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holyspirits) wrote2024-02-03 08:08 pm
LOCATIONS
Hello and welcome to your central hub: The Neighborhood! Located on the outskirts of Heaven, this space has been set aside just for you. It may not be the most extravagant of Heavenly Locales, but it does the job. Besides, is anywhere bad in Heaven? The sun is shining, the temperature is perfect, and the grass is green. Who could ask for any more?
The island is surrounded by a soft fog that gets thicker the farther you try to wander from home. It moves and rolls like a natural part of the scenery, not unpleasant to look at and not particularly cold to the touch. As you reach the edge of the island, the ground returns to that rippling, reflective surface it was when you first arrived. Best not to leave this place by foot.
Why not take time to enjoy the view from the shade of the gazebo in the park? It looks out on the sprawling, well-maintained garden out by the church, perfect for those moments when you want to take a break from strolling around town. There's a nice apple tree out there, too. How enticing.
Take your time and just relax. After all...everything is fine in Heaven. :)
đŹ The Mansion - What, did you think you'd be homeless forever? Of course you have a place to stay! What sort of hosts wouldn't provide a roof over your head? Settled near the center of the neighborhood, the mansion's front door is always unlocked, allowing you to come and go as you please.
On the first floor is a spacious lobby with a few scattered seating areas and potted plants for décor, all beneath a beautiful chandelier. It seems oddly empty for a space adequate for larger gatherings, but perhaps one of you will take it upon yourself to rearrange things. The doors on the left lead to an industrial kitchen, well-stocked with ingredients and utensils (though do try to share the knives, hm?) The doors on the right lead to a laundry room with several machines and all of the supplies you could need including soap, bleach, and even an iron and ironing board.
Just past the kitchen and the laundry room you'll find a flight of stairs leading right up to your own personal rooms! While these rooms can be locked, they must be done manually, otherwise you can enter anyone's room as you please. Be sure to check the name-plates though because you've all been assigned a roommate! What fun!
As there has always been, there is a mailbox out front of the mansion. However now you may see unaffiliated chao flying back and forth, picking up and delivering mail. Following them will prove fruitless as they venture straight into the fog.
đŽ The CafĂ© - Not a fan of cooking? Not to worry, the cafĂ© has you covered! Well, sort of. As you might expect from somewhere with such a cutesy interior, the food is more about aesthetics than substance. But who doesn't want every meal to look like a cute lil animal? There's something new every hour on the hour, and with this cafĂ© open 24 hours a day you'll never have to go hungry or ignore your midnight munchies ever again. And yes, for all you caffeine junkies out there, coffee is also served 24/7.
đ The Convenience Store - Ah, luxury of luxuries. Is there anything better than having a corner shop just down the street? It's your go-to for snacks on the go or restocking those toiletries you keep telling yourself you'll grab before they run out (and then you inevitably don't.) Everything found on the shelves of this store appears to be standard convenience store fare ranging from chips, candy, cookies, instant noodles, non-alcoholic beverages, shampoo, hand soap, toothpaste and more. Also open 24 hours a day, this shop is the perfect stop whether you want to eat ice cream at midnight or you sudden realize you're out of deodorant.
There is also now a touchscreen kiosk just inside the door, allowing you to make Am*zon orders with overnight delivery! Packages will be delivered out front of the mansion. You may use this to purchase furniture and other amenities without notifying the mods, just be reasonable with it and remember: no weapons!
đ„€ The Bar - At the end of the street is a quaint little bar, cleverly called The Confessional! Nothing wrong with unwinding at the end of a long day with a drink from the rotating menu. Inside the bar are a few clusters of tables and chairs for larger groups, along with a few games such as billiards, darts, and pinball. And unlike all the self-service shops, there is actually a bartender to serve you up and hear you out, should you choose to seek them out. The bar is open 24/7 after all. While The Confessional is proud to serve specialized drinks, if you have a request the bartender just might be able to provide.
Beer
Just a nice cold beer.
Mixed Drink
What do you want me to say?
Shot
Do you expect it to do something?
As of Monday, Week 4, there is now a Tavern attached to the bar. With the restaurant addition, there is more seating with larger tables, warm lighting and cozy décor, and a few plush, tufted sofas. There is a modest wooden half-circle stage toward the back with a microphone for singing and a few instruments available for accompaniment.
There's a full kitchen in the back where the cook (Basilio) will whip up a variety of dishes from different worlds, made to order. If you can't find what you want on the menu, he's willing to attempt any dishes you might be craving from home if you can find a recipe. The kitchen locks at 11 PM each night.
âȘ The Church - This quiet church is the perfect place for reflection and prayer. Once the doors are closed, the outside world seems to disappear leaving you alone with your thoughts. Soft candlelight and the prismatic gleam through the stained glass windows cast a beautiful glow over the rows of pews sitting, waiting, facing a chancel with no preacher. Strangely, all of the paintings and stained glass art inside is of axolotls.
đ The Clothing Store - You'd think this place would have a fancy name, but The Clothing Store is pretty straightforward. Though it appears on the smaller side of things, somehow this place never seems to run out of new clothes to discover. Whether you're looking for your usual style or something for a special occasion, whatever your heart desires can be found with a little digging. Despite the endless racks of clothes, shoes and accessories in any style, there's only one changing room. You'll just have to take turns...or share? How scandalous.
đ The Spa - A shared bathroom just doesn't cut it. Sometimes you want to treat yourself and be pampered a little. We get it! That's why The Neighborhood has its very own 5-star spa. With one half of the building dedicated to hair and makeup and the other half dedicated to a public bath, you can get a makeover or just some R&R! A sign in the lobby has hours posted as follows: 6PM men, 7PM women, and 8PM mixed bathing! ...not that there's anyone to enforce that. And what about the rest of the day, anyway? Oh well. Guess you'll just have to take your chances.
