[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

[blackabyss]

No, I am not. I may look different, but I am as human as you.

[It's not the first time he's been asked, and it won't be the last.]

The least we can do is offer our guidance to those who are newly arrived. It will help make things easier for you to adapt. So if there is anything we can do to help, please let us know.

[blackabyss]

[He appreciates it, really. He knows his face makes him look like one of the local tengu.]

The same to you. And if there are any questions about this place or how things are here, feel free to ask it. I will do my best to answer what I can.

[blackabyss]

[Honestly, her reaction is on the tamer side. She's not the first to be surprised by his appearance.]

He is well known in the Alliance. That's what happens when one becomes as high-ranked as he is.

[Still, it's nice to meet a friend of Cloud's! He offers a nod.]

That is true, though Cloud has recently set up a dedicated training area for Alliance members. If you are looking for a training ground close to home, that is your best bet.

[blackabyss]

Then I would suggest doing some information gathering. Any information we can gather will help us in our eventual strike against the Iron Bear.

It will help keep the feeling of restlessness away, at least.

[rottencactus]

Oh... I see. I suppose that makes sense.

[It's probably a very niche thing to teach, even to the lost souls here, thinking about it. He is not someone who would take classes himself, but rather, he's very interested in seeing how others teach.]

[softshoes]

So long as you're taking care of yourself, too.

[he's seen your shifts emily]

video; un: y.mikotoba

[softshoes]

Mr. Goodman! It is a pleasure to see you again, and as an Alliance colleague, no less. Welcome.

[He beams warmly at Jimmy, live from the least-cluttered corner of his apartment. This time, however, Mikotoba appears on screen in a suit rather than his traditional attire from the other day-- though it's tailored a bit... older. Like, a century older.]

I'm an academic and physician, not a lawyer, but the territory is quite familiar to me. My ward and my daughter are an attorney and judicial assistant, respectively.

[rottencactus]

I'm sorry! I'm sorry!! I accept any punishment I deserve! [Calm??? Calm?????] I've been told that by many people here so far... I just don't think confidence is something someone like me should have...

No... As much as I'm terrible with people and crowds, hiding away won't ...let me make progress on my contract. That is why I gathered up my meager confidence to respond here. I do truly wish to be of use.

[softshoes]

Then, my good man, you'll just have to say hello whenever you're able to drop by. It is a most curious world we've found ourselves in; there's quite a lot to catch up on in your first month.

[speaking of--] As for afflictions, it is much the same usual illnesses and aches and pains. So far as I'm aware, our bodies are as mortal as they were before we arrived, Hell and our current state of being notwithstanding.

video; un: y.mikotoba

[softshoes]

[Mikotoba's recording himself from his apartment with the device balanced on top of a table. What isn't visible is how precariously it's placed, but there is a bit of telltale clutter in the background of the shot. Not his. Promise.]

Welcome, Mr. Parker. As some of our other colleagues have mentioned, there's precious little information regarding the young woman's kidnapping, unfortunately. However, as part of the Alliance, you're in the most advantageous position to learn more about it. The Daitengu's eyes and ears are everywhere.

[hyperfix]

Even though it'd be entirely my own fault for stating myself your defender?




I suppose I'll have to retract my declaration of war, then.

[rottencactus]

Yes, just so.

[Yes, that eases his delicate nerves somewhat.]

Thank you. I am certain we will not need such things anyway. Everyone here so far seems to be very welcoming...

[hyperfix]

In lieu of that...Will you at least allow me to be of use to you in some other manner?

I'm offering my services as a confidante, should you require additional, as well as my friendship.

[maturedecisions]

[ hey, that's some good news at least. well, the part where he's in a good position. the part where people don't know much about the kidnapping, however, is not great. still... ]

That's good to hear. But are we supposed to just... sit tight until we hear something? Is there anything we can do until then?

[ he's so... restless, when he wants to help. it's clear in his expression that he just wants to run out and do something. ]

[sacrilegiousact]

The whole thing seems like kind of a sham.

A dagger, shortsword if pressed. And a handgun for ranged attacks and intimidation.

[roombamastermind]

It's not always wooden, but in my world, wands are used to cast magic. Combined with an incantation and proper wrist movements, a proper wand was once essential for casting magic appropriately.

I successfully streamlined that process by replacing incantations and proper form using executable codes.

[beenwaitinglong]

[Oh. Neat.]

How convenient. [There is just the slightest trace of bitter edge to that deadpan remark.

Then, lest the man think he's copping an attitude with him, he changes the subject.]

I'm a prosecutor, myself. Or I was, anyway. It would seem I've been recruited for more general legal counsel by the Daitengu, before the Enma could get their paws on me.

[roombamastermind]

...I've never heard that sort of expression before. Clever, but I'm not sure if I fully agree with it. We can still be proactive, even given the limitations of our role. It just requires the right timing, in my opinion.

[roombamastermind]

Prioritizing doesn't mean to go it alone. Take it from someone who did; it just isolates you. And isolation can reinforce negative habits and effectively put you inside your own echo chamber.

[She grins.]

Besides, I have a few thoughts on how to acquire resources, and I'm willing to share.

[roombamastermind]

Very well then. I eagerly look forward to our next meeting.

[roombamastermind]

Now, now. You and I both know that's not true.

["You're special to me", is what she wants to say. But she feels she hasn't earned it.]

No self deprecation, you hear me? I won't hear anything of it.

[semilethal]

[WHAT CAN YOU EVEN DO WITH POLYCARBONATE RESIN WITHOUT AN ENTIRE STOCKED LAB??? probably a lot, but not to donnie. he likes his creature comforts thank u]

Oh, what for? [armor? weapons? ROBOTS?]

[rainswords]

[ Or detectivenapped (don't forget)!

Xingqiu is definitely going to have to pick his book back up at a later date, not that he minds all that much. He has gotten plenty of reading done, there are enough opportunities, and the artificial light is certainly an improvement to candlelight. So at last his book is shut, with a bookmark between the pages. ]

There is no need for you to come all the way here, I am at my flat, so instead let me head to your location.

[semilethal]

[so light on its- his feet! so expressive! wow, so awesome...]

That's me. [does not hide that he's clearly looking 9S over as one would a particularly dope muscle car, scrutinizing that covering over his eyes even more intently. can he see through that? or is it eyewear somehow and he doesn't have humanoid ocular components?] So much nuance...! Your design really is incredibly intricate.

[semilethal]

[that is...very oddly specific advice that actually applies to his situation right now as it is, and also is coming from a person who seems like she could perhaps be of a motherly ag- NO.

BE STRONG!!! we are not doing this again. she hasn't even complimented his work yet!!!!!! settle down, needy-tello.]

Huh.

Well.

...if you have thoughts, I mean, obviously those are good to share. I will...um, let me finish what I'm working on for now, and I'll uh, text you. Or something.