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

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.

[barold]

[So, on the one hand, this is completely hilarious. Barry is usually never the one who gets to prank his wife, instead finding himself the butt of the joke nine times out of ten. It's not like she'll completely fall for it (for long, maybe not at all), but it's fun being the one in this position for once. Ever since they sealed the Hunger away, they've been a lot more playful, spending the rebuilding year forging tighter bonds and righting their wrongs, letting folks know they're good and fun and worthy of their trust. Starting lives together. Building homes.

On the other hand, Barry saw Lup earlier today. Thirty minutes ago, at the latest. He'd gone to sleep after the wedding reception, and she was getting ready for bed in the bathroom. This Lup must have gone days without him. Barry knows first-hand how much that hurts. He doesn't want to be a total goof in her most vulnerable moment.

But hey, nothing wrong with being a little bit of a goof. Lighten the mood. Barry coos, wringing his old man hands together as she calmly approaches.]

No, no, goodness me, I mean... y-y'don't look a day over two-hundred, my love. Oh, it's like lookin' at ya back when we met. 'S been a long time since yer ears were this small and cute...

[restinglichface]

[Hey Barry, do you take constructive crit? Cuz you are a very very bad man, harassing your sweet wife like this.

Bad. So Bad.

Lup's heart swells at the sight of him, something soft and sweet and warm and hopeful rising up in her chest, but naturally, all of that comes crashing down the moment he starts talking shit about her ears. Somewhere in there, Lup has to know this is a goof. They're undead, for fuck's sake, they can't age like ever! But there is just a lot going on and Barry's taking advantage of how frazzled she is by going straight for the ears. Enjoy this while you can, Barold, cause your wife is going to get you back and hard.

The elf clamps both hands up over her perfectly normal and beautiful ears and pretty much screeches in reply.]

Shut the fuck up, my ears are perfect! They aren't going to get old and gross ever! I'm stronger than genetics, I'll fucking win!!!

[barold]

[say that to his sweet old man face

Somehow, by some kind of miracle or the sheer grace of God, he actually gets a reaction out of Lup. Barry knows he should feel bad - but honestly? He spent a decade away from his wife, and almost as soon as he got her back, she's been teasing and pranking him non-stop for a whole year. Just like she did for almost a hundred years prior.

Maybe this is a teeny tiny bit of payback. Just a little bit.]

What's that, dear? [His ears are ringing from her furious shrieks, but the goof lives on.] I'm sorry, darlin', my hearin' isn't what it used t'be. Y'said you'll duck an' swim? In this weather??

ii

[carrotkeeper]

[The weather in Cape Caem was a bit warmer than the frozen tundra she's found herself in and her outfit isn't doing her any favors. Wandering around had warmed her up at a bit, but now that she's lost, well, it stinks. Next time she's in the area, she'll try to find a cute sweater from the shops, but hindsight's like that. She's not willing to make the trek back right now. Her bones are starting to grow ice at this point, but at the man's words, she smiles and calls back-]

Yeah, I'm fine! Just got a little lost.

[Then her eyes fall to the wand and she has to ask-]

Bet that thing could make a huge bonfire. Wanna give it a shot?

[barold]

[Barry breathes a sigh of relief then. Good. The young woman doesn't look too scared or injured. Just cold. As states go in Hadriel, that's one of the better ones.]

This ol' thing?

[Flicking his wand, watching the stray embers dissolve in the cold air while the flame at the tip remains, Barry smiles at the girl as he approaches.]

I was thinkin' the same thing. C'mon, let's get ya somewhere warmer first, okay? [He motions for her to follow.] Don't want that huge bonfire attracting any dragons.

[carrotkeeper]

Good idea.

[He doesn't have to tell her twice. She ambles behind, moving quicker than she has in awhile with the prospect of finding somewhere warm to hole up for awhile in her immediate future, but the dragons-

She's pretty curious about that.]

You think they'd hibernate in the winter or something. I mean, I don't know a lot about daemons-[A pause, and then] I mean dragons, I guess. Just thought they wouldn't like the cold much.

[barold]

Daemons? [Barry smirks over his shoulder at her as he leads the way.] Interesting name for'em. Guess everyone has different names fer monsters.

[He takes her through the snowy streets, sticking close to the walls of nearby buildings, taking as much cover under roofs as they can. Both to avoid the snow, and to avoid being spotted from above.]

