EVENT ★ WELCOME TO TERRA FELIS

[futurologists]

WELCOME TO TERRA FELIS Characters leave Woodhurst suddenly and without notice, but once they come out the other side of the rift, they aren't in Oska. Instead, they'll find themselves in the middle of a springtime meadow. Flowers are in bloom, the bright blue sky is above, and birds chirp overhead. And then there are the cats. From all sides of the meadow come housecats of all shapes and sizes, indistinguishable from mundane felines in every way until one of them speaks: "You're the third team today," it says in the calm, clear voice of a man. "Come along." CENTRUM COLONIAM Centrum Coloniam is the primary city of Terra Felis and is where the government, a constitutional monarchy, is located. Situated high above the ground, the city is accessible via teleportation pads located at guarded entrances all around its base; the teleportation pads to return to the ground are not guarded at all, and anyone may travel freely whenever they wish. Terra Felis operates on magitek, a complex combination of magic and technology that recruits should be familiar with: it's the same technology that runs Oska and the jewelcomms. Centrum Coloniam is lit by glowing, floating orbs that turn on automatically in the darkness, and its machinery seems to run itself, with only a few technicians scurrying about every now and then. The buildings all have tall, vaulted ceilings, as the cats prefer to walk along raised platforms rather than the floor, though furniture and utensils might give larger species (that's you) some difficulty. However, the cats receive enough visitors where most buildings (except private residences) have been situated with human-sized doorways, though if you're very tall, you may have to stoop a bit. All in all, characters ought to be relatively comfortable here if they have a good sense of humor -- though dogs or other canine companions will be met with suspicion if not outright hostility. Even enlightened sapient felines are not without their prejudices. The city of Centrum Coloniam is shaped like a circle, with the government in the center and four districts located to the north, east, south, and west. Radiating out from the city are four long spokes of parkland, separating each district. AREAS OF NOTE: ROYAL SQUARE. Where the Queen's opulent palace is located. She is much too busy to see visitors right now, but the Prime Minister, a plump persian, will greet anyone in her stead and answer any questions. Surrounding the palace in a circle are the parliamentary buildings and other governmental structures. ACADEMY SQUARE. To the north of the Royal Square is Academy Square, Terra Felis's university district and home to the Royal University. The cats focus mainly on scientific, mathematical, and magical pursuits, though there are smaller colleges for history and law. This is also where the library is located, though it is all nonfiction (and written in Latin), as the cats don't seem to have much use for entertainment. Also located within the Academy Square is the Royal Magitekkery, where the magitek specialists are hard at work developing new spells and technology. This is where the interdimensional rift machines are located, and where scientists and wizards are monitoring for news from Oska. If characters would like to ask more about magitek or inquire about Oska, they may speak to the Royal Scientist, a rather snobby sphynx. GROOMING DISTRICT. Home to many spas, salons, and other businesses focusing on individual pampering, the Grooming District is located to the east of the Royal Square and is where the majority of the locals are employed if they are not involved in politics or magitek. Though their primary clientele are, naturally, feline, they are largely excited to work on aliens and will do their best to provide whatever services they can. Of particular note are the Terra Felis spas, where soothing mud baths and shi-miatsu massage are very popular with their regular alien visitors. They also have natural hot springs available, though you'll have to wait for a Turkish Van to assist you, as all other spa attendants refuse to risk getting wet. RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. Unless you are going to be roughing it down on the ground, your lodgings will be here at a hotel especially outfitted for human-sized visitors. The proprietress, a friendly tabby, will give you directions if you need them. Hotel rooms are outfitted with private bathrooms, a table and chairs, a vanity, and a television -- though the programming is primarily educational and news, except for the channel that plays nothing but endless videos of birds and fish, and the "alien station" which plays what appears to be soap operas starring bloblike creatures. The beds are probably the most unusual thing here for visitors -- although they're big enough for humanoids, they're just gigantic, fluffy cat beds. The houses here are not built for alien visitors larger than a cat, so if you make a friend, you'll have to visit them elsewhere. This district is also home to a number of shops and restaurants, though you might have trouble finding something to eat at the latter unless you live on a purely carnivorous diet. If you would like a little more variation in your meal, you will be offered a tray of wheatgrass; the kitchen at the hotel is staffed with cooks more accustomed to a human diet, so you might have better luck there. As cats are allergic to alcohol, there is no liquor in Terra Felis, but locals will offer you catnip on the sly if you mention you want something to help you loosen up. MUSEUM CAMPUS. The pride of Centrum Coloniam, the Museum Campus is located to the west of the Royal Square and home to museums covering everything from history to astronomy. (There is no art museum. If you were interested in seeing what cats consider art, the answer is nothing.) There is also a rather large and rather popular aquarium, as well as a zoo which features both native animals and animals from all across the galaxy. The zoo is home to an extremely complex breeding program, and the Royal Zookeeper, a scatterbrained black longhaired cat, is happy to explain their methods. Outside the city, the ground is home to meadows and forests, plus smaller villages for more rural cats. Characters are welcome to spend their time exploring the wilds if the city life isn't for them, where they may run into animals that one may expect to find in medieval Europe (deer, bears, wolves, etc). Apart from the cats, there is no other sapient species on the planet. OOC NOTES Welcome to Terra Felis! Contact with ALASTAIR NPCs remains mysteriously closed, and the native cat population has no idea what's going on with Oska either. Please use this post to plot amongst yourselves! The two other ALASTAIR teams in Terra Felis are Team Unicorn, an elite team of six (five humanoids and one talking kangaroo), and Team Ambrosia, a 20-recruit magic-focused team that consists of elves, humans, and satyrs. Unicorn had just begun their mission when they were suddenly rifted to Terra Felis, and Ambrosia was in the middle of what was apparently a very epic battle. Questions about Terra Felis can be directed here. You may also use this comment to ask (brief!) handwaved questions with cat NPCs. Questions about the game in general should be directed to the FAQ. You may also submit mission ideas or player plots at any time.

