Priority Log - Part 1

[locomodo]

Log 05 Priority (Part I)
Have you all been enjoying your weeks at the spa and/or getting chased by dinosaurs? Well, it's time to get a move on! The next car awaits: it's time for a new priority car. Like last time, passengers will not be able to leave this car for two logs, so buckle in!

The Big Screen Car

As characters enter the car, their phones will send them a new notification...

> OBJECTIVE:

>
>

NAME: The Big Screen Car
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT: Earth-ish, 2021
DANGER LEVEL: [ERROR]
AVERAGE CRITIC REVIEW: 5/5 Stars
COMMON DENIZENS: Varied
CUISINE: Overpriced gluten-sensitive sandwiches, overpriced coffee

...What a weird spam text? There's a lot of those going around lately.

Well, time to get to work!

Passengers will arrive in this car believing that they've lived in this car their entire lives. Effectively a modern AU version of themselves, they will have no knowledge of their powers, their past, or any details about their original worlds. Instead, they will believe they grew up in the modern day, that this is a place called DANACA, and that they work with an entertainment management company, FONY, in some capacity.




Maybe that makes you a director, producer, agent, model, singer, actor, idol, musician, sound guy, make-up artist, e-sports hotshot, lighting tech, beleaguered script writer, overworked intern, some dude who delivers sandwiches and ends up as an extra all the time... As a media giant, FONY has it all! And you're expected to work together on a litany of up and coming projects: the FAMA Awards Show, which will preview several hotly anticipated albums, shows, events, and movies! And that means all hands on deck. Characters will have very little problem with their AU skills, even if they never had any relevant experience in canon.

LOCATIONS

When characters get a breather, the car around them is a busy metropolis city with warm, dry weather that welcomes several beaches and pools. (It's literally LA, but with public transpo.) Enjoy all the modern amenities, like you've never lived without them! Passengers can visit any location that makes sense for a modern city, but here are some hotspots:

Club L'Euntaerio: The hottest club in Danaca! They keep the temperature uncomfortably low as they play only Danacan artists, like The Tragically Lame, or Dreka. Regardless, the night life here is vibrant, so it's a great place to let loose a little.

CN Corner: Not a destination so much as the corner beside Club L'Euntaerio, unofficially known to be the place to make illicit connections. Shady dealings happen here all the time, so it's a great place for designer drugs, information on your enemies, and alley-way shankings.

One drug in particular is on the rise. Sand, which provides Denizens with a mild high, will cause passengers to see people as other other characters from their canon. Even if you're not a fan of drugs, it's called Sand for a reason: it gets in everything (e.g. drinks, gummies, cigarettes, etc).

The New Danaca Mall: A newly renovated mall with three floors of your favorite retail outlets like Danaca Moose and Aboots! The employees are all fed up though, and you may end up hired on the spot for a part-time gig, or to hand out samples and promo materials because you're famous. If you manage to avoid retail hell, maybe you can just grab some boba and a pretzel and chill out with your friends.

Zoo: A zoo and garden with all kinds of strange, interesting creatures! You have your stock tigers, lizards, etc... as well as the odd addition from your home worlds. Trying to remember where you recognize these creatures will give you a headache though, so relax and enjoy your time here!

There is also a particularly troublesome goat here that will try to eat your things, or follow you home.

NOTABLE DENIZENS

Denizens vary from your stock humans to aliens and sentient animals. No one really seems to bat an eye at this — it's simply life in Danaca, where people from all walks of life have ended up. Here are some notable denizens that players are welcome to use at their convenience:

Mister Beaton: Beaton is one of FONY's attorneys, and one slip-up away from being arrested for embezzlement. He only works on full moons, but when he does, he often plants suspicious wads of cash on people, leaving them to be chased by FONY's security dogs in his stead.

