RAIN & MEMORY SHARE

[spoofer]

Characters: Ensemble cast, any/all characters of Xistentia!
Summary: Rain has come to the world, and with it, comes whacky memory share phenomena— certainly not all of which is wanted. Characters are driven to find shelter and solutions.
Date(s): September 30-October 7
Warnings/Notes: None specific, please warn in your subject headers

Awash In Memory

The landscape after cruelty which is, of course, a garden

The Rain

At first, it's just rain, expected to last a week. A swirl of silver cotton-candy clouds in the sky that rolls into a mist, and then a drizzle that freckles the gutters and chases people to their cars or into the shopfronts. It's nourishing and not too cold— a good excuse to share an umbrella or maybe just fitting of a shitty, blue mood if you would like to walk around in a billowy coat like the King of Pain.

Gimme Shelter

It can be a cute or enormously embarrassing way to meet people, pretty much up to you. Fall in step with someone under an offered umbrella, or dart around like a panic with a pizza box or plastic bag over your head. Maybe you'll just find an overhanging tree branch or store awning to tuck yourself under. Hopefully you're stuck with someone you like.

Quite a few restaurants seem to be offering rainy day specials, including Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe, comprised of hot cocoa and half-off a second cup if you're buying for a friend. You probably won't be the only one there.

However, for those of you who are taking the weather more seriously, the citadel has opened for shelter. Here, there are beds aplenty scattered throughout, and the bar and lounge is open with its terrible soundtrack as well as plentiful if repetitive food and drink. Residents are also exchanging resources of their own, including harvested foodstuffs and clothes. You can also check out the control room to see the meteorological analysis and forecast... which is behaving a little unpredictably, but-- it'll probably be fine.

Like My Mood

Alternatively, #mood.


Maybe everything sucks because you got stood up for a date or otherwise rejected recently-- it's a good time to storm around tragically in the street. Alternatively, if you're the happy type, there is an entire musical dedicated to the fine practice of dancing in the rain. Who needs musical accompaniment when you have the rhythmic drubbing of water on the earth and the sweet smell of petrichor?

Or maybe you're in the mood to talk. Certainly, there's an increasing sense of nostalgia going around that's stronger and more widespread than the average effect of poetic weather...

Oh Shit

However, the downpour steadily intensifies over the next few days, and soon after F.A.T.E.S. issues a warning— D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. has hijacked the climate. At first, there are only a few concerns— herds of animals coming into the city seeking shelter. Be careful if you find a herd of bison gathered under the highway overpass, or your kitchen is suddenly full of fairies. Hell, maybe you're a Good Samaritan, trying to rescue some hapless native cat or other.

But then it begins.

The Memory Share

As the rain grows heavy, the nostalgia turns into something unexpected. Characters who touch one another find themselves sharing brief sensory memory. These can vary from the sudden and terrible pain of old battle wounds, to the overwhelming, heart-pounding joy of welcoming a new child to the family. The scary thing is, these memory share are uncontrolled, and might come from even the shortest, most accidental touch.

The Telexistence Temple

News from your fellow residents: Era Ra and Ezekiel won visions during the fair. And now Era has information to share, that uploading memories at the Temple can lock and protect them from the involuntary release, as well as fortify the defenses of the city. She's also talking about some kind of a key hole there, which you can check out yourself. Weird!

You can teleport East from the Citadel to the Temple, or you can walk there on your own two legs. Weather allowing.

Within the Temple the chamber lays behind a large round door covered in inscrutable carvings. It's surprisingly bright in here now, in contrast to what Era's message held. It contains numerous strange beds, all of which are now online, having awakened in answer to the rainfall. The characters must lay down on while the daemons connect to a holographic interface.

From there, the memory share becomes intuitive even for the most technologically impaired of Xistentia residents.

The Temple Chamber

If you should choose to share, you may control who sees it; filter it to someone of your choice, or leave it open for everyone. You may post anonymously, but visual cues of identity cannot be erased. Pain is muted and impressionistic, but pleasure tends to be evocative enough. It's the way the mind works. Daemons will flag graphic or commonly disturbing material. With every new memory shared, the rain seems to be lessening.

You can also choose to lock it away, preventing anyone from seeing it for at least another month. Unfortunately your memory will not help to shield the city, but at least it will stop embarrassing you. Let's hope it doesn't provoke any intrusive questions in the meantime.