Where I'm from, we've got all kinds of dragons. Some who thrive in th'cold. It depends. Dunno about these guys, though. [He peers up through the clouds, spotting an enormous shadow.] Monsters like these tend t'come when th'Door opens. Didya only just get here, miss?

i, lol

[storyseeker]

[For all that Elena adores his wife and has given Barry sex advice counsel on how to show love to said wife, she isn't too close to him, although she does like him a lot. Maybe they've just happened to move in different circles besides Lup, maybe it's coincidence, maybe it just takes time. Maybe it was the sex advice. Maybe that's why he absolutely, positively gets her with his trick; she doesn't even question the fact that he's apparently left Hadriel and returned after decades, and it shows on her face.]

Barry? Oh my god, it's...it's been a while for you, huh?

[barold]

Elena? Is that you? Oh dear, oh dear, look at you.

[He tries his best to keep a straight face. Don't get him wrong, the smile of recognition on his face is genuine - he's really happy to see Elena again! even if the last time they really spoke she gave him sex advice - but it's hard not to burst out laughing knowing he got her good.

Holding his hands out for her, Barry makes the best hoarse cooing old-man-noise he can, back hunched and the whole shebang.]

Goodness me, y'look wonderful. It's been so long. H-How long was I gone for, dear?

[storyseeker]

[It's remarkably convincing. And believable, too, because she knows Barry is badass enough to survive to that age. Any further logic is lost to the surprise.]

Um...not too long. [She takes his hands, squeezing gently and wondering if she's going to have to steer him towards home. He looks like he could break a hip by it turning to dust any second.] Lup hasn't gotten impatient yet, so pretty short, really, all things considered. I guess it was longer for you?

[How much longer, Jesus Christ? How long do magic humans live?]

[barold]

Oh, Lup is still here! Wonderful, that's wonderful, dear... Oh, y-you're still friends right? I hope? Y'two are just delightful together, goodness me, such close friends, oh...

[Watch him drag this out as long as he possibly can. He can go all day. He wonders how many outlandish things he can claim as truth before she calls his bluff...]

Fer me? Oh, golly, yes, musta been... goodness, we musta had... n-nine kids since then... two grandbabies... is that... y-yes, two of'em, Taquito and 'Chilada, s-so it musta been fifty years since I saw ya last.

I

[pocketspa]

[See, here's the thing about this. Taako knows what happens when you become a Reaper. You get to decide what you look like, basically forever. He's had a variety of fun adventures having Kravitz mess with his own face (and sometimes his ass), so the speed at which he knows Barry's bullshit is absolutely astronomical- but frankly, the combination of the sheer relief and Barry obviously pulling some full bullshit just makes him burst out laughing, doubling over to hold his hands on his knees as he full-blown loses it. He missed you too, you fucking nerd.]

Oh my gods, your fucking face. Holy shit. Time was not good to you, huh? If you tell me you can't remember my name I'm disowning you right now.

[barold]

Taako, Taako, oh, how could I forget somebody like you?

[This is too great. Sure, Taako probably sees through the goof from a mile away, but by the life of him he's going to keep it going for as long as he can. It's not every day he gets sort-of a free pass to mess with his family. Barry is going to take this and just run a fuckin marathon with it, watch him go.]

Feels like it's been forever, Taako. A-Are y'still with that sweet fella, oh what's his name again... tall, dark, real handsome, oh w-was it... Konrad, Corbin... Dermbum... Cromslor... Pinskidan..?

[pocketspa]

[Of course he does, but that's not gonna make him make Barry stop.]

Handsome, huh? I'm gonna tell him you said that. And uh, no no you got it, Cromslor for sure.

[His voice is cracking with barely contained giggles, like he's about to pop from sheer delight.]

You still remember where we are, gramps? Need the rundown from your still fresh brother? Or can you get the name, c'mon, I'll give ya a go.

[barold]

Cromslor, of course! Yes, oh, handsome Cromslor, good guy, good feller...

[Taako is loving this. Barry can tell. And like any good brother, Barry lives to make him laugh.]

Oh, yes, of course. This ol' colosseum, I-- I could never forget it. With th'Door an' th'liches, th'whole kit'n'caboodle. [He wrings his hands together, smiling shakily at the elf in front of him.] Ha... oh, it's... y-yes, Hasslehoff. I'm back in good ol'Hasslehoff.

SLAMS INTO I. LIKE A CHAMP

[outofthefire]

[she has to look twice, but it's definitely him! it's Barry! and Lup had been so worried. she's so glad to see him, both for Lup's sake (because she's her best friend, along with Rey and Cecily) and her own (because he's never judged her or made her feel like she was less than she was).

she opens her arms for a hug]

Feels like forever, doesn't it? C'mere.

HECK YEAH GET IN HERE

[barold]

Laura, oh sweet Laura, it's so good t'see ya again.

