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

[chanteuser]

-- Yeah, I'm fine, thanks.

[ she taps the barrier one last time with her fingertip and sighs. ]

Bars might've been a less dangerous option. But that'd ruin the "don't worry, you're not kidnapped" angle.

[axecessory]

Oh, yeah. Wouldn't want to ruin the cutesy village ambiance with a bunch of rusted prison bars.

[ She sounds a little annoyed about the situation, but brushes it off pretty quick. ]

It's gotta be magic, right?

[chanteuser]

It'd raise a lot of questions. Along with ruining the atmosphere.

[ i.
hm.

hmmmm. ]

... Magic?

[axecessory]

Yeah, like some sort of barrier spell.

[ She says this pretty matter-of-factly, though there's a slight crinkle in her brow as she taps her cheek in thought. ]

Maybe I should've paid more attention on our magic lessons...

[chanteuser]

[ ...



............... ]

Isn't magic just something you see in stories?

[axecessory]

Huh?

[ She's snapped out of her reverie because... well, even peasants know about magic. ]

I mean, I'm not very good at it, but it's definitely real. How else would you explain something like this?

[chanteuser]

[ completely seriously: ]

Visual and auditory hallucinations.

[axecessory]

[ wow! ]

Um... is that usually an issue for you?

[chanteuser]

[ she just folds her arms. ]

Is magic common where you’re from?

[ it’s fine. ]

[axecessory]

[ way to dodge the question, lady... you okay there... she's not going to corner her about it or anything. ]

Yeah. And I think since we're both feeling it, it's more likely magic than some group hallucination or dream...

[ maybe the whole 'different worlds' idea has some merit after all. weird to talk about it so casually. ]

I mean who knows though, right? I've seen spells like this before, but I'm as lost as you are.

[chanteuser]

There just... isn’t anything like that where I’m from, at all. I couldn’t even conceptualise how magic could be fitting in here.

[ please... slow down for the non-magic among the group ]

So if you don’t know what’s going on even with knowledge of magic...?

[axecessory]

[ someone save our normies ]

Nope, not a clue.

[ she sounds pretty calm about it, though. what's the point in wildly speculating, anyway? ]

You really haven't seen any magic? Where are you from?

[chanteuser]

East Gate, technically. But I'm living in Ergastulum at the moment.

[axecessory]

Can't say I've heard of them... Bet you don't know what the Alliance is either.

[ No point in even touching the Duchy of Goneril or anything. The conversation hammers home a very rude point: ]

We really are far from home, huh?

[chanteuser]

No... I don't. Probably not in the context you mean.

[ ... ]

Looks like it. And we have to... find a way home? Even when we don't know where we are?