turn back towards his fellow shopper.]

...you said there's no charge for clothes? How did you come to that conclusion?

It is. The apartments are basic but relatively nice as well so... it's not terrible.

[Blinkblink.]

One of the bots told me when I asked. There's no money here. Living space is free, food is free, and the clothes are free.

... It's both unsettling and a comfort.

[Kyojuro stares blankly and blinks a few times as he processes what Marik's said.]

So I can just take these clothes then? And there are living spaces as well?

[His brow furrows in thought.]

Are they assigned to us then? How would people know which was theirs if they're not?

Yeah. You can just take them.

[He says with an arm full of clothes. You don't need more clothes, Marik.]

The apartments seem to all be unassigned. Pick one, grab the keys from the kitchen, and it's yours. Obviously if the door is locked, it's occupied.

The decor isn't the best but there doesn't seem to be any furniture stores here yet...

[He purses his lips.]

I need more throw pillows and gold accents for mine.

[Kyojuro's eyes widen. Free lodging is no small thing, and the smaller the area the more impressive it is for the powers-that-be to hand over space with no strings attached.]

That's quite the gesture. Our hosts must either be quite invested in our mission here, or this land must be very well off to be able to be so generous.

[He drapes the outfit he'd picked up earlier over his arm and looks around for a room to change. Spotting the fitting rooms, he turns back to Marik.]

I suppose I'd better get into clothes that aren't fresh from a fight and then investigate our new living quarters then.

I'm not sure but it is nice to have a place for free, no strings attached. If they're going to pull us from our homes, might as well give us somewhere to live.

[Marik looks down at Kyojuro, noticing the battle damage to his clothes. Hm.

He smiles with some uncertainty. Mostly because what is being nice to someone?]

Right. You, er, want me to wait around to show you the apartment complex?

[Kyojuro smiles and shakes his head.]

I wouldn't make myself an imposition.
[He says matter-of-factly.]
If you have other places to be don't delay on my account.

I don't, really. I was just getting more clothes to pass the time.

So... I don't mind.

[That sounds better than "I've got nothing better to do."]

That's fine too then!

[His answer is matter-of-fact, neither dismissive nor disingenuous, but he walks to the fitting room as he answers without waiting for any kind of reply. After a few minutes he emerges, wearing the new clothes, with his old garments folded and tied-up in his haori like an oversized furoshiki. Inhaling satisfiedly, he lifts and rests a bamboo umbrella to his shoulder and approaches Marik again.]

You're still here. Excellent.

[There's no sarcasm in his statement.]

It looks like even the umbrella I wore with these clothes was with it, so the detail with which this place has recreated my outfit is quite in-depth.

[Marik flips through the network posts to pass the time until Rengoku finishes getting changed. Once the other emerges from the dressing room, he looks over.]

Yeah. That outfit looks sharp on you. And it works out you had an umbrella with it too, considering the constant rain.

You still need to pick out your apartment, right?

[Kyojuro looks down at his clothes ponderously.]

It's pleasant to be wearing something familiar, but I must admit to not being entirely comfortable with wearing something reserved for a festival during a time when I've learned that all I care for sits in jeopardy.

[He pauses for a moment before continuing.]

The umbrella is certainly a welcome utility though.

[Reaching down, he unties the band for the umbrella in preparation of venturing back out into the rain.]

I do indeed!

[If he has a problem with it...]

You could always grab a different outfit.

[Or not. Marik pops the hood of his raincoat back up as he shoves his newly grabbed clothes into a provided bag, then totters after Rengoku.]

I can show you the way over. Just, ah, be careful when we enter. There's been a lioness hanging around the lobby.

[Kyojuro cocks and eyebrow and give Marik a quizzical expression.]

A lioness lives in the apartments? ...are they supposed to be there, or is this just something that's happened?

I don't know if she lives there but that's where she's decided to set up shop.

Have you noticed the random animals running around the city?

Roxx

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