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

[retellers]

Realm's unstable enough as it is. Powers didn't make the transfer, I guess.

[ that's ... not a no and not a yes, either. ]

[arkitect]

You guess.

[highly confidence inspiring.]

But you do not know everything of its machinations, I take it.

[retellers]

Doesn't exactly communicate like a normal person.

[arkitect]

It had best find a way, then, if it wishes its intentions to be understood.

[there are bound to be some. probably a few no one would like, but some.]

If we are here to fix a problem, then this competition you've mentioned seems more like to be a distraction than it is to help matters.

[retellers]

It's meant to be an extra incentive. Not everyone's willing to help others for free. [ they shrug. ] Whichever team gathers the most nova will get a wish. Some people might work in the extra effort for that.

[arkitect]

I suppose it would be of interest, for those without the capability to enact things for themselves.

[but he isn't putting much stock in the idea of wishes truly solving much.]

But speaking of things of interest, for a moment- there is at least... some discernable reason behind most of what we were given, pointless as some of them were.

[people who ditched the big animal pillow and headband: emet-selch. he does have some of the rest of it though, including the galaxy rock.]

Does this serve any purpose, or is it merely meant as a trinket?

[like, it just being a paperweight would be wholly expected at this point. so would 'it just looks nice'. jury is out on keeping the rock.]

[retellers]

[ ... well, they'll doxx, they don't care: ]

That was Goat's gift. Thought they were pretty.

[ it's really just a rock. ]

[arkitect]

[cool, thanks for letting him know who is out here with the pointless gifts.]

I see.

[he sounds distinctly unimpressed.]

And yours was?

[retellers]

... I thought everyone could use a drink.

[ you're WELCOME ]

[arkitect]

Well, more useful than some of the others, at the least.

[so far this one gets... less disapproval. not exactly approval, but it's something.]

[retellers]

It was meant to make you feel welcome. I guess.

[ you can tell... the gift bag was not their idea ]

[arkitect]

I do believe it missed its mark.

[there is no real way to be welcoming in this situation, honestly.]

But just how certain are you of how this place functions, if its communication is indirect?

[retellers]

Indirect might be the wrong word. More like... one-sided.

[arkitect]

One-sided, then, but clear enough for you to be sure?

[how much margin for error is there in this, exactly.]

[retellers]

It doesn't leave room for interpretation. [ so. probably not a lot? ]

[arkitect]

Reliable enough, by your estimation... in this case, I might almost prefer if it were not.

[retellers]

It'd be better if things were more straightforward. Can't disagree with that.

[ they would also enjoy. things being easier. ]