bravenewworld | Entries tagged with rise of the guardians: jack frost

( VIDEO. )

[ The video is choppy, and a bit grainier than usual. Judging from the scene behind her, Lux is quite a distance away from Union. A campfire roars behind her, a few tents speckling the background. The blond looks surprisingly chipper despite having traveled so far. Sitting with her back braced against her pack, she smiles at the camera. ]

Good evening, everyone. I know that a few people know already, but I won't be back home for a while. I'll be doing a bit of work for the Seekers in Sanctuary, helping to establish relations there and, if things go well, hopefully a chapter within the city. I believe that there is a lot that we can learn from them.

[ There is a brief pause as she stands, grabbing her pack and heading toward one of the tents. ]

We're close to the edge of the Warp Band's reach, so we've been thankful enough to travel with a supply caravan moving into the city. Otherwise, this might be a much harder trip than it has been. I hope to be back in signal range within a few weeks, but this job may keep me a bit longer, depending on how negotiations go. I will do my best to write letters, at the very least.

[ Finally making her way into her tent, she lets a small ball of light float toward the ceiling, depositing her pack in a corner. ]

Of course, I have other objectives as well. I'm traveling with a few others, to do some investigative work on the homunculi rehabilitation project, and whether Sanctuary is being completely honest with their plans and intentions. It is also my hope to, quite frankly, learn more. The knowledge we have is very limited, and if we are to help people cope, then we need any an all information that we can find. I doubt that it will be easy, but I've always liked a good challenge.

So, hopefully all will go well. I don't anticipate they will, but I will keep in touch as best as I can. Be well, Union, I'll see you again soon.

( ACTION. )

[ Throughout the trip to Sanctuary, Lux can be found buzzing about, busy as a combee. She is reading through notes, directing the few assistants from the Seekers she happened to take along with her, conducting interviews with various traders who have been within the city walls--doing everything that she can to prepare. And yet, she still seems a bit on edge when left on her own.

And when engaged by others? She is on 200%. Lux is smiling, more vivacious than usual, despite looking a bit worn down. There are times where she nearly drifts off on the back of her Rapidash, and she can be found reading by lantern light outside of her tent, a tin mug of coffee by her side. ]

nippy

( ACTION / closed to danny )

( VIDEO. )

[ Jack looks... tired, sitting on the floor of his room. and he's almost blue in certain places, around the eyes and mouth - not like an ordinary person in need of warming up, but like a corpse that's been left out in the cold for a good long while. that isn't the only difference; usually in video messages, he's curled up somewhere with his Pokémon draped all over him. for once, the majority of them are nowhere in sight, except for a Sneasel plastered against his front and a Froslass tucked into his side. ]

Soooo. First things first, I'm heading off to Sanctuary with Lux for a while. I'm gonna check up on the Homunculi there, if anyone else actually cares. [ that is definitely a bitter jab there. he's not at all happy about how the negotiations turned out after everyone made all those reassurances. ] Oh, I evolved just recently, that's another thing. If you noticed it get about ten degrees colder for a minute the other day, yeah, that was me. Kind of a weird experience, to be honest, and definitely not one I personally would choose to repeat! It might have been nice to get a warning about it? You know, just, a common courtesy, "by the way, if you haven't evolved before, you should know that it might feel like you're dying at first. But don't worry about it!"

[ evolution does not make his Homunculus body more stable, and because every part of him was completely unequipped to deal with the change, it was an awful shift that he's still adjusting to. he doesn't yet realise this isn't the normal experience that everyone has. ]

But on a slightly more pressing note, uh... Does anyone have a problem with not being able to touch things? Or people, or Pokémon - and I mean, ever. Because— this?

[ he picks up his familiar shepherd's staff, and immediately, thick frost begins spreading across the wood. the exasperated expression on Jack's face may be telling of the fact that he is not deliberately making this happen. ]

This is kind of a problem. [ a Growlithe comes shuffling into view to nose at Jack, and Jack gently pushes it back with his staff, laughing. ] No, idiot, I keep telling you! You're gonna get frostbite if you cuddle up to me now, you know. That's, actually, general warning for everyone — uh, don't touch me anymore! Unless you do want frostbite, in which case, hey, happy to oblige.