Eliza Faulkner: The daughter of the CFO's newest wife, who hates everything and thinks the media is overrated. She dresses in sustainably sourced, hand stitched Amish clothing, and often threatens employees into getting her food or other items by using her step-father's position at the company. She will also spread malicious rumours to cause problems, such as claiming that someone had an affair and is now pregnant. :)

Nettle Tale: A power-mom animal consultant at FONY, who sometimes will dump her charges on unsuspecting bystanders whenever parenthood calls. Her usual pets are an extremely amorous anaconda, and a miniature pony that will cry unless held like a baby, but she's known for leaving all kinds of creatures in unprepared hands!

Chad Chadsef: No matter how famous or successful you might be, the head of FONY entertainment, CEO Chad Chadsef, is a very busy person! In fact, you can't ever seem to get an appointment or spot them, no matter how you may try.

OTHER

It's like you've been here forever, but... sometimes, you wonder if that's really the case. Maybe it's a slip-up at work where you forget your lines, or a sense of ill-placed deja vu, or a reflection in the mirror that doesn't match what it should. Characters may experience glimpses of their real lives, but they will be joined by an unsettled agitation and chill. The longer they dwell on it, the colder and more disorienting it gets, until they finally pass out with a fever.

Opt-out: For a few, this 'new' life doesn't seem to take root. Players that would rather opt-out of playing an AU will have their characters wake up in bed, still surrounded by their AU life. However, they won't recognize any of it. Whether it's a call from your mom, a job as a singer you've never had, or the very world around you, you'll realize that it's all a fabrication of the car.

These characters will feel a slight chill all the time, despite the weather. The more attention they draw to themselves, and the more they try to enlighten others of the car mechanics, the colder it gets, as though the chill is physically gripping down on them. NPCs will start to stare blankly at them, and a sense of dread will settle in their stomachs. It may be wiser to try and play along until you know what's going on.




OOC Notes

• AU Plotting: Players are encouraged to AU their CR! Everyone can already know each other, whether in passing or more, so feel free to user our plotting post to collaborate on AU details. Consider also filling out your FONY employee profile in the comments for other players to reference!
  
  
• Powers: Characters may keep their powers or not, player's choice. Keep in mind that they will not cognitively be aware of their abilities, and may not know how to use or control them. Think of a "Spider-man discovering his powers for the first time" scenario.
  
  
• Transformations: The Halloween curses will no longer be effect this log. Non-human characters can opt to transform into humans, but it isn't required.
  
  
• Backstories: For ease of AU purposes, players can make up whatever countries they like, etc. Characters do not need to be from Danaca originally, but everyone should live a reasonable commute from work.
  
  
• Items: Characters' inventories will be in a trunk at the foot of their bed, though they may not remember what they are. All characters are allowed one free item from home.

Go wild with it, but feel free to reach out with any questions on Discord!

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Comments

[philandery]

[ i'm embarrassed for both of us ]

...Huh. [ what's so wrong about armpits That is a new one, at least for social media. (Sylvain's probably had enough bedmates in the past that he's not 100% surprised? pls don't make me write filthy meta in a gen thread, pls think of the children)

...The way Claude is staring at his defenseless pits (and yes, he can tell he's staring without actually looking directly at him) makes Sylvain reluctant to execute a full press, that is, extend his arms fully. ]

Stop that. You're not getting a demonstration.

[ He snickers, knowing Claude wouldn't actually sabotage him in a middle of a set... Probably. ]

...Is that it? I must be losing my touch.

[ He doesn't sound too torn up about it. ]

[shaft]

[ Claude gives Sylvain a quick glance, making sure that the reason for his hesitance isn't something because of something physical. Once he's sure that it's because of Sylvain's deep embarrassment over his armpits, he goes back to scrolling. ]

Don't worry, there's plenty more.

[ All of varying degrees of description, and some things that, frankly, Claude thinks is a little inappropriate to say to a stranger.

Well, most of it is inappropriate, but some of it... ]

"I wish Sylvain would spank me until I'm as red as his hair." [ He's heard that one a couple of times already, and it makes him roll his eyes every time.

His voice is completely deadpan as he continues to read, ] "I should carry a 'Caution: Slippery when wet' sign in case anyone mentions Mr. Gautier around me."

[ Okay, that one gets him to snort a little. ]

[philandery]

[ Claude rolls his eyes, but Sylvain can't stop the sardonic grin from showing on his face. ]

Ha. Is it just me or are these people gluttons for punishment?

