FEBRUARY MINGLE

[stellafortunamods]

February Mingle: The Outlander Who Caught The Wind
Welcome to Teyvat - a vast magical world of adventure.
Life in Mondstadt seems to never change. Each day unfolds similarly to the next, and the clock turns back every seven days. Just what is happening here? Is there ever any hope for the Travelers to find a way home? Slowly, the questions that have been burning in everyone's minds will be answered The fate of all that lives in Teyvat is written in the stars - only you, Traveler, are free from the shackles of destiny.

As Travelers wake up to August 13th for the third time, nothing seems to have changed. However, a windstorm blankets all of Mondstadt in the afternoon, whipped up by the wings of a large dragon. As civilians scatter and the Knights attempt to restore order, a voice calls out to you from the darkened sky.

"Come fly with me. The winds of freedom will clear away the storm."

An updraft carries you and your Wind Glider into the air, where you can take aim at the dragon without hindrance. However, your attacks seem to focus on the purple spikes that torment the dragon's body. From whence did they come?

At the behest of the Acting Grand Master, you venture out into Mondstadt's wilds to stem the flow of power fueling Stormterror's rampage. Perhaps you may come to know of Stormterror's past - once a protector of the city, now turning his back on the nation he once loved. What broke the dragon's heart? Could he have truly turned dark once and for all?

Whatever path you choose to walk, it soon becomes evident that your actions do have an impact on the world. August 17th arrives gracefully, and the people of Mondstadt turn their attention to the arduous task of reconstruction. Helping to patch up the city's beautiful neighbourhoods piece by piece will earn you the citizens favour and a good amount of Mora.

When the dust settles, peace returns to Mondstadt... for the most part. The howling of wolves can be heard in the depths of the night - a territorial dispute in the dark forests of Wolvendom has spilled over into neighbouring Springvale. The order in Wolvendom is kept by the will of Lupus Boreas - all wolves who reside in Mondstadt must obey Andriu's code. The foreign pack heed not his words, hunting above their share and attacking human hunters.

Yet all wolves look the same to outsiders unfamiliar with their code, and the residents of Springvale are all too willing to blame all of wolfkind. Who will listen to the voice of the wolves? Will blood be spilled on these untamed lands once more? Only time will tell.

State of the World

For the first week of February, IC time will continue the time loop from January: that is, looping once more from August 10th to August 16th. ICly, the tasks in our main quest will be completed by characters before Sunday ends. Once Monday rolls around once more, they’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that the date has advanced to August 17th. The second to fourth weeks of February will be spent looping from August 17th to August 23rd, and characters will have plenty of new things to do in the new time period.

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

Comments

INTRODUCTIONS

[illhearted]

( not entirely required, but totally fun to have )

[illhearted]

( .........well, elizabeth will start, neutral-faced as always. )

As stated - Elizabeth Darling, twenty-three years old, and a freelance detective in the London area of Great Britain, though I'm natively from further north. Prior to finding myself here, I had attended a gala at the behest of one of my acquaintances, which turned out to be - in summary - a disaster. Currently, I'm working on solving a missing persons case. Britain is a rather ordinary place - we don't have magic the way this world does, and time travel and the like is mere fiction, but our mastery of the sciences and technology seem to be more advanced than here.

( she pauses, and adds: ) It was the year 1902 last I checked. We also have a demon problem, albeit it isn't known to the public, and for the record, I've never met an angel, so I don't know if those exist or not. I suppose that's all.

( a normal world we just have demons it's nbd )

[hangfire]

[There are so many people here and this skinny scarred redhead looks DECIDEDLY uncomfortable being in this tavern, enough that he doesn't move to touch the food despite how his eyes follow it. He'll stay stiffly quiet for a while, until enough eyes are on him that he can't ignore it, hand shoving his gun deeper into its holster to avoid the desire to hover against it.]

