video

May 8th, 2017 22:42
justno: (shut up q)
[personal profile] justno
[Penny's leaning back in a cafe chair, feet up on what's presumably another chair as he clicks on the video. He's casually smoking a cigarette. Chilling. He sighs, as if this is such a chore.]

I told some little teenage mutant nerd turtle I would pass on a message, so here it is: If you're a foreigner, and you adopted a turtle.. or you birthed a hatchling, or..? It wasn't very clear. Whatever. If you were some kind of parental turtle figure, Quintet- Quantum? said they're all doing fine and not to worry.

Even though they're basically playing on their mom's grave, which is a little weird to me, but maybe turtles dig that, I don't know.

I'm sure you'll have some dumb questions I can't answer, but go ahead.

[He takes another drag on his smoke and posts the video.]
purered: (Rest assured)
[personal profile] purered
Good evening everyone. It has been some time since I've made use of the console, but I would like to express my gratitude to Kedan and Foreigners who came together in the aftermath of the hurricane.

While much work remains ahead of us, it is important to reflect on our accomplishments, and the difference we can make standing together.

Our Kin'nal friends have also chosen to stay in Ioa Elanog, and I would like to bid them farewell, and wish them the best in building their new settlement.

I also have an announcement with regards to the hotel. We are currently looking to hire on new staff. If you are interested, there are fliers in the lobby listing available openings.

The greenhouse has also been repaired, and cleaned up and is open to guests to use. Given the shortage of perishables, it may be wise to grow your own. I'll be heading into the Wood District tomorrow to see about getting some fruiting trees for the courtyard as well.

Thank you, and I wish you all well.
purered: (Kind of a hot mess)
[personal profile] purered
[Klaus appears on screen, looking decidedly frazzled. He's in his gardening apron, his hair is disheveled holding a spade. Behind him is the greenhouse which is a veritable wall of, well, green. And brightly coloured flowers.]

My word, has anyone else experienced a sudden surge of plant life? These should not be as far along as they are - half these seeds I only just planted a week ago.

There is quite an abundance of... well, everything, so I would be delighted to give away any potted plants to anyone interested. Also - [and here he gives a bewildered sidelong glance to his left] - zucchini. I'm honestly not sure how as I never planted any, but there is a mountain of zucchini if you like that sort of thing.
purered: (A gentle soul)
[personal profile] purered
Bakura was not wrong about Tu Vishan slowing down. A number of Kedan have spotted what seems to be land on the horizon.

It is entirely possible Tu Vishan will be making landfall soon, so if there are any necessary preparations to be made, then consider yourself forewarned.

It seems we have also had a small influx of newcomers. I bid you all a very warm welcome to the city. Miss Zatanna runs the Welcome Center and can set you up with anything you might need. The Midnight Hotel is open for business and I am able to make arrangements with any newcomers who are not yet able to pay for lodgings. There are also a number of job positions that need filling if any of you are seeking employment.

The Sky Sector also has numerous homes dedicated to housing Foreigners, should you prefer more spacious quarters.

If there are any questions or concerns, I will gladly offer whatever information I can provide.

Thank you for your time, and good night.
purered: Contemplating, Inner Turmoil, MANPAIN (Navel gazing)
[personal profile] purered
[Klaus appears on screen, ashen-faced and looking grimmer than usual.]

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a very important announcement to make.

[He steels himself with a deep breath, as though saying what comes next just make it true.]

Mr Shudder appears to have been returned to his world. It would seem that Mr Pleasant and Mr Ravel have also been sent back.

These men were well-established within Keeliai, and their loss will be felt by many Kedan and foreigners alike. I extend my condolences to those who will feel their absence and, should you wish to talk, my door is open.

[He's quiet for a while, his eyes shut as he takes a few more slow, deep breaths. Finally he seems to have gained some semblance of his usual composure and he speaks again, his tone firm.]

