xistentia | RAIN & MEMORY SHARE

Entry tags:

RAIN & MEMORY SHARE

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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.

[ 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.

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.

[ In that, Rose is not alone. Magnus has been ruminating and reflecting more than usual as well, but he's quick to pack those things away at her appearance. And the dogs, of course. He'd like to absorb some of those warm feelings if he could...

He gives a light chuckle at the comment about their reaction to the rain. ] Of course, they're having the time of their lives, aren't they?

[ Now, Magnus is not a dog person, but he likes Rosie's horde. And he loves Rose, so there's that, to boot. ]

I'm glad I ran into you! Do you want to walk? [ He points in the direction she was heading, apparently to indicate he'll take a detour if it means they get to chat a bit. While he's anxious to be home, he's also not rushing, if that makes any sense. Getting riled up in this weather seems like a surefire recipe for frustration. ]

They are. No puddle is too wet or deep to jump in. Farraige's got his work cut out for them, they're all going to need baths once this weather breaks.

[ The house might smell a lot like wet dog for a bit though, much to Vanyel's dismay. The dogs love playing with the water mage though. He's got a nice system of distracting a handful with his magic so he can make sure they're properly groomed and cared for. ]

Yes, let's do that. Not like I really got anywhere to be soon. [ She motions for her dogs to follow and then they're off! She'll follow Magnus' lead because, well, he's the one with the tarp and all. ] Have you met any of the new people lately?

[ Another chuckle, this one equally good-natured. ] Good luck to him! [ He raises a hand in a gesture as if to cheer on the bather of canines. ] Hopefully we won't all wash away before then, hm?

[ Another gesture, this one miming everything whooshing along as though propelled by a rapid stream of water. It also projects the path ahead as Magnus starts walking. ]

I've spoken to a few new arrivals, I think. [ A little flourish and he'll work up a magical floating tarp-carpet for them, similar to what he'll eventually pass along to Tony Stark. It's reassuring to know people are still arriving, even if it means more trouble in worlds other than this one. Better to be here and relatively safe than not, right?

[ A beat. ] Have you been talking to new arrivals, Rose?

[ Rose grimaces at that idea. As Magnus knows, she isn't a huge fan of water deep enough to drown in... Even some of these puddles have her a bit wary.

Rose blinks up at the tarp as it floats along with them. Man, magic is so cool. ]

I have, actually. There's one guy [ and the way she talks about him already sounds almost excited without her even meaning to ] that wants to open a casino. Isn't that a cool idea? Or even just something like that!

[ Her life has been too quiet. Well. Personal drama aside, that is. That's not the kind of exictement she's looking for though. ]

I know you aren't planning to open Pandemonium again, but- Do you think you'd be available to bartend for this place if he gets it running, maybe? I don't trust F.A.T.E.S. - or myself, for that matter - to make a decent drink to save a life.

[ When he sees that look on her face, his expression takes a turn in the same way. It's not a pleasant thought for either of them, is it? Maybe he's letting his tendency to make light of things that are uncomfortable surface again. This rain is a curse.

Softly, he clears his throat. ] I'm sure the rain will stop soon.

[ His head ducks in a kind of apology before he lets himself perk up a little more in response to what Rose has said. ] A casino?

That's going to be an interesting addition! [ And here's a smile. ] I'm flattered you'd think of me, Rose! We really could use somewhere to go and relax and have a drink, couldn't we?

[ It's alright, Magnus. Rose makes light of a lot of things that perhaps she shouldn't. This was just one of the rare exceptions to the rule. ] I hope so, [ is all she adds onto that.

Besides, they're talking about much more exciting things now. Casinos and drinks and, ] Of course I did, dude. I'll let Kaz know you're a better bartender than anyone could hope to be.

There's the citadel lounge so far but... It's getting a little old, I think. Kind of same old same old. Maybe we could do themed stuff like Pan did. That always kept things lively.