Lutha Pahr. Eighteen. I'm a goods courier for the fifth Goblin-Fer in the capital, Ordo.

We have mana that feels similar enough to Teyvat, but not... [He mulls over his word choice, visibly souring.] --not in quantities like this. We've got our own issues with the Deities and their influences because of that. From what it sounds like, Teyvat at least believes their gods to be very present and active.

Ironic that we also have a dragon problem, but I can't say ours went and attacked any towns yet like what happened last week. It's a special case, anyway. [His eyes flick to Elizabeth, then back to the table, leaning back in his chair and crossings his arms tightly.] It's most of what I was doing before I came here - relaying information about that topic.

[whiteshroud]

[Some have seen Jun around by now whether it be fighting monsters on commissions or helping with face on the dragon. A fearless and level-headed kid in dangerous situations, all things considered.

But man, public speaking?? In front of all these people?!? About himself?!? Nope nope he rather face Duvalin again.

When it comes to his turn, he looks like a deer in the headlights. he didn't know this would happen! He didn't have time to rehearse or anything! ]

J-Jun Kohinata. Sixt- No, sorry- S-Seventeen. I'm from Japan, er 2015, and I'm a... [Wait how much was he allowed to disclose? It's one thing to tell people one-on-one, but on mass?! And there's so many people looking at him he needs to say something] I'm a...h-holy knight.

I.. [There was something else he was supposed to say? If so, it's totally blanked from his mind as the stage fright has completely kicked in. He can only try to think to end this nightmare as quickly as possible. What's that thing people say after introducing themselves back home???]

N-Nice to meet you.

[Yeah. Nailed it. Just gonna...sit back down and hope he never has to speak again]

[nefilim]

[Anastasia is bright and beaming as she introduces herself, not possessing a shy bone in her body apparently. She may as well be sparkling, with how cheery she is.]

Anastasia Fabre! Ana works too. Twenty-four, and I'm a clothing designer and titan hunter! I was born in France, and the year is arooound 2018. Also for clarification, titans are beings that came before gods in my world and they're making a mess right now after breaking out of their little prison. [She is underselling this so bad right now.]

Also I'm half-angel, hence the wings; human mother, angel father, a number of angelic half-siblings I don't know anything about.

[Just to clear that up. Anyway;]

My world is pretty magic heavy and gods are around, though they're absolutely useless and a waste of energy. Buuuuut, this actually isn't my first time being brought to some new place. Before here, I was on an island that was absolutely the worst. It was out to get us, basically, and I know I'm not the only one from the island who was brought here. Though not everyone from the island was brought here, and I've heard some people don't remember? So there's one weird thing, though not sure how relevant in general it is.

[fiddlestick]

[Elliot is pretty used to introducing himself for shows and lessons, so while the situation is a little different, he's approaching it with the same friendly energy as usually.]

Nice to meet you all, I'm Elliot Craig. I'm nineteen, and I'm a musician from Erebonia in Zemuria! I'm a graduate of Thors Military Academy and the Heimdallr Music Academy, so I'm no stranger to combat or the musical stage. [Ha] My world has magic, but I'm not enough of an expert to say how similar it is to Teyvat's. Still, I'd like to help anyway I can!

[He nearly sits back down before remembering something]

Oh, and I'd like to request to please stop throwing things at musicians in this town, or you might be sorry~!

[Did...did he just threaten everyone? He's still smiling as he's sitting down. ]

[redbellion]

[ Oh boy, here we go. ]

Keith. Paladin of a giant mech called Voltron, and I've been fighting back against an empire that's trying to take over the universe.

[ YEAH, THAT SURE IS A THING. He realizes it sounds kind of ridiculous but it's the truth, y'all. ]

I've been all over outer space, but I'm originally from planet earth. Can't remember what year it was last before I left; it's been a while since I've been home.