After 48 hours, enough memories have been shared. The sky over the city and the sphere of forest surround the urban bounds develops a barrier that looks almost liquid, translucent. Though residents can pass through it, it cuts the rain down to half. A few hours later, the storm wanes out and stops entirely. The shield also fades away, and the animals begin to ebb as well, back into the wild. It's only been a week, but it might feel much longer.


The memories will dissipate from storage in a month, regardless of whether or not they're viewed again.

Comments

magnus lightwood-bane.

[lacquers]

rainy day memories, ota.

[ After a few days, Magnus is about ready to say enough with the rain. But whether or not he's done with the rain and the accidental sharing of memories, they are not done with him. One day, when it becomes necessary to venture forth for supplies, Magnus can be found walking the streets, sometimes with umbrella in hand and others without (and yet, his hair and makeup never seems to get disturbed). Depending on when you run into him, he might also have what looks like a tarp over one arm. He'll be amenable to stopping and chatting a bit.

After all, while the rain's going nowhere, neither is he. No particular rush, right? Then again, most people dressed as nicely as he would usually seem to care a little more about potentially being rained on and there might be times when you walk past him and he seems a little faraway for some reason. There's quite a bit knocking around in his head and this rain might just be making it worse... ]

silver ring, ota.

[ As a prize for winning at the fair, Magnus received a silver ring. It allows Magnus to "lull [a person] into a peaceful memory, effectively eliciting comfortable nostalgia, as long as Magnus is talking to [them] about such a memory or time." If anyone would like to take advantage of the effect, you can message me on his journal or get ahold of me on plurk at downworlder. I'd be happy to plot re: this item or potential memory shares. ]

ROSE.

[lacquers]

for rosie.

[ So, about that umbrella....

It has met with an untimely fate. As Magnus was walking along with tarp in hand, there came a moment when he had to choose to save two of three things: his umbrella, the tarp, or his outfit. The last of the three is a given, of course. And the tarp happens to be for his plants at home, because of which he's getting quite the green thumb, and consequently, there's little chance he'd risk their well-being if he has a choice in the matter!

So, byebye umbrella. Now Magnus is forced to choose between the tarp and his outfit and the outfit wins again. There's a chance he may round a corner with the folded tarp over his head and come very close to barreling into his dear friend on accident. He has good reflexes though, so maybe there won't be any actual collisions, just a quick ] Rose! [ and an abrupt halt in front of her. He musters a smile in these gloomy surroundings of theirs. ]

Fancy running into you!

[hasitsthorns]

[ Likewise, she's alert enough to not get caught off guard so easily. Especially now that she knows what running into people can do, that it's setting off involuntary shared walks down memory lane. Magnus knows a lot about her. Honestly, there's not a whole lot she would keep from him anymore if he asked. But she doesn't want to thrust any unpleasant memories on him either so.

She skids to a stop just before any actual contact occurs. A smile comes to her face in response to his. Also, her pack of dogs snuffle at the man in greeting. All eight are out today. But don't worry, they know better than to shake any excess water off their fur around such a nice outfit. Rose has trained them well. ] Yo, dude! Crazy weather we're having, right? [ Her umbrella is long gone as well, actually, but she'd been using a makeshift one out of a cardboard box top.

It's positively soggy though and not going to help protect her from the rain for too much longer so excuse her as she skitters underneath that tarp. ]

Thanks for the impromptu rescue. I was worried there for a minute that I might have to walk home water-logged.

[lacquers]

[ Yes, those memories...

All the more reason to be cautious. Magnus' concerns aren't limited to accidentally revealing information he'd rather not, but also extend to being worried about accidentally receiving information someone would prefer he not have. It's the sort of thing that he technically has a magical reset button for, in the form of memory-altering magic, but that's also the one thing in his repertoire he's most reluctant to access.

Anyway, the point is, he's moving at a pretty good clip for someone who's so alert to the prospect of a memory-related accident. But he's just as quick to stop right in front of Rosie and her canine friends. He will carefully bend over to greet them (is there a chance he's sharing memories with the energetic creatures?) one by one, leaving none out. Thanks, guys, for having his ensemble in mind. Very sweet of each of you!

And then, naturally, his attention turns to his friend. ] Crazy's one word for it! [ He offers her a smile. ]

It's already consumed my umbrella. The poor thing's long ago a victim of the downpour now.

[hasitsthorns]

Same, [ she says to that, giving a grimace as she looks up at the unwavering dark clouds above them. It makes her think of home, of Japan. This would be typhoon season right about now. She hasn't been homesick in a while though in such a way; ultimately, she just chalks it up to the strange mood that seems to be permeating everything. Hopefully it doesn't last much longer. While some nostalgia is good, in Rose's case excess means she starts thinking of things in her past she doesn't want to.

