khuimods: (Default)
Khu Ioduan Mods ([personal profile] khuimods) wrote in [community profile] ioduanlogs2018-07-16 10:40 am

[EVENT] 4th Wall - SHADOW WALKERS

Characters: Everyone
Date: July 16-31, 2018
Location: Aifaran and the rest of the archipelago.
Situation: 4th Wall! Temporary Dreamfolk have begun appearing in Aifaran.
Warnings/Rating: None. Though please warn for things in the headers at your own discretion.

Khu Ioduan's first 4th wall event is here - so we'd first like to extend a warm welcome to anyone newcomers to the game. We're excited to have you here and hope you enjoy your time in Khu! For everyone, this is a great opportunity to try out new characters and bounce around ideas - we hope everyone has fun!


And the silence of short days, the silence of the year, the shadow...


ANOMALIES
July had already been a strange month for the inhabitants of Aifaran. The Narrakra returned with more questions than answers about its crew, and the thick fog and and the oppressive heat lingered like an awkward and unwanted houseguest who couldn't take a hint to leave. Perhaps it was a trick of the light, or perhaps it was just the torrid weather getting to people, but some could swear to seeing shadowy figures in the persistent haze.

By the 16th, the sanity of these individuals is no longer in question. The shadowy figures had become abundant for all to see, wandering the city as though in a daze before fading into obscurity.


ARRIVAL
The strange shadows that had appeared throughout the city have manifested… people. Perhaps even people other Dreamfolk recognize. As they step into existence, the obscure phantasms have taken on a sinister countenance. They peer at the world with blank, hollow eyes, and bare a mouth of invisible teeth with malevolent grins. They are otherwise indistinguishable from other shadows save for these alarming features, and they are attached to the newly-arrived Dreamfolk, marking them as somehow...different. Hovering at these visitors' heels, following them around at every step, impossible to banish.

The citizens give them a wide berth, some even crossing the street or outright fleeing in terror to avoid these new arrivals. There have been so many bad omens of late, none are keen to take any chances.

The shadows can't physically affect anything, but boy do they have personality; there's a lot of sinister grinning going on, and they tend to mimed mockery, sometimes going so far as to mimic the emotions of the person they're attached to -- sometimes even those emotions that person might not wish were shown. The extent of this is, of course, within your discretion to play with.


FESTIVAL
The arrival of these especially transient Dreamfolk is usually met with celebration, an impromptu festival that aims to give them a condensed experience of Aifaran in the short time that they're here. The grinning shadow companions that come attached to this particular batch of Dreamfolk has put a slight damper on the usual festivities, but some people are determined to make the best of it.

In order to help make the new Dreamfolk feel more at home, some enterprising individuals have taken it upon themselves to paint the town… greyscale. Instead of the usual riot of color, a small area around the Dreaming Bridge is quickly decorated in greys and blacks. An few enterprising confectioners start selling candied versions of the grinning phantasms; some of them are true to nasty form, but others have been made to look much cuter than the actual shadows attached to people. All, of course, are delicious. In the same fashion, some tailors have conspired to provide plushies in similar form.

It's not all fun and games. A theatrical troupe takes over a shopfront for rent and turns it into a haunted house featuring spooky legends from around the archipelago. The troupe makes a serious effort at being scary, including a convincing representation of the Night Fisher lurking in the building - although if anyone comments on this creature, the staff will only give them confused looks and insist that wasn't one of the attractions.




OOC Notes:

4th Wall visitors are going to be arriving with a maniacally grinning shadow dogging them for their stay in Aifaran. These specters cannot be banished or destroyed, but nor can they interact with anything physically, including the visitor themselves! They make up for it in BIG PERSONALITY though, because they're kind of shitheads.

* * *

Just a quick reminder that anyone is welcome to the 4th Wall event whether they play or have ever played in Khu Ioduan or not, and that both canon and original characters, as well as CRAU and canon OCs are allowed. If you are unsure whether your visiting character falls under these categories, check out our Application FAQ for more detail!

Please note that we do not accept AU characters like genderbends/Rule 63 characters, crack versions (like fandom Abridged series), etc. If you have any questions, please ask us!

The newcomers are Dreamfolk and will ICly be referred to as such by the native residents of Aifaran, but there are a couple of important differences between them and the Dreamfolk who live in the city long-term, namely:
  • Fourth-wall characters will not have Talent tattoos. In a nutshell: Dreamfolk usually get a magical tattoo with that provides them with a new ability upon arrival. This tattoo is also what keeps Dreamfolk anchored to Aifaran's world, Konryu.