[omegathree]

I am Valvatorez, 2542. I'm from the Netherworld and I work as a Prinny Instructor, a person who helps human souls pay off their sins before they reincarnate. The last thing I remember is telling a comrade we would fight God together. Also the Netherworld is currently in an election phase.

We do have magic, but we aren't generally constrained to one type. Furthermore, not all demons even specialize in it.

[sufferean]

[Rean doesn't have much knowledge to share, but anything he can gain is certainly a boon, so here he is. If anyone's listening closely, they might notice that his voice sounds a little forced — like he's trying to sound older and more mature than he really is.]

Rean Schwarzer, twenty years old. Like Elliot, I'm from Erebonia in the continent of Zemuria. I'm a graduate of the Thors Military Academy main branch, and an instructor at the new branch campus. When I was taken from my home, it was May of the year S.1206, but I don't know how familiar that will be to anyone.

I've had some experiences with magic in my own world, but I'm definitely not an expert at wielding it. I certainly don't think it's as heavily based in the elements back home as it seems to be here, but I can't give any more certainties than that.

If there's any way I can be of help to anyone here, please don't hesitate to let me know. We're all in this together, after all.

[And with that, he'll take a seat.]

[eolja]

[It feels strange to be standing among a crowd of people, no matter if they're all here to exchange information. Seonho's used to these sorts of meetings back home -- lengthy political meetings where factions of ministers drone on and on so they can fall asleep to the sound of their own voices -- but he'd had to readjust in South Sister, where everyone seemed to like communicating over the network best. Now he's back in a place where that kind of technology doesn't exist. But Seonho's nothing if not adaptable, and he speaks loudly and clearly enough for everyone to hear once it looks like it's his turn.]

My name is Nam Seonho. I am twenty-four years old, and I work as an inspector for the government of a country called Goryeo -- though it has been renamed Joseon. [he is absolutely part of the spanish inquisition, please do not @ him] The change in name is quite recent. It happened this year -- in 1392. [yes he's from the 1300s, do not @ him] My world has no magic or gods, though both exist in stories. I suppose some could make a case for the latter, but their existence has never been undoubtable. Like Ana, I was brought here from an island that had both. But as she said, I also do not believe that place is relevant to this one.

[unless there's a magic sentient plague monster around ready to eat them all]

I plan on writing down whatever we discuss today in hopes of putting it in a... public resource, like a book. Though I have not decided on the location -- or whether we should have one resource at all. [he pauses] I suppose we could just discuss what we find in future meetings instead. Is anyone here opposed to the idea of making this a weekly, perhaps monthly occurrence?

[what if we all held hands... and talked about plot clues... in a tavern... like the best buds we all are... 😳]

Also, I do believe having a public list of any healers or doctors -- or anyone else with noteworthy skills -- would be quite beneficial. If anyone doesn't mind volunteering that information, that is. I know that we have a doctor among us even now, as well as a blacksmith.

[infreefall]

[ she, like ana, is pretty cheerful, offering everyone a little wave when it's her turn to speak! ]

Ochako Uraraka! Sixeen now, I think. I'm a high school student and hero in training! It was 2016 when I left - oh, and I'm from Japan. Musutafu! It's a little ways outside of Tokyo.

We don't have magic or visions or anything in my world, but we do have quirks! Those are special abilities that are unique to each person, and almost everyone has one. I just got mine back, so I could show anyone who's interested later. It's called Zero Gravity.

[ and now for the hard part... her enthusiasm wanes a little, but she keeps that smile on her face. ]

This isn't the first time I ended up in a new world, either. Last time, I was taken to a place called the Realm that made everyone there forget things, and... [ here, she finally lets both the smile and her gaze drop so she's looking at the floor instead of seeing their reactions. ] People died every week. Sometimes because it was necessary, but not always. There were trials held every week to find out who killed them. The longer we were there, the more people died, and the more we forgot, and we were stuck for about two months.

