January Event Log

[kaisoumods]

January Event
Dominant Element: Water
Waning Element: Fire

※
As December comes to an end, it's time to head into the true depths of winter. Throughout the month of January, it will be extremely cold. Temperatures either below zero or in the single digits will be typical throughout the month. Every few days, another round of snowfall comes, constantly blanketing the city in fresh blankets of snow. It's best to bundle up this month and find ways to keep warm.

Kaisou Winter Carnival

The holidays may be over, but that doesn't mean this is a month without celebration! Over in Blue Fish Lake Park, Kaisou's Annual Winter Carnival is in full swing! Scattered across the snowy park, magnificent ice sculptures have been set up as part of the yearly sculpture competition. The crown jewel of the ice sculptures is an extensive ice castle maze, which visitors are welcomed to venture through. Different games and activities will be found throughout the maze, consisting of the usual carnival fare like throwing snowballs at a target or answering winter trivia. The prizes for completing these events range from candy to small toys to winter-themed plushies. Not a bad way to kill some time!

The winter carnival is more than just ice sculptures of course. A section of the lake has been set up with holes to do ice fishing, while another section is reserved for any ice skating you want to do with a ice skate rental plate included. The skateboard park has been converted into a spot for snowboarding and cross-country skiing. The park restaurant is serving lots of warm foods and drinks to help stave off the cold. Hot chocolate, funnel cake, fried cheese curds, poutine, mulled ciders, and a whole host of other items. And for those seeking something more combat-aligned, one of the soccer fields has been transformed into a battlefield for snowball fights. Build a fort and trench and hunker down, it's gonna be a long war.

If you're looking for activities that get you out of the cold, you should head to Undertown. The entire area of Undertown is being kept nice and warm thanks to a combination of electric heaters and fire enchantments. To celebrate the new year, red decorations have been hung up all over with a theme of tigers and rabbits. If you want to know how this new year will pan out for you, there's a vendor offering fortune stick readings. Pulling one of these sticks will give the character a fortune ranging from small to large luck or misfortune. Whatever your fortune ends up being, it seems to really follow you around for the rest of the day. Someone with great luck might find a $100 on the ground or land that promotion they wanted, while someone with great misfortune may trip down a flight of stairs or have their pipes burst. [mod note: the fortune sticks results will have no effect on gacha or side quest results. You can decide which stick they pull, though if you want it RNG then I suggest using the (draw) mechanic on plurk].

The First Full Moon

When one lives in the city, it's easy to not pay attention to the night sky. And in Kaisou, if anything in the sky gets attention, it's that bright and beautiful Spirit Vein. However on the nights of January 5th through January 7th, it'll be the moon that some will realize they need to pay attention to. For on the nights of the full moon, those with certain monstrous changes will find themselves struggling to hold onto their human mind. Bestial instincts will become deafeningly loud inside your mind, demanding to be listened to. It'll take a great amount of willpower to keep oneself from giving in completely, especially for those who never dealt with something like this before. Those who fail will find themselves going completely feral, leaving it up to other people to keep you in check. Once dawn breaks following the long night, they'll be able to regain control of themselves once more. Those who went feral may or may not remember what happened the night before, depending on the person.

Concerningly, it's not just the app users who are experiencing these effects. Throughout the three nights, there are cases of other city residents also succumbing to monstrous instincts. Someone will need to patrol the city and help keep these folks in check before they hurt other people or themselves. While there's not a great number of these cases - the signs are clear. Whatever is going on with these new monstrous changes, they aren't just limited to the app users.

The Other Zodiac

On January 9th, a message will be sent out by Zodiac on the Libra app.

ALERT: SHIFTING GATE LOCATED ON CATHEDRAL HILL.
Element Classification: Water
Danger Level: Medium to High
Designation: Celestial Race
A new spirit gate has been detected upon Cathedral Hill. Initial investigations indicate that this gate leads to the location of the famous Zodiac race. Due to a recent demon infestation, we've been invited to perform security detail for the race participants so they can complete their annual race. Those who help complete the race will be allowed to join the Zodiac Banquet, receive a gift from the Jade Emperor, and make sure the concept of time doesn't collapse on us all.

If you head to the Zodiac offices, the atmosphere has returned mostly to normal. The fuzzy professor is back and has made himself comfortable with a puppet-size armchair. He's happy to tell you what he knows, that according to legend the Chinese Zodiac was created as a result of a race that the Jade Emperor, a ruler of heaven, held. During the original race, the first twelve animals that finished were made part of Zodiac that's used all over the world today. He will also have a bit of a tangent about how the cat was left out because he got told the wrong day, and maybe that's a good thing because cats freak him out. As for the race they're being asked to help with now, the Professor isn't entirely sure, but he surmises it's a tradition done in order to uphold the power of the Zodiac and make sure the concept of time doesn't get out of whack - so pretty important!