[ Does he really exude dom energy... He supposes that's a compliment? Though he nearly chokes though on the next one, practically throwing the barbell back on its rest with a loud, metallic clang. ]

What.

[ That's not nearly enough to get Sylvain to blush (he's a heathen), but he's glad there's nobody else around to hear this scandalous content. ]

Well, nice to know someone's still thinking fondly of me out there.

[ He laughs incredulously, and sits up and grabs his water bottle, taking a swig before mopping his face off with the hem of his shirt. ]

So, you ever finish that paper of yours? [ Isn't the deadline pretty close...? Like. Tomorrow. ]

[shaft]

[ Slipping his phone back into his pocket, he stretches out his arms and legs with a satisfied sigh, as if he'd actually done any work rather than standing around being useless. ]

It's not due until midnight tomorrow.

[ He doesn't sound concerned, but that's how Claude tends to work: spending hours and hours on compiling research and notes, before sitting down and banging out a somehow coherent paper in a haze of desperation.

The thought of getting back to studying actually motivates him get his focus back to exercise, picking up some weights on his way to a workout bench. ]

What about you? Still waking up at dawn for filming? [ Sitting down, he brings the weights up for a shoulder press. ] I could use a little on set gossip for motivation.

[philandery]

[ Sylvain wasn't exactly the model student himself, relying on natural talent to coast his way through lower and upper education. Probably only managed to graduate because his probation just so happened to line up with his last 2 years of university. (His academic habits are surprisingly like Claude's in that respect—do everything just before it's due, though for Sylvain it's because he was too busy partying for homework.... And now, those student days are wistfully behind him...) ]

Waiting for your mad genius to kick in, is it?

[ He walks over to Claude and pokes him lightly in the arm with a grin. ] —Careful not to lock your elbows.

[ He then yawns in answer to Claude's question. ] Ugh, yeah. It's the worst. I mean, it's fun to be working on something again, but I miss having a life outside of it.

[ Wake up early, finish late, squeeze in training, food, and sleep... Wake up to do it all over again. ]

Gossip... Gossip. [ He ponders. ] Not to sound like the narcissist I am, but I'm pretty sure there's been two new betting pools started over me. One to see if I get on Sand before the production's over, and the other if I hook up with one of my co-stars.

[ He says it matter-of-factly, neither griping nor gloating. ]

Want me to get you in on it? You could make an easy grand.

[shaft]

[ Claude isn't a slouch, but he's yet to master the right combination of diet and exercise that'll help him put bulk up the way he wants. Which doesn't bother him because he wants to look a certain way—despite being surrounded by celebrities, he's never had body image issues—but it's kind if disappointing not to see results. Where's his instant gratification?

In any case, he can't answer until he's lowered his arms back down, working through reps while he listens to Sylvain and ponders his answer.

He knows that it's the price of fame to have dirty laundry aired to the world, and be judged for all the stains on the linens, but it still ruffles his feathers to hear people treat Sylvain's addiction like a joke.

He doesn't say anything about it though, not wanting to get too worked up in a fairly populated gym, instead coolly breezing past that portion of Sylvain's reply. ]

You don't want me to get involved—you know I'll cheat the system so I win.

[ He grins, breathing to ease some of the tension in his arms before he gets started again. ]

Unless you want to end up mysteriously locked in a supply closet with the leading lady.

[philandery]

[ Sylvain's just so desensitized to his own life that he hardly cares anymore what people say. It's really the only way to get by in this line of work—compartmentalize and focus on the things that matter. He figures it'll be like this for the rest of his life—it's not the sort of industry where you can easily erase your presence, after you've made a name for yourself.

He's still young enough that it feels a bit unfair, but he's grown up enough that he's better equipped to handle it. And of course, it helps to be around people who actually give a damn about his well-being. (Sometimes he wonders how he still has any friends at all, disaster of a person as he's been, but he tries to make up for his shortcomings.)

...For instance, rigging a betting pot in his best friend's favor. ]

Oh please, like I wouldn't help you win—unless you find that an insult to your ruthless cunning.

