MISSION: ROAD TO ANKATA

[ximilian]

● ● ● M I S S I O N   1 5 . 0

BLASTING OFF AGAIN • YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND • ACROSS THE LAND • YOU ARE CHALLENGED BY... • FYI

// INTRO. BLASTING OFF AGAIN  

It's around noon, after a late breakfast or just before your lunch, when you get a ping in your earpiece with the alert of a new mission file. This time it's a long one, complete with not just an overview of the mission itself but also an explanation of the small companions — Cubits — that you'll be working with for the duration of the mission. Shortly after, you hear Viveca’s voice.

// VIVECA

“Hi all, we’ve finally located the next orb. It’s in a place called Ankata, but in order to blend in, you will have to adapt to the lifestyle of the place and the way they live in harmony with these creatures called Cubits. For those of you who don’t look humanoid, Degar will have potions ready for you, so come pick up one from him. And please remember that they don’t have magic in Ankata so you'll need to keep your powers secret. You’ve got a day to prepare so make sure you pack everything you need.”

Perhaps this time you start your preparations at a more leisurely rate, not just because you have a full 24 hours to do them but also because the mission ahead doesn't sound so fraught with the dangers you're used to — unless you’re incredibly allergic to all animals, of course … (Meds can and will be provided in such cases.)

The next day you'll have enough time to schedule a proper breakfast, along with some last-minute packing additions, before it’s time to head to the teleportation platform. As ever, Viveca and Degar are already there, almost deliberately focused on their quiet conversation, only pausing every now and then to nod in greeting to a new arrival.

Once everyone has gathered, they both turn their attention to the team.

// VIVECA

“Right, everyone ready?”

// DEGAR

“And I just have to add ... whatever happened last time won't be happening again. I've put some new measures in place now so once you get to the orb, you'll be coming right back here. No detours! You know, in case any of you are worried. I know I'm not!”

// VIVECA

“Yes, fortunately. Good luck, everyone.”

As if on cue, the hum of the machine amps up just as the lights get brighter and brighter — and then you feel it: the tug in the pit of your stomach, pulling you across space and time. For a moment, there's nothing but the light ... and then there are voices, echoes, whispers letting you know what's required of you during the mission.

And then they’re gone — just as the light, replaced by shining blue sky above you and lush green grass beneath your feet.

Welcome to Ankata, Orbers.

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// PART I.you're my best friend  

From where you stand in the Stilsweep Fields you'll have the option to choose your path between the following three towns, and a friendly wooden post will provide you with approximate directions. To your left is Goldthorp, marked by a little lightning symbol. To your right is Poppyhurst, marked by a red flame. And finally, straight ahead is Beacon’s Hill, marked by a small leaf shape. Where you decide to go will mark the start of your Cubit journey as you begin your investigations for the orb, all while learning the culture and ways of this world.

Your walk forward is pleasant, with the sun bright and warm (but not too warm!) above you in the blue sky. Puffy white clouds accompany you as you continue your trek by foot, and every now and then you may be met with a passing friendly face, or someone very determined to get to their destination. Some may be traveling alone, but almost everyone else that you pass by has a small creature that walks, glides, or flies beside them.

And soon, once you meet Professor Ginger B. Cress, it will be your turn as well.

1.0   Straight ahead you’ll continue on a path that remains uphill and as you enter the town of Beacon’s Hill, which sits on an elevated plane, you'll be able to overlook part of the ways to Goldthorp, Poppyhurst, and far off towards the horizon, the ocean (and the gentle specks of a seaside town called Mallard Harbour). Surrounded by soft, green grass and plenty of meadows to lie down in, the small and cozy town feels almost suburban with cottages that make up clusters of neighbourhood homes. There are several shops that sell the basics that can also be found in all towns across Ankata as well: empty cubitiles, healing tonics, teaching manuals, tips and tricks magazines, maps, clothing, accessories, footwear, and other beauty products to help keep your Cubit clean and happy. There are also restaurants with fresh food and packed goods that can be used on your long travels in many delicious, and local flavours to that town’s cuisine. This along with spare kindling, tents, blankets and other camping equipment will be useful on your journey.

Beacon’s Hill is home to Professor Cress’ main research lab, though she has plenty of smaller labs located in all of Ankata’s ten towns across the region. When you arrive, she’ll cheerfully greet you, offer you a brief tour of the town (which includes, homes, shops, a medical centre, her research lab … and of course the Beacon’s Hill gym), and allow you to pick your very first Cubit. She’ll also offer you three empty cubitiles and tell you that if you’d like to specialize in the grass-type, you’re in the right place.

2.0   If you decided to turn left upon your arrival, you’ll follow the friendly dirt path towards a large and looming city centre known as Goldthorp. Past the manicured stone gates you’ll easily spot the clocktower that takes centre-stage within the city as it’s the highest structure in Goldthorp and it keeps the time to the precise second, chiming a pleasant tune on the hour. The city’s gym is just behind it, a magnificent glass-domed building with a wiry metal structure resembling a gilded cage. Professor Cress will greet you at her research lab to offer you your first Cubit and give you the very basic run-down of the city’s amenities. Like Beacon’s Hill, Goldthorp features residential neighbourhoods, retail shops (with more variety than you'll find in Beacon’s Hill and include all of the necessities in different colours, styles, and makes), a medical centre, and the gym of course. Everything in Goldthorp, including the lighting, the heat, and all household appliances is powered by steam — and if you concentrate for a moment, you may hear the low sounds of pumping valves and softly clicking gears, the beating heart of the city.

Many of the locals here are accompanied by electric type Cubits and Professor Cress will confirm that Goldthorp happens to specialize in a much more concentrated population of electric type Cubits if you’re curious to add one (or two) to your team. Like those in Beacon’s Hill, Professor Cress will also hand you three empty cubitiles to start. You can always purchase additional tiles at the shops if you need more.

3.0   The path leading furthest to the right takes you towards Poppyhurst, a town that can only be reached through the Silverstake Mines. The Cubits that live within the mines are mostly rock, fighting, and ghost types; but they’re friendly enough to any Orber that passes through and can be captured without difficulty. However, without an empty Cubitile, you will have to return here after your meeting in town with Professor Cress if you’re interested in adding any of the Silverstake Mines Cubits to your team.

Cobblestone roads pave the way as you arrive into town. The buildings here are made from heavy-set stone, brick, and magical fire-resistant thatched roofing. The sweet smell of burning wood wafts in the air and the ringing sound of metal clanging against harder, more robust metal echoes from behind walls. Fire-based Cubits move to and fro, helping their masters carry materials. Some have learned to help with the crafting of weapons and goods and accessories. Poppyhurst is a town that makes its wealth through smithing, and sponsorship deals through the efforts of the gym. Even from here, you’ll be able to spot the gym in the centre of the town for its large circular girth and simple pointed roof, the structure resembling a yurt. As all other towns in Ankata, Poppyhurst also offers shops for supplies and gear for both trainers and their Cubits; there are restaurants and residential homes; and Professor Cress’ research lab, and the medical centre located in close proximity to the gym. You’ll be offered your first choice of Cubit and three empty cubitiles, but you’ll have the opportunity to purchase more if needed.

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// PART II.across the land  

Once you've exhausted all the possibilities from the town of your arrival, it is time to set your sights on the other locations in the region — and perhaps the other gyms — and what they have to offer. The days will be pleasant, but the nights do get a little chilly. It's best to pack a light jacket and a spare pair of socks, and be sure to keep an eye out for any thick cloud-cover that moves in across the sky. Oftentimes, there will be little else you have to do but look at the map or consult the helpful signage that point to roads taking you to the nine other towns outside the one you have familiarized yourself with ... but there is always a chance that your journey may take a turn for the perilous.

4.0   After leaving Goldthorp, you will find that a herd of Volreep have made a home in the middle of a canyon that one must cross on their way to Stonington, and their combined presence there has caused a massive thunderstorm to circle around the canyon, making the journey through it a dangerous one. Going around the storm will add several days of delay, however, and take you off-course to boot, so those not wanting to waste time may want to brave it anyway and figure out a safe way through.

Meanwhile, on the road north from Beacon’s Hill, a massive Cortouga has decided to take a nap right in the middle of the road, and its snores are causing the earth in the immediate area to tremble rather badly, breaking apart the roads and causing a few trees to fall forward ... maybe you want to take a detour into the forest nearby, or maybe you’re confident that you can wake the sleeping Cubit! Either way, the road remains blocked until the Cortouga is woken up.

Right outside the Silverstake Mines, following the shore of a wide river leading downstream towards the sea, some enthusiastic Magsea are causing a bit of a disaster: seeming to be engaged in a competition amongst each other to see which of them can shoot fireballs the furthest, the entire shoreline for a few miles is either scorched or constantly burning — not the ideal conditions to take to a boat to cross the river — or walk along it! Unfortunately, the only way forward to the cities in the south involve crossing it, so you better fireproof yourself or do something about the rowdy Magsea herd.

5.0   You may also come across a traveling salesman dressed in sensible camping clothing (including plaid flannel and cargo pants, a warm woolen toque, and dark black boots), riding across Ankata’s plains on his bright red bicycle. His name is Flint Thorn and he’ll happily stop to chat with you if you happen to have any questions about any of the towns — not to boast but he’s really quite well-traveled, and has been back and forth on many an occasion getting to know the people and their Cubits quite well! — but he can also offer all manner of emergency items if you're a little too far from one town or another to help your Cubits as you earn your badges. He can offer: fruits and berries, boosts and tonics, and some very beautiful looking jewels he’d also come across after witnessing a gang who call themselves Team Torpedo attempt to mug a group of Cubit trainers just three days ago. Dangerous sort, he’ll say, and encourage you to steer clear of them if you can help it. If you’re too far away from a nearby town and are in need of emergency supplies, keep an eye out for Flint and have your wallet ready.

6.0   If and when you manage to move past the obstacles to really begin your travels, you’ll have likely acquired a map by now — either from Professor Cress herself, or through browsing one of the town shops. This will help you plot your journey and decide which town (and which gym) you want to venture to next. You’ll need money in order to keep going, and while sponsorship deals are possible if you meet and know the right people, there are also a number of other ways to earn Ankata’s common currency, the Cubit Dollar. The most lucrative way, of course, is through battling others (which lends itself the double benefit of strengthening your Cubit team and earning a profit), but one can find roles across every town in research, medical healing, rehabilitation, breeding, and selling goods which vary in earnings.

If your Cubit can fly and is large enough to carry you, you can always travel part way with your Cubit alone. The rapid-train is the fastest way to reach all of the other towns and a train-pass will take you far. At only 15 CD (Cubit Dollars) for any trainer with their identification, it’s practically a steal. This same pass will cost 20 CD for all non-trainers. Still not bad, but a little more.

