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bulletin board updates

✽ There are several new points of interest at the bulletin board this month, most prominently a wooden box with the slit on the top just large enough to drop a sheet of paper inside. Above is an explanation of Secret Santa and a form to fill out for those interested in participating to write down their name, homeroom, and locker number. Sign-ups close on 12/5, and following assignments, gifts may be given in person or through one of the student council members if anonymous gifting is preferred (contact the mod to hire a stuco elf).
✽ Right next to this box is a poster with a large orange giraffe painted on it. The contents of the poster has nothing to do with giraffes, but rather, is an advertisement for student store commissions featuring quality work with quick turnarounds and a special discount for the month of December if you buy five or more commissions, or bring the shopkeep a warm drink and maybe a snack while they're working.
✽ To the side of the class roster and current ranks is a digital countdown, and scrawled on the bulletin board itself is the message "You're almost there! You can do it! One more push!" but it's unclear whether this message refers to the countdown to the new year, or to the long glass tube situated along the edge of the bulletin board next to it. Maybe both. The tube looks similar to a graduated cylinder, holding a total volume of 5000 ml and currently containing 4850 ml of dark red (presumably) blood, hot to the touch. It can not be broken or removed. The mod will be in contact if any character action this month causes the volume to change.
✽ A neatly typed notice, half buried under all the other announcements, contains a reminder that tuition will be due soon for those students continuing to study at Yogen. If tuition is not paid in full by the end of February, "compensation" will be taken instead.
✽ And finally, there is a notice from the student council that proof of club activity is once again due for submission to the student council by 12/24, otherwise the club will be dissolved and resources taken back. Please submit activity proof to the toplevel below.

12/20 - 12/24 finals week

✽ The week before winter break is finals, with many students cramming as many math formulas and foreign country leaders into their heads as possible without it all spilling over, while other students have decided to chance the practicum instead. Those who have signed up for the practicum are asked to meet inside the auditorium after homeroom at the start of the day while test takers begin their written exams. Students are allowed to change their minds on which to take, up until the end of homeroom on Monday, after the bell rings and the doors close.
✽ For the test takers, finals last for five days, from 8AM until noon each day, after which students are allowed to go home, or have lunch and continue studying in their homerooms or in the library. At the end of finals on Friday, students are asked to remain in their homerooms over lunch break while their exams finish being graded, after which homeroom teachers will return and ask certain students to go with them to the faculty office. These are the failing students. Which the homeroom teachers themselves have the pleasure of executing for their failures. All other students are dismissed and wished a happy winter break.
✽ For those opting for the practicum, finals last for two days, from 8AM until noon on Monday and Tuesday. All students from all grades meet in the auditorium the first day and are told the very simple rules for this semester's practicum: in order to raise your failing grade, all you have to do is kill another student, upon which you take their points for yourself. At the start of both days, students first gather in the auditorium for a headcount and then are given a half hour no-killing grace period during which they are allowed to scatter and find the best sniping/ambushing/hiding spots. The hunt is limited to four hours each day and kills must be done on campus; any kills done outside of these parameters are just for fun and do not count towards their final grade. Points are given for kills involving students in the same grade level of different homerooms (e.g. third years only benefit from killing other third years) and points are revoked for kills involving other grade levels or test takers not participating in the practicum. They studied hard, leave them alone. Most students need only one or two kills to pass, but multiple kills stack and earn them extra credit that will carry over to the next semester. Students who end the second day with a still failing grade will be called to the faculty office. ... All remaining students are dismissed and wished a happy (early!) winter break.
✽ A winter storm starts to whip up around noon on the 24th, raging through the night before settling down come morning, blanketing the entire campus with several feet of snow.

OOC

✽ PC faculty still have finals: they will either take written exams excluding that of their own subject, or they can take the practicum. Players with faculty characters are asked to reply to the toplevel below to indicate the number of failed students per class, but characters do NOT have to ICly be responsible for killing failed students. Unless they're cool with that, and if so, please let me know.
✽ This is a reminder that for any character that murders (again, please let me know), they will experience the same pain the following night and lose powers/abilities for one week. Two weeks after the murder, +1 tally and +100 merit points will be awarded for each kill.
✽ The void in the auditorium continues to grow, and (pending character interaction) by the end of the month will encompass the entire right wing of all floors, including the locker area but not the rooftop. Please mind the void, murderers.

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[ Well, the snow isn't going to clear itself! ...Meng Yao, however, isn't a person well-acclimated to the cold elements, and so unfortunately even with a slightly better golden core from his time in Lanling he finds that he's unwilling to brave it often. Still, it doesn't mean he's blind to the efforts of those who try to do what the can in the face of the large amount of snow. ]

...Ishimaru-xiong, you have been hard at work as always, haven't you?