If you talk to the Zodiac staff, they will explain that your job will be to escort the animals of the Zodiac through the race course and make sure no demons get them. They also caution that since the upcoming year is a water year, the race track will be cold and snowy on top of being dangerous and long, so they REALLY recommend bringing cold weather gear and and plenty of supplies. As usual, they are willing to rent out any supplies or weapons that your character needs. And for those they know are looking for extra income, they will mention that if you could bring back a peach from the banquet...they'll pay very generously.

Once you're finished with the Zodiac offices, it's time to gear up and head to Cathedral Hill. While the area is named for the cathedral that sits atop the hill, it's not the only place of worship around. Per Zodiac's instructions, you're to head to the Buddhist temple that's located nearby. Once there, it'll be easy enough to ask access to the gardens. It's normally a modest garden, so the massive and ornate spirit gate being guarded by two large guardian lion statues will certainly stick out. No doubt about it, this has to be the gate.

The Zodiac Race

When you pass through the gate, you'll find yourself up in a snowy mountain range with steep mountains that resemble the mountains of Asia rather than anything on North America. Once you're done surveying the scenery, you'll be waved over by a man dressed in finely made court robes. He introduces himself as an attendant of the Jade Emperor's Court, and assumes that you're here to be the security detail for the Zodiac race. Once it's confirmed, the attendant will begin to explain that it's your job to escort a zodiac animal through the mountain passes and across the river. The animals will know the way, but you'll need to make sure to protect them from any demons that try to attack. Apparently the demons seem under the impression that consuming those involved in the race will grant them immortality, which isn't true, but good luck explaining that to hordes of demons.

If you ask why they needed to get outside help for assistance, the attendant will give the most exasperated look on his face and simply say "You can thank Sun Wukong for that. Again." and not elaborate further, as if that explanation alone is self-explanatory and should not be pressed further. That said, some may hear the attendant grumbling under his breath that he hopes Buddha drops another mountain on that sha bī.

After the basic explanations you'll be escorted to the zodiac animals and their corrals. There's a whole lot of them, as they wanted to make sure at least one of each animal type makes it to the finish line. Characters will be assigned the animal the corresponds with their birth year. If your character is a special case who was born under a different calendar system or before the concept of time, the attendant will sigh and assign you an animal at random. Each animal assigned will come with their own quirks, that may help or hinder the journey ahead. The animals are:

• Rat: Will ride upon you during the race. Clever and on high alert, the rat will warn you of any ambushes and potential shortcuts.
• Ox: Can be ridden or pull a sled. An animal with high endurance, it'll need to rest less than other animals.
• Tiger: It's a tiger. It'll help fighting any demons and may even pull a sled. For your own safety, keep it well fed.
• Rabbit: Can be carried, ride in a sled or hop along. You seem to be luckier in small ways throughout the trip.
• Dragon: An eastern dragon about the size of a tiger. Cannot breathe fire and can only fly short distances. It'll help with fighting any demons and may pull the sled, will not allow you to ride it and tends to be prideful.
• Snake: Unfortunately due to the cold weather, the snake is useless and will try to hibernate the whole time. Using your own body to warm the snake will bring luck though.
• Horse: Can be ridden or pull a sled. Faster than the ox, but needs to rest more often.
• Ram: Has a very easy-going temperament. Can pull the sled and has horns it'll headbutt into demons. Also fluffy.
• Monkey: A monkey that'll ride on you or in a sled, and can use tools to help out. Unfortunately, it gets easily bored and is prone to pulling pranks.
• Rooster: It's a chicken. However if you hold onto its feet, it can fly you short distances. Will always wake you up early.
• Dog: A good boy. Can do all the things dogs can do, including helping with demon fights and pulling the sled.
• Boar: While more stubborn, the boar can also pull the sled and do many things that dogs can do. Will charge at demons.

The animals while more intelligent than many of their species counterpart, are still animals. So they will behave as such, and respond to characters accordingly. Characters that are good with animals will have an easy time bonding with their new companion, while others will struggle. Once all the animals have been assigned, characters will be given a bag of feed for the animals (though the dragons and tigers will need to have food hunted for them). They also are allowed access to a sled painted red if they have access to an animal that can pull one. Those with animal that can't pull a sled are encouraged to team up with others if they want, otherwise they'll be expected to go on foot. Finally, they'll be offered a pack of fireworks and firecrackers, but cautions them to be careful where they set them off.

Once everyone is ready, it's time to being the race! You all will be brought to a starting line, and once everyone is there, a gong will ring out! The race is on!

Challenge One: The Elements

As the race goes underway, it soon becomes clear that it's less a race of speed and more a race of endurance. The trip is a long one, lasting several days. While there are paths through the mountains, they are numerous and all winding. You will either have to get along well enough your animal to show you the way, or you'll be left up to your best judgment. Being in the mountains in winter, it's freezing cold. You'll have to make sure you don't succumb to the elements: keep warm, rest often, and keep yourself hydrated. Once and while, you'll find mountain lodges that have been set up to be used to warm up from the elements and restock your supplies. Be sure to take advantage of these. As for those accompanied by a dragon or tiger, make sure to let them hunt once and awhile- before they turn on you to feed.