There are some matters that cannot be put off while we adjust to this loss - primarily the matter of the Midnight Hotel. As many of you have noticed, the building has returned to its former state and is ill-suited to habitation without some considerable work.

The lobby, kitchen, garage, and staircases are intact, as well as the magics Mr Shudder used on them. The other rooms, however, belong to the original building and are in varying states of disuse. With some work, they can certainly be brought up to snuff, and the building itself is sound and would make for an excellent hotel in its own right. The wards and most of the furniture have gone.

Mr Shudder was... prepared for this eventuality. He left a will of sorts.

[He holds up the folded papers.]

Miss Valdis, Mr Stark - he's left you some items of significance. I would see that you receive them.

And that leaves the final matter of running the hotel. Mr Shudder has recommended myself as supervisor, and I am willing to take the position if there are no objections. If there are, I would ask only to keep things running smoothly until a decision is reached.

[He sets aside the papers and his composure once again falters. There's an uncharacteristic weariness to him.]

As of late, there have been a number of foreigners returning home. Many of us have built lasting friendships here that have crossed the boundaries of time and space. Though we may not always agree, we have found ways to work towards common goals. When chance and circumstance split us apart, it is all too easy to succumb to despair.

I speak directly now to those who are dealing with the loss of a friend or loved one. It is not weakness to grieve. It is not strength to bury your emotions behind a wall of stoicism. You are not a coward if you falter. You are not selfish for seeking help from others.

Tomorrow evening, I would welcome anyone to join me in toasting to all our departed friends and loved ones.

I thank you for your time, and bid you all well.
purered: (Garden in my heart)
[personal profile] purered
Good evening, everyone.

We have presently been on the shores of Tavimbi for approximately five months and in this time, Tu Vishan has shown signs of waking. Though, as I am sure you know, he remains unconscious.

I propose that we take the next steps in waking him. There have been attempts in the past to contact and awaken him, and though a link was temporarily established not once, but twice, and though Tu Vishan stirred, the link was shortly thereafter broken. I have hypothesized that the reason being was a lack of power, a lack of psychic compatibility, or a possible combination of both.

As some may know, I have been considering the possibility of utilizing the Xunetane for the very purpose of lending a power source and stabilizer to those able to make a psychic or magical connection.

In recent months, Mr Kenobi, his compatriots, the Metalworkers, Miss Valdis, myself and several others have found links between Tu Vishan's energy signature and the one given off by the Xunetane and the associated 'Truth' crystals. Charako has kindly permitted this under the condition that she be there to monitor the energy levels so that nothing... explodes.

[There's a small quirk of a smile at this, as though he'd even consider attempting to use a giant powerful magic rock without the help of Charako's expertise.]

I have also approached the heads of the families about this matter. For now, they have agreed.

I would ask that we set aside present dilemmas, at least as far as the waking of Tu Vishan is concerned, and work together - both Kedan and foreigner. Here we can finalize the details, as well as formulate contingency plans and alternate solutions. I believe all of us are united in the desire to see Tu Vishan awake and healthy.

Thank you, and I bid you all a lovely evening.
purered: (Thank you Mr. Yamakawa)
[personal profile] purered
Good evening, everyone. My apologies for not posting sooner - the prior month was hectic, and one of the people I had been working with has, it seems, been sent home.

There is a great deal to discuss, so I ask you bear with me as there have been a number of newcomers over the past few months and they may not be aware of the situation. I will try to be as brief as possible.

Both Miss Zatanna and Mr Kenobi and his associates have, on two separate occasions, been able to reach Tu Vishan briefly, but not able to wake him. The efforts of Mr Kenobi and his associates, in particular, stood out to me in that the energy signature of Tu Vishan bares a marked resemblance to that of the Xunutane.

The tests that the Metal Workers and I conducted on the smaller stones that show a resemblance to the Xunutane also yielded some interesting results - my associate Leonardo was able to analyze the crystals and they had, once again, the same signature as the Xunutane.