[ suddenly, she brightens again, raising her eyes and smiling. ]

But we won, and everyone's memories were restored! Or, at least, they were supposed to be. [ . . . ] There are a couple of other people here who were in the Realm with me, but one of them doesn't remember any of it at all. And I think I might have forgotten someone who was there, too, but... I don't know.

[ seonho explain?? ]

The only things this place and the Realm seem to have in common is the memory thing and taking our quirks and abilities away, but it's different here. I don't think I've forgotten anything else, and I already have my quirk back, and it took weeks for that before. And this time it's the full thing, no time limits or just a one-time use or anything.

[vayuda]

[ Look at all these helpful, explanatory introductions! ]

I am adeptus Xiao.

[ Then there's Xiao. Yes, that is his complete and full introduction. Why do you ask? He seems to feel that covers pretty much everything, because he lapses back into silence directly after. ]

[cranelike]

Tsurumaru. (He points to a certain someone who probably isn't too far away.) And that's Kara. He's a little shy but reliable.

We're swordsmen from Japan.

(They are men with swords, yes.)

As for what we were doing before coming here… we were on our way home.

(And that's it. That's the intro.)

[bowfaire]

(Guess who's jumping right into intros when it's his turn!! He'll look around the room to see who's all here and figure out how much he'll share accordingly.)

Claude von Riegan, eighteen years old. I'm from the ruling house of the Leicester Alliance in Fodlan... but don't worry about that. (Really! He waves a hand in the air. It's no big deal. Nothing important.) Let's see... the last thing I remember is...

(His voice trails some, like he's really trying to recall everything. Hm.)

Well, it's kind of a long story so the last thing I remember is being at school.I was getting ready to go with a friend to receive some sort of divine revelation.

(That last part is spoken with emphasis, like... he doesn't really expect much to come from it despite how important it sounds? Hm.)

As far as I can recall, this is my first time in a whole new world but... let's just say I'm open to possibilities right now.

(Glances at Ochako.)

[nailpolished]

Kashuu Kiyomitsu! Like those guys [ the other "swordsmen" ] I'm a swordsman from Japan. [ He doesn't actually care if people know he is a sword but if Tsurumaru wants to be a mysterious asshole Kashuu doesn't really care enough to rain on his parade either... ]

Ah, I wasn't really doing much before I got here, though - it was a pretty ordinary day...I was just with some friends taking some pictures.

[extinctive]

Sure is getting lively here, isn't it?

[ hello hello, the doctor is in. and with a glass of wine, no less. at least he hasn't started drinking yet? ]

Let's see... My name is Figaro Garcia. I'm thirty-two years old, and a wizard from Southern Country. I run a small clinic there, and I'm planning to set up my own in this town as well? It's a little surprising that they don't have clinics here, but Mondstadt might do things here differently so I can't exactly complain if that's how it is here.

Magic is commonplace in my world, and only used by wizards. Humans are... let's just say they have a complicated view on people like me and vice versa. [ his smile is a little strained there. ] Still, we Southern wizards will never turn down help from those who need it, even from different worlds, and I'm fortunate that making that contract did not completely lock me out of my powers upon coming here.

[ haha, yeah. promises and contracts, am i right fellas ]

Anyway, the last thing I remember before coming here was when the Central Kingdom was rebuilding from a recent attack by a wizard gone mad and his daughters. But for some reason it seems that I might've encountered some of you before without my knowledge...? [ his gaze lands on seonho and.... zhongli, kind of ] Well, either way feel free to call me for medical assistance. There's only so much I can do with only one element at the moment.

[joies]

Oh my, it seems like all sorts have been brought here!

[And here's a lady who is very, very comfortable with speaking in front of others. So she's calm and breezy as she speaks, still smiling pleasantly.]

Let's see... My name is Persephone, and as for my age... Hmm, lets guess around two thousand or so. I'm a Changeling, and part of my worlds Court of Spring - [She's actually the queen but Details.] - and as you can guess, there's a Court for each season. They're mostly to grant homes for Changelings who have only recently escaped the Fae realm.

