metamods: (Default)
meta moderators ([personal profile] metamods) wrote in [community profile] metalogs2023-06-10 02:45 pm

DOWNBURST: PART I

 
DOWNBURST (I)

➢ This log will cover the next three weeks of in-game time – from June 10 to June 30. This period will kick off with Kon freaking out with his friends with the Alliance HQ attack occurring soon after.

➢ Arcadia is open for business and tours, even if no one moves in. If anyone wishes to investigate Arcadia, they can feel free to – for what someone might find, please hit up the mods with any questions below.

➢ Around June 21st, Mechanima will announce that the parasitic infestation of Central City has been stopped. He’ll give credit to the efforts of Spider-Boy, Spider-Man, and Sleeper for their efforts in stopping the spread of the parasitic entity. But the quarantine is not lifted – he’ll cite the attack on the Alliance HQ as part of his reason for maintaining it. The subtext is that he doesn’t want to give Fantastic back “his” toys.

➢ During the last week – with the assumption that no one, or almost no one, has moved into Arcadia – the guards will begin bearing down on the Starfallen more obviously. Whoever’s giving them orders is antsy, and the guards are being made to act on that.

➢ What happens with (or even to) Arcadia will be decided by the playerbase. If you have any ideas, please feel free to hit us up! We’re down to hear what anyone has in mind.

➢ Fantastic’s big move will happen in the next event log on June 30th, as it will be dependent upon actions here. We’ll let you know if this date changes on mod channels.

➢ For characters seeking The Fixer, Frances, or Atomight, there will be comments below. We’ll be treating them like NPC engagement threads for the sake of ease.

➢ For any questions pertaining to this log, please hit the mod question thread below, as that is where we’ll be responding to any questions in or around this event.

THE JUSTIFICATION

It begins with Kon. On the surface, there were no obvious plans for Fantastic to take over the Alliance. On the surface, Atomight should have been allowed to continue in the same shoes, no matter how much disdain he started to receive from the public and his fellow heroes. But these plans had been in motion for a while, with Fantastic eventually being the beneficiary. When the trigger comes to set off Kon, it’s meant to show that Fantastic was the right choice all along. And wasn’t he? After all, Kon’s destruction was evidence that a stronger, firmer hand was needed. Fantastic wouldn’t showboat about it. Kon needed help.

The end result—Kon’s explosion of sorts—was proof enough. Not that Fantastic would say this. No, the Alliance leader wouldn’t let such a thing be used for publicity. That would be too much. It’s better if publicity makes itself.

Enter: the Alliance HQ in Central City. If Kon’s takedown can be passed through word of mouth, the attack on the Alliance HQ was meant to be breaking news that would get around-the-clock coverage. After all, the Alliance is meant to help metas of all stripes – Starfallen and otherwise. Fantastic even had a headline in mind: “Fantastic Stops Challenge to Alliance Authority.”

However, nothing ever goes as planned. First: a weird bodyswapping parasite arrived in Central City and forced Mechanima to place the city under quarantine. Second: it was meant to be a two-pronged attack, but Fantastic’s guy putting everything in place didn’t have the hold on his subjects that was meant to be in place.

So, the Alliance HQ attack is one Starfallen who can’t control herself: Doreen, also known as Squirrel Girl. But here, she’s known as the Felonious Fox. Taking her down is of the utmost importance – and so is figuring out what happened to her. It might not be a bad idea to ignore Mechanima’s quarantine on Central City as a whole to make that happen, lest she be forced to do something she’ll regret.

As for Fantastic? Without his two-pronged Starfallen attack to stop, he has to improvise.


ARCADIA

Within 12 hours of the attack on the Alliance HQ, Fantastic is on television making a statement:

“Hello, hello.” He flashes a smile – it’s clearly meant to disarm the audience, as seeming confident is most important in times like these. “I have been involved in an investigation for the last day about a number of Starfallen who have been engaging in duplicitous acts and have come to a troubling realization. These Starfallen have been manipulated and implanted with dangerous directives in order to bring harm to both themselves and others. Needless to say, this discovery was alarming … and worrying. The suspect is a hypnotist with no known powers.” Here, a picture of The Fixer flashes on the television. “This man is on the loose and we welcome any leads to stop him.”

