kaisou | July Event Log

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July Event Log

July Event
Dominant Element: Water
Waning Element: Fire

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Summertime in the city continues! Throughout the month, the daytime hours will be scorching hot. Not only that, but due to the water element being in effect- everything will be miserably humid, making everything feel much worse. Make sure to dress for hot weather, or hide yourself away in an air conditioned building. The nights will be cooler and give some reprieve, but even then the humidity will be sticking around. About once a week, the city will experience a heavy thunderstorm. More on those in a bit!

Freedom & Fireworks

As June ends and July begins, the Pride flags are put away for an absurd amount of red, white and blue ones. Like any American city this time of year, Kaisou has plenty to do for the national holiday. All over the city you will see the classic red, white and blue. Blue Fish Lake Park is having a summer block party to celebrate the holiday. You can go there to hear some live music or play some games like cornhole (where you stand at a distance and try to throw beanbags into the hole), three-legged races, or tug-of-war. There's also plenty of delicious grilled and barbequed food to be had, such as hamburgers, ribs, shish kabobs, potato salad, shaved ice, and of course the coveted mac and cheese.

If you're truly brave enough, there's a chili cooking competition you can enter. Just about every other entry comes from an ancient secret family recipe and they are insistent it is the best. At some point, the competition will get so heated a large fist fight will break out over whether beans should be in chili. The goose will attempt to knock over your pot of chili before it can be judged. There are tears shed. You suspect the grand prize winner bribed the judges. Regardless of your behavior, you manage to make several enemies.

Of course, no Fourth of July is complete without fireworks. And boy, are there fireworks. So. Many. Fireworks. The city will have its grand firework show over Blue Fish Lake, which is an impressive and professional display of pyrotechnics. But the fireworks don't end with just the professional show, as there's plenty of private residents playing with their own sets of explosives. While Kaisou has some laws on the books about many types of fireworks being banned, it's obvious that a lot of people completely ignore that law. Smaller fireworks and sparklers can be purchased in normal stores, while the bigger grade stuff can be found in more shady shops. Some vendors in Undertown will even sell enchanted fireworks that'll do more specialized imagery and movements than normal fireworks. Grab some fireworks to blow stuff up for freedom yourself, or find some earplugs - it's gonna be a loud weekend.

Stardew Valley and the Kanto regions can still be visited throughout the month, though there isn't anything new going on with them. Still, sometimes it's nice to retread some familiar ground.

Storm Season

With the spirit vein's summertime shift to the water element comes Kaisou's infamous storm season. About once a week, Kaisou will be hit by a heavy thunderstorm. Shortly before a storm arrives, storm sirens (warning: loud alarm sound) will sound off to warn citizens of potential danger. From there, characters will have a few precious minutes to seek shelter if they decide to do so.

True to their name, these storms will feature constant heavy lightning that can strike you if you aren't careful. Sudden heavy downpours will immediately soak anyone still outside and cause flooding in some areas and basements. Be careful not to drive into any standing water on the roads, as some flooding spots can get deep enough to submerge a car. While there's thankfully no tornadoes this year, there are strong straight line winds that can get up to 100mph, meaning they're strong enough to knock over trees, throw around lawn furniture, and damage the sides of buildings. And if all that wasn't enough, there's baseball-sized hail that'll easily take out a car window or cause some serious damage if it hits you.

These storms will only last a few hours, but they can cause plenty of damage. Power outages caused by down powerlines are common, causing blackouts in numerous neighborhoods from several hours to a full day before the lights come back on. The Zodiac building where otherworlders stay will also be susceptible to these blackouts, and anyone who decided to take the elevator during a storm will find themselves stuck in there for a half-day. Beyond that, there's plenty of volunteer and odd job opportunities focused around cleaning up fallen branches and other debris.

