destinystrings | [Game Opening, Part 2 - A Thousand Words or More]

[Game Opening, Part 2 - A Thousand Words or More]

Who: (Everyone OPEN LOG)
Where: (City Hall)
Summary: (After arriving you got to mingle a bit but now it's time for explanations! Finally!)
Warnings: (Some guy LIKES TO TALK LIKE THIS!!)
Style: (The text is in prose, but feel free to write back in action tags if you feel more comfortable.)
Suitable Music: This.

When someone finally speaks up...he's rather hard to miss.

"WELCOME! To YOUR NEW LIIIIIFE!" If anything, this fellow demanded attention, what with the costume he was wearing. What a way to get introduced to this new world.

"My name...is DR. BYRON ORPHEUUUUS! But you can call me Orpheus...Dr. Orpheus if you're really insistent. REGARDLESS! It was BY THE FATES that you were all plucked from your lives and brought here to aid this city in its greatest time of need. Yes, all of you will become HEROES! With the power of your PERSONA you shall become the riotous fury of..."

"Is such enthusiasm really necessary, Orpheus?" The voice that interrupts Byron sounds slightly modulated, and comes from the large blue and grey metal man behind the others. His voice is loud enough that he doesn't require the microphone - one of the few perks that comes with being a giant robot in a world like this.

"I am Brainstorm, and I am responsible for a sizeable amount of the work that went into a lot of the tech you all have, or have experienced the beneficial effects of, unknowingly. Those of you with large objects from home have me to thank for that transport system. The Evokers used in the arena? Me again. As well as a fair amount of tweaking and perfecting your COMPs and watches you received. I do hope you manage some degree of appreciation, as crafting devices to fit such small beings was incredibly painstaking for someone like myself. Working on nanomachines at this size isn't easy. Now, I know you organics have short attention spans, but do try and keep up, because I hate to repeat myself..."

"I suppose it's an unfortunate eventuality that some number of you will somehow manage to break something. If that happens, you may contact me about repairs, but I am usually quite busy, and I'm not going to be happy about having to deal with the consequences of your carelessness. However, if it becomes necessary, my workshop is in the Cancer district."

"And with Brainstorm's explanation, I suppose it is my cue to go next. Permit me to introduce myself..."

"Now then, as it was explained, when the Seven of us arrived here, we found out we had been expected, just like you. Unlike you, however, while they knew we were coming...they had little to no where we'd come from. Let's just say it has been quite a learning experience for both sides and leave it at that." He gave them a small smile. Ahh the misunderstandings that had happened...even amongst themselves.

"We wandered around blindly during the first week. Not just to adjust from our worlds to this one, but, quite frankly, we had no idea what to do! Fortunately, a few weeks later, the Three Wise Men appeared and aided us to understand the nature of Persona. Each of them were knowledgeable in the subject. You'll be able to speak with one of them once he's done...with personal things involving family...but that isn't our concern, isn't it? Let's go on with what we've learned so far."

He moved his hand on his watch and a series of images flashed in front.

"Persona can be called forth in various ways. So far our knowledge extends into three methods; the first is a blast of energy from your soul that gives form to your inner Persona. That one will com naturally to you. The second, is made using this..."

His took something from the nearby podium and held it into the air.

"You might think this is a normal handgun, but it is actually an Evoker. It can also be used to bring out your Persona. By giving you a feeling of stress and danger, which can also bring out your Persona naturally, it jump starts your summoning. However, we tend to encourage using the normal summoning method. The device was perfected by Brainstorm, Hazama, the Wisemen and myself. We created it to aid the police force summon their Persona faster during riots but recently...it's even become popular during Persona Duels."

"...But I'm sure you'll find out about those in the city soon enough, what with their ridiculous popularity. We shalln't dwell on those." He put the gun down. "The final method uses arcana cards. You can summon more than your inner Persona, although I am sure this is completely new information to you. Do not worry, you'll learn it soon enough like we have. To do so...you'll need to gain more. I believe next week is when the Velvet room will appear again according to our calculations, Miss Mcgonagall?"

"That is correct."