With no preamble, he continues: “I hoped to make this announcement under better circumstances, but ah – better sooner than later, right? Today, I’d like to introduce you all to Arcadia.” The video cuts out to show a beautiful, state-of-the-art compound near Excelsior – which can be seen in the distance. “For months, the Starfallen have arrived in this world with little support beyond what the Alliance has provided them, and we’ve put together a project that we hope will be of great service to new and old Starfallen alike. We thank the great citizens of Excelsior for working with the Alliance in making this dream a reality.” Fantastic pauses again to smile – he attempts to exude as much warmth as possible, but he mostly just looks proud of himself.

“Now, let’s introduce you all to … Arcadia.”

Fantastic is now gone, and a video begins, flashing a logo covered in Greek olive branches: Arcadia. The subtitle? “A Place For All the Travellers of the Stars to Feel Safe.”

THE VIDEO

➢ First off, the beginning of the video makes one thing clear: all Starfallen are welcome to visit Arcadia and take a tour as soon as they’d like. There are openings today for tours if they would like, and these tours are as safe as anyone might like.

➢ The video itself is a guided tour of Arcadia. Meant to be a permanent residence for all Starfallen, it’s a compound that has state-of-the-art technology designed to keep the Starfallen safe. The only way to enter the compound is by passing a number of randomized screenings, ensuring that no one can enter unless they pass one of these checks.

➢ Arcadia is pristine. Neither the Alliance nor the architects and engineers of Excelsior cut any corners when it came to ensuring that the location was beautiful. Most significantly, while it largely resides on a patch of cleared land outside of Excelsior, there are options to elevate Arcadia above ground should the people there need to protect it. Arcadia is able to rise up like an island in the sky to offer protection to its people.

➢ All of the homes inside Arcadia are beautiful. All of them come pre-furnished, and Starfallen will be able to pick the interior colors, types of appliances they’ll need, and any other amenities they might require. Need a hot tub? No one at Alliance HQ will be asking any questions. Have specific dietary requirements? Never worry – Arcadia will provide anything needed so that someone can live their lives as discreetly as possible.

Security is important. Beyond the randomized screenings for entry, there will be guards in Arcadia around the clock to ensure that Arcadian citizens are not harmed. These guards will be armed with depowering devices should anyone attempt to attack the Starfallen, largely making it possible to neutralize their attack. Some of the guards are even shown without their gear in the video: they’re all generically attractive men and women of all stripes. If they weren’t guards, they could easily be models.



The video ends with a request: “Come and see Arcadia today. We’ll do everything we can to make this the home of your dreams.”



NOTES ON ARCADIA

➢ With its introduction out there in the world, Arcadia’s doors are open! While there are scheduled tours, it doesn’t seem as if anyone will be denied entry if they want to check out the location. Visitors are provided with a guest pass for a day – unless they choose to sign up to stay before they leave. (Hint hint: there will be a lot of pressure to sign up, but no one will be forced to stay.)

➢ Arcadia is a bit like the Tardis from Doctor Who. While it doesn’t seem like it could possibly house all of those different apartments for Starfallen, it seems to be endless. Anyone who’s able to sense magic can guess that some spellwork went into this accomplishment.

➢ Should anyone visit and go off the beaten path and explore without a guide – or just wander off to “find a bathroom” and end up somewhere they shouldn’t, for example – they’ll find strange engraved symbols on the lowest level of Arcadia. Near here, there will be an additional magical residue that differs from what might be sensed throughout, as it’s much darker and insidious in nature. At the core of the compound, near a sign indicating that it’s the Mechanical Room keeping Arcadia afloat (figuratively and literally – should it need to elevate into the sky like an island), the magical residue turns into magical resonance. Something powerful is happening in there. Something dark.