Comments

kaz brekker | ota

[steler]

a. residential district.

[having literally just acquired a puppy (thanks??? ALASTAIR?), being in a cat-world is kind of a conundrum. while suspicion has always followed him around like a shadow, inflicting it on a poor, innocent puppy seems kind of a shame.

nevertheless, kaz can be found taking barend (thats the dog) out at least once a day for walks, because the little guy needs to get out of the hotel and the only way hes going to grow up into a big, ruthless, angry dog is if he gets out and stretches those muscles.

some people have priorities.

he's much more comfortable dressing his normal fashion than the way he had been in woodhurst and, weirdness of being surrounded by cats aside, definitely breathes easier now that he's not surrounded by the sick and the dying.

he might actually end up being in a decent mood if you catch him at the right moment.]

b. out in the wilds

[kaz doesn't having anything particular against cities - ketterdam, after all, is one - but he's curious about this world and after being so restricted by quarantines, its nice to get out and explore a bit. and get away from the constant staring of cats. he doesn't go out for anything in particular, only to explore and get some fresh air but it does end up providing him with opportunities.

one, of course, is to work on his shapeshifting magic and get in some practice as a crow. it's not as safe as practicing in oska, certainly, but it does give him plenty of space to stretch his wings. anyway, playing it safe has never really been his style. if he gets chased by a cat or a wolf, whatever - he can always change back and fight, or change back and run.

at the very least, it's a good escape and he's been in sore need of those.]

c. casual museum visit

[sorely disappointed by the lack of cat art, kaz eventually does visit the museum. definitely not with any intent of ever stealing from it. definitely not to imagine the ways you'd break into it. definitely not to see if anything is of value for later. because, i mean, he's a team player. and he doesn't want to get his ass kicked by a bunch of cats and that awful spider-man guy who might actually be on their team.

but he does go to the museums to see what kind of information they put on display - it's relevant and useful even without the monetary attachment. he takes his time and, as it turns out, it's something pretty fun to do. museums - fun, even without theft! who would've thought?]

a

[digiorno]

[Giorno isn't entirely sure when seeing Kaz became a comfort. He feels quite certain that he made a serious mistake somewhere along the way to this point, and yet here he is. Here . . . he is.]

[That being said, it's hardly a surprise that the sight of a tiny fluffy puppy makes Giorno die a little inside. But it takes him a while to spot the puppy, honestly. He's halfway through offering Kaz a slightly-more-wan-than-usual smile when he spots Barend and just. Freezes, his eyes wide with delight.]

[Give him a moment--]

Youdidn'ttellmeyouhadadog.

[Ah, there he is.]

