[locked to sutoku alliance] video, un: levirage

[fibrillate]

Hello, everyone!

[on the screen is a polite-looking person with messy green hair and purple eyes. they give a wave and smile with their whole face from behind their white-rimmed glasses.]

My name is Leviathan Astrape—Levi, if you'd all like—and let me be the first to welcome you to the Sutoku Alliance! What we do here is a little more up in the air than other factions, but I think that just gives us the freedom to be who we are. If you're not sure what to do next, just keep your ear to the ground and get to know as many people as possible! It really can't hurt in the long term, and it's always better to know more than to know less.

[they don't sound stiff as they're saying it, like they have some practice with public presentations like this, but anyone watching the tracking of their eyes could probably tell that they're reading off cue cards.]

And on that note, we have a few names to know. They'll spend some time introducing themselves, I'm sure, but please keep an eye out for Artemy, Kim, Xingqiu, Yuri, Ydris, Marie, and Cloud. [a pleasant smile as they get to the end of the list.] Please also look out for Emily Dyer, especially if you need any kind of medical assistance or you're interested in helping out there. And our lieutenants within the alliance are Matoba Seiji and, of course, the death-defying Sakamoto Ryouma.

[they gesture in front of them with an open palm towards the person behind the camera.]

You're coming in during exciting times, everyone. We just had a bit of a shake-up at the Tanabata festival. The daughter of an important financial magnate has been kidnapped by an enemy of Toraguma, and though we haven't heard any orders from the Daitengu quite yet, I think we all know how things like this play out.

[and bringing both their hands in front of them, at waist level, they smile and give a polite little bow.]

So please, take this time to get to know your fellow alliance members. [they look towards the camera, then glance at their lapel, where they have a pin with the kanji for sutoku. they laugh like they knew they were forgetting something, and look back up towards everyone else.] And don't forget to pick up your official faction pin from most places within our area if you're interested.

[they wave goodbye, then stand there for a couple seconds. without the feed cutting, they walk forward towards the camera and start talking much more casually.]

Was that okay? Getting those names right was harder than I expected, and I even cut out a lot of the last names. I don't know how you did it the first time.

Hehe, y' know, I wondered about that "death defyin'" part on paper, but hearin' ya say it like that makes it sound pretty heroic! And honestly, I'm pretty sure ya did way better with those names, now that I'm thinkin' about it...

[ anyone who isn't new here will recognise the voice that responds to them from behind the camera, especially with that accent. ryouma is pretty sure he botched a couple names last time, mostly for that same reason. he might be able to fake it and cover it when he's speaking his own language, but when it comes to foreign-sounding words all bets are off. ]

So that was perfect! I think ya gotta real knack for this sorta thing!

[ which... hmmm, take that with a grain of salt because this man long predated show business, but still!! judging by his tone, ryouma is very pleased since all his coaching and cheerleading and cue card holding paid off, in his opinion! sure the rest of the faction will agree... right? ]

((this is a mingle post! feel free to threadjack and get to know everyone within the faction. and thank you again to min for contributing ryouma here!))

Comments

[localweirdo]

Then perhaps we should ask around? Or maybe we can pool in various other people within the clan to help out?

It seems only fair as we could make it a big event once we get to our goal!

[fibrillate]

Oh, good. Thank you for the reassurance.
I told Dr. Heng this as well, but this is the first time I've been part of the actual, documented medical system.
It's very refreshing not having to worry about the legality of what I'm taking part in.

[medicative]

I have not to my knowledge. However, that does not preclude the possibility. The workings of this realm can at times defy all known logic.

If you're asking me based on a professional inquiry, then is it reasonable I assume you're asking for your own sake?

[medicative]

Of course there are. You have stepped into another realm, but time still remains a variable.

[and believe her, she's grateful for it.]

We'll see you at 1 pm. The front desk will know to expect you.

[beenwaitinglong]

It wouldn't really be hell if there weren't Mondays.

Appreciate it. Anyone on staff a coffee fan? I'll bring some by.

[medicative]

We strive to remain within the bounds of legality as much as possible, as well as keep our reputation intact. It would run counter to the idea of being a welcoming, accessible place otherwise.

[worldbent]

Ah, the giantess. That one appears to the type that preys on human feelings of anxiety and fear.

The training I have planned for our sessions aims to combat that in particular, as it is a weakness that cannot be easily shored up with raw power. It is difficult, but learning to shield one's heart from ayakashi who seek to exploit weakness is the most important thing you can do in learning to deal with them.

