[Adachi looks like hell; like he'd been run over by a bus multiple times, patched up a little, and then tossed under the bus again. He's extremely disoriented, and his face is pressed up against a pillow as he focused his bracelet on him.]

Okay... serious question here, guys:

...how much time actually went by between everyone going nuts and right now? Please tell me it was at least one month?

[Because anyone that went looking for him the day previous would have found him sleeping, and unable to wake up.]


[[ooc; Adachi's been canon updated to the end of his story line in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, so he's lived half a year while sleeping one Asgard day. He's a little disoriented. Just a little.]]

Good afternoon, Asgard. This is Minato Arisato of the City Patrol, and of the Emergency Response Team.

Given recent events, from now on, should anyone wish to join the City Patrol, we will require a background check. We'll need to know your history as well as your reasons for why you wish to join us. And to make sure that you're not lying, we'll have Officer Adachi around to double-check. [Because relying on a telepath like him is the best, right?]


That should be all. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Remember to follow the curfew and practice the drills. Have a good day. [His shadow seems to cheerfully wave good-bye as he cuts the video.]

[ The morning of day 505, a message from the gods is broadcast over the network: ]

Greetings, Travelers.

Some of you may know already that there was a breach of the castle barrier. We apprehended an individual using Thiazi's magic to attempt assassination of the Queen, and have confirmed that he is Thiazi's informant inside Asgard. This man has been actively assisting her in making attacks on the city as well as misleading our own intelligence efforts.

[ Heimdall is understandably quite cross at this. He gestures offscreen and the feed shifts from Heimdall to a wider shot of the room, where there is a man being held in place between Thor and Loki, who also look quite cross. ]

His name is Satan and he pleads innocence by corruption -- that all he has done while sabotaging Asgard was Thiazi's influence. While he lives we cannot tell his intent, only that he is indeed the perpetrator.

Since he is one among you, we leave his judgment in your hands. What would you have us do with the traitor?


(( The poll is to be filled out ICly and once per character! This will decide Satan's fate. Please feel free to threadjack at will to discuss the trial! ))

Before you start complaining, [ said with a Look, because he knows some of you probably already have ], let me set things straight.

This is not a punishment. I've been content to let you guys roam about and track mud through my house like misbehaving toddlers since Day One, and I'd be content to continue doing so until our business is done here. But isn't, and we don't have time to dick around anymore.

Thiazi's attack wasn't random. It was desperate and sloppy, which means one thing: she knows we're coming for her.

[ He wants to be viciously pleased with the idea of her panicking, but he is nothing close to amused right now. ]

The only way she could know that is if someone on the inside told her. We don't know who, and we don't know how, but we can't afford that kind of liability. These laws are in place to protect you. We can't fight a war on both sides of the wall.

Be vigilant. Look after each other. It's going to be down to you to keep each other safe.

[ A pause, a blink. The ever eternal silent sigh. ]

You have questions. Ask.

[ OOC NOTES: This is the official kickoff for the new martial law! Ask your IC questions here, and let us know if you want any god in specific, as they'll be hanging around this post. The log for weapons registration, rationing, and Red Scare flavoured shenanigans is over here. Let us know if you have any questions! ]

[Riley’s giggling can be heard even if her face can’t be seen. It seems she’s currently sneaking through Needle in a Haystack to where there are a bunch of voices. With a snort, the giggling stops as she aims the view around the corner to show…

A bunch of shirtless Assassins in various stages of irritation over the fact. It’s so funny to her that she has to share this with the world.]

( [Six Assassins learn they're shirtless below cut] )

They just disappear? Nothing will stay on any of us?

[An Italian accent chimes in, and Ezio turns his head towards the group, back to the camera, and actually trying not to smile. Okay, so in between all of this war, it’s funny to him, despite the irritation he may feel.]

I have only tried once- and as much as I wish to see if it would work, I am not certain I wish to sacrifice more of my clothes if Asgard demands we remain this way.

[A second equally Italian accent chimes in, far less entertained sounding.]

Is this a regular occurrence in this city then? People’s decency revoked for… amusement?

Come now, padre, you make it sound as if we are treated like barbarians. [Ezio can’t really hide the smile he’s wearing. Oops.] I do not mind the attention so much.

Your madre will have me up by my thumbs for parading about in public!

So will my wife. [Altaïr hesitates, as if he’s not really sure.] Most likely.

[ In the midst of the Assassins' kerfuffle, Desmond hurries in from the summer heat, equally shirtless and equally vexed. ]

Does anyone have a spare- oh.

[ If he wasn't bewildered before... ] Really?