Kernelshollow: With red brick buildings and chimneys, deep-brown stone roads, green-copper roofs, and a layer of grime across every building surface, this industrial town boasts its ‘old town charm’. Around town, the poison-type Cubit is most common. People here might be a little stand-offish to strangers, but they aren’t wholly unfriendly. It’s a great place if you crave anonymity and to individually rise to fame without the pressure of eyes on you. You may catch wind that Team Torpedo runs a couple of gambling rings from Kernelshollow and therefore can often be seen, and you’ll have to beat Kernelshollow’s gym leader, Elio Arsnyk, in order to move forward to your next destination.

Wimseyview: Light and bright, airy and pink, Wimseyview can be reached by traveling through Wimsey Forest, and is one of the smaller villages in Ankata — though it is, by no means, without all of the necessities for any Cubit trainer. Shops, a research lab, and medical centre are its staples, along with a speckling of residential homes. It is surrounded by thick, lush forest cover and trees, and lit up with beautiful glowing mushrooms, fireflies, and enchanted plantlife in all manner of colour and illumination as the ground-level remains dark almost all year round. It makes its home to the fairy-type Cubit, but the occasional water Cubit can also be found in the nearby pond. In order to earn your badge from this town, you’ll need to battle Juliette Kukui at her gym.

Oldenshard: A large graveyard town, Oldenshard is always gloomy and grey with thick cloud-cover. Wrought iron gates, worn-in cool grey stone and dark black shingled roofs characterize the town’s colouring, and its uneven cobblestone roads that wind around large swathes of graveyard plots provide its texture. These are the homes of many local ghost-type Cubits. But there is greenery too: wiry, thorny branches and vines manage to wind their way around built structures, poking into spare holes and broken stone like fingers that dig through the material. It’s quiet and calm in the town, with all the usual trainer's amenities, and while you might feel the faintest hint of unease, the locals are incredibly friendly despite their eerie appearance. Corie Graves is currently leader of the Oldenshard gym and will need to be defeated in order to earn your badge here.

Tarrytown: Straight-lined buildings, flat roofs, and postmodern shapes and silhouettes form the skyline of Tarrytown. For those who come from the 20th century Earth, you’ll almost wonder whether you’ve returned home. There are hydro poles and electrical wires strung up everywhere, and neon signage advertises shops and restaurants and other commercial and retail establishments in a foreign language that takes a moment for you to understand once your comms device kicks in. Psychic-type Cubits can most commonly be found and caught here. You’ll quickly learn that the Team Torpedo headquarters is also located here, somewhere in the heart of the downtown core … but will you listen to Thorn’s advice and proceed with earning your gym badge against Hiro Darkmoon, or will you try and investigate? Or will you try both?

Boothbay: Made up of gritty and worn lower-level storefronts that sit below two-storeys of apartment buildings, all squeezed next to each other on neighbourhood blocks with cracked asphalt roads and concrete curbs to the backdrop of a sparse speckling of taller skyscraper buildings, Boothbay manages to feel out-dated and old in a way that even the oldest towns (Poppyhurst, and Kernelshollow for example) don’t. Still, despite the graffiti art and spray-painted tags on bare walls, the town doesn’t feel unsafe … you may even find fighting-type Cubits feel most at home here, using the city as their own training ground. Emmet Redwood is the leader of Boothbay’s gym and will need to be defeated to gain this city’s badge.

Stonington: Partially hidden away within the protection of a valley and surrounded by a mountain range, the humble town of Stonington is very brown and very dry, with wooden buildings and metal framework to keep everything anchored. There is very little lush greenery here, with the cactus and desert grasses being the most common plants. A large water tower providing the town with fresh water sits next to the gym. This is the perfect place to collect your rock Cubits as they can most commonly be found here, thriving within the environment. When you’ve added one or two (or more) to your team, it’s time to challenge gym leader Heath Steele for the rock gym badge.

Mallard Harbour: With its pristine white sands and clear blue waters, arriving at Mallard Harbour may feel more like a vacation than a milestone in one’s very serious trainer’s journey to capture all of the badges before challenging the Champion. Buildings hover above the water on strong wooden stilts buried deep into the ground, reachable by bridges or by small paddle boats. These house are mostly private residences and a few exclusive restaurants. Other structures, such as shops, Professor Cress’ small research lab, and the medical centre, float on platforms, anchored to the coast with thick rope. Most of these houses are made of wood and straw and mud, with thatch roofs for shelter … or are otherwise open to the skies and the elements. Mallard Harbour is, unsurprisingly, the easiest town to capture any manner of water Cubits, but its gym leader, Nico Seabreeze, is a well-renowned sailor in his own right and will pose a challenge to capture his gym badge.

7.0   Wherever your journey takes you, if you decide to collect the gym badges, you’ll need to build your team and train them. With the spare cubitiles given to you by Professor Cress, you’ll want to use your first Cubit, whoever or whatever it may be, to challenge a wild Cubit of your choosing. As you continue to train your starter Cubit, you’ll quickly learn that certain attacks are more effective than others depending on your opponent’s ‘type’.

Other trainers that pass by may bestow certain words of wisdom to you after seeing your struggles, or they may encourage your victories, or want to challenge you to see what you’ve got. You might choose to curate a team with a finite number (five, ten, twenty), or you may decide that you want to go beyond that, to collect as many Cubits as you can to fill your Cubidex as this may not only test your strengths and ability, but collecting more information on the Cubits that live in the wild will broaden your knowledge through learning from them, studying them, and letting them, in their way, teach you.

Battle another trainer’s Cubit on your own, or team up with another trainer (whether they’re your friend or a random passerby) and find others to double-battle with. The combinations are endless, and the more experience you gain, the stronger you and your Cubits will be — all the better to prepare you for each gym battle you embark on.

Even if you decide not to pursue collecting gym badges, collecting Cubits and filling one’s Cubidex can be a great exercise in learning more about the region of Ankata and its local fauna: their personalities, their habits, their preferences, strengths, weaknesses, variations of attacks and abilities — the works.

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// OUTRO.you are challenged by...  

For those who want to pursue the sweet thrill of competition, becoming a Cubit trainer and going after the title of Champion starts with victories from the gyms — and what could be more convenient than starting with the gym in the town of your arrival?

In Beacon’s Hill, a winding path through beautiful meadows will lead you to the gym. The building itself is made from brick-like stone, grass and flowers growing in its crevices, and vines climbing up towards the narrowing, moss-covered tile roof. Once you make it to the doorway, you will see a video greeting from Yuuki Comet, leader of the gym:

“Hi! Here to start your journey to becoming the champion? Great! You need to get started with the preliminaries by figuring out the puzzle in the entrance hall. After all, being the champion is more than just having the strongest Cubits!”

The gym in Goldthorp lies just past the clocktower, its glass dome reflecting the sunlight, the building itself sleek and elegant. Finding the entrance is easy: it is a heavy metallic gate — one that remains closed even as you walk closer. In front of you, a video feed of the gym’s leader, Bia Watts, starts to play.

“Hey there! Come to challenge me? Well, first you gotta figure out how to get in. That'll be your preliminary test. Then, with one of you, we’ll make some sparks fly!”

The cobbled streets of Poppyhurst will lead you to their gym, torches lining the road there. The building, underneath its high, pointed roof, is divided into two levels, the lower of which consists of a large room with stone walls lined with engraved images, while the tiles on the floor all bear different marks. At the back of the room there is a door with an inscription on it; but before you have a chance to read it, Solara, the gym’s leader, speaks into a video screen on the side of the door.

“Another eager challenger? Before you try me, you have to pass the preliminaries. Just solve the riddle on the door! If you do, it will open for you.”

For those who want to wander around first before starting on your road to becoming the champion, there are gyms in all the other seven towns as well, each specializing in their own Cubit type, with a possibility of completing your preliminary challenge there — so regardless of which town you start at, there's plenty of solving to do before you're cleared to challenge the leaders of the gyms!

But if chasing the gyms for glory isn't quite your bag and all you really want to do is try and find the one who carries the Champion's title already, it'll prove more tricky than you anticipated. The current Champion, Yasuo Fern seems to be a little more elusive than you'd hoped. In Mallard Harbour, you hear of him having just visited Wimseyview, but when you hurry there, you’re told he's just left for Oldenshard. And when you try to follow his footsteps there, you’re only in for disappointment as you've just narrowly missed him — but why not try Boothbay? He was definitely going there next. Or was it Stonington …?

In the end, the best and most foolproof way to get a chance to speak to Yasuo seems to be beating all ten gyms — after all, it's the leader who gets the chance to meet the current champion and challenge him for the title.

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F Y I

• The events in this log take place during the month of JULY.

• If you have questions about any of the prompts or the mission in general, please direct them HERE.

• Search requests will be handled a little differently for this mission. Please note you can only choose one or the other:

Regular investigations can only be conducted individually — this includes exploring specific areas and seeking to look into or speak with an NPC — submit your request HERE.

For an opportunity to speak with Yasuo Fern and receive prizes, players must form groups and engage in the gym battling mechanic. More info on that is located HERE.

• For an opportunity to get interrupted by members of Team Torpedo, reply HERE.

• And finally, your soundtrack for this log: ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

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▶ NAV

Comments

QUESTIONS.

[ximilian]

For any questions regarding the events or information on this log, ask them here.

[bindsthedead]

I'm not sure if this is better asked here or as a search request, but- how would Team Torpedo members react if characters attack them directly rather than engaging in a cubit battle?

SEARCH REQUESTS: INDIVIDUAL.

[ximilian]

Speaking to an NPC? Exploring any of the locations? Poking around for information? Tell us what your character is doing to gather information and we'll let you know what they happen to find out.

To limit the mods' workload, each character has one (1) search request. Please note that if you are participating in a group search, you cannot submit an individual search as well.

Note that not every search request will necessarily yield a point of plot relevance, and some of these search requests will wind up with dead ends. Despite this, the mods take care to try and give everyone something to work with. In the event of a search request yielding no further results, the mods will clearly explain this during the search request exchange.

More info on search requests can be found HERE. (Please keep in mind that, for this mission, group search requests are handled differently. See comment thread below.)

Search requests will remain open till JULY 20, 6PM GMT.

[homeostatic]

Bones will be taking his doctoring on the road and doing some field research to boot!

While he's patching up cubits and trainers alike as he travels, he's also studying the types of pre- and post-battle care that trainers on the road provide for their cubits– are they warming them up, or sending them right in to fight? Utilizing tonics mid-battle, or afterward? Anything they do for good luck, or superstitions and/or folk wisdom they follow?

(Look he knows the scientific literature says one thing about care and handling, but he also knows well the mindset of athletes who'll do anything to win, the issue of societal pressures, and plain old 'I learned cubit fightin' from my daddy and he fed his cubit a kilo of cheese before battle so I will too' family traditions.)

Popping in at medical centers in the towns, he'll introduce himself (and his Rhyqueen, Savannah, of course), volunteer, and probe the professionals with similar questions as to the care they witness, and the average shape that cubits arrive in when they need medical care. (Are folks getting regularly scheduled preventative care for their cubits, or only coming in when there's a problem??)

GYM BATTLES: GROUPS.

[ximilian]

This mechanic is for an opportunity to speak with Champion Yasuo Fern.