Miss Valdis has also brought to my attention the location of a small shrine that seems to bare some powerful connection to Tu Vishan - believe this may be a substantial aid, if not a key factor, in waking Tu Vishan. Or, if nothing else, finding out why he will not wake himself.

I believe that another concentrated group effort is needed; from Kedan, Tavimbian and foreigner alike. My current proposition to Charako will be thus: That we be permitted to divert some power from the Xunutane to this shrine where those of a psychic or magical inclination will be located and can make use of the power to reach him.

This is a work in progress, and I would ask for input from both Foreigner and Kedan for suggestions and other input before I take this to her. Whatever her answer is, we have our work cut out for us, but the path is is starting to become clear.

Now, a bit off-topic but some more good news; A group that visited during the influx the month prior constructed shelter in the Earth Sector and it is presently open to all Kedan and Foreigners in need. It provides food, beds, and a myriad of other services that will be helpful for many.
purered: (I'm asking as a friend)
[personal profile] purered
Good evening, everyone. I understand that recent events and revelations have been... shocking, to say the least. I would hope that all of us will reserve any judgment until we have heard the whole story, including Doctor Milyn's side. And that is all I will say on that.

There is another matter that I need to bring to your attention, and one that is quite pressing.

We have been grounded a few weeks. As most of you are aware, the purpose of landing Tu Vishan here was to afford us more time in finding a way to awaken him. I believe a means may be found by utilizing the power of the Xunutane. However, before I go to the heads of the families and the Dexedi with this request, I had hoped to gain both information to see if it is a viable means, and also input and suggestions from other foreigners.

Now something most intriguing occurred while I was making my inquiries- my path crossed with a number of metalworkers who were researching the crystals that caused last month's truth compulsion. I agreed to work alongside them in a number of experiments - one of which involved setting active crystals alongside those that gave no readings. There was a brief reaction in which the "dead" stones gave off a bit of light and I...

[He hesitates here because it's not so much that it sounds absurd, but more he simply doesn't have the words to describe it.]

...I saw many things, all at once. The interiors of caves and homes. It was as though I had hundreds of eyes all in different places.

[To tell the truth, he was rather disoriented after the whole ordeal and needed to go sit down and have a headache.]

Needless to say, the other metalworkers did not share in this vision. I believe it came about due to my soul gem - a hypothesis the metalworkers agreed to be possible, though I would like to repeat the experiment with other foreigners to verify. They have kindly permitted me a secure facility as well as aid in writing up questions.

As I'm sure you've gathered, we would require volunteers for this. I am seeking those willing to sit through the same experiment as myself. I am also looking for people with psychic or magical capabilities for getting a read on things.

I will ask that no volunteers be under the age of eighteen for these experiments as I cannot guarantee there is no risk involved.

If you would prefer more discretion than speaking here, you can contact me privately on this frequency.

I thank you, and bid you all a good evening.
purered: (I'm asking as a friend)
[personal profile] purered
I regret to inform you all that it seems Miss Lazuli has returned to her world.

For those who were her friends, I am deeply sorry.

[There's a moment where he shifts, eyes flicking downwards, but he's back to his usual attentive self in a moment.]

This may make things with the upcoming move tricky - while I'm informed that the tidal surge will be more than enough to dislodge Tu Vishan, Miss Lazuli was one of our primary movers.

I would ask then for anyone who has control of the elements of wind or water to lend your aid in keeping the turtle as steady as possible. I would also ask for help in ensuring buildings are structurally secure. We suffered some minor issues during the primary move, and while I don't foresee disaster, it is better to be safe than sorry.

When the time comes for landfall, any aid in anchoring would also be much appreciated.
purered: (I'm asking as a friend)
[personal profile] purered
Well, Miss Sorrows has urged me to resume my duties in keeping track of the weather. Considering the last two weeks have been nothing but fog, and that seems to be the forecast for the foreseeable future, I would discuss instead the state of things.