[ it doesn't seem like he's particularly upset about this, eyes still bright and cheerful, but his smile is somewhat tense. ]

niepokonany

[Video]

[Feliks looks like he's in Union for the moment -- in a noble house, by the looks of the fancy furniture and his high-fashion outfit. He's got his boots off, on the floor next to the couch where he sits with a Growlithe curled up next to him, petting a tuft of fluffy fur.]

You guys seriously have zero chill, you know that? Like, I go out for a couple of weeks and come back and you got all mixed up with gods again?

Never a dull moment, I guess... But seriously, way to have all the excitement without me! Super rude, Union. You're gonna hurt my feelings or something, all hanging out without me and junk.

So? How badass was it?

[Action - Various places around the Business District + Teeter's]

[As usual when he's in town, Feliks has errands all over the shopping district. He spends the morning restocking on potions, food, and assorted adventuring supplies, then hits up some of the mid-range clothing shops for things to wear out in the field, things that aren't too fussy or too fragile.]

[In the afternoon, he steels his nerve and goes to his old favorite high-end shops. He gets fitted for a few new suits at a good tailor's, then ends up in one of the fancy dress shops, laughing and making a fuss, teasing the attendants and any other patrons nearby as he tries on one thing after another. All in all, he seems in great spirits, with the exception of one moment when he catches sight of himself in a mirror -- dressed up and laughing with the fire stone necklace glinting at his breast, and the weight of the last year comes crashing back all of a sudden. He ends up having to sit down for a moment to recover, like it's a damn fainting spell -- and of course, all the people working here know all the stupid noble gossip, so they know exactly what his problem is, but he still finds himself making excuses to anyone nearby.]

Sorry, my bad -- I think this corset's a little tight after all! Haven't been wearing them for a while, you know?

[In the evening, he ends up in Teeter's, because the classier places have never actually really been his scene. After a couple of drinks, any hints of shyness are well and truly gone from him.]

Hey, hey -- I'm bored. Wanna do something fun? Like, like a drinking contest. Or a dancing contest. Or a drinking and dancing contest!

nippy

[ early on Sunday morning, a message goes out across the Warp Band network:

PARTY TODAY @ THE PARK

- come hang out with everyone and relax
- it's going all day + into the evening, turn up whenever
- try to bring something! food is always good but otherwise you can just bring a picnic blanket + napkins and stuff like that
- totsuka's doing music things, music people should bring instruments
- fireworks at night!!!!!
- ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY, I WILL FIND YOU
- see you there, have fun :)

attached is a picture of the particular park that the party is taking place at, as well as a general description of where it's located. ]

MORNING / DAYTIME / EVENING

songoftime

[There is a very serious young face on the screen. This kid doesn't look like he can be older than ten, and he's wearing a floppy green hat. He takes in a deep breath, and then starts on his announcement.]

Hello, [he says with a tone that betrays he's using what are very obviously his Best Manners,] I'm Link. I'm from Citadel, and I'm looking for my uncle. His name is Alfon, and he has a big mustache, and he's really nice and really good at making things. He hasn't come home because something bad happened. I don't know what did, but one of his Pokémon made it home, and that's what she said. I'm trying to find out what happened so that we can find him and help him. I heard that he made friends here in Union, so that's why I came here.

I would really appreciate any help anyone could give us. Thank you very much.

ladyofluminosity

[ACTION; CLOSED TO EZREAL]

[ Lux's experience in the caves was less than ideal. Taking a spill trying to help someone, she was in a lot of pain; more so because she had to play it off as if nothing happened. Her wrist and hand throbbing by the time she left Jack behind, she was admittedly thankful, as it had become nearly impossible for her to safely grip her staff in her right hand. She knew she should take off her warp band, but part of her didn't want to see the damage done. She had some idea, judging from how it felt, but somehow she hoped that it was like her run-in with Sakina--painful for the moment, but better within a day or so.

She knew that likely wasn't the case, but she could hope.

