[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

[starshower]

[No, definitely lots of worries there, bud.]

Well, there's nothing wrong with wanting to know how. Weapons could come in handy, but that's not really my style. More of a hand-to-hand kind, myself.

But in a place like this, you never know, you know?

[starshower]

If I tell you, you have to promise to keep it a secret. He might come for me if he ever found out.

[Nah. He wouldn't, but she will spare him the embarrassment of finding out she told everyone about how he won the hearts of Sector Seven.]

[starshower]

[She will try her best, but it's a tall order when it comes to those two. At any rate, she's lighting up again at the mention of them.

But she does laugh, not at him, but more at herself.]

Well, the dream would be a bar of my own. Nothing like being your own boss... but I figured I'd have to start somewhere.

[maturedecisions]

[ he's trying a little harder than before to keep his easily-impressed attitude in check, considering he's been running into so many cool people and things since he's arrived here. sometimes it's hard to hold back, but he's doing his best. gotta keep his head on straight to get things done.

but he does let this slip the second he sees soundwave on video, quietly and to himself: ] That's awesome.

[ seriously he's so cool looking. KEEP IT TOGETHER, PETER. moving on, there are more pressing things to deal with. ]

Yeah, I heard from someone else about this "Wasteland" place, but I didn't get a lot of details. What makes it so bad out there?

[recluserose]

I'll give that a go then. The temple sounds interesting.

As for my knowledge of magic, it may be rather esoteric. The way I cast spells is esoteric, to say the least.

[recluserose]

That reminds me... Starting off, our personal starting funds aren't going to be impressive, right

[recluserose]

Er... Yes?

[Amelia supposes that speaking so flippantly about her powers would surprise someone, but Peter seems especially enthusiastic. She tries to parse his various expressions (he's so lively, very typical of a teen, but there seems to be a context she wouldn't be able to figure out).]

I have... Had? I do have it. Magic. I'm a witch.

[The redheaded witch gestures with her hand lamely.]

I've no access to it currently.

[identitycrisiscore]

[ He can't help but smile. Which is why he downplays it - a hand on one hip and his hand turning away. It doesn't really entirely throw off the ease and amusement that creeps into the rest of his body language. But he tries. ]

You of all people don't need to call me that, you know. [ It's a teasing retort. He is a two-star, but he's never going to be comfortable pulling rank among the other Lost Souls. ]

Let's get you on the training mat, first. If you want to pick up the piano again while you're here— well. You'll have time.

[playfoul]

[ Yuri's come across a few staves in the supply lines, but considering the different systems of magic... ]

If you're planning to channel spells with it, then yeah, you'll have to look elsewhere. If you just want to knock some heads with it, I'll happily provide.

video, un: Wildcard

[sacrilegiousact]

Not interested in bounty hunting, but I might take you up on that.

[identitycrisiscore]

Good to meet you, Baldr. [ Bowing isn't something Cloud does, but he nods his head in response, as he thinks. ]

Drawing and striking in the same motion... the blade would have to be pretty light to do that kind of maneuver, wouldn't it? Not to mention slender enough that it can move quickly through the air. Doubt I could do that kind of technique with my broadsword.

It certainly sounds interesting. And that level of subterfuge does tend to work well with our stated interests of making sure people are prepared...

[ He scratches at his neck, looking away, in thought. ] I mean, if you're interested in teaching it, I can't see why it couldn't be useful to those who carry weapons that could pull off that trick.

[dressedtothe]

[A what.]

Er. A wand?

[???]

What does a wooden rod have to do with magic?

[playfoul]

Heh, not looking for excitement? [ That's probably wise. ] What do you wield?

[maturedecisions]

[ wow that's kind of disappointing for him. he would totally rather be in the group that runs headfirst into things and deals with it. not that he's planning on letting being a member of the sutoku alliance stop him. peter does what peter thinks is right.

but he's not about to say that, sooo. ]

Sooo we support them then. Makes sense. [ a short beat. ] Kinda like their "guy in the chair".

[ he sounds serious when he says that, despite its seemingly joking manner. he couldn't help himself. ned needs to be repped here. even if that very statement tugs at his heart and it's quite a bit of energy not to let his expression falter. ]

[semilethal]

Oh, I know. [does he know?] I know. [maybe if he emphasizes that he knows, it will sound like he knows]



...well thank you. [how does one politely exit a conversation when they don't want to talk anymore] Iiii, willll, be leaving now.

