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【MAY plot arrivals】
May Mingle
Welcome to Starsand
According to the locals, you are not the first stranger from another world to be dragged to this one. This is a world that, up until five years ago, did not know magic. Fantasy did not expand beyond its designated shelves of the library; There were no gods or spirits, only science and reason.
But five years ago, the secret was blown. Magical 'spirits' exist in this world. You may have seen them as flickers of light; Souls without a body. They were once invisible and powerless, existing silently alongside the rest of the living. But with enough faith from the living, spirits can manifest. They can even have the magic powers that others believe them to have.
Nowadays, spirits and magic are impossible to ignore. Magic has transformed the architecture, average people are learning spirit magic, and technology is being upgraded with this new power. Electricity is going out of favor; Spirits now power homes in exchange for shrine offerings and prayers. Though traces of the old era still exist, they are slowly being replaced by magic. Every city is changing at a different pace depending on how the citizens reacted to the news of spirits.
But you're not here for a lore drop, are you? You just got here.
New arrivals have become commonplace in the City of Star Sand. In fact, the city is named for this phenomena; People from other worlds ("stars") appear so frequently that it's like a beach of sand. Even those who normally travel between worlds have found it impossible to leave the pull of the Star Sand once they get here. Some people have even come from other time periods. (the date here is 2025.) No other city is reporting this unique problem for some reason.
Roleplay-wise; This is a semi-private sandbox for a modern-fantasy blended setting. Characters can either be whisked away from their homes or wake up as AUed residents. While there will be a lot of background lore and a mystery to dig your teeth into, it's all optional. First and foremost, the sandbox is meant to be played in. The City of Star Sand is a very flexible place to stretch your imagination. Some parts of the city may just seem like normal Tokyo, while others might feel like a DnD campaign. The world will gradually expand as the sandbox takes off as well, so you'll be able to submit your own cities with unique cultures.
It is possible to handwave arrival and assume your character has been in the setting for months.
Anyone can top-level in a mingle post. You do not need to be playing a new character.
You do not need to feel restricted to the listed prompts.
Player characters may use this prompt to interact with each other.
This prompt will invite an NPC interaction.
Most May arrivals are dropped into Starsand at the same time.
The handprints can be anywhere that a person might feasibly grab your character.
The unfriendliness of the locals should not be malicious.
Kami & Spirits will continue to treat Fallen Stars kindly.
New Arrivals can also investigate the shrine.
The voices characters hear can be from any point in their canon, past or present.
Native characters will not enter the shrine.
The black goo is repelled by Fallen Stars, as if by a magnetic force.
Festival food can come from any culture.
Food is free and leftovers can be taken home in containers.
The cherry blossoms renew at midnight. Petals will fall backwards and back onto the trees.
Blossoms can be viewed on all levels. There are many picnic areas throughout the city.
Missing people can be brought back and disappear again.
Illusions can speak, but they disappear before they can be interacted with.
Goo puddles do not disappear until the missing person is brought back.
The black goo is repelled by Fallen Stars, as if by a magnetic force.
! Out of Character Notes
(A) Arrival: The Firm Grip of Space
Typical arrivals to the City of Starsand have always been peaceful. Remarkably so. Characters would blink their eyes and find themselves transported into this new world without any pain or drama (Well, aside from the drama of being in another world.)
But it’s different this time. Characters blink and leave their old world, yes, but there’s a less peaceful transition this time. They can feel themselves being forcibly pulled. Like someone grabbed their arm and yanked them across an invisible border. They are moved without balance, sometimes even aware of a finger grip-like sensation on their arms or legs.
And they do not arrive in the city. They wake up in a space that is strangely empty. The only light comes from their own bodies and the ripples left with every step. If they look at these ripples, they can see scenes of their lives reflected in the not-quite-water; Choices they’ve made, choices they missed, even events that have yet to happen.
Characters may see others in the distance and be able to reach each other. These meetings will be brief. A humming sound grows louder and the lights coming from their bodies gradually becomes brighter. Eventually, the hum is too loud for them to hear each other and the light is too bright to see passed. They’ll ‘white out’ and awaken in the Starsand City.
! Out of Character Notes
(B) Arrival Part 2
Welcome to the City of Starsand! Which is still blessed by now out-of-season cherry blossoms, filling the city with a sweet scent. Characters may find their eyes and ears aching from the experience of that other space. Some might even forget the experience all together, or find their memory temporarily blurred.
Regardless, they are here now. And they don’t look like the usual arrivals to the Starsand City. Typically, the civilians regard new arrivals politely and act like it’s a normal occurrence. But this time, there is something different. It’s something that the arriving character themselves may also notice: They have red marks on their skin. It’s always an exposed part of their body, like their arm, wrist, an exposed ankle, or even around their necks. Fingermarks, pressed so tightly (and supernaturally) into their skin that they’re visible for hours.