Commence the Beach Episode

On the morning of July 8th, Zodiac will send out an alert:

ALERT: SHIFTING GATE LOCATED ON KAISOU BEACH.
Element Classification: Water
Danger Level: Low on the mainland, high on the sea
Designation: El Nido
A new gate has been detected off Kaisou Beach. Initial scouting reports that the mainland is a peaceful beach resort, with plenty of amenities and less humidity. There are rumors of more dangerous elements should you take a boat and sail away from the mainland. Zodiac is unable to confirm what those dangers may be, so take precautions should you decide to do so. Zodiac is not liable for any injuries or deaths that may occur if you leave the mainland.
That said, Zodiac will provide compensation for any investigation reports or valuable items obtained in the realm.

If you swing by the Zodiac Headquarters, the mood of the office is rather relaxed. Some of the staff are talking amongst themselves visiting the realm to get a free vacation - it's not often you get a realm with few things trying to eat your face! If you ask about what happens if you leave the mainland of this realm, they will say that reports are full of untold dangers and bad luck. But what else can you expect from a high sea adventure? Professor Willow doesn't have much to offer, other than speculating if there's sea monsters in the water. Mostly he's occupied with data he's been gathering from the Kanto Realm. Seems pokemon are his first and always love. But as usual, you'll be able to rent out weapons and equipment from Zodiac.

The gate is a hard one to miss. While Kaisou Beach is packed this time of year with regular folks that are trying to cool off in the summer heat, off to the side there is a very noticeable rock formation that wasn't there before. The passage underneath the arch glows a tropical blue color and seems very inviting. Sure enough, that must be the gate. The normal people on the beach don't seem to notice its presence in the slightest, and it should be easy enough to slip past them to head into the realm.

El Nido: A Tropical Paradise

Upon entering the gate, you'll find yourself on a white sandy beach. While it's still warm, it's not the stifling humid heat that blankets the city. Instead, it's an ideal summer temperature, perfect beach weather. The skies and oceans are both an intense blue, the kinds of shades you see on postcards, with white fluffy clouds on the distance horizon of the ocean. Something about the entire scene already feels like a wondrous reprieve compared to previous realms.

As you walk along the beach, you'll come across a village resort. Rather than humans, the village is populated primarily by anthropomorphic birds of various types that are no bigger than waist size compared to a full grown adult. They welcome the visitors warmly, with happy chirps amid their words. They're used to humans visiting their place, so they have set up human sized lodging for people separate from their village to stay if they like. Payment wise they don't ask for much, mostly just things like birdseed, fruit, small rodents, interesting sticks, and other things birds enjoy. Overall they're a friendly and kind flock of birds, mostly interested in making sure your stay is a great one. However, if you do anything to mistreat the birds- you will quickly find yourself being swooped at and attacked by multiple birds.

The lodging is what you'd expect from an idyllic beach vacation. Despite this place being run by a bunch of small bird people, the human rooms are surprisingly modern, with proper indoor plumbing and electricity. There's a restaurant with all sorts of delicious tropical dishes and drinks (no bird meat though) and you can get room service for some extra birdseed. It's an extremely comfortable stay with varying room sizes, though due to the number of people visiting, some of you may end up getting roomed with another person. Or two.

As for activities, there's plenty you can do. You can go swimming in the ocean, even borrowing scuba gear so you can do some scuba diving and check out the gorgeous coral reefs around the island. You can go hiking and survey the breathtaking flora and fauna the land has to offer. You can stay close to the resort and treat yourself to a spa day by getting a relaxing bird-given massage or sitting in a hot tub. And don't forget fun beach games, like playing volleyball or making sandcastles. Or if you venture a little farther, you will find an amusement park situated on a pier over the ocean. You can ride the Ferris Wheel or the small roller coaster, eat carnival food (again, no bird meat), or play carnival games for fun prizes such as stuffed animals or t-shirts.

This is truly an idyllic, wondrous vacation. For once, you guys are getting nice things!

Yay a Pirate Adventure!

Too bad some of you refuse to just have nice things huh.

