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theafflicted2022-06-11 05:38 am
afflictionmods) wrote in theafflicted2022-06-11 05:38 am
03.50 - week three, saturday
W3 SATURDAY
Another Saturday rolls around. Some of you had an… interesting night, perhaps, but that’s still no excuse to sit out on your lessons. There’s another announcement, another time to meet before your lessons start today. This time is just a bit different, though. This time you’re not meeting up at campus. You’re told to meet up at the park in the Museum District - and, as always, you’re expected to show up. How you get there is irrelevant, but you better try to be on time.
Florence is waiting at the park, and behind them is another dark, ominous orb. Even as far away as you are, you can hear its whispers. It’s calling to you with promises it can show you a new life, a better life, it can make you someone better… But then Florence is speaking, as if they cannot feel the hear the whispers.
“I will be accompanying you on this lesson, as I said in the brochure I handed out on Thursday. I will do my best to assist you.” There is a pause, though their face voice remains emotionless. “It is hard to say what it will be like inside - however, your goal for this lesson is to close this place for good. I may be unable to assist with that personally, so we are relying on you.”
They take a step back, turning towards the orb.
“I would advise you to do what is asked of you while you are in there - and a word of warning. Through our observations, we have noticed something strange. This seems capable of creating replications of those who enter it.” They let that information hang for a moment, before continuing. “We are unsure what these replications are truly capable of, but please be careful.”
Then Florence gestures for you to follow, and they’re stepping into the orb.
Florence is waiting at the park, and behind them is another dark, ominous orb. Even as far away as you are, you can hear its whispers. It’s calling to you with promises it can show you a new life, a better life, it can make you someone better… But then Florence is speaking, as if they cannot feel the hear the whispers.
“I will be accompanying you on this lesson, as I said in the brochure I handed out on Thursday. I will do my best to assist you.” There is a pause, though their face voice remains emotionless. “It is hard to say what it will be like inside - however, your goal for this lesson is to close this place for good. I may be unable to assist with that personally, so we are relying on you.”
They take a step back, turning towards the orb.
“I would advise you to do what is asked of you while you are in there - and a word of warning. Through our observations, we have noticed something strange. This seems capable of creating replications of those who enter it.” They let that information hang for a moment, before continuing. “We are unsure what these replications are truly capable of, but please be careful.”
Then Florence gestures for you to follow, and they’re stepping into the orb.
THE RINGMASTER
The inside is still the same park, but it has been transformed into a carnival. There are booths with games and food set up everywhere, a large ferris wheel, a tent. It will be a familiar carnival, to some of you, but all the lights are off and there are no people there. There’s a tug, a pull, that draws you towards the main tent - to center stage. Stepping inside you will be greeted by someone dressed as a ringmaster, whose voice is lively and energetic despite how hollow they seem on the outside:
“Hello and welcome! It’s time for your performance! And every good performer wants to do what the people want, don’t they? There’s a list on those little tablets of yours, and you need to do whatever’s asked of you!”
The ringmaster laughs brightly, and it echoes throughout the tent. “The more you do, the more we’ll all enjoy it, and the better chance you will get to stay you! But if you refuse… Well, that won’t be any good, right?”
The ringmaster makes a wide, sweeping gesture with their cane.
“We’re very generous here, though, and realize some things are easier to do with others! That’s why one refusal won’t be an instant loss. We’re assigning task cards, you see. Kinda like bingo cards! Each time you do a task for someone or someone does one for you, you get 50 points! The more you do, the higher the score, and once you reach 200 points, you're capped! But every time you refuse to do something people ask you to do, even if you're at 200 points… you lose 100 points ! And if you don’t do anything, well, you get no points and you lose automatically! You also can’t just sit around doing the same thing with the same person over and over again! Gotta spice it up! The same thing over and over again is just boring.”
There’s a click, and noise starts up outside of the tent. It sounds like the carnival’s come alive.
“Your little tablets will track your points. I really do recommend playing along, because if you fail… You’ll lose something. Something that makes you you! A memory, a precious item, something that makes you who you are and can’t be replaced so easily… Who knows what’s at risk, here! Though who am I kidding, it might be more fun to see what you'll lose. Don't ya think? Maybe you should just give up now and we can all laugh about it!
Anyways, all you gotta do is live until the timer runs out. The timer, by the way, is gonna be at the top of your tablet thingamajigs.”
There’s a tip of the ringmaster’s hat. The timer reads 90 minutes.
“That’s all for now! Go find that pesky little robot who’s been snooping around if you want more answers, because I am very busy.”
“Hello and welcome! It’s time for your performance! And every good performer wants to do what the people want, don’t they? There’s a list on those little tablets of yours, and you need to do whatever’s asked of you!”
The ringmaster laughs brightly, and it echoes throughout the tent. “The more you do, the more we’ll all enjoy it, and the better chance you will get to stay you! But if you refuse… Well, that won’t be any good, right?”
The ringmaster makes a wide, sweeping gesture with their cane.
