【MAY plot arrivals】

[berriah]

May Mingle

SHRINES LORE DROP LOCATIONS NPC CONTACT FAQ CLAIMS LIST

❤

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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.

!

Out of Character Notes

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.

(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

Player characters may use this prompt to interact with each other.

This prompt will invite an NPC interaction.

(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

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.

(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

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.

(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

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.

(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.

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Out of Character Notes

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.

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.

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Comments

Oz Vessalius l Pandora Hearts

[satisfice]

[ooc: I am The Rustiest.]

Arrival:

[Oz is.....actually surprisingly casual about this whole thing. Probably because he's more used to being dumped somewhere new than most others, after his experience with the Abyss and the like. He doesn't seem nearly so weirded out as most - probably all - other new arrivals, as he sets about exploring, wandering around to get an idea on where this is, if there are any other familiar faces around. With a mouthful of food, probably a small, sweet snack, he's nibbling on as he explores. Entirely either not noticing or not that concerned about any marks he might have on his body.]

It's not home. Not the Abyss. I guess that's something.....?

Cherry Blossoms:

[They were pretty. Of course Oz is keen to drag his friends there. And have a picnic in the process because he's always about the snacks. He'll be there, sitting on a blanket on the grass, nibbling and sipping, admiring the colour, admiring that spring weather and feeling of warmth at his skin.]

This is nice.

Fallen Stars:

Replace.....?

[Oz has only recently arrived. So of course he isn't entirely sure what to make of that when he hears. He frowns, confused and concerned at hearing such talk as he turns to whoever else might be nearby. As if about to ask them for explanation. Reassurance perhaps?]

cherry blossoms

[aupologizes]

It is rather nice, isn't it?

[The one who speaks up is someone who looks no younger than a young girl of ten, maybe eleven years old wearing a hat over her head to cover her own horns, a little self conscious.]

[satisfice]

It is! It's nice to come out like this and enjoy this weather, the flowers! Plus it's kind of nice to have a bit of a break. I've been wandering exploring since I got here a bit ago.

[Oz agrees, explaining a little as he settles down, having another mouthful of whatever he is snacking on and offering her some if she wishes. There's plenty, really. May as well, in case she is hungry too, holding out some too her as he shifts in getting comfortable.]

[aupologizes]

It's a nice change of pace from earlier.

[She's really grateful to Satou for deciding to hold something like this to ease the tensions between the Fallen Stars and the natives, because then she gets to see the people's smiles.

When he does offer his snacks, she decides to take the offer to taste some of it herself. It's been so long since she's tasted new things, after all.]

I do agree that the weather is really pretty... it's perfect for flower viewing.

[satisfice]

From earlier?

[Oz isn't necessarily sure on what this means. He only recently arrived and all. Maybe she means something that happened before he came. His blond hair shifts as he tilts his head a little, giving a small smile then at her observation. She was right. The weather and setting, it was all rather perfect for this sort of thing. It was why he couldn't resist the idea of a picnic out here during it all. At least this once. However long it might last.]

[aupologizes]

...

[Hanyuu is quiet for a moment, contemplative and recalling a few things before--]

If you haven't heard anything, then do not worry over it. I would rather not cause more of a fuss than what's already grown.

[satisfice]

I only recently got here is all, so. Maybe it's something that happened before I got here? I just -- if you're sure it's okay now.....?

[Whatever it was she was talking about. Oz knows he only got here more recently but at the same time. It's unnerving. To be missing out. Even if this is hardly the first time given for example him missing ten years or so while in the Abyss back then. He's not entirely new to needing to be caught up on things, being in the dark.]

Fallen Stars

[goldspecktacles]

[When Leo first spotted Oz, he was not sure how to feel. There was relief for having found a familiar face, sure, but also confusion-- no, maybe even horror,-- at seeing this person in particular. The two of them had departed on a very firm note. Oz should be in the reincarnation cycle again, waiting 100 years to be reborn with his beloved Alices.