➢ Guards are present throughout doing patrols, but they’ve been directed to not make contact with the Starfallen at this time. Trying to interact with them will lead to some small talk. These guards seem like your average Joes turned guards. They have families, pets, and favorite movies. They also think Fantastic is really, really cool.

➢ Even if the tours are guided, characters are largely allowed to move freely. They can visit several times before making a decision, but the pressure to sign up for a spot in Arcadia will escalate over time. No one is being held here against their will, but leaving isn’t the safest decision.

➢ Given Excelsior’s reticence toward metas and Starfallen, anyone heading into the city to get a sense of the sentiment toward Arcadia will get mixed opinions. But the people there are largely accepting of their fate. Having Arcadia nearby will mean that any dinosaur-shaped problems won’t be allowed to get out of hand. The Starfallen will surely help. The people of Excelsior will be able to explore their ideas, even if they turn into people-eating plants, and the Starfallen will help. Of course, many of the businesses in Excelsior have either been blackmailed into accepting their fate – or paid off. No one is happy, but they can see the upsides. Albeit reluctantly.

➢ As if geo-tagged, edits of the same video advertising Arcadia will appear wherever the Starfallen are, whether it’s on televisions in department stores, on ads on their social media, or elsewhere. It’s apparent that Arcadia is being pushed and it’s being pushed hard.

PROTECT AND SERVE

With the Fixer on the loose and loudly described as a danger to all Starfallen, the guards that were hired to protect Arcadia will now appear elsewhere, especially in locations where Starfallen frequent. Want to get your quadruple-shot caramel macchiato? A guard will be there, ensuring your safety. Want to see the newest multiversal pic of epic proportions with a generic and predictable ending? A guard will be buying a ticket, too. These guards are there to keep the Starfallen safe – and avoiding them will be difficult.

For a select few Starfallen, the guards won’t just be keeping an eye on them and monitoring their movement. They will be acting. In some cases, this action will be positive – but in others, it will be negative and threatening. Trying to challenge the authority of the Alliance is an unwise move when the Starfallen are at risk.



NOTES ON THE GUARDS

➢ For most, the guards will be an ever-present, creepy part of their lives. They won’t be immediately violent toward anyone that they’re observing, but they will be quick to act if someone tries to dodge their surveillance. Unless someone effectively goes into hiding, the guards will mysteriously be able to spot them again to “protect them.”

➢ Engaging with the guards violently will lead to problems. At this stage, they’ve been directed to only act in extreme circumstances – attacking them counts as extreme. These guards have been equipped with teleporters, enhanced speed and strength, as well as immensely powerful power inhibitors that depower any Starfallen within a five-foot radius.

➢ For a handful of Starfallen, their actions will be marked as threatening without provocation: Mark Bryant, Bart Allen, Heron, and Huvrye Tirvio. Since they pose a threat to the ability of the Alliance to protect all Starfallen, the guards will seek them out and attempt to apprehend them. Should they be successful, the Alliance will release a statement to the media about how some troublesome Starfallen have been stopped for the greater good. How these interactions go is up to the players themselves – the guards do not have to be successful.

➢ One Starfallen in particular, Ken Kaneki, will be approached by a guard without her mask as she offers him a place in Arcadia. The Alliance has noticed that he seems to be having a hard time adjusting to his new world and they’re here to help. The guard in question has no idea about why Kaneki might require additional assistance, but will promise that all of his needs will be met. If they’d like to talk in a more casual setting – including with her imposing armor off – she’s happy to go change. (Of course, the armor can be reapplied at the touch of a button, but she won’t be telling Kaneki that.)

➢ When the guards first appear, they will largely be omnipresent and creepy, but harmless otherwise. As the weeks go on, however, the guards will get antsy and will be hovering closer. Engaging with them at this stage is likely to cause an altercation – with the guard insisting at some point that the Starfallen may need to be brought into custody “for their own safety.” These altercations will only begin near the end of the period this log covers.

