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

[antaressnipe]

Absolutely not.

[Hey, half-horse man goes with the flow and answers the question as if the pink abomination is the strangest thing in the room... which, uh, it kinda is]

With those colors, it'd be hunted down, and that's assuming its anatomy could support the weight of that head to begin with. [Staring in open fascination while he steps around it, leaning down for a closer look, rubbing his chin. His long tail twitches behind him]

I'm... not certain where its joints are, either.

[A pause, and then he sighs, pulling back up and folding his arms]

More likely it's just an artist's creative endeavor.

[riegan]

It looks kind of like something a child might design. I can just imagine it, "Mommy, mommy, I want a pony but not just any pony, a special pony."

(Ahem,)

I guess you'd be the expert, huh...

(Considering, well, glances. He wasn't going to say anything but he really can't help himself,)

Look, don't take this the wrong way and I'm not trying to be rude but I gotta ask. (He'll explode if he doesn't.) I've never seen anyone like you before.

(Please... explain...)

[antaressnipe]

Ah... I hadn't considered that.

[Nodding along to the other's assessment of the abomination. Yes, he too can imagine a child warping the laws of reality for their entertainment.

-- But also now he is chuckling at this youth who looks ready to explode with questions, and turns both his head and torso to consider him. Apparently, horse men are pretty flexible]

I was wondering when you'd address it. My species is known as a centaur, and even on my native lands we were fairly rare. I'm not surprised you've never seen anything like me before.

[riegan]

(Look, he's just brimming with bright eyed, curiosity. He's young and hungry!)

Well, I thought I'd start off with some small talk first. You know, establish a friendly rapport before jumping into the personal questions.

(He's not rude like some people!!)

A centaur though... I can't say I've even heard anything like that before. Guess I should consider myself pretty lucky, huh?

(...)

Yeah, I'm just a human.

(Just gonna. Return some info there.)

[antaressnipe]

On the contrary. Most centaurs are violent and strike without provocation.

[He says this like it's of no consequence, and given that his mannerisms are extremely mild... he's probably not much violent or ready to kick this young man in the jaw]

And there's nothing wrong with that. You seem healthy and in good spirits despite our circumstances.

Are you familiar with this type of landscape at all?

[riegan]

(Freezes....... and glances up and down. Just try and kick him!!!)

Yeah? I'll have you know I'm shaking in my boots underneath it all.

(Nah, he's definitely pretty calm about this whole thing,)

I can't say I am. I mean, some of the architecture looks similar but this place is totally foreign to me and I like to think I know my way around the world. Well, some of it, at least.

[antaressnipe]

[Listen, he's just warning! Don't approach strange-looking creatures, including him!]

Hm... I'm not familiar with the architecture or the layout, myself. And this was nothing like the last place I was in.

[But that's par for the course given all of the people he's spoken with. He knew it was unlikely that this guy would offer a different answer]

I take it you've also experienced the barriers surrounding this town as well.

[riegan]

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