#isola event: optimization

[ghostbxsted]

GHOSTBXSTED || Danny Fenton of Danny Phantom.

Affiliated with Isola Radiale, written by Kal.

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The Ghost Zone: Also referred to as the Infinite Realms. A parallel dimension, or rather collection of pocket dimensions, that coexists with the Earth of Danny's world. All ecto-plasmic entities, or 'ghosts' resided here. It is essentially the Spirit Realm, or Afterlife, although not all inhabitants were originally of the living. (Such as primordial entities.) It is divided up into several autonomous sections, with some parts reflecting the various mythologies and religions of the living world.

Ghosts: The inhabitants of the Infinite Realms. While initially believed to consist entirely of the disembodied spirits of deceased humans, or "manifestations of ectoplasmic energy imprinted upon post-human consciousness", shades that were mere echoes of their living selves, Danny quickly discovers through his adventures that this is not the case. While there are, in fact, many that were once living humans — many more are mythical beings of legend or primordial entities that preside over certain aspects of reality.

The Ancients: Powerful and ancient ghosts that ensure cosmic balance between the two worlds. A subset of this group are beings such as the Observants who preside over all events and ensure that all timelines run their course. Clockwork is an entity related to the Observants that actively ensures that none of the timelines collapse, and that the primary one remains on the most optimal path.

Ectoplasm: What ghosts are made of. It is both their blood and flesh.

Ghost Core: The center of a Ghost's being, which functions similar to important organs. The consciousness is stored here. So long as this remains intact, the physical form can still be saved after receiving drastic damage. Damage to the core affects a Ghost's psychological and physical stats accordingly. They can occasionally be classified by elemental affinities. Danny's is an example of a mostly "Ice" aligned core.

Half-ghost: Colloquially, "halfa", or "liminal". Humans whose genetic structure has been drastically changed after being exposed to intense amount of ectoplasmic energy. Half-ghosts have the ability to change between human and ghost forms at will, theoretically existing in state between life and death, possessing the same supernatural powers that ghosts have. Though more have existed temporarily, there are currently only three known half-ghosts in existence: Danny, his clone "Dani" (or "Ellie", as it's easier to differentiate with), and Vlad Masters.

[isolaradiale]

Times were changing, and a need to act would soon be on the horizon. The Stars couldn’t for the life of them say when, but they it could be years from now. Or it could be tomorrow.

NULL’s attempt to take control of the city last May had been met with failure thanks to those that defected from its ranks, but only so much could be done to prevent another attack. If another one occurred, would they be strong enough to repel them if they could not prevent it outright? Granting all of the experiments their abilities back was a potential stopgap measure, but it had its risks.

But there was another option.

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“GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE!” A voice boomed from every radio, phone, and television on the island at once at 12am. “IT’S A NEW DAY!” Again, it was 12am. “WE HAVE A FUN LITTLE ACTIVITY FOR ALL OF YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN! OR AT LEAST ALL WHO ARE WILLING!” An unease settled over the island proper, and there was no doubt that you could hear the collective groans of everyone who had been planning on having a quiet night.

“We’ve been planning on conducting some routine maintenance. Most of it on our sweet, little Ofiuco. But also on the cannons, the EMP bla- Oh, ignore me! I’m not supposed to be talking about those! But yes, Ofiuco!” Any video devices would pan to the sky, where the familiar android could be seen hovering, but she wasn’t alone. Tens, hundreds of copies of her floated behind, practically blotting out the brightly lit moon. “These are the Ofiuclones, and they will be acting as our darling daughter’s eyes and ears for the next two week. They’ll be gathering data, making adjustments, and oh! Of course, you lot will be the data sources!”

The voice paused and made an assumption about the reaction this news had received. “Oh, don’t give me that look! It’s entirely optional this time! As optional as you’d like it to be, anyways! But I wouldn’t miss out on this if I were you, lest you want to be attacked again in the near future? Or have we all forgotten about the NULL attack of last year?”

Every cellphone in the city would light up just as the Ofiuclones in the sky disappeared. The map apps opened in tandem with one another, and a series of locations were marked. “You can check in at one of those locations to participate if you so choose. I’ve prepared an entire series of quests to take, problems to solve, and issues to address; each crafted with the intention of gathering data that will benefit the whole city in the long run, since it will allow the Stars to improve the defenses against any future attacks.”

