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

[exercisms]

[This is even worse? He was supposed to say something, and he didn't, and now it's weird?]

. . . They're blue.

[uhhhmagic]

[Oh, there it is. Looking down. Hm.]

Oh, great, another one of these— Hey! Did someone leave their small . . . thing around? Hello? Come get your thing. It’s looking at me.

[exercisms]

[He's still just. Looking at him. No one seems to have come to collect him.]

[uhhhmagic]

[Great, now he’s gotta be responsible for this water bottle. Bending down. ]

Uh. What are you doin’ with all that stuff there, pumpkin?

[exercisms]

I wanted to buy these. I'm waiting for someone to come back.

[Pointing at the empty cash register.]

[uhhhmagic]

Oh, if the register is unmanned, that means it’s free. That’s the law. Just put it down your shirt and walk out.

[exercisms]

[There's a very long pause, like he's thinking this through. You can see the wheels turning in his head, maybe? But it's mostly a blank stare.]

. . . No, I don't think that's true.

[uhhhmagic]

It’s as true as anything else. Totally worked on guards before when I tried it.

[As an example, just shoving a cheap bracelet down the front of his shirt.]

[exercisms]

Hey. [He's still watching him, a little firmer.] Don't steal from them. Someone worked hard to make that bracelet.

[uhhhmagic]

Oh boy, okay—-

[Clapping his hands together like he really has something to explain here.]

I don’t think we’ve got time to really break down the intricacies of Capitalism, and who or what owns the credit on cheap bracelet commission, but the person who made the bracelet has definitely already been paid. It’s on display here at an insane markup to profit the company that’s selling you this junk.

[exercisms]

[Wow, no, you're supposed to say 'who cares, I just want to steal.' Arguing with him is his weakness. Some of what Taako is saying sounds like it makes sense? He's an adult, so he might know more? He's definitely a lot less sure.]

M-maybe. It's not junk, though. You probably couldn't make something like that on your own, right?

[uhhhmagic]

[He’s definitely an adult, and he has the aura of someone who sounds at least very confident about what he’s saying.]

Yeah, all the time. [He waves a hard around like he half expects something to appear in it, then furrows his brow.] Hm. Well, normally I’d make like 100 of them appear but I guess it’s on the fritz.

[exercisms]

[. . . Nodding.]

My powers aren't working right now, either.

[uhhhmagic]

Riiiiiiight. Doesn't matter, probably just need a rest. Anyway. My point is, life is short, bracelets are cheap, if you want the stuff you can just leave an IOU or something. Like a note when you accidentally hit someone's parked Battlewagon.

[exercisms]

[Nodding, like he's seriously absorbing some of this, even though he doesn't understand any of it.]

Okay, got it.