The townspeople are distant this time. It isn’t the usual friendly greeting of past months. They whisper cautiously: Isn’t it strange? Did a Kami do that? Why would a Kami do that?
Fortunately, spirits will flock to the new arrivals this month. Brave and kind civilians will push passed the rumor to offer aid. Free food, housing, clothing, etc. will still be supplied. But it will not be as easy-going and friendly as before. There are also a lot of new arrivals at once, as opposed to a sprinkling at a time.
! Out of Character Notes
(C) Old Arrivals: A Shattered Shrine
At the same time that this month’s new arrivals were dumped enmass, something dramatic happened on the top level. The TimeSpace Shrine, which had locked doors and closed windows, has changed. All of the windows that lined the spiraling staircase have been shattered and have a dark, sparkling liquid leaking from the cracks. The liquid is gathering at the foot of the shrine and everyone seems rightfully afraid of it.
”What is this? Did someone vandalize the shrine?”
”Is the Kami inside there alright?”
”There are so many new Fallen Stars! Are they connected?”
People murmur from a safe distance.
When approaching the shrine, one can hear a strange humming noise. Like static from a radio with a distant melody lost in the noise. As you climb the stairs, the sound gets louder and louder until it’s unbearable. You can hear voices and sounds from the world you once knew, but they’re drowned out by the static.
If you manage to reach the top and touch the door, you may find yourself in the same space as new arrivals. Use this to interact with new arrivals from Prompt A! You can also put !NPC REQUEST in a thread title for an NPC interaction.
! Out of Character Notes
(D) No Plot: Cherry Blossom Viewing
It is a few days after the Shrine of SpaceTime broke. Reception to the new arrivals has grown warmer as the marks on their skin faded away. In order to ease tensions, the Kami of Love has renewed the cherry blossom trees and called for a final good-bye party for the season. Grassy parks are lined with picnic blankets, food vendors are opening all kind of stalls, and cherry blossom themed trinkets are being sold for faith.
It’s an easygoing sort of prompt. Fallen Stars, as out-of-worlders are called, are welcome to join in the festivities. People are encouraged to take a spot on an empty blanket and view the blossoms. The blossoms are renewed with faith every day, so the trees do not go bear for long. But because the blossoms are faith-based magic, they also don’t linger on the ground. Try to take petals home and they’re disappear overnight. Perhaps it’s a small price to pay for reviving the sight over and over again. The blossoms are getting no rest this month.
! Out of Character Notes
(E) Rumor: The Fallen Stars
Unfortunately, despite the Kami and their attempts to maintain peace, Rumors still exist. These stories carry the power of faith, which can turn a lie into truth if spoken enough. They’re unfortunately common in the City of Starsand, though admitting to their power will only make it stronger. Very few average civilians realize that Rumors exist, and those that do know better than to explain this dangerous magic to just anyone.
Since the Shrine of SpaceTime shattered, there has been a common rumor about Fallen Stars. It’s one whispered between the native civilians, which they try not to let Fallen Stars hear:
”Perhaps the reason that they’ve come here is to replace us? So many of the Fallen Stars have magical powers unrelated to spirits and Kami. Are they going to replace us? Is the SpaceTime Kami trying to make a stronger and more magical world?”
This Rumor has an unfortunate power. It is replacing civilians with illusions of Fallen Stars. You may see someone you know suddenly running the general store in the place of the old lady who once gave you free snacks. Once you get closer, both the person you saw and the person who should be there are gone. In the civilian’s place is a pile of the dark, glittery substance that was leaking from the SpaceTime Shrine.
The missing people can be brought back. If Fallen Stars visit the broken shrine, they can pray for the return of missing civilians. Missing civilians are typically the ones who bravely reached out to help at the beginning of the month.
! Out of Character Notes
Notes for May
The arrivals in May are different from normal. Arrival process is expected to return to normal in June!
There will be a second part to the Rumor event later in the month.
There is a possible third event that can be triggered by exploration this month.
The NPC contact is open to anyone who wishes to interrogate/meet a specific NPC.
no subject
Why the hell was he having nostalgia over Maki Harukawa of all people? But, he's used to keeping a poker face during these situations. He's used to being accused, and even threatened. So the smile doesn't fade from his face.]
I approached him.
[He says, simply.]
That was one of my classmates. Supposedly. Not anymore. Now it's just goo. I didn't do a single thing to this goo. I just said hello. If you're going to get mad at someone, I'm not the ideal target. 'Kay~?
no subject
[That logic does nothing to dial back Chron's aggression.]