➢ Any captured Starfallen will be briefly imprisoned in Excelsior before being offered a spot in Arcadia. Jailbreaks and escapes are welcomed and encouraged.

codicies: (01 kneel)

Dylan's Apartment

[personal profile] codicies 2023-06-14 06:22 am (UTC)(link)
The penthouse suite at Prospero Luxury Apartments was spacious, but more importantly, it was private. The whole apartment building had a number of security measures. Even if the Alliance could somehow trace the jailbreak back to Dylan, they'd have a hell of a time trying to get in and do something about it.

Not that they would trace it back to Dylan — It was one of the reasons he'd opted to stay behind. With nothing to tie him to this crime, Dylan's home could function as a safe place for everyone to hide out and regroup.

In preparation, Dylan had ordered massive amounts of takeout. In addition to pizza, he'd ordered Chinese and Mexican food, along with an extra large grocery order for other necessities — and, of course, plenty of chocolate for Nico post-teleport.

There were beds, there were couches, there were a couple air mattresses. Dylan wanted to make sure everyone could recuperate after the heist. Especially because this would be his first time meeting some of Hunter's friends, and he wanted to make a good impression.
faceguy: (like the back of my hand)

Leo~

[personal profile] faceguy 2023-06-26 03:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Being in new places with new people is becoming more and more common in Leo’s life since he first came to this world. Not that all the people here are new, of course, since Huvrye and Donnie are here, and he at least knows Hunter and Dylan a little. But still, it’s not his usual environment.

He’s come to the conclusion that the best way to deal with new situations is to act like you own the place, so he wastes absolutely no time in piling a plate with pizza and Chinese food and then settling in on a couch (hopefully Dylan has no rules against this). Everyone is safe, so he’s in a good mood, all things considered.

“Ah yeah, now this is what I call a victory party.”

There is a sad lack of Lou Jitsu on the TV, but that’s okay, they can work on it.

If not chatted with while on the couch, Leo can later be found sprawled on his stomach on one of the air mattresses, scrolling through his phone. When he feels eyes on him, he looks up and gives it a little wave.

“Checking the news,” he says. “I was wondering if we’re famous yet.”

If they did their job right, they won’t be.
codicies: (01 coy)

Re: Leo~

[personal profile] codicies 2023-07-03 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
Dylan has no rules whatsoever regarding shoes on the couch.

Despite the crowd, the penthouse hardly feels crowded. The tall windows looking down over the city below bring in more than enough light to open up the space... and besides, Dylan is absolutely relishing in being surrounded by people he likes. He's been lonely.

He leans on the couch armrest, looking over Leo's shoulder. "Hey, if you get a wanted poster, would you sign it for me? I'm gonna start a collection."
faceguy: (nothing can break me down)

[personal profile] faceguy 2023-07-05 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
Leo's eyes are practically sparkling at that idea, and he tosses a grin over his shoulder at Dylan.

"You think I'll get one? Oh man, my second wanted poster!"

When did he even get a first wanted poster, and why? Details are not forthcoming.

"I'll absolutely autograph it for you. Anything for a fan."
paperclipsong: ([49])

Gus

[personal profile] paperclipsong 2023-07-01 04:51 am (UTC)(link)
One lesson Gus has learned well in his 12 years of life: If you can't be connected to the crime, it's the same thing as not having done it in the first place!

That's a good lesson for any growing boy.

Still, it almost seems anticlimactic to just walk into the apartment complex with no fanfare, as if they were just going to hang out with pals instead of celebrating their incredible jailbreak victory. The whole Day of Unity thing has taught Gus that victories are hard to hold onto sometimes, and maybe that's why, when he walks through the door, he draws a spell circle, brings his palms together and when he opens them again, they light up with the words:

"MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!"

in a shiny yellow font.

He doesn't really know much of anyone here, but jailbreaks are a pretty good start to any friendship.

"Not that anyone here needs confirmation on this but...I'd say we rule!"

Emmiline, clinging to Gus's shoulder, chirps quietly in agreement as he heads off to chat with...well, just about everyone like the social butterfly he is.
faceguy: (like the back of my hand)

[personal profile] faceguy 2023-07-02 03:04 am (UTC)(link)
“Heck yeah we do!” is what Leo will yell in answer to this statement. He doesn’t know this kid other than from the very rushed introduction they all got back at the start, but he’s never one to let a good cheering session go to waste.