At the start of every Cubit tournament season, to account for large number of trainers wishing to compete, every trainer must sign up in the preliminaries as a group. This is how the mechanic is broken down OOCLY:

1. Submit a comment of 2-4 trainers in one group, specifying which gym you are starting at. One group per comment. Please note that no more than two (2) groups can start at the same gym. This will be first come, first serve.
2. Each group will be given one puzzle to solve.
3. Mods will respond whether they have solved the puzzle successfully or not.
4. If successful, group must decide amongst themselves who in the group advances.

Sign-ups will remain open till JULY 14, 6PM GMT. Puzzles will need to be solved by JULY 18, 6PM GMT.

<b>Group:</b> Names of Characters <b>Gym Location:</b> Which gym is your group starting from? <b>Cubits:</b> Which cubits are part of the team?

Three-ish Russians and a Jedi walk into a gym

[laviny]

Group: Yelena, Natasha, Mal and Rey
Gym Location: Tarrytown!
Cubits: Charbra, Luxtini and Volreep (Yelena)
Artimog, Lumask and Sandrina (Natasha)
Shellchan, Venoby and Ivylithe (Mal)
Lucarade, Mewther and Genedge (Rey)

GYM BATTLES: NPC THREAD SIGN-UP.

[ximilian]

ICly, after a group advances from the preliminaries, the trainers within the group must then battle each other's teams in order to move forward. OOCly, players just need to decide among them who should advance. Once done, comment here with:

1. Character's name
2. A d10 roll (this roll will decide how many gyms your character defeats in the tournament)
3. Rolls of 10s automatically get submitted into the RNG pool for the thread with Yasuo
4. If no 10s are rolled, we go with the highest number(s)
5. For those that do not roll a 10, they will be given consolatory prizes that the mods will respond with

This thread will open on JULY 17, 6PM GMT until JULY 20, 6PM GMT.

For team WWDiA

[locumstudentesquire]

Character progressing: Ryunosuke Naruhodo
Roll: Were we supposed to roll this ourselves bc cross my heart and hope to die he got a 10

NPC THREAD: YASUO FERN.

[ximilian]

This thread will open on JULY 20, 6PM GMT and end on JULY 26, 6PM GMT.

for @locumstudentesquire

[ximilian]

Ryunosuke will be battling the current Champion, Yasuo, in the gym of his hometown, Beacon's Hill. As the current leader of the gym, Yuuki Comet will be acting as official witness, though anyone is welcome to watch. Should the gym reach its capacity of 100, anyone still eager to watch can do so via the broadcast available through cable and live-streaming.

The battle is scheduled for one in the afternoon, but the day before the match, Yasuo had personally reached out to Ryunosuke to invite him to a casual get-together to have lunch and chat on the day-of. As this isn't part of any tradition or regular process, Ryunosuke is of course free to decline.

(frozen comment) TEAM TORPEDO STRIKES AGAIN.

[ximilian]

If you would like to sign up for an opportunity to have members of Team Torpedo bother your character(s), please respond to this thread with the following form filled in. Note that these interactions will not lead to information.

Sign-ups will close JULY 17, 6PM GMT. We will RNG up to five (5) top-levels. Only one character per player.

<b>Character:</b> Name of Character <b>Cubits:</b> Top-three Cubits traveling with your character <b>Top-level link:</b> <a href="URLHERE">LINK</a> <b>Town Location:</b> Preferred town location run-in <b>Items:</b> What items does your character currently have on them?

[homeostatic]

Character: Leonard McCoy
Cubits: Rhyqueen, Costei, Artimog
Top-level link: LINK
Town Location: Mallard Harbour
Items: Healing tonics and related medical supplies! 🩹🩺💊

joric | original character

[drawsblood]

PART 1

1.0

[ It's tradition at this point that whenever they transport to a planet Joric will immediately try and trek to the highest point he can to look down upon the scenery below. He's a mountain man through and through who craves being out in nature and the sunlight room simply can't compare when he can feel real breezes and sunshine on his face.

Having looked over the mission file he immediately gravitates towards visiting Beacon's Hill first, seeing how its grasslands and mountains seem made for him. Very early on in their stay he's already outfitting himself for a hike and stay up the mountain, and should anyone see him in the prep phase they're welcome to come along.

Is it likely that the orb is sitting quietly at the mountain's peak waiting for them? Who knows? This is an excuse to find out, isn't it? Joric sets out on the first hiking trail, ready to cover a great deal of distance. Whether he has someone with him or meets someone along the way, it's clear his sometimes stoic demeanor isn't present in the face of nature. ]

PART 2

4.0

[ Crossing his arms over his chest, Joric considers the giant creature sleeping before him. On the one hand, he could try throwing rocks at its head to awaken it, but on the other, he knows he wouldn't be pleasant to deal with after being awoken in such a manner so he can't imagine this thing will be either. Heaving a sigh, he lowers his arms and addresses his companion. ]

Any ideas?

6.0

[ Laying his map out flat on the table of the restaurant, Joric tries to decide where to travel to next. It seems a little strange that they have to battle through gym leaders in order to learn about the orb, but maybe it all has to do with the current Champion. Maybe the thought is in order to stay at the top he must have the orb. It's a thought, at least.

While he waits for his meal to be served, he starts to plot a route through the neighboring towns so he can at least explore them, if not end up battling there. ]

7.0

[ To say Joric is a bit lost with these Cubits is an understatement, but it seems these battles might be a way to lead them towards the orb so he's trying his best. They seem willing to listen to commands and they're obviously powerful in their own way so he takes some time trying to learn to care for them. Ivylithe sits patiently on the grass, awaiting Joric's next order while the man rubs at his beard and considers the little creature. ]

What am I supposed to feed you?

WILDCARD

[ tag me with a starter of your own! ]

a very important and serious 6.0

[coordination]

[ Joric isn't the only one at that restaurant. Yzak and his Cubits are there to get a meal and take some time to sit and relax before they, too, decide their next course of action.

Rather than opting to be served, Yzak decides to check out the buffet area and bring something back so he can actually peep what they have here to eat and how it looks for himself. His Cubits wait patiently at the table they've claimed.

He decides to start small, grabbing a miniature plate for a small serving of the spaghetti they have. An easy choice, so Yzak's time there is short-lived and now he makes his way back to his table.

But a very small Wooskull happens to skitter by across the floor just as Yzak is walking back, blending in with the floor tiles enough that he doesn't see it. So he trips right over it, the Wooskull lets out a noise of surprise, quickly moving out of the way as Yzak stumbles. He tries to catch his footing, he's usually pretty coordinated (ha) but the way his toe caught on the little creature's bone-appendages jutting out was at such an awkward angle that he just misses being able to save this situation. ]

Fuck!

[ The spaghetti goes flying as Yzak goes falling, landing on the floor in front of him with a splat as he manages to at least catch himself on a hand and a knee so he doesn't completely eat shit.

Yzak is quickly going red with embarrassment and frustration as he doesn't know what else to do in that moment but try to at least use the somehow still intact plate to scrape the spaghetti inward so it's not everywhere. People are staring, there's spaghetti everywhere. What a mess. ]

fitzchivalry farseer. — the realm of the elderlings, ota

[buckkeep]

BREEDER

LOCATION: mallard harbour

( boldly proclaiming himself a seasoned breeder of a species he's never encountered before now really doesn't even rank on the list of worst decisions fitz has ever made, but it does mean he learns on the spot with the age old phrase fake it 'til you make it playing on repeat in his mind. ultimately though, it isn't very difficult. the cubits are all friendly and fairly open with their thoughts — reaching out to fitz with their little mental coos of you want to pick up the bulkip, you pick her up and put her in your lap and berries? and you play with the malithe, you play and love him, yes.

really, it's like having a bunch of fussy children, except they all tell him exactly what they want, and fitz only has to keep up with the care. despite how different various cubits look, fitz finds it physiologically similar to raising chickens. it's how he ends up in the back pen of the breeding house, kneeling on the ground with a coreon in his lap, who coos and fusses as if in pain. )

Hey, you there. ( just passing by? welcome to recruitment. fitz nods his head back towards a hose and tray connected to the building. ) Fill up that tray, will you? She's got a stubborn egg.

WANDERER

LOCATION: wimseyview
CW: cubit death

( time spent inside ankata sees a different man than the one who entered. emotionally distraught, the usual chip on fitz's shoulder seems to have magnified into a boulder, and his hair that he usually wears in a long warrior's tail has been shorn off, cropped close to his skull in the back. it seems quite contrary to the idea of teamwork and togetherness — fitz, almost in a blind wandering, finds himself getting willingly lost in the woods, isolating himself as he is wont to do in the face of tragedy.

this is how there comes to be a seemingly homeless man, sleeping on his back in a plush patch of grass, an artimog curled up on his lap like a nest. wake him up? surely this weird forest man will have a good reaction to that. )

WILDCARD

( anything else! feel free to hit me up at trashmouth for plotting reasons. )

▶︎ CLOSED. cw: cubit death

[buckkeep]

( it's a still night, but fitz has long since gotten used to the quiet peace this little harbor town has to offer. dozens of cubits lay in sleeping piles in the fenced backyard of his breeding building, cozied together to fend the chill of night off together, or sunken down to the deepest reach of a pond he built a few days ago, the water bubbling every so often with sleepy, concealed breaths. odd enough that fitz should feel content with life — odder still that he smiles about it, eyeing the over bright moon overhead with a wobble to his shoulders, as if to say well, it's no stable.

it does kind of feel like home, though. buck has the same salty taste in the air, the same steady calm in the outerlands. it reminds him of his life, and he misses hap and nighteyes with an awful pang, rubbing his thumb against his chest as if to soothe that emptiness away, as if he's even capable of existing without it.

in any case, he heads inside, wiping dirty hands down on a worn rag, when he stops suddenly, pauses, and listens. this particular quiet ... it isn't like nights in the past. it's charged somehow, making fitz's animal instincts stand on end, the hair on the back of his neck standing straight up. there's a whooshing sound and he springs to action, grabbing a battle axe he pilfered off the ximilia with one hand and yanking open the back door with his other, eyes going first to his sleeping cubits, and second up to the sky.

paranoia? he isn't sure. he waits. )

Yzak Jule | Gundam SEED

[coordination]

MEET THE TEAM

Yzak Jule the Major: A Coordinator type Human. Short-tempered and competitive. Hard-working and devoted to his causes. Can be easily flustered and teased if one knows what buttons to press (it's not hard) because he's actually soft beneath that prickly exterior. Perpetually in his sad space drama bitch era. Enjoys chess, folklore, and dabbles in various other hobbies such as violin, cooking and reading. A soldier who knows how to pilot a giant robot, though here he's aiming to be a powerful Cubit trainer. Please come and FIGHT him.


Raiju the Luxtini: A Electric/Psychic type Cubit, and Yzak's starter partner (hence his own look matching it). Calm and caring, playful and determined. Likes meeting new Cubits and making friends as much as he enjoys battling them. Friendly battles, of course! Like any challenge, there's always an edge of taking is seriously when needed, though he'll never hold a loss against a fellow Cubit and trainer and isn't a sore loser. (UNLIKE HIS TRAINER!)


