WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

[retellers]

WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL (43 remain) Whatever each character was doing—chatting with friends, going to bed, saving the world—ceases. In fact, it's likely nothing more than a groggy memory now, as they open their eyes to unfamiliar surroundings. Apparently, they took a nap right in the middle of a small town, plopped outside on the paved road. Ow? Oh, but it looks like they've been given a goodie bag. Everyone likes gifts, right? Inside, it contains: - a single random one of the following headbands and sparklers - packets of tea - one unlabeled pill - a rock that resembles the galaxy - if they're of age, a mini bottle of alcohol; if they're underage, a can of Mountain D*w Baja Blast instead - a singular condom - a single random one of these pillows (how did this fit?) - a handheld device Should they boot up the device, the screen helpfully informs them that it's a Participant Help System (PHS). Not much on it, but it does have a few apps, including a memo one for taking notes. There's also a messaging system, though it's only capable of receiving messages, not sending any. As a matter of fact, there's an alert for a new message already. Maybe it'll explain what's going on. Good evening, everyone. Uh, how are we sure they’re arriving in the evening? Just say “hello”! Or “greetings”! Greetings is fancy, right? Oh that’s true. Greetings, everyone. That’s better? Yes! Except maybe we take out the that’s better part in the final version. Will do! We’re sorry that we’re not here jklk oh no how do i erase what i wrote. Where is the question mark. Help press backspace. What is a backspace it’s written on the keyboard. Do you even know how to read? right now. There are a lot of things happening that’s so vague? Could we maybe TRY to not be ominous, guys??, It’s going to be ominous no matter what we say, so who cares so we need time to best prepare for you all. We will greet you properly soon, so please make yourselves at home! There are a lot of places to explore, and the kitchen has a lot of delicious food. Please don’t be shy, but also, don’t damage anything. It’s a little inconvenient. They’re going to do it just because you sound so fucking whiny. I’m sorry oh this is how you write somewhere else. Please do not fight or do. We don’t control your life choices. No please do not fight how do i make an exclamation mark maybe we should’ve gotten someone else to write the draft of the message? No offense. I’m sorry Sorry stop apologizing. No one else volunteered. Maybe we’ll luck out and none of them know how to read Thank you for your time! We’ll see you soon. Also, we promise you haven’t been kidnapped or anything! Oh dear. I don’t know if this is going to be edited, so if it isn’t, then I do apologize to the participants for our lack of organization. We’re doing our best! Probably. Er, what? Unfortunately, it seems as though that's the only info they're given for now. In the meantime, why not explore the surrounding area? A number of buildings are locked, and the Planetarium appears to be closed, but there's enough to keep the characters occupied for a day or two. They might even want to get to know their fellow "participants" better, while they're at it.

NAVIGATION locations ₓ˚. statuses *+:｡ ic profiles :ₓo ic rules ･ﾟﾟ･｡ audience requests murder proposals ｡✧o private conversations ･ﾟo｡ curfew ･ﾟ✧ memories

Comments

barrier

[canned]

[Zuko might hear a gentle giggle from behind him, as Al laughs in spite of the boy's obvious frustration]

It's no use, alchemy isn't working here. I've tried it all along the perimeter. I think it's probably something to do with the barrier...I've seen something like it happen before.

[chanteuser]

... I'd be a poor choice of person to hold for ransom.

[ blunt, but true. ]

Sometimes a kidnapping is for other reasons.

[chanteuser]

Well... we don't seem to be going anywhere for a bit. You can ask people here the next time you see them.

[reconnective]

Nice! [yeah! now they're getting the hang of it! the moles begin to pop up bit by bit, and soon two of them appear at the same time.] You take that side, I've got this one.

[arcsplainist]

[ With a sharp, tired exhale, Alphinaud folds his arms over his chest. ]

I would not ever claim to fully understand the intentions of an Ascian, truth be told; I can only assume you had intended to throw us off your trail.

[ Not that it explain the handful of others he's seen... Emet-Selch has a point. ]

Though, I suppose orchestrating this... situation, whatever it may be, is unlike you.

[chanteuser]

[ very seriously: ]

He arrived here as a horse. Definitely.