[ It seems like Natasha is always last to know these things - but it was really inconvenient, to be honest. She’d been at work at the bar when her shirt had suddenly decided to take a vacation to god-knows-where. Now she’s come to join the cavalcade, hands propped on her hips once she spots the predicament of everyone else. Her bra has decided to stick around for the party, at least so far. ]

I liked that shirt. And I liked the rest of you with shirts, no matter how .. interesting .. the view. [ She sighs slightly, not ashamed of being sans-shirt but definitely very far from pleased. What’s next? Their pants? ]

[Connor wanders by Riley’s hiding spot about that point, utterly unruffled by his current state. He pauses briefly and glances in her direction.] Good morning, Riley. [And moves on with his day. These boxes won’t unload themselves!]

[Immediately everything falls silent as everyone but Connor turns to look at the Novice Assassin with looks that say she had better run.]

You should be impressed I was here this long without you noticing? She does look better than all of the rest of you though.

[That doesn't help the problem and she bursts out laughing as the angle changes to show Riley laughing her ass off as she runs as fast as she can because she is in SO MUCH TROUBLE.]

FUCKING WORTH IT!

[ooc: Welcome to the shirtless curse brought to you by Altaïr, Giovanni, Ezio, Desmond, Natasha, and Connor. It's an Assassin shirtless party! Well, most of the Assassins. Riley, for example, did not get hit and made the most of it.

Network responses very welcome but there will be an open thread for people to visit Needle in a Haystack if they want to see all the shirtless Assassins in person! Enjoy!]

I thought I would leave this a few days so things had a chance to get back to normal, but I have a few questions I'd like to ask. Some people have made the observation that the little- flying things, what were they, ice fairies? That their bites had unusual effects for some who were exposed to them.

I'm curious about the properties of their venom, if that's what was happening. If you experienced unusual symptoms during the last invasion, and you'd be comfortable discussing the onset, nature, and duration of your experiences, I would truly appreciate it.

[He's curious for a few reasons. First, if this was a venom, he wants to check in on these people and make sure they haven't all gone off and quietly died in their apartments (this is far too morbid to say out loud on the network. Second, if it wasn't venom, if there's enough range in the symptoms or if any of them seem magical, then it may have been a curse, and it is worth knowing if a curse can be transmitted by animal bite, even if that animal is magical. Third, if it was a curse and there are people out there who experienced it without having been bitten, then they may have a huge problem here, since Thiazi has history of infecting city dwellers. If something like last time is beginning, he wants to begin collecting data now, before everyone goes crazy and starts killing each other. Again.

None of this shows in his expression, which is all gentle-medical-professional.]

Thank you for your time.

- really piss me off!

[A young man glares at the camera as the recording begins, but if he's trying to intimidate anyone, the effect could use some work. For one thing, it's Yosuke - dishevelled hair, snow-dusted headphones and all. For another, there's a glazed look in his eyes that suggests he's having trouble concentrating on the screen.

He shakes a fist, which isn't really a gesture to strike fear into the heart of the Holy City either. The coldly gleaming dagger in the middle of it helps, though.]

What's wrong with all of us? Are we gonna let some crazy bitch in the window get away with calling us all sheep!? How can we be sheep? Sheep wouldn't just kill time giving, giving Kanji and everyone hotness ratings while there's honest-to-god psychopaths just strolling around town, straight up murdering people with vines and stuff in broad daylight for the hell of it, and... and...

[He falters for a second. Ugh, but he does have a point, he knows it! And woe betide the next garbled rumour that floats into his increasingly foggy mind to distract him from getting to it!]

I mean, what are the gods here doing at a time like this? She was right there! Do you think it's just this town we give a damn about!? Because if we - gah!

[Abruptly, the image blurs into a streak of white and dirt brown - and something else, something with a slightly darker metallic sheen than the knife Yosuke was brandishing a minute ago, passing close enough that it's possible to hear it whoosh by.

It may be a surprise that when the picture returns to Yosuke, it looks like he's still standing; he didn't even drop his knife. While his first attempt to whip round and point it at the off-screen culprit doesn't quite go in the direction he intended, the second one does.] Sagami!

[With another flash of the dagger in his hand, the recording ends. If only the brewing street brawl itself could be so easily brushed off...]

[Newish face on the network, though some should find it familiar. Ostensibly a younger boy talking, for those who don't know any better. Gun in her hand? Gun in her hand. Naoto seems a little hurried, but she's still trying to manage a formal tone. Still, there's a trace of panic she can't quite eliminate.]