Ulama the Arcken: A Fighting/Rock type Cubit. Enjoys a good challenge and seeks them out to PROVE HIMSELF. Loves battling, ESPECIALLY loves winning, and is a sore loser, just like his trainer. Its special little right-arm gauntlet thing is a lot like Yzak's prosthetic arm. These two have a lot in common, huh? (This guy is absolutely "mini Yzak" look even its name reference is a bird that is "said to emit bloodcurdling human-sounding shrieks" it's him fr)


Xolotl the Charbra: An Electric/Fire type Cubit. A bit on the shy side, but very friendly once he warms up to you (which isn't difficult). Also leans a bit harder than the standard on his laid back traits and will let his fellow Cubit teammates go ahead and battle first. Loves wandering off to explore but as he's on the smaller side, that doesn't always end well when he stumbles upon some territorial Cubits and gets chased back to his trainer.

---

#01: STARTER ( ota ; goldthorp )

[ Yzak's journey begins in Goldthorp, where his very first Cubit is a Luxtini that he bestows upon the name Raiju. Only the coolest names for his Cubits. He can be found on the fringes of the city as he gets acquainted with his new partner, taking a knee and speaking to it; something he'd had found really odd once upon a time, but watching to see how other long-time residents interacted with their Cubits and how they responded, he quickly picked up on how it's supposed to it. And thus, with a goal in mind based on the mission file, he asks the Luxtini some questions. ]

So the battling you guys do, you have fun doing it? [ An affirmative, friendly noise comes from Raiju in response. ] Friendly battles with wandering trainers are more like an intense sparring session, then, readying you for the bigger, more official competitions. [ Another affirming noise.

Yzak nods. ] I get it. In that case, we should ensure we can protect ourselves on top of aiming for these competitions. [ Raiju cocks his head slightly, questioning, sensing something more is Up, there. ] I need your help finding something, and to do that I'll need to travel across the land ... searching far and wide, too, based on past experiences of this shit.

[ And so it goes. The agreement between trainer and Cubit to start on their adventure, their first goal being to head out and catch a few more Cubits to add to their team. Did your character stumble across this cute little moment? Whether they did or are just passing by now, Yzak takes note of them, standing back up fully to address them (and their Cubit!). ]

Hey. You're heading out too, right? We should try out this whole battle thing first.

[ Seeing as this is a first time for both of them ... and they're both brand new to this world and perhaps not as savvy about moves and the like, this could clearly be fun*.

* absolutely chaotic and stupid ]

---

#02: THUNDERSTORM ( ota ; outside of goldthorp )

[ After Yzak's main battle team of three has been assembled, of course he and his Cubits decide brave the more risky route through the Volreep-settled canyon. It's dusk, the clouds covering the sky streaking smoggy, dull splashes of the oranges, blues and purples that hide behind them. They're not by any means the only ones who have decided to come this way, so as a result Yzak's decided to team up with you and your Cubits to get through.

Perhaps more Volreep have found this place, or perhaps the natural weather itself is just bad on top of the Cubit-caused phenomena - it's hard to tell. But it doesn't matter, because their focus right now is the way the wind kicks up harshly, cutting across their faces. It's the way the lightning strikes become more constant, wilder, lower; one hits a tree and splits it with a deafening crack. ]

Shit. [ Though prepared like any trainer should be for rough terrain and weather, even Yzak can tell this is getting worse and that they shouldn't be out here. ]

Let's move to the side of the canyon! [ He calls to his fellow Orber. ] There's got to be somewhere safe to duck into for a while!

---

#03: TORPEDO ATTACK ( ota ; tarrytown )

[ Yzak's been in Tarrytown for a couple of days, and it's been relatively calm. So naturally, that needs to change, and now a neighborhood near the Team Torpedo HQ needs help! The power-out originally seemed like a mistake, but once items and even Cubits started going missing soon after, it was clear that this was intentional. Now those Torpedo ass bastards need to get tracked down before they sneak back to their headquarters so they can get those Cubits/items/money back! But which way did they go?

The civilians all around all think they did see a shady suspicious character head somewhere, but which way was it...? They're so busy dealing with various things as a result of the blackout that their minds are blanking! Maybe helping them out will jog their memory some and lead you in the right direction. And the more help there, the merrier, so let's team up and help out and get some answers together!

As an extra aside, Yzak's got a couple of electric types if any establishments nearby (maybe even one YOUR character is part of) need a temporary power supply while you team up with the rest of your teams and help out! ]

---

#04: AYAYA CUTE ( ota ; goldthorp )

[ There's been a ton of buzz about the very popular Cubit Pageant being held in Goldthorp. From dressing up to showing off talents like singing or drawing or dancing, it's time for you and your Cubit to take the spotlight and shine! Normally, Yzak wouldn't be interested in this sort of thing, but with buzz of big events also comes the buzz of potential Team Torpedo shenanigans. That, and a fellow trainer that Yzak's met on his journey and his Cubits are pretty into this event! And Yzak's Arcken, entirely too easily goaded into things (HM SOUNDS FAMILIAR!) absolutely MUST join this now, after this trainer's partners properly flaunted how well they always do and nobody could ever beat them!

(and let's be real, that ignited Yzak's own competitive fire because HIS Cubit is AMAZING and can TOTALLY WIN THIS!)

Whether your Cubit also sings or dances or whatnot, they've got to look like a star for it! So first comes the dressup part. Come witness this badass team and their amazing* fashion.

* lol ]

---

OOC, WILDCARDS & ALL THAT JAZZ
Contact for anything can be on Plurk (gaignun) or Discord (urtv)! Feel free to tweak this or that from any prompts to better suit whatever you want to get rolling, OR just throw me a wildcard! I'm also down to kick around ideas and/or get a personal starter up if you have a specific idea for anything.

01

[legalcy]

[What a beautiful fox creature Yzak has. Minimus glances at his impulsive and round Malithe and wonders why he, who has never done anything wrong, gets partnered with so many brash people. Yes, his Cubit partner is a person, she is intelligent and has a personality, and it's wrong to deny someone their sentience just because they walk on four legs. Molly can communicate in her own special way.

He turns back to Yzak.] It's about time we do that. I've been discussing ambush techniques with my Malithe this morning.

alucard | castlevania

[ananym]

( i a. goldthorp — exploring the town )

[ his first mission. somehow, alucard expected more . . . tension. more stress. from his reading of previous missions, he knew that the unexpected was expected more, but this. everyone here seemed peaceful. kind. passing a smile as he walked by. he tries to take notes as he explores the town but it still makes him . . . uncomfortable. like he's a wolf in sheep's clothing. or he simply isn't meant to linger in peaceful wilds.

the last thought was disheartening. after a while he flies up to the clock tower, sitting on one of the hands in contemplation, listening to the low level hum of machinery. it reminded him of his catacomb and it felt so oddly soothing that he found himself losing track of time.

if someone were to call out to him, he would hear though. ]

( i b. goldthorp — dealing with cubits )

[ much like investigating the town, this is also . . . not his wheelhouse. it's one thing to fight monster to protect the innocent. it's another to take care of them. though, once, he was quite adept at him. taka and sumi's laughing faces flash into his mind and alucard finds himself wincing at himself.

he puts it aside before bending down to address one of his cubits with all the seriousness he can muster. which . . . probably makes him look a bit silly. ]

It seems we are comrades. Though it seems we cannot shake on it.

[ alucard eyes this cubit for a moment. ]

I think I shall call you Trevor.

( ii. outside goldthorp — thunderstorm )

[ the storm does not bother him, but his cubits were cowering under the onslaught. he draws his cloak around them with a frown. he rather not involve them in any fights and he rather not fight any of the wild cubits either. fighting creatures of the night is one thing but . . . none of these seemed particularly violent or brutal.

he grits his teeth. that being said, they cannot stay out here forever. he calls out to whoever is nearby. ]

Do you have a plan? I might be able to distract them.

( iii. around — filling out the cubitdex )

[ he could see someone spending their life like this. simply wandering the wilds, making notes and learning about the flora and fauna for science. he feels . . . almost happy, a smile playing on his lips as he directs his cubit. ]

Show me that attack again, I think I almost got the specifics.

[ if you pause, he'll be happy to share his findings with you. ]

( iv. wildcard )

[ if you got a prompt, hit me up @ timmtams / hit up my plotting comment ]

i b

[bindsthedead]

Trevor?

[Sabriel is standing nearby, head tilted to the side as she watches the two of them politely.

There's a Cofatrode beside her, and a Jigglyki perched on her shoulder, keeping its balance as even as Sabriel kneels to get a better look at Alucard's cubit.]

It's nice to meet you, Trevor.

[Sabriel knows they won't be able to take the cubits back with them. But it's nice to have such companionship for as long as the mission lasts.]

Minimus Ambus | Transformers IDW | OTA

[legalcy]

2.0

[It's clear that Cubits are intelligent creatures. Professor Cress doesn't have to lecture on their abilities to understand their trainers for Minimus to see the thoughts in their eyes. Well, some of the ones around here don't appear to think much before doing anything, but they're not dumb animals.]

The stoic illusion of a short man in a sweater vest throws aside his carefully-curated image of a serious trainer the moment he catches his first Cubit.]

You're like me. [He sits on an exposed rock and removes the large bag of deli meats he bought for his team. Malithe is shaped like a beast, he is a beastformer. Minimus is certain they'll all get along.] They might not see you as sapient in all aspects, but I know we are equals. If you wish to get strong, then I take on the responsibility of guiding you.

[Malithe takes half of a sausage and nods, as if she acknowledges Minimus's promise.]

Good. Now, I bought extra blankets and tent space if you prefer resting somewhere comfortable, but let's discuss our combat strategies...

4.0

[It would be nice to leave town. Really, it would. Unfortunately, Cubits are powerful enough to control the weather when they work together, and Minimus must get through the canyon to explore the next gym.

He looks down at Malithe and Luxtini. He looks at the Volreep.]

Do they have shepherding on this planet?

6.0 - Oldenshard

[Minimus walks into town, two Cubits by his side (they deserve to experience the outside world whenever they want) and smiles at the quiet atmosphere of the spooky locale. He beckons Malithe and Luxtini to stay close.]

Shops, or Cubit catching first? [Malithe looks bored - she wants to do something exciting. Luxtini prefers something quieter.] Alright, then. Luxure, you stay in your cubitile and be safe while Molly gets some battle practice. We'll visit the stores later.

Wildcard
((Feel free to hit me up for any traveling, battles, or exploring threads!)

6.0

[oharas]

[ robin's been delightfully curious about this world, almost immediately having been keen to travel from town to town and observe the culture behind these unique cubits. oldenshard has, no doubt, been one of her favorites, credited to the vague spook nature of its atmosphere.

it certainly fits well with her cubit, a gaslord whose back is large enough for her to ride as it floats through the town with robin perched on its back, a notebook in her hand as she jots down notes while she peers around in observation.

when she spots minimus, robin gives a curious smile, asking gaslord to halt for the time being as she peeks over its head. ]

It looks like you've grown very familiar with them, haven't you? [ she gives a polite smile like she's familiar with him. not that they've met, but — well, robin had made sure to make herself aware of who all of her fellow orbers are before she came onto her first mission. she's read as many of the public files as she could get her hands on. ] Minimus, correct?