[steler]

[kaz is trying to figure out what he wants to say about that smile - he always sees the whole picture, where others might miss a cue but it turns out he doesn't have to because giorno is practically melting over barend. that's just as well. i mean, he gets it. he would never display that, but on the inside: yes.]

It is something of a recent development.

B.

[grunehexe]

[There are plenty of things to fascinate her in the city, but Sieglinde has already spent plenty of time buried in the library, trying to get answers out of the scientists, and recording her own theories in her notes. Perhaps she ought to have told someone where she was going, but such a thing would be a reminder of her weakness, the need she had for protection, and besides-

So far, this place had not proven itself dangerous. Plus, Isengrim needed to stretch his legs, and Sieglinde would prefer her skull-faced familiar do so away from the cat-like natives, hardly desiring to sour relations with them over her lupine companion.

The sudden spin of the compass hanging from her chatelaine pulls her from her own introspective thoughts on her walk, from gathering samples of the local flora, one hand on Isengrim's shoulder for balance in order to bring the small device closer to her face and watch the spin of the arrow, gaze following it... upwards?

There was only a crow. But on closer inspection...

It was giving off a magical signature.]

[steler]

[kaz is getting pretty good at this whole crow thing, much better than when he originally got the spell, at least, but he's still learning. the sight of her familiar is almost enough to make his concentration slip and break the spell but he saves face.

Which he's pretty proud of, all things considered. But after a moment he lands anyway and changes back into his normal teenage boy self. Sieglinde is curious about him and he's legitimately curious about her compass, too, so a little information for a little information is hardly a bad thing.]

The way you were looking at me -- did you know?

[that he was human, that it was a spell - take your pick.]

c.

[fateality]

[On the other hand, Twisted Fate is definitely there to idly asses the value of whatever is on display in the museum. Not necessarily because he has intention of borrowing anything indefinitely, but it's a nice little hobby while also attempting to determine if there's anything of use in this place.

After all, he'd spent time in the Academy already and didn't find what he was looking for. Perhaps the museum could be an eye-opener.

From there, he spots Kaz, and he grins before offering a tip of his hat.]

An interestin' time it's been, hasn't it?

[steler]

[man, tf, call a bro when you wanna steal stuff. heists are always more fun in a group haven't you ever seen ocean's 11??]

Sure, if by "interesting" you mean a continued testament to ALASTAIR's incompetence.

[sorry....kitties within earshot. but this isn't oska. this obviously wasn't the original plan.]

c.

[slapfight]

[the one thing Woodhurst taught Peridot besides "all your friends really are fragile and soft and bad things can and will happen to them" is that she really, really enjoys the thrill of illicit activity. Sneaking around the sewers, breaking into the theater, stealing from stores even though everyone else is also doing it... It's fun.

And this seems to be an area that Kaz excels at, which is why the second she sees him, she forgets decorum and propriety and runs up to him.] Kaz! Kaz! Wait for me!

[annnd she stops just short of him, straightens herself to her full and unimpressive height of 4'9, and clears her throat. now that she has his attention, she can speak more calmly.] I've been... thinking.

[steler]

[see, one of those lessons is a good one and one is a horrifying one and - ultimately, unfortunately, kaz understands both of them really well.

the illicit activity is definitely his preferred topic, however, and he is a little pleased to see his criminal protege come to join him even if she's a little way too loud for where he's pretty sure this conversation is going.

at least being a whole foot and three inches taller than her means its not hard to look Intimidating about her lack of decorum. the Disappointment vanishes after a moment, though, because she also calms down and, well, again, crime child.]

Hello, Peridot. [he won't leave her hanging, tho, he'll bite:] What about?

a

[sheriffing]

[ Emma won't lie, it's the puppy who catches her attention first. her wolf is around here somewhere (probably hiding away from the terror of a cat world with Brother), but Sunny has better learned to take the strange happenings of ALASTAIR in stride. it's a little different for humans, especially humans like Emma. after all she's been through, she might think she'd adapt to all of this. instead, she's trying not to stare at all of the animals around her.

a puppy is a welcome distraction, and Kaz isn't so bad either.]

Did you just get him?

[ it's a little funny, alright? become a dog owner, end up in a cat world. needless to say, she feels bad for the little guy. her wolf might know better than to go wild here, but this poor dog still has to learn his way through their missions.]

What's his name?

[steler]

[the irony is not lost on kaz and he nods]

Excellent timing, isn't it?

