WEEK ZERO: ARRIVAL (OVERFLOW)

[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

Raven

[riegan]

(cont.)

(Is he disappointed? Claude is disappointed. Brows furrowed and frowning just slightly,)

Anyone who's anyone would recognize the name, at least, where I'm from. (And crossing his arms,) It would appear titles won't be much help here.

(And yet, he doesn't sound too bummed at the idea. Is this sad face just an act???)

[laid]

[Hmm. Yeah, there's definitely something interesting in that reaction, but he's just going to quietly take note of it for now.]

Seems that way. Guess you'll just have ta survive off your own wits and wiles like th' rest of us.
[Better sooner than later, if you ask him, to have an experience like this.]

[riegan]

( Flatly, )

Oh, no, whatever will I do.

( Yeah, he's definitely not worried. )

Lucky for me, I've got plenty of wit and wile.

[laid]

Yeah? That's good. Where I'm from, most of the nobles never learn to use their heads since they can solve most've their problems by throwin' money at it. Guild people are pretty rough and tumble, but at least they think fer themselves.

[riegan]

Yeah, that sounds like a few nobles I know.

( There are some nobles in the Alliance who aren't even smart enough to recognize who he is. Ugh. )

But in my experience, most nobles won't get far if they don't have some wit or wile. It's just a different type than what you might be accustomed to. ( It's all political. ) ... Money definitely helps, though.

( He'll concede that much. )

Are you in a guild, then? What's your craft? Or are you a merchant instead?

[laid]

Neither. Altosk's basically a guild made ta run the Guild Union and the base of operations, Dahngrest. Ya think it'd be glamorous bein' on top but even after ten years old Raven was basically just the Don's glorified gofer. The old man'd send me running all over the place getting people, supplies, and information wherever they needed ta be.

[Past tense.]

[riegan]

So a sort of administrative guild...

( Like something that might oversee... a union? IDK don't make me headcanon Fodlan socioeconomics like this. Claude reads books, okay. )

Well, someone has to do the busy work. ( Or had to. ) Actually, it might not be a bad skill to have in a place like this.

( Glances. )

[laid]

[Fun fact I actually had no idea for the past twelve years what the function of Altosk was until I looked it up just now and in retrospect it was obvious.]

Don’t give me that look. Just because I know how to doesn’t mean I wanna do it.

[riegan]

( He's! Giving! Raven! The look! )

We've all been kidnapped to a strange land and have more questions than answers. The more we can learn about this place and the people here, the better we can plan to get back to where we actually need to be.

( Hear him out!! )

[laid]

Sure, but there sure seems ta be a whole lot of us. I'm sure you kids can cover every nook and cranny of this place in no time at all.

[Glancing around as he gets to his feet anyway.]

If I had ta guess, I'd wager our supposed hosts're camped out in that castle over there. Why don't ya start there?
[And leave him out of it.]

[riegan]

Oh, don't rush on my behalf. With all of your experience, I'm sure you'll do fine.

(As for the castle...)

Yeah, about that. (It sounds like he has something to say,) I'll save you the trouble. We can't get to it.

[laid]

[Squints.]

What do ya mean you can't get to it? Looks like there's a perfectly useable path right to it from here.