Of course, these are the challenges if everything goes well. There are plenty of things that can go wrong. Many of the paths you travel on will be narrow passages over a steep cliff. One wrong step could make you fall to your doom. And some areas, marked with small warning signs that are easily missed, are prone to avalanches. In those areas, be careful not to do anything big enough that could set one of those off and bury you under a thick layer of snow.

Challenge Two: The Demons

The elements were bad enough, but remember you were brought on to act as security from demons. So throughout the trip, your party will be attacked and ambushed by various types of demons. These demons are less the classical residents of hell that western cultures are familiar with, but rather closer to anthropormophic animals beings. These "demons" vary in their intelligence level, elemental alignments, and skills- but overall seem to be more interested in eating you for the sake of their own benefit rather than some great evil plan. As such, any holy relics won't have any stronger effect on them.

It'll be up to you to make sure the demons don't harm you or your companion. While some demons can be persuaded that eating you won't actually bring immortality, many will not listen and will have to be battled. Whether you incapacitate them or kill them is up to you, though the dragons and tigers sure won't hold back their own predatory urges, and the boar will certainly try to consume any demon body that is left lying around. Lovely.

While many demons will try to attack you outright, or make simple ambushes- there is one foe that is extra dangerous. On some paths, characters will find come across a cave with a beautiful woman that is wearing very little despite the weather. She'll act friendly and charming, even flirtatious to those who'd seem interested, inviting the characters into the cave to escape the cold and share a meal with her. While she is being truthful about the food, turning your back to her is a dangerous mistake as that's when she'll strike. Her true form is that of a massive scorpion, with a stinger full of powerful venom. She'll proclaim that she is so powerful she managed to injure even the Buddha. And while that claim is a bit of an overstatement, she'll still be a tough opponent to fight. Do your best not to be caught off-guard.

The Final Challenge: Nian

After a few days of travel, the characters will finally make their ways out of the mountains. As they come down the mountainside, they'll see the frozen river that's meant to be the finish line of this race. The ice on the river looks thick enough to cross with ease. However as soon as they step out onto the ice, there'll be a deep rumbling before a gigantic beast bursts out from the ice below, landing on the ice. Standing twenty feet tall, it'll lunge at the party. This is none other than the legendary beast Nian, looking to feed itself during the new year season.

Characters will have a number of options. They can choose to fight the beast, though it'll be a dangerous fight and you run the risk of breaking the ice beneath you. You can also try to outrun it and hope it'll stop chasing once you make it to the other side. Finally, you can attempt to scare it off by using the firecrackers and fireworks given to you earlier, if you haven't used them up already. Nian also seems to avoid anything that's the color red, so maybe something can be done about that. Though no matter what you do, you'll need to be mindful of the ice beneath you. Do anything that breaks the ice, and you'll find yourself being plunged into freezing cold waters and having a whole new problem to contend with.

Whatever choices you make, you'll have to do your best to make sure you and your companion survive this encounter, as it'd be a shame to lose the race so close to the finish line.

Aftermath

Once you survive that final challenge, it's time to cross the river. Once you do, you'll no longer be in a wintery landscape but a beautiful courtyard that's warm and full of blooming plant life. You have reached the true destination of the race: the Heavenly Palace. More friendly demons and other celestial beings are there to welcome and cheer your arrival, and you'll be invited to join in a massive new years feast full of the finest Chinese cuisine. At this point, your animal companions will part ways with you, as they are off to have a private banquet with the Jade Emperor as is tradition.

Once you are fed and warmed, you'll be given rewards for all your work by attendants of the palace. The first will be a small charm of the animal you helped. This charm will allow you to summon your animal companion within the Spirit Realm, should you ever want to see them again. You will then be offered one of two choices: the first choice is a bright red envelope with about 8,000 dollars within. The other choice is to have a peach of immortality. Anyone who eats the peach will become immortal and unable to die, however it will come at the cost of being forever tied to the spirit realm. This means unless you travel through the spirit realm, you'd never be able to leave the boundaries of Kaisou as you need to stay near the spirit vein. And for otherworlders ... well, you'd never return home. Though they say you don't have to consume right right away, so people may choose to take the peach with them and save it for later. Still you can only choose one option, so choose wisely.

Whichever you choose, once the feast winds down, they will open a gate that'll allow you to return directly back to Kaisou without going through the mountain again. Once you return home, the rest of the month shall prove relatively peaceful. As for anyone who actually heeds Zodiac's request to hand over a peach. Well...they will hold up their offer to pay handsomely and hand over 40,000 dollars for your work. Surely they're just feeling extra generous and this shouldn't leave you with a feeling of dread, right?

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.

The original OOC plotting post for this event can be found here. Another Zodiac Post will be going up January 15th to serve as an intro post for new characters and allow characters to react to developments over the network.

