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

[papasha]

[ME??? WHO DID THIS REALLY???

HM. Well. First thing:] Yes. It's for aches and pains. [He's getting the impression Soo is old. Theoretically.]

You wear this on your head. For fun. [The headband. He absolutely dodges the condom for the moment.] This is a device for messages. Like sending a letter, but quickly.

This... [makes the sign of the cross irl] ...is a modern invention which prevents disease and pregnancy. [He fucking smiles.] They are good for young men.

[1/2]

[recrowns]

[yOU DID THIS, WE DIDN'T HAVE TO COVER THIS

he seems very fascinated though, and he's nodding along like he's learning. in fact, after blanca explains that the headband is for fun, soo-won proceeds to wear it.

now when he nods his head in understanding, the antennae do little bobs with him

until he gets the explanation about the condom and

opens his mouth to ask how it works]

[recrowns]

[until it seems to click all at once, making him turn terribly red]

I-I see! No further explanation needed, thank you, and I apologize for my ignorance!!

[NOOOOOOOOOO LEWDS]

[papasha]

[Oh no, hope no girls see how cute. Blushing and with a silly headband.]

You don't have to apologize. [He laughs gently.] Best I tell you before one of the pretty girls here show you how it works.

What's your name?

[recrowns]

[hE'S STILL EMBARRASSED BY THE IMPLICATIONS OF HIS COMMENT

STOP]

Ah - you can call me Won, sir. Though I believe it appears as 'Soo-won' in the device.

I'm a traveling merchant, though I never intended for my travels to take me to a place like this.

[papasha]

[no, it's time to tease]

Won then. I'm Blanca. [Both brows raise curiously a bit.] I'm retired.

What do you sell, if I may ask?

[recrowns]

Polished stones and ornamental jewelry, though I'm afraid my stock has been completely taken from my person as well.

[he sounds disheartened]

How strange that not only are we left with nothing to barter for our needs, but there aren't even other merchants in the shops to barter with....

[papasha]

[He looks thoughtful for a moment or two.]

I'm afraid people do not barter where I come from. Have you ever seen anything like this before?

[He motions to the rock.]

[recrowns]

Oh? Has bartering fallen out of fashion? That's too bad, it's rather fun.

[but he offers a shake of his head]

Unfortunately, I haven't. It's rather lovely, but we've never found anything like it, even in the mines of Chi'shin.

[papasha]

Yes. Currency is unfortunately a favorite. [He says this lightly, even if this is terrible.] I see.

I suppose we shall find out shortly, if our "not kidnappers" are to be believed.

[recrowns]

Currency is always a favorite, but trinkets in exchange are so much more interesting.

[still he just offers a little bit of a laugh at 'not kidnappers']

Should we make a running list of questions for them? Question, demands, requests... and determine their character based on how many go answered? I do hope they majority of them are amiable.

[there were

so many warring voices on their welcome message]

[papasha]

I wonder if they will even be able to answer if we consider how uncoordinated their efforts had been with the first message.

[But he gets it.]

Do you believe they will listen to demands?

[1/2]

[recrowns]

Well, in-fighting and internal struggles on their end might play out in our favor.

[a tilt of his head, contemplative]

But given the power it must've taken to bring us all here, I imagine demands will only be adhered to if they come with appropriate stakes and wagers of our own.

[recrowns]

[another smile, the tension sliced with a butter knife]

Perhaps we'll end up bartering after all! I hope it's fun.

[papasha]

[kowaii]

I'm sure we will, but I don't know if you will enjoy the stakes they may set if the "kidnapping" is anything to go by.

[recrowns]

Even if I don't find myself contented with the price, perhaps the act will still be enjoyable?

At the very least our common goals are clear - it sounds like many do not want to continue to be here, so we'll have to see about securing an exit from our captors.

[papasha]

[SOO-WON]

I would like to ensure that happens without any casualties. But yes, finding a way to leave would be preferable.

[recrowns]

[ah - there is a pause there]

You think it would come to casualties? Perhaps if it were a hostage situation...

[though it seems like that possibility hadn't crossed his mind before now, even with all the oddities]

Mm. I would rather not see anyone harmed at all.

[papasha]

[Hm.]

I have not heard of very many kidnappings ending well, if that is what this is at all. I suppose we shall have to hear what the ones who left us the message have to say.

I did not intend to sour the mood, Mister Won.

[recrowns]

[ . . . ah - he lifts his head at that and offers a soft smile, a little rueful a little amused]

No, it's nothing - you're right to be honest. In fact, I appreciate it more. I've been told that my head can be in the clouds now and again. Thank you for bringing me back to earth.

But if I may offer a counter - I've seen a few kidnapping end well, where the lost are recovered and the wrong-doers are punished.

Shall we see which of our experiences win out?

[papasha]

[He smiles at the challenge, but it's a bit tight.]

I would warn you against using our lives to hopefully prove a point, but... I don't believe we have much of a choice but to wait and see.

I hope you're correct then.

[recrowns]

I hope I am too.

[though he seems to linger on a different statement thoughtfully, before frowning ever so slightly]

.... I'd like to hope that none of us have to use our lives for anything that we don't wish to, in the first place. This place has already trampled a bit on free will...