Intro Log: Cinema Sins

[hadrielmods]

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for January
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: January 10th-13th
Warnings: None

It's freezing down to your bones, but nothing around is going to help with that. The closest thing to warmth might be some horrific movie posters. Some of these movies have never existed, but they're cringey and awful all the same. Maybe once you get back home, you can cleanse your pallet with a trip to the theater, but until then you'll just have to wonder who in their right mind could have authorized a movie called The Thrilling Three, apparently about a trio of clowns in the Wild West. Maybe. It's hard to tell from the poster.

If nothing else, maybe the paper will be good for kindling for the Rathalos flying overhead. These wyvernlike creatures are almost always in flight and are capable of shooting fireballs down to the icy ground below, so at least there's that to warm you up? Before you get too comfy, be sure to notice the extremely sharp talons, sturdy scales, and very sharp teeth they sport, which may also give you some trouble.

Maybe it's time to find some cover? They might not be able to fit into the smaller rooms in the building, so now would be a great time to run for those.

Once you've finished dreaming about a warm beach vacation, feel free to look around. You can explore the rest of the city! Find a house, a new monster, a project to help with, or simply scavenge for supplies. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

► This log covers January 10th-13th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► All characters arrive with phones that have network communication and the newbie guide installed.
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!

Comments

Rhys | OTA

[wisperer]

I. COLOSSEUM

[ Rhys' head was pounding and his mouth was dry. His limbs felt heavy, laden with sleep, and he wanted nothing more than to fall back into his dreams, but the screech of monsters tore at that desire. He shifted on the ground, pushing himself up with the staff gripped in his worn hands.

He didn't have time to consider the situation, not in the face of these new grounds he walked. This was nothing like the fortress he'd taken up residence in, nor was it the White Spire. In fact, while the architecture had some similarity to certain structures he's encountered, it held no real familiarity. Could he be trapped in the Fade again?

With so many people, Rhys was certain that the creatures—wyverns, if he's to judge by their body types—were going to be busy, torn between targets, though Rhys would never leave others to fight such a battle on their own.

The first he person he encounters in trouble, the mage immediately casts barrier on them, providing them with extra defense. ]

Run to the nearest archway! [ He will shout to them. ] I'll have your back!

II. EXPLORING (Spires & Housing areas)

[ It took a little time and a few errors but Rhys eventually learned to read through the strange device provided. The answers were basic but more than enough to give him something to consider as he moved between spires and other buildings in search of someplace to set up camp.

He'll spend much of his time admiring the architecture, staring up at the towers with a mixed expression of awe and wariness. He wasn't sold on Hadriel, not entirely, but he had to take it one step at a time. ]

I have to admit, searching for a place to stay is rather overwhelming. [ He'll mention warmly but idly as he searches. The rules of Val Royeaux, the White Spire, or any major city of Thedas that he knows of doesn't appear to matter here—both socially and economically. It's going to take time to get used to. ]

III. RANDOM/WILDCARD

[ Rhys can be found in areas of the city where there's the most foot traffic. The trinkets in the shop proved to be distracting and he'll spend some time fiddling with various foreign items. A plastic toy that looks like a long necked drake (in his eyes) may or may not have definitely caught his attention.

Or, if you want something personalized, PM me on this journal or PP me at lunareism! ]

1

[abyssalarcana]

[One of the wyverns makes a pass overhead, scouting out the people standing below, and Caedra steps forward to cast. It's been so long since she saw anything more draconic than that little dragonborn at the labs, and the scales and teeth might make for some fun new additions to her clothing. Or jewelry! She'll take anything at this point to liven her wardrobe up and give her something to do.

As she reaches toward it with the end of her blade, the barrier shimmers into place, throwing her off for a second. Talk about unexpected! And so instead of hexing the beast, she glances back toward the caster with an eyebrow raised. Run to safety? Hardly.]

Are you trying to interrupt me?

[often_impaled]

[While Rhys is being a protective force to those at risk, Dante is walking forward like a man with a death wish. His best fun in Hadriel is when the monsters come out to play, and he's not gonna keep them waiting for him. It's time to hunt, too bad he doesn't have a sick stylish soundtrack to kick monster ass to.

Oh well, you can't get everything you want in life.

He pulls out his handguns, and starts shooting away at the beasts above. It's erratic and not particularly effective looking. But he's got a plan. If he can get them all mad and going after him, he can take out a chunk at once after he lures them away from the weaker people.]

2.

[blessedmaiden]

[It wasn't exactly polite to reply to a stranger's words, showing that you were listening to his personal talks, but Rydia didn't mind too much when it meant offering help to people who were perhaps still lost in the city- that's what she thought as she approached him with a wide smile.]

If I may... perhaps the trick is just looking for a place to spend the night in and check the various options when you feel less... stressed about it. Or, if the issue is just finding those places, I wouldn't mind showing you where to find a shelter- especially considering those wyverns still roam the city's sky.

iii

[closerift]

[ Keeping watch for the Guard is usually boring, and so the Inquisitor often has to make her own fun. ]

Has that thing cast a spell on you? [ She inquires of the stranger, a man holding a toy and staring intently at it. ] I can slap you, if you like, to see if the curse is lifted.

[ ...Hmm. Does he look familiar? She certainly sees a lot of people, but there's something...ringing a distant bell. ]

Exploring

[oldtonew]

I thought humans preferred cities.

[ Kettara, on the other hand, has spent the entirety of her time in Hadriel camping out by the lake. She prefers her solitude, the lack of solid walls between her and where she means to go. Given the choice, she would take a riding wolf and disappear into the wild. There are too many humans here, and no one at all like her.

She eyes the man up and down, her ears back. He's wearing armor like the humans back home and there's a smell to him that's almost, but not quite, like mana. A paladin?

