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redstringtheories2021-10-01 02:11 pm
TDM #4
(cw: potential for severe disorientation/vertigo, claustrophobia, arachnophobia, body horror)
It happens in the blink of an eye. You may have been asleep. You may not have. You may have stepped through a door or turned a corner. You may have seen a flicker of something at the corner of your vision and turned to look. Or maybe you didn't.
It doesn't matter. What matters is that you find yourself somewhere entirely new and entirely unfamiliar. The arrival point is not always the same. (If you're lucky, it might be a canteen or an open office. If you're not, well... you aren't claustrophobic, are you? Or arachnophobic. These ducts do seem to be a bit cobwebby.) There is no one waiting for you but you don’t seem to be alone, either. Even in a janitor’s closet or the bathroom, you’ll find at least one person who seems to be just as out of place as you are.
If characters have arrived in a location devoid of NPCs, they may want to work together to figure out what is going on... or to avoid their 'kidnappers.' If you’ve arrived in the middle of the entry foyer or the gym, there may well be a few people who startle a bit at your arrival and try to approach (or discreetly leave the room... where are they going?). Will you cooperate or fight? Do you even understand what they're saying? You might need to find a translator, if you’re not immediately willing to follow a stranger.
After characters follow their new hosts (or are forcibly taken in) there will be a limited tour and the chance to settle in at the ADI-provided housing. (Do you enjoy living with strangers? Well. It's a new situation to navigate, anyway.)
(cw: creepy toys, possible violence, supernaturally induced emotions)
Weird things happen in Dogtown, everyone knows it. The Apocalypse Disruption Initiative (ADI) is not above taking advantage of that to test out the waters for its newest arrivals. They're not looking to send anyone to their death, though. That's far too much paperwork, you'd been assured with a wink from the employee who'd directed you to the park trailhead. You've been left with another person. Maybe they're a new arrival, as well, or a more seasoned 'veteran.' Either way, you're together for the next while and you've been asked to find and record any paranormal activity in the park. You have your phones and any other equipment you might have brought with you. Those who succeed in documenting anything peculiar will receive a $100 reward to be used as they see fit.
This month...characters who enter the area will eventually stumble upon...a very interesting sight. Take enough confusing, branching paths, and they’ll find a variety of toys abandoned in...a variety of ways.
Some, reminiscent of the happenings of the past month, can be found dangling from branches, or from contraptions of sticks and string staked into the ground. Others might be found arranged in patterns...or simply discarded. Some appear to be tied up. Perhaps surprisingly, there is no evidence of the destruction of these toys. Some may appear to be disintegrating but that’s age, not malice. There are old toys and new toys to be found. Maybe it’s just a prank, or an art installation?
Nothing seems to happen to anyone who ventures to touch the toys. At least...not right away. However, any character who does decide to touch a toy will start to feel like they just don’t have...enough. It might manifest as being particularly possessive over things or people they feel are theirs...or in coveting what they don’t already have (be it material or immaterial). These urges will fade away on their own in time, but who knows what might happen before they do?
(cw: mention of vehicular collisions, supernaturally-induced sleep/fatigue)
There is an ethereal music spreading throughout town. It started in the graveyards last month, but now it's spreading, even as collisions and other accidents continue to pile up. Tourists and locals, alike, will find keeping awake incredibly difficult as October rolls in with a rumble of thunder and a splash of rain. Even caffeine doesn't seem to help much with the problem. The music is only just there, just at the edge of awareness, and it's a song that you know. You can't entirely place it, but it's maddeningly familiar.
The local gangs seem to have taken note of the situation, and have taken to sending out their seemingly more resilient members for some mischief. Specifically, pickpocketing those they might find sleeping or less alert than usual. You might be half-falling asleep on a bus when a hand reaches into your pocket or your bag. You might witness the thief in action, stealing from someone else. Or maybe you're someone keen to take advantage of the situation, yourself. There's money to be made for someone with even moderately light fingers when the target is snoring on a park bench or zoning out while sitting at a cafe.
There doesn't seem to be an even effect to the music. It impacts some people in the same vicinity more than others with seemingly no rhyme or reason. The one constant that does appear for those digging deeply, is that ADI HQ and the ADI housing complex seem to be less affected by the music. It can still sometimes be heard, but it's not nearly as prominent as it is throughout the rest of the city.
