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

[arkitect]

As do I. Whoever erected these does seem to have known what they were doing, much to our detriment.

[he exhales a short, frustrated breath.]

They would be simple to deconstruct with access to a few basic magicks, and yet here we are, left to these confines.

[antaressnipe]

You are a mage, then?

[The way he says it, the term likely comes with some manner of connotations... but he's too busy focused on the barriers to elaborate for now. He draws his fingers carefully along what he can feel, frowning.]

[arkitect]

I am.

[But with the way he says it- hm.]

Though I must wonder if you are used to that having a more particular meaning.

[antaressnipe]

The mages of my world can use something called magecraft. I suppose it could be considered a form of "magic", though the latter word has a much more potent connotation.

"Magic" is the unknown, seemingly unbound by rules. "Magecraft" is the science of using the world's mana to create specific outcomes.

[Sorry for the literal lesson plan here, he even speaks like a teacher.]

[arkitect]

An interesting distinction. I am not quite like the mages you know then, no- the type to which I am accustomed is not so limited.

[magic as the unknown is certainly a curious concept, though, and he doesn't seem to mind the teacher tone. lectures are fine if it's an unfamiliar subject, it seems.]

[antaressnipe]

Oh? In that case, you'd no doubt be more powerful than any mage I've seen in the modern day.

[Just imagining the type of power a modern day mage would have access to if there were no restraints... it sounds like the Age of Gods]

[arkitect]

If the mages of your modern day are anything like the mages of our present? Very much so.

[very humble about it, clearly.]

[antaressnipe]

[He just scoffs at that in good-nature]

Your lack of humility suits you well.

[arkitect]

It is best to know where one stands, is it not?

[it's fine?]

[antaressnipe]

I don't disagree. An overabundance of confidence is just as poisonous as a lack of it.

Besides, I'm certain you've had many years to decide where you stand against your peers.

[IT'S FINE. Given that Archer already saw this guy's age on the app, this is the attitude he'd expect from... well, from a deity, frankly.]

[arkitect]

As have you, I am sure.

[not that Archer has a particular age listed, but the implication is certainly there.]

One would expect an instructor to be especially aware.

[antaressnipe]

I try to be... though this current situation is beyond even my understanding.

[No point in putting on aires about it]

I'm impressed I was able to be captured in the first place.