redactable | WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

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

a rock that resembles the galaxy

a single random one of these pillows

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Mm... no. That, I believe, is effort best left to someone else.

[He's come to much the same conclusion, and if anyone is to go on the fool's errand of actually trying to reach the place, it certainly isn't going to be him. Any attempts he can observe are just going to be a diversion, or if they're very lucky, something actually useful.]

I was worried you'd say that. (Hmm,) So much for going straight to the top to find out who's in charge here.

It's strange, though. (Which has him thinking about the geography of this place. Are there hills or something in place to make this sort of illusion? Or is it something else?) No matter where you are, the castle seems to be the same distance; always out of reach...

It is most like to be some form of illusion or misdirection, to prevent any of us from doing exactly that.

[With a slight shrug and a shake of his head, he adds:]

Or the castle is part of the illusion itself, scenery meant to give a false impression of scale.

So some sort of sneaky magic. Yeah, that checks out.

(Kidnapped to a strange new place? Ominous message telling you things aren't ominous? Sneaky magic? Cool.)

I wonder how important the castle really is, then. You can see the image around in the shop but you can't actually go to it. Is it all an illusion? Or is it real and just off limits?

(Now he's just thinking out loud and he catches himself,)

Sorry, just trying to get some answers here. (Ahem, he'll turn to properly face his new friend now though? Because they're definitely friends now that they've had a short conversation,) I'm guessing you and I are in the same situation here.

The name's Claude, by the way.

Von Riegan, wasn't it... you certainly are as talkative as your list implies.

[His tone is dry enough to make it difficult to say whether he thinks that's a bad thing or not.]

I am Emet-Selch, though I have no more answers about this place than you do at the moment-- nor more than any of us seem to have.

Thanks. I'll take it as a compliment.

(Because it's definitely a compliment. Was that supposed to be a bad thing? Well, if he isn't going to say so out right, he's just going to assume the best.)

Hm. (Just. Hm.) For better or worse, it looks like we're all starting from the same place, then.

(But okay, rewind just a bit. He's not going to stand here and pretend he's memorized everyone's profile (give him a night to sit down and really study things) but some names definitely stood out to him. )

Emet-Selch... You're one of the old guys. (He's just saying it like it is.) What was it again... "eternal?"

So we are. I could very nearly appreciate the sentiment, were being stuck here not such an annoyance...

[Not that he's really about The Teamwork with all of these strangers, honestly, but it could go over worse.]

But yes, that's correct. I see you have done your reading as well.

Nah.

(He waves a hand in the air. Reading? Him?)

Just a quick look. Some things stood out. You know, lovely ladies, religious folk, weird animals, a handful of really old guys... Things like that.

[It's fair, really. He'd be more surprised if anyone read through and didn't notice that.]

I suppose those would be more notable than others- though the ways chosen to refer to some were quite interesting, as well.

(➵This way)

WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL

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