etrayamods: (Default)
∎ ETRAYA MODS ∎ ([personal profile] etrayamods) wrote in [community profile] etrayamemes2025-01-02 03:19 pm

TDM 006



⏵ arrival ⏴

Arrival is absolutely not normal this month. Instead of a hospital bed, you wake in a tunnel with a large group of other people. These are the residents. A woman’s voice in an earpiece hurriedly clues you in with an apology.

I apologize; I had not planned to introduce you this way, but we are low on time. Please proceed down the hallway.

An image of a shattered pearl pops up on your personal HUD and rotates.

I am Aurora. You are joining many others on Etraya in order to save your world from destruction by completing missions. Your current mission is to find the pieces of this object that have become scattered in the library ahead of you.


For everyone else, coming in is much the same. The instruction goes out to head to designated areas immediately, where companion bots will escort the residents of Etraya down into the depths, the area beneath where much the same is explained.


⏵ disrobing ⏴


The tunnel eventually opens directly into the foreroom of an expansive library, painted in marvelous hues and patterns with skylights far above. There are wizards milling about, bearded and holding tomes, quietly chatting amongst themselves.

The reception area of the library has tall ceilings with equally tall doors Before you get too caught up in the scenery, a voice directs you forward. A gentleman, hunched and bespeckled craws out.

"Make a line! Make a line, everyone! You cannot enter the library dressed as you are... Come forward and give me your name."


The receptionist asks your given name and then hands over a box from underneath his counter. You can give him any name you want, he doesn’t seem to mind. It is tied with a tagged ribbon- labeling it accordingly. “The _____ robe of _______.”

(First Letter of Given Name) (Last Letter of Given Name)
A Controlling N Helpful A Melodies N Light
B Glimmering O Floating B Discretion O Mind-Reading
C Wet P Handsome C Growth P Climbing
D Gruesome Q Gullible D Grasping Q Jumping
E Observant R Ratty E Flying R Hurting
F Powerful S Adhesive F Reading S Guiding
G Psychedelic T Sweltering G Dancing T Bug-Speaking
H Swift U Cheerful H Shouting U Exploding
I Voracious V Anxious I Extracting V Complaining
J Soft W Likeable J Punishing W Dividing
K Keen X Ruthless K Creeping X Slapping
L Fabulous Y Dramatic L Walking Y Charming
M Fair Z Demonic M Listening Z Combustion


As you read what the contents of the box may be, they form inside- Looking and behaving as your character expects them to. After all, magic is all in the wielder’s mind.

Don your robes and enter the library.


⏵ unfamiliar familiars ⏴


For those without a familiar (like one hatched from an egg not too long ago) you may borrow one from the library counter. They all have strengths and weaknesses, but they will all assist in the very important mission. As you roam the library, they will make little indications that you are closer or further from finding a piece of the pearl.

Image Image Image
Pro • Hardworking
• Gives correct directions 75% of time
• Won’t run away from you
• Very affectionate
• Gives correct directions only when paired with another rat, toad, or personal pet.
• Gives correct directions 90% of the time
Con • Must feed bookworms • Will run away if too close to a cat • Does not care for you
• Sleepy
• Will run ahead
• Gets distracted by rats



⏵ the task at hand ⏴


With robes donned and creature in hand, you must now complete your mission. Find the pieces of the shattered pearl. As you enter the library, you may notice that it’s all very dim. There’s oil lamps around the place that may be moved with you to assist in your journey if your robes do not already emit light.

Break off and search the library. There is a directory at the front to point guests to all the different sections.

Wings of the Library
A General Works B Music
C Philosophy, Religion D Fine Arts
E History, Auxiliary Sciences F Language and Literature
G Magic, General H Science
J Geography, Anthopology K Medicine
M Agriculture N Hobbies, Recreation
P Social Science Q Military
R Political Science S Practical Arts
T Law W People
X Education Y Spiders


Each section looks enough like the last, though the books within have immense power. Pick up the wrong book, and you might conjure a dragon or a historical figure! You must persist and avoid making too much noise or breaking too many things.

Or else the Librarian, a tall mass of knotted fabric will confiscate your robe and usher you back outside. Your name will be struck from the list, and you must pick a new one to re-enter the library to continue the search.

You can try to fight back against him- he may be set alight with the lamp. But should you be starting fires in here?

⏵ NOTES ⏴


Any thread with 15 comments between you and another may be submitted to find a piece of the pearl. There are 20 pieces altogether, and we will determine if the mission was successful by March 28th. A post will go live on the OOC comm for this!

This mission occurs out of time, similar to how the spaceship had. Meaning, those currently in game can experience these events any time between now, and March 14th.

Please direct all questions to our mod queries comment!

FULL NAVIGATION

instabilitatem: (012)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 07:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[Connor likes friendly people. Far more than unfriendly people, but he's always up to the challenge. He makes a new entry in his database for Vincent.

Connor's own robe is dripping and dribbling onto the floor around him, but he seems unbothered.
]

Nothing yet. I am determined to find it.
instabilitatem: (008)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 07:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Together. [Processing... processing... processing.

