epidemiology | EVENT ★ WINTER WONDERLAND, THE RECKONING

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EVENT ★ WINTER WONDERLAND, THE RECKONING

HAPPY (NONDENOMINATIONAL) HOLIDAYS

When recruits arrive back at Oska, they'll find the place already full of other ALASTAIR teams visiting Oska, and the castle and grounds entirely decked out in festive cheer. The castle is draped in purple and white finery, with a light dusting of unmelting snow everywhere -- even inside, somehow. Don't worry, the indoor snow has been enchanted to be strangely warm.

Dagny has taken it upon herself to add a little plant life in and around the castle: mistletoe, of course. It can be spotted growing in little sprigs out of chinks in castle walls, around from wooden doorframes, or even sprouting out of other, unrelated trees. You're never really safe from mistletoe. And what would the use of mistletoe be without the enchantment?

Dagny has made sure that there are enough variant species of the mistletoe to offer something for everyone. Recruits may find themselves stuck under any manner of mistletoe, trapped until they fulfill the mistletoe geas.

The Classic: This is the standard magical mistletoe, that traps people in a lightly shimmering sphere until they exchange a kiss. Any kind of kiss will do, just pucker up!
The Papilion: This is similar to the classic, but its berries come in brilliant shades of orange and pink. It will only release its catch after a butterfly kiss.
Clinging Merriment: This mistletoe is all wrapped up in itself, and climbs whatever surface it's on in twisting spirals. All it wants from its catch is a hug, but make it a good one!
The Lively Stepper: This mistletoe seems to shiver in some unfelt breeze, and if you listen closely enough, there's a gentle chime of bells that fades when you lean away from it again. People stuck under this plant will have to dance together, to whatever music they can find or make.
Whispering Mary: This mistletoe comes with deep purple leaves and seems to hide within itself. Only after a secret has been shared from each person trapped under it will it flower open and release them.
Evening Gown: This mistletoe is a gaudy display, with brilliant green leaves and splendid white blossoms instead of berries. It will only release its catch after they compliment each other -- and the Evening Gown always knows when it hears a genuine compliment, and accepts no substitutions!
Catflowers: Dagny didn't put this kind out, and has named them after the suspected perpetrators. She's been trying to take them down when she finds them, but there might be a few she's missed. This thorny sprig of mistletoe will only release its catch after they've punched each other. Sorry about that.

THE WINTER BALL

Exciting news, passed from recruit to recruit and team to team: the castle will host a ball soon! It's set to be on the second night of team Audentes's arrival in Oska, and it's going to be a truly extravagant affair. Nothing to wear? No fear! The wardrobes in each recruit's room will open upon an enormous display of fancy clothing in a multitude of styles. Once you've settled on one (and somehow, the wardrobe knows the difference between trying on and settling on), the rest of the outfits vanish the next time it's closed.

The festivities start as soon as the sun begins to sink. Music filters through the air, growing louder to guide partygoers through the castle and into the dance hall, which was definitely not a room in existence until today. The music flows from no discernable source, sometimes swirling orchestral pieces, sometimes something with a heavier beat, for a different kind of dancing. The selection is as varied as the ALASTAIR teams tend to be. Listen long enough, and you might even hear something from your own home universe.

A large glass flower shimmers in the center of the room, under which various recruits have taken to leaving presents for one another. Be sure to stop by and check the brightly wrapped parcels for your name!

MirrorBowler

Team Audentes in particular gets a special gift. The north side of the room is decorated in an unmistakable Christmas theme, complete with an enormous, glittering tree. The care put into these decorations definitely has a personal touch, it might even outshine the rest of the hall's decor. Each member of the team has a lovingly wrapped box complete with a bow under this tree, and upon opening it will find a small, intricately detailed, never-melting ice sculpture of themselves -- very possibly in a ridiculous pose. Those who were acquainted with former teammate Nicholas St. North will find that their sculpture features two figures: themselves, and North himself.

And of course, what party would be complete without the food? The kitchen has really outdone itself with its spread of delicious foods, suited to all appetites and palates. From gently steaming roasted bird to strangely colored foreign piles of tiny quivering spheres, there's something for everyone. Including the alcoholics among us: the punch is delicately spiked with that incredibly strong drink of Nalawi, which leaves a pleasantly fruity aftertaste and an immediate alcoholic burn. (Any children partaking will find that their cups have somehow filtered out any alcohol and are strangely juice-only.)

ICE MAZE

Outside the castle, the courtyard has been transformed. Giant shimmering ice walls have sprung up seemingly overnight, forming endless, winding pathways: an ice maze.

Stepping into this beautiful, gleaming maze immediately cuts off all sound from the castle life around, so loud just a moment ago. Inside the maze is only the crunch of light snow underfoot, the sound of one's own breathing, and the echoes that bounce faintly here and there.