Comments

Harry Potter/Jamie Carter | Harry Potter (Paranormal Modern AU)

[phoenixwiz]

Kaisou Winter Festival
(Jamie has a big soft spot for Kaisou Winter Festival: growing up, his family would often visit the festival a lot every January, though not everyone has the time to attend it as often. This year, Jamie is attending this solo and he is pretty excited to have fun and forget about his initial freak out over the Libra app. With this month being attuned to Water, he is feeling water magic being so strong within his veins and feeling more inspired than ever.

You can catch him taking part in snow mazes, participating in snowball fights, getting his fortunes read, or having a nice hot cup of apple cider and poutine. And despite being dressed for the weather, you might notice that Jamie is not freezing out in the cold as one would expect. Yes it is a pretty normal thing for him, just shrugging off the cold like it is nothing.)

The Other Zodiac
(Jamie is not sure of how to feel about his first Spirit Realm adventure as he walks up to the Buddhist temple at Cathedral Hill. To make things even more interesting, he has gotten a ‘weapon’ in the form of a strange stick that was found in his pencil holder a few days. Grasping onto the wand, he looks at the temple before turning to the nearest person next to him and telling them this.)

So this is my first time entering into a Spirit Realm and I’m pretty nervous of what lies ahead. By the way, is this your time doing something like this before?

The Zodiac Race Begins
Okay, Mr. Ram. Are you ready for this?

(The ran blissfully bleets out to him while Jamie packs up the last of the race supplies onto his sled.)

This is looking very promising, isn’t it?

(Jamie just got very lucky that he got a Ram due to his birth year and, so far, the Ram has been very cordial and friendly to hin. While he is nervous about how the race will turn out, he is hoping that it will be a fun experience while not trying to die even i he has the ability to resist some cold temperatures and has water control in his favor. Perhaps some encouragement can help him out before the race begins.)

The Nian Strikes
Whoa! This beast, this beast is pretty freaking huge!

(The aspiring journalist has his jaws dropped to the figurative ground upon seeing the Nian being in the way, blocking the last leg of the race. The Ram understandably wants to get there as safely as possibly as Jamie stares at his ‘wand’, thinking about the possible options he can think of.

Should he fight the thing and risk falling into the freezing water? Or maybe he is better off getting the Ram to run fast and distract it with the fireworks he hasn’t used up yet? He turns to find another person nearby and calls out to them for some advice.)

Hey there! I would like to ask you if there is a good way for us to take on the beast. Got any suggestions we can use to get our companions to the Heavenly Palace?

Isabela Madrigal | Encanto | OU

[senorita_perfecta]

Winter Festival Fun
(This is Isabela’s first Winter Festival and there is so much excitement running in her adrenaline that she wants to check out everything and anything. But where to start? What else to start the festival fun than a good snowball fight. Whether you’re on her side or on the opposing team, Isa is going to give it all she got to fight and surprise anyone who tries to get her covered in snowballs. Just watch for any cactus needles that might get stuck with the snowballs, they can hurt.)

The Race: Elements
(Isabela has been preparing to get her sled for the races, packing up the much needed supplies like Ram feed, food, water, fireworks and firecrackers, and more. She has given a Ram for her to escort on and this one seems to be very peaceful at the moment.

As soon as the race begins, she and the Ram are slowly beginning to have a good relationship as she gently supports the Ram from the sled and attacks demons left right and center with her now full control over plants and throwing cacti whenever possible. Yes, they did have some trouble with some of the obstacles but they did managed to overcome them like a team.

During at some point, she and the Ram make a stopover at one of the log cabins to rest up for the night and refill for the next part of the race. She is currently getting warmed up by the fireplace while feeding and petting the Ram accordingly.)

Aftermath
(The race itself was a long emotional ride for her: shooing demons, dealing with breakable ice, and having to defend her Ram friend from the Nian could have easily broken anyone, but Isabela manages to persevere through it all. After making it to the Heavenly Palace, Isabela feels really sad to say goodbye to the Ram as it leaves to join the Jade Emperor’s feast but she is still glad that they made it after days of racing across the snowy landscape and she will fondly treasure their shared time together.

As she heads into the banquet held for the Zodiac app users’ honor, she couldn’t help thinking about how happy and family would her parents and other family members would be upon learning about her amazing race with a Ram. Clearly losing herself in these blissful thoughts for now because she really needs something to lighten her up after the previous emotionally distressing month.)

Suzume Kujo | JJBA AU | OTA

[suzume_odori]

{WINTER CARNIVAL - PROMPTS IN UNDERLINE}

The Winter Festival is one that Suzume greets with the expected zeal of any small child given a holiday to enjoy it with. School isn't in session again until the next week for her, and the prior week was spent largely being toted about by zodiac staff and friends alike since no one could exactly leave a child unattended for the holidays, but they also didn't want to just miss their holiday, and a fun and handy compromise on family get togethers is much easier to sort out when the only one being compromised for is 6.

Or at least, they assume she's 6 by now. She probably is. The Birthday Skeleton will be rolling in late just in case.

But here she is- bundled and cozied up, with a brand new coat for the new year (a little large for her admittedly), scarf and things all tightly wound around (she's not hiding anything right?), and great big stompy boots (big to her at least) tromping through snow.