While you're staying in the resort, you may hear rumors floating among some of the birds, especially if you ask what lies beyond their island. They will say there's rumors that there's amazing treasure out there, if anyone is brave and strong enough to seek it out. However, if you press more about it, you'll find out that no one's actually ever returned from sailing out into the sea, so it's impossible to know if the rumors are true or not. They do try to caution you that it is very dangerous to go out there. Also, to try to avoid the pirate ship that sits on their shore, because obviously a pirate ship must have dangerous pirates aboard.

There's only one way to find out, right? As luck will have it, if you wander past the amusement park, you'll find a seafaring vessel next to a dock. It's a large pirate ship, one that is surely large enough to sail out on the ocean. It's the ship that the locals told you to stay away from, but surely it wouldn't hurt to have a look right? Characters who are 15 years or younger will find themselves unable to board unless they're accompanied by another older character - which also might be a telling sign. If you go on the pirate ship, the ship is somehow fully stocked and ready to go on an adventure, despite no clear sign of any crew. In the captain's quarters, there's a treasure map with a route that'll take them to some marked treasure as well as a small chest full of golden coins and gems. Below deck, they will find that there is plenty of food and drink to be had, as well as an entire wardrobe full of classic pirate clothes.

But be warned, trying to take anything from the ship will seal their fate. As they do so, they'll feel a burning sensation somewhere on their body as a skull-and-crossbones tattoo appears. They will also now be magically unable to leave the ship. After about 12 hours from the first person to try to take something, the ship will begin to set sail out into the ocean that so many people tried to warn you about. Looks like you signed up for a pirate adventure, whether you wanted to or not.

Oh No a Pirate Adventure

The pirate ship voyage will last about a week. Characters with the pirate mark will be forced to see it through to the end, even if they attempt to teleport out of there. The ship is enchanted to run itself, but there's books and guides in the Captain's quarters to teach how to run a ship in case you don't trust the ships autopilot. It might be wise to read up on that. Characters can still connect to the Libra network, but any other internet access will be cut off. Also you should take care not to waste your battery - as there's no electricity on the boat.

The trip will play out as followed:

Day 1: Smooth sailing! Characters will have time to adjust to their new sea life.

Day 2: The characters will make landfall on their first island. It's a barren dessert island, full of caves and quicksand. Near the shore, they will hear the call of sirens (img cw: nipples). These siren songs will be alluring to anyone who are attracted to women, making them fall into a trance. If you get too close to the sirens, they will attempt to drown and eat them.

Day 3: More sailing! The sailing is going through some choppy waters, with fog causing the visibility to get worse and worse. Halfway through the day a ghost ship tries to attack yours with cannon balls. Work together and fight them off before they sink you to the bottom of the ocean.

Day 4: You arrive at an island covered in bones. As in there are bones everywhere. Of course, there are many living skeletons here who will come out of the bone piles and try to murder you.

Day 5: It's smooth sailing until late into the day, when a kraken appears and tries to take down the ship. You can try to fight it off to buy time for other crew to make it to the lifeboats, but the sheer size and strength of the beast will eventually prevail- snapping the ship in half and dragging it down into the ocean. Try your best to survive by grabbing a lifeboat or using some ship debris to float.

Day 6: By morning, the now-shipless crew will wash up onto the shores of a new island. Unlike the last two islands, this is a tropical island that's full of life. It's the island that the treasure marked to have the treasure. Spend your day trying to gather what you lost and recovering. Traveling around the island is impossible to do all in one day. They will get halfway around before they need to camp for the night. You'll also have to be mindful of food and water, as all of that was lost with the ship.

Day 7: On the final day, they will finally make it to the other side of island and the spot of the treasure. Luckily there's some shovels nearby. Do some digging and they will unearth a treasure chest. Inside, there's various types of fine jewelry that is enchanted to give the wearer underwater breathing, and plenty of gold that when split among the crew - will give them each about $500 worth. There is also another ship on the shore here, one that looks just like the one you lost. This ship will sail once everyone is aboard, and take them back to the mainland by morning.

Aftermath

Those who were on the pirate adventure will find themselves returning safely to the resort. The bird people will be thrilled of their return and excited to hear of their stories. The tattoos appeared may begin to fade once the adventure is over, freeing them from the curse. Or if you rather, they can keep the tattoo on them for the memory.