“When you take up one of these quests, an Ofiuclone will appear to observe! Depending on the job she may be friend, neutral, or foe. She may simply watch, or she may take a more hands on approach, so be sure to read the quest carefully before you accept it! They will not bother anyone who has not accepted one of these jobs... Maybe! There’s that glitch we still need to work out...”

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EVENT OVERVIEW

In order to prepare for another attack like the one from NULL last year, the Stars have decided to test the city for data!

In essence, they want to know how everyone reacts in a time of crisis, so that their defenses can be adjusted accordingly.

In the middle of each ward is a safe zone or base camp of sorts, supplied with safe beds, medical aid, warm food, weapons for those who may need them, etc. As well, each one has a QUEST TERMINAL!

Your muse can pick a quest from the terminal and go out to complete it. Ofiuclones will stop to observe your muse, or attack them, or aid them, depending on the quest and your muse's actions.

If you need a reason for your character to participate, you can justify it by claiming the Stars took a precious item of theirs (of your choosing) that will only be returned if they opt in and complete a quest.

For instance, if your muse wouldn't be eager to help but also has a necklace they're super fond of... well, if they complete a quest, they'll get that necklace back!

Having an item taken is optional, though!

There is a very low chance that an Ofiuclone may attack your character on the street for some impromptu data even if they haven't accepted a quest. This is merely intended as a means for a character to earn participation if they would not opt in on their own. Under no circumstance will one severely injure or kill anyone.

QUESTS

A list of quests can be viewed here!

The basic quests aren’t the only ones you can do - feel free to make up your own, as long as it’s in the basic spirit of the ones we have listed!

However, you cannot make up your own star(let) quests!

There’s no limit on how many characters can do a quest, so if you see a bunch of people doing the one you wanted to do, don’t worry! You can, too. It’s all for research, after all.

We may be adding more quests later, but we’ll let you know! Keep your eyes peeled.

WHAT COUNTS AS PARTICIPATION?

We will not be counting minis as event participation during this event. This is to encourage the use of the ‘#isola open’ tag, where you can post longform open starters of two to three paragraphs. 

You do not have to participate in the event directly to earn participation, but if you opt to go this route you must write an open (not a mini) or a 500 word drabble with your character exploring why they are choosing not to participate.

Otherwise, normal threading with other members counts as it always does!

OFIUCLONE GUIDELINES

Because the Ofiuclones can be controlled by any individuals involved in a thread with which they are a part of, we’ve included several guidelines regarding what you cannot do with her. Failure to follow these may result in having your event participation revoked:

Having an Ofiuclone swear, or utilize language that is otherwise derogatory or inappropriate.

Having an Ofiuclone kill or severely injure another character. At worst one will disarm someone if necessary, they are programmed not to severely harm anyone.

Damaging or destroying an Ofiuclone is prohibited. Each clone has a natural barrier that will absorb all damage, regardless of how strong your character is. In the case that you take a quest that involves battling one, the clone will merely absorb the damage with its barrier and taking a reading. If you accumulate enough “damage points”, she will consider the job cleared. 

[otherworldly-healer]

@stardust-crosses​

Now, Raine wasn’t entirely keen on the idea of giving The Stars any more data about her than they already had. She had always been a private person, and having the enemy know your weaknesses put you in danger. This last little charade of theirs actually hurt people, with the monsters being unleashed on the streets and people very likely starving in their homes unprepared for weeks. At least this time their little game was mostly optional, and Raine had already been interested in checking out the Intraspace.

For a beginner, this scavenger hunt looked a good place to start. Raine and Colette had agreed to take on the challenge together, and so the professor got to Fibonacci a little earlier that morning to do a short quest or two to level up enough to afford some better robes for her avatar. Though nothing reminded her of what she would normally wear, some of the starter priestess robes looked similar enough to Asgard’s traditional wear that it caught her eye and she chose that for her outfit. Besides that, all of her gear was basic starter items.

>>DogLvrWoofWoof has joined your party!

“Good Morning, Colette! I have to say that this virtual reality technology is actually quite fun! I may do this more often. Hm... It seems like the easiest thing to start with on this list for the scavenger hunt would be the leaf from the World Tree. If it’s anywhere near as big as Yggdrasill is supposed to grow, it should be easy to find.” That seemed a bit too simple, but perhaps that was the point. “I’ve put a marker on our map for where the tree is. Let’s begin!”