She has brought, as well, a stuffed dolphin, alongside her large stoutland- because what are you going to do, stop her!?

At any rate as she runs around all the ice sculptures- not to mention the ice maze- it might become apparent that something...Odd happened over the new years mark. Scarf down, Suzume starts pulling face after face at the warped reflection as offered in the glass, but the scales across her nose and cheeks- like a strange glistening sunburn if sunburns were more violet- are definitely real. Huh?

It's more evident late in the days of the festival, when steaming hot chocolate is cupped in mittened hands, the little one blowing gently over the hot fluid. The steam mists particularly oddly over those scales, so they're...Definitely there.

But maybe it's best to ignore them. She certainly seems to be! And hey- There's ice skating! And while it might be a slower pace than you want to be going, maybe you want to join a certain little first time skater with her skate balance!

{THE GREAT ZODIAC RACE - PREP}

Suzume of course is too young to enter the gate alone, but fortunately for Zodiac, she has not come alone at all. And that's not because there's a great big Stoutland with her- as has been pointed out to her, Muland does not count, even if he is very big and very fluffy. But while Kakyoin is attending as a chaperone of sorts, the attendant seems to have hone in on Suzume...

And then paused. 'Oh...How strange, I thought you were...older,' is all he mutters, a scroll of bamboo slats unraveled as he looks from it to the child. 'Maybe the most recent set then? But no, that's too small isn't it?'

After much of this muttering- which others are certainly free to comment on if they wish- the attendant apparently finally decides the matter is fine enough and waves them over to the corral. A sled is presented to them, brilliant and red and soon to be loaded with supplies. The animal meanwhile, proudly walks over with a regal gait-

And stares.

"...." Suzume stares as well.

"Snn...Smfmnff..." The dragon sniffs a bit, great big bunny-like eyes staring right down.

Suzume finally whispers, either to Kakyoin or whoever is near- "....our scales are the same..."

The dragon is sniffing more now, and impossibly, astoundingly, getting onto its belly for a closer look.

Well they're certainly bonding, then.

{THE RACE; DEMONS & DRUMSTICKS - PROMPTS IN UNDERLINE}

The great Zodiac race is certainly great. The first thing that ends up on the list of things to do as they initially set off, is hunting. Suzume of course has no idea of this, and doesn't seem to be directing it at all. She actually offers the dragon her own bits of food every now and then, which is politely turned down and for good reason. For while Kakyoin might be helping them to cook meats and things as they go, the food that they're procuring for the dragon is...well.

PSCH-t! [CW: Animal death, hunting for food]

Rather interestingly taken down! Suzume's stand is equipped with keen eyes, and swift speed- the two things combined make it more than easy to simply throw sharp and tiny stones in the direction of unsuspecting prey animals ahead on the path before retrieving it to be eaten. Of course, if anyone actually spots the group doing so, they'll notice Suzume has her eyes covered... "...Umn...Hoshi can I see yet..?"

Not until it's been swallowed.

But those pebbles unfortunately, can only do so much. At least once along the route, demons will be encountered. Some are easily dealt with- more easy than one would expect at least. Simpler demons after all, just don't know how to deal with...with...!

"ORRRrrRRRRAAORAORAORAORAOA-"

A screeching and hopping mad child floating in the air!! The dragon as well is snarling and snapping of course, but often times it's of no need. They expected something to eat for immortality. A baby with a tantrum, no thanks!

Demons of 'greater stuff' are far more plentiful than those, however- and naturally they're far less likely to be so small that Suzume's guardian misses them entirely. The group's sled takes them far around such ambushes spotted in advance...but at least once, perhaps, you might come upon them hiding out behind a large outcropping of rock and snow, dragon coiled somewhat protectively around the little one while Muland- notably the one harnessed to the sled- grumbles softly in the direction of the demons.

Once, in fact- well. If you come upon the sled as it's stopped, Suzume will wave, and speak. "...Hoshi doesn't want us to go that way..." she says, looking up to him. "...ummm....he saw...a really pretty lady, but she must not be nice I guess..."

Trust them.

If there's one thing they're firm about though, it's getting to the lodges. Suzume is small- they can certainly set up shelter and camp, but it's more preferable to make it to a nice warm building where they can all bundle up beside a fire and-

...Oh they're bringing the dragon right into the lodge, alright. He can probably fit yes? No? Suzume looks up while the dragon is worming through the door. "...Are we sharing..?"

{Y'KNOW, LIKE....NIAN - CLOSED; KAKYOIN}

The race, best anyone can tell, has been going fantastic. They might not be first- they're going quick, but they're not especially gunning it, though the way that dragon keeps pausing to dote on what it seems to have determined is a phenomenally odd infant (un-helped by Kakyoin's own matters), that might actually not be too much of an issue. Not this year anyway. Just up ahead though, there lies the frozen plain of the river. Pristine and smooth, and easy enough a crossing it looks like!

And then-

CRRKC- CRUCHK-

The ice behind them shatters, and the group turn.

"Nnnnn....Nrrrrrriiiooooooo...."