(cw: supernaturally-induced sleep/fatigue, mild memory loss)
For as much as everyone seems to be sleeping lately, it does not seem to be restful sleep. In fact, people dozing off regularly will find themselves even more exhausted and irritable than usual. Again, this seems to be far more pronounced for anyone straying too far from ADI's properties for extended periods.
Another feature of this latest round of supernatural irritation is that even those who tend to remember their dreams may have trouble with that. You might remember that the dreams weren't pleasant, but that's about it. The specifics are as elusive as the source of the singing.
Festive planning for the end-of-the-month Halloween Party is in full swing at ADI, and characters may find themselves strong-armed by Pam and other HR personnel, in spite of any grumpiness and exhaustion, into helping with some part of it. Will you be assisting with making decorations? Buying supplies for the kitchens? Helping those who might not understand Halloween to find the perfect costume? Everyone is feeling a little out of sorts, and having trouble focusing, so there's some particular pushing to spread tasks out to everyone possible so it doesn't fall on a single individual. Anyone who helps will be compensated for their time, and they might even get some extra cash to buy their own fancy costume or preferred food for the party.
- ARRIVAL (Oct 1 - 31): Two people will always arrive in the same general location together. Arrivals occur throughout the early month, not all on the same day or in the same place. Arrivals are not naturally fluent in English/other languages immediately upon arrival. Characters may attempt to evade capture, but they will eventually be snagged before they can leave the building. PC's already in-game are more than welcome to interact with and try to guide new PC's to get them oriented. Please refer to the Arrival page for details regarding the arrival and onboarding process.
- Toying With You (Oct 1 - 31): Characters who physically interact with abandoned toys will find themselves overwhelmed by feelings of jealousy and/or possessiveness. Depending on how much interaction they have with the toys, these feelings might be stronger or last longer. (Anyone who, for example, removes a toy from Dogtown will probably find themselves helpless NOT to act on the feelings.) Strength of feeling and duration of time is up to player discretion. The source of these feelings could be anything, including the toys themselves. The toys can be destroyed but are not clumped all in one spot. It may take some searching to find them all.
- Pick a Pocket (Oct 1- 25): Characters are welcome to experience, enact, or stop a crime. You may find yourself victim, hero, or perpetrator. The number of people asleep or having trouble staying awake will increase the closer you get to graveyards and seem to decrease the closer you get to ADI-owned buildings. The decrease in sleepiness around ADI buildings does not extend to anyone living at Bonnie's. Characters may find themselves falling asleep in the middle of trivial or important tasks, perhaps even in the middle of conversation. This is a supernatural sleep, but for the moment, it seems easy enough to wake someone up with a loud noise or a shake. Or, if you're feeling particularly vindictive, a splash of water to the face.
- Sleeper's Paradox (Oct 1-25): Characters are welcome to take part in whatever party planning they wish to for ADI's Halloween party. Everyone affected by the drowsiness that's taken over the city will find that they cannot remember the specific nature of their dreams; although, they will have the sense that they did have them, and they were unpleasant. The effects of the fatigue may affect other memories or result in increased irritability, and decreased focus and reaction times. Characters may find themselves more prone to error than usual, even those who are typically known for being on-point at all times.
no subject
What made you decide to pick up a job at the cafe, by the way?
[ Ciel is quite an interesting sort of person... he thinks she probably doesn't like sitting still or not being busy. or, at least... that's the impression she certainly gives off. ]
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Shouldn't that be obvious, especially to you of all people?
[...Idle thought that may become a concern soon™: is he even carrying his ADI issued bus pass with him? Should she start getting worried...]
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Abel is making something of a face at that, though... ]
What is that supposed to mean, exactly? Me of all people...?!
[ JUST WHAT IS SHE TRYING TO INSINUATE THIS TIME... ]
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No guesses? And you call me a killjoy.
[what does he think she's insinuating :3c]
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[ HMPH... he huffs quietly, but after dusting his hands free of cookie crumbs and readjusting the sit of the parcel under his arm, he doesn't actually seem particularly bothered. ]
But should I guess what the answer is, or what you were insinuating...? Or are you trying to get me to guess both? N-now I'm getting a headache.
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[She seems to be in a great mood in "contrast", for better or worse...]
I'd like to hear both, now that you mention it!