In the mean time, he watches the toad turn in An Zhe's hand, waiting for it to stop. His rat does the same turning, matching the toad's movements.
]
bootyshortsforoldmen: (shadows creep and want grows stronger)

[personal profile] bootyshortsforoldmen 2025-01-28 07:42 pm (UTC)(link)

...Yeah. Yeah, okay.

[Of all the things Connor said, it’s unlikely Aurora — or whoever’s in charge here — knows about the whole slapping thing. And the shower thing.]

So you’re here. You’re Connor.

[Which is good, right? They’re friends.

In Hank’s world, at least.]

What’s the last thing you remember? Before... all of this bullshit.

instabilitatem: (007)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 07:48 pm (UTC)(link)
My predecessor must have been destroyed. [Connor is stoic, unfeeling, but his voice is reassuring.] Cyberlife has sent me to replace it.

[He's not so sure about the memory transference, as he doesn't recognize this Harold Finch. Still, Connor makes a new entry in his mental rolodex for him.]

I did, yes.
instabilitatem: (001)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 07:51 pm (UTC)(link)
I am, yes. [Connor nods. It's a moment before he considers Hank's question. Last memory? Scanning.]

We were leaving Elijah Kamski's residence. You asked me why I did not shoot that girl.
bootyshortsforoldmen: (I’m a wind up toy)

[personal profile] bootyshortsforoldmen 2025-01-28 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)

You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.

[Of all the times to pull Connor here. Aurora couldn’t even let him see out the revolution, huh? Couldn’t even let him do that.

Hank rubs a hand down his face. Not friends, then. Not yet. Were they on the path to friendship, in this Connor’s world? He didn’t shoot that android girl, which is a good sign — right?

What’s that saying about the monkey’s paw? Goddamn is it curling. He wanted Connor back, and now...

Hank probably shouldn’t hug him. For all he knows, maybe he was more of an asshole to this Connor than he remembers.

But even as a flicker of uncertainty crosses his face, Hank reaches out. He wraps his arms around Connor’s back in a hug because goddamn, Aurora, just let him have this one thing.]

You are always scaring me half to fuckin’ death, you know that?

banworthy: (34)

[personal profile] banworthy 2025-01-28 08:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ His eyes narrow slightly as he sees the puddle around Connor. He realizes that it's coming from the robe itself and can't quite control his expression -- ]

Doesn't that feel uncomfortable?

[ He's putting a pin in the determination regarding locating the pearls to comment on the state his companion finds himself. ]
instabilitatem: (026)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 08:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's an odd thing, hugs. Something that humans do for greetings, but Hank had never been someone who hugged people. Not in Connor's memory database. Still, it's not as if Connor doesn't know how to reciprocate, he simply doesn't have experience.

He carefully wraps his arms around Hank in return, but his touch is unsure, doubting. his LED is bright yellow, processing.
]

I apologize. That was never my intent or purpose.

[And, since they're hugging, he asks,] Are you feeling alright, lieutenant?
instabilitatem: (022)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 08:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[Connor looks down at the puddle and then back up at Vincent.]

No, it does not. It is a Wet Robe of Hurting.

[As if that clarifies anything.]
bootyshortsforoldmen: (you want me to forget you)

[personal profile] bootyshortsforoldmen 2025-01-28 08:32 pm (UTC)(link)

...Fine, Connor. I’m fine.

[Is he? Hank’s not sure. He told himself that if he went along with Aurora’s stupid missions, maybe she’d bring Connor back to him. Or maybe she’d zap Hank away and they could be together back home.

But it all feels fleeting, as if Connor could just slip between his arms in a puff of smoke, so he hugs him tighter. Rocks him a little. Closes his eyes against the tunnel and everything Aurora wants them to do.]

Just let me hug you for a second.

[“A second,” he says, as if it doesn’t turn into many. A full minute or more, maybe, before Hank is reluctantly pulling away.

This is one thing he can do differently this time, maybe. Show Connor that he cares — earlier. More clearly.

No regrets.]

You’re okay? You’re not hurt or anything, are you?

levelshift: (???)

Disrobing+familiar sry he knew the previous Connor

[personal profile] levelshift 2025-01-28 08:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hey, fellow Robe of Hurting. Accelerator isn't the least bit thrilled to receive a robe labelled the Controlling Robe of Hurting, even though he's darkly aware how fitting it is for him, so he's just scowling down at the cloth bundle in his free hand. Perched on his shoulder is a downy owlet, who turns her head to stare with big eyes as Connor approaches.

It's the voice he recognizes first, the mechanical-yet-friendly "Hello, my name is Connor." that he's heard before. Accelerator's head snaps up and he looks over, not making the slightest attempt at stopping his outburst.]


What the fuck??

[The receptionist behind the counter gives him an angry 'sshh!' that he promptly ignores. He also ignores that question, because what the hell!!

It seriously can't be him. It can't.]


That brat said you were gone!

[Robin wouldn't lie about something like that, and Accelerator had confirmed it using the hospital basement terminal. Connor left. He was gone.