Thankfully the trip was short, and she managed to make her way home in less than a day. Fumbling with her staff, she did her best to try to open the door, struggling more than a bit. Why did this have to be so difficult? She just wanted to sleep this whole thing off. ]

[VIDEO]

[ A few days after their adventures in the caves, Lux comes on over the band. Someone else appears to be holding the camera, because her right arm is in a sling. ]

Greetings everyone. I think it's safe to say that a large majority of us are done with caves for a good long while. For those of you who didn't decide to investigate, count yourselves lucky. Really. It was an ordeal. I would know.

[ She wiggles her elbow a bit for emphasis. ]

I won't ask for details of what people saw, because I know for a fact that they were very private experiences. If you want to give them, then by all means, but don't feel obligated to do so. What I will ask, however, are other first-hand accounts of what you noticed, if there was anything out of the ordinary. Much like the last time I gave this survey, your responses will be submitted anonymously to the Seekers. If you don't feel comfortable talking to me, you can feel free to send them in.

For obvious reasons, I won't be able to write anything down, so in-person interviews will be recorded. I'm sorry about that. In any case, if you feel comfortable talking, please let me know. Thank you!

nippy

hey! everybody else pissed off about those caves? good, cuz i'm calling for an emergency party. there needs to be some real fun around here after whatever the hell that was.

i'm still pretty new here, so suggestions on place? stuff to do??? really somebody else can handle organization, that sounds boring, i just wanted to put out the word.

bravenewmods

As the characters arrive, they will find what appears to be a rather deep cavern. Upon entering, the caverns are quite narrow, with twists and turns everywhere and different tunnels that all seem to be interconnected. As characters travel deeper within the caverns, reality around them will start to warp, they will start to see and hear things that aren’t necessarily there - images of old enemies, past failures, voices of condemnation, visions that strike at the soul and core of the characters. Once this begins, it will only increase in power and volume, demanding it be confronted, lest they be trapped within these caves forever.

[OOC: This event will run for a week. All characters who enter the caves will be subject to some of their deepest fears, darkest demons, and most abject failures. To overcome them, characters must help each other out, finding their purpose through strength of character and resolve to move forward. In general, these visions should require characters to come to grips with themselves. Illusory images and voices can and will appear and can take any number of forms, depending on what is most appropriate to a character. Additionally, characters may thread with each other and are encouraged to help each other out to overcome these personal demons. For those who wish to take part, they are able and encouraged to narrate their own personal demons, which will be on display for everyone who enters their thread. IC threads may be made in this post.]

morituri_nolumus_mori

1. The Refuge Camp [Action]
[ Nestled deep in the refuge camp was a travel trunk. Like all travel trunks, it was both well-used and well-traveled. It was also asleep. A cacophony of sawing sounds rumbled through the tent flap, causing a passerby to sharply veer away. Rincewind stepped outside and stretched. He had a long day ahead of him. There were groceries to procure and clothes to reluctantly buy. He needed to get out of the camp and find an actual place to stay. The tent was all fine and dandy, but at the end of the day, it was on the breezy side and didn't offer leg room. He had to duck which meant his hat never stayed on his head when he had to stand. ]

[ No, he had to find a new residence. Somehow. But, food first. Rincewind picked a direction and strode. ]

[ The Luggage woke up. ]

( 2. The Residential District [Action], 3. The Library [Action], 4. Junes [Action], 5. A window of panic [Video] )

aerial_ace

[ACTION | AROUND UNION]

[ Cordelia never made a big fuss about her birthday. Until a few months ago, it only served as a reminder that she had once again survived another year of being unmarried--something that her mother insisted upon reminding her of, at length. Usually there would be a formal dinner at the main estate, but with her father away on business, they would need to pencil it in another time.

Which, honestly, Cordelia was fine with. So much fuss over her was still a bit uncomfortable.

She told very few about the day, save for her coworkers and, of course, Robin. It didn't actually matter, at least that was what she told everyone.