[dreamershatter]

@ascarletflame​ liked for a starter!

I looked at the board with intrigue. Humans gathered around and chattered about the quests upon it, its rewards, intrigue at the name of the ‘Stars’ whose names appeared on it. It was all lost on me, but it seemed important enough to make what looked like a small base camp around the area.

The next being to walk to the board was no human, but the familiar silhouette of the Troupe Master. Perhaps he understood what was going on here...

I looked up at him, expecting an answer.

[hiddenstar]

     She had opted to select a relatively simple quest— yet one that would still allow herself some level of challenge. It was highly tempting to pick one of the easier quests out there, but her own pride wouldn’t allow it. And among those listed, this seemed the best fit.

That said... what the god hadn’t anticipated was that she would require a partner. Fortunately for her, it seemed like such a thing was automatically processed— as by the time she instantaneously was transported into the middle of the Airaisal labyrinth, Okina was more than aware that she was not standing (well, sitting) here alone.

It was some girl, who seemed slightly flustered by the suddenness of the situation.

Hm. This place was ever the mixed bag of unusual individuals... and while her clothing stood out, nothing else particularly did to the god. Ah well. Even if she didn’t end up being very useful, hopefully this one could offer her some form of entertainment.

... Though, really, she just wanted to be done with this as soon as possible.

“... So, you’re to be my partner on this excursion? Heh heh.” Regarding Mariela with her words, a light smile flits onto her face. “Well then!”

“There’s no time to waste, so let’s get a move on. I’m sure you’ll agree that the faster we can get out of this forest maze the better.”

     And with a turn of her hoverchair, she’s already heading off— not really giving Mariela much time to adjust to her surroundings any more than she already had.

@alchemistwhosurvived​

[blackmagi]

@princesselmelloi​

If there was something he knew for certain, was the damned Stars kept their word. They were “loyal” to their game, as long as he followed the rules, they would comply, even if it meant unsealing his power.

And this was exactly what he needed.

For so long he had ‘assisted’ the young evil queen in her quest to regain her power, this was his chance to get something out of it.

Reines would thank him later.

“Yo,” he greeted the mage, a hand to his forehead to imitate a half-assed salute.

“Time to conquer this dungeon together, Reines! It’s a maze. You’re good at that, right?”

[underteika]

They open the closet, puzzled, and close it.

“’Optional’, they said. Last time I did one of their optional things...” ... “Well, um, I’m not doing it this time. There’s not a lot I can do to give them any data anyway, I’ve been here long enough. I think I’ll just take it easy.”

They open the drawers... No, nothing there either.

“This kind of this isn’t really for me anyway.”

No, none in the laundry baskets.

“...Alright. I get it. I have a lot of BAND shirts. But seriously, whoever took all of them out of my room... I, uh. I need those.”

You mean, they don’t have a single non-band top? No, actually. They don’t. It’s not a problem, it’s dedication.

| Message to: Contacts |

[Text]: ok very funny guys but seriously [Text]: whoever took all my band shirts i need at least one of them back [Text]: i literally dont have any shirts atm pls

(”Or tanktops, or jackets, or sweaters, or long sleeve shirts...”)

[losingmyjustice]

* OPTIMIZATION.

TRIGGERS: uhh. ig some suicide ideation if you squint, kinda inevitable w/ this guy,,, the drabble is mostly just salt though WORD COUNT: 600+ > optimization... in who's interest? basically this is just the event participation drabble bc i dont think i'll manage to push him to participating in the quests.

-~ * ~-

Midnight. Clive was ( still? already. ) awake, traversing the streets outside that were assuasively empty, safe for another stranger here or there minding their own business. But, just because he was awake, doesn't mean the voice suddenly screeching out from his device was even slightly welcomed. No, he was tempted to hurl it, specifically into the shop window filled with now-lit-up televisions playing the same announcement tenfold louder— but he thankfully didn't. If only because it'd be better to hear the awful message they've got for them this time before acting on his exasperation.

Truth be told, though, he really didn't want to pay attention— just alone the mention of a "FUN LITTLE ACTIVITY" was nauseating. Not like he had a choice but to listen to what they have to say, however, with how it's filling the entire city.

Whoever the arse was who's speaking was correct with their assumption; Clive's already sour mood only worsened the more they shared. Nothing was truly surprising, not even what the speaker blurted out on ostensible accident.

