If anyone is interested, I've put together a short, basic guide on the city and the things that have happened up until now. A native was kind enough to show me how to submit a document like that - it's just like a typewriter except without all of the fussy ribbons.

[He looks oddly pleased about this, then gets back to the main topic. No point in dilly-dallying.]

The guide can be found here if you want to have a look. I hope it's of help.

Everything I've put there I gleaned from other Travelers, natives, and the gods' announcements. I arrived just before the thick fog lifted, so obviously there are gaps in my knowledge. If anyone could help fill those in for me, that'd be great.


(ooc: So...apparently something wrong when I was re-doing Edmund's icons, because now the icons in this entry from before are all his default. Sorry about that!)

So I've been wondering something. All these people have been bragging about powers and such. Honestly though, what do you guys really think about these abilities?

For those who had their original powers stripped away, does it feel like a fair trade or not?

I think that for those who never had powers, it feels kind of new right?

[Of course, he's not making it clear if he had powers himself or not.

Stretching his arms over his head, he yawns.]

It makes me wonder if the Gods had a reason for taking away our original abilities. Shouldn't a larger variety, possible offer more color to this world? Just think of it as a canvas where you can add all these different colors.

...or maybe I'm just thinking too much about it.

[laughs softly]

O-oi! Whose idea was it to use my desk for their filing cabinet? I have to work here you know -- what do you mean, they're all mine ... ?

[That sure is a big stack of files on that desk. Almost bigger than the person to whom that desk belongs -- but since that person is Conan, this is not such a big deal! A view shared by the woman who Conan is talking to, who seems to laugh as she leans back against her noticeably emptier desk.

Conan grumbles, evidently not seeing the humour in the situation.]

So what are these ... the reports for Detective Beckett -- ah, I didn't expect them to be done this soon. Guess that means the lecture was a success! And this -- the analysis of the plants. No changes? Then Henrik can take this ... Oh, the domestic in Freya? Not looking for a third party, no ... but I'll have to talk to Yuri-sensei and Edgeworth-sensei about the situation.

[Conan goes tip-toe to starts sorting through the files as he talks.] Ha ... looks like I'm not going to get to work on the newcomer guide today either. Or the supply kits ... Speaking of -- I had a meeting with the Director about staffing. He agrees that we should be looking to recruit travellers with more knowledge in the field of--

[Field of what? Sadly, it will have to remain a mystery for now -- because rearranging the files on his desk, Conan has unwittingly triggered an avalanche of paperwork. That huge pile on his desk has given way, sweeping the tiny detective with it -- and the feed ends abruptly obscured by a sea of folders.]

((ooc: if your character might be interested in joining the forensics department, take a look at this! Thank you!))

[The feed starts and Ayame can be seen sitting behind a sewing machine. The pale haired man seems subdued for once as he picks up what looks like a sketch-book. A brief glimpse shows a the sketch of a gown. Someone has been very busy. He finally remembers that he turned on his communicator, amber eyes catch the screen.]

Oh! Forgive me! How rude of me to ignore all of you curious spectators.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to share some beautiful news with all of you!

[He stands up and gosh he's probably beaming right now.]

Oh no, I'm not getting married if anyone is wondering. So don't worry, my lovelies. I'm afraid I still have too much love to give and I believe in one true love.

[There's an enigmatic smile but he quickly grins and points behind him.]

My store it's almost open. This place has suffered enough with its lack of style and fashion. I for one will not stand for it!

[One fist is raised in the air. Revolution indeed.]

However I'm only one man. A beautiful man, but only one man and I need your help.

So guess what you lucky people, I'm hiring! I need seamstresses, models, shop attendants and a helper! You get to wear my lovely creations to work.

[Well more like he'll insist that you do that.]

So come and give me all your creativity. Yes, give it to me baby! Together we will create something beautiful.

Oh!

[He taps his chin, a small grin on his face.]

My dear potential models, don't think for a moment you need to be stick thin. Oh no, I don't discriminate. I will love all of your bodies~

Tall, lean, short, curvy, athletic etc! Don't be shy and love yourself and I'll love you. That includes you gentlemen as well.

So yes, come my darlings. Come and help me with this project and of course you'll get paid!

[And with that he throws a kiss at the screen before finally turning it off.]

[There isn't a video feed -- mostly because Sam has spent the last half hour readjusting to the fact that he's a person again and he really doesn't want to see the majority of the city right now. But after gauging how long he's been gone and knowing his family is probably flipping the fuck out, he can't really avoid a public service announcement to let everyone know that Sam Winchester is, in fact, not dead.

There's an awkward moment of hesitation, though, before Sam begins to speak. His voice is a little quiet and hoarse, but he sounds like he's in one piece.]

... I'm sorry, for worrying everyone, but -- I'm alright.

[People require more detail than that, surely. But Sam doesn't know what to say. He can't tell the entire city that he has one foot in Hell and the other foot in reality. That he took off his bracelet in a psychotic fit of get it off of me. But he can't keep it a secret forever, especially since he's obviously not okay. So he settles for a compromise -- and Sam lets out a long breath.]

I'm in room 302 at the hospital in the Sigyn district, if anyone wants to come see me. But -- just as a future warning, don't take off your bracelets unless you want to forget who you are until you put them back on.

[There's a tiny laugh. It doesn't sound very happy.]

It's kind of a weird whiplash effect when you snap back to reality.

[And he stops before he shuts off the feed, to send out a few private messages. This time, though, they're on video, and they show Sam sitting on the edge of a bed. He looks tired, pale, but in one piece. And definitely still Sam.]

