starsand | 【MINGLE】 Spirit Day Festival

【MINGLE】 Spirit Day Festival

spirit day festival

HAPPY SPIRIT DAY!

On October 31st, after a long month of hard work and preparation, Spirit Day has finally arrived once again! During the duration of the month, both Fallen Stars and local natives have been working hard for this moment: the majority of the buildings are now shades of black, red, orange, purple and green. The spooky vibe includes decorations that resemble bats, skeletons, and pumpkins, accented with glow-in-the-dark paint and strings of lights between the buildings. Once the sun goes down and the festivities begin, the entire city comes to life with lanterns and glowing decor. But the party only lasts until midnight!

Spirit Day is a festival organized and produced by the non-spirit population of Starsand City. The goal is to give thanks to the spirits (and kami) with a night of fun that doesn't rely on their magic. As a result, the majority of the stalls and attractions are run the 'old fashioned way.' Food stalls feature snacks cooked by hand, game stalls are crafted and played without magic, and all of the attractions are made by human hands. There are art galleries, street musicians, sidewalk chalk art, handcrafted candies, and much more. Fallen Stars have also been encouraged to participate and are welcome to assist with or start their own stalls.

All night long, spirits will benefit from a boost in faith. They will have more solid forms than before and be able to communicate their feelings with a limited telepathic vocabulary. At midnight, this magic will wear off. However, spirits in contracts will come away from Spirit Day with a boost in power!

And certainly, this time around will be a lot happier for both citizens and Fallen Stars alike, given that they probably won't get a surprise visit from a certain someone...

STALLS AND GAMES

It's customary for shop owners to run stalls and games. Those that run restaurants typically have stalls that give away a specialized sample, while stores that sell trinkets are giving away their wares as game prizes. There is everything from ring toss to shooting games, goldfish scooping to batting cages. Games will give away small prizes, like stuffed animals or simple clothing or jewelry, all of which can be handwaved in threads.

Food and games aren't the only ways to spend your time. There are plenty of other attractions to visit. There are fashion booths where you can dress up for pictures, art galleries, book exchanges, poetry workshops, haunted houses, and much more.

In general, it is safe to handwave any sort of attraction being NPC run.

This year, there seem to also be some other events ran by Fallen Stars: one being a fighting tournament ran by local newcomer Stelle, which boasts of the winner coming out with several prizes, and a play that was announced by fellow Fallen Star Rui Kamishiro.

Giving Thanks

The central focus of Spirit Day is, of course, giving thanks for all that the spirits have done for Starsand City. There are a couple of ways that this is accomplished. The simplest of which is dropping off pieces of Starling at the various shrines around the city. Most city streets have a small shrine where the local spirits can collect Starling, so you don't have to look far to find a donation spot. Even a simple 'thank you' goes a long way for the spirits. Other ways include hanging written words of thanks on trees, drawing on the sidewalks with chalk, or joining in impromptu music jams. There is also a large canvas in the center of the city, where everyone is encouraged to write something that they're grateful for and maybe doodle a picture.

OOC NOTES

As a reminder, we have a planning thread for anyone who wants to do any last minute coordination for Spirit Day. Feel free to post your own toplevels for stalls/games/events that your characters are ICly running or a general toplevel for your characters participating in Spirit Day. This is thrown up a week early to give wiggle room for participation and as always, backtagging is always welcome. As always, have fun!

Navigation • CODE

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ In a rather spacious area on the top level is what seems to be a rather large ring. Of course, there are also several tents set up for anybody who winds up getting injured during their matches.

On the side, there's a stand where Stelle herself stands with a megaphone as she speaks with an eager announcement: ]

Hello, Starsand Cityyyyy! Let's get ready to rumbleeeee! Today's Spirit Day Tournament consists of six very talented fighters who are here to show their stuff and win the grand prize of prizes: [ To which she gestures at a trophy which is filled to the brim with Starling. ] so let's get on with the brackets, shall we?