  • Fourth-wall characters will be able to reply to network posts, but not create their own. This will be explained as a Dreaming glitch -- the consoles and yimos will register their names, but not let them make their own broadcasts, similar to how a real-life forum distinguishes between someone being logged-in and someone being logged-out while still labeling their replies with a nickname. Fourth-wall characters can also reply to character's IC inboxes using this same reasoning. Similarly, due to the way the community’s posting/membership allowances work, fourth-wall characters will not be able to make their own logs but are encouraged to make use of the mod-posted or catch-all posts made by members of the game. (Catch-all posts are essentially those made to cover a great length of time or a particular setting.)

  • We'd like to remind everyone that this is a "live" 4th wall, meaning that what happens during the event will be completely remembered after the event ends, and any setting impact/changes/decisions that occur because of the 4th wall characters will be upheld.

  • If you are bringing a character back that you've played during a previous 4th Wall event in our legacy game Tu Shanshu, you are welcome to have them remember that previous time! Or, if you'd prefer to bring them in "fresh", that's fine too. And of course, any characters who were previously played in game (either Tu Shanshu or Khu Ioduan) can retain those memories.

  • Don’t forget the Setting page is available here as well, for your setting-related needs as the event progresses. Please note that while powers are typically not nerfed in the Khu Ioduan setting, we do limit world-or-game breaking powers as a matter of course. We welcome everyone to try out the game’s setting, but characters who are brought in solely to disrupt or "break" the game will be asked to leave.

  • For organization purposes, we'd greatly appreciate it if logs and network posts involving 4th wall characters could be tagged with the %4th wall comm tags. Your mods thank you!


CHARACTER SIGNUPS & POSTING

Our 4TH WALL EVENT CHECK IN comment for characters wishing posting access for the duration of the event is open! Remember that you can request new characters to be added even after the beginning of the event, up until July 31st, the last day of the event and the day when the fourth-wall characters will ICly disappear from the city.

After that point, posting access will be maintained for any guest characters up until August 8th, to allow any threads still being played out to finish up. However, we do request that no 4th wall characters tag any posts dated August 1st and onward, as ICly their characters would have left the city by that point.

If you have any questions regarding these rules for the 4th wall, please ask them in the OOC Questions comment below.
dancermoves: (NINE.)

[personal profile] dancermoves 2018-07-26 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
Anzu seems... oddly less stressed about being here than one might expect. "The string of numbers," she said. "It looks like a phone number. But it's okay if you're not familiar with those," she added after a beat.
dancermoves: (NINE.)

[personal profile] dancermoves 2018-07-26 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
... all skepticism of what Tolunai is claiming, that's actually pretty funny, and Anzu cracks a smile. Her own is lounging around like a slothful brat on any surface it can, which annoys her more than it probably should - people are going to get the wrong idea about her because of it.

"So what's all this," she gestures to the elaborate setup, "about?"
dancermoves: (TWELVE.)

Festival

[personal profile] dancermoves 2018-07-26 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ Anzu happens to be at one of the same booths, her shadow acting immature and lazy very nearby, and her steadfastly ignoring it as best she can. Unfortunately for both of them, this latest sample is... actually quite terrible. Anzu manages to hold a polite face for the shopkeeper until they turn away, and then she makes a terrible face at Ryu like 'help'. ]
spoilsfun: (pic#12093798)

[personal profile] spoilsfun 2018-07-26 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
"You're upset because someone upgraded your computer?"

There is very little sympathy here.
malfortuna: (two)

[personal profile] malfortuna 2018-07-26 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
Noticing the shadow staring at her, Kofuku gives it a teasing face with her tongue sticking out, before glancing up at Atticus again.

"They're watching pretty closely," she comments, meaning the Sentry. It's not entirely refusal, because like all gods she can appear as she wants, but at the same time, there's just something wrong about that ship and her instincts are telling her no.

"Besides," she adds brightly after a moment. "All the fun things are here on land."
malfortuna: (eleven)

[personal profile] malfortuna 2018-07-26 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
Kofuku laughs at the compliment, swishing the material back and forth. "It does, it does," she singsongs. "It reminds me of one of the outfits Yuu bought for me," she adds with a giggle.