âšïž The Hotspring - A step up from shared bathing, to the south-east of the island is a big outdoor hotspring. Equipped with a small changing room and a shower for quick rinses, this hotspring is made up of several large pools surrounded by smooth stones, green foliage, and natural rivers connecting each pool together. The rocks provide the perfect surface to lean against or perch upon, and the pools are large enough to accommodate several people at a time. Not to mention the temperature? Absolute perfect for a good, long soak. Try not to get too comfy or you may never want to leave.
đ„ The Hospital - Uh-oh. Looks like accidents happen, even in Heaven. Better late than never! Past a welcoming pastel waiting room, there are several clean and tidy examination rooms, each one with a cabinet stocked full of medical supplies. Get your painkillers and bandages here, etc.
đ The Train Station - At the north-western corner of The Neighborhood is your only ticket out. A small train station sits on the edge of the tracks that curve into view from the fog and carry on right back out of it. Somehow, you're always right on time for the train, and it will comfortably carry you along the tracks. Without fail, once you enter the fog you'll find yourself dozing off, only to wake up at your destination. You know the drill.
Locations âą Statuses âą IC Profiles âą Audiences âą Reporting âą Private Convos âą Murder Proposals
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no subject
The Boardwalk - It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood... Here in the lovely beachside city of Bikini Bottom, the sun-baked sand and glistening ocean serves as a lovely backdrop to the neighborhood boardwalk. The boardwalk might not be very large, but it offers you a variety of fast foods and little souvenir shops full of trinkets such as sunglasses, sunscreen, customized keychains, etc. But what's a boardwalk without some world-famous dishes? The highlights of this strip are the pizza shop and fry stand, and a little ways down the street is a donut shop. Pop on in and get yourself a tasty treat from the specialty menu. Or just borrow their restroom, if you must.
The Arcade - Continue down the boardwalk and you'll find the biggest building in the area: a massive arcade. Home to rhythm games, racing games, shooters, and fighters, this is the perfect place to beat the heat and your friends' high scores. Any game you can think of, there's a cabinet tucked away somewhere among the cheery music and flashing lights. Despite being unmanned, the prize counter does require some tickets if you want one of its incredibly desirable items. We all know you want a sticky hand or a finger puppet of your own to take home.
The Lighthouse - If the bright lights and loud noises of the arcade aren't for you, simply walk in the other direction! A tall hill just past the boardwalk gives a beautiful view of the sea and all the activities in the neighborhood. Now that the lighthouse has been unlocked, you may venture up the spiral staircase all the way up to the observatory for a beautiful view of the world below. Unfortunately the light itself is still burned out.
The Cave - You can access the hill from the boardwalk, but should you choose to approach it from the beach instead, you'll find that at the base of this hill is an opening revealing its true nature as a cave. Not a very deep one, though. You'll only be able to walk a few steps just inside the mouth before coming face to face with a door embedded in the wall. Unlike the lighthouse door, this one isn't locked. However, beyond this open door all you'll see are seemingly endless pink clouds in every direction.
With a bit of concentration, these clouds will swirl and reshape into anything or anywhere you imagine! You can very nearly have whatever your heart desires whether it's a place from your memories or a place from your dreams. As realistic as this may seem, just remember that none of this is real. Any attempt to touch what you've conjured and your hand will pass through it like the cloud that it is. But the vision's beautiful, isn't it? Enjoy it for what it is.
The Beach - Oh. Our apologies. Did we forget to tell you about the beach? Let's backtrack a bit. It is a bit warm out during the day, but that just makes it perfect weather for splashing around in the shallow waves. Naturally, there's a gift shop on the boardwalk with towels, swimsuits, and anything else you might need to make the most of it. Inner tubes, life jackets, floaties - you name it, you'll find it. But the beach isn't just for the daytime hours. This beach is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets, and if you look hard enough you might even find a few designated areas for evening bonfires to keep the fun going well into the night.
The Soundstage - Speaking of fun, during the day you can find a row of folding chairs are set up in the sand facing a tall stage. And what luck! Along with the sound equipment, it's got any musical instrument you're looking for. It's time to put on a show! And hey, if you don't want to play live music you can always play DJ instead. Spare instruments, along with any CDs or records you could want are set aside under the stage, free for the taking.
The Lightstage - In the evening, the tall stage is nowhere to be found. In its place is a wooden stage laid out directly on the sand, lit up neon in the night. If you're in the mood for a romantic evening dance, we've still got your musical needs covered: a van parked right on the sand has its own speaker system at the ready, already playing but free to be taken over. The back of the van is filled with blankets and pillows, so you've got somewhere cozy to rest when you're all danced out.
The Kindergarten - We get it. It's easy to fall asleep on the train (and a given any time you board, actually.) Should you doze just a little too long and miss your stop at the Bikini Bottom boardwalk, there is just one last stop before the train loops you back to The Neighborhood. Should you choose to deboard at this stop, you'll come across a dry, dark, desolate space at the bottom of a canyon. Empty, human-sized holes cover the cliff walls, the cavities only ever a few feet deep. Strange, broken machines dig their claws into the dirt, and every now and then you may hear the distant sound of gears grinding and the wind wailing hauntingly. Mm. Maybe it's best to just get back on the train.
Fries
(Fry Shop)
Meow or make cat puns for 2 hours.
Like... y'know, nyah?
Donut
(Donut Shop)
Float just off the ground for 2 hours.
