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

[robopriest]

Ah, well, sometimes you just see all sorts of things in your line of work...

[A pause - should he say something? Usually, he can tell who's a Servant and who's not, but his senses are remarkably dull, here. It has to be with this location somehow. He might as just as well throw it out, and see how the horse man reacts.]

Especially in little squabbles over some magic cups.

[antaressnipe]

[...]

Indeed.

We shall speak on the matter later.

[Closing the book on any further discussion out in the open, it seems, even if he's made it clear in his own way that he understands the reference. In the meantime, he cants his head at the sky, considering]

Do you have any idea why we are here?

[robopriest]

[Bingo.]

[His grin widens slightly, but he lets the topic be deferred, considering the centaur's question.]

I have no clue. I have my theories, of course. It could be the form of someone's attack, but it seems strange that it would be this elaborate, no?

[antaressnipe]

Both elaborate and fittingly devoid of all weaknesses. No matter my prodding, I couldn't break any of the barriers.

[His expression bleeds out into neutrality, but his tail twitches as if agitated behind him]

Whatever binds us here, it is powerful.

[robopriest]

Mmm. And whatever set this up seems to have added the nasty addition of making us less capable of understanding what is happening.

[Hansaspeak for OUR POWERS WERE NERFED!!!]

Things like this ought to have a core, though, if they're artificially created. Kind of makes me wonder what's up with that castle in the distance, actually.

[antaressnipe]

[Ah, perfect. That means Mr. Centaur doesn't need to convey his similar concerns, which is why he just nods in agreement to the first part]

Try as I might, I couldn't approach it. I assume it is the same for you as well?

[Actually]

Neither could I enter any of the locked buildings.

[Which, y'know, for people like them, that should never be an issue]

[robopriest]

Yep. Its just a nice castle that wants to stay far, far away from us.

[A short sigh.]

They really pulled out all the stops. I guess we'll just have to pool our resources together to get out of this place.

[antaressnipe]

I agree.

[Spoken slowly, after he glances at the sky and then down at his hand, once again bemused, but...

Well. Thoughts for another time. He folds an arm behind his back while the other holds that goodie bag. It's fine. His top half is decked out leather armor, this doesn't look out-of-place at all]

Well, as I'm certain we have much to discuss, will you walk with me? I've yet to explore every inch of this place.