[it seems fitting, in some ways. that this is how he gets a dog. that this poor dog has to go through this. ah, well, the cats'll just have to get used to it.]

His name is Barend.

[aspearation]

[ Ah. It's that kid again. This time, he has a dog. It's not Undyne who notices first, but Dogberry who-- for lack of companionship from the cats-- is desperate to make a new friend. He has his fancy new collar on, and his empty harness bags; he's feeling pretty good about himself. Undyne, on the other hand, is still on the fence about how they left Woodhurst, but she's relieved to see that kid made it out fine.

She wonders if he'll recognize her.

While Dogberry is busy trying get in the requisite rear end sniffing, Undyne saunters up casual as anything. ]

Heh. Dogs, right? What's his name?

[steler]

[without her Mallcop Human disguise, it is pretty hard to recognize Undyne, but he gets the distinct feeling he's seen her somewhere before, it's just hard to place it until she speaks and he recognizes her voice.

Hello, Mallcop, we meet again.

he's got a moment of concern for Barend with meeting a new potential friend like a parent fretting about their kid being Out In The World but it seems to be going fine, so he relaxes a little bit.]

Especially given the circumstances. [cats...] This is Barend. What about yours?

a - here for the pup ... and kaz ig... eh.

[assent]

[ It is nice to be able to wear clothes more like they are used to. Woodhurst had been interesting in that way, and Sonia had definitely learned how strange some items of clothing could be -- but thanks to people like Nami and Maya she had gained more confidence in trying those new things as well.

Now they're on cat planet, mind you, she can go back to a style that is more fitting for her. More elegant patterns and lines, softer colours. Today, she's chosen a dress that keeps her arms covered at least, but it is still light enough to not make her too warm. There difference in temperature is still something she's getting used to.

As is the sight ahead of her, apparently. She blinks when she sees Kaz, ready to smile and wave at him, when the puppy trotting along in front of him catches her attention.

Then, sadly, all bets are off as she kneels down to open her arms for him. ]

Come here-- [ The tone she gives the pup may not be in line with the big, angry dog Kaz wants him to grow into though, she is definitely trying to fuss him. Besides, what do pups want???? Fussing, apparently. ]

How adorable! Just look at you.

[ Kaz is apparently forgotten. Sorry, Kaz... ]

[steler]

[it's nice to see sonia smile, after everything. he's aware it might be be forced, might just be a facade -- but there's something important in the things people are about to project, regardless. she has the ability to do it even if it's pretend.

but also, most smiles for dogs are genuine he knows this, too.]

Hello Sonia.

[still!!! here!!!!]

Don't spoil him too much.

[i'm not going to lie, though, he's not going to stop her. she deserves to be able to do this.]

a puppy.....

[endeudado]

[ Jesper has never been so jealous. Admittedly, he'd never have the patience to care for a dog, but he isn't so cold that he doesn't enjoy the sight of a big, fluffy puppy. He bends down to pet the dog's head, scruffing its ears. ]

Sweet new gift from Alastair, huh?

[steler]

[well jesper maybe if they like you enough you can have a bear or a crocodile or whatever sonia decides is best]

I can't imagine why they continue to give me things, but here we are.

a;

[unholey]

[It's odd, how peaceful it is here in the morning. (And in the afternoon. And in the evening. Just in general, really.) Or maybe he's the odd one for finding it strange. His instincts feel all wrong for this city, both after the stress that was Woodhurst and just in general. At least the weather is warmer. At least there aren't any mitigating factors keeping people inside rather than out.

There's nothing wrong with something as simple as a morning walk. So here he is, idly walking the streets around the hotel and crafting a mental map of the immediate area, trying to be a little less himself. And there's Kaz, whose dark and looming figure is a little odd in contrast to his small and fluffy companion.]

Morning, Brekker. [As they are with a lot of things, Fugo and Giorno's reaction to the puppy are as different as night and day. Fugo first nods to Kaz, then down at the puppy. His face doesn't particularly brighten, although it's plain he's curious about the circumstances that brought this state of affairs about.] Where did you find a dog?

[In a whole planet... full of cats who, despite their sentience and honestly fascinating technology, are still very much cats. Dogs sure have been run out of this town.]

a.