"It's nice to be able to get out and shop," she sighs happily. In the background, the shopkeeper's frantic attempt to beat the insect nest with a broom is quickly spinning out of control.
malfortuna: (nine)

GUESS WHO

[personal profile] malfortuna 2018-07-26 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
Cue one flying tackle leap, because there's absolutely no other way for Kofuku to greet anyone, ever. "Bisha! You're here too!"
malfortuna: (four)

Arrival

[personal profile] malfortuna 2018-07-26 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
Kofuku's drawn by the name being called, slowing her steps where she was exploring to address the blonde. "If you're looking for someone, we can look together? I'm trying to find someone too."
malfortuna: (three)

[personal profile] malfortuna 2018-07-26 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
Kofuku's shadow joins in with Nita's, silently cackling along at her almost-fall. The diminutive goddess looks at Nita and offers a sheepish kind of smile. "I think so," she replied. "I was reading for other names too. Is there anyone in particular you're looking for?"
shardsofgenesis: (friendly)

[personal profile] shardsofgenesis 2018-07-26 02:27 am (UTC)(link)
"I am not one to judge names," Raphael said, smiling and continuing to ignore his shadow, which was now miming a death scene. Such a creature had to be a demonic entity, paying it attention would give it power. "May I ask where you know me from? I'm sure I would have remembered such an unusual name."
hearscries: (Default)

[personal profile] hearscries 2018-07-26 04:55 am (UTC)(link)
[All it's really doing is mildly inconveniencing Bishamon, considering the lack of reaction beyond merely the unimpressed looks. But it appears this woman isn't completely unwilling to explain, so Bishamon listens while the opportunity is there.

It's an unusual explanation, but it sounds as if it's typical for this world.]


I see. I don't think I've seen anything of the sort, so hopefully I'll return before too long. [She taps her foot against the moving shadow again, which grins toothily and makes a much angrier stomping motion with its foot.] I presume these things aren't a normal part of arriving here, since you don't have one yourself.
hearscries: (something to say)

[personal profile] hearscries 2018-07-26 04:55 am (UTC)(link)
Thankfully for everyone involved, Bishamon manages to identify the flying pink object in time to not duck. She does look rather more surprised than usual at Kofuku's shenanigans, though.

"Lady Kofuku. I didn't realise you'd been pulled here as well," she remarks, while...basically waiting for Kofuku to let go of her. She has to eventually.
misdirection_hex: (well fuck)

hay gurl hay

[personal profile] misdirection_hex 2018-07-26 11:05 am (UTC)(link)
What the grimacing shadow couldn't manage with all its mimicking and mocking, Kit's voice does with a single word. Vandelin jolts as if struck, turns--

He shouldn't turn. He knows perfectly well that he shouldn't. He's asking for deadly trouble if he does anything but keep walking, because a demon clever enough to know exactly what he wants to hear is a demon to avoid at all costs, but damn it, he wants to see the face that goes with that voice. He wants to see it warm and living and open-eyed and smiling, not ashen and bruised and still as the tomb it lies in.

But looking is all he can allow himself. He meets Kit's eyes, jaw set as determinedly as ever it's been, fighting every last drop of weak and visible emotion.

"I don't negotiate with desire demons."
Edited 2018-07-26 11:09 (UTC)
bestofthevein: (kit | vulnerable)

[personal profile] bestofthevein 2018-07-26 01:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Ancestors, if these damn kids don't get out of his way--but they do, as bumbling and awkward as Kit is fast and desperate as he strides through the crowd, and it's only the hardness in Vandelin's eyes that stops him from reaching out to touch him.

"I don't negotiate with desire demons."

For a weighted moment he almost looks as though he's been struck; the flash of wounded hurt across his face, vivid in his eyes, is impossible to miss. But no, of course, Vandelin is a mage. How else could he possibly interpret Aifaran? Even Kit had taken some days to truly believe the staff at the Dreaming Bridge upon his arrival, though that somehow feels like a lifetime ago now. Still, he takes another cautious step forward with his hands spread out plaintively to either side.

(Desperation isn't a good look for anyone, but he's sure it's in his eyes anyway.)

"Try and dispel me, then," he suggests, even though he flinches a little at the thought. "Whatever test you want, lay it on me." I'm real, he wants to say, but keeps the words to himself for now. That's what a demon would say, after all.

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2018-07-26 01:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Nita shakes her head.

"I think the only person from home I'm going to see here, I've already run into."

She still manages to smile after her near-spill.

"My sister. Anyone here you know so far?"
redlightgreenlight: (Sideways)

[personal profile] redlightgreenlight 2018-07-26 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"A bit of a legacy, yes," Valdis replied, watching the shadow.