Oh.

"...uh oh..."

{THE GREAT KAISOU WINTER HUNT - CLOSED; JAMIE}

With all the hustle and bustle of the Zodiac race behind her, it's time for Suzume to chase the next Fun Thing. It's still cold out- she's still bundled, great big coat, great big scarf and all that- but now she's got school and things happening every so often, which honestly gets her a lot more busy.

Busy- but of course, not so busy that she's busy on the weekend.

The minute she can, she's free to run about and play in the snow all over Kaisou! And it's there-

...Well. It's somewhere in that big city, that she spots someone searching a lot of places. Just what could he be looking for?

"....did you lose things..."

She's going to ask. If Jamie didn't expect a sudden voice from a few feet down, then he can be excused, she does that.

Winter Festival Fun

[a_cute_batata]

Luz was exactly the kind of girl who would like to get into a snowball fight with a friend! So with Isabela joining the other side, Luz was grinning like a cat.

"All right, get read-"

Luz got a full on snowball in the face and YELPED when she got a cactus needle in the face.

"No flora!" Luz protested, pulling out the needle and wincing.

[a_cute_batata]

Why, Luz, why?

Luz had never gone skiing before. Sure, she was going to indulge in some got chocolate and funnel cake, but what about regular activities that involved a little bit of daring? After Luz gets her fill of treats and manages to grab a stuffed doll or two, she proceeds to make an attempt at skiing!

An attempt.

So watching her flailing through the snow, falling at least several times, screaming all the way down. Really, she is trying her best, but only Luz could trip over her own skis.

More than once.

Full Moon Fiascos

When she heard about what was happening to other residents in Kaisou because of the moon, Luz volunteered to help try keep people corralled so they might go back home and recover. After learning what happened to a few friends who had this very affliction, Luz figured it might be good to check on them and be careful not to use any extreme methods to get them to stay calm.

She just hoped it wouldn't be too much of a challenge!

For right now, she was on Owlbert, checking for anything out of the ordinary happening.

Zodiac race

Luz really wished she was allowed to use her staff, but in that event, she still had Owlbert for company. She also had another buddy for company too: the zodiac snake, who had chosen to stay up Luz's shirt to avoid the cold. Luz made sure to have an extra comfy coat that gave her the snake enough room and set out to get him beyond the mountain pass. Maybe you meet her while she's on her way, possibly give her a lift, or just some company?


Luz is trying to stay upbeat despite the disadvantage, though this does start to get put to the test the farther on she goes.

The demons, for instance, do slow her down a little. If you want to lend a hand there, you'll see Luz blasting at a demon with Owlbert a staff again, trying to whittle down her opponent.

"Hey, can you lend a hand?"

Or maybe you'll see Luz taking on Nian. She's got the staff again, only now Luz is looking a little shakier, due to the ice. Nian, meanwhile, is bearing down on her and Luz is looking a little nervous.

She looks like she had a plan, but will need a little help in its execution.

[senorita_perfecta]

Ho boy, Isabela certainly could not help laughing upon looking at Luz’s reaction to finding needles on the snowball she threw. She thought it was going to be a fun part but she does decide that needles were a bit too much to have in a snowball fight.

“Okay, okay. I am going to spare you from finding needles in snowballs starting now,” she promises to before making snowballs, this time needle free, and proceeds to throw them to her side.

Maybe she could have resorted to use vines as a makeshift slingshot instead.

The Great Kaisou Winter Hunt

[phoenixwiz]

Jamie has probably spent a lot of hours just trying to find a medallion within the city and it is getting a little stressful for him to handle this on his own. He is really good in finding news and gathering stuff from tons of camping trips but ho boy, it is a lot for one guy to tackle.

So it is a miracle then that someone, a little girl, has dropped by and asked him something.

“Oh me? Well, it looks like the only thing I seem to be losing at the moment is time. That and this medallion everyone is looking for too,” he replies to her before he asks Suzume, “Are you also participating in the treasure hunt too?”

[a_cute_batata]

Needles were just fighting dirty! Well, as dirty as fighting people with snowballs were, anyway. Luz was not about to be outdone in getting ready for the snowball fight though, and made several glyphs that turned into their own vine structures that tossed several snowballs at a time!

Luz wished she could have gone the actual snow making route, but that was too intricate a process for her glyphs and she knew it. The last time she'd done something like that she needed Eda's help activating it anyway.

Besides, she'd save it for a last resort. For now, the name of the game was get her snowballs thrown as quickly and make as many as possible!

[senorita_perfecta]

As soon as she can see Luz’s snowballs coming right at her from the vine structures she has summoned, Isabela is able to dodge a couple of them fairly quickly. She has to admit that the glyphs she used are pretty cool to see. This is starting to look like fun already and so far, none of the locals haven’t blinked an eye seeing the two otherworlders going at it with help of magic.

Then an idea creeps up on her: why not do the hand thrown method and slingshot method at the same time. So she decides to grow a couple of vines to use as a makeshift slingshot and shoots several needle free snowballs with them while still throwing snowballs by hand. Chaos is in progress.