If there is the risk, Magnus likely won't experience more than just some warm fuzzies. The thrill of chasing a ball thrown by Vanyel, the excitement of Farraige wrangling them to take baths, and unconditional love during cuddle time with Rose. These dogs are very spoiled, each and every one. So is Charlie, even if Rose won't admit it. ]

Wish I could be as carefree as these guys about it, [ a motion to the canines, perfectly content to be drenched. ]

But I'm glad I at least have some good company to share the rain with. It's been a while, dude.

TONY.

[lacquers]

for IRON MAN. (black sabbath plays in bg)

[ This rain is just relentless. First, it ate Magnus' umbrella and forced him to use his tarp to keep water off what looks to be an improbably perfect hairstyle. Not a hair out of place! It's unquestionably suspicious. Super suspicious, right?

Well, never mind for the time being. On his way back home, he's going to happen across an interesting sight. At least, it's very interesting to him. Stopping with the tarp still held overhead, he cocks his head curiously in the direction of man and machine. ]

You know, I think you might need this more than I. [ Eyes rising, Magnus looks at the aforementioned makeshift umbrella slash savior of tiny pots full of plant life, then he gazes into the rain, which is nearly everywhere, it would seem. It's sort of tough to stay practical about keeping it at bay.

If Magnus hands over his tarp, it's likely the solution that keeps his plants from drowning is going to be as magical as whatever's keeping his hairstyle intact. ]

[servomotor]

[Tony is drenched. Utterly. Rather like the wet T-shirt fiascos he used to joke about for lack of more tasteful fodder. Running around, moving his tools back in. He'd thought that the drizzle had started to lighten this morning, but he had gotten deep into meticulous wiring repair work, soldering and replacement of fried parts, lost in an obsessive fugue, before he realized that the sky was doing the exact opposite of what he wanted. Cue running around like a chicken with his head cut off.

Luckily, by now he's managed to get most of his tools into the jet itself, out of harm's way. Fridayd has been pretty helpful, actually! Probably not moreso than Dummy or any of the other basic robots would've been back home, but you know, he'll take it when he's doing his best supergenius drowned rat impression. What he doesn't expect is for an Asian man in eyeliner to turn up and offer him a...]

Yyyyep, I think you're right. The door still doesn't exactly close on its own. Thanks. If you could umm-- toss it, [he motions from the little ramp, a roll of electrical tape already in hand.] I don't like to be handed things.

[lacquers]

[ Yes, the exact opposite of what one might want it to do. That sounds about right. And the sight of this has clearly drawn Magnus' attention. The comment about being handed things (or not, as the case may be) doesn't seem to confuse or faze him and he hums in response, but declines to do exactly as requested, ] How about-- [ instead giving a wave of his hand and causing the tarp to float into the air like some sort of water-repellent magic carpet.

It stretches out over the jet as best it can, shifting around until it covers all the key areas one wouldn't want water reaching. Then, it halts, hovering in place. It's pretty sizable, as the intention was originally to cover the entirety of his little garden on the roof. ] Is that all right? [ Now there's nothing covering Magnus' head, but he doesn't seem to be getting drenched.

Perhaps it's vanity at work? Who knows. ] It might make it easier to work. [ Somewhere, someone Vex-shaped is saying something about magic wastage. ]

[servomotor]

[Wow look at that magic carpet. Tony has seen a lot in his life, but a randomly levitating tarp is still enough to make him stop and stare a little. Straightening. But he's still paying attention, at least enough that he puts his hand out to catch up the enormous spread of plastic as it floats closer to him, like a manta ray approaching a scuba diver. His eyes get a little big in his head. He bites down on the tape, and there's a

rrrrrk

as he pulls a strip of it free. Starts to attack the corner of the tarp, attaching it to one of the hydraulic bars that control the mechanical closure of the door.] Perfect, [he tells Magnus, without turning around.] That was-- telekinesis? Genetic anomaly? You weren't by any chance bitten by a radioactive sorceror at some point during high school.

rain

[deathkid]

[ nico doesn't mind rain. in many ways, it fits his aesthetic. the gloomy son of hades fits into the equally gloomy climate like a well fitting glove and he even takes joy in it, just a little. even the sharing of memories hasn't been so bad, given that so far he hasn't experienced anything too traumatic or embarrassing cropping up. but it's only a matter of time.

when he sees magnus, he's not surprised by the way the man seems impervious to the rain. he also notes that magnus seems lost in thought, so when he's close enough, he stops in magnus' path. not reaching out in case the man wants to keep from sharing anything, but close enough that magnus can see a faint hint of shadows around the son of hades. shadows that dissipate the rain at least a little. ]

Something on your mind?