Edited 2023-10-23 16:36 (UTC)

MAIN BRACKET

Match 1.
Kokoro VS Soma
WINNER: Soma

Match 2.
Xerxes Break VS Raiden Mei
WINNER: Xerxes Break

Match 3.
Velda VS Soma
WINNER: Soma

Match 4.
Yayoi VS Xerxes Break
WINNER: Yayoi

Match 5
Soma VS Yayoi
WINNER: Soma

LOSERS BRACKET

Match 6
Kokoro VS Raiden Mei
WINNER: Raiden Mei

Match 7
Velda VS Xerxes Break
WINNER: Xerxes Break

Match 8
Raiden Mei VS Xerxes Break
WINNER: Xerxes Break

FINAL MATCH
Soma VS Xerxes Break
WINNER: Xerxes Break

PLACEMENTS:
1st. Xerxes Break
2nd. Soma
3rd. Yayoi

NOTES | First place gets the trophy and all the Starling and second and third place gets some really shoddy "silver" and "bronze" medals. Said medals are just candy necklaces with the 'medal' being made of foil covering a chocolate coin. Feel free to roleplay your matches or handwave them as needed!

Edited 2023-10-23 16:48 (UTC)

Pre-Match

[Rather than her usual katana, Mei has opted to get herself a wooden katana and sheath for the occasion. No need to cause a scene by drawing blood, after all. She stares out towards the ring and the potential fighters that gather.]

This should be good for keeping myself sharp, at least.

[She starts towards the tent for preparations -- but one maybe catches her mid-walk, in which case, she stops.]

Oh -- are you participating too?

Post-Match

Well... that could have gone better.

[Fair, sporting competition was the point of a tournament like this, so she can't say she's mad, but she hadn't really imagined getting outfought by a coworker twice, both in less than pleasant fashion. Mei opts to hang around the ring for a while longer while staring at the new callouses that formed on her sword hand, reflecting on where she'd went wrong.]

Did I keep my feet to the ground too much...?

Wild Card

[Want to catch her anytime between? After? Before? Anything goes! RPing matchups is also a-OK.]

[Kokoro likewise looks disappointed after her match, but she nods and approaches Mei.]

Your opponent seems surprisingly strong. Do you think going higher would have tripped him up, then?

Mm... I don't think that would have done any good. His stature was... deceptive, in a lot of ways.

['Deceptive'... that was the one word that she could really use to sum up her coworker's fighting form.

She could also use it to describe the former Archbishop -- but that was neither here nor there.]

Edited 2023-10-25 04:59 (UTC)

I understand the man not, myself. But then, knowing someone is only half of understanding how to defeat them, it would seem.

[Given she got pitted against her boyfriend -- it is still so weird to actually put a name to whatever is going on with these two -- and lost this time.]

So we're to face one another in the next bracket, then.

The other half is not making a mistake, and even that isn't enough if you're not on equal footing to begin with.

[Still...]

That would be the case, yes. It's not an unfamiliar feeling, at least, being on the back foot like this. [She gives Kokoro a once over.] You didn't get too hurt back there, did you?

Edited 2023-10-25 05:10 (UTC)

I did not. Soma and I may not take one another lightly, but that does not mean we're about to kill each other, either. If anything, he surely must have known by now in what ways I would hold back.

That's good. I'd rather we could give our all, even if it's for something as tame as this.

[She was ready to supplement any treatment Kokoro got from the first aid tents, but if the other girl says she's in relatively good shape and looks the part...

Well, there isn't much to worry about, is there?

Nostalgia plays upon the glimmer in her eyes as she looks back to the arena they'll be facing off in.]

I haven't been able to take part in anything like this in years.

A tournament for its own sake, without the spectre of the enemy overhead or worse consequences on the line... I too must say it's nice for such a change.

[The play is held on a small stage in the afternoon. The first row of seating is reserved for spirits, each seat with a popcorn bag of starling in it. Beyond people are free to come and go and sit where they'd like.

The play starts off with an empty stage, and Rui's voice talking as a spirit that just wants to be seen and have friends is lonely and unsure what to do. Tsukasa comes out on to the stage and monologues about several problems in his life, followed by his sister, Kana, berating him for complaining because everyone is struggling.

This gives the spirit the idea to follow them home and help them out. Tsukasa is the first one to receive help from the spirit character, who still can't be seen on stage. things that fall seem to stack back up on their own, and textbooks flip pages to the right answer, and so on. This is all done with the use of non spirit powered effects.