[poisontippedcure]

[The Other Zodiac]

[If Rose knew what a New Year's resolution was, hers would be to be more helpful. The last few months have been surprisingly boring, and so she readily takes on the Zodiac Race challenge.]

[She expected the cold weather, and is appropriately bundled in a red winter coat. What she did not expect, in any capacity, was her traveling companion. She had reasoned that the animal she would be given would share some of her features. Instead, she has a rat. It's small and looking up at her with curious eyes, while she can only frown in response.]

I hadn't expected something so...tiny.

[En Route]

[Thankfully, because it's small, it makes a convenient traveling companion. Rose lets the rat sit on her shoulders while she travels, and slips it into a pocket when she sees a demon nearby. Should you encounter her on such an occasion, she'll have her Scythe drawn, and be readying an attack.]

Believe it or not, you aren't the only demon here. Let's see who can last longer.

[In From the Cold]

[Unfortunately, Miqo'te aren't well accustomed to the cold, and Rose isn't accustomed to the wilderness. Even with her many layers, she's shivering, and she feels like she hasn't eaten in days. When someone calls her over, she doesn't pay attention to how they're dressed. She's just relieved that there's a warm cave and a hot bowl of soup.]

[She's so entranced that she doesn't notice the other woman transform while her back is turned. Thankfully, Rose's rat companion has gone out in the cold to seek help.]

[Perhaps the rat has lead you here, or perhaps you came across the cave on your own. Either way, Rose seems extremely unaware of the scorpion about to strike.]

[OTA]

[Want to do something not listed here? Hit me up!]

other zodiac

[fionnuisce]

No, I've been through a few of these by now. [The answer came from a man walking with a cane on his left side, shrugging with his right shoulder.] This might on the more harmless side judging by what our usual precognitives say, but it's wise to stay alert all the same.

Danny Fenton | Danny Phantom | Normal AU

[schrodingersghost]

This Could Be A Problem:
At first, Danny had had high hopes that the change in his ears would be all he had to deal with. Which... okay it definitely took some getting used to. But for all he knew this was something normal for ghosts. And it least it wasn't yet another power he'd have to figure out how to control.

But as the days went on he began to realize that he hadn't escaped quite as easily as he hoped.

It was metal. Not all metal, of course. But he'd started to get sharp shocks when he touched certain things. Spoons, forks and knives. Various appliances in his parent's kitchen. The metal frame of his desk. A screwdriver. There didn't seem to be any pattern to it, but it was getting super annoying.

And he'd had enough. He couldn't figure out the pattern? Fine, he'd just have to test it. So today he was out at a hardware store eyeing a display rack of doorknobs made out of different kinds of metal. Gingerly he reaches out and touches the first one.... and bites back a pained sound as he pulls his hand back.

Race Preparation:
Danny had been more than happy to volunteer to join the race. But now that he was here, he stares down at the rooster in his arms with a confused expression. What exactly was he supposed to do with this.

The rooster stares back.... and crows at him. Loudly.

Demons Challenge:
Danny had already been well aware that endurance was one of weaknesses. He really hadn't needed the reminder that had been the first part of the race. He'd found himself having to be careful how much he used his ghost powers. But even with that he was getting tired. Chasing after the rooster, the avalanches, the ice.....

So of course that's when he spots a demon lunging at him. Danny levels a look at his chicken as he raises his shields once more.

"Roosters are bad luck, aren't they?"

Yusuke Kitagawa | OTA + one closed to Takame

[stripartist]

Festival

[Yusuke's always loved the Kaisou winter festival, so naturally he's spending a day there. He's only in a light jacket and not much else, but no one seems to be judging. People are just weird like that!

He helps himself to the festival food and wanders around, but honestly he ends up spending most of his time in the Underground, now that he can see it for what it is. This does mean he ends up lost at some point, so maybe help a poor lost fox?]

Zodiacs

[Oh thank God, they went by birth year. Yusuke, frankly, is extremely pleased with the ox and wastes no time in getting a sled and hitching his new buddy up to it.

He turns to you, assuming you don't have one of the bigger animals (or even if you do).]

You know, there's safety in numbers and we'll probably want to stay together for warmth as well. Should we travel together? I have a sled.

[Sure he doesn't feel the cold but like. Principle of the matter.]

Closed to Takame

[Their date had to be moved from the 6th to the 11th, once Yusuke was sure that odd ferality wouldn't strike and once the Zodiac nonsense was well and truly taken care of. They're meeting at a hotpot restaurant that Yusuke knows to be good, and when he spots Takame, Yusuke hands over the good luck charm and flowers he'd gotten him.]

For you. I am so sorry we had to reschedule.

Rhel Fashonti | OTA

[thaumewturge]

Around Kaisou

[Rhel can be found at the festival, yes, but what she's doing most of the month is something less fun.

Very, very frequently Rhel will be found wandering the city with her glowing light familiar of indeterminate shape and big blue chocobo following her, looking at her phone and looking around her to find addresses. She is trying to find a place to rent on a book store employee's salary that has room for her chocobo.