Throughout the maze one might find bits of warm, inviting clothing. A pair of bright red mittens, a puffy coat that fits perfectly to the wearer, a scarf woven in brightly colored, warm wool. If a maze-goer chooses to ignore and walk past this clothing, they might find that something begins to follow them. It starts as just an unsettling feeling, but put off accepting the clothing for long enough and it may turn into lurking shadows in the corner of an eye, a black shape that's there in one second and vanished in the next. A faint yowl may float down a corridor, vaguely feline if only it weren't so deep. Whatever that came from must have been large.

Accepting and wearing just one of the offered clothing chases away this unwanted visitor immediately, and in just five minutes more the ice maze will finally bring you out the other side. Don't take any of its gifts, though, and the maze may just lead you to meet the Yuletide Cat instead. (Which just so happens to be Cherenkov and Crowley sharing a giant cat costume. Don't laugh, they worked hard on it.)

THE VILLAGE

Far outside the castle, the village has been brought back to warm, glowing life. Or at least, that seems to be the case. Team Hearthstone was recently on a mission to recover an item called the Time Catch, and has used it to temporarily, visually turn time back to a time when the village of Oska was populated and lively.

Humanoid villagers, all in various shades of purple and blue, hurry to and fro, talking and laughing in a language that goes untranslated by the magitek jewelry. They don't react to any of the recruits, though, and trying to touch any of them will have your hands passing straight through them. Even the restored village around them is just an illusion. One can walk straight into one of the villager's houses and find the warmth of the fire and aroma of the roasted fowl to be completely believable -- but trying to take a seat at the set table will send you crashing straight to the ground to sit in the illusion-covered rubble.

THE SQUIDGE PARK

After the festivities wind down, you may want to visit the newest addition to the Oska grounds -- the brand new squidge park. After Audentes's success in its mission on Zeta-12, ALASTAIR has been gifted with a clutch of squidge eggs to look after. Audentes need not worry about the squidges in their absence; there will always be someone in Oska to make sure the jelly-like aliens are being nurtured properly.

The squidge park is located off the greenhouses in the courtyard; it's an enclosure containing many artificial habitats so the squidges may interact with different environments to help them grow. Right now, they are just eggs, but with enough love and care, they may "hatch" (read: their amorphous blob selves will grow limbs and enter the larval stage) before Audentes even ships out again.

OOC NOTES

Blind date assignments for those working to complete the Lonely Hearts Club bounty can be found here. ICly, the match-ups are publicly posted in the ballroom for all to see.

The other ALASTAIR teams present consist of everything from humanoids to strange creatures; feel free to handwave them in your threads! The only stipulation is that transferred characters (ex. those who have dropped) are not present. The party lasts for one night, and the following day the rest of the teams will pack up and leave Oska to Audentes. The ghostly village-that-isn't will revert back to ruins at this point, as well. However, all other winter amenities will remain for the holidays!

Following the party, characters can expect to be in Oska for several more weeks, with the next mission starting in late January. A more detailed calendar for next month will be up soon!

Questions about this log, Oska, or the game in general should be directed to the FAQ. You may submit mission ideas or player plots at any time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ And then: enter one (1) party goer that recognizes the blonde with the gorgeous dress — her expression brightens visibly, the high of her cheek bones pink. She hasn't had very much of the punch, but apparently whatever she did have is enough to keep her more relaxed than she normally would be. ]

Sonia! [ Zero caution given as she approaches her friend, stepping into the shimmering circle that definitely didn't exist until she actually stepped inside it. Not that... she notices any of that right now.

What she does notice is the fact that Sonia's trying to grab something off the wall — the excitement ebbs away, just a bit, and replaced with good old curiosity. ] ... What are you doing?

Oh! Lucina! [ She wobbles slightly as she lowers her heels back to the floor, turning to her friend excitedly. ] You look truly amazing this evening! [ Her hands immediately reach for Lucina's, holding them gently in her own. ]

I... was-- [ She averts her eyes then, just slightly, and her cheeks seem to grow a little warm. She steps closer, turning to whisper now instead. ] I was trying to take one with me.

It's nothing compared to how you look. [ A complete and genuine compliment as she grips the girl's hands ( soft and dainty, unlike her's ) back. ] You look lovely, Sonia.

[ Just two cute princesses having cute compliments — when Sonia leans forward, Lucina leans in closer as well, in the hopes she can hear clearly. ] Oh!

[ Lucina looks up, eyes darting to just where Sonia was reaching for. When she spots it... ] A mistletoe?

Ah, that is not true. [ She flushes just slightly at that, mostly because of how much effort she's put in to look like this. It's more than necessary. ]

That is correct. They are quite common in Europe, so it is a nice reminder of home and I wanted something to take as a reminder of this fine evening.

It most certainly is! [ Her friend is stunning today, that much is fact; her smile grows, squeezing her hands.

