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

iii

[riegan]

Thanks.

(What was that? Where did it come from? It doesn't matter. He hears himself being acknowledged and he's flattered, truly. He's a man of many talents and he owns it!)

Anything else you want to say while you're at it? Don't stop now.

(Keep going. Also in Claude's defense, his tone is completely playful. )

[supremity]

I admire your apparent ability to poison yourself and bother people. Truly impressive.

[ Even if his tone is extremely dry, at least it's... playful insulting? Oh no, Eski, what have you done.

... but, after a beat: ]

Though, that last one's fairly relatable, now that I think about it.

[riegan]

(Hey... Oof, being known for poisoning himself is the opposite of flattering. He's not super bothered by it but it's definitely taken some of the wind out of his sails.

... Only some, though.)

It was... educational.

(Yeah. That's what he'll say.)

Yeah? Whether or not someone is bothersome is subjective. If you ask me, it's not my fault everyone else is so serious all the time.

[supremity]

[ Considering the things he's seen... honestly this isn't particularly offensive, in the grand scheme. It's fine. ]

So long as you got something out of it.

[ sure_jan.gif ]

Too serious, or needing to be taken down a peg or two. I suppose it just depends on the situation and the necessity - though, always necessary, in my opinion.

[riegan]

(The best way to learn the effects of a new poison is to clearly experience them firsthand, okay.)

Exactly! (Gosh, this guy gets it.) Seriously, some of these nobles are so out of touch, they could afford to be brought down a bit.

(He feels like he's found someone who g e t s him.)

You're checking out those profiles right now... (He holds up his own device,) There sure are a lot of interesting people here.

(POINTED GLANCE)

[supremity]

[ Okay, Claude, if that helps you sleep at night. ]

Ah, I see we've had similar experiences, then. [ Nobles, gods... both? Both. It's the same concept, in the end.

He leans back against the table he's seated at, elbow propped on it as he looks at the PHS. ]

There sure are, aren't there. [ SMILES PLEASANTLY, yes, he knows, he is so very interesting ]

[riegan]

(It does, thanks.)

Have we?

(He's interested! But one conversation topic at a time. He can only tell that his new friend looks pretty sure of himself right now,)

There's a lot to remember but to be fair, there's no better way to get to know a person than by getting to know them in person. (You can learn a lot more from the real deal,) Some things stood out, though.

You look pretty good for your age. Assuming it's true, that is.

(Which he can only assume it is!!)

[supremity]

[ Hua Cheng easily ties the topics up all into a neat little red ribbon bundle, spreading his free hand with a low hum. ]

Ahh, thank you. The 800 years part I can safely say is accurate, although I stopped counting long before we hit that marker, so I'm not certain just how close the 17 is. [ A thoughtful noise. ] Easier to say that nobles don't change much over that course of time, though.

[riegan]

Maybe you just haven't met the right ones.

(There's plenty of nobles out there! There's gotta be a 1 in something chance someone out there has changed.)

Anyway, 800... that's old. Like, really old. (Super old. ) No ordinary human could live that long and that's assuming they're human in the first place.

(Explain? Maybe?)

[supremity]

[ beeps ]