Daisy Johnson | OTA

[morethan084]

2.0 | Journey to Goldthorp

[With her duffel bag over her shoulder, Daisy heads towards the town that seems most suited for her. Not too long into her journey she spots a fellow orber a few paces behind her and slows down,]

Have you seen how massive some of those cubit’s are? I didn’t expect them to be that big.

2.0 | And they were roommates (open to one person)

[With her arrival into the town, Daisy is quickly given cubit’s and left to find her own room and board. It seems there are others looking around for where to say and she moves towards them.]

Anyone looking for a roommate? Because as nice as this town is, I’d rather not sleep on the street.

5.0 | Team Torpedo

[It’s only after Flint has left to continue his journey that Daisy turns to the person next to her,]

I don’t know about you, but I don’t plan on steering clear of that team.

[Is Daisy always looking for a fight? Maybe. She tries to reason with,]

What if they come after one of our own?

6.0 | Researching

The research center quickly caught Daisy’s attention, and while aspects of this are completely new to her, she finds herself picking up on it pretty quickly. Well, at least some aspects of it. Looking up from her spot when another orber walks past, she gestures for them to come over.]

Do you have any idea what we’re supposed to be doing right now? Because I thought I put in the correct information, but nothing is popping up.

[Probably because she spelled the cubit’s name wrong.]

Wildcard

[Have something else in mind? Feel free to write it below or PM/message me on plurk morethan084!]

5.0

[drawsblood]

[ Joric watches Flint leave, feeling like he just crossed paths with his future self. All right, not really, but the men are in matching plaid and their vibes are similar. Andy taught him what that meant so he's been on the lookout for a person's vibes ever since. ]

What are they going to do: make our Cubits fight? If that's all they've got I can handle them.

[ With a swift punch to the jaw... ]

Mm, let's see if we can track them down and see how much of a threat they really are.

Bones | Star Trek (AOS)

[homeostatic]

( making some tls for open & closed starters. hit me up if you'd like anything custom. i'm interested in keeping things on the lighter side wrt new cr this mission, as just a heads up. )

Open Starters

[homeostatic]

1.0 - Gear Up

Don't forget a rain cover for your tent.

( Doing a little shopping? Bones has popped up over your shoulder to judge the contents of your buggy. How the fuck did he do that? How has he already changed? Some mysteries are better left unsolved.

At his side, Savannah the Rhyqueen, all four feet of her, eyeballs you with an even sterner countenance, the aforementioned rain cover held neatly in her claws. )

Queeeeen! ( she declares emphatically, and with the enthusiasm of a toddler eager to please Dad, she hurls the cover at both orbers. )

4.0 - Cortouga Wrangling

( Traveling companions will see another side of McCoy on the mission, bouncing on the balls of his feet with barely-concealed excitement, even in spite of the way the ground shivers beneath their feet. The road ahead is a mess of fallen trees and broken earth, which he surveys with a humming tricorder. It's stable, thankfully- anything that was gonna fall has already done so. Closing the screen, he tests a tree like he's kicking the tires of an old car, thoughtful. )

I'm going up ahead. The poor thing might have gotten injured from all this ruckus.

( The 'poor thing' is also like, the size of a bus and potentially dangerous but– oh, there the energetic doctor goes, leaving his bike in the brush to clamber over the natural blockade with (careful!) determination. )

6.0 - First-Aid

( Out in the wilds, anything can happen. While fighting remains distasteful to him, McCoy can readily be found where many of the local trainers gather, ready with healing tonics and salves for battle-weary cubits. If he's got himself a deluge of patients, he may even wave you over if he sees you– time to put your first-aid training on the station to good use!

In Wimsey Forest, he's got a different kind of patient on his hands. Belly down at the edge of a deep depression in the forest floor, with Savannah peering worriedly down beside him, McCoy talks soothingly to a Costei at the bottom. Long ruts in the sides of the hole tell of how hard the young Cubit has tried to climb her way out, exhausted by her efforts. She mews mournfully up at Bones. )

It's okay, sweetheart, I'm gonna get you out. ( Look at you, fellow orber, showing up at a convenient time. )

Hey! I need your help.

Poison Ivy | Harley Quinn Animated Series

[greenpower]

1.0

[Ivy is, in fact, planning to specialize in grass-type cubits. Like, c'mon, that part was obvious, right? She's a plant lady who talks to plants and tells them what to do, and they're at least part plant, right? Maybe she can't control them the way she would actual real plants back home (though that would be pretty great, right?) but she's got to have some kind of an advantage here.

Only one way to find out.

Her first pick cubit is a glooish, which she'll claim is an educated choice—grass and poison? I mean—but also, look, it's not her fault if the little guy is kind of cute. Drooling venom as he toddles up to her.]

Aw, look at you. [There's a softness in her voice that very, very few human animals ever hear and even fewer human beings.] You look like a Gary. Or maybe a Greg?

[Without actually turning to look at any nearby orbers, she offers her hand to the drowsy, poisonous nugget.]

What do you think? More of a Gary, right?


4.0

[Cortouga: grass/rock type. Ivy did the reading.

Unfortunately by this point she's confirmed and verified that she can't just command cubits, but she does seem to have a good report with them. Better than she does with any of the other cubits, at least.

That doesn't necessarily make it a good idea when she walks up to the massive beastie and slaps its coral-crusted shell firmly.] Come on, upsy daisy.

[It makes a pretty satisfying thump when she smacks it. Actually, that gets the wheels in her head turning. She could probably find a handhold or two in that weed crusted back...]

You think if we win this guy over that there's a chance we could ride him?

[Ivy hates walking, and he's certainly big enough. She gives the cortouga another shove, not showing any particular fear despite its size and strength, still trying to get its attention.]

Time to rise and shine.

[It grumbles, the sound deep enough to shake in Ivy's bones and a huff blows the leaves in front of it. Slowly, it starts to stir itself awake in response to Ivy's gentle but persistent prodding.]

6.0

You think they have any good vegan food?

[Ivy stretches her neck and back, stiff from the ride into the new town. This whole mission so far has been very physical, and she can't say she's in love with that. But on the other hand, it's a lot better than another cyberpunk hellscape, so she's not complaining.

Or not complaining much.

Or, you know, she's making an effort not to complain. Cut her some slack.]

I would kill for some vegan lasagne, like with the cashew cheese? Or the pea protein? That shit's not so bad.

[A pause, then a frown.]

You don't think they eat the cubits, do you? That would be pretty messed up.

Wildcard

((Hit me up for something else!))

6.0

[legalcy]

[Gentleman Minimus looks up from petting his Luxtini and Mawlithe, both tired from the trip. It feels cruel to store them into small boxes when traveling, even if there wasn't enough space for all of their Cubits on their ride.]

Would that not be considered murder? [Two protective arms wrap around Luxure and Molly.]

Shuntaro Chishiya | Alice in Borderland

[dispassioned]

[Open and closed starters will go here. If you want something specific, feel free to hit me up on plurk @ etceteras or PM. Wildcards also welcome!]

—OPEN

[dispassioned]

ARRIVAL

[This might be one of the most surreal moments in Chishiya's life. Which is saying a lot because he’s lived through a lot of surreal moments, particularly over the last year or so. But here he is, standing in a field, under fluffy white clouds and bright blue skies.

Positively idyllic. Like something out of an anime.

A very specific anime.

At Professor Cress' urging he makes his choice of cubit, and accepts the smiling white and green cubitile with a sigh.]

I guess should have paid more attention to Pokémon when I was growing up.

[He mutters to himself dryly as he heads towards Beacon’s Hill.]

SHOPPING

[Once he’s made some money from offering his medical services he takes some time to do a little shopping. He makes a particular point of grabbing some research materials, texts and manuals as well as empty journals and notebooks for taking notes, plus some tonics and medical essentials for his cubits.

But he also ends up pausing at a few clothing shops. There’s more variety here than at the supply drops, so he can be a little more particular about his hoodies. And his pants. He ends up getting one pair that amuses him, as well as a pair of plain shorts and sweatpants. He gets a couple of tanktops and t-shirts for good measure, and a backpack to carry it all in.

During his last stop his Mewther is out of its cubitile and has taken an interest in the clothes, as well. After some poking around it sets its sights on a white, hooded poncho. Conveniently cubit sized, and very much like Chishiya's hoodies, but better equipped to handle Mewther's…unique…arms.

Chishiya stares for a moment, bemused before finally relenting with a sigh.]

Why not.

[He offers the clerk a few more cubit dollars for the poncho.]

PROBLEM CHILD

[At some point in his travels and research Chishiya picks up a Lumask. Not necessarily a problem in itself, but the thing is this Lumask appears to be convinced it is the protagonist of a shounen manga. It wants to fight everything.

Literally. Everything.

That completely normal rock minding its own business? Lumask tries to challenge it. That shrubbery over there that rustled just so? Lumask is ready for it. You and your cubits passing by? Lumask wants to fight you.

Chishiya, however, does not. He’s trying to take notes. Or read. Or maybe nap. Literally anything but battle.

So when he notices Lumask attempting to start yet another fight, he rushes to put it back in storage.]

Not everyone wants to fight.

[As the cubitile locks, a discontent :( emoji appears. Chishiya huffs.]

I need to find it a trainer that actually wants to compete.

[Because Chishiya just doesn’t care that much.]

nikolai lantsov — grishaverse

[ravkas]

( starters will go here. tw for potential blood/mentions of death. everything takes place after this thread (tw for mad violence) )

CLOSED — zoya nazyalensky.

[ravkas]

[ there haven’t been very many constants in his life since taking the throne. one politically inconsequential and yet personally steadfast truth has been that he can always trust that, in any room, he’ll be just as devastatingly handsome as zoya nazyalensky is beautiful.

unfortunately, that is not true today. the lack of grisha healers means he shows up at her training facility badly bruised and still minorly concussed from his run-in with fitzchivalry farseer. he is also lacking all his cubits, because they are — rest their little souls — very, very dead.

he strides in as if none of this bothers him. as if the roiling shadow inside of him doesn’t have him trapped and terrified. as if he hasn’t spent a sleepless night thinking of abdicating the throne for fear of murdering all the citizens he’s sworn to protect. (to what heir? he has not been particularly busy in that regard.)

his head pulses as if it’s going to split in two. ]

General Nazyalensky. [ nikolai beams, clapping his hands together as he looks around the facilities. ] What’s the plan to ensure that we win… whatever we’re supposed to be winning? Is that the sea? [ he squints toward the window, his vision still slightly out of focus from being hit in the head a half dozen times. ] Do you fancy a swim?