[ Claude has always been self-sufficient and too clever for his own good. Sylvain has no doubt he would and could do exactly as he says. ]

Well... I wouldn't say no... [ He lifts his brows meaningfully. ] Would you?

[ Edelgard is so hot?? And definitely not interested in Sylvain (unsure if she's even into men). But one can dream... ]

[shaft]

[ Pushing through another five reps, Claude drops the weights back on the ground with a sigh, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. ]

It does take a bit of the fun out when you're also skewing it in my favour.

[ Picking up his water bottle, he takes a sip as he considers Sylvain's question. ]

Edelgard? No thanks. I know better than to tangle with with actresses. [ He grimaces. ] I'm still worried that Toko might try to curse me after we hooked up at the last party.

[ He glances at Sylvain, amused. ]

No offence, but you artists are too intense for me.

[philandery]

[ Sylvain meets his gaze with an easy smile, though he's the first to blink away with a quiet chuckle. He really thinks the world of Claude, and thinks he deserves the world in turn. Deserves to be somewhere far away from all the petty drama and malicious gossip. ]

I'm mortally wounded, but you're right. You can definitely do better than our lot.

[ His expression then dips into a frown of disapproval, though it's clearly staged. ​]

Toko, though... Talk about Top 10 Greatest Betrayals. How could you! You know she's my sworn enemy.

[ He's absolutely joking. Sylvain has a begrudging sort of camaraderie with Toko, the two brought together, ironically, by their utter exasperation of the media shippushing them. ]

[shaft]

[ Claude just laughs, glad that Sylvain doesn't take his words poorly, not that he thought that he would. Through his father's fame and his parents' marriage, he'd seen enough second-hand of the life that celebrity brings with it. He's never wanted it for himself, and despite his employment at FONY and his dearest friends being part of the industry, he doesn't think he'd want a celebrity partner.

Not at this age anyway. Maybe when they're older and less relevant. ]

She's pretty. [ Which is all it takes for a boy his age. ] And she has legs for days. I can't help what I like.

[ He leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. ]

But I swear it meant nothing. I'd never get between the enemies to lovers thing you two have going on.

[philandery]

[ For that, Sylvain bonks Claude over the head with his mostly empty water bottle. It produces a comical, hollow sound upon contact. ]

Don't you start with me too.

[ He will never escape his Twi-night days... ]

Toko's not that bad, I guess. But she probably did curse you. I bet you're gonna start growing warts all over that pretty face of yours.

[ Sylvain stretches out his arms as if to say, and don't come running to me crying once it happens. ]

There is one cure though...

[ He leans in... and grab's Claude's weights, placing them back in Claude's hands. ]

Another set of 20. Look alive, loverboy!

[shaft]

Why am I doing this?

[ Claude asks, gaze up toward the ceiling as he pushes his arms up for the nth time. He'd gone back to it when Sylvain foisted the weights back into his hands, and now the burn cutting through the muscle is starting to wear at his sanity.

Dropping the weights onto the ground again, he slums back into the bench, letting his arms hang uselessly at his sides. ]

Is it worth it, Sylvain? [ He gives his friend a dead-eyed stare. ] Is being a stud worth it?

[philandery]

[ Sylvain levels him with a grim stare right back, voice dropping to a stern timbre like he's imparting him a life lesson at the wizened age of 22, like Claude's crazy for even asking. ]

Love is war, Claude.

[ Of course being a stud is worth it! Nevermind that it actually has nothing to do with forming genuine relationships! ]

Your big, meaty brain will only get you so far.

[ It's Sylvain's turn to size Claude up with a very obvious once-over. He's not unattractive by any means, or even lacking in definition, but he is very much on the slim side of the scale, all lean muscle. Nice butt, though. (Is he going too far with this? Nah, he's being honest.) ]

But who knows. I'm sure someone out there is head over heels for you, chicken legs and all.

[ If this were an anime, this is the moment he would flick Claude's forehead.