Perhaps, Kettara thinks, though he wears no symbols she recognizes.

For her part, Kettara is dressed in a mix of furs and mismatched armor, twin axes at her side. There's no way to disguise her height or the greenness of her skin, so Kettara doesn't bother. She'll never pass for anything but an orc, so there an orc stands. She jerks her chin at him, displaying her tusks. Daring him to say anything. ]

Unless you wish to test yourself by sleeping under the stars?

Emily Davis | closed orz

[unfollowing]

1) clinic - closed to pell

[ The explosion in the lodge knocks Emily onto the frozen ground, but when she opens her eyes, she’s not in Canada— instead it’s the familiar colosseum, and… the sky? A sky that a fucking dragon suddenly flies across oh my god??? Yeah, definitely Hadriel.

Someone remembers the last time there were dragons here, so she gets up and runs right out of there. Any of the poor losers who woke up here with her can follow her if they want, and if they decide to wait a while, they can follow her footprints or something. Whatever, not her priority. Right now she just heads straight for the clinic to get her leg and shoulder taken care of.

It’s pretty quiet for an arrival day, which is weird only in that there are usually more injured people, right? God, she can’t believe this. She survived the mountain only to land back here of all places. She can’t even start to feel safe here because last she remembers, there are wendigo spirits in the caves. Are there still caves here? Does it matter? So much shit could go wrong here— ]

Pell!

[ She spots him as he comes out of one of the little rooms and immediately feels a little relief… and also her composure beginning to crack.

Without hesitation, she goes to him and throws her arms around him. ]

Oh my god. Oh my god. [ Give her like three seconds to freak out as she pulls away. ] I um, I need my shoulder looked at. There are still people here who can heal it, right?



2) love’s housing - closed to carlisle

[ Emily isn’t even bothering to go look at the house she used to share with her friends. She knows from her contact list that Chris and Hannah are gone and none of the others are back. What’s the point of walking in there and seeing new people in familiar places? No, she’s gotta find somewhere new to live, so she goes looking for a new place.

She knows the spires and Delight’s housing, but not some of the newer areas. The weird houses were… way too weird, sorry, but Love’s housing looks cute. Emily likes Love. Worse comes to worst, she goes to the spires and hopes for a one bedroom, but hey, maybe she’ll luck out.

...or not. The houses are a little too small for her, and all the singles seem to be occupied. She’s about to head back out and to one of the spires when she sees a little house with a comparatively big garden.

Shit. There’s only one person she knows here that keeps a garden, and she knows for a fact he’s still here. And god, she misses him, all of a sudden. His tall, grumpy ass, his long-winded glyphcrafting lessons, his honestly really good advice when things get heavy.

She has to stop by and see him. He’s one of her people here, and that’s how things work.

Not even bothering with the front door, she goes around and into the garden, and she’s caught between being playfully sarcastic or outright sincere with him for a full few seconds.

She goes with a mix of both. ]

Hey, nerd.

[ She smiles, smug— and fond too, fuck you she missed you. It’s like part of her knows they haven’t talked in months or longer even though she only spent another few hours at home. ]

Miss me?

[ Say yes. It’s totally yes, right? God she hopes so. ]



3) free space for logs that come of inbox threads, or other starters, to be posted in subthreads - closed

[n/a i just like consistency lol ]

she's baaaaaaaack!!!

[pellameno]

[ Pell glances up just in time to register who it is flinging themselves at him -- the sooty, bloody figure is still perfectly recognizable and his arms come up to catch her, disbelief in his voice. ]

Emily?!

[ The 'oh my gods' confirm his eyes were not playing tricks on him, it's her. One of his first and dearest friends here, one he'd count as a sister after all they'd been through. How long has it been? And what happened to her? He gets a better look as she pulls back, eyes drawn to her shoulder as she mentions it. The skin is torn beneath her jacket and he nods, sizing the rest of her up quickly. ]

And your leg, I'd say -- I'll take care of you, come on. What happened when you went back..?

[ He hustles her into a room and helps her onto the cot, then starts to ease the jacket off her damaged shoulder so he can see what he's dealing with. ]

It looks like you've been through hell. Was there a fire?

o/

[tongueamok]

[Emily is right: of the houses in the area, it certainly is the only one with a garden. For the most part, the climate they now live in is too cold for such endeavors; however, Carlisle has devised a way to keep his plants relatively comfortable in the colder weather, one he's working on as she approaches. Surrounding most of the area is a stone curb, at the end of which kneels Carlisle himself -- and as for what he's working on, it seems that he's melting down individual stones using glyphcrafting, joining them to the curb itself in the hopes of extending it all the way around the house.

So not much has changed, or so it might seem at first glace, but as he stiffens and whirls around from his crouched position, tripping over his own legs and ending up on his rear, it comes to light that things aren't exactly as Emily left them. There's a glow to his eyes now, a blue light emanating so brightly from them that even his glasses cannot fully hide the illumination; his skin has some color to it, as does his now nearly cinnamon hair.

The dumbfounded expression he gets as he stares at her, combined with the way he stammers, should be familiar enough, though. Some things never change.]

E- Emily! You're- wh-wh-what are you—

[He manages to make it to his feet, his brow tightening. Though he's swapped out some of his usual vestments for a sweater and slacks, the tabard remains -- and now features a stain right across the middle, an inky one he's never managed to fully wash out.]

This isn't real, is it? That you're here. This- this is a figment of the false gods meant to torment me.

[It seems his paranoia hasn't changed either, but if she wanted confirmation that he missed her, that'd be it.]

Takashi Shirogane | Open

[deadlining]

a ) COLOSSEUM

[ 'Haven't had this nightmare in a while.' That's the first thing to cross Shiro's mind as he drowsily gets his bearings after having woken up on the cold hard floor.