[ Meng Yao emerges out into the chill despite his reluctance to become acquainted to it even in a place like this. In his hands is also a warm drink. ]

How about you come inside for a bit? You can benefit from spending time talking over some tea and a few snacks.

Edited 2021-12-06 03:07 (UTC)

[He's been at it for quite some time now and has lost track of how long it is. It has been proven to be a bit of rigorous workout! But he has made a lot of progress in clearing through the snow, and now he's stopped to take a breather while planting his shovel down in the snow. His cheeks tickled pink by the cold, he smiles lightly as he turns to face the familiar voice.]

Indeed I am, Meng Yao-kun. It is only natural. Hard work is the key to changing the world, after all!

[He glances towards that warm drink as he considers that offer. That's looking very appealing right now!]

...Ah.... I suppose that it could be a good time to take a break! [He lifts his shovel.] I have already been working for... hm... I cannot seem to recall!

[ He feels himself already smiling and grateful he's decided to come on by, honestly. He knows the feeling of getting carried away with work... ]

Yes, I believe you forgetting how long you have been out here and your appearance is enough evidence in my favor.

[ He does sound a little amused, though. Then he'll beckon him to follow him back inside. ]

Though, it is as you say in that hard work is what can change the world around us. I suppose it can even be applied here, even if at times it seems like it can be hard to believe that.

[His smile grows sheepish.]

Ah... Yes, it would be hard to dispute that evidence. When I truly get into a hard working frenzy, time can really fly away!

[He moves to follow Meng Yao.]

I am glad that you agree with that philosophy. It... it is true that this place has been quite trying on my willpower and convictions. But I have yet to completely give up on changing this place for the better. I just have to keep on doing my best... to survive and to help all of us survive... while we figure out ways to truly change this place for the better.

[ Due to the void, Meng Yao decides that the common room over at the small dormitory would be a good place to rest, so he is leading them there. ]

For awhile, I wondered if it was possible at all—if a place like this could be changed for the better.

[ It's a safe admission, he thinks. ]

Given the fact that it wasn't always like this does give credence to the idea that it's something that can be done. Ideally at the time that we've been able to, we'll also be able to go home without worrying about being dragged back here again.

[A reasonable destination! Ishimaru will follow him there.]

Yes... That is correct. That is something that has helped me to maintain a grasp at hope. We know for a fact that this place can and has changed! So it has to be possible to change it for the better.

[But he does seem pensive about the idea of being sent back home. Still, he maintains a small smile as he responds.]

...Yes, it would be ideal for anyone who might be here wrongfully to be returned to their lives. That is the most ideal solution that we must strive for!

That's correct. Unsurprisingly, I find that you and I are in agreement on this.

[ For all of his initial pessimism and struggles, he thinks he can't ever imagine himself having continued to linger in complete and total misery. That is not to say, however, he doesn't still struggle, because he does...they all do, really.

That being said, he considers what he's said carefully, and it's about time that they've reached the common room. All of what they experience here can't be chalked up to just struggling, but anyway as they are now in the common room, he stops right before the kitchen, and holds out the still warm cup of tea to the other.

An idle thought comes, one he's entertained consistently, for those who have seen their ends. He has wondered what can be done for them if they're successful. ]

You've always struck me as an inspired person. So, out of curiosity, can you tell me what kind of dreams or aspirations you happen to have? Beyond this place, of course.

[Ah, the common room! Ishimaru accepts the warm cup of tea with a grateful bow of his head and then goes to find a seat. He pauses for a moment at Meng Yao's question.]

Ah... my dreams... my aspirations. [They're still in his mind, even if he can't accomplish them within these school walls. He has no problem sharing them, and after a sip of his tea, he starts to recall it all warmly.]

I will gladly share them with you. It all ties back to the principles that I've spoken about... my steadfast belief in hard work. My dream is to inspire a change in the world and bring about a perfect society where everything is based around hard work! Everyone will be inspired to keep on doing their best and change the world for the better. ...To that end, I have considered a career in politics. That seems like a necessary step in bringing this all about.

[ Meng Yao can't say he has had much of an idea of what exactly the other would wish to accomplish outside of here, but he can believe that what he says is certainly well in line with his personality.

It's interesting, though. He can easily imagine Ishimaru as one of the few good-hearted people in let's say even in the cultivation world and its politics. Though, if the other does get the chance to pursue it in earnest, he hopes there will be someone eagle-eyed beside him. It's not an easy arena to face by oneself, after all. ]

You would be right in assuming that is one meaningful way to do so.

To be honest, I hope I might be able to do something similar eventually. I wouldn't say I like politics much, but being able to help those who don't have a voice—who aren't able to protect themselves—would be nice. I've seen too many people who would do well with a helping hand go without, after all.

[It's something that has seemed like an ultimate goal for his journey from early on. It was essentially seeded by what happened to his grandfather in his tenure as prime minister. Ishimaru has sought to exceed and atone for his grandfather in many ways - and that includes becoming a better leader in the world of politics. He does hope to have a loyal companion or several at his side, at the very least, to help keep everything in check.