[maturedecisions]

[ well luckily peter isn't too easily deflated or put off from things, so he bounces back well enough. he's still trying to befriend him here, but he's moving less from awkward territory into more comfortable territory with the current conversation. this is something he can handle. ]

Hey, would you want some help with it? I've got the time.

[ and a desire to benefit from this whole thing himself, considering his hobbies and spider-man-ing. ]

Trying to figure this place out myself anyway.

[playfoul]

[ Oh right, sarcasm does NOT translate well over text. ]

Calm down, will you. Go on like that and you might offend someone for real. [ ...Is that too blunt? Try again, Yuri. ] What I meant is that you could do with more confidence.

[ He's vaguely familiar with the term ninja from his stay in Jigokucho...Garreg Mach had thief certification courses, so a ninja association at school? Not as weird as it should be. ]

That's ...both impressive and somewhat concerning. You're not planning on hiding away the whole time you're here, are you?

[semilethal]

...help with what. With building a chemical lab? Pal, if that is something within your purview, I will gladly accept your time and your help.

[donnie does not expect this to be the case. first of all, location needed. second of all, unless he wants that location to be REAL SECRET which might be difficult here, permits will be needed. third of all, and this is the hardest one, BIG. HUGE. DOLLARS. will be needed.]

[blackabyss]

Oh..!

[Fumikage's eyes widen, and he leans in closer to the screen to see the sword in better detail.]

Is that your sword? Fascinating... Plain in design, yet I can tell it is a sturdy and strong weapon. And you're able to wield it efficiently? You must have exceptional strength!

[He might be nerding out a little bit over it. Sword!]

[blackabyss]

Very well. I have also spoken to Cloud already about assisting with physical training, so if you need extra assistance feel free to call upon me.

I am aware of the legend of Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto. I chose to don the monicker of the Jet-Black Hero: Tsukuyomi as a part of my hero persona, because my abilities define me as a denizen of darkness. But just because I am aligned with the dark, that doesn't mean I cannot give people hope. So I suppose you could say I am, or at least wanting to pay homage to the God of the Moon.

[maturedecisions]

[ there's a slight sigh of relief there. ]

Good, good. Was worried this'd be a tough gig. [ that's a joke, and he smiles sheepishly to prove that.

a small pause, as he tries to get back on track like a good helpful kid. ] Soooo when d'you think we should meet up then? I'm pretty much free... always.

[ at least for now?? he just got here and has nothing but free time to explore and figure his shit out. should probably get a job soon, though. ]

[maturedecisions]

[ a witch, huh? there's scarlet witch and doctor strange, and he knows all about witches from (checks movies) harry potter and the like. he's pretty interested in seeing what sort she is, considering there's all sorts of magic types out there... according to cinema. but he's honestly got his mind on way more important things, and he'd prefer to keep it that way so as to not get off topic when he's finally got something important within his grasp. he may be easily impressed, but he focuses when it counts.

he does, however, cock his head to the side a little and smile, speaking under his breath. ] Okay, that's awesome.

[ moving on, though. ] So that's... how it works here? You have to work to get it back?

[ unfair, but okay. he seems a little in his own head while he says that, looking downward and clearly thinking about more than just the conversation. ]

[maturedecisions]

[ wow that escalated. he thought the dude was just looking for materials like polycarbonate and things, not building an entire lab. but that's... awesome. unsurprisingly, he is not deterred, even if only smaller parts are within his wheelhouse. ]

Okay, maaaybe not the building part, but the rest of it? You can count me in. Y'know, dealing with the chemicals and stuff. I, uh, kinda need access to them myself.

[ not telling why. he will lie if he must. ]

[dressedtothe]

[Said awesome sensors? Suuuper not working right now. So Donny gets a startled yell from 9S as he immdiately jumps back a few feet from the sudden and unexpected presence at his side, fortunately without knocking anything over. If 9S were a cat, his fur would be all fluffed in half surprise half indignation right now.

Once he sees who it is, 9S relaxes though not without a visible air of embarassment; he's a scanner, people shouldn't be able to sneak up on him!]

You're... Donatello, right? Sorry, I didn't hear you arrive.

[rottencactus]

No, no, I'm nothing like that, ah ...my unit has only barely debuted. We are still very much unknown! I am also the only one here ...

[It was certainly a surprise to hear from a higher up! He is a little flustered.]

I see. Ah, is it okay for me to ask you another question...?