It's all hauntingly familiar. The details are wrong, of course, as is common for dreams, but the shape is unmistakable. This is an arena, outdated yet completely recognizable. The empty seats seem to be staring down at him. It doesn't take much to imagine a cheering crowd, thirsty for the blood of any poor fool down in the ring. Shiro's been there many times before; in waking and in sleeping. He likes to think it doesn't impress him now. One step at a time, one hit at a time... and he'll survive. He always has - at least in this context.

Only that this time his most important weapon, his right arm, is missing. This, in turn, alerts Shiro that he is in fact wide awake. His dreams haven't quite gotten the memo on his limb loss yet, they always include his prosthetic.

So... he's awake and that raises a plethora of questions, which are cut short by stumbling backwards to avoid a falling fireball. Quiznak. Quickly feeling his pockets with his left arm Shiro finds a phone that he is sure he hasn't owned before and... nothing of use. Great.

Seems like his best bet is to duck out of sight from his flying adversaries. Luckily, Shiro's good at that. Fairly quickly he has found shelter under a bit of rubble and from there on his goal is to make it to the seating areas and finally the exit. Want to keep him company? ]

b ) WATCHTOWER

[ Having escaped the creatures in the colosseum, Shiro has made it his priority to read the newbie guide in order to get a basic grasp on his situation. It leaves him with some answers, but significantly more questions. This means the next step is legwork; figuring stuff out himself.

He starts with the watchtower closest to the colosseum, figuring it might be a two birds one stone situation. If he's in luck, he'll get to chat with someone from the guard. If he isn't, he'll still get a good vantage point to check out the terrain.

Shiro will greet anyone in the watch with a thin smile. ]

Hello, my name is Takashi Shirogane. I've just arrived and - I know, you probably hear this a lot, but... I still have some questions.

[ Alternatively, you can find him on the tower, looking over the surrounding area pensively. He's freezing, but it's fine. Probably. ]

c ) WILDCARD

[ Meet Shiro around town! He'll spend a lot of his time in the first days exploring. ]

b) watchtower

[braveoff]

[ Drake is stationed on watch this arrivals day, as he's not quite in top form to help out in the colosseum. Unfortunately for everyone, though, this month's creatures can fly... he's got a pistol and a bow and is better with the former than the latter but with Rage awol ammo is still scarce so bow it is. His sidearm stays holstered for the time being as he tracks a rathalos across the sky with an arrow, ready to fire if it swoops down on anyone. It seems like it's just flying around for now, at least, but Drake's keeping careful watch.

Except then someone's joining him. ]

Oh, hey -- welcome, I guess, though most people aren't exactly happy to be here. I can answer whatever you want if you help me keep an eye on these guys. Come on up.

b is for an appropriate pun that i am too tired to come up with presently

[spazzed]

( how the heck did he get out of the colosseum without getting singed within an inch of his life — nah, he's not that incompetent, but this place is definitely going to take some getting used to, with or without the presence of fireballing lizards.

he thinks it might be a good idea to start looking around, getting his bearings, and maybe he should find someone that knows about this place to ask some questions? he doesn't know there's a newbie guide on his phone, but that's a bit beside the point, because sometimes you just want to go exploring and see what you can find on your own.

now might not be the proper time to implement that train of thought, but it's too late now, because here he comes, watchtower.

which means he hears that voice when he gets close enough, and even though shiro isn't in his line of vision yet, there is no mistaking it. he has a pretty vivid imagination, but he doesn't think he could pull that out of thin air even if he wanted to, and so … he follows it. half-hopeful and maybe half-fearful that he had, in fact, imagined it. )

… Shiro?

A. hello friend

[marmoron]

[There's no telling what the door brought in this month. As Keith makes his way to the colosseum, he's focused primarily on the "monsters" part of it. After his near fatal run-in with the tentacled aliens, Keith's even more on guard than usual and wearing his blades uniform because it's darker and easier to blend in with than his red paladin armor. He stays light on his feet, ready to draw a blade at the first sign of trouble.

By the time he and Cosmo have approached the colosseum's perimeter, it's pretty damn clear from the creatures swooping overhead, spitting enormous jets of fire down below that there's ample trouble to be found.

Dragons, is it?

Part of him's darkly amused; it almost seems benign after the sorts of enemies he remembers fighting months ago. But he's not here to engage, he's here to do some reconnaissance. Observe the dangers, work out how to take one down in necessary But the space wolf apparently didn't get that memo because Cosmo takes off at a run.]

Buddy, wait--

[Teeth grit, Keith chases after the wolf without a second thought. Sprinting out into the open, he catches the attention of one of the wyverns ahead which emits a horrible screech and sends a fireball hurtling down towards him. Keith takes a roll lling dive behind a large pile of rubble, breathing hard as he grabs Cosmo by the hind leg.

And that's when it occurs to him that he's not actually alone with the wolf here. He looks up at a very familiar figure, eyes growing wide.

No way.]

...Shiro?

iris amicitia | ota

[carrotkeeper]

Colosseum

[The terrible movie posters must be a homing call for the creatures and she can't blame them for being taken in by their cringe inducing spell. The issue being that these unfamiliar monsters are flying and she can't get in close enough to give them a good smack. When she starts creeping along the walls, they blast fireballs at her and, well-

She can't say losing the Up the Sandbox image stings that much. The flames that lick her arm hurt a bit more.]

Come on! Just let me pass through. I'm not gonna hurt you.

[Go fly somewhere else!! Or get close enough for her to Punch. She almost doesn't care which at this frustrating point of being trapped between a Rathalos and a hard place.]

