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Rekindle Moderators ([personal profile] rekindlemods) wrote in [community profile] rekindleme2014-08-15 10:51 pm

INTRO LOG - AUGUST 2014

Who: Everyone
Where: The Welcome Center
When: 15th August, late afternoon
Summary: The new arrivals, freshly pulled from their worlds or others, awaken in a strange place...
Warnings: Inbox death may occur. System overload at own risk. NPC responses may be slow.

It's a shuddering breath, a sensation of being pulled to elsewhere and finding oneself pressed against something on the soft and some place cozy. However, before one can fully stir, there is and odd, warm stirring sensation that lifts you up from wherever you've been dropped, when you begin to drift off once more.

'I'm sorry for this... but we need your help.'

Yet the feeling -and the voice - pass quickly, and when you awaken, you begin to realize your surroundings. It's a small room with what some might recognize as a Far Eastern theme when it comes to decor, from the walls to the sofa (or bed) you find yourself on. Illumination is provided by carefully crafted lamps, and even a candle flickering on a nearby desk. The doors are made from paper and wood, with a thin frame; through them it's easy to hear other people stirring, talking, or coming to.

You are not alone...

On a small table beside you, there rests a note atop a manilla envelope. Unfolding the note will reveal some answers in the form of a letter addressed to all arrivals.

Welcome to Saeng Seong (it's pronounced sang see-oung if the name seems really strange)!

You are among a new group of arrivals to our city, from many far-apart worlds.
We have gathered you here because our city is in a crisis, and we are at our last resorts. The energy of the city is in a slow downward spiral, and is dangerously close to expiring altogether. Though with the help of other new arrivals like yourself, the situation is beginning to seem less dim. If you are wondering how this is, allow me to explain.

One hundred years ago, there was a terrible incident known as the Unleashing; an event that sent our world into what would have been a slow and painful end were it not for the quick response of a few. However in the process, our own energies have been left to maintain what is causing this energy crisis. We do not have enough to push back this plague on our own.

That's where you come in - you and everyone else we've brought to the city. Unlike those of us here, you have the potential to generate the energy the city needs, but you'll need to work together to do it.

Why? Because the energy can only be generated when two people touch each other. Any touch will do, but it must be between two of you who are new to the city. If you don't keep in contact with someone, eventually your energy will begin to drain as well, making you dangerously ill.

A few other things:

The closed-off sections of the city are closed off for a reason; approaching them will cause your energy to drain very rapidly. We're working to open the rest of the city to you as soon as we can, but for now, please remain within the first five districts of the city.

You have been given a key to a one-bedroom apartment in a complex set aside for you and the other new arrivals, near the riverside in the 1st district. You're free to change your living quarters whenever you like, and we encourage you to move in with someone in one of the larger apartments. When you want to change, just come back to this building to exchange your key.

We've also included a cash card with a living stipend; if you're unfamiliar with this system, or the network established for new arrivals, you can talk to Andi in the lobby for help. It's what she's here for. If you need medical assistance, contact Mai, one of our doctors.

Again, welcome, and thank you for all your help. Please come downstairs to the lobby for refreshments. If you have any questions, there will be others downstairs to assist you.

Irene
Arrival Liaison


Inside the manilla envelope , you will find: a ring with a key and apartment number on it, some kind of cash card, a map and informational guide to the city, and a second letter folded neatly on the top--

Honoured Guest,

First of all, I would like to second my colleague's welcome to our city with my own. Many have come to this world whether by choice or by our actions, and for my own involvement I humbly ask your forgiveness for potentially pulling you from your homes and loved ones. However, it is as Irene's letter states. We are in an energy crisis, and only you and your fellow new arrivals can aide us.

One hundred one years have passed since the event known as the Unleashing tore a rift in our world with Saeng Seong at its core. Ever since, we have had no word from the outside... until recently.

During the celebration of the autumnal festival last year, we were visited by spirits who perished in the Unleashing and demons. This was to be expected as in our world, the boundaries betwixt the living world and the spiritual wane towards the final day of the festival. However, the events to follow were not. As winter and the very rare snowfalls began, so too did snowmen come alive as bid by a dark magic. Some mages who align themselves with a faction named Rangar saw fit to seize the opportunity for mayhem, and the city suffered for it. However, in this and the following hackings into our citywide network, we have come to learn that there are still others who live outside the walls. Yet they too cannot sustain the energy levels needed to close this rift once and for all.

New friend, I cannot understate our need nor the truth in Irene's letter to you, but there are some in this city you should not trust. Who you do or do not trust is up to your own judgment (even mine is albeit clouded at times), yet I urge you caution. Every side has their own agenda, and even our different factions may be splintered into different parties like the individuals that make them. Though should you ever find need to seek solace or sanctuary, the temple doors are always open.