Tsukasa explains everything to his sister, who realizes what's happening is the work of a spirit. Together they try to find ways to communicate with the spirit that they can't see or hear. More effects happen to help both siblings now.

The next scene is after they try to talk to their parents (off stage) about helping the spirit. They talk about how they were brushed off by their parents, and start wondering if there's a way they can even help someone they can't see or hear by themselves. As they're talking they pass a shrine, and get the idea to make one for the spirit in their home.

The shrine they end up making is a roughly made dollhouse. Kana explains that since their parents aren't interested in helping the spirit, a dollhouse would be less suspicious. Tsukasa calls out the name "Theo".

At first nothing happens, and the siblings wonder if their parents were right that there was nothing that could be done. But then a light comes from in the dollhouse, followed by a small robot coming out of the dollhouse. Rui speaks up, once again as a spirit, thanking the pair for working so hard to give them a form and a voice.

The three promise to be friends and continue to look out for each other.

The End.]

[At the end of the play, Velda applauds with the crowd and then recites a spell to rain flowers down onto the stage (and into the pit, and into the lighting box...) at curtain call. Easier than tracking down everyone involved later to give them flowers, right? And less costly!

...you can also just yell at her for that.]

Come one! Come all! Everyone's a winner! You get a prize just for participating! Show Starsand what tricks you have up your sleeves! If you don't wear sleeves, that's okay too! Come join in!

[This takes place on the same stage as the play, but sometime afterwards. Kohaku is hosting a talent show! There is no real sign ups ahead of time, they've just kind of taken over the stage, so it's first come first perform, and it'll go until someone with permission to use the stage takes over. They have bags of various homemade candy to pass out to participants(They borrowed Kagami's house to make them).

Kohaku just wants to see what people here can do.]

...I suppose it might not hurt, at least this one is not clearly a trap like last time.

[And like last year, Kokoro's show will involve gratuitous stunts against water bottles! Though this time she'll also be stabbing them mid-toss instead of just slicing through a line.]

Ryoko's bread and butter so to speak, naturally she has a oden stand. Unlike last year, where she left to change at some point, she's there from the onset in costume. Dressed yet again as Reiko-chan, the magical girl in the stories she reads aloud at the Shrine of Curiosity. She's changed the stories some, still with Leona-chan as the lead for the most part, now with an extended story told about needing to rescue a friend and showing compassion to the enemies. To stories about their friends, spreading hope and faith across the land.

Some of the locals may have heard it just by being in the library, but there's nothing too deep in there.

There's a slight difference between this year and last year, aside from the fact that "Atsushi-kun" isn't helping out. Ryoko's got an extra service for those who ask about the extra ingredient-- and one may see her lifting up a cute little stick with what looks like a large Starling at the head. She hums and then with a bright smile, she beams! Not, physically, you'd have to envision it in your mind.

It's said that Reiko-chan's gotten in tune with the spirits to make the oden extra tasty this year. As such, as long as the patron thanks the spirit afterwards... Reiko-chan's magic will work and the spirits will ensure they have a magical night.

It's probably bullshit, but considering she's got her spirit friends with her, there might be something to it?

Ah, well met!

[Kokoro's been gone for some time -- she headed out for the expedition and she outright stopped coming back during the fairy tale incident -- but she looks no worse for the wear, at least?]

I see you've upgraded your stand! You must be doing well, then.

Well enough to make oden, at least! I've been fine, for the most part.

[ Kokoro definitely doesn't look too bad off, but regardless, time to start serving a plate. ]

How did everything go?

...Results were varied. But Rumours were dealt with and nobody died or was too badly injured, which should count as a win. [sigh] My apologies for not returning for so long.

That's good, at least. You haven't really missed anything, so there's nothing to really apologize for.

You may be right. I may never be accustomed to things like Spirit Day, but it is important to the people here, at least.

Ryoko~! Waiiit, you're not Ryoko...

[A deceptively calm voice sing-songs as Kagami rushes over, drawn to the delicious aroma of oden. He stops, a crease on his forehead as he makes a show of looking confused.]

Hmm, I don't believe we've met before.

Nnnnope! Can't say we have.