( [Filtered to Dean Winchester, Bobby Singer, and Castiel] )

( [Filtered to Vriska Sekret // Private // Unhackable] )

( [Filtered to Buffy Summers // Private // Unhackable] )

[Imagine, if you will, that you grew up with a girl who's a bit... well, "OCD" might be putting it kindly. Ever since you can remember, every day has been to-do lists and organization and neatness out the wazoo. Which is fine in its way! You've learned some good work habits from her, and life with her has been a pretty happy thing overall. But then when you come to Asgard, and you find yourself living in a completely different district from the aforementioned girl, with your own room and your own wages and nopony to tell you to clean this and sort that... Long story short, it can be tempting to let things slide a little. Or... a lot.

Which explains why, this fine evening, anyone within the vicinity of Heimdall house's 8th floor will hear a startled cry:] Oh no. No no no, whoa, don't -- aaugh! [Immediately followed by a loud CRASH. It sounded like a big pile of books, plates, clothes, and various other junk, falling on top of a poor, unsuspecting ex-dragon. Because, well, that's exactly what it was.

Spike's video feed clicks on at this moment; possibly in his wild flailing to protect himself, he accidentally smacked his bracelet. There's no one visible in the messy room at first, but after a moment the pile of stuff on the floor shifts, and he growls and sits up in the middle of it. His green hair is sticking in all directions; there's a sock on his shoulder, a rock candy wrapper stuck to his cheek, and a silver tiara hanging off one ear. He scowls and speaks aloud to himself, as if dictating a letter:]

"Dear Princess Celestia... Today I learned that living on your own is harder than it looks. Sincerely, Spike."

[Spike groans and gets to his feet, shedding junk as he stands.] Geez, look at this mess. Alright, I've been lazy for more than long enough. Time to bite the bullet and clean this up.

[At this point he glances up and jumps, finally noticing the video is on. His cheeks turn red, but he grins sheepishly and waves.] Ehehe. Don't suppose anybody in Heimdall wants to come up to room 804 and help out? I could make us all dinner when we're done! I've been practicing with cookbooks from the library, and I think I've got the hang of human cooking now.

[Well, whether or not anyone's interested in helping, this cleaning isn't gonna do itself. Right before the video ends, Spike can be seen cracking his knuckles, rolling up his sleeves, and getting to work.]

Has anyone been to that fog-city yet? I know the area outside the wall's pretty dull, but I haven't had much time to explore too far. And who all is going to that party whatshisface mentioned?

[She is!]

[today on the network, there's a video of a purple-haired woman, looking impeccably styled and made up as usual. she'll clear her throat and wave to the camera before speaking up]

Hello, Asgard! If we haven't met already, my name is Rarity, and I do hope we'll all get along nicely! I hope all of you are settling in nicely since your arrival.

However, today I am not just here to introduce myself. I have a very important question!

Might anyone be familiar with the process of acquiring some real estate outside of the rooms we are given in our Houses? I am familiar with how to do so in Ponyville, but I assume acquiring any sort of establishment here may be a bit different! You see, I would rather like to open my boutique here, if possible ... !

[she sighs, wistfully recalling the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville, where everything had been set up just the way she liked -- her studio, her shelves, the counter, the fitting room ... but she'll shake it off, and clasp her hands together with a smile]

Thank you very much in advance for your help!

[ The video feed cuts on to show Heimdall. It's the morning on the travelers' 68th day. ]

Greetings, people of Asgard.

[ He looks sure of himself, though there's a slight hesitation before he begins. ] ...I believe this is something which you have realized on your own, but allow me to confirm. There is no return to your home worlds in sight.

The one who promised your release was not the Loki who rules here in Asgard, but rather his twin. This Loki rules the giants' city of Utgard. [ ...Dear Odin, why was he chosen to make this announcement? ] A cruel joke on his part, to promise you freedom.

But since you have already taken this opportunity to begin exploring beyond the city's walls, we will not close the Gate of Fog to you.

[ There's a long pause here as Heimdall seems to mull over the next choice of words in his head. As professional as he may be, public speaking was not his strongest talent. ]

Following the... incident, involving the catastrophic regain of several travelers' powers, and the hastily and ill-spoken words spoken by one of our own proceeding the event, we would like to make a small offering of apology. In five days' time, we shall be hosting party for all of the travelers. Attendance is not mandated, of course, but we would appreciate it if you take up our offer.


That is all.


[ OOC | As per usual policy, responses from the gods can be expected to be kept to a minimum.

The Spring Party will occur on day 73, which is April 26th. Please check the schedule if you are confused! ]

[The transmission is preceded by a brief sigh, a sound halfway between begrudging and resigned. Not the best noise to make while forming a first impression, but he's past caring at the moment.]

Hello. My name is Lelouch vi Britannia, and evidently, I am among Asgard's newest residents. [A brief pause.] If at all possible, an introduction to the city beyond the incredibly spartan letter and explanation offered by the house staff would be appreciated. I've taken the liberty of browsing some of the messages already posted, of course, but that hardly beats the convenience of having it all rephrased yet again for me, doesn't it?

[He may sound faintly self-mocking. Just faintly, though, and it fades in an instant.]

Besides, it seems like I'm going to be staying here for a while.

[Sudden opening of the city gates or not. And... well, it can't hurt to ask, so after a pause, he does.]

The term "Ragnarok" has come to mean a number of things over the centuries. A selfish man thought it would be the dawn of a new era of peace at the expense of personal freedom and expression. Of course, he wasn't looking at it in those terms, but that's what the result would have been.

Tell me, are our actions here meant to preserve this world from a literal twilight of the gods, a figurative one, or something else?