[ with half of his face covered in bruising and stitches hiding in his hair, floating weightlessly in the ocean is honestly where he wishes most to be. better yet with zoya by his side to make sure he doesn't drown himself in his own despair. ]

Rey | Star Wars

[jedied]

1. Beacon's Hill


[ Rey has just made the acquaintance of her first cubit; a rather opinionated Lucarade that she's named Tuana after a kind of berry on her homeworld. She's not having an an amazing amount of success getting the creature, which comes up to just above knee height and likes to whack her in the calves with its staff if it thinks she's not taking its wishes into account. She's trying to resort to bribery, but the nuts she's offering her new friend are sniffed disdainfully and then chucked back at her with a huff. ]

Look, I know you're eager to start training, but I need to stop for supplies first. You can show me what kind of treats you'd prefer once we get to the shop, but you're going to have to come with me for that to work.

[ Perhaps you've got your own recalcitrant Cubit to wrangle, or you're just finding her struggles entertaining? Either way, she looks as though she could use a hand before she resorts to cursing her new friend out in a language that would betray her as emphatically not from this world. ]

2. Leaving Town

[ Having spent a few days getting a sense of the immediate area, asking questions of the locals, bonding and training with Tuana, and generally enjoying the relatively placid environment, Rey feels reasonably ready to move on to the next town.

There's just one problem: a giant creature sleeping so soundly that she's honestly pretty sure she and the others waiting to cross its path could probably just climb over. But she's not quite ready to out herself as having unusual powers with others watching, and if her guess about the lazy creature is wrong she's not sure she could lull it back to complacency without drawing attention. She glances behind her to see if she ought to shoot her shot and luckily -- or unluckily -- spies another Orber approaching. ]

I don't suppose you've got a Cubit capable of taking this thing on if it wakes up with a bad attitude?

Gotta catch 'em?


[ Having finally made her way out of Beacon's Hill, Rey can be found any number of locations in search of the ever elusive Cubit to complete her perfect team. She's decided to lean into the fighting type fairly hard and is reasonably satisfied with her two newest additions, but she's a collector at heart and she has to admit some of the other types are awfully endearing. She'd just like to catch a few more for research purposes at the very least. ]

Hey, did you see a little... Shubuff, I think? It was pretty small, but I was reasonably sure I saw it float over here.

[ Wildcards/custom starters: hit me up on Plurk or in DM! ]

{ gotta catch 'em }

[drawsblood]

[ It wouldn't be accurate to say Joric has taken to Cubit collecting like a fish to water. In fact, once he hit three he stopped and he could be described as a water-phobic being presented with an ocean. He has no idea what he's supposed to do with these things and he certainly hasn't bothered researching them. So the question is one he can't answer to the affirmative, though he does offer a hand. ]

I wasn't really paying attention to floating things, but I can help you look for it.

Sabriel | The Old Kingdom | OTA

[bindsthedead]

First meeting

[Sabriel's first cubit is a Jigglyki. And as far as she's concerned, it is the most adorable creature she's met.]

I think I'll call you Biscuit. Do you like it?

[Biscuit squeat, and makes a sound like several notes from a music box. Sabriel just laughs and nods, picking her up and spinning her around.]

I'm glad you do! Now, what should we do first?

Preparing for the journey

[Sabriel had plenty of time to gather supplies before leaving the station. But despite her best efforts- well, you always forget a few things. Like a raincoat, for when an umbrella isn't suitable, and some odds and ends of camping gear- she probably should buy matches, even if she doesn't need them to start a fire. And she'll need sunscreen, so she grabs the largest bottle on the shelf.

And there are also things not available at the station that she picks up, like cubitiles, healing tonics, and other cubit related goods.

Her basket is starting to get very heavy.]

Perhaps I should have grabbed a cart. Do you think there's anything I've forgotten?

[That last question is directed at whichever crew member is standing closest to her.]

On the road

A

[It feels nice to be out in the fresh air, surrounded by living nature- the sunlight room and simulator are nice, but nothing can quite replace the real thing.

And everything is peaceful here, with the only problem being a gang of petty criminals- no wars, no monsters devouring innocents, none of the threats that make people lock their doors at night. A little voice in the corner of Sabriel's mind wonders if it's all too good to be true.

But for now, there's just the open road, her traveling companions (both crew and cubits), and the pack on her back.

And the flock of Marvesta making their way over the plains, bleating out maar as they go.]

What do you think- want to catch one?

B

[The Magsea are... a problem. Grimacing at all the damage they're causing, Sabriel categorizes her option- go another route, use magic to fireproof herself and go around, or... Well, it's cloudy, but it's not going to rain anytime soon- not without some encouragement, at least.

Sabriel looks around, peering through all the smoke, looking to see if she and her traveling companion are the only ones]

You don't see any locals around, do you?

[Because while she's not going to abstain from magic the entire mission... She is trying to avoid frightening anyone.]

C

[Camping is... almost nostalgic, really. Sabriel's tent is set up well off the beaten path, with a campfire blazing merrily, and her Cubits lounging around, warming themselves. There's a meal cooking on the fire, and Sabriel is playing with Mittens the Chandoxys while she waits for her food to be ready.

And in this case 'playing' means bouncing a flame back and forth between them. There's a telltale flash of Charter magic each time the flame comes Sabriel's way- but when she hears the sound of footsteps, she immediately stops- a muttered spell puts out the wayward flame, and Sabriel turns to investigate.]

Who's there?

[She's heard of Team Torpedo attacking people, but even if it's a less threatening local... She rememebers Viveca's warning. Best to keep a low profile.]

Oldenshard

[This place is old, and saturated in death- albeit, not of the violent kind.

In some ways it's almost restful, and Sabriel finds herself lingering. It doesn't hurt that most of the cubits here are ghost types, and she's able to understand them.

Currently, she's spending time with her team in one of the few open plots that isn't a graveyard. The flowers here are all darkly colored- blues and purples that verge on black, and reds with a hue that reminds Sabriel drying blood. And because Biscuit has asked so nicely, Sabriel is making flower garlands for her cubits. (Even Mittens, after discreetly fireproofing that one so the Chandoxys doesn't burn it.)

Get too close, and you might find a wreath tossed your way, as Sabriel's cubits look on. The Cofatrode.... seems to be laughing.]

This place is nice, isn't it? Restful.

Closed to Students (Yzak, McCoy, Kazuma)

[Just because they need to be discreet about using magic doesn't mean they can't use magic. So once she's found a nice, out of the way spot that's shielded from prying eyes by heavy woods, Sabriel sends her students a message, giving them the location and telling them to come and practice.

When they arrive, Sabriel's already wating, her pack resting against a tree and all of her cubits out, clustered around her.]

Ready to get started? Mogget, Biscuit and Mittens will just watch, for now.

Wildcard

[None of these work? Want a custom one? Just let me know! PM this journal, or reach me at sarahthesilent]

on the road: camping

[dyaddyissues]

[ Kylo has been walking for hours now, the Lumask at his side is a decent, if not quiet companion for someone who doesn't feel the need to fill the void of silence with chatter. He occasionally addresses the Cubit, has little idea what the response is when it replies but it can let him know if it's hungry or bored, or tired so it's not like there's no way of understanding here.

Still, he's not entirely sure that he trusts it as means of protection when he's got to be careful using the force to try and blend in. His gloved hand rests near the saber hilt.

Just in case.

Up ahead there's a campire. Perhaps they ought to do similar, though sleeping outdoors, surrounded by all this nature and in the open - eugh. Kylo just sees a ball of light flicker and fade out before the woman is calling out into the darkness. ]

We're just passing through.

Phoenix Wright // Ace Attorney // OTA

[servesyouwright]

PART 1

Arrival

[ However it is they all came to be on that station, he can't say he remembers it, so he's not sure what to expect from travelling to a new world. The very concept of a new world is, by itself, enough to make his head spin if he thinks about it too long, so he tries to just roll with the punches. That tugging sensation is something he could definitely do without, though, and he might look a little green when they arrive.

Aside from that, though ... This is surprisingly not all that different from stepping out of a plane across the pond. Something about the air is different from home and from the station and that alone is enough for him to know he's far from home. Aside from that, this could honestly just as well be Earth, which is a weird thing to think about. But he follows the others over to the signs, still trying not to think too hard about it, and eyes them with a bit of a concerned frown. ]

I guess I know what the symbols mean and all, but a fire and lightning symbols really aren't inviting.

[ Which is why he thinks he might just go with the leaf, even if his hesitation is unwarranted. At least, if the information they've received is in any way correct. Which it is. Probably. Right? ]

1.0

[ It's been some time since he's settled in, and it's somewhat unnerving how easily that happened. Professor Cress seemed happy to accept more people at her research lab and everyone's been glad to show the ropes and answer questions. He's not even too bothered by the Celebird happily following him around everywhere he goes, or perching on his shoulder or head. He supposes he can admit it is cute.

Even though no one else will get the joke, he decided to name it Polly.

He's really not doing anything in particular, just walking from point A to point B, idly turning a cubitile over in his hand as he considers whether he should make an effort of catching some more. Although he has no intention of learning to fight, this place is all about these little critters, and they could still help find the orb.

That's when, out of nowhere, a cubit that's a little out of place in the green and lush place that is Beacon's Hill - a Primerai - leaps out of the trees to snatch the cubitile out of his hands. He jumps, and yelps, and looks up in time to see the shape of it as it scurries back into the trees. ]

Wh-- Why is it always the monkeys?!

[ If he had a nickel-- ]

Wildcard

[ He's going to be spending at least the first while only in Beacon's Hill and usually at the research lab, so feel free to chat him up anywhere. I have a plotting comment here and can be reached on Tossino and tossino @ Discord ]

Arrival

[bindsthedead]

If it's talking about different cubit types... well, I can understand not wanting to immediately face creatures that can set you on fire.

[Although Sabriel's curious to see what they're like. Are they creatures of living flame like Salamanders and phoenixes, or are they like the fire-breathing dragons in old storybooks?]

Especially if this is your first mission.

Wei Wuxian

[singlelogbridge]

[Open and closed starters to follow.]

Open Starters

[singlelogbridge]

A. Oldenshard (Only 2 for this prompt please!)

[After taking the first couple days to settle into Mallard Harbour, Wei Wuxian had eventually packed a bag for the road and headed out to begin some exploration. He’d considered taking on the role of a Cubit trainer, but had ultimately decided that he was much more suited to research. He'd been lucky enough to find a job that wanted field work, and so while he explores the different towns of the lands looking for any signs of orb activity, he's also been taking copious notes on any of the Cubits he finds on his travels.

Today finds him in Oldenshard facing something of an unpredictable situation.]

Come on guys, I can’t walk into town like this! [he pleads with a small crowd of Shubuffs floating in the air around him. There are at least a dozen of them surrounding him, and every minute or two another seems to appear. His own Shubuff has tucked itself closer to his neck in response, hiding in his hair as it glares out at the little swarm. The swarm seems unbothered by his pleas, circling him with curiosity and occasionally butting up against his hand.]

Hey, I’m serious. [He wags a finger at them, doing his best to keep his voice stern; a tall task when his lips keep threatening to twitch into an open smile. The Shubuffs chatter back at him in their peculiar way of talking using only their name, and Wei Wuxian huffs, shaking his head.]