The resort itself will be open for any and all visitors until the end of the month. Zodiac as well will be happy to pay you in compensation for any items you bring them. All ends that ends well, it seems.

OOC Notes

The dominant element this month is Water! Anyone with an affinity to the water element will find themselves boosted throughout the month. This could mean a boost to their power, having more energy, feeling more inspired with creativity, having better luck on different attempts -- the boost can manifest in all sorts of different ways. By contrast, anyone with an affinity for Fire will be experiencing the opposite. Perhaps their powers will be weaker, they have less energy, they're having a creative block or general worse luck - again it can manifest in all sorts of way and players are free to play with this mechanic as they'd like.

This event is meant to be a low-key fun event! Have your character go on a very dangerous pirate adventure, or just relax in the resort! Anyone who goes on the pirate adventure will get a piece of jewelry that lets them breath underwater, and $500. Totally worth that level of danger right? Totally....

The original OOC plotting post for this event can be found here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

a. storm season

[ The thunderstorms are bad news for Alberto. He's been out and about a lot lately despite the heat — well, because of the heat. He's trying to hustle up some extra money, and had the clever idea of selling normal, cheap, plastic water bottles for $1 each to people on the streets, shlepping around a rolling cooler with bottles on ice. There's a hand-drawn sign on the cooler advertising what the money's going toward: a Vespa and a telescope. He's actually making a killing, working his "cute kid" charm while he still can. Find him anywhere crowds gather in town on most any afternoon, offering water bottles to passerby. Maybe your character wants to contribute to this fund, while staying hydrated and refreshed? Some might notice he holds the bottles with a towel to avoid getting getting his hands wet.

But he can't avoid getting wet when the skies open up. He's terrified the first time he hears the siren, but not knowing what it means, Alberto doesn't head home right away, so he ends up trapped under an awning of some store during an afternoon rainstorm. He thankfully always carries an umbrella with him, but he's wearing shorts and sandals and a tank top — in this rain, with this wind, that's not gonna cut it. Find him sitting on his cooler under the awning, towel around his shoulders, his umbrella open and held between his knees to protect his bare legs. He looks miserable, just watching the rain fall. He'll jump in his seat if someone gets stuck hiding from the rain with him, clearly made nervous by the storm, casting wary eyes their way until they say something first. ]

b. beach episode

[ The beach resort is a welcome reprieve from the rain, and puts Alberto squarely in his own element. It's far more luxurious than any beach he's ever been to, for that matter; his own beach back home had rocks, not soft white sands, and a dilapidated lighthouse instead of a fancy hotel with room service. He takes full advantage of every activity, volleyball, hiking and climbing trees, building sandcastles, searching for seashells, anything and everything; he even takes to the sea, but only when the coast is fairly clear. He's trying to loosen up a little lately about exposing himself as a sea monster, and being amongst the bird people and seeing how respectful the humans have been to them is encouraging and relieving. But he's not about to go swimming at noon in front of everyone, just in case. Anyone snorkeling around the coral reefs at dawn might notice a strange sea creature swimming nearby, inspecting all the fish and coral up close.

Unsurprisingly, back on land, Alberto goes ham at the amusement park on the pier. He got kicked off the ferris wheel for rocking the cart his first day. But once he discovered roller coasters, he became addicted; that is, until all the copious carnival food he'd devoured prior suddenly ended the fun. So after eating and rollercoaster-ing himself sick, he's temporarily resigned to playing carnival games. He's spending way too much money out of spite, stubbornly trying to win rigged games. Finally, though, he happens to win an extra-long Long Furby... which he'll carry with him everywhere now. ]

c. pirate adventure

[ Alberto can't resist the curiosity of the pirate ship, though, and begged his chaperon to escort him on board, just to look around "really quick." He's never seen such a ship; he's a fisherman who's literally from the sea — he's basically obligated to check it out! However, of course, like many things Alberto does, it was a huge mistake. Trapped at sea. On a boat full of humans. This is gonna go swimmingly... Throughout the voyage, he sticks with trusted friends, or else keeps to himself, but he's certainly jumpier than usual; on smooth waters, he's often found on deck alone, staring overboard, captivated watching the waves. But the moment the waters get choppy? He's never on deck, it seems. He mostly keeps a low profile — that is, except for the Long Furby he drags around; because of course the furby made it on the pirate ship...