She agreed with the girl's evaluation of it, it certainly seemed malicious, but currently harmless.

"It wouldn't be the first time something malicious has shown up here, but I think you're safe from any attacks."
unfavorableinstigation: Nita looking right, holding a book. (I'm In The Book)

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2018-07-26 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Nita bit her lip.

"What happened the last time something malicious showed up? Was it dealt with by those here, or did it go away on its own?"
redlightgreenlight: (expressionless)

[personal profile] redlightgreenlight 2018-07-26 10:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[The commanding woman seems reasonable enough, and Valdis senses power behind her, which means amiability may be her best path.]

From what I've heard, those summoned here usually receive a tattoo that denotes where their talent will come from, not malicious looking shadows. I do not believe they are harmful, merely an annoyance. Though they do seem to be causing concern among the natives.
psituational: (thoughtful)

[personal profile] psituational 2018-07-26 10:24 pm (UTC)(link)
It was impressive how well Raphael could ignore the little shadow monster, especially given that X couldn't stop glancing over at it, unnerved and wary. Asri, he hated them. There weren't many sentient creatures he hated on principle, and shadows were one of them.

"You can always ask," X replied, smiling. "Unfortunately, I can't tell you."

A little of Valdis in those words, probably. X paused to think. How much was strategically cautious, and how much was Valdis being contrary and rebellious just because she could be? It occurred to X he hadn't talked to Valdis since the day he woke up with her memories in his head, and that certainly wasn't helping.

"Yet," X clarified. "Can we talk, first? I was about to go get a drink."
wizard_redfive: (Annoyed)

[personal profile] wizard_redfive 2018-07-27 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
Dairine would be a brat about being right if given a chance, though the point was more personal. She doesn't really have spare energy for big wizardry these days. Not unless it's essential.

"The city is Aifaran. At least that's what the locals call it." She frowns down at her WizPod. "Outside of that, I don't know what country, planet, or galaxy we've ended up."
wizard_redfive: (Glare)

[personal profile] wizard_redfive 2018-07-27 01:44 am (UTC)(link)
"IT'S NOT EVEN A COMPUTER ANYMORE!! You- You-!!"

Dairine's brain runs through a long list of suitable insults in her rage, when at last something clicks. Something about this irritating shrimp was keenly familiar.

When the pieces fall into place, she points straight at Conan.

"You!!" she shouts, this time a mix of certainly and annoyance, tinted (still) with her previous anger.
wizard_redfive: (Glare)

[personal profile] wizard_redfive 2018-07-27 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
Dairine rolls her eyes.

"Joy. We've lost Spot's voice and your imaginary friend." She mutters. "The only bright side is there'll be less to hide from the locals."

Her mood still hasn't really improved. However, Neets had a point.

"It'll be better than waiting around."
misdirection_hex: (uncertain)

[personal profile] misdirection_hex 2018-07-27 10:36 am (UTC)(link)
All of it, in its way, is what a demon would say--but not the cleverest of demons after all, because it's an opening, an opportunity for legitimate challenge. Whatever the treacherous denizens of the Fade might have gleaned from Vandelin's dreams and gathered that he wants, there are questions they can't answer and things they've never seen.

He lets his gaze linger on Kit's face, drinking it in even as he considers the challenge. (It's too real--could a demon really have replicated every last detail this well, no matter how well Vandelin knows his love's face? He knows that expression too intimately, too; that flinch of pain and stomach-sinking disappointment. He's been the cause of it too many times.)

"The man you kept having to escort out of your house," he says finally. "What was his name? And describe where he lived."
hearscries: (last left alive)

[personal profile] hearscries 2018-07-27 11:49 am (UTC)(link)
[So, no tattoo that she can see - though she'll have to check herself over more thoroughly when she gets the chance - but tied to one of these strange shadows. Bishamon can't help but figure she isn't the only one this particular scenario is an unusual circumstance for.]

I've noticed. They keep running away before I can get near them, which makes it difficult to ask. Though if they are the natives and this is a known phenomenon in this world, they may have seen it before and have reason to fear it.

[Humans and other living things can be surprisingly resilient to the monstrous and terrifying. She can't imagine they'd be fleeing so indiscriminately if there wasn't something more to the presence of the shadows.]

... Who wants to be the staff person?

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2018-07-27 02:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"Wizardry might not even be the strangest thing they've seen here," Nita said, meaning the Dreamfolk's 'Talents'.

"Right. C'mon, runt."

She turned to face the 'Dreaming Bridge' building.

Page 9 of 12