[lacquers]

[ 'Only a matter of time' is the sticking point, isn't it? There are only so many moments from a person's past that they're willing to share. And this environment doesn't seem to care too much about whether or not anyone is willing.

Maybe that's what has Magnus looking so contemplative. He does seem to perk up a bit when addressed though, genuinely pleased to see Nico. ] Oh, hello, Nico! Lovely weather we're having, isn't it? [ Definitely more chipper than this rainy atmosphere calls for. He sobers slightly, looking at the curtain of rain as it falls. ] It certainly can make you think.

[ You sound really old right now, Magnus. ]

[deathkid]

[ yeah, about that. nico quirks a brow and tilts his head. there's almost something like fatigue in magnus' voice and nico wonders if it's due to the weather or if he's been accosted by the numerous memories that seem to be getting shared all over the place. nico knows in his case it's the latter, which is why he keeps his short distance from magnus, not wanting to trigger anything. ]

Yes. And it's not just the rain either. The F.A.T.E.S. must be working hard making sure nothing is kept sacred or secret.

[lacquers]

[ In this specific instance, the distance is appreciated. It's not that he wants to introduce more space, only that it does seem safer, all things considered. Even if he weren't a little more worried than usual about sharing his own memories, he never wants to intrude on someone's privacy by accidentally witnessing something they'd rather he didn't. ]

That raises the question: are the two an unhappy coincidence or something more intentional? [ And consequently, insidious? ]

Rain

[cantseame]

[Farraige is just reveling in the rain, walking around barefoot and without an umbrella. Even as the weather around them turns foul, it seems his mood only improves. It's on one of his usual walks, playing around with creating shapes in the rain and holding them, changing their color, that he sees Magnus.

Careful not to fling any water at him, Farraige waves enthusiastically in a friendly greeting, still grinning ear to ear.]

Hey, Magnus! Hope the weather isn't too much of a bother for you. How've you been?

[Admitted, he's been meaning to catch up with Magnus, and show him the results of some experimentation with the local plant life.]

[lacquers]

[ Wherever Magnus' focus was moments ago, it's on Farraige entirely now. He looks curiously at the mage, raising a hand in greeting while his gaze shifts between man and water. Definitely not barefoot, but looking pretty dry and lacking any obvious dishevelment due to the downpour, Magnus might look a bit out of place in his current getup. ]

Well, hello there! [ He puts both hands out palms up, a humorous little gesture intended to make it seem as if he's gauging whether or not it's still raining. Yep, still going strong. ] I haven't gone under yet, but we're certainly seeing some repetitive weather, aren't we?

How about you? [ Raising a brow, he smiles a bit enigmatically. ] You look like you're doing swimmingly.

[ No pun intended, honest. Really!

Okay, a little. ]

[cantseame]

[The pun earns a light laugh from Farraige. Okay, a pun off in his natural surroundings he can do.]

Oh, you know me. Other people might be floundering about, but I had to do this on porpoise. There's nothing quite like feeling the rain wash over you.

[He can't hide the wide grin when the puns leave his lips.]

Plus with my particular set of abilities, I was a little worried about how the city might handle flooding given how long this rain is going on. I've been checking around here and there, but so far so good.

[At that he puts on a little show of tracing trails in the rain with his fingers and maintaining their shape, changing the colors of the liquid as well. Okay, so that last bit may be more just party tricks, but he figures it gets the point across before he lets those trails fall with the rest.]

Good for practice too. All this water is basically like little drops of magic batteries for my spells.

[lacquers]

[ Oh, friend. You know not how delighted this makes him, but you might soon find out. ] Surfs you right, coming out in this deluge!

[ Yes, that was amazingly lame. Pat yourself on the back, Magnus. ]

Oh? The water fuels your magic then? [ He can switch between pun battles and intense curiosity about magic on a dime. Make no mistake, he's following those little movements carefully. ] No danger of any kind of overload, I hope. [ Magnus knows that for some magic users or for some of those who possess magic, they or something they possess acts like a container.

And any container can overflow with enough excess being added to it.

He does sort of figure that if it were a serious worry, Farraige might choose to be somewhere other than splashing about in the puddles, but now that his curiosity's piqued, he is, of course, going to ask. ]

VEX.

[lacquers]

[ It's getting to a point where Magnus is a little weary of the rain. A few days is fine, but we're reaching territory where the lack of ability to reach out and touch someone without fear of things getting disclosed is a bit... much.

