JANUARY MINGLE

[stellafortunamods]

January Mingle: A Ballad in Goblets
Welcome to Teyvat - a vast magical world of adventure.
You open your eyes to an unfamiliar sight. A cool breeze flits through rustic buildings and sunny streets, carrying the smell of flowers and wine. The very air itself seems charged with mana, the warm pulse of the land palpable beneath your feet. This is a new world, a world where the elements compose all of reality. Before you is a bubbling fountain, and a key is entwined between your fingers. And that weight on your hip? A sparkling bauble that you've never seen before, yet it feels natural, as if it had always been there.

Asking around nets you the name of this world - Teyvat - and the name of this city - Mondstadt, blessed by the Anemo Archon, Barbatos. Your new home is accessible with the key placed in your hands, though this also brings to mind another question. How will you get money? Food isn't free, after all.

Luckily for you, there's plenty of jobs available for the enterprising Traveler. Be it taking requests from the Adventurers' Guild, or working part-time at one of Mondstadt's many food establishments, Mora is to be had when hard work is involved. The cuisine of Mondstadt is best paired with its wine, served at bars or enjoyed in private with a few friends.

And about that shining gem. locals will tell you that it is a Vision, a sign of favour from Teyvat's elemental gods. With the Vision on hand, you find yourself capable of commanding one of the seven elements. What will you do with this newfound blessing? Use it for good... or for evil?

Mondstadt's liveliness doesn't diminish when night falls. Bards sing through the wee hours of the night, and the lights of the city help keep most evildoers at bay. All seems peaceful, a pastoral idyll of a life that seems more at home in a storybook. Yet for those Travelers who venture out beyond the city's walls and into the ruins dotting the landscape, they may discover hints of a bloodier past now forgotten.

Glancing at any of the calendars in the city will tell you the current date. August 10th was the day you arrived. As soon as the last minute of August 16th slips away, the world around you changes. A blink, and time itself rewinds by seven days. Looking outside, the mown lawns have regrown, the windmill needs fixing again, and the well is once again full. Just what is happening here? It seems only you, Traveler, remembers the week that never was.

State of the World

For the first two weeks of the game, IC time will be looping from August 10th to August 16th. It's currently late summer in Mondstadt, and the trees are just beginning to turn out their autumn colours. The weather is cool and pleasant, with light showers on Tuesday (11th) and Friday (14th). It's also a good time to go out gathering berries and nature's bounty from Mondstadt's forests and valleys.

These two weeks will let us trial out our commissions and regains system and craft improvements for February onwards. There will be no activity requirements for January, so all threads started during this time period can be used for regains!

For all questions regarding January's mingle and events, please head over to our OOC post.

Comments

[extinctive]

[ tfw i haven't linked the list of food in the game ]

And that's why we're here to try them out. Anything that caught your eye yet?

[unfriendliest]

That one.

[ pointing at the jueyun chili chicken! ]

But I don't need company to try it.

ii

[picolin]

[ Wow, he's seen a lot of beggar kids around the Holy City before, but this is a new level of shameless. He's almost impressed. He'd approached agreeably enough when Lucas had waved him over, but now he has an eyebrow gently raised. ]

Well ... [ A deliberately slighty-too-long pause before he finishes that thought. ] Just barely enough, I suppose.

[ Enough for what? It is a mystery. But he technically answered that question, so now he gets to ask one back. That's how this works, right? ]

Are you asking because you'd like to take pity on me and offer me some more?

[ So he says, but he knows well enough that few would 'take pity' on someone clanking around in armor. Which is fine, he's just asking to be obnoxious. ]

d

[pragmatism]

[ Zhongli should probably have sought out Ganyu earlier, but he had other matters to attend to. As far as he could sense, he was the only one out of all the outlanders to bear the black seal - fortunate, for he would not wish it on anyone else, yet it brings to mind the question of its purpose and creator. These are not questions that will be answered simply by sitting around, so he had ventured to Windrise in an attempt to restore his power. Unfortunately, it seems the black seal prevented that as well.

It will be late afternoon by the time Ganyu sees him coming into Mondstadt by the main gate. He doesn't call out to her from a distance - it would be impolite - but he's definitely coming this way. ]

[extinctive]

Not even a bottle of dandelion wine?

[ bottle, not glass. ]

[hangfire]

[The sheer size of this tree is almost too much to take in, and he's plenty distracted under the masses of shaded grass, pointedly avoiding getting anywhere near the edges that dip out into that sickening stretch of the ocean into the land like the claw of a raptor.

It's got him plenty on edge, for some reason. He doesn't seem to hear the footsteps that come up from his right, even when Zhongli is close enough that it should earn some sort of reaction... but when his vision finally catches that someone else is there, the flash of a white pistol flies up on reflex as he grounds his feet under him with a twist of his posture, finger immediately on the trigger.

