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

[favourable]

If that's how you feel, then why drink in the first place?

[misstrust]

... Because sometimes you just want to stop thinking.

But--!!

[ Dorothy quickly flaps a hand. ]

C'mon, we're going in! Let's focus on something else!

[favourable]

[well, that sure was serious. but virid won't pry at the moment.]

Something else... all of these look the same to me, though.

[misstrust]

Well, what sort of things do you enjoy? We might be able to find a game based on that.

[ There are... probably some differences?? ]

[favourable]

... I haven't really played games with other people before...

[misstrust]

[ Oh... okay, he's difficult, but she's up to the challenge. ]

Then aren't you lucky you're in the company of a fun expert! Let's pick one at random and see how we fare.

[favourable]

[hesitantly]

... Okay.

[like, he's still healing from a stab wound, but whatever, it's not a huge concern for him if he drops dead.]

[misstrust]

[ There will be no children dying on her watch-- for now she's just gently nudging him towards... honestly she has no idea what the little round circle is doing, but it's eating?? Eh. ]

How about this?

[favourable]

[gently nudged...]

Like I said, they all look the same to me. So... this should be fine.

[misstrust]

Hmm... it looks as though you move about with this stick. And you avoid the brightly-colored ones.

[ What a weird game. ]

[favourable]

That sounds simple enough. [too easy, even, because he's an arrogant boy.] Then, whoever gets hit by one... loses?

[misstrust]

Sounds right to me! I don't think it'll be complicated, like you said.

[ Go forth, arrogant child. ]

[favourable]

All right.

[he grabs a stick. is the game already on or not, he actually does not know what he's doing.]

[misstrust]

[ It sure is on, Dorothy made sure to press the helpful red button. ]

Do your best!

[favourable]

I'm going to win.

[he says that but?? how does he use this stick??? ahhhhhh this is harder than it looked.]

[misstrust]

Ah, careful! They're gaining on you!

[ MIND THE GHOSTS. ]

[favourable]

I-I can do it!

[he immediately pushes his stick, causing his player to avoid the ghosts but also, like, slam into the edge of the game.]

This is harder than it looks...

[misstrust]

[ Hang in there, small child. ]

It certainly looks as though it requires more coordination than you'd expect. Try to time it as carefully as you can.

[favourable]

Okay...

[he does it again, and with more success this time! yay.]

I think I'm getting the hang of it.

[misstrust]

Well done. Keep it up, and I think you'll get through just fine!

[ She's so proud. ]