Going through the day, she hoped someone would mention something. She was 27 this year. It wasn't a milestone year to be sure, but a little pomp and circumstance on her behalf might have been nice. She even decided to wear a nice skirt today. She is in high spirits toward the beginning of the day, but by the end, her spirits are low, and she can be found around either the Rangers or Swords headquarters moping. ]

Ah, I wish this day would end...

master_tactician

[Video]

How has everyone been? Cordelia and I have been quite busy of late, my apologies for being unavailable. Married life is, as it happens, keeps your free time rather limited, but I must say it is highly recommended! The recent contact with the city of Sanctuary has lead to some rather interesting revelations! I'd always noticed my abilities were somewhat different from that of the normal Enlightened. Once I learned the name, it all fell into place, and my eyes were able to reveal the truth. Apparently, I am Magi, as the Enlightened of Sanctuary are. It's a rather fascinating development! I still am not certain how I ended up here at all, but it would explain why nobody has recognized me before. Perhaps I managed to make it near to Union before meeting a grisly end, only to reawaken alive and bereft of memory within the Forest Shrine! At the very least it's interesting to speculate about.

jewelmagus

Video

[Today? Your warp band opens up to a feed of a young girl who's fiddling furiously with the controls. A Carbink hovers beside it, sparkling and shining cheerfully. There's not really much going on, but she blinks when it comes to life.]

Oh! It works! Um...hi!

[A wave, and then she pokes the camera with a finger.]

This thing is confusing...

[More fiddling...]

Is everything here just more complicated than it needs to be? I-

[And then whoops, it cuts off.]

Action 1

[In the Residential district there's the distinctive patter of tiny feet and a screeching, child-yelp. The screaming continues and grows louder as a small girl runs by with a Carbink in her arms...pursued by a pair of angry Spearow.]

Stop following me! Go awaaaaay!!

Action 2

[In the library, someone is definitely not being quiet. A little girl's voice echoes down the long rows of books, exclamations of wonder and delight. She's never been allowed in a real library before, and the fact that she's able to touch books that don't belong to the Tohsaka's personal collection is like a Birthday and Winter Festival present rolled together. Rin climbs up and just grabs several big books at random, tottering over to a table and setting them down with a thud. And if someone doesn't stop her, she's going to get a few more...]

Action 3

[Finally, it's getting on towards nighttime and a sleepy Rin is trudging her way home. She'd eluded guardians all day, but even she had to admit that it was time for bed. Only...she doesn't exactly know where that is yet. She'd scampered off in daylight and now it's too dark for her to get her bearings. Is it this fountain or that fountain where you turn left? Was there a Noctowl statue sitting on the roof when she'd come by at noon?

It's troubling enough that she starts by going over to tug the nearest stranger's pant leg.]

Um. Excuse me...can you help me find my way home?

halfterlife

[ the image on the video isn't very clear at first, what with the darkness of the surroundings and the black and white quality of the warp band feed, but if you squint you can make out what looks to be the Mausoleum, and in the distance, two very excited figures that appear to be chasing what looks like a misdreavus. Danny's voice sounds from behind the band: ]

So, guess whose folks dragged them down into the creepiest part of the city. Iiiif you guessed mine, then uh, you win the satisfaction of knowing you were right, I guess?

[ he twists his wrist back round so that everyone can see his partially resigned, partially irritated face. as he does so, he suddenly shivers, the feed shaking with him, as a blue mist escapes his mouth. ]

Ugh, and I've lost count of how many times that's happened since I got down here. How many ghosts are in this place anyways? [ there's a sudden loud noise from off-camera, and Danny glances over his shoulder, looking alarmed for a second. he rolls his eyes the next moment as the distant sound of "oh, darn, almost had it that time!" is heard. ] Well, at least my parents're having fun. I don't think they even noticed me and my sister both snuck off to do our own thing. Which is good for me, 'cause I wanted to show you guys something - look, check this out--

[ looking a lot more enthusiastic all of a sudden, he shifts so that everyone can see the solid-looking stone wall next to him. he puts his non-warp-band-wearing hand on it, and after a moment of concentration, looks positively giddy as his hand goes straight through the stone. ]

Did you see that? That was me! Like as in, me actually wanting it to happen instead of it all happening at random. I-I know that's kinda small, but not bad for, what, a month of this stuff. I mean any control's better than none, right?