Alberto and the Long Furby both mostly manage to stay safe and dry until the kraken attacks. Amidst the chaos, he sees his best friend Luca get splashed and transform into a sea monster, then promptly dive overboard; but before Alberto can make it across deck to chase after him, the kraken has the ship in its grips, and he's thrust into the water. He tried to ~~yell at it~~ speak to it but whether he was understood or not, it whipped a tentacle at him. Separated from Luca, he makes a break for it with everyone else. As much as he wants to still avoid detection, though kind of a moot point now, he doesn't hesitate to help anyone near drowning after the shipwreck. Those who struggle to swim will be rushed by a purple fish person...? But he's in fact quite good and decisive in helping people get their bearings in the water; he was a lifeguard back home, after all! He'll stick with them even after they get to shore, checking on them with webbed hands placed on their back gingerly. ]

Hey, hey... Breathe. We made it. Hah. ...You okay?

[ It's a softer side than Alberto usually shows, his tone far more tempered, not even bothering to dry off right away. He figures, hey, if he just helped this human, pretty unlikely they'll murder him now, right? Right.

The most tragic loss of this wild journey, though, is the Long Furby now left to rot somewhere at the bottom of the ocean. RIP. ]

[Danny had been spending most of his time recently sulking over being stuck with super annoying powers that he had barely any control over (and also stubbornly not thinking about the implications of his becoming more and more ghost-like), but the telescope on the sign catches his attention just the same.]

You into astronomy?

[ Alberto gives a smug smirk at the question, making easy eye contact, shifting his weight to stand contraposto with his hand on his hip, always chuffed when people show any modicum of interest in him... But on top of that, he's always keen to brag about Luca, even to strangers, and without even knowing him, it's like that's somehow clear in his voice. ]

Heh. Yeah, we're basically experts. Me and my best friend are saving money to buy a telescope — and a Vespa. I'm into Vespas, my best friend's into astronomy. He even goes to school to learn all about it~

[ He leans down and points respectively at each subject on the sign as he's talking, but resumes his confident, comfortable pose — despite seeming very obviously, uh, not an expert as he goes on. ]

But yeah, I like stars, and space, and stuff, too... You, too, eh?

[The kid's attitude just makes Danny grin, because boy did he remember acting like that as a kid.]

Well then, if you experts ever want any extra materials, I've got a ton of old astronomy guides at home.

Can't help you on the Vespa part, though.

And oh yeah, I'm super into astronomy. I have a telescope at home that I set up around town sometimes.

[ Alberto's face lights up more genuinely at Danny's offer, that smugness melting away as his mind latches onto that point and that point alone: getting Luca stuff. Top priority. ]

Yeah! Luca would love that! I'm always looking for new space stuff for him. Books and VCR-VSH tapes and decorations and, I dunno, whatever else, y'know?

[ Wait, what now. That's— that's not what cassette tapes are called... but more importantly, why is this child seeking out VHS tapes in the first place? Do kids his age even know what those are?! He speaks with such airs that only a fourteen-year-old boy can put on, but he's quite serious about those astronomy guides as he continues smoothly, whipping out a thick wad of cash from his back pocket with zero discretion. ~~It's a surprise he's not been robbed.~~ ]

So, how much? I'll take the lot. We can pick them up later. How many are there?

[ He starts thumbing through it, counting vaguely as he talks, like he's entirely used to striking up deals with total strangers and paying cash on the spot like this... The truth? He spends way too much time bargaining at yard sales. That'd explain the VHS tapes, too. ]

Whoa, hold on a minute. I wasn't trying to sell it. You guys can have it for free.