[Since he so kindly offered,]
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so, he is putting a good show of looking thoughtful as if this particular topic requires a great deal of Thinking, even if they both know that between the two of them, there might be One Fully Realized
ThotThought to be had, ]Well! First thing's first. Do I know why you got your job at the café...? Hm, well. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say it was because you are incapable of relaxing and wanted to ensure every single second of your day was filled to the brim with things to do, which ties into that whole 'not knowing how to have fun' bit I was on about before, Ciel. In fact, I think all of it comes together quite nicely when you look at the whole picture in hindsight... ah-- we really ought to do something about that, shouldn't we? --A relaxation day! [ he slaps his closed fist into his palm like, 'EUREKA!' ] Maybe we can try to find you some matcha tea~! You find that relaxing, right? And tea is fun~! Can't go wrong!
[ what was he talking about again? ...the original point has been lost, somewhere, but that's fine. ]
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...
[Did he ever wonder what she'd look like as a kicked puppy
because that's an expression that's happening now along with a lowered head and slumped shoulders (still hugging the cookie bag like it was some comfort pillow), as she stops walking right at an intersection they've come up against before a street crossing (and yes, she was right as rain and very chipper not even 2 minutes ago,)]
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it takes Abel a few extra steps to notice that his walking-mate is no longer keeping pace beside him; he is half-turning to ask her if she's forgotten something, when
he sees it. THE LOOK. the look.
a... ah. ah? no, w-wait. what?? he is quickly trotting back with his hands held out in a placating gesture of concern-- ]
M... miss Ciel? Are you alright...? Wh... What is it? Stomach ache...? Did you eat too many cookies? H-here, do you need to sit down...?
[ ??????? STOP??? stop, his hands are hovering just short of touching her, like he's afraid to make it worse, hELP-- ]
no subject
...So that's all you see.
[It's murmured soft enough that the noise of any passing car could've easily drowned her voice out; good thing the street is quiet, right now?]
no subject
All I can... see?
[ all he can see? ...w-what does she mean by that?? this time, his ponderings over implications behind her statement are sincere. after a brief hesitation, Abel might just be dropping his hands from their place of anxious hovering as he gently angles his face to try and get a better look at hers, instead. ]
Ciel? You-- you know I was just teasing, right...? Please don't tell me you took it to heart? I mean, I really would love to bring you matcha-- but the rest, was just...
[ he tapers off...... C-Ciel?? Ciel? 🥺 ]
no subject
I just like sweets, too...
[no he made her SAD, DEJECTION INCARNATE. it's over. didn't he get the memo that maiden hearts are delicate?? this doesn't change just because he got dropped into another world, gosh??? just leave her at this bus stop (yes the signage she's next to/under is a bus stop plaque, what a coincident) to hug her cookies tighter to her chest tbh, at least they won't make fun of her 😢]
1/2
...
Abel is letting the parcel under his arm drop softly at his feet to lightly rest both of his hands at her shoulders, squaring up to look her Seriously in the eyes. this is an Earnest Eye Contact Moment. this is an Exchange Of Sincerity. this... this is a Look Between Two Fattydingdongs. ]
I know.
[ said so... softly. with great meaning. understanding. remorse. ]
I know you do. I sensed it in you the moment we locked eyes outside the café... you just get a feeling about these sort of things, you know? When you have come across a kindred spirit. And... God forgive me, Miss Ciel; I am but a man of a weak heart. In that instant, I realized something ugly in myself-- that I was jealous of you, so I teased you about your job at the café. It was too good to be true-- working so close with the baked goods? Learning how to make them for yourself...? Employee discounts...?! I am ashamed to admit I gave into my own weakness and gluttony, and you paid the price. For that, I can't begin to apologize.
no subject
I won't ask for forgiveness. But, please... don't make such a face on my account. I'll repent on this-- I swear to you! I won't do it again... P-please.
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That is, he can Search all he pleases, from the Depths of him and through all Nine Circles of Hell, he will not find blue mirroring blue. He may regret it now, he may want to say sorry until his lips turn blue... But none of that would undo the damage of what he's done, now would it? Reality is not so convenient. She may be staring at her shoes, her gaze may have fallen flat over the Duncan logo - or she might simply be seeing nothing at all. He Knows what he's done, and all there is here in front of him is the wreckage left behind by the Green Eyed monster of his creation.]
You... knew...