Rhea,
High Priestess to the Four
Arrival Liason


Odd... Neither were written in your own language, and yet you find it easily understandable. Soon enough, if you don't make an exit on your own, there's a gentle knocking on the door as someone comes from downstairs to usher you along.

"Welcome to Saeng Seong! I know you must be confused or upset as to what's going on, but we promise to explain ourselves further once you've had a chance to stretch your legs!"

Whether you go downstairs immediately or linger a little longer, eventually you must come on down to leave the small space, and sooner rather than later would probably be better. You'll find yourself in a well-lit lobby, filled with comfortable-looking couches and chairs. Along one wall are refreshment tables, loaded with all sorts of cool and relieving food and drink, including some you probably aren't familiar with. It's just as well they're in good supply, as the windows outside show a city well heated from a summer sun.

On the wall opposite are a pair of desks, each with a sign, and one person at her station-

Rhea, General Assistance
Andi, Technological Assistance

The plaques have a shiny semi-new look to them, as do the desks. Both lovely ladies seem eager to assist you, though one more.... self-contained than the one bouncing in their seat with anticipation.

Outside, and through the translucent glass you can see a banner hanging from the tiled roof of the building across the street. The cheerful colors on it match well against a bright blue sky:

WELCOME TO SAENG SEONG
(ENJOY YOUR STAY!)
redpeacoat: (?)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-08-18 09:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Watch out Donatello, there's a tough looking street punk just outside the door, scowling at...something. Actually nothing in particular, as the frown appears to be a permanent fixture on his face as he looks out over the gathered crowd in the welcome center.

Feeling the presence of someone behind him, Shinjiro straightens a little from slouching and looks over his shoulder, a bit surprised to see the individual who's appeared from behind the door. The little cat girl was easier to handle, but this guy looks much tougher. "Huh?"
purple_chelonian: Donnie thinking (Default)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-08-18 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Donatello blinks. "Are you the welcoming committee or something?" he asks Shinjiro's back, smiling hesitantly and trying to look non-threatening.

Don's not actually overly concerned by the tough-looking street punk. He tends to leave those in neat piles in his wake if they become problematic. He just doesn't want to start off whatever is going on here with a fight.
redpeacoat: (what's the plan?)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-08-19 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
"If I am, they can do a hell of a lot better." It's good for Shinjiro; while he can hold his own in a fight, he'll opt for any excuse not to have to use his powers. They can communicate and he sounds like a normal guy his age, and that's fine.

"Can't say I've seen anyone like you around here before."
purple_chelonian: Donnie thinking (Default)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-08-19 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
Well isn't this guy a little ray of sunshine. "So, did you just get pulled here, too?"

"You'd be surprised how often I hear that. Any time I meet someone who's neither attacking me nor running in terror I count it as a new friend."
redpeacoat: (grump)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-08-19 01:08 am (UTC)(link)
"About a year ago." He reclines against a post in front of the building, allowing his hands to retreat back into the warmth of his coat pockets.

Shinjiro opens his mouth to argue that he wouldn't be a very good friend, but chooses not to say anything. "I'm not the welcoming committee, but I know a bit about this place."
purple_chelonian: Donnie thinking (Default)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-08-19 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
. . . It's like someone painted Raphael pink and stuck a wig on him.

"You know any good places to get a bite to eat where they prepare the food in front of you?" Because yes, he is going to be paranoid about this.
redpeacoat: (nervous/blushing)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-08-19 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
That's something he can help with in confidence, though his expression doesn't change much. "There are a few. What are you hungry for?"
purple_chelonian: Donnie thinking (Default)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-08-19 01:31 am (UTC)(link)
"Breakfast, I guess? I actually just woke up and haven't eaten yet. So, do the natives here seem on the level to you? Trying to get people's opinons before I make up my mind."
redpeacoat: (what's the plan?)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-08-19 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
"There's a little place where you can get an omelet made to order. If you sit at the bar, you can watch the chef cook it." Shinjiro starts to walk, motioning his new companion to follow him down the street.

He keeps his voice low when speaking about the natives. "Up until recently, we've had to rely on them for all of the information on this place. Some strange stuff happened, but nobody's died or anything like that." Shinjiro takes mostly main roads, but cuts through a few side streets on occasion. "But a few weeks ago while I was comatose, some group called the Rangar popped up, and the City doesn't like'em too much from what I was told."
purple_chelonian: Donnie thinking (Default)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-08-19 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)

"Sounds great." Donatello falls into step with Shinjiro, arms swinging casually by his sides, but eyes darting around constantly, waiting for the other shoe to drop. He supposes he'll never completely get used to just walking around at street level like a normal person.

"So this Rangar group is native, too? Interesting. What's the city's beef with them?"
redpeacoat: (what's the plan?)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-08-20 04:23 am (UTC)(link)
"The kitchens in the apartments are decent too." says the home cook casually. Shinjiro could say that he feels the same way, walking out in the open. He much prefers to be out of the spotlight and out of the way. But living here has forced him to change his ways a bit.

