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

ii

[recrowns]

[soo-won agrees! because it means he doesn't have to work hard to feed his hawk later.

he does not say this out loud.]

They seem to be having a rather good time, none the wiser.

And you seem to be very good with them.

[discernments]

[ the circle of life....

That's fine. She understands. ]

I was raised on a farm. They might recognize that somehow. I was worried what it would mean if there weren't any animal life in these woods.

[recrowns]

Ah, recognizing a life spent nurturing other life...

[he accepts it. he can't prove it, but he accepts it]

It makes you wonder what else might be deeper inside. Has anyone gone exploring thus far?

[discernments]

[ Something complicated flickers across her expression before she shakes her head, smiling. ]

I'm not sure if anyone else has, but I was about to venture further after I made some friends.

[recrowns]

[if he notices the shift, he says nothing of it]

Would these creatures and myself be enough to count as friends?

Ah! Though we should exchange names before that...

[discernments]

The squirrels and chipmunks are who I meant.

[ She has no shame in admitting that, and she beams. ]

You can call me Ruler or Jeanne. I'm glad to meet you and become your friend!

[recrowns]

[eh]

Oh - you possess two names? Ruler...?

[he wasn't going to call her that but]

[discernments]

Yes. All it means is that I am an adjudicator.

[ It's nothing big. ]

[recrowns]

'All it means'.... and yet it means to sound rather impressive.

[he tilts his head and offers a smile]

As we're friends, would you mind telling me more about it?

[as they wander off into the forest]

[discernments]

[ They are trailed by a few woodland creatures as they go towards the bouncy barrier. ]

I'm summoned as a mediator. When people fight, sometimes, certain lines shouldn't be crossed. I step in when I judge that line is crossed.

[recrowns]

[this is so disney

still, he sounds very curious indeed as he can't help but wonder - ]

Ah... While I have my own guesses, I can't help but feel as though I ought to ask you while you're present.

What lines are those?

[discernments]

All is fair in war until it endangers too many uninvolved people.

[ Don't destroy the world. That's all she wants. ]

[recrowns]

Mm. I suppose that "too many" is where the line can become difficult to discern for some leaders, no?

[though

he has his own opinions on that, even though he doesn't offer them. rather, he gives only a brief pause of contemplation.]

When you become involved, do you move to strike down those unjust who would put too many in the line of fire?

[discernments]

[ She has noticed he has yet to offer his own name or his own opinions, but Jeanne doesn't mind fielding these kinds of questions. ]

What some would consider salvation is insincere when it tramples on the many and deprives them of their potential.

[ It's like she's had a debate over this or something. ]

If it comes to the point where I must step in, I do. For the dreams of many, I would crush one.

[recrowns]

[ THE PHILOSOPHY HAPPENED SO FAST ]