[He knew, and he committed the deed nevertheless. Even if it was during a moment of weakness, an instant of callous judgment.
...]
no subject
...
(even if... somewhere in some little part of him that might not make it to his face... he is quietly happy that he's found someone to play these sorts of games with. y-you know, life is rather boring without those who are willing to humor these sort of hijinks...)
Abel ducks his head even further in repentant misery!!!! he is almost bowing at this point, a cowed shape begging for Ciel's forgiveness even if he knows better than to ask it of her outright. ]
I... I won't make any excuses... a-and if you'd like me to pay my penance, you only need speak the word, Ciel, I-- I'll do anything, s-so...
[ perhaps a dangerous offer. perhaps. especially to one as SLY as Ciel. and yet... he is sincere, regardless!!!! in the name of making amends for his most grievous crime, one must be prepared to do what they have to, right?!?! ]
no subject
Such is the nature of humans, such is sin: there isn't a cognizant human in existence who has never, ever sinned. It is just an uglier aspect of living, like a stain that proves one's existed, even if the world may have been a far better place if that 'proof' had never been created to begin with. An immutable blemish, that no amount of time or effort can remove.
But one will still seek atonement, despite it. That's why he's apologizing, isn't it? For the desire to make amends, to be absolved of one's transgressions, is also inherently human. Just because what has been said and done cannot be taken back, cannot be erased, does not make the endeavour useless. For atonement is not about the result, but the process. She of all people knows, is keenly, almost painfully aware of it. And that's why...
...]
Okay.
[...]
I don't know yet, but I'll think about it.
[Quietly, as her head droops sideways a bit. ...Is it supposed to feel this heavy, to receive someone else's regrets?
(What has she gotten herself into. But it's a little late to do anything about things in motion now, isn't it--)
In the far distance, a bus is beginning to head this way...]
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You... you can take as long as you need, alright? Consider this an open invitation to claim it whenever you're ready...!
[ when the time is right, this little 'debt' can be properly paid. it could be used in any way she sees fit; is giving someone he's just met such great power wise...? ah, suppose he must have a great deal of faith in her, misguided or otherwise, hm, 🤔 suppose the prospect of her continued sorrow outweighs any potential for abuse he may have considered...? either way...
as the brakes of the bus give a squeaky squeal and it comes lumbering to a halt before them, Abel is straightening his back and offering her a sheepish, lopsided little smile. ]
Ladies first...?
1/2
[Blinking, she IMMEDIATELY straightens herself and frees her cookie back of one hand in order to push her own glasses up, as if waking up from whatever they were caught in just now, like it was no big deal. The bus has pulled up! That's obviously far more important. (He didn't need to be told either, hm? Well,
good dogs SHOULD be smartthis works!)]no subject
[The bus doors open, and a few passengers amble out without paying them any heed. He never DID pick up the package he dropped a few moments earlier when he became crushed by the weight of realization, did he?]
1/2
1230948093804983--)but at her prompt, Abel's expression is growing quizzical. hm? what...? if he leaves... huh?
you can practically see the gears turning, ]
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--Right~! Got it!! H-haha, I almost forgot for a second there...! G-goodness, Miss Ciel, what would a man do without you~?
[ the list is too long to even bother with, honestly, ]
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2iq idiotsBirbs of a feather, huh...?She's fished her buss pass out of her bag in the meanwhile, holding it up for him to plainly see.]
And this?
[is she gonna need to cover his hobo ass for the fare, too (she'd do it, smh)]
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sypass-- right! once he is straightening with the parcel under his arm again, he is patting himself down with the other hand until he locates the pass in one of his belt pouches. producing it with a victorious and bright smile as if he has accomplished some amazing feat........he beams and waits for her to celebrate accordingly, ]
Here~! Here it is...! Got it~!
no subject
Good job, you brought it with you!
[...it really is like praising a dog,
That ascertained, she'll be getting on first (and ignore any potential Look from the driver, this 5'4 girlie who looks like she's in college praising the lanky 6'4 guy in cosplay tier priest cassock like he's a lost child, lots of strange things happen around Gloucester so this is barely blink worthy tbh). It's starting to get late in the afternoon, but not peak rush hour just quite yet. There's plenty of free seats, so she takes one among the bench-like formation lining up the window side without giving it any thought. He's free to stand or sit, but with both spots at her sides free, it's not really a question at all, is it?]
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