"The city's trying to silence them. For now, we're stuck in the middle." Eventually, they reach a row of small shops and restaurants. Shinjiro approaches the doors to one and enters first to scope out the crowd. They're in luck; there are only a handful of patrons in the restaurant, and that's just how Shinjiro likes it.
purple_chelonian: Donnie happy (happy)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-08-20 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm sure the kitchens are fine. I'm just a bit paranoid about living in a space assigned to me by my abductors. Call me crazy."

Donatello smiles as he enters behind Shinjiro, also scanning the restaurant for potential threats. "Actually, call me Donatello. Forgot to introduce myself. Huh. Stuck in the middle sounds about par for the course." The old turtle luck running true to form.
redpeacoat: (what's up?)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-08-22 08:14 am (UTC)(link)
"You have a point." That is one thing that hasn't really turned on them yet. It might do him some good to think about an alternate shelter in the future. Shinjiro isn't embarrassed or uncomfortable with his new ally, and if anybody in the restaurant starts to stare, they get one of his cold glares back. Everyone here's gotta eat.

A lot of the visitors here seem keen on first names despite familiarity, so he follows suit for Donatello. "Shinjiro."
purple_chelonian: Donnie thinking (Default)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-08-23 12:50 am (UTC)(link)
Donnie has actually not been getting as many stares as he was expecting here. Maybe all the giant mechanoids have inured people to strangeness. He slides onto a seat at the bar, taking his bo staff off his back and leaning it against the chair so it's not constantly knocking the back of the seat.

"Nice to meet you. My treat?" he asks, proffering his new cash card. "Just how much is on these, anyway?"

The turtle doesn't really have a surname to offer, sorry, Shinjiro!
redpeacoat: (what's the plan?)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-08-24 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Thanks, but you don't have to." He can pick up his own. He can't shake the guilt that forms when people offer to do nice things for him. "Enough to eat pretty well and get the necessities, with some left over to cover stuff like going to the movies and things like that. You can get a job with the locals to earn more if you want fancier stuff, or a bigger apartment if you can't find a roommate to split the cost."
purple_chelonian: Donnie happy (happy)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-08-24 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
"Sure. Excuse me, could I get two eggs scrambled and some hash browns? Oh, and a glass of orange juice, please!" he says, flagging down a staffer. "Thanks."

He turns back to Shinjiro with a huge smile. "I can't believe I just ordered food at a restaurant. I mean, I've been in situations where I could move in the open before, but it's still novel. I don't suppose you know of any machine shops that are hiring?"
redpeacoat: (grump)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-08-25 09:42 am (UTC)(link)
"The usual, please." Shinjiro gets a small bowl of rice, miso soup and some fish for breakfast, though he's curious to see what Donatello's meal will look like too.

"Shouldn't have to hide around here." That can't be very convenient. Shinjiro stays out of the public by choice, but Donatello must have a more difficult time in his world. He didn't want to pry though; if Donatello wanted to tell him more, he could. "Don't know. Yamagishi ain't here anymore, she'd know those things." She'd have probably been able to give him good suggestions.
Edited 2014-08-25 09:43 (UTC)
purple_chelonian: Donnie thinking (Default)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-08-25 07:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"No, it'll be nice to come out of the shadows for a change," he says, digging into his breakfast once it arrives.

"I guess I can just wander around the city until I find some place. Or start my own."
redpeacoat: (what's the plan?)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-08-31 07:19 am (UTC)(link)
Shinjiro takes a more leisurely pace, but he starts eating as well as soon as breakfast arrives.

He nods; it's best for everyone to get a feel for the town at their own pace, though he knows not everyone does that. "Whatever you decide to do, don't ignore the contact rules. They sound stupid, but they're a real issue around here."
purple_chelonian: Donnie thinking (Default)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-08-31 03:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Table manners were not a major part of Donatello's upbringing. It's hard enough to teach four turtles ninjitsu.

"So everyone keeps telling me. That's honestly one of the weirdest things I've ever heard." And this is a very well-travelled humanoid turtle saying it. "Have there been any notable incidents where someone's gotten sick?"
redpeacoat: (woozy)

[personal profile] redpeacoat 2014-09-01 07:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Seconds after hearing Donatello's question, Shinjiro's eyes widen and he coughs, sputtering a few grains of rice back into his bowl before covering his mouth.

"Yeah, it ain't pretty." He's not going to...mention any names. Yeah. He knows it happened to...someone. Yeah.

He does his best to keep his composure.
purple_chelonian: (weird smile)

[personal profile] purple_chelonian 2014-09-01 10:15 pm (UTC)(link)
"Uh, taboo topic?" he asks hesitantly. Do we not speak of The Ones Who Go Unsnuggled?

"Sorry, didn't mean to upset you. Just trying to get some data to work with."