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

[antaressnipe]

So you're bound by rules.

[retellers]

Yeah.

[ ... they could stand to say more than that. ]

[antaressnipe]

[Probably, but Archer has dealt with worse]

In that case, what are you allowed to speak freely about? I've heard you mention already that this is the Realm, which connects every world and universe.

[retellers]

We can say a lot. Might not know the answer to everything you ask, though. [ they seem to think about what to add to that ] But yeah. The Realm is a place that's connected to everything.

[antaressnipe]

Very well.

[Ticking up his fingers as he starts shooting off questions (and also to save y'all some time)]

First off, are you natives of this Realm? Or were you also drawn in here?

Secondly, what must we do to return to our worlds?

Thirdly, what power do you hold over this Realm, if any? Given that you are being presented as those with more knowledge than us, I'm assuming you've been given something to show for that title.

[retellers]

We're not from here. Nothing is. This place doesn't normally house people.

[ to start them off. as for the rest... wolf does not look thrilled to have to exposition so much, but they will have to get over it. ]

The Realm connects all worlds through something called Nova. From what we know, Nova is the term for what makes up memories. Everything has a memory, whether it's people, animals or even worlds itself. But recently, something's been happening from the nova. Whatever thing is disrupting the flow of it seems to be located in the Realm itself. So... it brought us all here to gather the nova up again.

[ they cross their arms again. ]

But the Realm isn't meant for people in the best case scenario. With whatever problem is on the loose, that makes it worse. That's where we come in. We've been given powers to slow down the process of losing memories for you guys so that we can get things back on track. Following so far?

[antaressnipe]

... Yes, that does make sense.

[He's not being facetious. This does make sense for him, and he folds his arms behind his back, expression thoughtful]

We're here to keep the memories of all worlds in check, or at least save them from whatever is causing problems... But while we're here, our own memories will come under fire.

[Hm]

Do you know what is causing harm to the Nova yet?

[retellers]

[ wolf shakes his head ]

Not yet. While you guys collect the nova, our main job is to figure that out.

[antaressnipe]

[Mmm...]

And how are we to collect this nova?

[retellers]

That one... we're still learning. [ wolf shrugs ] Now that you guys are acclimated, we should learn more about it this week. But nova's attracted to people and strong feelings. It shouldn't be too hard so long as we can find out where it is.

[antaressnipe]

[... Looking at the group that's gathered in the plaza, eyebrows raised]

Yes... I doubt that will be a long-term concern.

[ANYWAY:]

Also I assume the consequences will be dire if we linger for too long...? If our memories are under attack, there's a chance we will lose our sense of self.

[retellers]

Right. We're able to protect you guys from the worst case scenario, but... the more time that passes here, the more you'll lose. But once we fix things, you'll be able to get it back.

[antaressnipe]

[Nodding in understanding.

... Though his expression begins to bleed into disapproval]

Then what is it I hear about a competition? That breeds conflict, I'm sure you realize.

[retellers]

Wasn't our idea. [ tiredly. ] It's meant to be an extra incentive to help out. All of you have been separated into one of six teams. Whichever team has the most nova at the end of it all will be granted one wish. ... The teams will be kept secret to make sure there's no sabotage.

[ press x to doubt ]

[antaressnipe]

How foolish.

[Press x to doubt and then throw away the whole computer]

Being able to return home would have sufficed as motivation. [A sigh. Knowing he's preaching to the choir, he reins in (HA HA) his displeasure and returns to the questions]

So there will be payment to those who have the most nova... And as for those who lose? Do they go home with nothing? Do they go home at all?

[...]

Speaking of which, who is the one who creates these rules? The Realm itself or another person we've yet to meet?

[retellers]

Everyone gets to go home.

[ that seems important to say ]

Yeah, the Realm itself. You guys should get your own rules to follow once everything starts.

[antaressnipe]

Hm... very well. Then you'll have my cooperation for the meantime.

[-- Ah, actually, while he's got someone here:]

This is a matter beside the point, but... I cannot get into my room for varying reasons.

[Horse reasons]

I've heard some of us were given items from our original worlds. Is there a way for mine to be delivered to me, assuming I have one?

[retellers]

[ ... ah. wolf finally seems to get a good look at chiron, rubbing the back of his head. ]

... Right. Uh. Would an elevator help?

[antaressnipe]

[me who immediately raced to see how much an elevator can hold... over 2 tons. Chiron you lucky bitch]

Yes... that would solve the problem, if you could oblige.

[retellers]

We can. [ uh... ] Probably have to give you a bigger bed, too.

[ scratches their cheek with a finger ]

Right?

[antaressnipe]

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it.

[He hasn't seen his bed but it was... probably too smol]

[retellers]

It's doable. Making things for you guys is one of our abilities. At least giving you a roof over your heads should be the least of it.

[antaressnipe]

Well, since that will be taken care of--

[A small, humble bow]

It's a pleasure to be working with you and the others, Wolf.

[retellers]

[ they ... do not seem to know what to do with the bow. especially from someone so tall. so they are just standing there awkwardly. ]

... Thanks?

[antaressnipe]

[I'm so sorry but he's just endlessly amused by this]

Ah, was that too formal?