Guacola
(Boardwalk Vending Machine)
Turn green for 1 hour! Get Elphaba'd, idiot.
no subject
The Holiday Market - You're probably tired of the same old same old back in The Neighborhood, right? Convenience stores and cute cafes only carry so much. And that darned kiosk is so overwhelming, and it's always out of books! Never fear, your answer is here! Over down in Whoville you'll find an open-air market filled with dozens of stalls of wares as far as the eye can see. Unmanned as always, these stalls are home to all kinds of food, clothes, and accessories. Though do keep in mind they tend to have, uh, a bit of a holiday flare. If you were hoping for some candy corn and ugly Christmas sweaters, you're in luck!
The Library - In the midst of all the street vendors rests one lone building: a library. Upon entering this quiet sanctuary you'll find that the cozy lobby is decorated to match the season, decor shifting depending on the time of day you enter. Doors and staircases in every direction lead you to endless rows of shelves, completely packed with books both familiar and new. Scattered around the aisles are comfy chairs and cushions, should you decide to stop and read wherever you are. You'll also find small worktables to spread out and even a private room or two for study groups. And worry not. If you need a restroom, several are available. Just keep it down in there. This is a library, after all.
The Morning - While this neighborhood is small, it is ever-changing. Every morning visitors are met with a white Christmas. Snow covers the streets and blankets the library rooftop, nearly weighing down the merchant stall canopies. Light, powdery snowflakes fall off and on until noon, and as you look down the street you'll find several snowmen lining the path. The stalls around you seem set for the season as well, selling various flavors of hot cocoa, wrapping paper and ribbons, scarves, and jackets. Don't miss out on these limited-time deals.
In the center of the street is a large decorated Christmas tree, lit up with presents underneath. Don't worry; when you check every morning, there's a new one waiting just for you! It's just a little trinket to remind you of the good times...though you keep misplacing the last one you received. How silly of you. But that's alright. All you have to do is wait until tomorrow to receive something new. Now that's what we call a Christmas miracle!
The Afternoon - As the sun travels across the sky, the snow begins to melt and Christmas morning becomes a bright and sunny Valentine's Day. By one o'clock in the afternoon it's downright warm outside, leaving you comfortable enough to ditch the heavy winter layers should you wish. Gone is the large tree and the presents, quickly replaced by red and pink streamers and heart-shaped balloons. That's not all; every stall now sells wine, or flowers, or expensive (free) chocolate. One stand has even been set up to make your own, complete with flavors, supplies and a recipe book sitting out and open.
The Evening - The air cools again when the sun goes down, but the street stays lit with jack-o-lanterns and candles. The cutesy hearts are replaced with bat-shaped cut-outs, and black and orange decor is spread all over. The stalls now serve hot pumpkin spice drinks, pumpkin pie, and ghost-shaped sugar cookies. Some have Halloween costumes for sale, while others offer pumpkin, carving tools, and stencils.
As you venture out to the streets once more, you'll find them busy with decorative, inanimate residents: fake skeletons! Human skeletons, chicken skeletons, spider skeletons, snake skeletons, etcetera! If you're feeling in the spirit, approach the human skeletons while in costume and shout "Trick or Treat!": they'll move just enough to hand you a piece of candy. "But how would one figure that out on their own?", you may be asking. Fear not. One of the skeletons is wearing a big Ask Me About My Trick Or Treat Candy T-shirt. How...helpful?
The Night - At eleven o'clock each night, the Halloween decorations fade away, leaving the street finally free of all holiday ongoings. The stalls have less to offer now, and a majority boast a variety of throw blankets and champagne. But just because things are winding down doesn't mean the festivities are over. From midnight to one in the morning, a nightly firework show lights up the sky, finishing out with the barest beginnings of snowfall to prepare for tomorrow's Christmas. Stay up until three and you'll even catch an aurora through the snow. How pretty! It's the perfect ending to the perfect day...
...and it all begins again in the morning.
Valentine's Day Chocolate
(Afternoon Market Stalls)
Instantly fall in love with the nearest person.
Or suddenly hate them. It's randomized. Lasts 1 hour.
Halloween Candy
(Evening Trick or Treating)
You are wearing a Halloween costume designed for a toddler for the next 3 hours.
Festive Champagne
(Nighttime Market Stalls)
You better watch out. You better watch out.
(Santa is at the periphery of your vision for 3 hours.)
no subject
The Maze - When the train doors open into Oz, the first thing you encounter isâŠa hedge maze. As in âthe only way forward is into the foliage.â Tall rosebushes make up many of the walls of this maze, and though the paths are wide and easy to travel youâll find yourself being lead down a myriad of dead-end roads. It probably doesnât help that some of the paths close off and open new ones elsewhere. But should you make it through, all of Oz will be open to you. Just watch out for the roaming Jabberwocky. It's a bit of a territorial bitch and attacks on sight.
The Courtroom - On the reasonable and logical island of Oz, you'll quickly find a courtroom, naturally. Man. Too bad you didn't start with a courtroom, right? What with all the trials you're doing. The judge's bench sits at the head of the setup and two galleries flank its sides for those who are right and those who are wrong. Enjoy banging the gavel and yelling "Order in the court!" The acoustics here are pretty amazing and should do a great job making you feel powerful.
The Courtyard - What do you call the yard around the court? Thatâs right, a courtyard! These vast grassy fields surrounding the building appear to be meticulously cared for and have been decorated for a few different games. Why not gather a few friends for a rousing game of giant chess, horseshoes, or some extremely normal croquet? These games are a great way to show your courtroom opponents there are no hard feelings (even though they were totally wrong and need to remember that.) Though do mind the croquet mallets - they bite.
