OOC

IC

▢ Hello Spellbind, again! Some network issues and lingering sickness have pushed this post to the nth degree of lateness, but tech support has been called and medication has been taken...all systems are go! Again, thank you for all well wishes and I'm extremely apologetic for the frustration I know many players have gone through because of all this. Also, comments, PMs, questions, etc. will be responded to tomorrow and the backlog will be cleared!

▢ As a reminder, applications are going to be open through the 7th, instead of the 5th! They can also contain written samples since the TDM was so late. These notes are on the application page and the last update post, but just in case, here's a note here!

▢ You have until the 6th of March hits to reply to AC and it's just a check-in. Again, you can definitely post AC if you have it! But if not, don't be afraid to just check in. The AC page for March will be added when applications are processed, so sometime shortly after the 7th.

▢ Also, to touch base on this again, any characters dropped between February 15th and March 1st can be reclaimed on the application page! Again, it's definitely understandable that people dropped due to lack of communication or word on where the game was going. If any changes mentioned have led you to change your mind, you can take back your character, no questions asked and you'll be welcomed back with open arms!

▢ The calendar for March will be updated sometime tonight or tomorrow. March should be back on track with scheduling and such, so expect AC, reserves, the TDM and etc. to be normal unless stated otherwise later on down the line!

▢ As discussed in the update post, there are now applications open for helper mods! If you'd like to help out with game upkeep, posting and potentially NPC driving, click here and fill out an app! Please get your app in by Wednesday and you'll know if you were selected by Friday of the same week.

▢ The eviction process has been completed -- if you read the TDM/log post, you saw a tiny glimpse of this. Of course, you're no doubt looking for something a bit more detailed.

The topography is varied in that there's certainly more than flat spaces of land. One thing that's uniform about the area, though, is that it's certainly untamed. There are flat areas of land that feature weeds and a shrub here and there, as well as more wooded areas that still feature a hell of a lot of foliage. There are also areas that are more mountainous, although they cap out into flat plateaus -- not really anything to tall around here. However, if you're close to the hills, you're also close to the main river bed.

Those magical voids aren't just around the exit of Shehui, either. While they do become more sporadic as you venture out into the wilderness, that doesn't mean they aren't totally absent. There's also a chance that the essence of magic has leaked into any water supply, though there are clean sources out there if you look hard enough.

For those survivalists out there, yes -- it's possible to live outside of Shehui, but the going isn't exactly smooth. The Hub island at least has some training wheels on it, but this space is all nature, all the time. If someone decides to venture far enough, they'd be able to find another one of those cities like Shehui, but the journey is days long.

Animals and edible plants/fruits/etc. are similar to what you know in this world, though there are some strange variants. Bananas are blue, squirrels are a very shocking mossy green colour. Characters aren't the only ones who have been kicked out of Shehui, either, and this is evident by the proof some may find if they stumble upon it -- old campsites, maybe a backpack here and there, some bones....but any other life source seems to be limited to animals.

▢ The magic voids in the world are still active and can be utilized whenever you would like! However, know that the more characters are exposed to this raw magic, the more it will affect them. This can lead to lingering after-effects, which can include hallucinations and/or strange effects on their given magic. This can mean their magic becomes uncontrollable, suddenly stops working, has the opposite effect as intended -- you do have some wiggle room in this area! This is also something that no character can avoid with prolonged exposure. At this point, characters won't have dramatic changes unless they consistently fall into these voids or ingest this magic.

▢ So the results of that hacking...while the revealed information is certainly related to the history of Shehui (and the greater world), it certainly doesn't paint a full picture:

ATTN: SHG PERSONNEL

It is imperative that proper maintenance is given to magical containment manifolds. A routine investigation of the outside has led to the discovery of leaks, and the mechanisms for maintenance can hardly be found. This is unacceptable. You all understand how important it is to contain latent magic and maintain order. This may be why certain levels of magic have been reported within certain modules, including Shehui.

I needn't remind you where we end up when this sort of thing isn't contained. The job of maintenance is one of the most important in our government structure -- and one of the highest paid. There will certainly be consequences if this isn't rectified ASAP.

- Gyn Hoag, Captain of Government Manned Projects

Things that can be inferred from this memo: the magical voids are the result of leaks from some structure, and this type of instance may have something to do with Shehui's past. Something else: the overgrown foliage may hide the mechanisms responsible for keeping this structure in check!

▢ On March 8th, the IC intro log will double as a mingle post for the world and contain backdated prompts, as well as a search for said mechanisms! Characters will be divided into three teams who will be tasked (by Brie) for searching for whatever these mechanisms may be. If you want to sign up for a team, you can do so here. Please note! Sign-ups won't be randomized; you'll reply to whichever team you'd like to be on. There will be different prompts related to the location you're exploring on the intro mingle. Also, new characters will be randomized to different groups!

