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

[soulus]

That seems to be the case for everyone here.

According to the message, we'll be finding out soon.

[arcsplainist]

[ He makes a hint of a baffled frown. ]

A message?

[ what's a phone ]

[soulus]

Have you checked the Participant Help System? It should be inside your bag.

[arcsplainist]

[ ...?

Alphinaud shifts around the pig pillow in his arms to more easily shift inside the bag again. ]

I have not, no. Though I have taken a look, of course, I cannot easily guess what every item within is.

[soulus]

[Not to worry. Rufus procures the device from his pocket to show Alphinaud as reference.]

This device contains a message from our hosts.

[arcsplainist]

Does it now?

[ Well, at least it isn't a difficult find. Alphinaud pulls it out. ]

If you don't mind my asking, how does this work?

[soulus]

I will show you once.

[On his own device, he demonstrates how to get the message to appear.]

Follow my motions. Once you have a grasp of the basics, navigating it should be simple.

[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?

[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.]

[arcsplainist]

[ sorry he's currently broke...

Anyhow! Alphinaud does in fact take the time to read, but the more he does, the deeper his frown becomes. And then: ]

... Well then. This has left me at a loss for words.

[soulus]

How unusual. Most had words to share after reading the message.

[Strong words, actually.]

[arcsplainist]

Oh, do not misunderstand, I do have my thoughts... that whoever has orchestrated this has not the slightest idea what they must be doing.

[ Who. Wrote this??? ]

I find it difficult to be angered by these words when it appears that a mere fool or two were the ones to leave this for us.

[soulus]

[Isn't that the question of the century?]

As of now, we happen to be at the mercy of those fools.

[arcsplainist]

So it seems.

[ s i g h ]

Mayhap I shall ready myself for the worst; it goes without saying that my confidence in these people is not high.

[soulus]

. . . Rather than low, it may be better to have no expectations at all.

[arcsplainist]

[ ugh, seriously......... ]

Then we have no choice but to rely only on ourselves. Though we know not where we are, is there anything else we do know?

[soulus]

There are boundaries in and out of town. You won't be able to go far. Searching for an exit would only be a waste of time.

[arcsplainist]

Boundaries? Of what kind?

[soulus]

You can see for yourself. But if you'd like to know in advance . . .

[He eyes Alphinaud. Pay up.]

[arcsplainist]

[ Alphinaud eyes him back, but a touch more confused. ]

... If there is a risk to approaching the barrier, I would quite like to know ahead of time.

[ That's the impression he's getting from this... ]

[soulus]

Information, particularly at a time like this, is valuable.