It's curious. Then again, Leo has had his concept of time and space yanked out from under him. This could be a different Oz, another time, another tale. So he puts on a smile (Leo's idea of a neutral expression,) and steps up behind Oz. Overhearing him gives Leo a quick place to jump into conversation.]

Scary, isn't it~? Like a dark fairytale~.

[When Oz turns to face Leo, he'll wave cheerfully.]

Hello, Oz. How long has it been? [No, really. How long? Leo is trying to get a grip on time here.]

[satisfice]

[It's still all rather new to him, really. This place. He's still figuring it all out and thus far hasn't found Gil or Alice or anyone. So he isn't sure if he should really expect any familiar faces. And yet. That voice behind him has those green eyes widening as he turns as if in confirmation.

But it is. It is him. Leo. Whatever Leo says in response to Oz's murmurs, his musing to himself more than anything, is debatable if it even registers. Oz is too busy processing the other being here too. He blinks, taking the other in initially for a moment.]

Leo.....? It's really....? When did you get here?

[There might be a lot to catch up on. Being out in public and all may or may not be the best place for it but Oz can't help asking his own questions.]

[goldspecktacles]

Surprise!

[Leo can also gleam some information from Oz's reaction to seeing him, but he wants to make sure. So he pushes harder for a concrete answer.]

A few days ago. Bizarre twist, isn't it? [He tucks some hair behind his ear, trying to test if Oz has a reaction to Leo without his eyes hidden.]

[satisfice]

I only got here recently too. I'm still figuring this place out and all yet. I guess you must be too.

[He blinks, tilting his head slightly as Leo tucks some hair back but doesn't really seem to react too much otherwise. Then again, even that may or may not say much given it is Oz and he tends to take most everything in stride. Or at least outwardly, for the most part. He is mostly relieved to see a familiar face. That Leo seems to be alright?]

I was just exploring more, when I overheard them and you found me.

[goldspecktacles]

I was doing about the same. I wanted to find out where that spooky story was coming from.

[Leo tries to wave cheerily to a local, but the stranger hurries away with any return of the gesture.]

It's been like that everywhere I go. Quite unusual... At least we have each other, hm?

[satisfice]

The story of us trying to replace them or something? I'm not sure what to make of all that.

[Oz gives a shrug, blinking as he watches with a raised eyebrow as the stranger hurries off, ignoring Leo's wave. He is still figuring all this out, this place. What to make of it. What he missed here before his arrival. He glances back to Leo though, giving a grin and raising an arm across the other's shoulders.]

Yup! Together again!

Fallen Stars

[rejectedchain]

[Don't ask Elliot, he doesn't know or particularly care about whatever it is the civilians are going on about now. He's about to ignore the question from whoever it was, not wanting to make more connections when someone like him someone dead doesn't really belong here, but he recognizes those wide emerald eyes and stops in his tracks.]

...Shorty?

[An exasperated sigh.]

I can't leave any of you alone for five minutes without you stumbling into some other world!

[satisfice]

Hm? Shor -- Elliot.....?

[That is one face Oz is not expecting to encounter again. Those green eyes widen further at that voice as he turns and spots the other blond. He's surprised, but not necessarily sad about seeing the other again. More, there's a relief that is greater than the guilt at the reminder of everyone they had lost.

Oz is almost, almost about to reach to hug him when Elliot continues and teases him like that.]

Haa? Like this is my fault! What are you doing here?

[rejectedchain]

[Elliot frowns at Oz with as much judgmental disapproval as he can muster, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. He didn't think he'd see Oz again, or see anyone ever again for that matter. It's selfish of him, and he won't admit it, but he's glad to see the brat...especially after what he learned from Leo.]

Shouldn't I be asking you that? You have a responsibility back home, so what the hell are you doing here avoiding it?!