He’s already making himself at home, grabbing food for himself and making his way to chill on the couch.

“You were the guy making illusions, right? Too bad I didn’t get to see it.”

As it happens, Leo loves magic. Especially stage magic, but real magic is very cool too.
paperclipsong: ([07])

[personal profile] paperclipsong 2023-07-03 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
Gus is also getting food. The difference is that he doesn't need to get near the table. Instead, he draws a spell circle, creating a blue aura that levitates some pizza onto a plate and the plate over to him and that allows him to talk with Leo with no distraction. Gus might feel pretty slick about this if it wasn't so commonplace for him.

He grabs the plate and joins Leo on the couch.

"Illusion master Gus at your service!"

And he bows. Except it's not him that bows: he draws another spell circle and in a puff of blue smoke out pops another Gus to do the bowing for him, before poofing into thin air. The real Gus has pizza to eat.
faceguy: (i got gas in the tank)

[personal profile] faceguy 2023-07-03 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
Whoooaaaa... First the levitating food, then the illusions. This guy makes magic look so effortless.

It's definitely cool. Leo doesn't bother to hide his enthusiasm.

"Dude, that's soooo sick. I've never seen magic like that before."

He wonders if his little brother can get to this level, since he's apparently some kind of magic master in the future. Leo doubts he'll ever be able to do more than his portals, so he just appreciates watching.

"I'm Leo, by the way. Ninja, and master of sweet skateboarding tricks."
paperclipsong: ([35])

[personal profile] paperclipsong 2023-07-03 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
In the Demon Realm, illusion magic is often dismissed as worthless party tricks so hearing someone be excited and impressed with him puts just...the biggest smile on Gus's face.

"Thanks! Not to brag, but these illusionist skills of mine let me skip two grades in school!"

He's totally bragging, just a bit, but maybe Leo's the kind of guy who might appreciate a fun little gloat session?

"I know that skateboarding is something humans do because they can't fly on a staff but...what's a 'nin-ja?'"
faceguy: (got nothin to learn)

[personal profile] faceguy 2023-07-04 11:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Leo can tell that he is, in fact, totally bragging. But he can't begrudge him, because Leo brags all the time.

Though if they weren't talking about magic, Leo would absolutely be classing Gus as a nerd right now. Because they are talking about magic it just sounds really cool.

"Oh yeah? Sounds impressive! I guess you go to the witch school Hunter was telling me about."

Actually, maybe there are multiple witch schools. Leo has no idea. Well, at least they both have an opportunity to teach each other here.

"Ninja are warriors trained in the ancient art of ninjutsu, using stealth techniques, martial arts, and mastery of weapons to attack from the shadows," he answers, his expression and tone very serious. "They're highly disciplined, and in tune with their body, each other, and nature itself."

Then he breaks into a grin, flipping a wonton into his mouth with a pair of chopsticks. "At least, that's what my ancestors would probably say. Mainly it just means I use my rad skills to kick bad guy butt before they even know what hit 'em."
paperclipsong: ([58])

[personal profile] paperclipsong 2023-07-07 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hexside School of Magic and Demonics, that's me!" Gus has a lot of school pride and he's holding none of it close to his chest. "I'd ask about your school buuuuuut I don't know if you go to school or if your realm even has schools."

Gus knows next to nothing about Leo, but that won't stop him from making friends on only the barest minimum of information. Not the first time.

"Ninjutsu..." Gus repeats, listening in rapt attention. This isn't something he's familiar with at all. Witches fight mostly with magic, after all, and the most physical they get is occasionally punching, kicking, or whacking each other with their Palisman staff, and they only do that if their Palisman won't be hurt. Or are willing to accept the apology afterwards.

"OK, stealth I get. I can use illusions to black out rooms and stuff, but I've never heard of a 'martial art.' I gather it's for fighting but I-wait."

He snaps his fingers like he's solved a mystery.

