00 - prologue

[afflictionmods]

PROLOGUE

It doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing – something strange begins to happen. There's a sudden burning sensation that wraps around your right wrist and part of your forearm. If you glance at the affected area, you'll find that it's...glowing.  The glow is pale blue, and it's so bright that it hurts to look at. The burn itself isn't so painful that you feel like keeling over just yet, but it does hurt nevertheless.

But before you have time to try to soothe the pain, you start to feel lightheaded, dizzy. Perhaps some of you may attribute this to any injuries you may currently be sustaining. For those who were previously unscathed, however, there's quite possibly no explanation for this other than the sudden appearance of the mysterious burn on your arm.

There is no time to mull it over, though, because it is the last thing that you see before the world suddenly fades to black.

-----

When you regain your senses, your vision is blurry; but when it starts to even out and you survey your surroundings, you find yourself sitting in a rather uncomfortable chair. Looking around you’ll see rows and rows of chairs, all facing the same way towards a desk, a podium, and an empty wall. A projector hangs from the ceiling and the lighting is bright and artificial... For some of you, it might be reminiscent of a college lecture hall. For others, you might have never seen anything like this before.

Your wrist, by the way, feels perfectly fine...though there’s now some kind of strange marking on it. It looks like a scar of some sort, and if you choose to touch it, it doesn’t feel inflamed or damaged in any way...but that doesn’t mean you don’t experience any pain. Perhaps the last thing some of you remember is a hard-fought battle, and the aches from your injuries still linger; some of you might not even remember getting hurt, and yet, your body aches like it has; for the lucky ones who feel fine, well. Pray that it lasts for a little while longer.

Because the moment someone gets hurt – emotionally or physically – there’s a small chance you’ll feel it, too. Where and who and what it’s coming from, though, is on you to figure out.

In front of you on the desk is some kind of device – a tablet, for those of you who are familiar. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be capable of doing much of anything right now, other than take photos and videos with the Camera app. There's also a translating app for those of you who need help reading some of the text around campus, as it is all in English. (Verbally, however, you can understand everyone in your own language. Tablets are also in characters' native languages.) It seems to be incredibly durable and hard to break, but you may want to be careful with it regardless.

Something shifts in your pocket (or...in your socks/shoe/what have you, if pockets aren't a thing) as you move around. Should you reach in and feel for it, you’ll find some kind of card – those who are familiar with modern technology will recognize that this is some kind of card you need to swipe. It has your name and a photo of you on one side, and the back of the card has the word "KEYCARD" on it.

There are also other people here, scattered throughout this mysterious classroom you’re in. In fact, there’re a bunch of you — 29 others, to be exact.

And now... you’re free to do whatever you want. Mostly anything, at least, given that once you step outside and explore, you’ll notice an ominous fog behind the various buildings within view. Still, this is a good time to get your bearings, check on what you have - and don’t have - and talk to the people around you until orientation starts.

-----

( OOC: Welcome to your Intro Log! The partner system is in effect for the Intro Log, meaning that yes, pain share is happening! For some notes regarding the partner system, your character will not know who their partner is upon arrival. It’s entirely possible that they find out now if their partner gets or is already injured, or if they can pick up on their mood. Otherwise, they’ll find out later today...!

Anyone who tries to leave campus grounds will have to enter through the fog, but no matter what, they will mysteriously wind up back onto campus grounds. And for clarification, the keycards are what characters need to gain access to their dorms!

Finally, we will have an NPC Reveal at 6pm EST today! )

FULL NAV

(CODE)

Comments

[fabulation]

[ Is the fact that Xingqiu has surprised him doing better for Chongyun's mental state at all? Important questions, naturally. ]

Well, I was getting ready for that, yes.

But, I don't think that matters to whoever or whatever has kidnapped us.

[ ...There's a considering pause, and then he does decide to roll back one of his sleeves, unveiling the strange mark on his wrist to Chongyun. ]

Does this look familiar to you in any way?

[cloudalike]

[ Well, for one: Chongyun is relieved and distressed to see his friend. Probably more relieved than distressed because Xingqiu has always been his ever capable friend. If it's the two of them together, they'll be alright. ]

Not at all. It's nothing I've seen from my studies. There are similar symbols, but overall, it's not a character native to thaumaturgy.