The Meadow - Down the road through Oz, a beautiful field of flowers spreads off into the horizon. This is the perfect place for those Insta-worthy photoshoots. But you know whatâs even better? A nap! Take some time to tiptoe through the tulips and let yourself relax under the dulcet tones of a constant lullaby. Flowers sing and sway to nursery rhymes and old 40s tunes, just happy to have an audience. No matter where you are in the field, you feel their eyes on you and their song reaches your ears. Maybe tread lightly, though. We make no promises that the lyrics wonât get a little passive-aggressive after being trampled all the time.
The Tea Party - Youâll have to walk quite a ways to escape the singing flowers, only to be surrounded by new music from a nearby record player. Still surrounded by the flowers in the sunshine, you're right on time for a party! You're always right on time, and the table is sized and set for just the right number of people. How convenient! Sit down. Have some tea. Have some tea-cakes. Entertain your company with stories and riddles, don't you know how to be a good party guest? It's all about the charisma, darlings. And don't forget the most important social rule: change places! Every now and then the high-pitched squealing of a tea kettle will sound off, and all occupants at the table will be dumped from their chairs. One by one the chairs will begin to circle, and guests must scramble for a new seat at the table. You better hurry! Little by little the number of seats will dwindle until itâs standing room only.
The Darkwoods - Looking for somewhere a little more secluded? Something a little less chaotic? In that case, why not try: a jaunt through the darkwoods! The trees make up a tall canopy, blocking out most of the sunlight and providing coverage from prying eyes. While the roads are easy to see and even easier to navigate, the signs around you seem to be trying to direct you... somewhere... Where would you like to go? Back to Oz? Back to your friends? Back to this dizzying restroom? Back home, maybe? ... and what about back to life? There are so many places you may wish to go, though all the arrows contradict themselves and only ever get you spun around. Not all who wander are lost, but you sure are. Too bad.
The Herbalist - Despite the signs in the darkwoods being functionally useless, there are secrets to be found. The reckless and the brave will have to travel fairly deep into the woods, but the end of a long and winding road reveals an herbalist's shop. Surrounded by tall, glowing mushrooms, its wares are on display from floor to ceiling for anyone who wants a try. Herbal teasâŠherbal oilsâŠherbal potpourri, go ahead and take what youâd like. There are measuring tools and little metal tins to pack away your goodies. And what luck! It appears thereâs a fresh batch of the house special herb in stock. (It's weed.)
The House of Cards - On nearly the opposite side of the darkwoods, travelers will come across a life-size House of Cards. Though the playing cards quiver and bend under their own weight every now and again, the structure is surprisingly sturdy. Inside youâll find all of the furniture is made from various-sized playing cards and the staircase winds around and around to several floors above. While this house remains empty no matter what time of day you look, youâll always get the distinct feeling the walls are watching you as you make your way up to the attic. The room is empty of all items except for a table with a deck of tarot cards in the center. Sit still long enough, and they will shuffle themselves to perform a reading for you. How peculiarâŠ
The Undersea - Signs posted near the edge of the island would lead you to believe that maybe you should just walk straight into the ocean. And you should! Compared to other islands, the fog around Oz appears to have receded, leaving you free to venture out into the water. Miraculously (or illogically), your clothing remains dry and the farther you walk the farther you sink under the water. As a one-island opportunity, visitors of Oz can breathe underwater and explore the sea below the surface. Your skin doesn't even get pruny, so stay as long as youâd like!
Under the sea is a vibrant world, bright with sunshine breaking past the surface and colorful with fearless tropical fish that swim among the kelp and coral. While you may not recognize a good number of these creatures, theyâre all very friendly and donât seem to mind sharing the waves with you. Should you mistreat these fish, howeverâŠwell. Letâs just say they have a pretty good security guard. (Watch the teeth!)
Drink-Me Tea
(Tea Party)
Speak in rhyme for 1 hour.
Eat-Me Cookies
(Tea Party)
One random body part grows or shrinks for 2 hours.
no subject
The Forest - Even if you're not the outdoorsy type, surely you can appreciate some fresh air! Arriving in this neighborhood may give off the impression you've been dropped in the middle of a forest, but never fear! While we're sure you've developed some new trauma over in Oz, the signs in this forest are appropriately labeled and lead you in the right direction on the right roads. You can find all sorts of small hills, hidden caves and even a ravine or two the farther you travel, accompanied by the sound of wild woodland creatures you can't ever seem to find. Wander from the path and you'll be rewarded with a river or a small waterfall...or a bottomless pit. You know, whichever. Don't fall in! It may be a while before anyone finds you again.
The Mystery Shack - No matter what side of the forest you exit from, you'll find yourself stumbling upon a path and potentially into an old abandoned station wagon. Hooray! Back to civilization! Kind of. Surrounded by a few long-abandoned vehicles and a silly little golf cart, a large triangle-shaped building greets you. Like everywhere else, this gift shop is completely unmanned. Well. You think it might be a gift shop? Maybe a museum? Interspersed with the various novelty items of the shop, you may stumble on familiar items from your home. Not to worry! They're perfectly safe behind glass display cases, and no one can break through. After all, important items should be protected at all costs.
The Basement - Oh? It looks like poking around the Mystery Shack pays off. Past the shelves of hats, keychains, and weird jars of who-knows-what you'll come across a door against the back wall. As you head down the stairs on the other side, you'll discover there's a basement; a tech-lab of some kind. It looks run-down and long-since abandoned, but there are all kinds of electronic bits and pieces to play around with. The only thing that's already in one piece and still functional is an old computer, but with some digging you might be able to dig up some wires, tools and casing to build your own (slightly dysfunctional) gadgets. And if that's not enough to draw your attention, a large gate of some kind, farther in, lies dormant. Wonder where that used to go.