No, it was no surprise to hear of more bloody vague adjustments. No, it was no surprise to hear more of Ofiuco, despite how tired he's getting from hearing that name. Especially, data sources— was just laughable. Please, when aren't these Stars treating them like lab rats? They didn't even try to hide it.

Clive squinted at one of the televisions on display. Come to think of it, it's a surprise the shop looks so unscathed and new, peacefully closed, in contrast to the state of some buildings in this alley. Not like it mattered— it wasn't what he was staring at; Ofiuclones, huh? Super. He couldn't wait to see them all scattered in the city, or something.

He'd just focus on listening for now when his phone lit up, simultaneously trying to memorize the marked locations. While he had no intention of participating— it was good to know these things. Clive hated to be clueless, so while it wasn't much, he'd grasp onto that thin straw.

...

Finally, some fucking silence. It's so difficult to hear your own thoughts when that's happening; there's no way anyone could stay asleep with it, either. Bloody hope they'll never use that against them by putting such a thing on loop, even though he wouldn't put it past them. Regardless, he'd walk on again— lest he ends up throwing his stupid phone through that equally stupid window for real this time.

It didn't take a genius to know that they're constantly collecting information for an unknown cause— even when they're not declaring it, like this time around. Though, even asking for help like this was by no means a first, either. Clive hated their fucking guts, thinking they can just ask such things from their captives and get away with it. He fucking hated the fact that they were right. But most of all, he hated that the majority will comply.

That people out there thought of benefitting the city and its defences, systems, whatever-else as an incentive rather than a deterrent... revolting. Revolting was it all.

Well, it was at least some solace to know they'd leave it optional. Sure, they did include a guilt trip, referencing the security breach some time ago ( last year? that was last year? by god, time flies ), but...

"Lest you want to be attacked again in the near future?" really? That sounded more like a you-problem for these Stars, worried they'll lose their precious source of research, entertainment, whatever this city embodies. Hell, complete erasure would be great right about bloody now, actually— though he knew full well not everyone shared that opinion. Regardless, this wasn't his problem.

However, a potential "glitch" in these Ofiuclones is concerning... best he avoids them lest one of them bugs him unprompted.

[elitexfourxlucian-archive]

@ripple-princess​ liked for an event starter! (Beware the Winds!)

“I take it you were roped into this foolishness, as well?” He looked to the young girl with sympathy.

“This will be no easy task, but if it can be done then perhaps we can get out of this situation.”

[tragiccxmedy]

@explosyd || EVENT starter “Syd~” Sasara called, knocking on the door to her bedroom. He’d heard the announcement a little bit ago, and he figured what better opportunity to bond with his new daughter roommate? It seemed like the kind of thing she’d be into.  “Do you want to go check out what that announcement was talking about?” he asked, bright smile on his face. She might not appreciate an adult chaperone, but Sasara wasn’t about to let a kid do this on their own. Rosho would probably kill him if he did, anyway. “It could be fun!”  It wasn’t like Sasara was totally helpless if it came to a dangerous situation, either. Best case scenario they avoid trouble, but Sasara did have a past with the yakuza. He could keep her safe. 

[greatseedling]

@courageousguise​ | optimization event starter (The Amaze-ing Challenge)

✿           long, lush green divides and conquers, forming pathways that twist and turn as labyrinths do. so this was their test? a springtime maze. well, the sprite had pointed them in the direction to go-- the only true way to move: forward. with an outstretched hand, martel laid her palm out. at least if she was to walk down twisted pathways, she could do so with imaginative company.

“come, let’s walk our path.”

[kujoutengu]

When Waka stepped foot in the Mistwood, a feeling of unease settled over him. A thick mist surrounded the area, impairing his vision and making the hair on his arms stand on end. Every now and again he would hear a voice, higher in pitch but none the less familiar, which didn’t help matters.

After roaming through the trees, the voice grew louder, closer. A shape began to form, and as Waka approached the shape became more defined.

A small, blond haired boy stared up at him, blue eyes questioning, yet holding a faint hint of fear.

“Where am I? This isn’t the temple, and I can’t find Akio.” Waka tensed as the boy spoke, wondering if this was an illusion or reality.

As he opened his mouth, a cry pierced the air and the boy’s eyes went wide.

“They’re here.” Waka turned towards the sound just in time; a crow tengu lunged towards the pair, its blade aimed for the small boy.