But the other man doesn't even flinch, still walking towards the tree proper like the redhead was nothing more than a ghost, and Lutha's tensed shoulders slowly start to lower, grumbling as he shoves his gun back into its holster.]

Spirits... Don't sneak up on people like that, you're gonna lose your damn head.

arrival

[pragmatism]

[ Rose might have seen this particular man before on Fogtown. Zhongli cuts a contrasting figure to the rest of Mondstadt; dressed in an elaborate suit with the height to match, folding his arms and closing his eyes in meditation. It's distinct from the disorientation of the other arrivals.

Her question is answered calmly - Zhongli never raises his voice, or allows his composure to falter. ]

The island? Do you perhaps mean South Sister?

[extinctive]

[ ah. on one hand, figaro understands the sentiment somewhat - he's a lonely person himself, so knowing that someone out there is looking after him can be reassuring. but at the same time it'd feel a little odd if he's being watched by a stranger...

well, he can fix that. ]

May I join you, in that case? Someone who looks after the people in this world would need someone to look after them as well. [ and ganyu's certainly not bad to look at, tbh, ] I'm one of the new arrivals of this world, and I'd like to get to know other people who have this on their person.

[ namely, the cryo vision hanging off his hip. ]

commission!

[picolin]

[ link ]

Eeeeh ... It should be here, I believe.

[ It had started with a spot of idle chatter while hanging around the bulletin board. 'Oh, are you thinking of doing one of these strange quests?' 'Haha, they sure are unusual, aren't they?' 'Hm, but this one looks fairly harmless, doesn't it? Though I'm not certain I could pull it off alone ...' 'Really! If you'd have me, I'd be glad to assist you!'

The flow of conversation had been so easy and thoughtless that it's not until they're actually standing before the door to a certain Charles Mingle's humble abode that Serpico realizes just how weird this situation is. He's been helping keep them oriented in these unfamiliar streets, guiding the two of them to the required location for the job, and Serpico gives a sheepish little smile as he scuffs a hand through his hair. ]

Once again, I'll do my best not to be a hindrance for you. But please do forgive me for my shortcomings, Sir Figaro. I've some confidence in my reading and writing, but a herald is meant to prioritize geography and tactics over literature, in the end.

[whiteshroud]

[Well that's good news to Jun, and the relief shows on his face. That definitely makes things easier. There was no rule in his pact about using items from other gods, it was just touchy about the worshipping part.]

I see. [He nods, looking at it] In that case, I might as well learn how to use it properly.

[He needed every asset he could get if he wanted to return home. So no throwing it out into the lake like he was considering, yaaaay]

[hoshikiri]

[Perhaps if uncertainty didn't reign in Takame's head in both old and new realm, he would have been aware of himself sooner. The posture he was greeted with doesn't really help, even if he knew he sort of deserved it.]

Mon...stadt...? [Spoken just as hesitantly, but the word "fellow" interested him as much as it worried him. As did the use of "human", but he had priorities here.] ... This realm is unfamiliar to you as well?

[whiteshroud]

[he follows this woman, uncertain what would happen. But when she says that, implying she knows he's not one of Them- he feels relief. Oh good. She was bailing him out]

Yeah, they've been at it all day. [He sighs] Thank you. I do appreciate being bailed out.

ii

[pragmatism]

[ Takame will encounter Zhongli on the plains of Windrise. He came from the oak tree next to the Statue of the Seven, after trying (and failing) to draw on the Anemo power situated beneath the tree's sprawling roots. The sound of battle naturally draws his attention; a tall man dressed in adventure-inappropriate clothes and without any weapon in his hands.

Takame's skill with the blade is evident, yet he never calls on the power of his Vision. This Zhongli notices as well, so he would voice it when the Au Ra speaks to him ]

You are a Vision User, are you not? Do you not wish to use it?

[pragmatism]

[ It's like back on Fogtown, when he made drinks for Figaro. And he's offering to treat Zhongli as well... while it's tempting, the importance of money has been impressed on Zhongli at last. This isn't South Sister, where they could take without much repercussions. So... ]

I would not mind, if you will permit me to join you.

[ To him, the point of drinking is to do it with friends. Tea is the more appropriate beverage for thinking alone. ]

[omegathree]

[Please look at this man's oddly pointy ears, and the way there seems to be a screw in his chest. Good chance that this man isn't 100% human, at the very least.]

Mondstadt.

That is correct. This town looks a bit similar to Germany, just going by the architecture.

[eclipsingstar]

[She chuckles softly, shaking her head.]

Unfortunately, unless the Knights do something about it, it's likely they'll continue to mistake you for one of them. You may want to consider investing in some new clothes.

[hangfire]

No one said it was. I'm not the fool here.

[He flicks off another piece, taking a second to shove it off where it lands on his trousers with his lone gloved hand, the glimpses of a scarred wrist far too thin for how tall he seems to be, curled up against the masonry like a lazy cat.]