After a beat, ] Come to think of it, why did you agree to join me on Thursdays? You got your eye on someone? [ eyebrow waggle ]

[shaft]

[ A chill settles in his stomach suddenly, an echo of the same boy but a different question. One that got his hackles raised, and soured his opinion of Sylvain for a long while.

It's sudden and disoriented, and despite the fact that they've been friends for years and he trusts Sylvain implicitly, he feels defensive. On edge.

—Probably because he has an embarrassing crush or something.

His cheeks colour. ]

Why is that your first guess?

[ Claude doesn't fluster, but the speed at which he turns it around on Sylvain is a classic giveaway that he's running from something. ]

Is the only reason you work out to win Aria back?

[philandery]

[ Claude is so cute when he blushes... Sylvain is ready to hound him for an answer. But as soon as the boy turns away, he looks like someone else for a moment—a stranger to him, someone who both catches Sylvain's curiosity and utterly exasperates him.

Who are you? He wants to ask, a cold flicker of irritation crossing his thoughts, making his head hurt.

It fades, and Claude is just Claude. His closest confidant, someone he'd grown up with. They know just about everything about each other... Don't they? ]

Yeah, you got me. [ He sighs, adopting an exaggerated expression of wistfulness. ] I wonder when she'll notice me... I'm a changed man. I can bench 200 now.

[ He flexes a little, to demonstrate. And then drops his arm again, leaning back against it. Tilts his gaze in Claude's direction. ]

Hey, Claude. You ever feel like none of this is real?

[ He doesn't just mean riches and fame, but ~*Big Life in the Big City*~ ]

Living in Danaca, having perfect weather all the time, awesome food no matter where you go... I'm glad we decided to stay here.

[ I'm glad we became friends, he wants to say. But it feels... weird, like it's too obvious to voice out loud. ]

[shaft]

[ Aria has no idea what she's missing—Sylvain is strikingly handsome, and Claude leers playfully at his arms at the display. He'd always thought the two of them were a cute couple, and of all the people that Sylvain had dated, she was probably one of his favourites.

But sometimes people don't work out. Alas.

The change in topic is sudden. Claude lifts an eyebrow as he watches Sylvain over the rim of his water bottle, taking a sip before replying. ]

Where else would you want to go?

[ He leans back, taking in the surroundings and really ruminating on his words. ]

... You okay?

[philandery]

[ He tries to think of an answer to his first question—where wouldn't he want to go...? He feels trapped here, suddenly, a chill spreading down limbs. Back to Faerghus. Anywhere but Faerghus.

He looks at Claude, and thinks of the previous winter he'd stayed with his family in Almyra—but suddenly that doesn't seem right. He can't remember what Almyra even looks like, can't recall any of the foods he had there. Suddenly the gym around them doesn't seem so bright and modern—they're sitting on the stone tiles of the monastery training grounds instead, surrounded by wooden dummies and straw soldiers, racks of weaponry rather than ellipticals and weights.

He blinks, and it's all gone again. He feels dizzy. Cold. ]

Ah, sorry. I think... [ Wow, this feels lame to admit after all that gloating, ] Think I might be coming down with something.

[ Probably from the back to back days of filming... (But when he tries to remember what the set was like, the weight of his armor and lance in hand... It doesn't feel like it had been acting...?)

The more he thinks on it, the worse he feels. He slowly gets to his feet, face feeling oddly warm. ]

Hate to bail on you, but I should probably be heading back...

[shaft]

[ Claude's brows furrow at the stark change in Sylvain's expression, and he's standing when Sylvain is, settling a hand on his arm to keep him steady. ]

You're not looking too good, big guy.

[ It's a little alarming, considering that Sylvain had looked just peachy seconds ago—not even the slightest thing amiss. For him to become so suddenly unwell is unexpected, and Claude might almost think he'd been drugged. It takes a lot of nerve to administer poison when Claude's right here—

... He's being weirdly paranoid. ]

Come on. I'll take you home.

[ He gives Sylvain a pat on the back, grabbing both their water bottles before he starts to lead him toward the door.

He sighs obnoxiously on the way, determined to keep the mood light, ] Oh no, looks like I'll have to cut my workout short. What a shame!