Europe — that must be where she's from. ] I've heard they're... sort of tradition, in some places. [ Not that she'd know, this is her first time seeing them. Though... with a small jump she looks up and around, finally taking notice of the shimmering barrier around them. ] Ah...

Lucina... [ She looks happy at the compliment though. ] I also hope we will have more occasions where you are able to dress up as well. This suits you very well.

[ She squeezes her hands back, not letting go. ] Mm that is correct. Though, I am not certain what this one may mean. It is different to the others I have seen.

[ Yet she was trying... to take it anyway smh ]

It's been... I haven't had very many chances to dress up like this — [ The why's, she imagines, will be something that doesn't have to be shared on a beautiful night like this.

Which is why she turns her attention completely to the mistletoes instead, eyes curious as she looks up at the mistletoe. ] It does seem... rather strange.

I can't say I've seen this one tonight, either. I wonder how we can break free from it...

I suppose not, but I am glad for the chance to see you like this. [ that's gay i'm sorry ] Perhaps while we have more free time, we can try on things together? I would be interested to see what the colour of my dress looks like on you as well.

[ i'm sorry ]

Though I am not sure how either. It cannot be the "classic" or the one that involves a hug, I do not think. I have also tried one that required dancing... What else is a possibility I wonder?

Oh— [ Sonia it's like you just said what Lucina's wanted since the beginning of time. Because you did. ] Yes! Absolutely! I—

I'd love to. I'm certain a dress of my color would look beautiful on you, as well — I look forward to seeing it. [ It's so pure but also really gay ah

Anyway... ] I've seen all those, as well. There was word that they placed mistletoes where one had to punch another, though... they also seem to take form similar to the action you should take...

This one does not seem aggressive. [ ???? Is this a logical observation who knows ]

[ Pure gay, even. ]

Perfecto! Then maybe in a few days, we can try them out.

[ There's no need to go into further detail, though wow she has Not seem any that require punching. She's kind of glad, as that's the last thing she'd need but... ]

I have not seen any like that thus far. I hope you did not get injured?!

[ She's too worried to look at the mistletoe again and Wonder now. ]

[ Pure gays, in both senses of the word. ] Yes! Absolutely. [ Hopefully the closet will still be around. ]

Oh—! I've yet to be stuck under one. I believe I'm still safe.

... Though, I realize that doesn't help with figuring out what this one could be...

[ Perfect. ] I shall ensure I do not place it back inside, just in case it disappears. [ Plus, she can use it as a means of personalising her room a bit. Maybe. ]

Though that is a relief. [ Her head drops forward then, resting against Lucina's. ] I would not want anything to happen to you.

[ Though after a beat she pulls back to look at the shape of it. ]

It is quite curled up, is it not?

And the same for mine, as well. [ That's at least two dresses they can try on!!!

She takes their foreheads meeting as a moment to rest, of sorts, her lips curling up to a small smile in response. ] It would need more than a simple punch for something to happen to me, I assure you. [ This is so gay...

Her eyes narrow as she looks back up at it again. ] It... does, yes. As if it wasn't to hide itself, somehow.

I assure you, if that were not the case, I would ensure that the same was given in turn. [ Her eyes flicker back down to say that, voice soft. She isn't sure what it might mean but... hiding? Hmm... ]

I wonder what we could do with that? It is not as though we can run around and play hide and peep right now.

[ seek........ sonia seek .]

[ ( that was a hideous typo, *wants .... i'm sorry.... ) ]

You're far too kind. [ Her hold on Sonia's hands tightens for a moment, the smile growing. She's... never had someone in her life with the same status as her, similarities in mannerisms and ideas and all. "Nice" doesn't quite cover it, but it's a start. It's nice. ]

Hm... No, I suppose we cannot. [ Lucina accepts it for what it is tbh. ] Perhaps it's ... figurative? Hiding... metaphorically...

[ ( sssh it's fine! ) ]

I am not sure about that in this case. [ Her smile grows a little flustered, cheeks colouring just slightly as well. She squeezes Lucina's hands in return though, not wanting to let go just yet. ]

Perhaps? Like a "Where's Wobby" puzzle or ... perhaps something more secretive?

Where's Wobby? [ The name doesn't ring any bells for her, though it sounds like it could... perhaps be a clue? Or maybe not at all, since something else catches Lucina's attention instead. ]

... Secretive... [ Her eyes meet Sonia's again, just after she glances up at the plant. ] I wonder...

Does it want a secret from us?

A secret? [ Sonia seems to freeze for a moment, her hands stilling as her eyes widen slightly. Slowly, as her head tilts up there's a clear sign that she's uncomfortable enough with that, at least until she lets her body language soften, a smile reviving. ]

We could try it?

[ The perks of being in battle for so long means that she understands how to pick up hesitation quickly — hesitation from the enemy is an advantage for yourself, after all.