[ there's suddenly a low growl from Danny's left; just over his shoulder, there's a houndour with his hackles raised, continuing to growl threateningly at a nearby stone box that, given their location, is probably a coffin. yikes. ]

Uh, Cujo? What's up?

[ before Cujo can stop growling for long enough to answer, there's a sudden loud, high pitched cry of "FLOOOOON!!", which for the kindred souls among you will sound roughly like "BEWARE!!" ]

What the heck-- gah!

[ what happens next can only be described as anarchy. a drifloon comes flying out of the box straight at Danny's face, and he ducks reflexively and goes intangible without meaning to, leaving the warp band to fall through his wrist and land with a clatter on the ground. this leaves the following events to be witnessed at a very odd angle: the wild drifloon flying about screaming something about being the master of all things square and rectangular, the houndour barking aggressively at it, and to cap it all off, a wooper with a giant spray bottle appearing seemingly out of nowhere and spraying everybody present liberally with water.

it is probably for the best that at that point, the warp band is picked up by a clefairy who looks like she's more than ready to jump headlong into the fray, who squeaks out a pipipi! message of "busy now, we'll get back to you later!" before cutting the feed. ]

nippy

( VIDEO. )

[ the background is of the woods just outside Union and— oh, look, it's the boy who was causing the huge scene at the public discussion about Sanctuary. he seems completely different in demeanour now to the way he was then; his expression and body language are open and friendly.

there is also a Phantump in his lap, with Jack's arms wound loosely around it, and a Pidgey comfortably perched on his head. ]

Suddenly thought about something and I thought I'd open to the public for an answer, since that seems to be the done thing around here. Yes? Am I right?

Okay, so I know I'm a little bit out of the loop with what "the norm" is— uh, pretty much everywhere. [ this is still an understatement. ] But does everybody seriously name the Pokémon they're hanging out with? Why? Isn't it weird? How do you even come up with all those names?

( ACTION #1. )

[ somewhere just outside of Union, Jack is... attempting to practice. it sounds like he might be sticking around for a while, between the people he's been meeting and the Sanctuary troubles. he wants to help all the Homunculi stuck there; and just as much as that, he wants the information the Mages are hiding, because maybe he'll learn something about himself. maybe he'll find out how to get back his memories - and every time he thinks about that, there's ice crackling all over him like jolts of electricity.

but staying in Union means that he's going to be near lots of people, and for long periods of time. he can't go accidentally making blizzards and causing huge explosions of ice spikes - that's fine out in the middle of nowhere, but somebody might really get hurt here.

so he's gotta get himself under control. but by the gods, training is boring.

and also not very successful at the moment, judging by the way the ice that Jack was gathering in his hands just blew up in his face. the blast radius is enough to hit anyone that might have come near to investigate the noise, too - they get front-row seats to a blast of icy wind and a faceful of frost. Jack's hair is blown back and frozen in place, and there are ice crystals all over his face. ]

Oh, come on! I had it that time! [ a Duskull is doing giddy loops around his head. Jack snatches a wooden shepherd's staff up off the ground to jab playfully at the Pokémon. ] Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. Just you wait - next time you're sleeping I'm gonna freeze you to the wall.

( ACTION #2. )

[ this is less of a singular event and more of an "any time a character happens to notice it" thing, because - did you know Jack's been sleeping on the streets?

well. Jack's been sleeping on the streets. on the nights when he stays in Union rather than the surrounding woods, he tucks himself into alleyways and corners, anywhere it seems likely he'll be able to sleep shielded from the morning sun. this doesn't always mean he ends up in the most unnoticeable spot he could find, and with his Pokémon lingering around him, he could certainly be caught at night or in the morning before he wakes. feel free to question the dirty homeless teenager.

he's tried to convince his new friends to go to the Pokémon Habitat, because even if it feels too awkward for him to sleep there, it's a place meant for them. they have refused. so the boy can also be found with a Phantump cradled against his chest, a Pidgey sleeping on a rooftop overhead, and a Duskull keeping vigil over him. ]

heartandsoul

[The focus of the video looks like a small sculpture of a Honedge sitting on top of cloth. Looking closer shows that the sculpture is made of ice and…there's a slight tinge of frost around the picture as well.