My name is Naoto Shirogane, I'm with the City Patrol. This is important, so please, pay attention. It's exactly what some of us feared. Just a moment ago, I caught sight of an army approaching the Gate of Fog. Most of the force is comprised of...frost giants, I believe? [Guess who hasn't actually seen them before?] Eighty or ninety or so, one hundred at the most. There were at least ten larger ice creatures accompanying them, and they're equipped with two catapults. Some kind of strange lights were around them as well. I don't have any further details, and I apologize, but...

[She grips her pistol a little more tightly. This isn't something she was really ready for, but like hell is she going to back down.]

I'm in no position to give anyone orders, but we must begin coordinating. Now.

( [filtered to City Patrol] )

( [filtered to Investigation Team] )

[In spite of the cold snap, Jane is seen out and about the Freyr District in this video. It's night, and she's wrapped up considerably against the snow, which has begun to slow for the time being. It floats in the light of the street lamp she's under, and she gives the feed a very serious look.]

I strongly advise anyone with no particular business to stay indoors tonight. Given the unusual shift in the weather, there's no telling what could happen next, so if it isn't an urgent matter or you're not part of the City Patrol, like myself, then you're much better off by the fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa.

[Her expression sours just a little bit. It'd be nice to heed her own advice, but, well. She signed up to patrol, and by gum she'll patrol.]

Um, that being said, I'd like to put a message out to the others in the City Patrol as well. I was wondering if, perhaps, we could get together and discuss some things, patrol routes and whatnot. I'd be happy to host it, if need be.

[A pause. Jane bites her lip; she wants to make this sound official and helpful and...is she even doing that? Aaaugh...]

Well, erm, have a good night! Stay warm, everyone!

[Text]

Out of curiosity, how many people totally lost it when we were stuck as ghosts? It's fine if you want to respond anonymously. Just a headcount will do.

Anyway, if people start getting stuck as ghosts again in the future, be a pal and try to be nice to them. You never know when they'll suddenly get homicidal urges out of nowhere that are totally beyond their control.

[Like, just saying. That wasn't his fault. Really.]

[Action; Loki to Thor]

[Once he's done putting out his message, he can be found with a long, thin bag slung over his shoulder. People familiar with bamboo practice blades will probably recognize it as casing for one. Did this kid always know kendo...?

(Yep.)

He'd prefer to get to the Arena quickly to blow off some steam, but things don't always go according to plan, especially when you decide to take the streets like a regular person instead of scrambling across rooftops. If people stop him along the way, he'll pause for a chat, but it's clear he's got places to be and things to do.]

Good morning, Asgard.

[ It's a joke, see? Because he's been asleep for fifty days, just recently woken to dreams of the Mother burning and the whispers of the inevitable end. Odin's a clever one, pale and worn as he looks in his customary sharp suit. ]

It's a relief, if not a surprise, to see most of my city still standing. You've done well beside my son, and for that, you have my gratitude.

[ Such a proud Allpapa. But that's as lighthearted as this address gets. Buckle in, kiddos. ]

But I'm not here to waste time with formalities today. No more beating around the bush. No jokes, no tricks, no clever riddles. No more bullshit.

This is the end. I heard Her whispers while I slept, and I have Seen it as you all did last night. You shouldn't need me to tell you that this is a reality anymore. This is the end.

You have a choice. You weren't brought here to be our soldiers and fight as our army, but we can't afford to keep Asgard half in the battlefield and half behind closed doors for your comfort anymore. Still, we promised that we would never force your hand, so - a choice.

We don't have enough control over the spell that binds you here to pick and choose for this, it's all or nothing. If you want to stay and fight this war, we'll start the process of gearing this kingdom for its true purpose. But if you want to leave, to go home and be with what's left of your homes for whatever time remains, we'll shut the doors and see what the Fates decide for us.

[ A pause, as he considers. ]

I don't have a rousing speech for you. It's not my thing; you can talk to my colleagues if you need a group hug. But - I will say one thing.

We accepted the title of "god" not because we are all-seeing, all-powerful beings. You already know that we aren't. It's just a word given value by those that speak it, as is the nature of language. This is called the "Holy City" because it was created as a refuge for the lost beings that would've been left to die outside our walls. We are called "gods" because our citizens believe in us as their higher power for protection and guidance where otherwise there is none.

We're children of faith. And where Ragnarok has been set in stone since the beginning of time, we've pushed back against it because we have faith. You are the byproduct of that; we did the impossible to fight inevitability, and you are the proof of that. Which is to say -

[ An amused, tired shrug. ]

- who knows what the Hell we can do next?

[ Just before signing off, he'll add one more thing with a ping to Jo Harvelle and The Fourth Doctor in specific. ]

I want to speak with those of you that left the city recently. You know who you are.