Twelve help her, this is hell.]

The Nian

[Rhel, her little rooster buddy more or less strapped to her back for the moment, just gives the Nian a Look as she pulls out her rod.]

Right. If someone would rather draw it's attention away from me, we can have this thing beaten before the hour's out. Don't worry about the ice, I can refreeze it!

[And that sure is a bolt of lighting hitting the Nian's ass.]

Wildcard

[Want something else? Hit me up!]

that's this guy he's takame

[hoshikiri]

[It was more concern than anything that Takame felt on postponement. It didn't take him long to put two and two together on why it happened but it in combination the Zodiac race had him quite busy either way.

It would have been nice to fix his hair color, but a well pleated braid would suffice. He wasn't expecting to receive anything, so when he's given the flowers he's surprised.]

Ah, thank you. [He shook his head as he handled the gift with care.] They're lovely. You needn't worry about rescheduling, so long as you are alright that is what matters.

[stripartist]

Maybe, but I wanted to.

[A smile.]

And I'm fine, now. I don't really know what the problem was, except it was probably magic. [Anyway. Yusuke gets the door for Takame with a small bow.] Shall we? This place is really good, and it's usually not too crowded either.

[hoshikiri]

I see. I'm relieved to hear that. [Said returning both the smile and the bow. It felt a bit odd to be the one treated here, but he would try to keep up with it.]

Mm, I am... looking forward to trying it. [A bit stilted, but no less tried to sound as genuine as he could. He's new at this.]

[stripartist]

Hopefully you like it.

[Yusuke lets the host know he called ahead and they're shown to a quieter, more private table. This is going to be all of Yusuke's paint budge for the month but...worth it.]

I'm sure you've had hot pot, so just whatever you'd like we can get. I eat just about anything at least once.

[phoenixwiz]

(Jamie listens to the man with a cane very careful. It sounds like he has been through a lot before this one.)

So not as dangerous as previous spirit realms? Yes, I understand, it is better to stay cautious of any danger we might face.

[fionnuisce]

Hopefully. It didn't sound like we were in for anything critically dangerous, but even with precognition working in our favor it's a bit difficult to tell. Sometimes it's nothing threatening, other times it's a disaster and a half.

[phoenixwiz]

Oh wow, that does sound like anything can go south in these spirit realm, even if they are on the harmless. I really do hope that we don’t run into anything dangerous out there while we’re in the, what you call this?, Chinese mythology spirit realm.

(Speaking like the noob that he is. Jamie is in need of this information right now.)

[hoshikiri]

[Best to not let Takame know of said paint budget. He already felt as though he needed to repay Yusuke for the paintings, let alone the flowers and all of this. It didn't show in his face, nor in his tone, but he was a bit nervous.]

I have, though it has been ages since then. [Long before he left for Eorzea, even. And here is the ever present struggle with Takame, decisions.]

I've no preference, ah, or rather. [He cleared his throat. He must overcome this habit, lest he seem unworthy of the company.] Do you... have a recommendation on what I should try, by chance? [takame]

Zodiacs

[bolledivita]

It would probably be for the best.

[Caesar being one of those who doesn't have one of the bigger animals! In fact, Yusuke might be able to spot the head of the poor snake sticking out of Caesar's scarf.]

If nothing else, I can fight, at least.

Elliot Craig | Trails of Cold Steel | OTA

[fiddlestick]

I. Kaisou Winter Festival
[Elliot can't say he's a big fan of winter. He's not very fond of the cold weather. But there was something fun about this festival. So while his boyfriend is off competing in the ice fishing competitions, he himself is wandering around looking at all the ice sculptures. He's got a hot cocoa in hand, using to keep his fingers warm]

You know...I think I used to know a sculptor. [He says out loud, as the memory comes back in] She was really into her craft. I wonder if she'd do something like this?

II. Full Moon
[It's not unusual for teachers to stay late to work on various things. That's what Elliot had been doing, not taking any notice to the moon or the time. Which would work out much to his detriment.

Anyone who comes by the fine arts department office won't find Elliot the man. Instead they will find things from the desks knocked over, and a ginger cat sitting atop the desk. It meows as you come into the room, flicking its tail]

III. The Other Zodiac
[Elliot really didn't want to go on any race, but he knew full well his students would try- and he rather keep an eye on them. When it came time to get animals, part of him was hoping for something cute, like a rabbit or a rat.

But instead? A dragon gets brought out to him. His eyes grow wide and he gulps as the mythical being stares him down]

A-Ah...Oh boy. E-Easy now...

[Once him and the dragon get acquainted and...well, he stops fearing for his life, he realizes this can be useful. So he'll try to wave down any people he knows, particularly students]

Hey, wanna travel with us? It'd be safer to go in a group!

IV. Wildcard
[Got a prompt for me? Hit me up!]

[fionnuisce]

Spirit gate. [Close enough.] As they say, 'only one way to find out'.

You must be new here, then. Or just new to magical bullshit.