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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.
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But he can't. Leo can only stare in silence while he pushes back those dark revelations. He can't say things that hurt Elliot. He'd rip out the tongue of anyone who purposefully said things that might hurt him. Including his own.
His conflicting feelings do rise in a selfish way when Elliot mentions Vincent's betrayal. Again, he knows that he should continue explaining. But in a moment of selfishness, Leo shakes his head and brings the topic back to them. He doesn't want to talk about anyone else.]
But I didn't ask for your help, not once! I kept making bad decisions. I thought I could protect you, but instead- [He can't say it. The look in his eyes may explain what events are playing through Leo's mind during his abrupt silence. Despite it, he doesn't let himself look away from Elliot. That grip on his collar is working as intended, anchoring Leo before he can get angry.]
... Vincent told me what you said. Then they took me away, I- [Leo's eyes so wide and he nearly tears up as he realizes-] I never even got to see you again.
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[There's that pang in Elliot's chest again, pressing against his ribcage in its erratic beat. It softens some of his anger. He's still angry, still upset, but it isn't Leo he targets the majority of his ire. His judgment was poor, but so was Elliot's, and he--
Elliot had been so stupid. He should have seen it.
It's Glen Elliot truly blames. Glen, and anyone else orchestrating this hell. Elliot releases his grip and puts his hands on Leo's shoulders, and he vaguely thinks to himself that the flecks in Leo's eyes look like emotion-filled sparks.
He had meant his last words. Or what he thought were his last, he supposes. He's so sorry. Elliot doesn't tear his eyes away from Leo and smiles. It's a sad smile, but sincere.]
It's over, Leo. I forgive you.
[Please forgive him, too.]
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That act, that reminder, is what he'll call the triggering action. Leo will not give Elliot credit for making his eyes burn and his heart ache, even if it's true. No one can make him happier or hurt him more than Elliot. Since their reunion, Leo has been biting back these emotions and letting them build up. But he knew he'd break eventually. He's certain that he's trembling as he tries to formulate an argument that might defend him against forgiveness.
Instead of starting a fight, Leo screams. Anguish, anger, fear, grief, relief, all mixed together into an awful sound. He prides himself on reading a lot and having the option of eloquently expressing himself, but only this mix of crying and screaming can explain what he's feeling now. He's not letting his friend go either, curling forward like he did when he found Elliot the last time. Leo doesn't care if he's making a scene. He should have made more of a scene back then. Before then. At some point, when everything start slipping out of control.
When his emotions have settled enough that he can get a lid on them again, Leo quiets himself down. The cracking sound his voice makes as he speaks to Elliot disgusts him:]
... We never speak of this again.
[He's not moving yet. Elliot doesn't get to see all of the ripped up emotions on his face when Leo responds his final message:] I forgive you too.
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It's as if he's reliving everything again, it leaves him raw and hollow. He's certain people are probably staring, but they're nothing to Elliot. He has no reason to pretend anymore, so he selfishly pulls Leo into a hug as his friend curls up, holding onto him. He's all he has left, and he doesn't even really have Leo, because Elliot is dead. He should be allowed this much.
When Leo quiets, Elliot feels a strange sense of relief. Not because Leo's stopped, but because he's finally being honest with him. He hadn't wanted to leave him. He had been worried--]
...Alright.
[He answers quietly, making a strangled sound when he hears the words he didn't think he ever would, but so desperately wanted. Elliot sinks against Leo, resting his face against his shoulder so he doesn't see him cry silently. He'll never forgive himself, he'll never be that self-satisfying, but for the first time since he's gotten here, he feels a bit alive.] Thank you.
no subject
The stares of those passing by mean nothing anymore. With the two of them resting against each other, the strange new world and expanding universe mean very little to Leo. He's reminded of the days when they would sit in front of the piano and compose music together. It's as close as Leo ever got to feeling at home and, though he realizes it may be temporary, it's nice to be back. Eventually, he will have to return to being 'Glen' and acknowledge the bigger picture. But at least now he can leave 'Leo' with Elliot when that time comes. Perhaps not the best solution, but it finally brings him peace.
Still not moving, Leo mumbles stubbornly:]
I don't want to explain anymore. You'll have to wait.
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[Elliot retorts, but there's no venom behind it. This won't last. It can't, and Elliot won't allow it even if he wants to. Leo is needed back home. Leo has the rest of his life ahead of him. But pushing him away would only create new wounds, and Elliot has always had his bratty tendencies. One hand trails to curiously brush at Leo's shorter strands, but he makes no move to pull away. There's still that heavy sadness, but it's more tolerable now. There's a comfortable sort of silence that he eventually breaks.]
I'm glad you finally got rid of those godawful glasses.
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[Leo, too, has no venom in his voice. He may be the head of the Baskervilles, but his loyalties lie with Elliot. He'd take being a useless servant to an immortal noble any time. It's not worth saying that Elliot has kept Leo as a servant and equal, since that sort of truth was never up for debate.
Feeling Elliot acknowledge the difference, even if it's his appearance rather than identity, doesn't make Leo recoil in the way he'd thought that he might. It feels nice, actually. Leo is reassured that Elliot isn't going to reject him. The silence, too, isn't suffocating anymore. He's more calm than he's been in weeks, at least.]
Mm. I won't look away anymore.