Immediately Waka lept in front, Pillow Talk blocking the attack directly.

“RUN!”

The boy needed no warning and took off into the trees, leaving Waka alone to deal with the demon.

[isolaradiale]

Your cellphones light up again, much as they did a few days ago.

The message reads:

NEW TASKS AVAILABLE! Check 'em out at your nearest terminal! ★

(6 new basic quests and one new Starlet quest have been added to the list!)

[otherworldly-healer]

@mightatlas​

She woke up one morning into a groggy haze just like any other. Raine figured she must have slept wrong and gotten her foot bunched up in the covers, as there was an aching around her ankle. As she pulled the covers off of her she was surprised to find a small boxy device strapped to her ankle that she had not gone to bed with. No matter how hard Raine tugged at the device and tried to pry it off, it wouldn’t budge. No scissors worked, and when she had tried to use a serrated knife to lop the binding off she received a shock.

“What the hell...?” On top of Raine’s nightstand was a single note. 

“Ms. Sage. We knew that you would be hesitant to participate in this week’s community events, so The Stars have decided to grant you a little incentive. Any time you try to remove this ankle bracelet you will receive a shock. The first one will not be so strong, but if you continue to attempt, the voltage will only increase! You will also be shocked every single time you attempt to set foot inside one of the city’s ruins for explorations. Removal of the device is simple--The Stars just ask that you head to a terminal at your convenience and complete the task “Mist Connections” as you already seem to spend plenty of time around The Mistwood. ;) Please continue to keep reaching for the stars, Raine!”

That did not stop the professor from trying to visit Yela Alora again of course, only to find that the note was not lying. Dejected, she returned to the city proper where she now calls upon her brother to inform him of her situation.

“I only briefly looked at the terminal to see the quests on the Intraspace, so I’m not sure what this entails.” She pauses, sighing loudly. She had places to go, and this was all really inconvenient. “Really? You’d want to accompany me there? I don’t really have much choice in the matter, so it would be best to get it over with... If you’re certain, Genis...I don’t want you to get hurt.”

[leafslash]

Ashton has never liked the Mistwood. The dense forest reminds him of the woods that overtook Ell in the months following the fall of the Sorcery Globe. The trees there had been thin, densely packed together as they’d towered far, far overhead, and thus no noise could penetrate it – not the call of birds in branches above, nor the growl of monsters warped by the globe’s power lurking within. Inside the woods was silent, deafeningly silent as their hearts beat tensely in their ears, worries for their lives left unspoken in a mutual understanding of what was to lie ahead. The Mistwood isn’t too different in that way, Ashton recounts with some reservation. The anxiety that weighs him down whenever he wanders through it is just the same as it had been then. And maybe the reason lies with the tainted memories that continue to haunt him, for the fear, the uncertainty, they’d stuck with him, unhealed by the passage of time. He tries to avoid the Mistwood, whenever it’s possible. But the Stars have given them all an objective, making the trip almost a necessity. He tries not the venture very far within it regardless, though the mission takes him deeper no matter his efforts. Walking anxiously, Ashton’s gaze flits around, Gyoro and Ururun remaining vigilant over him. There are noises he thinks he hears, or perhaps imagines, echoing off the forest. Shapes and shadows teeming in the corners of his vision, only to disappear whenever he looks their way. He begins to hope he’ll come across someone else, someone he knows. (Why hasn’t he yet? Aren’t there others inside the forest? Wasn’t there someone he was meant to guide?) As though answering his wish, Ashton suddenly crosses paths with a figure. The sight of them gives him a start, halting his steps altogether, but as he makes out their face relief then washes over him. “Mike...!” Mike turns to face him, yet his stance is one of unmistakable defense. As they meet eyes with each other, strangely... he finds no inkling of recognition. Mike’s appearance is taken in an inch at a time in the span of seconds; in doing so, the lack of identification seems to have a cause. The white and blue uniform, the emblematic ‘K’ on his clothing... This isn’t the Mike he knows. Gyoro and Ururun stiffen, stalking the false Mike for any unexpected movement.

“You’re not...”                                                                 ——    @motorcitymutt​;    planned ( event )  !

[strigistricken]

Bit late in the game, but that’s how it always be with me. Have an Optimization Starter Call!  Capping at 4- any quest is probably fair game, so if you want to let me know which one you’d want our muses doing, go ahead!