What will the townsfolk think if I walk in there surrounded by all of you, huh? I won’t get anything done with everyone staring at me! [In answer, a Shubuff lands on his head, another tugs on the strands of his ponytail, and his own Shubuff continues to loudly complain about the crowd next to his ear. Before he can decide what to do about his sudden fan club, a tug at his pants has him looking down to see a Primerai clinging to his leg.]

Oh, come on! [He sighs and resigns himself to his fate for now.]

[ooc: ghost types have an affinity for Wei Wuxian due to his demonic cultivation, so please feel free to witness Wei Wuxian trying and failing to extract himself from this situation!]


B. On the way to Poppyhurst

[Wei Wuxian is sitting on a boulder just a few minutes from the Silverstake Mines. He’s a couple dozen feet from the road nestled between some trees, and what had started as a lunch break has turned into a concert break from the looks of it. His food long finished, Wei Wuxian is done eating, and instead has taken up playing his flute for a crowd of varying types of ghost Cubits. A few of them sway or chatter along, while others simply poke and prod at his form, clearly intrigued.

He should probably get up and leave, but the Cubits seem to be enjoying themselves and he can’t bring himself to quit playing just yet.]

C. Near Beacon Hill

[As it turns out, giant Cortougas deciding to take naps in the middle of the road aren’t as rare as the Orbers might have hoped. This explains why several days later a traveling Orber might come across the very same Cortouga passed out and blocking all traffic along the road north of Beacon Hill. While that Orber is trying to figure out how to get around the unconscious obstacle, Wei Wuxian happens to be passing by, flying on top of a sizable Gaslord.

The moment he spots an Orber below, he leans over the side of the Cubit and calls down with a grin—] Need a lift?

D. Outisde of Tarrytown (Only 2 for this prompt please!)

[Despite the (admittedly cute) hindrance that the ghost Cubits’ affinity for him has been, Wei Wuxian has to admit that where it concerned putting his Cubits at ease, it’s made things a lot simpler. It’s a drastic difference from the situation he’s in now, hands raised in front of him and doing his best to make his voice gentle and coaxing as he approaches an injured Costei growling at him from behind a tree.]

Hey, I’m not going to hurt you, I promise. [He says, taking another step towards the frightened Cubit and then immediately stepping back when it lets out a threatening growl.

He lets out a soft sigh and glances around for any ideas on what to do. He could just leave it, but Tarrytown is Team Torpedo territory, and he’s sure that if he does walk away, it’ll only be a matter of time before they rush in and scoop this poor thing up. Too bad he has no idea how to get this Cubit to trust him. A little help from someone would be nice!]

E. Wildcard me!

Ryunosuke Naruhodo | The Great Ace Attorney | Open/Closed by Starter

[locumstudentesquire]

[Open/closed starters will be added below; hit me up on Plurk at awkwardpossum if you want to plot something. In the meantime...]

Meet the Squad

Jugemu Jugemu Go-Kō-no-Surikire Kaijari-suigyo no Suigyō-matsu Unrai-matsu Fūrai-matsu Kū-Neru Tokoro ni Sumu Tokoro Yaburakōji no Burakōji Paipo Paipo Paipo no Shūringan Shūringan no Gūrindai Gūrindai no Ponpokopii no Ponpokonā no Chōkyūmei no Chōsuke the Luxtini. Also, Ryunosuke's starter.


Kin-chan the Hopgar.


Tassel the Venoby.

Open starters

[locumstudentesquire]

Given there's bound to be a lot of traveling by foot involved in this mission, Ryunosuke has dressed for the occasion. It's a far cry from his usual black gakuran-centric choice of clothing, but it sure does help him look more the part of a cubit trainer.

A. Over-charged (on the road between Stonington and Goldthorp)

Maybe you're just walking along with your own cubit, or maybe you've stopped for a picnic break on the side of the road. Maybe you're doing something else entirely! Doesn't matter really, because whatever it is you're up to? You're about to be interrupted.

Tall grass close by begins to rustle ominously. Suddenly, out leaps a luxtini! Raring for a fight, its fur is all on end, crackling with electricity. There's a wild gleam in its eye, and as it lands in front of you, it stamps the ground with one forepaw a few times... Either staring directly at your cubit, or, if you don't have one out at the moment, staring at YOU.

"Tini! Lux lux, luxtini!"

It seems to be making some kind of demand, in its weird little cubit language. Whatever it's saying sounds aggressive and maybe a little rude? It's a pretty spunky cubit, that's for sure. There's no capturing him though, unfortunately, because soon enough its trainer, and one of your fellow orbers, shows up a few moments later, panting heavily from jogging after his four-legged partner.

"JUGEMU!" Ryunosuke winces at you apologetically. "I'm so... SO sorry, he's been acting strangely ever since he got hit by some lightning while we were passing through that peculiar storm outside Goldthorp--" He starts to explain, before being interrupted by his cubit giving him an impatient little zap with its tail. Ryunosuke yelps, looking quite ruffled by this gesture.

"Jugemu! Good grief, calm down! Please!"

"LUUUUUUUUUUX! Luxtini!!!!"

It's up to you: will you give the luxtini what it wants and battle it for some practice? Or will you help Ryunosuke find a different way of getting his poor over-juiced cubit to calm down?

B. Ghost Busting?? (Oldenshard)

Ryunosuke has been making his way around the region trying to build up his cubit team before taking on the gym challenge with his friends. The high speed train has made this a much easier prospect. Thankfully, he's not totally unaccustomed to the experience of riding something like this thanks to his time on Nderia, and the journey has been relatively smooth so far.

Unfortunately, he has saved the worst town (in his mind) for last.

Stepping out of the station into the town of Oldenshard, the creepy and somber atmosphere is immediately obvious. Unable to contain his distaste, he moans miserably under his breath.

"Why... Why is there an entire town based around a cemetery?"

"Hop hop," says Kin-chan sympathetically, standing at his side and patting his hand in a comforting gesture.

Y'all here for ghost cubits? Here's your chance to go hunting with probably just about the biggest wuss on the crew.

C. A question for the crew (Audio; Network)

I've been thinking about this for a few days now, but... Do you think it's safe to explain to our cubits that... That we won't be sticking around here forever?

[It's something that has been bothering him a lot lately, the more he learns about how important bonds of friendship are, between cubits and their people. It's becoming increasingly clear to him that cubits are smarter than the average animal, too, and he's worried what's going to happen to his once they leave.]

[OOC: Prose or brackets, either is fine. I'll write to match however you tag in!]

anakin skywalker | star wars

[facultative]

3.0 poppyhurst
[While Anakin agrees with the need to blend in, he's not terribly interested in fashion so he's wearing a plain black hoodie and a pair of jeans. His lightsaber openly hangs at his side, but with most people unfamiliar with the weapon it'd be simple to pass it off as a fashion accessory. His cubit, a tired looking venidion wearing a fake beard follows him dutifully.]

Stick close, Ben. I don't think you'd enjoy your leaves getting singed around here.

[Right on cue a bimar belches out a stream of flame that licks harmlessly against the walls of a nearby building. Anakin watches before he turns to someone nearby.]

Hey, do you think we should get something fireproof as well?

4.0 outside silverstake mines
[A few days later Anakin finds himself on the outskirts of the mines and facing the scorched landscape. He groans into his hands.]

I knew I should have bought something fireproof.

[This doesn't normally pose a problem to him, but with the need to keep a lower profile means he can't openly flaunt his abilities. There's barely anyone around, but Anakin as a newcomer doesn't recognise most people from the ship so he has no idea if it's safe.

He eyes whoever happens to be around while he paces, thinking on how to subtly probe if they're a local or not. Evidently he comes to a decision as he walks up to them directly.]

Do you have any regrets?

7.0 various locations
[Anakin is in the middle of a cubit battle. His sole cubit has somehow managed to defeat two others and is facing one final opponent. At first, everything seems normal, but upon closer glance his opponent seems to be having an off day. Their cubits aim is just a little bit off, they stumble over obstacles and their frustration is palpable. On the other hand, Anakin's venidion seems to be in peak condition, every blow hitting exactly where it needs to and smoothly dodging attacks. It doesn't take long before the match ends and he's shaking hands with his opponent and counting out his winnings.

While this use of the Force may be frowned upon by some people. A man still had to eat.]

closed - cal kestis
[There is the strangest cubit that they've ever seen.]

Tell me you can see that too.

[The genedge seems disinterested in them and starts floating away, but Anakin moves to follow it.]

I thought this place didn't have anything that advanced.

wildcard
[If there's something else you want feel free to hit me up at greenlantern or on my plotting comment.]

[hindsights]

I--- Yeah, I see it. [ cal's been staring at it about as long as anakin has been. he blinks slowly really, really, really wishes bd-1 was here so he could scan it and tell them more.

he frowns. ] Is it... a Cubit?

[ it would be useful if one of them had a cubidex on them but cal's used to, well, beedee. so he definitely did not grab his before they set out for the day. the whole cubit trainer thing he's doing right now? going great. ]

Jake The Human | Adventure Time

[doooooog]

[ For their first two weeks in Ankata, Finn and Jake were attached at the hip (or, more accurately, the shoulder).

It wasn't uncommon for the two brothers to be seen together around the station, but both cut their own social furrows within the crew. Ones with surprisingly little overlap, all told. Surrounded by humans (and notably, humans his own age), Finn had his girlfriend and friends and teachers and bosses to pester while Jake busied himself finding various laps to nap on. The Ximilia provided a lot of doors for his little brother to excitedly burst through; some opening to experiences that left him worse for wear, but all offering opportunities Finn would never see back in Ooo. It was a good thing. Finn growing up didn't mean growing apart so much as it meant growing into a life of his own. Jake was proud of that, and of him.

Still, there was no denying how much he relished those first couple weeks in Ankata. All that the time spent riding around on Finn's shoulder, challenging strangers to fights, cloud hunting in grassy fields, goofing off together like they'd done for over a decade back home... it was nostalgic for Jake in all the best ways. More than once, he considered suggesting they ditch phase two of their plan and just continue on as they had been: Jake The Cubit & Finn The Cubit Trainer. Why should the fun have to end?

There were a lot of answers to that question, but the most pressing of them was the same as it always was on the Ximilia crew: The Mission™. ]

---

A | Left My Wallet In My Other Body

[ Whether you're in search of Cubits to add to your team or merely taking a stroll through the lush valleys a few miles outside Beacon's Hill, you'll find the serenity of the beautiful scenery short lived. The unmistakable sounds of an argument disrupt the pastoral beauty, sounding from the other side of a hill you're midway through cresting. ]

Bro. Does this not look like an emergency?

[ The voice might be immediately familiar, or might not; how it strikes you all depends on how familiar you are with sole canine Orber on the Ximilia crew. Regardless, there's no mistaking the frustration in his voice. Whatever argument they were having, it definitely had been going for a while now. ]

Look, Mister, I'm sensitive to your whole... situation here, but I'm no charity.