[He grins.] Its not that often that I find out about someone else who cares about astronomy, you know? And you've gotta save that money to get a good telescope.

[But also, VHS tapes? He wasn't sure if he'd ever even seen one in real life.]

[ Alberto raises his brows in surprise, leaning backwards a little. He doesn't put the money away just yet, though — instead, in fact, he then gestures with it, miming shoving the whole stack toward Danny. ]

No, no, no, prego— I got it. We've got lots of money— just, y'know... Not enough, ha...

[ He flashes a sheepish smile when he realizes mid-sentence how he's contradicting himself. He slides a few fives from the stack and pockets the rest again, reaches down for a bottle of water from the cooler, and hands Danny both the water and $25 with an awkward grin. ]

Here, man. Take it. I mean it: Thanks. My friend would love basically anything you've got about astronomy, haha~ S'worth it.

[ There's a softer fondness in his voice at that; this is clearly all about his friend. He may like "space and stars and stuff" but he obviously just wants to spoil his best friend — aaand maybe has some issues accepting kindness... But, even if a little awkward and stubborn and out of touch, it's plain to see the kid means well. ]

No way man. If you don't have enough you should save it. I said you could have them for free and I meant it. If you really want to pay me back, you can show up at the next starviewing night I set up. I'm usually the only one who shows up.

[ Alberto's silent a beat, but a warm, sly smile crawls over his face slowly, before crinkling his eyes at Danny fondly and finally accepting his offer for free. He sticks the wad of money back in his pocket, then stands with his hands on his hips, contrapposto, chest puffed out confidently. ]

All right, then — deal, heh. Thanks. What's your name, eh? Alberto Scorfano.

[ He extends his hand for a friendly handshake... but should Danny accept it, he'll receive what's most likely the weirdest handshake of his life. It starts out normal enough, but then Alberto twists his hand this way and that, then tugs their arms firmly back and forth. What's more, it's accompanied by some, uh, Italian-ish gibberish...? Quite the first impression, that's for sure... ]

Piacere. Girolamo Trombetta~

I'm Danny Fenton. Nice to meet you!

[ He looks a little nervously at the extended hand. Danny was getting better at keeping his powers under control, but his intangibility still tended to get away from him if he lost his focus.

But he just had to keep it together for a few seconds. No problem. He reaches out to shake Alberto's hand and....

Nope, there goes his focus, and his tangibility with it. Maybe Alberto wouldn't notice that his hand had just... stopped being physically there? ]

[ Um, Alberto did happen to notice Danny's hand just disappeared, in fact, yes... His eyes go as wide as dinner plates, and he drops Danny's hand in shock, shying away from the other boy unconsciously — but really, more to get a better look at what just happened, giving Danny the once-over twice over, rather than in any repellant reeling away. It takes him by surprise, but after a beat, there's a dazzled starriness that starts twinkling in his wide eyes, gaping at Danny still with no sense of manners — you know... how kids do when something is weird and amazing! He lets his eyes dart from Danny's eyes to where his hand should be, back and forth, before attempting to crack the sudden tension by cracking an incredibly awkward... "joke...?" But is it even really a joke? There's something quite sincere, somehow, just beneath Alberto's affected nonchalance. ]

...Uhhh— Soooorrrry, I-I think I just killed your hand, err—?

[So much for not being noticed. Danny pastes a grin on his face and makes an attempt at hiding it by shoving his hands into his pockets.]

No big deal. It just does that sometimes. I'm.... dealing with it.

[Perfectly normal. Or at least it was becoming his normal now. ]

[ Alberto's face falls slightly, gazing at Danny incredulously, almost pleadingly, for a short silent beat. Like he was expecting slightly more of an explanation or reaction than that...?! Alberto's always playing off weird stuff of his own with utmost nonchalance, though; it's good to get a taste of his own bewildering medicine. ]

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prontissimo - 2022-09-05 15:18 (UTC) - Expand

Alberto Scorfano | Pixar's Luca | ota; because time isn't real... 🙃

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closed to Eda;

Door C, please and thanks!

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