[ And if Xingqiu doesn't recognize it either... He sighs and rubs his neck. ]

You think we've been kidnapped? By spirits, right?

[fabulation]

[ Xingqiu himself is also feeling incredibly relieved to see a familiar face as well. He isn't too concerned about the fact that both of them are in the same situation, even if there is admittedly some apprehension that both of them have been taken off-guard. A very mild bit. ]

It's possible.

[ Or... ]

If it isn't spirits, then we're dealing with at least a formidable group of people. But, I can't think of any normal person who'd be able to cause a mark like this to appear on anyone. Can you?

[cloudalike]

You're right. That's why I was thinking it was some sort of mighty spirit in charge of all of this. If we're talking in terms of non-spirits, I can only think of an archon, perhaps.

[ He's never heard of anything like this happening with the archons, however. ]

And if it were a group of people... I can understand why they'd kidnap you, but why me?

[ A few hundred mora per exorcism isn't exactly making Liyue bank... ]

[fabulation]

I suppose I would make an ideal target...if they were simply looking for some monetary compensation, that is.

They may have other designs in mind. Like for example, targeting those with certain powers.

[ They do have both have something very notable in common—being those who hold Visions, that is. Xingqiu doesn't think it too far fetched of a thing that it can be their aim.

But, he isn't too sure of that yet, or what they plan to do with those who would wield such powers if that is true. ]

Well, in times like these, we shouldn't simply sit around and worry. How about we explore this place together and find some clues?

[ Once they hit the bookstore, it's going to be all over, though...just kidding (?). ]

[cloudalike]

Ah - that's right. Inazuma had some sort of Vision decree, didn't it? [ But this place looks nothing like Inazuma. ] I suppose we can't rule out other reasons either.

[ Xingqiu's not exactly ugly and Chongyun is pretty fit. One of them could easily make a good, uh, you know... and the other one can provide manual labor...? Already he's not sure this is the best line of thought, ugh. ]

That sounds good. [ Weird how he's feeling more and more calm. Must be the influence of his good friend Xingqiu. ] I'm quite glad you're here with me. There was a moment where everything was getting... too much... and I couldn't find my popsicles.

[fabulation]

[ Xingqiu nods, before offering his fellow companion one of his usual smiles. The situation they're in isn't ideal, but that's all the more reason to keep calm, as far as he's concerned.

And it isn't like he has not been paying attention to what he can visibly see or take note of regarding Chongyun's mood, regardless of the fact he has not quite cottoned onto the fact that they are sharing a "link" of some sort. ]

It is a relief that we're going to be able to work alongside one another here. There is no doubt that a sense of familiarity in a foreign place does wonders...and I'm certainly glad it's enough to bring you calm.

[ Anyway, he will turn, expecting the other male to follow him as he gets moving. ]

Come now, Chongyun. The information that is hiding away await us. If we're fortunate enough, we'll even manage to find some sort of library around with these kind of buildings...

[cloudalike]

[ Chongyun follows, of course. They've been together for so long that it's second nature to go with Xingqiu's lead, the space between their steps comfortable. ]

Do you think we should try to leave first? There doesn't seem to be any guards and I'm a little concerned about that.

[fabulation]

Hmm?

[ Here he is, thinking already about uncovering potential hidden writings, and Chongyun has to bring up a good point. Just kidding, he doesn't have much argument against trying it.

Just be sure to walk ahead of him, ok Chongyun? You're a pal. ]

We could give it a try. I'm sure whatever comes at us we'll be able to handle just fine.

[cloudalike]

Naturally.

[ The fog greets them immediately outside of the lecture hall, which is just typical of whatever spirit is keeping them trapped. ]

Of course, this place is surrounded by fog. To mislead and confuse us, I'm sure. Xingqiu, we should stay close. Give me your hand.

[fabulation]

[ This fog is so rude, clearly trying to bar them from exploring things or leaving. ]

Ah, I'm sure there's some kind of story about two adventurers having to stick close together to brave something like this. A mysterious fog that appears only at a certain time...and yet can only be breached by their determination to keep moving forward through it all.

[ ... ]

Just remember to hold tight and not let go, Chongyun. I'll be counting on you.

[ As Chongyun will be on him. Xingqiu will reach out with one hand to the other male a little smile. Please do securely take this young master's hand~ ]