You're a fighter, aren't you? If you took some sort of mortal wound, would you refuse to care for yourself unless it was done exactly right? Would your enemy let you bother to take the time? Would the wildlife?

[pragmatism]

[ Zhongli raises one eyebrow. ]

My apologies. I had thought the sound of moving grass would be enough to announce my presence.

[ There is a lot of grass at Windrise... maybe it blended into the sound of Zhongli's footsteps. He's confident enough in his own durability to not take Lutha's theat (?) to mind. ]

[whiteshroud]

[Right...buying stuff. money. The thing he was having to worry about very quickly. ]

If I had the funds, I would. That'll probably take awhile.

[He was still on the stage of figure out how to get enough money to not starve man.]

HES HERE FOR SON...

[pragmatism]

[ It would not do for anyone to be left starving, regardless of who they are or where they were. It is this belief that had led Zhongli to take on the mantle of godhood, and he isn't about to forget this as a mortal. ]

Money is no issue.

[ And he means it this time...! Sara can just dock it from his wages, it's fine. ]

You deserve a rest after all that hard work.

venti | genshin impact | ota

[cecilias]

i. outlanders

[ How are your first few days in Teyvat treating you, traveler? Have you sampled the new foods and drinks? Found treasure stashed behind bushes? Gone fishing in the fountains to scrounge up any mora you can find?

Or maybe you've been beating up the native fauna with that new Vision on your person -- either way, the next time you stroll through Mondstadt's main thoroughfare, one of the city's many bards meets your eye. He leaps down from where he'd perched on the terrace ledge, landing improbably lightly on his feet. ]

Aha! A traveler!

[ He drifts over, twirling around you a few times with sharp, curious eyes. Perhaps it feels a bit like being a bug under a magnifying lens. He comes to a stop in front of you, grinning. ]

And from far away, it seems. Come, why don't we walk -- you can tell me all about where you came from and I can show you all the best parts of Mondstadt! It will be a proper cultural exchange.

[ Read: you're buying him lunch.

That's what this is.

Sorry. ]

ii. anyway here's wonderwall

[ It's not that Mondstadt is a city that never sleeps -- ironically, it's a bit too sleepy for that -- but it certainly does stay up late, celebrating the day spent and anticipating what's to come next. That's just how it is in the City of Freedom.

If you find yourself in one of Mondstadt's many taverns, it's no surprise that each one is lively to the point of raucous. Knights and Adventurers alike gather to drink and jeer at the bards who fill the establishments with music. This bard in particular differs ever-so-slightly from the rest, though -- the tunes he plays are less tavern song and more ancient storytelling, songs of the Archons and Celestia and the magic that makes up the world. And it seems the more he plays, the more the tavern-goers seem to be slipping him drinks.

How many drinks has it been since you've been standing here? Six . . . ? More?

Well -- at any rate, he eventually takes up a perch nearby, fingers idly strumming his lyre strings. They glow with an Anemo-blue light. ]

Do you have any requests? Ehe, I only charge one drink! That's a steal!

iii. dire straits

[ Mondstadt has many things -- flowers, taverns, bards, windmills . . . and also stray cats. Some of them are even bartenders, if you go into the right tavern!

Ah, but maybe that's just a pointless anecdote. As you stroll through the streets, you may find a small, green-clad figure crouched behind a fruit stall, looking around nervously. Like he's being stalked, perhaps? This seems like excellent work for a Knight or Adventurer--

Except he starts when he spots you staring and immediately starts shushing. ]

Shhh! Don't draw attention, they'll find me-!!

[ (He sneaks an apple off the fruit stand while you're watching.) ]

iv. wildcard

[ Hit me with anything let's goooooooo

You can grab me on disco at mel#0024 or aelesti ]

1

[pragmatism]

[ If Tsurumaru was expecting any sort of reaction from Zhongli, he would be disappointed. The taller man blinks, tilting his head and regarding Tsurumaru with clear amber eyes ]

Good morning.

[ His voice is calm, without the barest hint of shock. ]

[magicdrain]

[ HMMMM he's not liking where this is going!! ]

Help you with what?

[ Can't believe the Great Warlock Lucas is about to embark on some menial task. ]

[reglaze]

Sometimes simply being is company enough. And, if you don't mind me saying so, you look a little hungry. [Ganyu recognizes that look from her own experience with it. Not that she'll ever admit that.]

I'd be happy to offer to buy you a late lunch.

[brothered]

[what's new pussycat, though? really??? or: elliot, unfortunately, asked for this, and thus felix doesn't look the least bit apologetic as he continues hanging out of his window. he's heard that tone plenty of times, thanks! albeit from one of his oldest, dearest friends, but the fact still stands—he's well used to it, and thus he isn't intimidated by it in the slightest. sir...]

I'm telling you to knock it off!

[very mature, flex. very cool, especially as he leans that much farther out his window.]

Go play that ridiculous song somewhere else.

[or so help him, he's coming downstairs!!!]