So what, is this some sick joke from Echo? Can Echo even make sick jokes? Dragging one of the better people around here away, then hauling them back like it's no big deal? He can't believe this, he really can't.]
instabilitatem: (026)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[Connor mentally times a second, expecting to be let go, but Hank holds him for longer. 60 times longer, to be exact, before Hank starts to pull back. The question quietly surprises Connor and he starts a file on: Determine continued personal issues with Lieutenant Anderson.]

I have not been destroyed since the Stratford Tower.

[Not since he covered Hank's body with his own. Not when 40% was too low for Connor's internal calculations.]
banworthy: (pic#17599695)

[personal profile] banworthy 2025-01-28 08:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Wait... of hurting? How?

[ Who does it hurt? Who can it hurt? Can the water hurt?

He's taking a step back. ]
Edited 2025-01-28 20:52 (UTC)
instabilitatem: (018)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 08:52 pm (UTC)(link)
I do not think naming a rat with profanity is suitable for long-term use.

[ 'What the fuck' seems hardly appropriate name for something so harmless, either. Connor is further confused by the second sentence and he starts a file in his database named, 'What the fuck the brat said you were gone: potential rat names.']

And the name is quite long. Perhaps an acronym would be better suited.
bootyshortsforoldmen: (with one last breath in me)

[personal profile] bootyshortsforoldmen 2025-01-28 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)

Stratford Tower, huh?

[Hank shoves his hands back in his pockets to hide the way they’re shaking. There’s happiness, there’s fear — a whole damn cocktail.]

I was... a real piece of shit to you, huh? [In every universe, every timeline, this is probably how Hank is destined to be. But the difference now is that he can choose to be something, someone else.]

I’m sorry, Connor. [And for all Hank knows, maybe he was even more cruel in this Connor’s world. Maybe he has even more to be sorry for than he knows.

He reaches his hand out to squeeze Connor’s shoulder. Expression pained before he manages to wrangle it into something hopefully more neutral.]

You’re my friend, okay?

[He doesn’t say “we’re friends.” Because he doesn’t assume that. Doesn’t assume that at all.]

instabilitatem: (012)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
I would like that. [Connor nods, mentally changing Hank's designation to 'friend' in his databanks. He had wanted them to possibly be friends, but he would never request it directly. He offers a soft smile.]

No apologies are necessary.

[With a slight tilt of his head,] Are you sure you're feeling alright?
instabilitatem: (002)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 09:10 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm not entirely certain yet. I could run some tests, if you like.

[Connor reaches for the edge of his robe and a thorn slices into Connor's finger, causing some of his blue blood to bead at the edge of it.]
hyphanated: (down)

[personal profile] hyphanated 2025-01-28 09:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Turning...turning....An Zhe quietly watches as the toad eventually stops in a position facing somewhere behind him, squeaking twice.

He turns his head as well.]


...That way?
bootyshortsforoldmen: (you left before I woke up)

[personal profile] bootyshortsforoldmen 2025-01-28 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)

If you keep asking that Connor, I will hug you again.

[This is a threat!!

Hank wishes he could commit that smile to his memory, picture-perfect — god, how he’s missed it — but humans aren’t like that.

He could ask Connor if he can take his picture with his little earpiece-doohickey-thing, but how weird would that conversation be? Any weirder than it already is?

Instead, Hank asks:]

You find out anything interesting from all that licking?

banworthy: (pic#17599674)

[personal profile] banworthy 2025-01-28 09:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah.

[ Noting the blue blood, he works his jaw side-to-side. ]

So, are you an alien?

[ The question is quite casual, since he's encountered such before, but what bothers him is that a rough edge of the robe was enough to cut through skin(?). ]
instabilitatem: (032)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[?

??

????????

Processing error. Unable to determine if threat or good outcome. His LED spins yellow and his left eye twitches as he tries to process. Only to end up with more questions.
]

The soil profile does not match any known country on Earth.

[He's still having that processing error and he must address it.] Lieutenant, was the hug a threat or something you wish to do?
Edited 2025-01-28 21:24 (UTC)
instabilitatem: (002)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
No. I am an RK800 android sent from Cyberlife. Would you like another test?

[And his hand is reaching again for the edge of the robe.]
bicameralmine: (006)

familiar

[personal profile] bicameralmine 2025-01-28 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[For his part, Hammer has tied the robe - the swift robe of hurting - around his waist, and since it seems to want him to move around very slowly, he's basically just loitering here near all the familiars. He's holding a toad, and presently trying to see which of his overalls pockets it will fit into. For safekeeping.

Hearing a query posed gets an automatic reply, factory-floor chipper:]
Hi, I'm Hammer! Have you considered "Cheddar"?

[Then he blinks and shakes his head a little, but Cheddar is a great name actually, so,] You know, like the cheese. Orrr maybe Squeax, but spelled with an 'x'.
instabilitatem: (013)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
I see no reason why not. [Connor nods and makes a mental note to add to his files: 'determine magnetic disposition of toads.']
instabilitatem: (015)

[personal profile] instabilitatem 2025-01-28 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Cheddar, because of the cheese. [Connor nods, creating a mental folder for 'Cheddar, rat, approximately 1 year old.']

Hammer, I like Cheddar. It's a good name. Thank you.