[ THAT MAN IS PART HORSE, M'LADY. ]

...

I mean, assuming it is the same person. But you'll probably run into him sooner or later.

b

[canned]

Wow! You're really good at that!

[don't mind the enormous metal giant looming behind you, usagi!]

[al has just been watching people play games in the arcade and complimenting them]

[chanteuser]

...

Even in a tiny village you'd expect to see someone around.

[chanteuser]

[ a bear.







well then. this is fine and will continue to be so in pc land i guess. ]

[arcsplainist]

[ It's not the hulking suit of armor that surprises Alphinaud; there are many great warriors out there who wear similarly, after all. No, it's... the small and young sounding voice coming from it.

But it's not nice to comment on peoples' voices, so that's a thought he keeps to himself. After all, there are more important questions to be asked: ]

—A barrier? Truly? ... I do admit, this is something I would like to see for myself.

[soulus]

There are people . . . but nobody native to these parts. This area's been prepared specifically for us.

sometimes you just have two conversations at the same time and don't realise they're different

[chanteuser]

No, this isn't Ergastulum. I don't know where this is, honestly.

[ it is a Mystery ]

Mm. I don't think the guild is part of the military. They're their own thing, or... that's the impression I got from what I read. Although the government could hire them, I suppose? But with everything that's happening I don't think the government would want them involved.

[ she shrugs. ] I don't really know enough to say for certain.

[chanteuser]

[ open mind versus wary, and not sure if willing to trust. good combo. ]

We don't really have much choice.

ii (hi caitie!!)

[canned]

[The towering, armored figure Raven spots seems...rather shy? Even stranger, the voice that comes out of it is that of a gentle, polite young boy.]

Oh, is that really okay? I didn't want to disturb you if you were resting, but was worried maybe you were unconscious.

[chanteuser]

Foot traffic usually bumps up cost, yeah.

[ hmmm. alex stares at the controls for a moment, before taking the joystick and wiggling it experimentally. ]

So you just... shoot anything trying to attack you? [ that sounds simple enough. ]

[chanteuser]

[ "funny enough", he says. ]

...

It seems like we have some doctors here, according to the list. We can find one if you, uh... experience negative symptoms?

[chanteuser]

[ my blood is just coffee, it's fine. ]

Tea's fine. You just have to soak the tea bags for less time to avoid it being bitter, right?

[chanteuser]

[ i can try ]

Oh. Uh... I got hit with the end of a rifle.

[ said all casual like. ]

[arcsplainist]

Once is all I need. You have my thanks.

[ It isn't as quick, but Alphinaud mimics him, eventually getting said message pulled up. ]

—Ah! This is it?

[chanteuser]

I remember what happened before I got here.

[showyourself]

I'm sorry for... [she hesitates for a moment—then takes his hand, pulling herself upright, and shaking her hair out, the droplets still sparkling off her bodice.] --for splashing you. I'm starting to think I've been a little too reliant on my powers up until now...

[well. that's a fact. but to be fair, she's always had them? it's like losing the ability to eat or sleep...]

Maybe we should just... give up on the rock?

[soulus]

[If only the thanks included a tip . . . ]

Yes.

[The message itself may be a touch incoherent, but Alphinaud seems clever enough to discern one voice from the other, so Rufus doesn't mention it. Best to give Alphinaud time to read in silence.]

[chanteuser]

It'd raise a lot of questions. Along with ruining the atmosphere.

[ i.
hm.

hmmmm. ]

... Magic?

[showyourself]

Right!

[she flicks her hair behind her shoulder, and just... absolutely goes to town. now that she's overcome her initial hesitation, there's absolute no mercy: the hammer is getting a speedy BONK on any mole bold enough to reveal itself to her.]

Is this... is this a training game for hunters? It's... good hand-eye coordination!

[BONK BONK BONK]

[recrowns]

[more talk about powers.... though he just offers her a smile and a tilt of his head]

Nothing to apologize for. It was refreshing. [he's too agreeable]

If you'd like to retrieve it, I don't mind continuing to look.

[it's up to her on whether or not they give up -

is what i want to say, but soo-won might come back later to look on his own time anyway, just so she doesn't feel guilty about it]