Spires

[The spires are impressive, despite the majority of them being damaged. The architecture is completely different from what was left of Crown City. They don't look like homes, but she knows any place can be turned into one with enough effort.

The thing is she has no idea where to start, not that this thought has ever stopped her before. The stairs are a good place to begin-

And so she walks-

And walks-

And walks-

Until she finally decides to just knock on a random door. Hopefully it's occupied.]

Hey, you gotta second?

Orchard

[As barren as the place looks with the cut down trees, this is the first time she's felt in her element since her arrival. The little vegetable field seems healthy enough and while she's looking around to see what food is available, she takes the time to pull whatever weeds are poking through the ground. Not on her watch, ya dingus plants.]

You guys are looking good. Someone's been taking good care of you, huh?

colosseum!

[spazzed]

( you know what's really awesome about having a bayard that can transform into three different types of rifle? it's the perfect sort of thing for flying menaces. menaces, in this case, that are capable of spitting fire and while that might be a really neat trick in any other instance, this is neither the time nor the place for it. ) I don't think they're gonna listen —

( he offers, having come up from somewhere off to her left, trying to get between her and the nearest scaly thing, to take some of the heat and maybe let her find the opportunity she needs to escape.

( heh. see what we did there? )

he raises his bayard, lines up a shot while attempting to say over his shoulder: ) Stay behind me. I'll make sure you get out of here.

( hi, iris. need rescuing? )

Speakeasy mingle. | OTA

[circumitus]

Maybe you've found the notes around the city pointing in the direction of the local gaming and watering hole, or maybe you were already planning on heading there for your own reasons or another. Such as the fact that the Speakeasy continues to provide one of the best sources of warmth in the now-chilly city would be reason enough.

Dimly lit and heated between the indoor firepit within the lounge area and the electricity powering the establishment, the Speakeasy is a little quieter than usual. Jazzy music plays from the jukebox and sound system as usual, and the dancefloor is open to any who wish to get their groove on. If you're looking for anything specific to satisfy your palate, just ask a bartender what you need. However, the proprietor is going to be notably more scarce this time around.

Enjoy some snacks and drinks, cozy up into one of the booths or mingle among your fellows. Sing your heart out at the stage if you've got a few tunes to get out of your drunken system -- some will probably be more familiar wheres others completely alien.

Upstairs is the Game Room, which hosts a variety of recreational activities. Between the casino style games, you can also find board games such as checkers, chess, and Battleship, and even an arcade machine with many two player options and several selections to choose from.

It's good to have some indoor options this time of year, right? Whenever that is.

[ooc: This is your monthly Welcome Dance Night! Consider this an open mingle thread for both old and new folks alike. Tag in, tag out, hit up your friends or rivals or meet new people. Assume that this is set around the 12th.]

Hux | ota

[therewillbeorder]

It's a stark change from Delight's bar but the Speakeasy is warm and sitting down in a comfortable chair in front of the fireplace feels like a luxury at the moment. For a while he can be found in front of the fire, almost looking like a lazy housecat in basking in the warmth.

But eventually, he pried himself up to head to the bar for a strong drink. After meeting FN-2187 and dealing with Kylo Ren, the last thing he wanted to deal with was flying monsters. He was more than happy to let the rest of the residents fend for themselves while he got himself a whiskey.

Come join him, it will be better than dealing with flying monsters.

lance / open like an open thing!

[spazzed]

colosseum;

( maybe he doesn't come around all at once — maybe it happens in increments, in stages like it always does when he first wakes in the morning — or maybe it does happen all at once thanks to the noises overhead, a suspended moment hanging between full consciousness and unconsciousness in which he thinks he might still be dreaming, but why is he dreaming about screeching? hm.

he's had weirder dreams, naturally. when you've seen the things he's seen, been through what he's been through there are bound to be weirder sounds than that of screeching rolling around in his subconscious, waiting for the perfect moment to give him nightmares that leave him with both the heebies and the jeebies.

as it so happens, once he's finally, fully awake and taking in his surroundings his focus ends up on the movie posters first. because. that's weird? that's definitely weird. who just leaves these kinds of things laying around in the first place, and … why would anyone think a film about clowns in the wild, wild west was a good idea? that's just awful.

that train of thought is interrupted by the sudden, intense realization that he's freezing. and there sure is a lot of flammable material lying about. and those screeching noises are apparently being accompanied by the fall of. fireballs?? and. uh. oh. those are dragons, aren't they. those are definitely dragons. like something one might see in a monsters & mana campaign, but a lot more real and a lot more terrifying.

which means he's going to end up snagging a few of those posters and heading for the nearest cover — rather, cover closest to where a fireball has recently landed, and here anyone will find one ( 1 ) paladin attempting to build a fire out of crumpled up posters and borrowed fire.

he might eventually try to shoot one. but until they start dive-bombing his head? he's going to be playing the part of chuck noland in cast away and work on making fire.

someone please come save this child. )

wandering / shops;

( it's kind of a miracle, really, that he'd made it out of the colosseum without sustaining a whole heck of a lot of damage; dragons or not dragons, fireballs or no fireballs he's got some exploring to do, and while there is so much to take in about this place, somehow he ends up drawn to the parts of the city that house both foreign and interesting things. at least to him, because everything foreign is inherently interesting, but that's not really the point.

so, he's poking around. this would be the more mundane ( boring ) part of his arrival just by dint of there being significantly fewer things that are potentially out to get him, but at the very least it would make for better conversation, because there isn't much room for that when scaly things are trying to carry you off with their talons.

or turn you into a human marshmallow. burnt to a crisp.

he's honestly really thankful to be out of there. )

wildcard;

( choose your own adventure! lance is going a lot of wandering and a lot of just looking around once he's out of the colosseum, so go ham — or hit me up over at problematic if you'd like me to set up something specific! i'm up for anything. )

colosseum

[itsnotaonesie]

[Most people like, try to escape when they realize that there are giant fire breathing lizards around, but this dude is just hanging out and playing with fire. Cool, bro, that's a good way to get squished by falling, web covered dragons. And yep that sure is a plummeting dragon smashing into the ground right next to Lance's cover, it's wings bound up by what sure does look like a whole shitload of spider webs.