"Well then!" The man continued on. "We can explain that in due time. Now let's go into something really interesting. Did you notice how you have items from your homeworld with you? Consider yourselves lucky, we didn't have that luxury. It was only through our preparations that we were able to do this. You see, when a soul enters this world, they are still tied to their old world by a special strand. Normal users can't see it, but ahh!...Those like myself who Intel more than fight, well, our Persona allow us to see them. By combining our technology and magic, we devised a system which grabs those things which are near and dear to your heart. Just how we did this would require a few days of explanation, ergo I will spare you the details for now. Those that wish to know more can come to my office later. In any case...you're welcome."

The man shuffled his hands, and grinned. Obviously he had been waiting to explain to them the next part. It was brief and short.

"As for the strands, considering they are your passport to your old homeworld, so to speak, your anchor to your life...we've named them..."

"Destiny Strings."

"Don't worry, you will not be able to see them right away. It took me a week before I could grasp the strings to become visible. Of course there were only ten of us, so therein the challenge....

Not that there's that much to see here currently..." he sighed, exasperated in a way that only a man of his caliber could do (and yet it was so delightfully British) "Is this really what we'll have to be working with? We already have Orpheus who--"

"I BEG YOU PARDON?!"

"Oh you know exactly what I mean. Talking about in that exaggerated manner of yours--"

"Really, if you two are going to continue blathering and arguing like true imbeciles," McGonagall spoke in the middle, coldly, "let someone else speak up. At this rate, we'll be here all night and it is a full moon..."

The two men glared at each other for a second before Q finished, adjusting his tie.

" Yes, well....I do not think of myself as a fool, thank you very much, but there is truth in your words. Ciel, if you please?"

"Okay! I guess it's my turn then!"

The petite girl gave the assembly a small bow. Despite the amount of people before her, she didn't seem the least bit phased. A natural leader, if there was one.

"There is much to discuss." Her fingers moved over her watch and a 3D map of the city appeared before them, glowing green shapes with markings over each district. You might notice a few areas are still in the dark. "This is what we have of the city...so far. Unfortunately, many places still allude us. Hinoto-Ri is vast, and there are a number of areas in each distinct that are currently too dangerous to enter. Those restricted areas are protected by the police force to keep the population out. We hope to finish mapping them out as soon as we can...carefully."

"Regardless, let us look at what we have about each district, one by one."

"Now, are there any questions?"

[OOC - You can start your own threads, speak amongst yourself with the new information or just ask questions to the assembled cast]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Being a ~~former~~ Velvet Room Resident has its perks, but the technology escapes him. There's plenty of time to figure that out though. Thankfully they'd explained everything in such a nice and orderly fashion and he'd soaked up the information.

-- But hearing of the sights in the city is pretty awesome!! They have night clubs here (though it's not the Club Escapade he'd heard so much about back in Iwatodai) and an arcade which meant that crane game and so much more! Plus all these fountains.

So many spirits to tend to, so little time.

Regardless, the strangely-clothed man will be especially looking out for those still confused by the new idea of "Persona", how to control and summon them, and any and all questions about the Velvet Room. Which means if your character looks confused, chances are he will approach them with a small bow. ~~He could be one of the guest speakers, he looks so confident!~~]

I am Theodore. If you still have any questions concerning Persona, their use, and how to summon them from the vast sea that is your soul, please do not hesitate to ask. I'm quite the... expert on the matter.

Ah--

[Naminé hadn't really expected someone to come approach her, with how she'd been hanging back away from the crowd. Her eyes also can't help but travel upwards to peer at the small string coming from him, connecting with several others in the room-- goodness, she didn't feel like she'd be used to this any time soon.]

When they spoke of the strings, they used the phrase 'Intel' in regards to our Persona, correct? Does that mean my Persona is an Intel Persona as well? And what exactly does that entail?

[That may be a lot of questions, but her voice is rather soft, almost fragile, as she asks.]

[Such a young girl away from the crowd is simply something Theodore couldn't resist. And from the way she asks, he assumes she can see these strings.

... Not that he knows much on the subject of the strings themselves, but he can certainly help with the "Intel" part.]

If you can see the strings they spoke of, then that means you do indeed have an 'Intel' type of Persona. It's simply short for 'Intelligence', and many of them which I have seen are more battle-orientated.

[But he digresses.]