Magic is fairly common where I am though it tends to be out of the public eye. An average human has no idea about my kind, or Faeries, or mages and so on. I do have some experience with realm hopping as I'm able to travel to the realm of the Fae, Arcadia, but this is still very new to me. [She pauses, humming under her breath for a moment.]

I'm afraid most of my more useful abilities have been hampered, but I do have some knowledge in medicinal herbs and such, so I'm able to provide assistance there!

[complementing]

Hi there! I'm Minako Arisato, 17 year old high schooler, and this is Koromaru, probably 1-2 year old shiba inu!

[She gestures to the silver dog sitting at her feet, his red eyes peering in a friendly way at the others.]

We're from Japan, early 2010. Technology is a lot more advanced than Mondstadt, but magic is almost non-existent, except for what me and my friends were capable of. It's a power called Persona. We summoned creatures to fight against monsters called Shadows. [She absently pats the gun holstered at her thigh, and then smiles.] And not to toot our horn too much, but we saved the world, and I personally sealed away a big baddie to make sure it wouldn't happen again.

[Or at least, that this version of world ending doom wouldn't happen again. The power of Persona is way too strong to not attract more baddies.]

It's nice to meet you all, I'll be in your care~

[groundcover]

[ Ah... posting a notice certainly is more effective than Albedo's casual survey of newcomers, and a meeting like this is honestly well overdue. Though the prospect of attending a gathering of many people seems like it will be exhausting, he has both duty and curiosity to satisfy. He finds miss Elizabeth's thoroughness admirable.

So here he is, lurking and avoiding small talk by reviewing his own research notes and ok maybe he's doodling in his notebook, until it's his turn to step up. Albedo presents himself calmly. ]

I am Albedo, Chief Alchemist and Captain of the Investigation Team of the Knights of Favonius. [He omits his age because canon doesn't tell us, but he appears to be probably in his late teens.] I suppose the most peculiar thing I have noticed is that nearly all of those native to this world seem wholly unaware of the repetition of time. They do not remember the past occurrence of the same day and simply repeat their actions as if there's nothing wrong - even if some alterations to their surroundings have occurred.

For example, in the alchemy lab, while my work area and research notes have not reverted in any way, retaining changes and additions I have made throughout each repetition, the workspace of my assistant Sucrose resets itself with every resetting of the date. Moreover, even when questioned, she reports nothing out of the ordinary pertaining to the calendar or noticing anything different about my work.

[He crosses his arms, grasping his chin in thought.] It is... a most peculiar phenomenon on which I have yet to make much headway in understanding, though my attention has been more recently diverted to the matter of Stormterror.

[masking]

[kaeya is just, you know. standing off to the side? leaning back against the wall, watching—and waiting for, like, most people to introduce themselves. he doesn't want to be the very first; he doesn't want to be the very last, but he finally, finally, takes a step forward, placing his hand over his chest before giving a short bow.]

Kaeya, native of this world—and Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius. Allow me to extend our thanks for your... continued assistance.

[time shenans, am i right? hahaha. but as he straightens back up:]

But to answer the question: I can't say that I noticed anything off in the time before your arrival? Hilichurls, bandits, the occasional thief—nothing new, I'm afraid. My job was as interesting as ever.

[is that sarcasm... maybe just a pinch... anyway, now that he's let it be known what his position (kind of sort of) entails, it's time for one more perfunctory little bow.]

If anyone needs help, of course, feel free to ask. I do know Mondstadt and its people, and I'm always happy to lend a hand.

[oh my god, look at his colleage's much more helpful speech above him?? this is just how it be! this is just what you're dealing with. this is kaeya (tm).]