Only there is no weakness Lucina wants to exploit from Sonia. ] Perhaps it will need just one secret. [ In the hopes that whatever she wants to keep to herself, can stay that way. ]

A secret... [ Though... she needs a moment to consider, eyes glancing from one end of the room to the next. ] Ah—

During the battle against Zymandis in the last mission... I was shot. [ Which shouldn't be a big deal, and the term "shot" comes after a short pause; but she's someone who would much rather feign being "okay" over all else. ] I'm alright now, and was treated by the healers... but it is not an experience I am keen on repeating.

[ It's also a little bit of a surprise, though perhaps it shouldn't be after the punching one that seems to exist... Strange options. ]

Perhaps... though-- [ Ah. Her hands grip onto Lucina's tighter, worry and concern clearly showing on her face. Even when Lucina tells her she's alright now, it's something that doesn't sit well with her. ]

You were shot?! I am truly very sorry... I had no idea! [ It might be surprising, but she's leaning to pull Lucina into a hug next, holding onto her for a moment. ] I am very glad it was not fatal, at least... [ Because she's still alive. Lucina is still here. ]

Though I suppose... I should offer mine in return. [ Thinking back to Perdition's Rest and what she did with Urahara is the only thing there she can think of that coincides with what Lucina has told her, but she... doesn't want to admit to that. She doesn't want to admit that she dug her heel into a member of Zyndamis' arm until it punctured skin to get him to speak, that she'd made him suffer for information. None of her options are very good, so she goes with one about her world rather than herself. She pulls back to continue, her voice a lot quieter in case anyone else overhears. ]

My world is actually... in an apocalyptic state after an event we call "The Biggest, Most Awful, Most Tragic Event in Human History".

[ The concern that ripples on Sonia's face, and then the hug she's suddenly pulled into, almost makes her wish that she hadn't said it at all. But that's the nature of a secret, in some ways — the moment you tell someone else, they are, to some degree, involved in it all.

At the same time, this is only further proof that despite the short while they've known each other, somehow, they've grown to be rather close friends. ] I'm alright now, there's no need to apologize.

... Though, I appreciate your concern. [ The words are so clinical, yet the voice that carries them decidedly isn't. ] Thank you.

[ Regardless — she's keen to push the subject away from her, blue eyes meeting Sonia's as she listens attentively. Somehow, despite never having known about the kind of world she's from, the situation feels so intensely familiar.

Her expression shifts into something more somber, mirroring the concern that was once on Sonia's face. She'll empathize, but... in a moment. ] I'm sorry to hear that.

... If you don't mind asking — what happened, exactly?

[ She's glad that she knows, as awful as the news may be. The fact that Lucina is still here means that she's strong... though it isn't as though she didn't know that to begin with. Lucina is Something Else. ] You need not thank me for something like that.

[ Either way, she goes back to holding Lucina's hands again after, needing to do something to aid her when her nerves are going out of control. ]

What happened...? [ There's a lot of things she could answer to that, and the brief pause is a hint towards that, but she pushes on. ] To say it simply... "despair". Despair became a disease that swept across the world.

Despair... [ How uncanny, how the experience of another individual from a completely different time could sound so similar. It takes Lucina a moment to gather her words, to put this in the best way possible ( around them, the barriers seem to disappear, as if they weren't there in the first place ).

Despite the noise of the party, her voice is quiet, hands squeezing Sonia's again. ] I realize this may sound strange, but...

I believe we've had similar experiences, in a way. [ It's a way of telling her "you're not alone, not here". ]

[ It isn't quite the same as Lucina knows of it, this being an emotion used as a disease, something that can be spread like a plague to mess with people's heads. Her hands tremble slightly in Lucina's until she feels herself calm, hearing the other girl's words that follow. ]

Then perhaps this is just fate after all. That we were able to meet here.

[ She says it softly, giving Lucina's hands a small squeeze back. ]

Perhaps. I've learned—

[ She pauses, finding the words she wishes to tell Sonia, to alleviate whatever hurt the girl has accumulated over time. But it's hard, because she's seen the same expression on her soldiers, her friends, herself, but she still has yet to find the right words. ]

... I've learned that the bonds we share, the people we meet — they are more powerful than anything else you can imagine. [ She wonders if her father would be proud of the words she speaks now, after all this time. ] While I don't believe in "fate"... I believe in us.

[ #gay ]

EVENT ★ WINTER WONDERLAND, THE RECKONING

c!!!!! let's do this

let's!!! ;u;

i wonder if you become a walking magic mistletoe if you carry one around...

dskgjdsg i need the mods to let me know if she can succeed first sweats

i'm so happy she succeeds!!! yeah!!!

dsgsdjgn runs quickly to her room before she gets caught with someone ;A;

go go go!!

runs like the wind >n<

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wraps this up!!