Battle-orientated Intel Persona are much more Support than they are Physical, and most use Magic-based healing skills like Dia and Sacram rather than the more destructive Agi, Bufu, Garu, and Zio skills. Hama and Mudo are also within their reach, though the type they obtain is often based on whether they're more Good than Evil. In a sense.

Besides those who are battle support, there are some Persona who connect deeply with those around them and can sense where they are within a limited distance, though with time this range can grow farther. From what I've heard, those with that type of Persona are able to detect enemies, their weaknesses, and even the strength of the foe presented.

I believe they might be referring to the second type in this scenario.

Ah!

[She listens with fascination, fingers drumming in front of her in an absentminded gesture.]

So instead of fighting, I'll be helping?

[That's definitely a relief, she was by no means made for fighting or being a hero like Sora was. If she was an Intel like the facts suggested, then maybe she could have a chance to right her wrongs and help people...]

Is there a way to tell what abilities my Persona can use, or must I summon it in order to tell?

[He nods in response to the first question, and thinks about the second.]

Perhaps... you can tell using that device they were discussing. If not, then you do. It's quite easy to tell what sort of skills your Persona is apt to using once you've given it form.

[And Theo's always excited to see a new Persona, oh yes he is.]

I'm not very good with technology... maybe it would be easier to just try summoning...

[She purses her lips, unsure of how to proceed.]

Do I just... will my Persona forth?

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canteachyoumore - 2012-09-03 00:31 (UTC) - Expand

just asked the mods to be sure, and she needs to feel threatened in order to summon ffff--

chainofmemories - 2012-09-03 00:50 (UTC) - Expand

ffff figures the need to survive > all

canteachyoumore - 2012-09-03 01:00 (UTC) - Expand

technically you can try to threaten her if you wish, but you might end up with kanji punching you.

chainofmemories - 2012-09-03 01:02 (UTC) - Expand

everyone please read this warning or find out yourself

canteachyoumore - 2012-09-03 02:36 (UTC) - Expand

warning: threatening innocent children may result in brofists. and not the good kind.

chainofmemories - 2012-09-03 02:53 (UTC) - Expand

a complete KO. and not in your favor.

canteachyoumore - 2012-09-03 03:08 (UTC) - Expand

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chainofmemories - 2012-09-03 03:16 (UTC) - Expand

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chainofmemories - 2012-09-06 20:35 (UTC) - Expand

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chainofmemories - 2012-09-08 18:36 (UTC) - Expand

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canteachyoumore - 2012-09-10 18:37 (UTC) - Expand

[Ryou does indeed look like he needs some help; his face is wet with tears, his nose is running, and he looks much like a lost little child (despite the fact that he is obviously in his twenties).]

I-I just want to know if there's a way I can go home! This has to be a mistake, I'm not a hero at all!

[Oh dear. Time for pep talk, Theo! Let's try this out!]

Perhaps if you find one who can see these strings, then they will help you in your efforts to go home? However, I suggest not leaving. With this many people with the ability to summon Personas around...

[... then there's something amiss. Especially with the rare appearance of his Master's Master Philemon. They're quite the troubling thoughts, and Theodore shakes his head.]

Regardless, what makes you think you cannot become a hero? [He wasn't a hero in his canon either.]

W-well...

[sniffle, sniffle.]

I-I can't really do much of anything right-- I'm no good at my school work and I've never been able to hold down a job! I can't cook and I'm really clumsy, and I'm no good at all without Akio!

[The mentioning of this Akio person seemed to really upset him, and he looked as though he may burst into sobs again.]

I can't-- I can't be without him!

[Akio... A lover?! Theodore, though he has ~~little~~ no experience in the area, will be sympathetic to this guy's plight. As much as he can be.]

He may be here. Have you searched for this Akio person? If he's so important, then he's most likely searching for you as well. And I don't believe I've ever heard of 'school work' being important in order to use a Persona.

[Though he could be wrong. His charge did go to school and get the highest marks, after all, and knowledge was certainly important.]

_{[He was definitely used to operating on too little information, but all this was seeming more like too much - alright, so the watch that's displaced his Navi has a map and notes on the area in general, and that's what's most important right now. He can navigate, even if it's missing a depth meter. ..What would this place even be? +10.00...?