People don't just become goo because someone talked to them. Not even here! What kind of magic did you use? Are you working with some other Kami to mess up my city? Answer me!
["Answer me," she says in an accusing tone. He had answered her fine before, so there is no reason for her to act like he won't this time. No, the one that Chron wants answers from isn't Kokichi. She knows he's innocent. Unfortunately, she has no one else to yell at right now except him.]
no subject
[He looks like he's about to cry.]
I'm being bullied, and I just saw my friend get gooped, and I dunno why! How do you think I feel?! I'd never do that to Plug-N-Play-chan on purpose!
no subject
And when he starts acting like that, Chron pulls back. She even looks a mix between embarrassed and ashamed, drawing back her hands like some criminal trying to prove their innocence. Some of the townspeople begin to murder when they see her cornering a crying boy against the wall.
"Oh, that Omichron again... She's never going to be rid of that temper, is she?" Is probably what stings the most to hear. Chron frowns and puts her hands on her hips.]
St, stop your whining! I can tell a faker when I see one and those crocodile tears won't work on me, kid.
[Kokichi is definitely older than this sixteen year old.
She also isn't sure he's putting on a act. Just hoping and praying, because then she doesn't have to feel as bad.]
no subject
I thought they might. You're smarter than I took you for, Miss. Neeheehee.
[He smiles. And now he's the asshole. Whoever this girl is...she just has a temper. She's not a bad person. That's a normal girl right there. And he can't let her get shamed by all these people right in front of him.
That'd be shameful on his part.]
I seriously don't know what's going on, but I'm also not that torn up about it. That was a robot and not a person, anyway. I'd be interested in finding out why it happened, but you've gotta take me at my word when I say I've got no motive to goop the poor toasterboy. He just kinda did that. If I were going to hurt anyone like that, I sure as hell wouldn't have done it in public.
[He looks disinterested in the surface, but he does glance to Chron, and there's a certain twinge to his expression that says he is. He is concerned. But he's more willing to let himself have a bad reputation for not caring than to have her take the fall here, even if she started this.]
no subject
This teenage girl is an easy read, too. Her expression softens as she hears more, but she tries to force a stern expression. Pretending she's in charge of the situation, when in fact it is only spiraling more and more out of her grasp.]
Well! I guess that checks out. I don't recall seeing you at the shrine either...
[Her voice trials off with uncertainty. Hearing herself, Chron corrects her tone and straightens her posture. Trying quite transparently to seem like someone with authority.]
Someone is still pretty dead looking over there though! And you're an actual witness. Finally! This is the first time I've seen it happen myself. Sorta. [she didn't actually see it, did she...]
What's your name? I'm Omichron Yumeno.
no subject
Kokichi shakes his head.]
I'm not really the religious sort. So I don't go to shrines.
[The tone shift is visible, as is the posturing. He smirks, but he doesn't quite point it out.]
That's true. This is definitely a body that has been discovered. Kind of. [No class trial lies ahead, though. Luckily.] And I am a witness, most certainly. You're investigating?
[Because if so, his interest is piqued.
He can't resist a small, barely restrained snrrk at the sound of 'Yumeno', though.]
Funny coincidence! One of my dear, dear classmates was Himiko Yumeno. But I'm gonna assume there's no relation.
Kokichi Oma. If you want to work together to try to solve this, Omichron-chan, I'm all for it. After all, it's interesting. And a robot might be goopified. But mostly 'cause it's interesting.
no subject
[But she doesn't rule it out. She wouldn't have known her own brother's name a few years back.
Chron is surprised that he offers his help.]
You sure? Most people who see that goop just run off screaming-
Oh. Shit, I guess I shouldn't call sorta-corpses words like goop.
... Forget that part, got it?
no subject
I'll put it like this: one of my primary duties at home was to assist the person known as the Ultimate Detective in investigations. I've seen more gruesome scenes than this.
[That's only partially a lie. It was never one of his 'primary duties', and Shuichi would probably be a bit 'yes and no' on the topic of him being helpful...but he can help in this.]
And yes, I'll forget you calling the deceased that. [Or he at least won't bring it up.]
I take it you're an official in some capacity? How long has this been happening, and how frequently?
no subject
Sure, you could say that. So you're like a detective's assistant, huh?
[She taps her chin thoughtfully,] But you're also a witness. I can't tamper with your testimony too much or you'll be useless to the investigation... hm.
Well. I can say that this isn't the first case of that 'stuff.' I mean, you've heard about what happened at the SpaceTime shrine, right?
no subject
But that's true. My witness testimony may be integral, though I haven't actually seen too much...just a machine going to dust.
I might've. It's been a long few days since I got here. Refresh me?