[And Barry goes in for the hug, wrapping her up in his arms and squeezing. Goof aside, it really is good to see Laura again. With everything that's been going on, it's hard to find time to hang out and catch up.

It's still a pretty good goof, and it seems Barry got her for now. He pulls back and cups her cheeks with his frail hands, looking her over.]

Goodness me, you haven't aged a day. Still as young and beautiful as last I saw ya.

/TACKLEHUGS

[outofthefire]

You too, Barry. You, too.

[she hugs him tightly. she'd hoped Barry was just gone back to his world for a little while, but it's never possible to be certain around here. nothing is certain here.

when he pulls back to look at her, she lets him, her own eyes scanning the familiar, yet aged, features. how long has he been back home?]

That's 'cause it's only been a couple of days. But, you! How long were you home?

[barold]

Couple days... Golly, feels like decades.

[Barry exaggerates the Old Man Noises to the max, grunting and harumphing and cooing between every other word. He's taking this prank as far as it will go.]

Oh, goodness, l-lemme see... [he starts counting on his fingers,] we lived in th'city 'til then... then Taako got married, w-we moved to th'country... we had... s-seven kids? Yeah, seven... Hmmm...

Maybe forty years? Maybe more. Oh dear, gets hard to remember after a while.

1

[madamdirector]

[ Okay.

Angus is here, and taller than he should be. Taako is here, and (justifiably) livid. Lup is here and alive and almost certainly not a dream after all.

Lucretia just needs...some time. Some time alone to think and sort things out and try and figure out what it is she's going to do. If she can just avoid being attacked by monsters or literal ghosts from her past for five minutes, she'll be all right. It'll be fine. Some peace and quiet. Maybe she can find some paper, formulate a plan. She's feeling better already.

And then she turns a corner and runs into a smiling Barry Bluejeans who looks at minimum seventy-five years old, faded and fragile with age, and Lucretia's face goes ashen. She steps back, eyes wide and heart in her throat, shaking her head in helpless disbelief. This one, she can't even begin to explain. This shouldn't be possible, and she doesn't know whether to feel elated (it's Barry) or heartbroken (he should never have grown old this way) or just terrified, after everything she'd done to him. ]

Oh my God...no, please no...

[barold]

[So, during his time in Hadriel, Barry has met Lucretia several times. This time, it seems, she's from a more current time.

Good. That's good! That means he won't have too much to explain to her, like if she'd been from the Starblaster era. That hadn't turned out the best last time around. The question remains, however, has she contained the Hunger yet? Hmn. That's a big one. He'll have to tread carefully, be gentle with her - like he would've been anyways, just... dialing back the goof just a smidge.

Especially given the look on her face. His expression softens, and he takes a few measured steps towards her, smiling warmly.]

Lucretia, dear, wh-what's th'matter? Y'feelin' okay?

[madamdirector]

[ He's not mad at her, at least, and that's a huge weight off her shoulders. He could so easily have been - well, been just as angry with her as Taako is. He'd had every reason to be.

That's not Barry, though, is it? That's never been Barry. He walks right towards her, smiling softly as if nothing's wrong at all, as if it's just another day back on the Starblaster, and she can't help it. Her eyes fill with tears, and she reaches out a shaking hand, gently touching the tissue-paper skin of his cheek. ]

Barry.

[ Barry, who'd become a lich so he would never have to die, so he and Lup would be sure to be there and ensure the whole crew's safety every time. He'd taken a huge risk and it had paid off and so this, this feeble old man, this should be impossible. Her eyes rove over his face, trying and utterly failing to understand. ]

God, Barry, I'm so - I'm s-so sorry...

[ Because this is her fault, somehow, isn't it? She may not understand how, but it has to be. There's no other explanation. ]

GRANDPA, WHY

[hellosirs]

[ To Angus, a small 12-year-old boy, old age is a fate that seems worse than death. Old Age means aching joints, gross candy, dentures, loss of hair, sickness, and being bedridden. It means not being able to do anything, and being in pain whenever you tried. He watched his Grandpa go through life as a geriatric, but it's something he can barely even imagine for himself, let alone his friends.

... All this is to say that when Barry 'Bullshit' Bluejeans comes hobbling into view, Angus stares at him in absolute horror, as if the man has turned into the goddamn Cryptkeeper. This is like two notches down from the first time he saw Kravitz in his skeletal form, that's the level of existential terror we're dealing with here.

(Angus will soon remember that Liches Don't Work That Way, but for now the horror is in the driver's seat! ]

S... S-Sir?!