▢ As alluded to, Genette and Brie have indeed made the trek with everyone, and that also means Qri has been lugged along as well. Genette has had the brilliant idea that this raw magic can potentially be beneficial to Qri -- not a bad plan, eh? Except it's not really a plan, outside of thrusting Qri into a void and having to pull her out with no changes. This means there's a 4th group in the above thread that is dedicated to trying to contain the raw magic, or somehow utilize it. While your efforts may not be too fruitful, it also means interacting with the raw magic a lot, which can mean a lot for controlling your powers.

▢ As a note, some of those supplies characters gathered for the Hub Island may be better utilized in this rugged terrain. There's no internet or electricity, but those familiar with camping or roughing it will know what it takes to survive. Consider what traits, talents and supplies your character may have that can help out the coven as a whole. If you feel like your character has something to offer that you'd like to share, feel free to do so here!

▢ Keep track of the calendar here! At least, you can once it's updated!

▢ Hello everyone! Sorry about another delay -- the health concern from the previous post has become a chronic issue (two, back to back even!), still isn't totally resolved and I have a slight flu type thing on top of it all. The hospital was teeming with it, so it's no surprise. Hopefully this is the last week that this sort of thing has to be reported, but in the meantime a communication/posting structure is being reworked to better accommodate everyone! You really expect something like this to be a one off or two off thing, not a month long ordeal.

▢ The February AC list is up! You can begin putting in AC whenever you please! AC closes out on the 28th, so keep in mind February isn't a 30/31 day month!

▢ Since February is a month with some funky number of days shit going on, the TDM and reserves will happen on the same day -- the 22nd! This will also be when you discover the new setting! No, not a world change -- same Shehui, different...Shehui? You get what I mean! This also means the TDM will double as an IC log, though working as a semi-4th wall post. It WILL be put on the OOC comm, but everyone is welcome and it WILL count for AC/IC canon. Characters will canonly leave Shehui as they know it tomorrow, and the TDM on the 22nd will be backdated to that date! In the meantime, consider starting and/or wrapping up any threads or ideas you have for the technological city...what lies beyond it is likely not so convenient.

▢ The hacking results will also be posted on this date as well! It all ties in a little more cleanly, instead of hacking results that can't be utilized until something happens later on. It'll all be one change and one reaction point, so everyone can be in on the interesting stuff together!

▢ Everything else is as usual -- seven days for reservations, apps open on March 1st. See you in a couple days for the TDM

▢ While the whole Yuenai festival was a nice distraction from everything going on in the drama department, and Shehui citizens are a large mass that are quick to move on with media cycles, that doesn't mean the awkward air that has been hanging around is completely gone. There's a bit of unrest among those in Shehui, and it's not totally the fault of the coven, either. These people require a bit of pampering, and a little Valentine's schmoozing isn't going to simply make everything go away.

▢ Rumors have begun to circulate, talking about what exactly was going on in that uncovered hole in the ground, attention drawn to it by the jailbreak. Some of these aren't so inaccurate. You may hear whispers around the city about secret testing, extreme violence and prejudice. Magic is certainly a scary, pervasive thing -- but knowing your government could do such a thing? Wouldn't that put you on edge? Based on how vocal your character is about the disturbing incidents, they may be met with concept or some sympathy. They have a limited amount of time left to maybe share some truths and shed some light...will they speak up? And what might it do eventually...?

▢ As the clock is ticking down to what is looking to be the last few days in Shehui, and smart coven members will use this time to stock up on provisions as much as possible. For some, this may be personal amenities. For others, this will be more communal in nature. Your coven overlords (aka Brie and Genette, who will be back in commission once the Crazy Train ends) have crafted a little shopping list, most with items that will prove to be useful for the coven back on the hub...or wherever happens to be next!

- Dry goods
- Utensils and tools
- Bottled water
- Seed packages (or other seed vessels)
- As many books as possible
- As many electronics as possible
- Other valuables that could be sold or traded elsewhere
- Medical supplies
- Toiletries
- Bags and backpacks with which to carry stuff in
- Clothing (especially underwear and stuff like that you gross folk)
- Lots and lots of junk food



You can utilize this as an excuse to do some tagging, or even just plan out what resources your character may have on them once eviction officially happens -- as a note, they will be able to take these resources with them when eviction happens!

▢ Keep track of the calendar here!

▢ The February AC list is up! You can begin putting in AC whenever you please. Also, while questions about AC are not at all a problem and you're encouraged to ask about any clarifications needed, please make sure to familiarize yourself with the AC process at Spellbind when you app. Remember that reading the rules and the info pages is part of your application process.

▢ Since February is a month with some funky number of days shit going on, the TDM and reserves will happen on the same day -- the 22nd! Everything else is as usual -- seven days for reservations, apps open on March 1st.

▢ The newbie intro log is up, which discusses the holidays of Yuenai and Neyi. On the morning of the 9th, Neyi, all blacklisted members of the coven will receive paper ID cards under the door. These contain their photo, their name and a small strip of metal. This allows them to purchase up to 100 credits worth of items a day and also gives them access to any Neyi events that require an ID. Will it get them into their apartments or other doors? Absolutely not.