The camera shifts as it's picked up and the sculpture too. Maka holds the Warp Band in one hand and sets down the miniature with another.]

Aria, I asked you not to put those on my projects.

[She's speaking to someone off-camera, but right after she does the camera is panned over to a Froslass that seems to be forming another sculpture with…her ice?

This time it's a Gengar, appearing to be leering right at the girl.]

She's been doing this since the solstice…I mean, I appreciate her trying to keep the house cool, but--[She doesn't like that Aria is set on creating creepy sculptures of Ghost types to tease her trainer.] It's freaking Hades out.

[To explain that, Maka pans the camera again over to a Houndoom that seems to be…freaking out just a little at all the ice and chill.]

…And it's getting my projects wet. [Not to mention the ice sculpture of the Gengar is creeping up on her as she's speaking. Once it's close enough, it begins to rub itself against her face.] --Ah! Cut it out, Aria!

[The feed ends there with a ghostly giggle.]

ofpromisedvictory

[Action - The Verdant Forest]

[On your way to/from Caldera for the festivities? Wandering out in search of Pokémon? Fleeing from a flock of Spearow? Odds are that you might run into a Honedge wandering the woods. They're not completely uncommon in Union, but finding them in the wild outside of ruins is almost unheard of. Too bad it's not Shiny...]

[It's definitely behaving oddly, though. Rather than going for the immediate attack, as many Wild Pokémon do, it's...lurking. Observing, actually. It's too honorable to lurk. But it seems to be hesitating about approaching for a little bit.]

[At this point, you can choose your path, almost like it's some sort of visual representation of a novel with multiple options given to the reader:]

1

[Approach the Honedge with Pokémon ready to attack, or with a Warp Band as if you're about to try to bond it (she, actually), and she'll unsheathe herself, ready for a fight.]

2

[Start speaking plainly, or wait long enough for the Honedge to get comfortable, and the Honedge Shifts into the form of a young lady in an old-fashioned dress, who immediately bows in greeting.]

Greetings. I ask of you - do you know the way to a place called "Union City"?

expertonshutters

It's the morning of the 21st and it's clear even to the inexperienced Unionite, Refugee, or Citadel resident that the city has a different air to it. If it wasn't the atmosphere that got them, then the stalls lining the streets would. Many people are still working on getting set up for the night festival, but the stalls that are complete are lining many corners and they are filled to the brim with bright colors. From afar, the streets look like someone threw a rainbow of paint across the city.

They haven't seen anything yet.

It's not yet time for the festivities so any visitors are free to wander the streets. The natives seem to be delighted if amused at all the people interested in the holiday and are happy to sell anyone as much colored powder as the want. Sometime close to noon is when things change. The natives all kind of stop what their doing. The colored stalls start to close up and everyone looks tense.

A long, rattling trumpet sound rings through the streets and that is when all hell breaks loose.

It's every man and pokemon for themselves. Have fun everyone.

[Ooc: Feel free to make your own top levels in addition to using the prompts below! Have fun guys!]

nippy

yo! i'm not the kind of guy that's big on research, so i hope it's cool if i throw a question out here. wayyy better than flipping through books and digging through some old guy's notes (no offence to any bookish nerd types, but boring is NOT my thing)

anyway, the Q!

does anybody know anything about homunculi?

bravenewmods

Please do not attempt to post in this entry. Thanks!

Brave New World

(no subject)

ACTION/VIDEO.

22 [Video + Action (open)]

ACTION -- OPEN EVENT. (forward-dated to sunday)

♪ 01 [video] post-event

Forward-dated to post-event

post-event | TEXT.

Descent into Darkness

I • Rampage of The Luggage

(no subject)

(no subject)

1st Adventure: Coming to Union [Video/Action]

☄ 02 ☄ ( video / action for anyone hanging around the mausoleum )

VIDEO + ACTION.

[Video]

A wild HONEDGE appears!

The Day of Fire. [Calderan Summer Solstice OPEN log]

TEXT.

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