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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.
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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? 🥺 ]
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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.
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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...]
no subject
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~!
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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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...needless to say, the priest ends up bringing himself to sit directly to Ciel's left, parcel situated on his lap and giving her a cheery grin as the bus begins meandering off toward its next stop. ]
--Oh! By the way, Ciel, I forgot to ask... um, where are you headed?
[ where is this bus going
where is HE going
...does he even know? maybe. ...maybe. (no.) ]
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Back to the apartment complex, it's starting to get late and I need to get dinner started. Did you have other errands you were hoping to run, Father?
[asked despite knowing the answer is just no, because he shouldn't have even stuck with her the entire day if he actually had any place to be at all. but since he obviously has a propensity for hideous games, why start holding back now?]
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Abel is shaking his head as expected before rubbing at his chin with a more thoughtful look. HMM, hmm... ]
Ah-- no, no, not particularly! I suppose it is getting about time to think about dinner, hm? Do you always cook at home, Ciel?
[ why is he asking, haha, no reason!!! no reason....... ]
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I try to, yes. We have enough free time, and it's cheaper to make your own food. The same goes for bringing homemade lunches, though the pricing at the office canteen isn't too bad either.
[no reason, huh... Mash X
XXto doubt]no subject
...
.....
a-anyway, he nods his head in a most Understanding manner. mm. ah, yes. right. homemade lunches; absolutely. ]
Is there something in particular you like making...? You know, like a go-to dish you have fun cooking?
no subject
Of course. Curry~! ♥
[...with like 500% the enthusiasm that she's shown towards anything else so far, more or less,
(also it's not so much "fun" cooking as it is eating it, but details, right fellow FattyDingDong?)]
no subject
[ not what he was expecting-- not that he really knows what he was expecting now that he thinks about it, honestly...? maybe a French dish? some kind of home comfort food? but maybe Curry is that for her, he doesn't know.
Abel finds himself chuckling in response, before clasping his hands together in a sort of satisfied excitement. ]
Well~! What kind of curry is your favorite...? There are all sorts of different kinds, right? Do you like the spicy sort, or maybe something on the sweeter side~?
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[amazing, it's like listening to a high school girl gush about her first crush, with how her face just lights up like a Christmas tree or something...! there we have it, wonder what her favorite food is? 🤔]
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this is love. Ciel... loves curry.
...he truly is with his people. a fattydingdong of the highest caliber... he has found one of his kin... a-ah...
Abel is leaning in just a bit as he takes in every last detail of her explanation as if she is extolling the single most important thing he has ever heard. ...what? Food People must support their own, okay?? he is HERE for her, HERE for this, GIRL SPILL THE
TEACURRY, every last drop!! ]W-wow, I never realized there were so many different ways it could be prepared... Dark chocolate? --Really? What kind is made with dark chocolate?
[ they are going to have a Curry Weekend. Abel has decided this is happening. by GOD, they are having a Curry Weekend. ]
no subject
They go best with Japanese and Indian curry, in my opinion! Think about it: dark chocolate is bitter and fragrant with a hint of sweetness, so of course it would enrich most curry mixes. Coffee and fruits can be used similarly, all sorts of personal touches can be added depending on preference~!
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