[pragmatism]

[ Zhongli isn't here and he's told people he's not able to make it to the meeting due to being busy. However, there's a black eagle perched outside for absolutely no reason at all. It looks like a perfectly normal bird. There's nothing suspicious about it. ]

[flamesofdawn]

[ With the meeting being held where it was, Diluc figured there was no harm showing up to see what kinds of information was being shared amongst the people here. Charles had made to speak with him about it and he'd allowed it on the grounds it would be good to collect information and see exactly what was going on here.

So while he's been quiet, Diluc has been observing the people here while leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Only after seeing Albedo and Kaeya give their own introductions did he finally step forwards, eyes scanning the crowd of people here briefly. ]

My name is Diluc. I'm native to Mondstadt and am the owner of the Dawn Winery, as well as this tavern.

[ He isn't going to divulge age because he's unhelpful like that, but he figured he'd given some useful information as it is. ]

Prior to your arrivals nothing had seemed at all 'off', as you have put it. The people for the most part appear to not notice anything when time resets or that you all have shown up whatsoever. Business as normal until this Stormterror incident started.

[ Diluc stopped to think for a moment. Yes he kept to himself and that was nothing new as he preferred to work alone but with these unusual circumstances? It was a little different and as such he could shift his thinking somewhat. ]

A note of advice? I would be wary putting all of your reliance on the Knights completely as they can be inept when handling some matters in the city. [ A sigh. ] As long as you don't go around causing any unnecessary trouble I don't believe we will have any additional problems to deal with.

[poisontippedcure]

Rose. I doubt you'll need more than that.

[She sighs. At first, she was happy to be here. Really, truly, happy. But the new shiny feeling has worn off, and so she's back to her usual grumpy self. Enjoy it, Teyvat.]

Back home, I made my living killing gods. Before I was transported to that twelve-forsaken fog-filled island, I was taken to another land that was not my own.

[Please don't ask her about it. Please.]

Most relevantly, here I've been blessed with wind powers. I can still heal, even if I'm not as talented as I was before.

[hwisal]

[ some people sure are natural public speakers, huh? w-wow, a lot of folks sound like super professional and put together,

hwi is not one of those people.

after some whisper arguing where Seonho is clearly egging him into standing up and introducing himself, he is already sweating. it's after approximately thirteen seconds of dead, awkward silence before Seonho elbows him in the side. ]

H-Hwi.

[ ...




Seonho elbows him again, ]

Ow, I have nothing interesting to say-- [ o-oh is this thing still on-- he clears his throat, shooting a LOOK side-long at his conspirator, ]

--B-blacksmith. [ ... ] I have experience. As a blacksmith? [ is this a question?? NO, ] If you need help with upkeep of your weapons, I am helping Wagner at the smithy.

[ he goes to sit down, and glares daggers at Seonho as if daring him to do it again--

but there is finally peace. Seonho is probably cringing,

please don't look at Hwi as he buries his face in his hand. ]

[reglaze]

[Ganyu's politely sitting with her hands resting in her lap, purposefully avoiding looking at the food, though a glass of grape juice is on the table in front of her. She listens as others introduce themselves, making mental note of any information she can.

When there's a lull, she stands and clears her throat to begin her turn. It's only polite.]

My name is Ganyu, an adepti from Liyue, land to the southwest of here, and secretary to the Liyue Qixing-- the governing body of the country. An adepti serves Rex Lapis, the Archon of Liyue, in protecting the nation. My contract with him has me serving in the latter role, which I've done for millennia. [Cat's partially out of the bag there. She exhales softly, resigning herself to that. Her age will be up for discussion should it arise.]

I'm proficient in use of the bow and my cryo vision. Should anyone request advice on either, I'll happily to my best to oblige. Prior to finding myself here, my memories of recent events are hazy at best, which I do find troubling. However, I'm going to do what I can to find answers and help everyone get back home if that's what they would like to do. If there are any questions I can answer, please don't hesitate to approach me. ... thank you.

[With that, she sits back down and reaches for her juice slightly quicker than she needs to. It's pretty obvious she rehearsed this at some point.]