[ This guy. Well, as long as he's playing along... ]

Wherever there's someone that's in need or needs to fill their stomach, Magical☆Reiko-chan will appear. Want a bowl, Kagami-kun?

[Kagami gasps in mock surprise.]

You know my name, Magical☆Reiko-chan?! You really must be magical!

I simply must try some. I’m lucky to have run into you, I’m so famished that I fear I’d pass out any minute.

Sure do. I hear you're a bit of a troublemaker, but I can let that slide for one day.

[ To which she provides a nice little serving! There ya be! ]

Lucky you. The last thing we want is you collapsing today.

What? Me? It sounds like someone's talking shit~!

[His giggles die down as the food is placed in front of him and something akin to genuine excitement sparkles in his normally dull and empty eyes.]

I am lucky~ You saved me, Magical☆Reiko-chan.

[He pays with a bag of Starling ~~he totally earned legitimately~~ and takes a sip of the broth, humming in delight.]

[Yuuto has probably stopped by the stall multiple times now; Just to say hi and show off how he’s working hard to not working hard. Look at how not-working he is! He’s doing his best for Ryoko’s sake!

But after letting Ryoko work for a few hours, he stops by and stays there.]

Reiko-chan! Are you still busy?

[ Naturally! As long as he's having fun, she's not trying to micromanage him in any way. It's like he's constantly checking in so he doesn't get chewed out... but, she's still happy to see him having a good time.

Ryoko stretches just in time to see Yuuto arrive. ]

Hey! Mm, I was just thinking I should take a break for a while.

[Excitement lights up his face, eyes bright and visible even behind the spirit day mask. Yuuto knows that he should stay restrained, so as to not pressure Ryoko, but he can’t help with eagerness.]

Would you do me the honor of accompanying me? There’s so much to see! I still haven’t seen it all yet.

I suppose the world wouldn't end if I stopped serving oden for an hour or so. Let me close up and I'll be right with you.

[ Which, won't take long at all, really! Things're going pretty well, after all.

Set up in town is a group of easels, set up for artists/non-artists to do a little bit of painting! The idea is to draw something you're passionate about, curious about, and thankful for on a large sheet. For those who are unable to paint, be it lack of a corporeal form or performance anxiety, there's always an interpreter ready to assist! Maybe?

It might partially be an attempt to allow the spirits to communicate. Just a bit.

Alternatively, as another arts and crafts project, locals and Fallen Stars can find card templates along with decorations like glitter, markers, stickers and the like to leave a thank you card for both the spirits and a Kami. Spirit Day cards might be nice, right?

Edited 2023-10-24 00:56 (UTC)

[It's a familiar sight, maybe. A booth grown up out of the ground, targets to hit with cheap water guns, prizes like little notebooks and spring toys and magnifying glasses. It could really be for any kami or spirit, and the girl running it seems practiced at it.]

Step right up and play! Bet you can win a prize!

[And indeed, any fees Velda takes will end up in spirits' offering boxes by the end of the night, whether her own from the training centre or any she passes. Maybe that's what the Survivors of Sin can still do for Starsand.]

[Kagami has combined two projects for his stall, one legitimate and one decidedly less so.

He advertises jewelry that consists of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc. While the jewelry is cute in nature, following a decora theme, it looks like it was rushed and cheaply made and has been marked up significantly.

There's also the fact that he has a sign that proudly promises the jewelry has been blessed by multiple kami and will solve a tough problem- whether that's trying to build better habits, relationship issues, anything. It's promised to solve everything with no effort at all!

Starling will all be donated to spirits.]

Is there anything that catches your interest? I think you'd look good with something pastel...

[Kagami's more legitimate service, mostly found later in the evening, is that he's advertised to channel spirits, each up to five minutes. He smiles sleepily at whoever passes by.]

Have you ever wished you could communicate with spirits? Would you like me to answer any questions...?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

【MINGLE】 Spirit Day Festival

FIGHTING TOURNAMENT

FIGHTING BRACKETS & RESULTS.

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post-match

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The Play

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Trick and Treat Talent Show

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reiko-chan's magic oden stand!

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spirit day arts and crafts!

shooting gallery

Jewelry Stall & Spirit Channeling