[ That makes it all the more terrible and ironic that Magnus would choose this moment for a rare lapse in solemnity. ]

When it does, the sun will come out, [ he says, enigmatically. It's almost like he's saying he hopes it will. ]

High praise, my dear! [ Magnus seems genuinely, truly flattered. There's (a big) part of him that doubtless misses Pandemonium and all the fun they had there. Might be he's a little nostalgic? ] Would you like to see the bar run like Pandemonium?

[ Just asking out of curiosity, mind.

Mostly. ] I think it could be doable here, with a little work.

[ Hopefully it does. Her sunshine still hasn't come around. Vanyel's smile was a warmer thing than she ever truly recognized. But Magnus likely knows what they say about taking things for granted. ]

I think a bit of magical flair could be fun. It'd definitely be a draw and I think that's what this dude is going for. [ She'd seen the way Kaz regarded the bar in the citadel, unimpressed. She knows Magnus can do better than F.A.T.E.S. or whatever bartender is available. ]

And I'll be in charge of the music. Just like old times, huh?

[ Oh, he knows. And he's experienced his fair share of rainy days. She wouldn't know it because it's a thing he's holding close to his chest right now, but being parted from someone you love...

Well, the memory's fresh in his mind. ]

May I ask who it is? [ This dude she's referencing, that is. ] I can't help but be curious.

[ He waves a hand in a kind of assured gesture that implies whatever he's about to say is a foregone conclusion. In his mind, it's already fact. ]

If you're in charge of the music, then it'll be successful for certain!

His name's Kaz Brekker. He rolled in when the fair came to town, I think. [ At least, that had been the first time they'd met. And she had told him then he wouldn't have been someone she missed, which. Magnus is also probably catching hints of her interest. As if the fact that she wants to help him open a casino isn't in and of itself glaringly obvious. She isn't very subtle, is she? ]

He's pretty young, I think? [ She doesn't think he's the teen that he actually is though. He doesn't carry himself like someone that young in the least. When she thinks of teens, she thinks of Wyatt and his sunny disposition and boundless energy. Not people like Kaz in nicely tailored suits and speaking of starting businesses. ] But seems to know what he's talking about, so.

I hope it's successful! It'd be fun, maybe. Starting a little of community debauchery.

[ There's a spark of recognition in Magnus' eyes. ] Oh yes! I've spoken to him. Only over the network, but we did talk for a short while. He seems like an interesting person.

[ There may be a little weight to that last sentence. Yes, he's catching a hint or two. ] He seemed very savvy. [ Rather mature. ] I wouldn't have been able to make a guess as to his age, but it almost doesn't surprise me to hear he's already planning a business venture here. [ At a certain point, age ain't nothin' but a number for these long-lived types, right? He's very interested in Rose's connection to Kaz and this casino she's mentioned... ]

Are you saying things aren't lively enough around here for you, Rose? [ This is asked with the utmost good nature. He's smiling a little, in a way that's more fond than teasing. ]

Super interesting, [ Rose agrees. Which, as Magnus knows, always catches her attention. He had, after all, and she'd argue he's still one of the most interesting people she knows! ]

And things are... I mean, I guess it's interesting in a different way. [ She likes getting to stretch her exploring legs after so long. Eudio hadn't been the best for that, honestly, and to say she was restless there sometimes would have been an understatement. ] But I miss the nightlife and playing music and stuff. Xistentia hasn't been really good for that so far.

[ Oho. Super interesting. His brow goes up. Super interesting, indeed. Now he's not sure which is more interesting: Kaz or Rose's interest. Is there some good-natured teasing to be had here? He won't just charge into it, but...

Might be he finds it a little intriguing and cute.

And that's very sweet, saying he's interesting, gosh. That's a nicer word than some people use (weird, eccentric, over-dramatic, etc). ]

I think I understand what you mean. The atmosphere's very different to Eudio. I can't lie and say it hasn't been a little unnerving to travel between my world, Eudio, this one, mine again, and back here. [ He moves his forefinger back and forth to indicate each trip. ] Actually, it was more trips than that, wasn't it?