For those who don't know the full situation, the turtle's move has been temporarily delayed. I've been informed that we have run aground on the Angbur Shoal, with no means of dislodging ourselves for the time being. This is... not a problem we could have foreseen. According to every chart we had, the turtle should have cleared the shoal easily. I would like to apologize for all the trouble this has caused and also would offer any aid I can to reconstruction efforts.

Beyond that, the geological implications of the shoal being so close to surface level are alarming. In about a month, however, we should be seeing a tide that will give us enough push to break free and we can continue our trek northwards. When we make land, that should afford us more time into looking into a means of discovering what is wrong with Tu Vishan and finding a means to wake him. For now, however, let us focus on repairing the damage and keeping this fog from irreparably damaging things.

[He looks as though he's about to sign off, but then hesitates, and sits back.]

On a more personal note, who here celebrates Christmas - or any of the holidays that fall around this time of year? Back home, my colleagues and I would have a potluck supper and an exchange of small gifts. It was a time to celebrate the strong bonds between those who stood beside each other through many difficult times and show appreciation to our friends and family.

I do not know if the foreigners have adapted to the customs here or have made their own traditions, but there are number of those here I have grown to care for and can, without a doubt, call 'friend'. Whatever comes in the months to follow, I am glad to have met the people here.

I thank you, and wish all a very happy holiday.
purered: (No room for small talk)
[personal profile] purered
Good evening, everyone. I am pleased to say that I bear something resembling good news in regards to the situation with Tu Vishan. Some time ago, I voiced a thought to move Tu Vishan to shallower waters until we are able to find a way to wake him. This means that if he sinks before we are able to awaken him, it will not be far down and at worst only the rim of the shell will go below sea level. The young lady I spoke to has abilities that would make this idea plausible.

However, it is not something that can be done alone. This will require a great deal of planning and a group effort from both foreigners and the citizens of Keeliai alike. I implore all to set aside differences for the time being.

What we will need are a number of different skill sets, and I will start with powers. Anyone with control of winds and water on a moderate to large scale will be vital in helping to put this plan into action. We will need those who are skilled at navigation and those who would be able to relay that that information to the people moving Tu Vishan. Also those familiar with the surrounding lands. We need to know what places would be safe to temporarily bring Tu Vishan to port - preferably places that may be able to offer aid.

I would like to call a meeting where we can discuss the matter more in depth. It will be held on the 9th in the Court of Public Opinion. I encourage all who wish to contribute to this endeavor to attend. For those who are unable to do so, if you have anything you think should be brought up, please say so here.
purered: Contemplating, Inner Turmoil, MANPAIN (Navel gazing)
[personal profile] purered
I have spoken with the Grand Justicar on the matter of removing the bodies. She has agreed to allow it. I will be contacting a mortician forthwith.

I speak now to all the foreigners here; Please do not act rashly. I understand your anger at the Justicar. It is justified. Risking your own lives and those of the people here, however, is not. The situation now is precarious at best.

We are guests in this city the same as the Justicar. I would hope we can show more consideration for Keeliai's denizens than her, however.
purered: Poised, Combat (Welcome to Libra)
[personal profile] purered
Text

Monday 8/3
Winds are high today. Most are keeping their laundry in so their unmentionables don't get blown away. Heat continues with little respite.

Tuesday 8/4
A smattering of showers in the morning. Cleared by the afternoon which was muggier than usual. Humidity cleared up by the evening. Winds continue, strong and erratic.

Wednesday 8/5
Weather remains hot, dry and windy. Nothing of note.

Thursday 8/6
I forgot to keep a log of this day. Something came up. Apologies.

Friday 8/7
Nearly lost my spectacles when the wind changed directions. Very heavy winds, many stalls closed early for the day when merchandise kept blowing around.

Saturday 8/8
Woke up with a spider on my face. I put her back in my pot of lavender, poor thing. Winds a bit less strong, but the heat remains nigh unbearable.

Sunday 8/9
Small showers in the afternoon. A lot of flora has wilted in this heat, so hopefully those give it some respite.