[satisfice]

E-ehhhh?? It isn't like I had a choice?! I just ended up here!! Probably the same as you! Don't go blaming me!!

[Anyone that really knows them wouldn't likely be all that surprised at such a reunion. How....smoothly it is going. Given their initial meeting back home and all. As much as Oz had missed Elliot. He can't really help snapping back defensively, instinctively at the other's accusations.]

[rejectedchain]

Tch. You're good at getting in trouble. This is so irritating...

[The same as him. Hm. Elliot relaxes as much as someone like him, a bitter, vexed smile on his face. He looks somewhere off to the side, no longer looking at the civilians or buildings. His gaze is distant but he snaps out of it and turns his attention back to Oz. His posture is perfect and he looks sure of himself, but when he opens his mouth, he finds the words are hard to get out. No. Now isn't the time to get emotional.]

Since you're stuck here for the time being, I... [Ugh. Why is this so difficult?] I want to thank you. For taking care of Leo-- He's...he's an idiot sometimes, so--

[Elliot can no longer look at Oz. His eyes are downcast, and his voice lacks its usual fire.]

Thank you. For being there for him.

[satisfice]

I haven't done anything!

[Yet. Yet, anyway. It's barely been a day or two. Still, he can't really say he is that surprised at Elliot being a little frantic and flustered. Worried. Oz did seem to have a knack for getting in the middle of things he shouldn't. Things he never meant to, in getting over his head.

But he does pause then, head tilting as he blinks at Elliot thanking him when he turns his attention back to Oz. His own expression softens even as his postures relaxes, not so perfect and formal, so sure but more relaxed after being a little tense from their arguing.]

Of course. You'd do the same for me if something happened and Alice and Gil were left with you.

pre-arrival npc

[borderlineconflict]

[Between spaces and times, like a dream, is a darkness. The place produces no light of its own, but light does shine off of Oz's body. Perhaps a familiar scenario, comparable to the broken Abyss. Ripples expand from his feet, playing his story in their glowing reflection.

And, some distance away, is a glowing form. They are blinding white to look at, but clearly human.]

... You're really here?

[satisfice]

Here? Where.....is 'here'.....?

[Oz asks, as he glances around at the ripples, the reflection and then the glowing form of...whoever it was that just spoke? As if this were some sort of dream, perhaps. That he can at least tell they seem human, but not make out any details to pinpoint who it is. He's not sure if this is the Abyss? It isn't what he really recalls of his time there, but then. Time was strange there, compared to the ten years he missed otherwise.]

Who are you?

[borderlineconflict]

I'm... not sure.

[Two questions, one answer. They step forward, but their feet do not leave the same ripples as Oz's.]

But I saw you and wanted to speak to you. I didn't think it could really happen... but we're both here now. Wherever we are... Whoever we are...

[They seem to tilt their head,] Do you know who you are?

[satisfice]

I'm.....not sure I get it, but okay? I guess we can talk. I'm Oz!

[For all that Oz has fought hard for a long time in establishing his sense of self and his self esteem, given everything he has dealt with back home. The revelations. He is clear on his identity now at least. He is Oz. He may or may not notice the lack of ripples from her movements, as he watches his own form from his footsteps in return. Closing the distance.]

What about you? Do you remember who you are? Why you wanted to talk to me? What about?

[borderlineconflict]

[As Oz gets closer, the lit form of this person begins to flicker. A few more steps and a correlation can safely be drawn: The closer he gets to this person, the harder they are to see.]

I do not recall such a thing, no. Who I am, at least. But for speaking topics: I wish to warn you, Oz.

[satisfice]

warn me? About what?

[He isn't sure. Doesn't have the context for who it is exactly. That the closer he gets the less he can make out the details. Maybe he isn't supposed to be able to tell who it is though. He's not sure about this place, where it is, how it works, after all. Oz gives a shrug, not immediately seeming too on guard. Too alert. Yet. At least not till he knows what is going on.]