Also a little dude in basically spandex drops out of the sky and lands on top of the dragon, and immediately starts taking selfies with it because WOULDN'T YOU?? Anyway, he finally notices that there's a dude playing with fire like right there that he totally could have just smooshed. Oops?]

Oh my God! Oh man, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there. Somehow. ...So, it's pretty dangerous in here?

[Doesn't help that dipshits are throwing dragons around yeah??]

Lucretia | OTA

[madamdirector]

1. baby it's cold outside

[ It's cold and she's being hunted.

Neither of these facts are especially out of the ordinary; the Moon isn't exactly known for its tropical beaches, after all, and it's been a long, long time since Lucretia had last felt entirely safe. What is new and alarming is that a) this is not the Moon, or anyplace she's familiar with; and b) the thing that's currently trying to kill her isn't one of the things that's ever tried to kill her before.

But there's not much time to focus on any of that, not when there's a monster lobbing fireballs her way. She dashes across the city, staff held up to and conjuring a magical shield to protect herself from the worst of the fireballs as she seeks shelter. Once she finds it, she ducks inside, and if she happens to spot anyone else being similarly terrorized she'll cast her shield up over them, too, as she calls their way. ]

Hurry - in here!

2. new phone who dis

[ Once things have calmed down a bit and there are no more monsters trying to burn Lucretia to a crisp, she's able to stop and try to get her bearings. The first thing she investigates is the strange box she'd discovered in her robes. After some tentative poking at it, and after reassuring herself that it's not going to explode and kill her, she manages to get the phone's screen turned on - but that's as far as she can get on her own, and she ends up just staring at the lock screen, puzzled and growing ever more frustrated.

Later still, she takes to walking through the city, though her bearing is less one of someone eagerly exploring a new place than someone getting the lay of the land and taking note of any potential threats. She's literally taking notes, in fact - her precious journals may be gone, but she'd scavenged a pen and notebook from the study building and is busy scribbling as she goes. Old habits die hard. ]

3. wildcard!

1

[glacius]

[Lucretia is not the only one conjuring up shields to protect herself from the fireballs; the difference is that the strange-looking being she might spot as she runs for safety isn't conjuring with magic, but morphing extensions of his limbs into thick, protective sheets. The downside? His shields, like the rest of the natural armor coating his body, are made of ice—which does not fare as well as a magical ward might against fire.

One direct hit from the Rathalos' furious fireball causes the shield he's morphed out of his arm to shatter, tossing him back into the dirt. He hits the ground shoulder-first, but the trained reflexes of the warrior allow him to tuck and roll back up into a crouched position, his sturdy white fingers scraping through the earth as he halts his momentum and braces himself. That is when he hears a voice call out to him... the only problem is that the ears of the red and black wyvern that protrude from in front of its mandibular spine seem to catch the sound perfectly well too. It swoops towards the building, a glow from the back of is throat visible from between its sharp teeth, and the ice alien knows he has to act. He rises back up, swinging an arm over his head in a large arc. Five jagged chunks of hail soar through the sky towards its right wing, battering against it and forcing it to divert its course with an angry, ear-splitting roar, sparks and embers spilling from its maw as it loses the chance to unleash another volley.

They don't have long—the Rathalos is dubbed the King of the Skies for a reason, as it is incredibly agile and maneuverable in the air. In just a few seconds it will have turned itself around and will be upon them once more, but that gives Glacius the time to duck inside the building with Lucretia. There's no time to fear how this new face might take his alien appearance; his priority has to be to get her to safety. It's why he came out when he knew there were fire-spewing monsters roaming the sky to begin with: to protect and help those who might be in need.] You—you were using magic just a moment ago, no? Can you conjure a bright flash of light?

Rydia | OTA

[blessedmaiden]

1. Coliseum

[It wasn't the first time Rydia experienced passing through the door, nor the first time she felt her link to the summons being broken, yet it took the summoner a moment to process the whole thing since losing her bond was always... so surreal. As soon as she realized where she was, thought, the summoner immediately stood up, ready to fight or flee as needed. A screech above her head and she frowned. Wyverns? Wyverns. A sigh as she stood up, still ignoring the cold and quickly checking her current equipment and options: the chocobo who was carrying most of her supplies didn't travel in Hadriel so she was left with her bare spells and her enhanced whip, exactly like the last time-]

Let's see if anyone needs help before running away, mh?

[Rydia wasn't done talking with herself that a growl above her head warned her of danger and she barely managed to jump away in time to dodge a falling fireball. After the explosion the woman stood up again, ice crystals already forming on the tip of her fingers as she conjured magic, ready to attack. Well, since she knew what was up perhaps she could try to buy some time for people who just arrived there for the first time.]

2. Going 'home'

[Cold. Now that the adrenaline was finally wearing off her body started to register something more than its location and that her summons weren't there- and, sweet Leviathan, she was positively freezing in what was a summer dress suited for her visit to her visit to a rebuilding Damcyan... a kingdom in the middle of a desert. Her lips were already turning blue and while she kept rubbing her hands against her arms it didn't really seem to help.

Exploring? Checking how the town changed during her absence? That could all wait, her priority was to go in her old apartment and see if she could at least grab a blanket to throw upon her shoulders before heading to the stores in hope to find something good. She could easily be spotted beelining from the Coliseum to the Spire she used to live in.]

