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

[dianxias]

I can tell you with certainty they do not. [ a pause ] Although, I suppose "Xing" perhaps could be the closest - it at least sounds similar, though I can't think of a kingdom I've been to with such a name at any time in recent years.

[ xie lian gives him a little smile, a bit sheepish. ] So, I suppose that checks out, then.

[recrowns]

[there is just a soft smile at that]

It may be that we are from entirely different continents.... but even so, it's a bit difficult to grasp.

Might I ask where you've been? Perhaps if we've even heard of each other in distant letters of faraway lands...

[wouldn't that be fun]

[dianxias]

It is quite the long list of places.

[ sighs heavily about mxtx's allergy to writing locations i did this to myself. ] Let's see... I've settled in a village in a place simply known as Puji, but I've been out as far as the Taicang Mountains in the south, through the Gobi Desert, and out to the territories of Chengdu to the West, and out to the seas in the South, in a place... Hangzhou, I believe?

The names blur together...

[recrowns]

[LMFAO POOR SISI but soo-won will just sound pretty interested at that, nodding]

Mm, you sound as if you've been through a great number of different terrains-

But it is as I thought. None of those names sound familiar to me, even in literature of faraway lands or word from other traveling merchants.

[dianxias]

I've been traveling for some time.

[ TO SAY THE LEAST. ]

So, the locations don't match. Tell me, do you have any cultivators in your lands? Or perhaps beings that exist based on resentful energy?

[recrowns]

[lmao]

I take it that you mean something a bit more mystical than a few unscrupulous criminals who sustain themselves off of their own spite?

In which case, we do not.

[dianxias]

Ahaha... More along the lines of ghosts and demons.

[ wow, if only they were just criminals! well, not really. xie lian's quite fond of ghosts, actually. ] So, I suppose that doesn't match up either.

I think your theory holds water.

[recrowns]

I suppose I don't have very much to offer in the way of that... Kouka's origin myth refers to the King Hiryuu? Four dragon warriors with blessed bodies to protect and serve him...

[would that be a myth that would carry past their borders??

still, he offers a soft smile]

I wish it didn't - if only because it makes our situation much more complicated, for all of us to end up in this place.

[dianxias]

[ nope. there's not a single bit of recognition on xie lian's face. he shakes his head, smile a bit apologetic. the number is always four, it seems... ]

That it does. There don't seem to be many answers as to where or why for the time being, either.

[recrowns]

There don't.

We're meant to rely on ourselves until our hosts show themselves - though there are some who are naturally displeased with this situation, while others hope to lend them a hand.

We'll have to see what they're like when we see them all together.