"Kung fu! Is that a martial art! Have I finally solved the mystery of the 'kung fu grip action' found in certain human artifacts?!"

That. That is how much Gus knows about martial arts.
faceguy: (got nothin to learn)

[personal profile] faceguy 2023-07-11 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
“Oh yeah, my realm has school, I just can’t go.” He says this pretty cheerily, despite the fact that he just said he’s effectively barred from the education system. “A school for magic and demonics sounds waaaay cooler than any schools we have, though. In our world you just get taught boring stuff like math and literature.”

(He secretly likes at least one of those things but he’ll never admit it.)

Leo waits while Gus tries to puzzle it out, more than a little surprised to hear his conclusion. Sure, wizards use magic, but to never even hear of martial arts? Even yokai have physical fights!

“You mean like, in toys? Yeah, that’s a martial art! There’s a lot more than just that, though.”

A demonstration would really be better than just talking about it, but Leo doesn’t want to accidentally break something in Dylan’s apartment. But it doesn’t have to be a live demonstration - they have technology!

“Oh, here, lemme show you…” He pulls out his phone and quickly clicks his way to a video. “Check it out: this is Lou Jitsu, one of the greatest martial artists the world has ever seen!”

(It’s also his dad, but Leo is hardly biased - he was an LJ fan long before he knew that.)

He’ll show Gus a short clip from one of Lou Jitsu’s movies. The acting is stilted and hammy, but the fighting prowess on display is very, very real.
paperclipsong: ([06])

[personal profile] paperclipsong 2023-07-15 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
"What!?" It doesn't seem like Leo has hard feelings about it, but that still sounds a little bit like it could be injustice to Gus. "Can't go because they won't let you or can't go because you got kicked out? Because if it's the second, I've totally been there. I can give you tips."

He's an old hand at sneaking people into and out of places. It just kind of comes with knowing Luz.

"Stuff comes through the Human Realm into the Demon Realm all the time. I collect it," he explains, "The Human Appreciation Society I used to run had a huge debate over what 'kung fu' was supposed to be. Prevailing opinion was that it was a kind of throw-able fruit."

Gus takes the phone and watches in rapt attention, eyes wide as half-dollars, pointed ears standing almost straight up.

"Whoa." It's more an exhaled breath than a word. "This is how humans fight without magic!?"
faceguy: (i got gas in the tank)

[personal profile] faceguy 2023-07-17 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
“Can’t go because of this whole situation.” He motions at his face. “I know Hunter said this is normal where you guys are from, but in my world I have to stay hidden.”

It’s a pain in some ways, but he’s really used to it now. Besides, wear a hood and keep his face down and most New Yorkers don’t give him a second glance.

Kung fu being a throwable fruit sure is one interpretation, and Leo can’t help but be amused. But as Gus watches the video, Leo nods along knowingly. This is the expected reaction to a first time Lou Jitsu viewing!

“Yep! At least, it’s one way. Pretty sweet, right?”

Leo is always happy to win converts to the Lou Jitsu fandom.
paperclipsong: ([131])

[personal profile] paperclipsong 2023-07-21 03:47 am (UTC)(link)
Gus watches to the end of clip, then passes the phone back to Leo in a mild daze.

"Wow," he repeats, "I knew you could hit and kick and stuff but this is a whole new level! That guy was throwing punches like a construction witch throwing construction rocks!"

Hopefully Leo can figure that out from context clues. Gus turns to look at Leo, slightly hopefully.

"Can you teach me that?!"
faceguy: (for worse or better)

[personal profile] faceguy 2023-07-21 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
A construction witch throwing construction rocks...? He thinks he can guess.

The request itself is unexpected, just because Leo's never had anyone ask him for any kind of lessons before (he forced it on Accelerator rather than getting asked). For a moment, Leo looks just a little gobsmacked, before he quickly pulls himself together, a cocky grin growing on his face.

"Oh, so you wanna learn from a master, huh?"

Master is pushing it for sure, but then, Leo has learned that one day he'll be a sensei, so maybe this is just starting early!

"Sure, I can teach you a few things."