“We’re very generous here, though, and realize some things are easier to do with others! That’s why one refusal won’t be an instant loss. We’re assigning task cards, you see. Kinda like bingo cards! Each time you do a task for someone or someone does one for you, you get 50 points! The more you do, the higher the score, and once you reach 200 points, you're capped! But every time you refuse to do something people ask you to do, even if you're at 200 points… you lose 100 points ! And if you don’t do anything, well, you get no points and you lose automatically! You also can’t just sit around doing the same thing with the same person over and over again! Gotta spice it up! The same thing over and over again is just boring.”
There’s a click, and noise starts up outside of the tent. It sounds like the carnival’s come alive.
“Your little tablets will track your points. I really do recommend playing along, because if you fail… You’ll lose something. Something that makes you you! A memory, a precious item, something that makes you who you are and can’t be replaced so easily… Who knows what’s at risk, here! Though who am I kidding, it might be more fun to see what you'll lose. Don't ya think? Maybe you should just give up now and we can all laugh about it!
Anyways, all you gotta do is live until the timer runs out. The timer, by the way, is gonna be at the top of your tablet thingamajigs.”
There’s a tip of the ringmaster’s hat. The timer reads 90 minutes.
“That’s all for now! Go find that pesky little robot who’s been snooping around if you want more answers, because I am very busy.”
THE AUDIENCE
Once the ringmaster’s done with their speech, you’re free to travel around the carnival and explore it. It’s an eerie, quiet place, but… you’re not alone, and it won’t take you long to realize that. Those of you who had seen this carnival before - Miach, Shinei, Herlock, and Xingqiu - probably won’t be surprised when the doubles show up. They’re near perfect recreations of you - but near perfect doesn’t mean perfect. Their mannerisms might be odd, or their movements might be jerky and uncanny… but at a glance, it’s impossible to tell who is the real one and who isn’t.
And this is something that makes these doubles very, very angry.
They want you to fail, and they’ll do anything they can to ensure that happens. They’ll sabotage you - or your partner - all in an effort to make you lose points. They'll taunt you if it seems like you're ready to open up, they'll tell you about all the reasons why being honest is a bad idea. For physical prompts, they'll taunt you, call you a monster... They also seem to believe that if you fail, they’ll get to replace you. They will get a chance to get out of here and be the real one. They’re not always convincing, but they are dangerous, and there’s just as many of them as there are of you.
And this is something that makes these doubles very, very angry.
They want you to fail, and they’ll do anything they can to ensure that happens. They’ll sabotage you - or your partner - all in an effort to make you lose points. They'll taunt you if it seems like you're ready to open up, they'll tell you about all the reasons why being honest is a bad idea. For physical prompts, they'll taunt you, call you a monster... They also seem to believe that if you fail, they’ll get to replace you. They will get a chance to get out of here and be the real one. They’re not always convincing, but they are dangerous, and there’s just as many of them as there are of you.
OOC NOTES
OOC: Here are some important things to note for today’s event:
- A simple breakdown of the rules is as follows:
- The cards know, meaning that they'll know if something is not answered earnestly. Prompts that are answered falsely will not go away on your tablets. They will only go away if they are answered truthfully.
- Failure is NOT a bad end! In fact, we have some plans in the instance where not enough people pass the exercise. If 5 or more people fail the exercise, that is considered a group failure. Those who failed individually will face the consequences of losing the important memory/item/etc.
- We are asking people to make their own task cards. Here is a list of prompts:
You may also add one custom prompt tailored to your character, if you wish.
Please toss the prompts into the textbox at the top of this site. Under "Configuration Options", the card size should be 3x3 and the center space should have Normal selected. All characters will get a total of 9 prompts on their cards. It is okay to have prompts that your character would not do; it would just increase their chances of failure.
- A simple breakdown of the rules is as follows:
You cap at 200 points, but you must maintain those 200 points until the timer runs out.
Mutual agreement on completing a task nets each person 50 points.
Getting turned down or refusing to do one makes you lose 100 points.
You cannot use the same person to complete all your tasks. You must have only one prompt per character that you cooperate with.
- The cards know, meaning that they'll know if something is not answered earnestly. Prompts that are answered falsely will not go away on your tablets. They will only go away if they are answered truthfully.
- Failure is NOT a bad end! In fact, we have some plans in the instance where not enough people pass the exercise. If 5 or more people fail the exercise, that is considered a group failure. Those who failed individually will face the consequences of losing the important memory/item/etc.
- We are asking people to make their own task cards. Here is a list of prompts:
You may also add one custom prompt tailored to your character, if you wish.
Please toss the prompts into the textbox at the top of this site. Under "Configuration Options", the card size should be 3x3 and the center space should have Normal selected. All characters will get a total of 9 prompts on their cards. It is okay to have prompts that your character would not do; it would just increase their chances of failure.
no subject
[ It's a blunt answer, simple as that. ]
You were the one who told me you weren't a fan of things' needing to be physical, if memory serves.
no subject
Using my words against me...
[Ugh.]
Why should I tell you, out of everyone here? You want it for your score, right?
no subject
[ He doesn't deny it, because it's true. ]
Regardless if it's for my score, it's for yours as well. I'd rather not risk losing something irreplaceable. [ a pause. ] Is it the same for you?