I would suggest beginning with small steps, such as daily meditation to calm your mind and focus yourself. Mental balance is key. Take up a hobby that trains mental discipline, such as a martial art or a delicate handicraft. As you learn to control your own emotions it will become easier to catch yourself when you might have kneejerk reactions of fear to their attempts at intimidation or perception.

[medicative]

At least half of us can lay claim to that title. It would be greatly appreciated.

[vogelfrei]

A correct deduction.

Since you are a physician I assume there is no need to remind you, but just to be sure... I am telling you this in confidentiality.

[beenwaitinglong]

It'll be my pleasure, Doc.

[worldbent]

[The cartels don't change just because they're not mortal!]

If you want my personal opinion, I think despite Kagerou-shi being an ally of the Alliance, he is in over his head and does not care who does the deed so long as his daughter is brought back to him. I cannot blame him for that.

He underestimated his enemy, as those believing themselves untouchable often do.

[Money clouds one's perspective, big shock there.]

[worldbent]

Are you volunteering to spearhead the effort?

After all, the Alliance exists as a network to support one another. I think it is a lovely idea.

[Look, he might be shitposting, but if people genuinely want to show their thanks to Ryouma knock yourselves out. It's a nice gesture!]

[worldbent]

[Bless his heart. Shonen teens are exhausting.]

If that's the belief you wish to follow, then follow it. Surely, you will not regret anything so long as you followed your own path, hm?

[medicative]

Of course. Patient confidentiality and discretion is a non-negotiable value for me, as well as any of my staff should you come to the clinic. We are sworn to it.

[worldbent]

After all, King Enma is the Judge of the Dead. You didn't expect for there to be laws?

You are right. I will tell you something a little hush-hush, since they saw fit to recruit you: not long after the first group of us arrived here, the Enma is suspected to have made an attempt on the Daitengu's life.

You may perhaps extrapolate a read on their relationship from there. [Maybe the Daitengu wanted the lawyers for the Enma, huh?]

[fibrillate]

I hope it's not much of a surprise to tell you that the medical system I'm familiar with at home is much less... welcoming than this one.
We're treated as barcodes on pages and numbers in checkbooks, and our health comes second to how much we're able to pay.
I appreciate that you truly do care about patient health.

[vogelfrei]

That was my expectation. Thank you for confirming.

The matter is delicate in that I am deceased in my world.

[ He is not super eager for everyone and their dog to know this, even if Julieta could disclose this information at any time. ]

I arrived with my injuries scarred as though they had been sustained a long time ago. However, I would like to ascertain what precisely that means for me. It would be inconvenient to find out months down the line that there is a bullet still lodged in my chest.

[localweirdo]

I could but I doubt I'll have the time. Not with me trying to run my business now.

Although, I wouldn't mind doing it if there was somebody that could help me...!

[maturedecisions]

[ oh. well she's kinda cool looking. reminds him of doctor strange or something.

his eyes focus off to the side as he wracks his brain. ]

The Department of the Enma? Think I saw that name somewhere already...

[ he really just got here not long ago and he's trying so hard to commit all these new terms he's hearing and seeing to memory. kind of a bit of sensory overload been happening though. ]

Are they the ones who usually deal with this kinda stuff?

[ like... the police? or avengers maybe? ]

[beariot]

To a point, yes. There are still things I'll need help with. I can read the stars, but interpreting what they mean in the context of certain fields usually takes an outside perspective.

[worldbent]

Haha. If you are unaccustomed to youkai, I suppose there are a great many things in this city you might consider "spooky". A sweets shop would be the least of it.

Video | un: Tsukuyomi

[blackabyss]

Unfortunately, operating on our own would yield fewer results than if we moved with the backing of our leaders. And since our alliance is technically more of an information-gathering one, there is not much we can do until we have more information.

[Though by the sounds of it, Fumikage isn't too pleased about it either.]

[worldbent]

Sutoku's businesses are certainly always looking for hands. If you are interested, perhaps visit the clan's offices in Konoha or the Tengu Temple and see what is on offer?

A knowledge of magic, even without the active ability to cast it, is still a boon.

[beariot]

Everyone has some baseline ability to engage with magic, though some more than others. It's still considered something of a specialized education, so only those truly invested in becoming witches enroll.

Video | un: Tsukuyomi

[blackabyss]

Welcome to the Sutoku Alliance, Yamori-san. Though it may not be clear what you can offer right off the bat, I assure you that any and all talents are welcomed here, and I have no doubt you will find a niche of your own to fill.

Until then, if there is anything you would like to ask, or need assistance with, feel free to ask those of us who have been here longer. We will do what we can to help you settle.