[ New York, Eudio, New York, Eudio, New York, Eudio, Xistentia, New York, Xistentia. That's enough to give a person whiplash. ]

Maybe we can bring a little of what we loved about Eudio here! I'd be happy to try. [ Here, an uncharacteristically sad little smile. ] It would be good to have something to do.

[ Unfortunately, her interest might be a little misplaced in this case. But when has that ever stopped Rose,
really? ]

It can be, [ she agrees. ] But there are some parts like Eudio, too, I guess. I wonder if we had something to do with that though sometimes.

[ F.A.T.E.S. seemed to pull information from a myriad of worlds. With such a large group of people coming from one, wouldn't it make sense that it'd (she'd?) try to implement some of Eudio's 'magic' itself to maybe make them more comfortable? It's a thought, anyway. ]

But I think that's a good idea. I'm already bored, man. I need to find work or something soon.

[ Not much stops Rose, does it? For good or ill, though Magnus likes to focus on the good. He does love her a lot, after all. ]

You're talking about our part in helping to put this world, and presumably our own, back together? [ Like their memories and whatnot are somehow the building blocks of Xistentia?

... or something. Magnus might need to chew on that thought a little more, really. ]

Well, [ he begins, trekking in another direction a moment. ] Until such work presents itself, is there anything else you'd like to do? [ Any adventures planned, Rose? ]

[ Just as she loves him. Even if maybe sometimes that love needs to be a bit tough on Magnus' end because of Rose's inability to 'chill.' ]

Something like that, I guess? It's a thought, anyway. Kind of cool to think about, honestly, having an influence on another world.

[ She always did like the idea of being a hero. ]

I don't know! I never really considered what I'd do if it wasn't music. I guess... adventure! That's what I kind of did before music but it wasn't a job or anything.

[ 'Chill' is such a nebulous concept. What is 'chill' and where do you find it? There are times when Magnus just does not know. ]

It is cool, as you say. I like to think that we're doing good here, just as we were in Eudio. Maybe it takes on a different form, but that doesn't change the fact that we're trying to make progress, does it?

[ He doesn't think it does. As for being a hero, well.

Magnus has had the thought a time or two. ] Adventure though, that's an interesting answer. Do you mean exploring, maybe?

[ That's alright, neither does Rose. As he's very well aware. ]

Yeah! Progress is always a good thing.

[ As for the adventuring, well. ]

I guess so. It's what I'm good at, I should hope, after a century of exploring the Makai.

[ The no-chill sibs. Vex is included in that. ]

Adventuring would certainly seem like progress, wouldn't it? If we're able to get a better grip on our surroundings, I'm sure we'd see more avenues for moving forward opening up to us.

[ Makes sense to him? ]

Should we think about giving it a try?

[ Of course Vex is included in that. Rose would argue he has the least chill of the trio. (Though it's likely he'd say the exact same about her.)]

I hope so. And I think we should! I've also been thinking though, adventuring... It'd be smart to stand out a bit more, wouldn't it, maybe?

[ This is Pudding, finally working in that other thing this thread was supposed to cover before forgetting for the umpteenth time because Rosie really enjoys talking about cute boys.]

You think I should dye my hair? There's another guy here, he had some sick blue streaks in his. Said he could do rainbow in mine. It'd be fun, I think. A nice change.

[ And Magnus would say he's immensely fond of both of them, squabbling or no squabbling. ]

A change, hm? [ Here's a smile for you, Rose. ] That's certainly a fun one to contemplate. [ Said by the man who just last year was also sporting rainbow hair for Pride. ]

I think you'd look lovely in all the colors of the rainbow. [ Magnus frames her with thumbs touching forefingers in a window. ] Very lovely indeed!

[ That's good since it's unlikely to stop anytime soon.]

Isn't it? I'm not sure I could pull it off, actually... Might be too much, maybe?

[ Never mind that Rose is more often than not the walking definition of 'too much.']

Thanks though, dude. I'll definitely consider it. Been thinking about cutting it too, seeing if I can't do a short look for a little while.

RAIN & MEMORY SHARE

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