Ishimaru looks on with interest as Meng Yao cites a specific interest! And he nods along at his words.]

I see. I am pleased that you are entertaining a similar consideration! It sounds like a good path for you, Meng Yao-kun. I know that you have a stalwart heart and would look out for everyone who needs to be heard. I must make sure to do the same as well. Everyone needs to have a chance to apply their efforts to bettering their lives, or to receive help so that such effort is possible. The world of politics can truly be ugly, but that is why it needs all the good people who can work their way there!

[ A stalwart heart, huh...he quirks a smile briefly, before nodding. ]

As always, you honor me with your kind words. As for yourself, I already do know that you are doing so in your own way in this place. It is well within your nature, after all, and so I have full confidence that you'd manage to do the same in the political arena.

With your honest, hard-working nature, and ability to speak well to others, I'm sure people will also easily warn up to you. You never struck me as someone who said things for appearance's sake...which unfortunately those in such positions like to do at times. And it is all the more reason for, like what you've said, there to be good people there to mitigate that ugliness.

You raise a fair point. The student council is essentially the political center of the student body. [He acknowledges that with a nod, and a slight smile.] I certainly hope that this position prepares me to campaign on a grander stage!

[Meng Yao's words so a lot to life him up! Ishimaru feels that Meng Yao easily earns all of his praise with all of the nice things he says.]

You are honoring me with your kind words as well, Meng Yao-kun! Thank you so much for that assessment. You help me to feel much more optimistic about my chances! Rest assured, I will do all that I can to prepare myself to rail against any and all corruption and negligence. I will not make the mistakes of other well-meaning yet foolish political figures!

Of course. This one is glad to assist in whatever way he can, especially to someone who is deserving like yourself.

[ Meng Yao is always glad to put a smile on Ishimaru's face, and give him hope for the future. No matter what they're talking about, that remains true. ]

Either way, I can believe it. You're not really the kind of person to make a silly or careless mistake, after all. So, well...I'll look forward to the day of our success.

Perhaps that does sound a little presumptuous, but it doesn't hurt to be a little positive.

[ He's a realistic enough person to know that there will be the hurdles they've more or less discussed, so he thinks it's fair to say what he has. ]

And I am honored for your assistance and support, Meng Yao-kun. You have done so much for me!

[He says that earnestly, with a warm smile.]

I certainly try to be as meticulous as possible and to avoid the mistakes of the past! I will look forward to such a day as well. Of course, I will welcome your positivity! I... I feel that we need to cling to as much of it as we can in these uncertain times!

[And it gives him something to possibly look forward to someday.]

[ Meng Yao smiles slightly, though it is a warm one of his own. Then he also follows it up with a quick but respectful bow. ]

Ishimaru-xiong, I feel that I have done what most people would have done, or what they should to another companion. That being said, I'll always continue to support you whenever I can. You have been helpful to me as well, and it's appreciated in a place like this.

[ He'll right himself, still smiling. ]

...Before we met, I was apprehensive about having to face all that I'd have to face this entire place alone. Granted, I've had no need to trouble you with any unfortunate news thankfully, but knowing that I'd be able to rely on you should the situation necessitate it is enough.

You say that, and yet it does not make your continued support any less invaluable in my eyes. Nor does it decrease the gratitude that I feel for your companionship by even a single iota!

[Ishimaru quickly bows right back!]

I am happy to be here for you, Meng Yao-kun. And I am glad that you have - have not been burdened with any such news. But I am also glad that you understand, that I am always here for you whenever you may need me. Your past does not dissuade me in the slightest. I will always be here for you, diligently and attentively!

[ He blinks, blinks again when he states that his past doesn't dissuade him in the slightest. It makes him wish that there were more people like Ishimaru...back home almost no one would deign to bow to him, be respectful, or show even common decency to him except when he had been Wen Ruohan's false second, and that was only out of fear.

It is something he finds himself circling back to thinking about. ]

...You really have never struck me as the type of person to judge someone for their past. Or their circumstances.

I suppose that's another reason why I find myself grateful when you say these things.

[ And why he can really believe it, even if a part of him still remains scared to tell him or anyone more about himself. ]

I... I try not to. I try to be mindful of... of the person as I know them.

[He's a bit shaky as he says that. Because he knows that might not always have been true. It's his connection with Mondo that changed so much. Mondo not only taught him that someone isn't always as bad as they may appear, Ishimaru also ended up learning from him of the darkness within good people. Coming to terms with what Mondo did has helped him to accept the past sins of others.

He manages a small smile.]

You should be pleased to know that I intend to continue saying such things going forward!

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DECEMBER EVENT/TDM

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bulletin board updates

12/20 - 12/24 finals week

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