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[Elliot grumbles, twirling the lock of hair around his finger and letting it unwind. He wishes he didn't have his gloves on right now. Elliot drops his hand, still hugging Leo with one arm while the other reaches for his stump, cradling it in his palm. Leo is still Leo to Elliot. He's just Leo.]
I won't either. [Leo's shoulder is probably wet by now thanks to the tears, but whatever.] ...Where are you staying?
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Library.
I'm not used to it yet. I'll be a terrible servant. [He's always been a terrible servant. Leo is Leo.]
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[Elliot lifts up his head enough to bump his against Leo's, still holding his arm. He doesn't let go or move. He's content to sit here with Leo, especially since he's finally found him.]
Since when have I cared about that? Don't expect me to go easy on you when it comes to the piano, though. I won't allow any excuses.
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Then where would you prefer we live? We would need space for a piano if I'm to show you up.
[Since that is not up for debate.
Living together or being a brat.]
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Just what makes you think I'll let you show me up? We'd need enough space for books too. Surely this place has a lot of new ones.
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At least I had a plan~.
[The teasing and scolding comes so easily. He can feel 'Leo' coming to life again. His hand grips onto Elliot, a quiet signal that he isn't ready to show his face yet. The way that they're sitting is fine.]
I'll only need one hand to keep up, but you need two. Though, such purchases will require money.
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[Elliot groans, bordering on petulant, but he caves and ends up laughing. He can't see Leo's face, but he can hear his smile. It feels good.]
I'm going to find the most complicated piece I can now! [Elliot starts to stammer over his words. Ah, shit. He hates it when Leo's right.] So-- write a best-selling novel, since you love books so much.
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[But even if Leo is teasing, he agrees that the library is no place to live. It's a place to escape to and they did just agree not to look away anymore. For Leo, that will regrettably include not reading his way out of reality anymore.]
Scary scary. Threatening me with music. [And now threatening him with work. How dare Elliot suggest that his servant work for his title. He hums thoughtfully, but Leo already knew his answer:] Nnno. Sounds too difficult. Is it really on me to make all of the money?
[He will think about it. And he will seek out employment if that is the price of being together. Later. Sometime when he isn't thinking of Elliot. It's been too long since thoughts of his best friend weren't painful.]
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[He does. But he missed Leo's teasing, even if he tended to lose his temper every time. He took so much for granted, but now he wouldn't mind it if Leo never stopped teasing him.]
You're impossible to embarrass... [Luckily for him, he knows Leo's one weakness, and he sounds a bit smug as he teases in retaliation. The tables have turned.] Do you think I have any skills? Come on Leo, let's see how much better you are than me when it comes to working! If you learn to cook it will cost less than eating out everyday, anyway.
[He's teasing him (mostly). Elliot will look for work too. He just has no idea where to start.]
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But this type of life doesn't sound bad either. If they can be together for a while longer, than Leo wouldn't even mind being the only one to work.]
It's a deal, then. I'll cook all of our meals to save money.
[From Leo, that is a threat. He can't hold his pokerface for long and laughs again, this time while lifting his gaze to meet Elliot's.]
We should start with a place to stay. I don't particularly enjoy camping in strange new worlds.
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He has too much pride to avoid working though, not if Leo is going to.]
You can't just put random ingredients together. It needs to be edible!
[Elliot realizes his mistake too late. But then Leo's laughter is a melody to Elliot, and he looks at him and smiles. He wants to brush at his bangs to get a better look of his eyes, but he refrains.]
We should. You're not spending another night in the Library.
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[This is possibly the worst answer he could give and meant completely in jest. He's not about to poison Elliot and send him to a second grave. Leo will figure something out, even if it means reading a cookbook for once.
It's with some reluctance that Leo shifts his weight, intending to stand. But as nice as it is to sit with Elliot like this, Leo realizes that he doesn't need to. Elliot's light is too brilliant to be wasted sitting around and Leo intends to follow him all around this new world.]
We'll have it as a back-up plan, at least. They did offer me room and board in exchange for storytelling.
no subject
[Elliot shouts, only superficially concerned. He knows Leo would never poison him, but he has his concerns with his ability to prepare food, or combine flavors. Maybe this was a mistake... Maybe he should learn to cook.
Him, cooking? It's been one unbelievable thing after another today. But he notices the movement and stands up first so he can extend his hand out for Leo to take, because he's prideful like that and it's the least he can do for his friend.]
In that case, start a new story with me, Leo. If you're depending on that for our income, you'll need as many as you can get.
[It will be like an adventure, and although transient it is no less valuable.]
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You're so bossy.
[But he takes Elliot's hand anyway and gets back to his feet.] Very well. Let's tell a good story, then, Elliot. I have high standards.
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It's a selfish, lofty wish and exactly the kind of thing he normally despises. But he won't allow this chance to go to waste.]
It's the best way to get anything through that thick skull of yours.
[He teases, giving Leo's hand a squeeze before he realizes what he's doing. And then without warning he starts running, dragging his friend with him.] I know! You think I would settle for anything less?!
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He returns Elliot's grip on his hand and trips into the pace that Elliot is setting. Smiling back, with the happiness reaching his dark eyes and making them bright again.]
Mm. Then lead the way, Elliot. [Leo will follow him anywhere. Even a tragedy is better than no Elliot at all.]