[predomination]

[Kaz has a puppy, Urahara has a little black shadow that has been following him ever since he looked alarmed at seeing her in one of the shops. It's quite possible that she thought she'd scared him, and was looking to do it again, but he's been amicable ever since.

He'd never give any cat the satisfaction of knowing he's a little bit nostalgic, or that, at a distance, she'd looked like someone he knows from home. She'd either use it to her advantage or, worse, get offended.

Both cat and shinigami stop when they notice Kaz and the puppy- the cat focused on the dog with wary, affronted eyes, and Urahara focused on his master.] Kaz-san. [he nods politely.] You didn't strike me as a dog person.

a

[wyvil]

[Wylan, like Kaz, is glad to be back wearing clothes of his usual style and equally glad to be in a place that's new to all of them. Maybe here, he'll feel more settled, won't feel like he constantly has more to learn.

When he spots Kaz's new friend he can't help but pause his exploration of the city and head over, kneeling down to greet the puppy. If Wylan had been the son his father wanted or his father had been a decent person, he might have had a pet growing up.. But Wylan knew his father would refuse and didn't dare ask, even though he'd wanted one. He smiles as he scratches behind the puppy's ears.]

Where did you find a dog here?

another for the pupper

[dbag]

Oh, my goood, he's so fluffy. She? It.

[ Is it rude to call it an "it"? Whatever. It's a cute puppy, is the point, and he inexplicably wants to squeeze it. He's practically been ignoring Kaz this whole time, just crouching down and talking to the puppy, but he glances back up after a moment. ]

I didn't know you had a dog. [ If Rhys knew that was the case, he would have checked in on Kaz way more (read: at all). Just to pet the puppy, but still. ] Don't take this the wrong way, but you don't exactly seem like the sweet and nurturing type?

a

[nextlineis]

[When push comes to shove, Joseph loves all animals. But you put a puppy in his vicinity, and boy howdy, who cares about anything else?]

[Which is why Kaz likely hears a very sharp inhale before suddenly (or as suddenly as someone Joseph's size can be) Joseph appears directly in front of him and Barend, impeding their project.]

That's a cute dog! Can I pet 'em?

[He does not seem to be waiting for an answer because he's already crouching down and holding a hand out.]

c

[reverseengineer]

[Before Kaz can actually get into the museum today, he's greeted by the sight of a small, green-clad human being very purposefully pushed out by some cat security guards. She isn't exactly resisting. Pidge is a Paladin of Voltron and a hero and probably shouldn't get herself in more trouble with the authorities than she already is. But she's also definitely reluctant to leave.]

I was going to put it back together!

[The cats do not seem moved by her argument and slam the museum door in her face. It's not locked, but they're also very much watching her. For the day, at least, she's going to have trouble getting back in.

She scowls and looks around, meeting Kaz's eye.]

If they didn't want me taking things apart, they shouldn't have put them where anyone with a screwdriver and half an ounce of intelligence can get to them.

a; i wanted to be cool and break the mold but in the end i couldn't resist the doge

[feytality]

[who cares about Kaz, there's a dog right there]

[She crouches down to offer her hand to the puppy to sniff. If she's approved, she'll pet him]

Awww, hey little guy! You must be feeling pretty out of place with all these kitties around, huh? Well, I think you're really cute!

[Okay, fine, she'll say hi to Kaz too. She clasps her hands together and bows her head to greet him, Maya-style]

Hey, hey, you know.... if this guy gets big enough, you could ride him around.

[he's a dog not a horse Maya???]

b

[skelepun]

[Kaz isn't the only one who took an opportunity for a little me-time. Sans liked the city well enough. The cats were friendly and a hell of a lot more comfortable to be around than humans, but things were never that simple. As long as he wanted to keep up his little charade -- an act that was rapidly hedging up against his limited effort reserves -- it meant never really relaxing.

So, here he was. Reclining at the base of a tree and sending bones up into the air. They rose up, slowed, reached their apex, and descended. It was almost comforting, calculating the force and velocity on their journey back towards the ground. About thirty were embedded in the soil around him, casting an eerie look over the clearing. Well, eerie to someone else. Bones were just bones to a skeleton.

Overhead, Sans caught a glimpse of a crow. It was one of the first animals he'd seen since venturing out here. A flying cat would've made a little more sense, though maybe he was just being silly.]

Hey pal. [He asked, idly, expecting no response. He fired another bone into the air, bored.] Where'd your flock get to?