The Diner - All of that exploring can really work up an appetite, huh. If you're craving breakfast food, the local diner is your dream come true. While the pride and joy of the menu is good coffee, waffles, pancakes and crepes, there are thick, juicy burgers too, if that's more to your liking. In the back of the diner is an old jukebox for ambience, though it sometimes stutters and skips as the music plays. Be sure to wash your hands to get rid of the sticky, syrupy residue before you leave! Don't worry too much about the weird bathroom. Public bathrooms are always a little weird, right...?
The Jamboree - Are you looking for a hoot-hollerin' good time? Come on down to Hoo-Ha Owl's Pizzamatronic Jamboree! A family restaurant that doubles as great entertainment, The Jamboree always smells like its famous cheesy and greasy pizza (so strong it'll cling right to you; take a little piece of the fun home with you!) Small clusters of tables and vinyl booths make up a good portion of this restaurant, but check out the indoor play-place (ball pit included) while you wait for the main event. Everyone loves a show with their meal, you know? Sit right down, put your hands together and enjoy the animatronic band! They're not creepy in the slightest!
When they aren't performing, their dormant forms may sometimes flicker to life just long enough to spout some random, incomplete recording through a thick digital filter. Enjoy hip catch phrases such as: "I believe in you!" "Neutral thot?" "You've taken my very words." "You're not a thot." "Did none of you tell each otherâ" "And she's the hottest!" "Checking out my ass?" "I am but an ordinary man." "You won't get an answer." "It's not a bias if it's true." "You really got out-evil'd." "He brought me chocolate!" "I'm going to tear your hand off." and "I'm letting you decide your own fate."
The Fair - As if the Jamboree wasn't enough fun, you're in luck: the Mystery Fair is in town! Temporary rides have been set up in a wide clearing in the forest, not too far from the Mystery Shack. All of the rides look - and sound - a little rickety, but that's part of the rustic charm.
Take a ride on the Ferris wheel (that gets stuck at the top, so we hope you like your gondola buddy), ride one of the majestic creatures on the carousel (yikes), or go on a journey through the Tunnel of Love (and corndogs) (what does this mean.)
There are plenty of non-ride attractions, too. A changing stall and collapsible racks of costumes sit beside a cramped photobooth, perfect for putting on a silly outfit and capturing some new memories! A little ways down you'll find a funhouse made of mirrors, filled with all kinds of exciting twists and turns. Stupidly, you'll also find an extremely elaborate mini-golf course right next to this house of mirrors, and yet no matter how hard you hit the outside nothing shatters. Fore! And what's a fair without all kinds of fair* games! (*they're not fair in the slightest, they're extremely rigged and every time you win a prize it disappears and mysteriously winds up in the museum at the Mystery Shack. Damn.)
Mabel Juice
(The Diner)
You have so much energy that you can't stay in one place. Literally.
Intermittently, randomly, uncontrollably teleport short distances for 2 hours.
Pancakes
(The Diner)
Sticky! Stick to anything or anyone you touch for 2 hours.
no subject
The Cotton Candy Forest - Youâll miss the pleasant scenery along the route, but when you come to and the train pulls into the station, youâll find the tracks lead right into a cotton candy forest. Perhaps youâd like to go explore the way you came? Of so, youâll find yourself walking among trees that stretch higher than the eye can see, all topped with fluffy, sweet, pink and blue tufts of sugary goodness. You can try to climb them if you wish! The branches are usually sturdyâŠbut get too close to a double-striped one and you might fall all the way down into the nesquicksand pit. Darn!
The Candy Kingdom - For those of you who are less adventurous, ahead of you lies the kingdom of every childâs dreams: a world of sweets, sugar, and all things delectable. Everywhere you look - or bite - nature and architecture alike are made of candy. The most obvious landmark is castle in the center, but all around it sit small gingerbread houses. Go ahead and visit if youâd like - it seems these homes are unoccupied. To the north of the castle you can get a clear view of the Rock (Candy) Mountains, a range of snowcapped peaks with fluffy layers of frosting on top. But in order to get there, one must cross the Butterscotch Lake. You probably shouldnât drink from that, but somehow itâs perfectly fine for swimming.
The Soda Bar - We know, we know. Itâs very tempting to take a sip of that lake water! But fret not, dear friends, there are other solutions to dehydration. Right by the castle youâll find The Soda Bar. Aptly named, this bar only seems to serve root beer! While you may find a few flavors such as vanilla or caramel, youâll be hard pressed to find anything else. But do you really need it? You do already have a bar back in The Neighborhood, after all!
The Candy Castle - So whatâs this castle all about anyway? The candy castle is fit for candy royalty, built several stories tall and outfitted with wide-spread spires and turrets around all four sides. Inside, the foyer grants access to many hallways that split off in various directions. Youâre free to explore guest rooms, dining rooms, waiting rooms, painting rooms, tea rooms, meditation rooms, music roomsâŠand bathrooms. Or you could just bypass all of them and walk straight ahead into the throne room. Their Royal Highness does not appear to be in at this time, but linger too long and you'll find yourself in a funny little jesterâs outfit meant to entertain. Jingle on, clowns.
The Armory - Tucked somewhere between a meditation room and a room that only holds kazoos is the armory. Finally! Some real weapons! Donât get too excited though: predictably, all of these weapons are made of candy. You can find lollipop maces, rock candy clubs, candy corn spears, and candy-cane daggers. While they look silly, these can still be used to train and spar with your friends! Just keep in mind that they can crumble under pressure, and might get sticky in your hands. Ew.