Scores aside, despite your likely opinion of me, I give you my word that I won't relay anything you tell me to anyone else. I realize that my word means little when you're very much aware that I'm a liar.
However... if I return the favor, would that be agreeable? Would it prove that I'm honest about this?
no subject
Well, if you're going to be that generous.
[It's clear that Owen is resisting, and he's just as much of a liar as Gentaro.]
However, I am not a person who is ever vulnerable, so I'm not sure I can actually help you.
no subject
Even the most hardened person has been vulnerable at some point in their existence.
[ "Reassuring Owen" is not a thing Gentaro ever thought he'd do, but here they are. Despite his instinct to cut and run, he continues, and when he continues, his voice is soft. Maybe it's even a little more honest. ]
Despite the vast length of your life, has there been even a single moment? Many people were once young and unmarred by misfortune and tragedy.
no subject
Are you trying to make me angry instead? Is this just a trick?
[Because he's certainly getting angry now!]
I was never anything like that. Vulnerability will get you killed in the North, and I'm here, aren't I?
no subject
[ He's not surprised. Owen isn't exactly a difficult read. ]
You're a practiced liar. If you ever felt vulnerable, you would be able to hide it away. Vulnerability may result in your death in the North, but that's only if you show it, correct?
I'll concede to this: You are here, away from the North, away from those who would kill you if you revealed that side of yourself. And despite our past interactions, I wouldn't dream of revealing someone's secrets when I have more than my share of them.
cw injury mention oops
...
[Owen stares at Gentaro, before glancing away. There's nothing in the environment he can focus on, though, so eventually his gaze settles on Gentaro's feet.]
I...
[He doesn't want to talk about this. It makes his chest feel tight, and he doesn't understand - it's not like he has a heart, so why does it hurt?]
There are times I can't remember what I'm doing - everything is blank, and I just. I have no control over it, and some of the things I've done...
[There was so much blood, the knight torn to shreds by Cerberus, almost dying while Owen could do nothing because he had never bothered to learn how to do others.]
I hate knowing that there are times where I'm not in control of myself and I don't know what's the cause of that, and knowing what could happen to me... Does this satisfy you? Is that vulnerable enough?
:worry:
[ ... ]
I'm far from satisfied, Owen. Despite what you may think, it brings me no joy to hear anything like this. I may have a cruel streak, but I despise when anyone is forced to reveal things they keep locked tight.
[ ... But, it's his turn. Gentaro is quiet for what feels like forever before he lets out a low sigh. He crosses his arms over his chest. ]
When Ramuda, Dice, and I had newly formed our group, we lost a battle. We weren't nearly strong enough together, as a team, to win against a much stronger team. Trust can be such a fragile thing, and at the time, none of us trusted each other.
... It stung to lose, after I had agreed to join them after I had been alone for so long. I believed that I was content to be alone. After so many years of isolation, I'd convinced myself that I needed no one.
All of that was shattered after that loss. Ramuda and Dice agreed that we should split up, because surely there was no way we could ever manage to become close enough to win even the easiest battles. And yet-- once I realized they were slipping from my grasp, I desperately tried to get them to stay.
They left, and that was when I realized how terrible it was to be alone.
:clorry:
Owen doesn't believe, not for one second, that Gentaro actually despises that he's being forced to talk about a moment of total weakness. Maybe it's his own biases clouding his judgement, or that he knows so many people who would delight in hearing this...
So he frowns, but he keeps quiet until Gentaro is done with his side of the deal.]
How long did it take before you got back together, then? How long were you even a team to begin with?
[He sighs.]
And what's so wrong with being alone, anyways?
wow
Mm. In truth, neither took very long. Perhaps it only felt longer to me.
[ A pause. While it's utterly baffling that he's revealed this to Owen of all people, it's out there now, and there's nothing he can do about that. ]
I can speak only for myself, of course. Loneliness is an unbearable weight, especially when I catch glimpses of people's bonds outside a cafe window, or at a park, or when I pass by them on the street.
It reminds me of what I've lost, and when it happens again, it feels like the weight of that loneliness could crush me.
no subject
I see.
[He takes a moment.]
And now I know everything about this moment. How does that make you feel? Someone you find so abhorrent knowing one of the moments you’ve felt your weakest.
no subject
I admit, it's less than ideal. I would be displeased no matter who I reveal these things to. But it has nothing to do with my feelings toward them.
[ ... ]
Abhorrent is a strong word. My disgust and resentment are reserved for those who have wronged me in ways you likely couldn't. Perhaps you grate on my nerves so much because we're more similar than either of us would like to admit.
no subject
Are you sure you even want to admit we might be similar at all?
no subject
I may be a liar, but there's no use in refuting something I'm sure we both know.
no subject
You're more interesting than I thought you were at first.
no subject
And you haven't even heard my tragic past yet.
no subject
[Is he being honest about this? Who knows!]
That's not what makes you interesting. What makes you interesting is who you are right now, standing in front of me.
no subject
My, if I did not know any better, I would think this was an attempt to woo me.
no subject
Well, I'm glad you do know better, then.