What's a little more worrying is the clear implication that Persona are something you get by coming here, and wasn't what he'd assumed... well. He'd rather hoped it was an easy explanation for whatever it was that happened to him shortly prior to his waking up here. It sounded similar. If 'Persona' was summoned in a moment of trial, then--

--That's about when Theodore approaches Ryu, since he's pretty much looking nothing but confused right now. He doesn't waste a moment coming up with his first question:]}

What's supposed to happen when you summon it? Does it just.. take over?

No, but it's not quite the opposite either. You and your Persona fight side by side, and they aim to help enhance your abilities in battle just as you do theirs by being their partner. This form of mutual aid allows both to become stronger as they push past the hardships of life.

...

_{[That's... definitely different. Ryu looks down his hand, for a moment - perfectly normal, just with a glove covering it. No claws, and no foreign power spilling out of those claws. He clenches it into a fist, and definitively looks away.]}

I see. That doesn't sound so bad.

_{[His answer's rather hollow, though.]}

[And Theo's happy to have helped! He'll... try to comfort Ryu though, since he still seems down.]

You're not alone in being discomforted by the fact your very essence will be given shape and will be along side you from now on. From what I can tell, many here are the same. It may take some time, but I believe you will become used to it.

[Wild cards are the ones who have 100+ voices in their head, after all.]

[THEO THEO THEO THEO]

An expert, you say? My, you have grown since I last saw you, Theo. [PLEASE. tell her --] Enlighten me on all topics, although I'm sure I know all of it already.

[Ahh yes ano

IT'S ELIZABETH OH IGOR'S NOSE IT'S HIS SISTER no he's part happy part shocked to see her, though he'll admit that he was a tad worried about being along here even with Master Minako around. Seeing Elizabeth lets him relax a little more since now he doesn't have to explain everything to these new guests.

...

...

But enlightening one who has the same duties as you on such topics...]

Y... Yes, of course. I will spare no expenses on you, my sister, though you are already aware of everything pertaining to the subject. [He thinks. Elizabeth never really paid attention to Master Igor, after all.]

A persona is a 'mask' one wears to push through the hardships, and within the soul of humanity dwells not one but many of these 'masks', each one to fit a certain occasion as it arises. However, with some who have the potential this becomes less of a mental mask and more of a physical ability: the ability to summon a Persona in and outside of battle. Those with this potential are called 'Persona-users' and are delegated in sections chiefly by the Arcana they have summoned for their primary use, such as the Lovers or Strength. Most can only summon one from within their soul that suits their purposes, yet a rare few can summon many more. These are considered 'wild cards' and are often the turning point in the lives of those around them.

Unlike others of the same potential, 'wild cards' are able to summon as many, in my experience, as one-hundred and seventy different Persona from within the boundless sea of the soul. This ranges from the trickster Fool Arcana to the heavenly Judgement, though the amount within each Arcana is determined by the bonds they create around themselves. As these bonds strengthen and are returned, new paths are opened as others close and ensure that the world is ever changing and revolving around the circumstances of the guest who has this type of soul. They're very often leaders.

But I'm getting ahead of myself in that regard.

[A-HEM. Part two time, please switch discs.]

Persona have a variety of uses, ranging from outside intelligence to battle-orientated strengths, all of which depend on the user's soul. A normal person may have a Persona who is very strong in a magic-sense, but lacks physical attacks and doesn't have much stamina. Another may be the opposite: a strong, central fighter who has nothing in the way of support. Even rarer is the former intelligence type, those who can sense others around them, and are only capable of such due to their desire to connect with the people around them. These connections are important and must be kept strong if the user of one of these Persona wishes to help.

More battle-orientated Persona are split into three categories: Mainly Physical, mainly Magic, and a Balanced set. The Magic Persona are also divided within two subsets, though I'll get to that in a minute. The balanced set is most often found within the soul of grounded individuals or 'wild cards', the latter of which will be explained if prompted.

Physical Persona focus on head-on attacks dealing with strength. Many skills they learn through fusion - more on that later, if you wish - and by becoming stronger lie in the stamina of their user, and cannot be executed if the user is too tired to attempt them. These types are in desperate need of the first subset of Magic Persona, the Battle Support.