3. Shopping trip

[At least she arrived with a bag mh? She can be found wrapped in a blanket she took from her place checking the shops for both food and clothes and taking anything that may be useful. Is it just her or there seem to be plenty of stuff this time? Perhaps the stores were restocked recently but for once she has nothing to complain about on what she's finding.]

4. Wildcard

[She can be found around town while she's still trying to settle back in and figure out how the place has changed, feel free to say hello.]

3.

[standformyself]

[The Dog doesn't generally go shopping, if only because she has no need to. Truth be told, she doesn't really have need of any material items, nor any easy means to carry them. Her device tends to be left in a hole in the ground, where she checks on it now and then.

What the Dog does enjoy is exploring. Every day may well bring a new adventure, and it does seem to be that time when people, and others, start to arrive to this planet. As it is, there is a canine muzzle on the counter next to Rydia, nostrils sniffing inquiringly, although it is followed by a little woof.]

Never any ham bones.

Sabriel | OTA

[bindsthedead]

Rathalos; Colosseum

[Sabriel is, of course, wondering where she is and what's going on. But those questions have been shoved out of her conscious mind by the arrival of a dragon-like creature.

One that's breathing fire, because apparently old stories always have some truth to them.

Sabriel draws her sword, her dead white face shifting from panic to intense focus as she reaches into the Charter, drawing forth mark after mark and letting them slide down her arm and onto the blade of her sword, where they shine like gold reflecting sunlight and crackle with power as she raises her sword, pointing the tip at the creature and shouting the activating mark.

The spell bursts into life, and lightning arcs from her sword into the creature as Sabriel looks around, trying to find shelter or an escape route.]

Exploring

[Even bundled up in the warmest clothes in her pack, Sabriel's still shivering. She needs to find shelter, and someone to explain things- there are clear signs of habitation, but she hasn't run into anyone just yet. While she occasionally reaches for her sword, just to make sure she can draw it easily if she needs to, she doesn't move around with it unsheathed. She's spotted storefronts, but no one's in them, and the last thing she wants is to get in trouble for stealing in a strange city.

Then she does run into someone, and for a split second her expression brightens before becoming cautious. But she steps forward, holding her hands out to show that she's neither holding a weapon or casting a spell. She's already carrying a sword, and if anyone here recognizes what the bells mean, she doesn't want to give them any more reason to see her as a threat.]

Peace! I mean you no harm! Can you tell me where I am?

[It's delivered in a more archaic and formal tone than her usual speaking voice, but she does want to give a good impression.]

exploring

[redlikerose]

[Ruby's running around and she nearly trips over her own feet upon seeing Sabriel.]

Sure, I can tell you where this is. We're in hadriel. It's kind of a weird island, I dunno.

[She shrugs because they're stuck here unfortunately.]

Are you okay?

Sonya Blade | OTA-will match format

[soldier_blade]

Sonya's been gone for a just over a week. If your pup's close enough to her, feel free to have your pup notice and remark on it.

Colosseum

Sonya wasn't sure which woke her up first; the sudden, intense cold when she only had the AC on low, or the cold, hard surface against her skin that used to be sofa cushions. All she knew was she had closed her eyes for a moment, hoping to calm down a rather fussy infant, then suddenly she was outside, in her pajamas, and holding a now empty baby blanket.

She jumped up to her feet in sudden recognition of where she was, anger and alarm overcoming any sudden discomfort of being barefoot on sand and rock-to say nothing of the cold. It had been three years since she'd last been to this place, three damned years in which she had to fight a war against demons and former allies, and hoped by the end she could try to manage being a mother and wife, while organizing a worldwide military.

But no, instead this other realm pulled a fast one, and she found herself back in Hadriel dressed only in a tank top and shorts. The panic only increased when she realized her baby wasn't with her and cursed outloud as she searched the area, grabbing the messenger on her way. That she might've been pulled here without her daughter only slightly entered her mind, but this place was so tricky she didn't put it past the gods to send her baby with her only to place her somewhere else in the arena.

She was still looking when the sound of screeching and a strong breeze from above. A quick look over her shoulder and faster instincts were the only things keeping her from being roasted alive by the winged creature above her.

"Fucking Hadriel!" She ran towards the entrance of the arena, searching for anything she could use as a weapon.

Streets

Her old room and things were still there, however they were in well enough condition it didn't look like she'd been gone for three years. She didn't question it of course, not when it meant getting proper clothes and shoes. Her power gauntlets were also there; she couldn't recall the night she returned home from this place, but it could've easily happened at night when she put them away. Whatever the cause being, she was glad to have them now.

She spent the rest of the day exploring, trying to find anything in way of improvements or changes that might've happened while she was away. Even more important, she was trying to look for a familiar face.

Wildcard
Have another prompt or separate thread idea, PM this journal or send a PP at Rschwartz501

Streets

[uptightness]

She'd gone to the stores to see if there was anything worthwhile there. Given the general disarray since the move, it hadn't really had anything of interest for her. She'd still taken some clothes that could be altered to fit better for certain individuals. Thankfully there had been a stock pile at their residence, with Carolina ferreting away food and resources when they had been around. The supplies were dwindling though, and she was still debating trying her hand at ice fishing.

She was on her way back to the residence when her eyes did catch a familiar face, and she gave a nod. Carolina recalled running in to her some time ago. "Hey. Been awhile."

Johann | Open

[plays_despacito]

1

[Coming back from the dead is kind of one hell of a parlor trick that he's not keen on repeating, even if he has no fucking idea how that happened in the first place. Nor is he really going to complain about it because people that are living can appreciate his art better than the dead that are always coming and going or paying him no mind.

Of course he's checking out each of the posters and humming a bit to himself as he hasn't quite noticed the terror in the sky just yet. Some of these are interesting and worth a look into, ones that he's going to shove into the somehow existence pockets of those puffy pants of his.

