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]

... yes. We're using our powers to try to delay the process as much as possible, but it is possible that won't be entirely enough to stop it. If we weren't here, there's a good chance you all would have lost all of your memories as soon as you arrived.

[ they sigh. ]

As for the points in time and people... I don't know.

[recrowns]

[ . . . . he can't say he likes that news - but he only manages a moment of silence before nodding, accepting the information.]

I see. Was anyone here before you arrived? Or was the entire place deserted?

[retellers]

We were the only ones. Normally, people can't stay in the Realm, so it would be strange if there was anyone else here.

[recrowns]

Is that so... then - did these structures already exist? The shop, the inn, the - ah, 'railroad'?

[he's repeating it bc he's still a little unfamiliar with the term.

and then a tilt of his head]

Ah, and I know you said we'd primarily meet with our Leader this week... but we'll get a chance to meet with you all individually, yes? I'd like to get to know all of you better too, including those not present today.

[retellers]

Yes. But I don't know exactly how long this was all here beforehand.

[ there's another nod. ]

You will. We're sort of taking shifts, so the three of us will be around, and then we'll switch off for however long we're here.

[ they point over at the planetarium. ]

But if you wish to speak to us privately, you can use that building over there to call us. You'll be able to ask for a Leader who isn't assigned to you as well.

[recrowns]

Mm, I see.

[he'll look over to the planetarium and then back to Rabbit]

Did you assign the Leaders to each of us yourselves, or was it luck of the draw?

[retellers]

You were randomly assigned to us. We also only know who is on our own team.

[recrowns]

Sounds mysterious.

And the prize for winning your competition? Do you get anything if your team is the one to win?

[retellers]

You get a wish! It can be anything you want, and it'll be granted.

[recrowns]

[a beat]

Eh? Anything?

Without restriction? Like in the fairytales...?

[retellers]

Pretty much!

[ ... ]

So, um... don't do anything bad? Not that I have control of what you do with it!

[recrowns]

[sdflkjsdflkj

he looks like he wants to laugh (or cry) but - ]

If - If you could perhaps adjust the stakes of that wish, maybe it'd be safer... It'd be bad if we put all this work to save people and lives and then it gets undone at the end...

[retellers]

Ah, well... I can see what I can do.

[ but it's said in a tone that implies they are not sure if they can change anything about the reward. ]

[recrowns]

[that's fair and soo-won looks a little stressed but. well.]

Thank you for your efforts...

Is there anything else you think is important to share before I let you recover from the barrage of inquiries today?

[retellers]

[ they're actually thinking about it. ]

No, those were the most pressing things. And anything else we can just tell you later.

[recrowns]

Understood, thank you.

Do you want for anything in your 'home base'? When we go to meet you, would you like anything to be brought along? The fruits in the inn are good.

[retellers]

Oh, um... it's not mandatory, but it is suggested to bring a gift to a Leader who isn't yours if you go to talk to them.

[ there's a laugh, like they think the idea is funny. ]

A "peace offering," it's called. But like I said, it's not actually required!

[recrowns]

[sdflkjlj admittedly

soo-won thinks it's a little funny too]

Any tips on what Leaders might like? I'm afraid it might be hard to discern if I've never met them before, and I'd hate to bring a poorly chosen present during a first impression.

[retellers]

I think that... Goat would like almost anything, they'd appreciate just receiving a gift. Swan is very excitable, so something that might be entertaining? Um. I'm not sure what Tiger might like.

[ they look over at fox and wolf. ]

Fox... would also probably appreciate just anything. Wolf [ THEY LOWER THEIR VOICE ] would tell you to stop wasting your time on pointless things.

[recrowns]

[this is really cute]

I see, I see. Thank you.

And what would you like? I'll share notes with everyone in case they'd like to make visits.

[retellers]

Oh... um, I can't really think of anything, so don't worry about me.

[recrowns]

Hm... I'll try a few things - and maybe you can tell me what you like most.

[but other than that, soo-woo can't think of many other questions, so he gives another brief bow]

Until then. Take care.