[ Upon cresting the top of the hill, the context of their discussion immediately presents itself. Namely, two men in heated discussion outside a camper; one of them extremely naked, save a blanket wrapped around himself. Even if the voice seemed familiar before, its owner couldn't be further from the Cubit-ified Jake you may have seen around Ankata in the weeks prior to this moment. The very human man was kinda hairy, sure, but that's as far as the comparisons went. The only thing you can be sure of is that you've definitely never seen him before. ]

I'm just asking for a pair of pants, man, I'm good for it. I just gotta run into town, grab some dosh, then I'll head back here and--[ The stranger pauses mid-gesticulation, catching sight of you on top of the hill. His expression splits into an almost immediate grin, waving one hand enthusiastically over his head. His other hand, blessedly, continues clutching the blanket tight around himself. ]

Scratch that plan. [ He offers quickly to the man he'd been arguing with, before raising his voice to reach the new arrival. ] Buddy! Boy am I glad to see you, get your butt down here and help a guy out!

B | Watch Out For Weirdos On The Subway

[ You're lucky; snagging a row all to yourself in the usually crowded Rapid Train. The scenery speeds by in a blur, mountains becoming valleys becoming forests as the train hops from stop to stop towards your destination. Or maybe you're simply riding for pleasure; there were few better ways to take in the extraordinary biological diversity of Ankata than along its sprawling rail system. Through in a mostly empty car, and there should be nothing stopping you from sprawling out and enjoying the journey to the fullest.

Or so you thought. ]

Hey-o, stranger. [ An unfamiliar man waves, appearing surprisingly silently alongside your row. The car was practically empty, with plenty of empty seats to choose from. Despite this, the man continues to look at you expectantly. If dog expressions translated more directly to human ones, you might recognize an edge of familiar self-satisfied good humor -- the kind of look Jake always got when amusing himself with a private joke. Or not so private prank. ] This seat taken?

C | Resting Beach Face

[ After several weeks spent here, Jake could state one thing confidently: Ankata ruled hard. Each wildly different town reminded him of the kingdoms back home, providing welcome stimulation to a dog-turned-man who spent way too much time cooped up indoors during their station downtime.

Of all the rad places to visit within Ankata, Mallard Harbor had to be one of the absolute best. Fine sand, warm water, and enough people watching to give a guy hours of free entertainment -- there was no better place to Jake to sprawl out in a rented beach chair with his recently acquired pulp novel, Romancing The Cube, splayed open in his lap.

In the time he'd had to compare the experience of being human to being a dog, Jake judged humanity to be the obvious loser in most cases. But even he had to admit that, when it came to enjoying the sunshine, you really couldn't beat bare skin. He's well on his way to a vitamin D overdose by the time he calls out to you from his spot further up the shore. ]

Y'know, this trash book ain't half bad! [ Whether you're investigating a tide pool, attempting to capture a Cubit, or simply enjoying the way the ocean waves lap at your ankles, Jake's voice rises above the dull roar of sea and gulls. ] I should've bought the sequel.

(( ooc: Jake sure is human for the time being! Wildcards are welcome; please feel free to reach out to me on plurk (safelybeds) if you would like to work out a custom starter! ))

a AND b 💜

[oharas]

[ the first time she meets the man, she's riding upon a gaslord (which she has knighted as one sir franky), venturing on her journey through the valleys, intent on exploring this new world that they've set upon, lands far from those along the grand line back home. robin hears the voices, turning to see the two men seemingly in some kind of disagreement.

being a more recent addition to the ximilia team, she certainly doesn't know this man, not by his voice and definitely not by his nearly naked body. though she doesn't seem particularly scandalized by the view, her face mostly bearing a neutral expression, she doesn't seem like she's too intent on getting involved either.

at least up until the strange man suddenly calls out to her, her eyebrow just partially lifting with slight confusion.

she debates his question for just a moment before she tilts her head with the most kindest and promising smile, finally answering with the sweetest voice, ]

No, thank you.

[ giving a pat to the top of her gaslord's head beneath her ("let's go, sir franky"), she continues onward without looking back. ]



[ eventually, she's switched her method of transportation to the train, where she sits within an empty row enjoying the quiet peace that comes with it, save for the rocking motions of the car as they zip across the rail. robin's preoccupied with a book this time, one highlighting some of the more historical events in the last several years in ankata, a wooskull (this one named brook, like another old skeleton friend) perched upon her lap between her and the book as if reading it along with her.

when the same man as before makes another appearance, seeming to look over to her expectantly once again, she doesn't look up, though her lips do form a smile, clearing not bearing any guilt for abandoning him the last time they met. ]

I don't think it is. [ at least she's not brushing him off. the clothes at least help his case. ] I see you found yourself some pants.

lan sizhui | the untamed (ota)

[deferences]

part one ⟹ 3.0;

[while sizhui hadn't expected everything to go swimmingly when meeting his new companions, the cubits he ends up with are mostly well-behaved, sweet and playful; the coreon is quite affectionate, preferring to be held rather than walking, though she doesn't act extra needy when sizhui sets her down to rest his arms between carrying; a curious, mischief-leaning luxtini has kept him on his toes and proved a good, protective friend if needed for wild cubits; then there's the flarig that makes certain he rests between everything by pausing frequently to sneak in naps wherever possible.

it takes time learning all of their habits, but once he does, he believes he's gained solid teammates and can put more focus into researching the others and perhaps figure out where the orb they're searching for might be.


he begins in poppyhurst, navigating the mines with relative ease, particularly thanks to the cubits he finds within them who have no intention of hindering his progression. after arriving, he can be found doing multiple things:


shopping for new clothes to blend in better; pale blues and white lower-body clothes, for the most part, but he doesn't pass up the occasional color or two alongside khaki colored pants and shorts, and at least one outfit which proudly displays an entirely different color scheme that some specific people who know him might recognize.


visiting the medical center and making sure his cubits are in tip-top shape before he goes back to whatever he may have been doing earlier.


or relaxing nearby at a restaurant, ordering food for himself and his cubits, enjoying tea while they're waiting and every so often tossing a small, squishy ball across the cobblestone path for his luxtini to chase and bring back, as long as there doesn't happen to be anyone walking by. (or he could very well be distracted and happen to throw it anyhow, resulting in an immediate—)] Ah, my apologies! I didn't see you.



part two ⟹ 4.0;

[the herd of magsea are certainly something that needs handling. how to do so? well, it's a situation that needs more considering, but lan sizhui's first thought was distracting them with his own cubits; it's the flarig who sleepily attempts calming its fellow creatures, though to no avail, which eventually ends with him plodding his way back over to sizhui and plopping down for a rest, regardless of if he's earned it or not.

taking that attempt into account, he doesn't dare try letting his friendly coreon get near the flames and his luxtini looks less than thrilled by the magsea causing major problems on purpose.

ultimately, the only other plan that comes to mind is food. he has leftovers from town he can spare, except the problem here is getting close enough to feed them without getting burnt in the process— but that's where someone else happening along can come in!

sizhui turns toward them, perking slightly, a faint smile upticking his lips as he raises a hand to wave and calls,] Hello there! Would you mind helping me out with the, uhm, situation we have going on here? [please, he could take care of this so easily if he was able to use his cultivator abilities . . . but that's definitely not keeping a low profile.]



⟹ research through various places;

[when traveling the towns, his most visited hotspots are wimseyview, hunting for glowing mushrooms, chasing the fireflies, or spending time hanging around the pond, his cubits chilling beside him while he's playing his guqin, reading a book or otherwise doing something else research-shaped.


boothbay, where he's checking out the fighting cubits or examining the graffiti and attempting to link it to team torpedo or maybe searching for any hints about where the orb could be.


and mallard harbour, spending much of his time at the beach or the lab, attempting to piece together what he's gathered so far and make any sense of it.]

⟹ wildcard;

(ooc: none of these doing it for you? hit me with something of your own!! i've got a plotting comment over here or i can be reached at totalfruitcup on both plurk and discord if we wanna hash things out!)

Mix and match?

[singlelogbridge]

[The strums of the guqin draw Wei Wuxian like a moth to a flame from his walk, and for a moment he imagines it is a different Lan that he'll find sitting peacefully on the beach at Mallard Harbour enjoying a moment of serenity. He smiles gently at the sight as the musician comes into view, eyes widening for a moment when he notices the reds and blacks that Sizhui is donning, and then crinkling in warmth. This kid really is going to make his heart stop out of pure happiness one day, isn't he?

He listens to the playing for a while, wondering if Sizhui has sensed his presence or is concentrating too much, and steps up closer to him only when the song comes to an end.]

He taught you to play, didn't he? [He asks softly, feeling no need to clarify who he means.]

mal oretsev ‣ grishaverse

[tochnyy]

– open

[tochnyy]

1.0 - fashion disaster

[ if there was every a man in need of help when faced with a clothing store, it was malyen oretsev. if left to his own devices, his cart would be filled with flannels or checker-printed shirts that he would tuck into a cargo pant for a look that focused on utility.

and, truly, much of his cart was filled with those. which isn't to say that mal couldn't dress himself. he was dressed in a black henley and some jeans, fitting in well for someone his age in the era. it was just that most recently, at least back home, his choice of clothing was more fit for the sea and he missed the ties to before. though he would not say it aloud.

anyone who'd seen mal before the end of the last mission would notice that he's tanner now, his skin rough from sun and salt air. where he carried himself with tension and straight spine of a soldier, there's an ease with which he carries himself now.

he seems more relaxed. but his fashion choices are now, at best, questionable. ]

[ 4.0 – MALLLLLLLL!!! ]

[ on the road to goldthorpe, mal's walking along with dubrov (an ivylithe he's claimed as his own) when the call of an injured someone calls him off the path. the sound of distress and whimpering have him he hears his own name. ] Mal! Malllllll! MAAAAAAL!!!

[ and of course he goes running. only to find that it's not a person crying out that he knows, but a malithe.

he's frozen in his tracks for a moment but then, well, the thing's crying out and it's still calling his name. it's got it's tail stuck in a trap and it's hind leg is injured, so mal rushes over. it takes him a while to work out the trap, to release the doglike creature that endears itself to him and dubrov quick enough. it's still crying out it's own name, as if it's in pain when he's set it free and refusing to stand.

it's then that mal realizes he has nothing to heal it with. it's then he notices someone's approaching -- wether passing by or because of the calls. ] Do you have anything for pain with you?

6.0 -- a small little wish

[mallard harbour of all places reminds mal of the place he wishes to be. ironically, it's nothing like ravka and it doesn't have the feeling of home that he once knew. no, here he can't hear a certain laughter or feel the bite of winter's cold against his skin.

he tries not to think about it. tries to look to the present, to here and the future.

mal's found himself a paddleboat that he's been using to get around, moving from building to building in a manner that's faster than bridges. he's gotten himself a small snack and drink for dinner, is docked next to a platform which houses restaurants and various shops. there's plenty of room in the boat for someone who needs a ride and if someone asks, well, mal won't say no. instead, he's got a more important question. ] Depends on where you're going and can you row?