Until he's hearing the sound of wings and the cry of that creature launching towards him and he's booking it for a way out.]

Not cool, man! [Of course it's the squishy dude with a violin that is a target of garbage like this.]

2

[Of course Johann would migrate to the park, whether it's cold or not, he'd rather not bother anyone that much with his need to just play. Which is exactly why he's sat on a bench and playing something rather interesting, really. Though what the point in this is is anyone's guess.

Other than the fact he doesn't seem terribly keen on acknowledging anyone's existence unless pushed to do so.]

Wildcard

[Feel free to hit me up if you want something else, down for anything.]

2

[restinglichface]

[The funny thing about having an identical twin is that there's a weird chance that other folks will recognize you without you having a damn clue who they are.

Lup hears the familiar playing of a violin and absolutely comes along to investigate, the elf all bundled up while she's out in the snow, wrapped up in an oversized jacket with her long hair plaited down her back. The playing is lovely, fun and lively and emotional, just about everything that she appreciates in the violin, so even if it would be intensely out of character for her in most situations, she waits until the last note rings out before she's clapping enthusiastically, grinning from ear to ear.]

Pretty dope, my guy! We should totally jam together sometime, I've got my violin back home.

Red Wine | OTA

[judgementor]

i. coliseum

[The first thing he does, after getting up from finding himself suddenly sprawled on the floor in one of the most inelegant positions he's been forced into in some time, is duck with a muttered curse as a winged something swoops low over his head. It's like nothing he's ever seen, and deep red eyes follow the path of the beast as it wheels 'round towards him, the heavy wingbeats sending gusts of icy air his way.

He doesn't look afraid. A sharp smile cuts across his expression as he faces the creature with nothing more than a sword in his hand. Where he is and what happened can come later. There is an enemy to be beaten here, and, as he takes a quick moment to look around, he can see that there are people who require protection as well.]

You there! [Red Wine calls out to the nearest capable-looking person not currently occupied with one of the creatures, unflinching as a fireball lands close enough to make his coat billow out around him.] Assist me with this fiend. We stand a better chance in greater numbers.

[When he's finished with the creature, help or no help, he will approach anyone who is unable to fight or simply hiding in cover, and motion to them to follow him.]

Get behind me. There's a way out.

ii. closed to Steak

[He had, naturally, immediately blamed this situation on his fellow Knight. An instinctive lashing out rather than a real placement of fault - Steak couldn't do something like this, and Red Wine knows it - but still enough to have them loudly arguing for at least an hour about the topic, and physically fighting for another half an hour.

After that, the more sensible decision of retiring somewhere to trade information had been grudgingly agreed, and Red Wine sits across from Steak with an untouched drink in his hand, a frown furrowing delicate brows and an undeniably troubled expression on his face. It doesn't make any sense. Nothing that Steak has told him so far makes sense, but he can't deny the truth of what he can see for himself. This isn't Tierra. The sky is all wrong.]

This is completely absurd. [He says suddenly, after several long moments of silence.] Who do they think they are?

[battlebound]

( How else would their reunion go, Steak wonders as he tips back his first sip of his drink. In all honesty, Red Wine's appearance and the subsequent arguments have been the first time since he arrived in Hadriel that Steak has truly felt at ease. As though things are somewhat normal again.

They eventually manage to get to the Speakeasy and into a conversation which doesn't end in swordplay, and Steak waits for Red Wine's judgement on the situation with quickly evaporating patience.

When he finally speaks, he says everything Steak has been thinking since moment one. )

Gods. ( The word is all but spat, heavy with the weight of judgement behind it. It's still blasphemy, as insane as the idea that humans might resurrect. ) ...The people here seem quite content.

( Which is just as suspicious, really. )

Aqua | Kingdom Hearts

[caeruleae]

rathalos;

[Everything's so bright.

It's not a sunny day, to be sure, but compared to the endless, overwhelming darkness of the realm she's walked for so long, Aqua almost needs sunglasses. It draws a half-smile to her face, which feels strange—how long has it been since she's been able to smile, really? This isn't where she meant to go...but it's a start, a way back to Terra and Ventus.

Of course, this is when the Rathalos attack.

Instincts honed by how-knows-how-long time spent in combat prompt her to spring into action, Keyblade drawn, and it's no sooner appeared in her hand than she has to cast a reflect spell against someone nearby, a sparkling barrier that protects them from the fireball coming down on their head. When it disperses in a spray of embers and ash, she runs to their side.]

Can you fight? Run? We've got to move!

hungry;

[It's the third rumble of her stomach before Aqua realizes what's happening. She's hungry. Of course, that's the obvious thing, it's been hours since she arrived now, hours since she's eaten...

No. It's been years.

She's not alone here, and that in itself is a wonderful thing, but as drawn as she is to other people, it's easier to think about than to do after so long without practice. She feels sheepish approaching a reasonably friendly face, but she can handle a little embarrassment.]

Excuse me...can you tell me where I can find something to eat? I don't have any munny, but if there's anything I can help with in exchange, I'd be glad to do so.

whoops; (anywhere, open to one)

[Aqua isn't used to being tired. It's been a long time since she's experienced the passage of time or felt any need for sleep. So it sneaks up on her; the growing weariness doesn't register isn't suddenly her vision goes black and gray and she's on the ground, on hands and knees and even keeping herself up that much feels incredibly difficult. She couldn't definitely use a hand.]

hungry

[carrotkeeper]

[The simple request is met with a bright smile and Iris pats her sides down, showing that she doesn't have any kind of money either. No jingle. Nada.]

Guess we're in the same boat, huh? Come on, let's go look together.