▢ Because some characters looted the shit out of the government hall, there are some magical items that have been introduced into Shehui now! These items aren't barred by the low/high-frequency rule, so they're all eligible to be used ASAP. If you have any big plans with these items, make sure to make them known now!

▢ What about that third hacking file? It has some important info in it right? Well...you'll have to wait for the 17th for it all! It's an incredibly encrypted file because it's only allowed to be accessed by less than 10 people in all of Shehui. Even capable hackers will have a hard time cracking each individual person that is barred from this file, then figuring out how to gain access without the credentials of one of those 10 people.

▢ Bondr is still going strong! It'll continue until the 15th of the month, so make sure to get in any self-indulgent threading you'd like to by that time. Also, Bondr points double on Yuenai!

▢ On Yuenai itself, working ID cards will be prompted to complete a small survey by speaking into them. They will ask if your character has a significant other, then they will be asked to list their name. If the name matches a name in the database of Shehui residents, they'll be prompted to choose one of these gift baskets: champagne, chocolate or spa. Consider it a Yuenai gift from Shehui! For those who have blacklisted cards, if someone without a listed card names them, their selected gift will be decided at random. Two people with a blacklisted card...they'll have to get someone else to lie for them. Which, if you really just want some chocolate, you're welcome to lie and say yes and state someone's name anyway!

▢ Keep track of the calendar here!

OOC

IC

▢ Happy Monday everyone! Good news: my treatment is almost complete so I'll be back to (as close as I can get to) 100% by Wednesday! It's gotten pretty hairy as my regimen draws to a close, and I'm looking forward to being Dimmadone with this Dimmadang infection.

▢ DO YOU NEED TO BE LINKED TO THE WORLD INFO AT THIS POINT.

▢ Remember how in December this post said January would be regular AC, and then January AC was waived? It won't be waived in February. The new AC sheet will go up after new characters have been accepted.

▢ Important for new applicants: usually the IC intro log goes up on the 6th. In February, it will go up on the 9th! This helps break up important logs so there's not a log and then literally...a log. It's hard to avoid with a big event happening close to the beginning of the month, but this is some breathing room!

▢ The jailbreak log is up! A lot of good info can be found there, but there's one important prompt that belongs here: the magic item looting prompt! Players are allowed to make up their own magical items -- maybe something they're familiar with? A funny, semi-4th wall breaking joke? (Gee, I feel like I saw this moon-shaped scepter in a TV show once.) There are just two rules: one item per character AND these items can't be more powerful than a typical Spellbind magical ability. No game breaking items, yo. If you DON'T want to just make something up, we'll make up something equally ridiculous and that will be the item your character gets. Just reply here!

▢ One of the notable IC events is...the finding of Qri! The actual body of Qri! She's totally unresponsive, just like she would be in her big box, which means her body needs to be kept somewhere. As the jailbreak ended in a government truce, Qri got to go free too with no word from the government otherwise. Genette will be thrilled with this info and keeps Qri's body in her apartment, though coven members can definitely visit her if they want to do weird shit like inspect her body?? You freaks.

▢ If characters are dubious about the truce, they definitely have means to be. On the side of the government, coven members causing unrest is something they absolutely do not want. Trying to fight them when they've now observed their powerful magic is something that isn't in the interest of the public. Because of the recent fighting, the holiday festivities are going to ramp up even more in order to try and distract Shehui residents from being dissatisfied with the services they provide. Eviction is going to happen on the 20th, but what does that mean? You'll find out later to the date...

▢ There was also a third archive that could be found during the hacking of Shehui's mainframe. This file will take a while to hack, even with several gifted robots and/or computer geniuses working on it! Details of what they find will be in the next weekly post, which may or may not prepare them for eviction...?

▢ Antima has passed its test phase and is now being sold and pushed as something of a publicly consumed energy supplement. Advertisements for it will be everywhere in an effort to suppress magic by any subtle, passive means necessary.

▢ What about something to do for those of you not at all involved in the whole drama conflamma rama of it all? As alluded to in the TDM, Yeunai is approaching. It's somewhat akin to our Valentine's Day, though the emphasis is on all relationships, not just romantic ones. As such, togetherness is something that Shehui as a whole is going to put a lot of emphasis on, especially in light of recent events. Magical baddies all over the place and whatnot. Traditions include giving people stupid/sappy/meme-y cards, Big Food, but also this really cool ID based app called "Bondr." AKA BONDR IS STILL HAPPENING, GO BOND.

▢ On the 9th (which this will be included in the intro log), Shehui celebrates their own version of Black Day called Neyi. On this day, those who have spurned you can be cursed via large bonfires. Throw artifacts belonging to or that are representative of those that you hate into the flame and let your soul be cleansed of them. At midnight on this day, the official day of Yeunai arrives, considered to be the most romantic day of the year.

▢ Keep track of the calendar here! Apps are closing in a little bit, and they won't be open until March 1st!