The Ballroom - OhâŠyou might not want weapons after everything thatâs gone on, huh? Continue up the spiraling stairs long enough and youâll find a beautiful ballroom. The walls are made up of tall glass windows, and a glittering chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Every now and then you can hear the tinkling of piano keys, coming from the sleek baby grand in the corner. You canât see the pianist, but you get the feeling you might be interrupting their practice. Oops. Maybe you could step out onto the wide balcony, overlooking the lovely maze fountain, to give them some privacy. Or to steal a moment alone with someone for yourself.
The Laboratory - What goes up must come down, and as you head down the stairs of the castle the halls become a little more narrow to funnel you into a basement laboratory. Seems a little weird to have a lab in the castle, right? But hey, if mixing chemicals is your calling, this room is well-stocked. Youâll find all sorts of materials, measuring tools, safety goggles and even a life-size Easy-Bake Oven for whatever you might want to cook up. Experiment to your heartâs content!
The Hedge Maze - Step out through the back doors of the castle and youâll enter right into a thick, winding hedge maze! Somehow these walls feel even taller than the cotton candy trees, but the pathways are lined with large stones for a smooth trek. As you navigate the twists and the turns, youâll come across all kinds of woodland creatures that donâtâŠquiteâŠlook right. Are they real, or are they cake? What a good question. Every now and then youâll step on a stone in the path, setting off a loud bang as it crumbles into a million pop rocks bouncing around your feet and sending the (real) animals scattering in a hurry. Jumpscare! But if you persevere and find your way to the center, youâll be able to see that beautiful fountain up close and personal as it bubbles and swirls with crisp Sprite.
The Graveyard - For some of you, reaching the center of the maze was the goal. But for others, well, you made it this far. May as well keep going, right? Should you carry on and make your way out the opposite side of the maze, youâll find that the bright, colorful kingdom gives way to something dull and gray. The hedges die down and the foliage turns brown and dried along the path leading to a cold and foggy graveyard. The sun remains hidden behind gloomy clouds, giving you the impression it might rain at a momentâs notice. Long dead flowers and wilted balloons linger around several of the headstones, but as you walk through the rows and up the small hill, you canât make out any of the names. Every now and then the caw of a raven echoes from the entrance of the maze, beckoning you back. Perhaps itâs best not to overstay your welcomeâŠespecially with that one open grave at the far corner.
The Dungeons - No thereâs no dungeon in the castle! That would be creepy and weird! (There is, if you look for it.) Outside, however, if you travel far enough through the cotton candy forest youâll stumble upon a hidden cave that doubles as a dungeon. We love multitasking! Inside, youâll find that this cave is home to several chambers that seem to rearrange themselves each time you visit, each filled with a different group of animated skeletons or life-like statues. Donât be fooled though, these arenât just for show! Youâll have to slay these undead or solve the statueâs riddles before you can go any farther, and they arenât easy to crack. Even with your brittle candy weapons and your sharp wits, you're bound to be stumped. But surely there's treasure at the end, right? Why else would these guards exist? Itâs definitely not a distraction from mischievous wisps who want to pick your pockets. Wait, roll perception!
Lollipop
(Literally Anywhere)
Your hair grows and grows and grows. Get Rapunzel'd, idiot.
You'll have to cut it back to length yourself.
Big Baby Rootbeer
(The Soda Bar)
All of your emotions swing to the extreme for 2 hours.
no subject
The... Train? - How are you doing today? Are you comfortable? The train ambles along and you sleep right through it like always, and for some reason...it never stops? When you awaken you realize the train is still just rolling along. Outside the window you only see thick fog, but inside the car itself you'll notice that the door ahead of is cracked open, inviting you farther down the line. Hm...okay then! You can wait for the train to loop back around to The Neighborhood, but where's the fun in that?
Should you venture past the car you initially boarded, you may find yourself in any number of cars that appear in no discernible order.
The Ball Pit Car - Entering this car will immediately pitch you forward as the train lurches, sending you down a long slide right into a ball pit! A really, really intense ball pit. From your place in the pit, you can see the mass amount of sprawling tunnels and tubes to crawl through and access other parts of the pit. There's netting in between some tubes that serve as a perfect little hammock just to hang out! There are other slides interspersed between the tunnels, some of which go backwards, upside down, and even throw you around like a pingpong ball. What fun! But good luck trying to get out - those balls can be pretty slippery.
The Corgi Car - For one brief, glorious moment, you might think you've actually escaped the train and found the outside world. But haha, psyche! This is Heaven...but for dogs. That's right, this car is home to large grassy fields, clear blue skies, and...corgis. Lots and lots of corgis! These little guys are friendly and welcoming, eager to have guests to play with and invite to their little homes for something to drink and stimulating conversation (if you know how to interpret their barks and woofs.) While you'd think there'd be other dogs around, everywhere you look it's corgi after corgi in all ages, sizes and colors. But can't complain, right? After the weeks you've had maybe dog therapy is just what you need.
The Old West Car - This car will have you wondering if you've been sent back to Oz, but no! While it may feel as though you've shrunk once again, you'll quickly come to find that this here is the Old West. And nothing says Old West like giant bugs, right? (No but seriously, you might want to make sure you aren't underfoot. It'd be real embarrassing to be crushed by a giant centipede.) If the bugs don't bug you, take a moment to enjoy your visit in their humble town. Visit the saloon for some refreshing (non-alcoholic) beverages and play some card games! Take a look at the stables and saddle up a few horses for a leisure ride through town. Swing by the gun range and practice your sharp shooting skills! (Though the bullets are rubber and the guns can't be removed from the area.) And should you try to cause any mischief...there's always the stocks. At seemingly random times, you may find yourself under arrest and taken to the stocks at the center of town, locked up and made an example of. Hm. Maybe being stomped on was less humiliating after all.
The Comic Con Car - What's that smell? Ah, yes, the sweet, sweet scent of weebery is in the air.