[Not that she's sure where to begin. She starts walking in some direction, hoping it takes her somewhere useful. She still hasn't had the chance to get this place down.]

Think I heard about some shops around here? They've got some food. Maybe we can work something out with them.

Barry Bluejeans | OTA

[barold]

i: i was standing in the same old place [open to CR]

[Seeing his friends and family disappear from Hadriel only to return days later, with weeks and months and years lived in the real world between them, Barry's always kind of wondered what it must feel like. Going home with no memory of this bizarre place, living your life the way it was intended, only to end up back in that same old colosseum, all the memories of Hadriel flooding back like you'd never even left. Barry had wondered if there'd be any confusion, any disorientation. If it would feel like some weird deja-vu dream.

His suspicion is disproven as soon as he opens his eyes, immediately feeling the chill of the snow against his body, the dress shirt he wore to Carey and Killian's wedding just a few hours ago providing precious little protection. Looking up, Barry sees the edges of the colosseum like a rocky crown against the pale sky, hears the call of some kind of massive creature in the distance, and yeah, there's no doubt.

Guess he's back in Hadriel. Still on the ice planet, he sees. Means he can't have been gone for long. He hopes he's the only one who left this time around, meaning hopefully his family will be here soon, looking for him.

He's also always wondered why more people don't take advantage of this amazing opportunity. The idea strikes him as he gets to his feet, and it's just too wonderful to pass up. Before he spots anyone he recognizes, he casts the spell Disguise Self before he moves to find shelter against the colosseum wall.

Whenever someone finds him, they'll see good old Barry Bluejeans, sure - emphasis on old, his face soft and heavy with age and crowded with wrinkles, hair sparse and white as the snow around them. He'll smile as they come into view, genuinely happy to see them, with a mischievous edge to his grin.]

Oh goodness, [he'll say, voice thin and shaky,] I haven't seen you in so long...

ii: wish i had a heaven of my own [ota]

[Alright, the old-man-shtick was really funny at first, but Barry soon finds himself freezing and eager to get to safe shelter. With the wyverns circling up above, he decides it's probably safer to hole up somewhere in the heart of the city, rather than make the journey out to the Horny House. He'd rather help out the people who are stranded, then wait until it's safe to head home.

A bright flame burns at the tip of his wand as he wanders the streets, staying close to the lab, looking for newcomers and strangers and friends alike. The monsters haven't come too close to the ground yet... He hopes he won't run into any.]

Hey! [He calls out to someone up ahead.] Y'doin' okay? There's shelter close by, y'should head there.

i

[restinglichface]

[Even with the freezing chill that seeps through layers right down deep into her bones, Lup's been there since before dawn, perched on the tall wall of the colosseum, hidden up out of sight, just waiting. She can't hurry along this process, can't light temples aflame and stamp and scream for the so-called gods of this place to open the door faster, but sitting around at home was never a viable option either. She wants to be right here, needs to see all of the new arrivals first thing when they wake up. She needs to scan all of their faces and find her husband's, to see the recognition dawn on his sweet face.

Lup needs to see that Barry remembers Hadriel and everything they've worked through and accomplished here.

The last few days - days? It's felt like weeks at this point - have dragged the elven woman right up to her breaking point, but so far, Lup's refused to give in, only shedding a handful of tears in front of her twin before she stopped herself, sucking her whirling emotion in tightly and keeping it locked away. It was just too early to mourn Barry's disappearance, not when there was a chance he could still come back. Not when she needed to believe he wasn't leaving her here without him.

So she's kept it together the last week, just barely, and today is finally the day she finds out whether it was all worth it or not.

In the end, it's either going to be the worst day of her life or one of the absolute best, but right now all she can do is wait.

By the time everything starts to pick up, there are already wyvern-like creatures sweeping in droves overhead, filling the sky with ear-splitting shrieks and fireballs, just as Lup drops to the ground, the elf's sharp eyes darting across the chaos for the familiar face she needs to see, ignoring everything else around her.

And for once, luck is in her favor. Lup's just dropped down from the same wall that Barry's pressed himself again, the woman spinning just in time to miss his transformation and to only catch the older, but so familiar face staring right at her. It was that easy, that quick of a find, that she's momentarily taken back, frozen in mid-twist at the sight of her husband before her. But her shock doesn't last long.

What a lying liar. (Obviously he's learned from the best)]

Yeah fuckin' right, old man. Your memory must finally be slippin'. [Somehow, Lup manages to keep from flinging herself full force at him. Instead, she steps forward, cool and calm and collected, like she hasn't spent the last few days tearing her hair out worried over him.]

Like I'd ever leave that hot ass for even a second.

closed to ignis.

[nascere]

[ It's freezing like hell, all right, but Noctis is in a rare good mood with his new down jacket, more warm pants, and boots laced up. The weather is unrelenting, but when spells at your fingertips and a companion who is an exceptionally savvy spellcaster, there's little to fear.

He's tromping through the snow as they scavenge for supplies, Noctis tossing some of the things they'd found into the armiger (definitely not the prescribed use for something that's handed down through countless generations of Lucis Caelums, but still). Stopping for a moment, he flexes his gloves (new, too, to prevent frostbite) and bends over to swipe some snow, glistening white and pristine. ]

Hey, Iggy?

[claritatis]

[It is freezing, but Ignis would much prefer this to being too hot, and has been in remarkably good spirits for much of the time they've spent in this icy place. Things would be a little better if they could maintain warmth inside their living space, but they manage, and no one has died of the cold yet.

Noctis stops in his tracks and Ignis idles to a halt, lightly tapping the side of one of his boots against a large rock beside the path they're following to knock the snow from it.]

Hmm? What is it?

[He isn't looking at what Noctis is doing. Too trusting, Ignis...]