As such, he might be making his way (on foot!) to see about some alcohol. Vex put him in mind of a particular store during one of their conversations since his return and he's been meaning to check it out. Usually, his alcohol procuring happens with the help of a little magic. Summon something in a bottle, leave behind some money.

No, today, he is here in person. And who else would appear, but... ] Vex! I'm shocked to see you here. [ Shocked. ]

[vexy]

[ And there was Vex! Looking as... not-stylish as ever. Well, ever since he came to Xistentia anyway. He was soaked, clearly due to the rain, his white t-shirt clung to his chest and was transparent (though he hardly looked like he wanted to be a candidate for a wet t-shirt contest, he did have rather nice abs right now), black shorts and flip-flops that made a terrible noise when he walked around. He dripped everywhere and yet he was still wearing his sunglasses. Why? Who knows, he was Vex.

He lifted his head up from examining a label to give Magnus a crooked smirk. ]

'ello gorgeous. I know, a teetotaler like me? But I figured, hell, special occasions and all. What brings you down during this lovely weather?

[ Yes, that was sarcasm. ]

[lacquers]

[ Delicious sarcasm. Magnus takes to it more readily than ever, maybe in an especially noticeable way today. His outfit contrasts nicely to Vex's. The man doesn't seem to take account of his surroundings at when getting dressed in the morning. There's probably a lecture forthcoming from one direction or another with regard to whatever magical umbrella he's conjured up to keep himself dry, but he's willing to hear it. Right now, he wants the comfort that ostentatious outfits provide. ]

Oh, nothing in particular! I thought I'd see the sights. [ He gestures around them grandly. Out there, into the rain. Yes, the sights. ] Despite the unlikelihood of having run into you here, I'm glad we crossed paths. Have you found anything interesting?

[ This time, he gestures in the general direction of what Vex was previously inspecting. ] Gloomy weather like this calls for a drink or two, don't you think?

[ Read: it's a heck of a lot more than weather that's motivating the drinking lately. ]

[vexy]

The sights? Well, you found 'em.

[ He motioned at himself and likely winked, though it was tough to see through the sunglasses. Despite his overall surly attitude he somehow managed to flirt obnoxiously. ]

Yeah, a bottle of Chateau Lafite which is probably worth more than my house. [ Not that Vex applied a very high value to his living space, despite it being beachfront property. He held out the red wine to Magnus for his inspection. ]

I definitely know that wasn't here last time, so I was right that things are getting added. You might wanna split that with Angel. [ French red wine was rather romantic, after all. ]

rain

[mordacita]

[ Rafa had been looking for him. It's well that he has the strange pelt from the fair; it's been providing excellent coverage against the rain, although he suspects it's going to smell dire later as a result. He comes to find him, and of course, it's not a very difficult job in a city as small as this. Rafa is wearing the pelt like a cloak, pulled around his shoulders and over his head. He has an umbrella as well, but it isn't a wonderful one, and it's not really holding up well in this weather. By the time Rafa sees Magnus, he's feeling heartily sick of the weather. It's with some relief that he calls out. ]

Magnus! My friend, here you are. I was hoping you might have a moment, if that is all right?

[lacquers]

[ Rain, rain, go away indeed. It's about time for this storm to move on, in Magnus' eyes. And he looks like he's about done with it, too. His expression changes only when he registers he's being addressed and by whom. Rather than staring into the rain without really looking as though he's seeing anything, Magnus all the sudden smiles cheerily. ]

Well, hello there, Rafa! [ He takes a moment to look at his friend. And the pelt, which admittedly makes for an interesting accessory in this weather. ] For you, I have more than a moment.

What do you need? [ His hand rises, thumb and forefinger touching. ] Some shelter, maybe?

[mordacita]

[ Rafa looks up with a wry little smile. ]

Yes, in fact. But actually it is your expertise I wanted. Would you have time?

[ He'd come without warning, after all. He tugs the pelt a little more closely around him, and glances around, looking for somewhere more welcoming. ]

I would also share a drink with you, if that appealed.

[lacquers]

[ Shelter it is. At least, to start. Magnus waves a hand and they're enclosed by an invisible canopy. He's getting a lot of practice with this one lately, to be really honest. ]

I'd love to! [ Does he ever turn down a drink with a friend? ] And you can pick my brain about whatever you'd like. I'll do my very best to answer and hopefully it's something I can help with.

[ He glances around as well, finally gesturing in one direction. ] This way, maybe?