New YorkWen Kroy Comic Con is here! Put on your best cosplay and have your wallets ready as you enter the convention hall. You'll find all sorts of merch among the aisles including funko pops of all your favs. (Even limited editions of your deceased friends. Wow!) Collect all the swag bags full of T-shirts for brands you've never heard of, browse the artist alley for artwork that speaks to you, try all sorts of tasty treats from different food vendors, and more! If you're really dedicated, you can even get in line and wait for one of the various panels running throughout the day. They have very informative powerpoint presentations. The halls are crowded with people, though if you try to engage with them you will quickly notice they aren't even real as they repeat their favorite fictional catchphrases on repeat. Or maybe they're just really getting into character? Annoyingly, you still have to navigate around them and someone is bound to step on your foot at least twice for the true con experience. At least the restrooms are spacious enough to accommodate the crowds.The Straight Up Italy Car - There are a good amount of you who will have no idea what an Italy is, but that's okay! You don't have to be from Earth to enjoy the Straight Up Italy Car. Grab a vespa and take a ride around the rustic streets to view the sights. A little exploration will lead you to all sorts of restaurants and cafes, beautiful gardens, vineyards offering the tiniest samples of wine known to man, gondola tours through the waterways, and museums of fine art. Off in the distance, you're able to see a large leaning tower structure that never gets any closer no matter how far you walk, but you can reach the giant, stone colosseum. As you enter this area, you'll hear the dull roar of a crowd suddenly and be whisked away into the center of the arena. You can't see them, but the audience is cheering, jeering and clapping, waiting for you to put on a show. You can totally beat a lion in a fight, right? Good luck.
The Tiny Wizards Car - You get the feeling this car used to be home to someone else, judging by the large skeleton that's strapped down and half-buried in the dirt. However, you don't get much time to wonder about that before the shrill cry of an unidentifiable language rips through the air, and colored sparks flash before your eyes. Hordes of tiny wizards descend from the trees, pouring out of the doors and leaping from the windows of nearby buildings as they launch an all-out attack. Take cover! Or like...you could also just push them aside with your foot. They are very tiny wizards, but they are fierce! If you don't dodge their spells fast enough, you may find yourself under a very silly curse such as having to speak in rhyme, walking backwards, having hot dogs for fingers, etc. They're all pretty harmless and will wear off once you leave the car, but until then all's fair in love and wizard war.
The Wasteland - Unsurprisingly, the train does loop around itself and should you walk far enough, you will eventually make it back to the car you started in. Nothing appears to be any different from before, and as you settle in your seat the fog shimmers outside of the windows. For brief moments the fog is gone and you see the true nature of this island: a dry, dead wasteland. It's just a barren expanse of dirt, and no matter how much you look, you won't find any signs of life before the fog overtakes the view once more.
...but don't worry about that. Just sit back down and close your eyes. Let yourself drift off, and when you wake, you'll be back in The Neighborhood where everything is just fine.
Spaghetti
(Italy)
You're branded with neon green tattoos naming your sins,
or with a number representing how many times you've sinned. Lasts 5 hours.
Coffee
(Italy)
You feel compelled to rate people. On any scale. Lasts 2 hours.
no subject
The Town - Welcome to Equestria, a land of magic and friendship! The sky is blood red and behemoth bones sit like mountains on the far horizon, surrounding the town and creating the valleys and hills. The streets are barely paved, and the streetlights glow with watchful eyes...quite literally. Eyes follow your every move, whether it's from behind the glass of lamps, through the boarded-up windows of rundown buildings, or even in the weeds growing in the cracks of the sidewalk. Why are there eyeballs in so many places? Don't blink or you'll miss some of them.Â
The town itself appears to be deserted for the most part, but the longer you loiter around the more occupied it becomes. While you never see any other people, lights flicker on inside various buildings and doors drift open as you approach. Maybe it's just the wind.
The Academy - If you prefer to explore the area on foot, you won't have to go very far before stumbling upon the pride of the town: the prestigious Hexside School of Magic and Demonics! A large, multi-tiered building, Hexside is home to some of the brightest minds and it shows. The halls are lined with rows of fanged lockers between the doors to each classroom. Inside youâll find desks, paperwork, diagrams, and everything you might need to learn about magical arts. Bulletins and signs are posted everywhere advertising various school-sanctioned events, and you can even enter the cafeteria for a hot lunch! It doesnât look edible in the slightest what with all the slime and bones, but itâs fresh! Farther down the hall youâll find a greenhouse, and should you exit out the back door thereâs a sports field of some sort. Is that... a basketball court? Who knows, yay sports! Stretch those limbs and shoot your shots!
The Bone Zone - Near Hexside, a large gated lot provides ample room for running and playing after class. This slayground is up to the Parks and Wreck department standards! They've even put up a helpful sign reading "ALL BLOODTHIRSTY MONSTERS MUST BE LEASHED." See? Perfectly safe for you and chao alike. You can come enjoy the swings, climb over the play-structures and monkey bars, race down the slides, or build castles in the sandbox. There are benches around the edges for those who prefer watching their chao play by themselves, and while this park offers unique bathroom facilities... maybe youâre better off holding it.
The Kitty Cafe - If you aren't a fan of the Corgi Car on the Polar Express, what about a cute kitty cafe? This cozy boutique is full of unique cats of all shapes and sizes, happy to vibe and curl right up in your lap. As the cats roam freely, take a look at the racks of cute pet-sized costumes and accessories. Dress these fancy felines and put on your own fashion show if youâd like, or better yet: treat your cute little chao to something sweet! Isnât it weird you havenât found anything else for your chao before now? Don't worry about it! We didn't! Anyway, no time like the present!