Monday 8/10
Many people working in agriculture are concerned about how long this drought is going to last. Heat remains constant.

Tuesday 8/11
Strong winds felled a number of trees. Fog in the evening.

Wednesday 8/12
Fog continued throughout the morning and cleared in the early afternoon. Hot, muggy and windy.

Thursday 8/13
Hot and windy - damage from fallen trees and debris in the wood sector, albeit minor.

Friday 8/14
Dry heat continues through the day and well into the night. Very unpleasant.

Saturday 8/15
Heavy and erratic winds made laundry a bit difficult. If someone happens to locate the vest that got away from me, I'd be most grateful.

Sunday 8/16
It feels like it's getting hotter, although the temperatures have only really ranged from 36c - 40c through the past two weeks and nothing has changed.

I doubt it needs to be said, but please do your best to conserve water.


[Video]

Continuing with garden tips from last time, here are some more rather helpful hints.
  • To restrict an aggressive plant from taking over your garden, keep it in the pot with the bottom cut out when you plant it. That will make the roots grow straight down rather than cause it to invade the space of your other plants.
  • To keep animals from eating your root bulbs, stake netting over your flower bed. Come growing season, cut holes in it for the flowers to grow, and you'll never lose your tulips to hungry deer again.
  • Compost takes about two weeks to integrate and stabilize in the soil. Do keep this in mind before planting.
  • If you have trouble with insects, natural repellents are garlic, onions, chives and chrysanthemums. Plant these in your garden and you'll have little need for pesticides which are, incidentally, very bad for bees and other pollinating insects.
....

I have been told that some levity would be appreciated in these posts. In light of the approaching trouble, I agree with the sentiment. So... yes. These are some jokes I've collected around town.

[He clears his throat and shuffles through his planner for his notes.]

What is the most musical part of a turkey?

...The drumsticks.


Why was the broom late for work?

...He overswept.


Which bird has the worst manners?

...The mockingbird.


Well, I hope that brightened your day a bit. Thank you, and have a lovely day.


[ooc: These two are still to blame.]
purered: (Garden in my heart)
[personal profile] purered
[Text]

Monday 7/27
:
Drizzle in the morning, partial cloud cover and mist in the afternoon. Weather remains oppressively muggy into the evening.

Tuesday 7/28

Clear morning, humidity high. Afternoon saw brief showers and continued to be hot and humid.

Wednesday 7/29

Humidity cleared a bit around mid afternoon, though the heat continues.

Thursday 7/30

Clear skies though the wind appears to have picked up – somewhat of a respite from the constant heat that remains high from dawn till dusk.

Friday 7/31

Low humidity and constant heat. Winds appear to be blowing from the east now. Odd.

Saturday 8/1

Temperatures have broke into triple digits and the winds shift direction constantly. Though the breezes are welcome, this is an odd pattern.

Sunday 8/2

Sweltering hot and very dry. I don't think these begonias are going to make it without some aid.


[Video]

Ah, yes. To make this a bit less dry, I've decided to add some gardening tips. So three good ones today.
  • Grind eggshells into a powder when using them for compost. It makes the calcium much easier for the plants to absorb.
  • A great way for starting off a seedling is to put it in a hollowed out citrus peel (such as from an orange or lemon), fill it in with soil and then plant it. The peel will compost nicely, giving the seedling an excellent start. Remember to poke holes in the peel for proper drainage.
A note: Eggshells make excellent starter pots as well for seedlings when the weather doesn't permit outdoor growth. The extra calcium works wonders for nourishing our small friends.
  • You can grow roses from trimmings. A marvelous way to do this is to stick the trimming into a potato and plant it.
  • And a bonus tip for farmers among us, since I noted squash and gourds are major crops. The weather has been hot and dry for the past few days and rain has been infrequent at best. One of the gentlemen at my gardening club uses a method where a pot filled with holes is planted in the center of the garden and filled with water. This makes it easier for the water to reach the deeper roots from squash plants and it isn't wasted by evaporating in the heat.