Battle Support-orientated Persona have a variety of skills, most of which are healing and buffs that enhance their and their allies. These Persona also have the ability to revive allies from exhaustion, as well as debuff enemies and cure ailments. Dia is a type of healing skill that these Persona are often found with.

The second subset of Magic Persona are simply Battle-orientated, and are skilled in Agi, Bufu, Garu, and Zio skills. Usually just one major with one minor, though instances of a 'jack of all trades, master of none' type Persona in this regard is not unusual. Persona who are strong in one area of magic, such as Garu skills, are not able or have a hard time learning skills of the opposite magic, such as Zio skills for those whose strength lie in Garu-types. The same with Agi and Bufu. Hama and Mudo are the last two magics, but those also control two of each type of magic that they can learn as well. Those who specialize in Hama are more apt to learn Agi and Garu, while those with Mudo skills can easily use Bufu and Zio.

Balanced Persona are able to use both Physical and Magic skills easily, yet aren't very powerful in either categories.

[THAT'S USE NOW JUST IS... SUMMONING.]

Summoning Persona is a very personal matter on how one does it, though in my experience it was with the Evokers that... [... UHHH] the robot explained. Shocked into survival mode, the user would release a large amount of energy and the Persona would appear to aid their master in battle and outside of it as well, if they were of the support type.

As explained before, though many can only summon one to their aid a 'wild card' can summon many. Their souls are strong enough to individualize each and every facet of themselves to allow for use in battle, and their Persona are often stronger than their peers. In fact, they're even able to conquer a being of power if requested to.

[He's quite proud of his guest oh yes.]

Beings of power such as ourselves are able to summon without the use of an Evoker, and do so by taking the Arcana of the Persona we intend to summon out of the Compendium lent to us by our master Igor and releasing the power within... Though it feels as if we are unable to here.

[It's troubling.]

In any case, one should strive to find their own way of summoning that works and continue to strengthen themselves.

[HOW'S THAT HOW'S THAT DID HE DO GOOD ELIZABETH DID HE]

[She claps!

But whether she's serious or just mocking him is up to debate.]

I see you have retained all the information Master Igor tells the new arrivals! What do you think of our situation here in... Hinoto-Ri, I believe it is called?

[It sounds quite mocking to him, paired with her words. So Theodore brushes it off the best he can (not at all) and ponders the question.]

While it isn't unusual for Lord Philemon to call upon those with the ability to summon a Persona from the sea of their soul, I must question his motives for bringing us here as well - outside of the Velvet Room. [Because it's not unusual otherwise.] And why he himself appeared to greet the arrivals instead of our master. If it is truly another measure against his enemy, then I see little point for we of the Velvet Room to not be within its confines and extending our hand to those guests in need.

[aka HE WANTS TO GO HOOOME this is nice and he loves being able to spend time with his former-not-former-anymore guest Minako but the Velvet Room is infinitely more important than his own feelings and they are required to help in that way]

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guidemethroughit - 2012-09-10 00:20 (UTC) - Expand

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canteachyoumore - 2012-09-10 18:23 (UTC) - Expand

[...Tico? Is that y-...wait, no. Hmm.]

Ssssooooo. I wanna know how to summon them!

[He wants to try it so bad!!]

[Oh good!! A pupil!]

What will come most naturally to you, as they discussed, is a blast of energy from your soul. That isn't exactly the best way to describe it, though it certainly is the simplest. You must allow your soul to take the form of something and whatever shape it may take will be a representation of your soul.

First, close your eyes and open your mind. Meditate on a path to your very being opening up, and the Persona's image should form readily at your command. Simply call it and it will appear.

[Wow, that sounds really...new-agey.

Fortunately, he's used to new-agey from his mother's job.]

So, it's like finding your "center", then?

Yes, exactly like that. Though it may be different for your kind... There was a girl earlier who couldn't summon hers, though she could feel it. You might only be able to do the same.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

at your own risk: you may be tagged by elizabeth also--

pardon me while my icons get set up~

but of course~

uwu

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hell yes

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THEO

OH........... 1/? not sorry you asked for it--

2/?

3/?

4/4

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