The Misfortune Teller - Tucked away at the end of a dark alley sits a lone shop, star-shaped door swinging open to usher you in as you approach. Inside, the chao behind the table wordlessly offers you their services in the form of a complimentary plate of fortune cookies! That's what you wanted, right? No? That's okay. Gaze into the crystal ball... concentrate deeplyâŠand see a powerful, meaningful, life-changing vision ofâabout 5 minutes ago when you walked into the shop. Oh. It's the security camera. How did you not notice that when you walked in? Oh, donât be mad. Mystic arts take a lot of skill! Listen, just take some of the healing crystals and tarot cards from the shelves as compensation. Are you satisfied with that?
The Looking Glass Ruins - Wander far enough from town and youâll find yourself in the dark and spooky woods. A path seemingly goes nowhere, but the fog isn't quite the same as what surrounds every island. It isnât as thick, and traveling through it leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy in a way thatâs hard to pinpoint. Roam deep enough through it and you'll find yourself in a clearing, surrounded by tall statues. At first, the fog makes it difficult to see what these statues may represent, but drawing closer will clear your vision and allow you to gaze upon these tall, weather-worn stones shaped like... you. Thatâs your face, isnât it? Just there, hidden under those hooded cloaks. The eyes of these statues glow an eerie red, and as they fix their gaze upon you white wisps spill from their lips to whisper your fate to you. But it doesnât sound very pleasant. Maybe you should go back to the Misfortune Teller and double-check, just in case.
The Inbetween - One more secret hides past the fog around Equestria. If you continue through the woods, farther than the ruins, eventually you end up in a realm known as The Inbetween. The moment you set foot in this place, your exit disappears and youâre surrounded by strange cosmic cubes. The images inside swirl before your eyes, and as you cross through the shallow pools you hear the soft sound of static. There are familiar voices coming from these portals, though you canât quite make out what theyâre saying to you. As you approach, the image inside the cube begins to clear, and finally you can get a glimpse of the person you most want to see... before the cube widens, swallowing you whole and teleporting you to a completely different island. You definitely wanted to land back in The Mystery Shack, right? The beach? Or were you unlucky enough to get tossed out into the Undersea? These portals are unpredictable, but at least youâre unharmed! Physically!
The Archive - The woods and their tricks aren't the only surprises hiding outside of town. Instead of out, why not try going up? As you approach this floating structure, your feet sweep out from under you and you begin to drift higher and higher until you reach the platform several feet above the ground. Inside are long halls filled with portraits of... weird-looking dogs? People in pajamas? You're not entirely sure what this art means, but at least you have a good view to look down on the rest of Equestria.Â
Fairy Pie
(Kitty Cafe)
You're sparkly! Get Twilight'd. Edward'd? Lasts 3 hours.
Apple Blood
(Hexside Cafeteria)
Lose your voice for 2 hours. Play charades, idiot.
Or just text, I guess. If you're boring.
LOCATION CHANGES/THEFT
MAILBOX
It seems that the mailbox is seeing more activity these days! Unaffiliated chao will periodically fly back and forth to pick up your mail and carry it off into the unknown. Pens, stationary, and envelopes are all available at the convenience store, and don't even worry about postage. Over-sized mail can be left beside the mailbox and will be delivered too! But sometimes the mail chao do get a little over-enthusiastic and collect things you maybe didn't want to send... Oopsie.
((In short: this is physical mail. You can send letters and objects. The silly chao are your excuse to send things you maybe didn't mean to. Enjoy.))
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
WEEK 6
no subject
The Garden Path - It looks like there was an extra new stop added to the train's route this week! When you arrive, the train doors open to a paved path. To either side of it are sprawling fields, some fenced and some not. In some patches you see plots of dirt, in other there are already sprouting vegetables that seem to have no particular seasonal adherence. Unaffiliated chao happily waddle back and forth, watering the fields and picking vegetables often too big to carry comfortably. ... And sometimes drawing on the path with chalk.
The Vegetable Garden - These fields of fertilized dirt are open for planting. Nearby a stash of gardening tools rest beside multiple wheelbarrows. So long as it is completely safe for consumption, anything planted in these fields will take 2 days before they sprout, and may need another day to reach their fullest, ripest size. Should you fail to return to pick your rewards, the chao will do so for you.
The Flower Garden - As you get closer to the greenhouse, the patches of visible dirt become scarcer, overtaken by bursts of colorful flowers of every size and shape. They carry a sweet, comforting scent. If you want an isolated bench in the shade, surrounded by the flowers, you can find it. If you want a clearing to have tea in, that's there as well, complete with a tea cart stocked with anything you might need at exactly the right temperature. Wander the flowers long enough and you'll even find a koi pond surrounding a gazebo, complete with a periodic noise maker. Lastly, there is a starchess table.
While you may hear pleasant birdsong all around, the only living things here are you and the gardening chao.
The Greenhouse - At the end of the paved path is a greenhouse, looking a little bit overgrown but full of love. Inside are more gardening supplies and vegetable planters, along with paper flags and pens to make labels for anything you plant. There is a neatly organized shelf full of packets of seeds. Anything you can think of, so long as it isn't harmful. Like the outdoor garden, anything planted here will take 2 days to grow, and 3 to reach perfection. Be sure to wash up when you get home, though. It's near impossible to enter the greenhouse without leaving smudged with dirt.
Anything that you don't return to pick for yourself when it's perfect will be carefully picked by the chao in the area, then placed in a woven basket and set on a table by the entrance.
Pretty Flowers
(The Garden)
Do not eat flowers.
Fresh Veggies
(The Garden)
Who is he...
Tea
(The Garden)
Tastes yummy.