I thank you, and wish you all a lovely afternoon.




[ooc: You can all thank Shay and Anton for this inane post.]
ironwood: (MISC / continent)
[personal profile] ironwood
[ Shortly before midday, the console network experiences a series of shorts and blips, resulting in static and about five minutes of complete downtime where the network appears to be entirely offline. When it resumes, it is with a new console message that's showing a tall, stern-featured woman wearing what appears to be a military dress uniform. She stares straight ahead at the screen, and her words come out crisp and confident. She looks more or less human, although her features seem just a shade too sharp. ]

"Greetings, citizens of Tu Vishan. My name is Grand Justicar Chosheni, of the Estellin Order of Vesquesam, capital of Chihuelo. Consider this an official notice of forthcoming action. As your city-state has been previously informed, my unit will be attaining shellfall no later than the 4th of next month. Our purpose is to capture Celaunn, of the Estellin Order, Atamsichar division. It is our understanding that you have not been able to do so yourselves. She will be returned to Atamsichar for trial.

It is also our understanding that there remain additional Chihuelans within Tu Vishan's borders. You will make it widely known that if they present themselves without resistance upon our arrival, they will be taken into custody and likewise returned to Atamsichar for trial. You will also make it widely known that any who do not comply with this order, as issued by myself in capacity as Grand Justicar, are subject to immediate execution when they are located -- and they will be located. Information regarding their whereabouts can be relayed to either myself, or my second in command, Eakoven of the Khiggorin Order, also of the Atamsichar division.

We expect the full cooperation of the kedanese people, as well as those designating themselves 'Foreigners'. Consider yourselves duly informed that any attempt to obstruct our unit from completing our mission -- whether by the willful omission of relevant information or by purposely helping these fugitives -- will be considered a treasonous act against the Chihuelan Empire.

That is all."

[ And just like that, the transmission ends. Those who wish to investigate it will find that it has been uploaded like a file to the console network -- more appropriately, like a virus -- but that no additional traces remain. ]

---

OOC: There will be no further replies from the source, as it was a contained file and not an open line, but characters are welcome to talk amongst each other on this post.
purered: (Honest to a fault)
[personal profile] purered
[He taps the screen gently, and there's a bit of a shake to the camera. But congratulations! Klaus can operate bio mechanical machinery! And you get a nice view of a rather... imposing and somewhat bewildered face.]

Is it working...? Ah, yes, there's the little light. Marvelous.

[He clears his throat and leans away from the camera, sitting upright. His posture is impeccable, and his gaze stern. Or maybe that's just his face.]

Good... [He glances to the time in the corner of the screen.] ...evening, everyone. I am Klaus Reinherz, the Executive Director of Libra. As I'm sure you've fathomed, I'm a new arrival to this city. Much of the situation has been adequately explained by the gentleman who found me. [He neglects to mention he was discovered unconscious on a pumpkin.]

I do have a number of points I'm a little hazy on – namely these baby turtles... turtlings...? Apologies, I'm unsure of the correct terminology. And perhaps if there are any electrical outlets I can use to charge my phone? Also this.

[He holds up his right arm, undoes the buttons on his shirt cuffs, and rolls up his sleeves, revealing a silver cuff set with what appears to be a rectangular piece of carnelian.]

I don't recall purchasing any jewelry and the only information my benefactor gave me on the matter was that if I take it off, I would expire. You can imagine my reluctance to test this, though I think he's... ah... what's the phrase...? ...yanking my chain?

My final inquiry is on the matter of local customs and culture. There seems to be some latent tension with the locals and, as you can imagine, I would not want to cause undue offense and add to the troubles. Details on practices that are commonly considered polite or taboo would be most welcome.

I do appreciate any assistance or information offered, and I am more than happy to return any favour in kind.

Thank you, and good evening.
ironwood: (Default)
[personal profile] ironwood
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