[ OOC NOTES: Yay, Odin's awake again! This is the IC conclusion to May's events, and the IC discussion that will bring us into Arc 5. As was already decided in December via player poll, the city will be militarising to amount a counterattack against the Giants. This post is to discuss all that! The OOC rundown of what happens next is over here. Feel free to ask questions and let us know if you'd like a specific god to pop into any of your threads, as we'll all be hanging about! ]

Weapons!

I want all kinds of weapons. Or, anything I can use to defend myself! You know what they say- don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got.

[ She sounds awfully gleeful at this point. ]

So, who do I need to befriend? ♥

( Text - Option A )

Naegi here. Sorry for disappearing... I lost my bracelet and I apparently greyed out... so I'm pretty behind on things. I'm still interested in setting up a flower and little produce shop! I just need to get around to it, now that I'm back... So if anyone still wants to run it with me, just let me know! :)

If anyone can also catch me up on what has happened since, well, two weeks ago, that'll be really nice.

( Video - Option B )

[ Some hours after sending out that text and being home... Naegi comes on video, in just an plain white undershirt, and not in his usually seen hoodie (gasp!). What could have happened to separate this poor boy from it?! Let's find out. ]

U-Um, I know it's weird to ask, but while I was gone, did it become normal for hoodies to disappear? Every single time I try to put one on, it just vanishes. I've kind of run out of tops to wear now, because of it.

I've even tried making hoodies with my powers, but those disappear too!

[ Pulling up a nice hoodie that he made out of leaves and vines (what a productive way of using his growing powers...), putting it on, and poof! It magically just disappears. Naegi has a pretty much defeated look on his face... ]

See? I lost my favourite one with this, and I really want to get it back, so does anyone know where they all go, or how to make this stop? I'm feeling kind of naked without any...

[ And with that defeated look, turning that off... ]

(( ooc; Naegi is struck with a curse where all of his hoodies will disappear for a day or two! Feel free to tag twice if you want to reply to both options! Tags will be slow, but will certainly backtag! ))

[Hello, Asgard! It's Anna again, this time remembering to keep her bracelet still while addressing the network at large. She's taken it off to set it down on something steady so she can talk. She smiles, holding a small grey kitten in her arms.]

Umm, hello. I don't know if anyone else knows, but I think Spike's...what do you call it? Gone grey? He wasn't home, the door was unlocked, and I tried calling him but he won't answer. So there's that. Oh! The door's locked now. So no one can really take anything. And I'll take care of Tennyson until we can find his bracelet! She's adorable and I don't mind! It's real easy for me to calm her down and get her to eat.

[The kitten mews in her arms, yawning before she hops down to go off somewhere.]

That's really all I needed to say. I just thought it'd be a good idea to mention Spike losing his bracelet and that his kitten is fine. If anyone finds his bracelet, could you let me know? Or I guess anyone else who is close to him? I'm sure he'd appreciate getting it back.

[A small pause before she nods, satisfied with what she's said.]

Thank you!

( the video begins with doctor mccoy, sitting at a desk in his room in sigyn. he looks particularly business-like, hair combed and expression serious, hands folded in front of him. before he speaks, he clears his throat—it’s almost as if he’s still a little uncomfortable to be addressing so many people at once, but that’s the only sign of it. )

Figure it’s best to get this out of the way while we’ve got the time. ( before another disaster or attack happens, he means. ) I like having a frame of reference—makes it easier to deal with people, and treat ‘em too, when you have to. I know we’re all working off the same magical system, here, but it’s better to account for specifics all the same.

That being said, here’s a list. Fill it out if you want, don’t bother telling me why not if you don’t want to. You can be as specific, or as vague, as you want, or leave out questions entirely if they bother you. If it makes you feel better, you can secure it and have my word as a doctor that I’ll keep it confidential.

( attached is this text form: )

name:
age:
species:
location prior to asgard: planet, city, country, realm, etc.
is your world more familiar with magic, technology/science, or both?:
which power did you receive in asgard?:
did you have any skills, powers or abilities that you lost once here?:
are conditions here generally better, worse, or the same as your prior location?:

That’s about all. Not much else to do on a rainy day, is there.

( ooc / a textbox, for convenience: <tt><big><b>name:</b> <b>age:</b> <b>species:</b> <b>location prior to asgard:</b> planet, city, country, realm, etc. <b>is your world more familiar with magic, technology/science, or both?:</b> <b>which power did you receive in asgard?:</b> <b>did you have any skills, powers or abilities that you lost once here?:</b> <b>are conditions here generally better, worse, or the same as your prior location?:</b></tt> )