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Seasons Mods ([personal profile] seasonsmods) wrote in [community profile] seasonsgreetings2024-03-15 12:11 am
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Event #7: Knocking on the 4th Wall (Inside the Metaverse)



Knocking on the 4th Wall
LOGS | NETWORK | OOC | MEMES | NAVIGATION





Prelude (Pre 4th Wall)


On March 14th, everyone received a message. The Research Center is ready to try another test to find ways to beat the Darkness. This time the test is not done with the robots that were previously used, but instead everyone who volunteers will be participating in a virtual reality simulator. They're asked to come over to the Center on March 15th.

The researchers will explain that the purpose of this simulation is to see how several fully powered power holders fair against the Darkness. They have gathered enough data on it and the dark energy in general to determine the effects it will have on nature, monsters and wildlife if the barrier is taken off. This is the only safe way to actually test their theories.

After all the necessary explanations, everyone is asked to log in to the metaverse. Anyone logging in may notice that there are a lot of glitches as they enter.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, anyone looking at any kind of a screen (their own device, television, a digital advertisement, etc.) will have their mind sucked into the metaverse, due to the virus residing in the program. Their bodies will be left in a sleep-like state wherever they may be.



Wrong Turn at Albuquerque


The Research Center staff intended for all otherworlders to start near the Research Center so they could get used to the metaverse in peace. There are no natives in the simulator, so testing out powers around the city would have been safe as well. However, because of the glitch, people can appear anywhere, either in the city or anywhere on the segments (save from the one closed off location).

Sometimes the scenery and items in the world glitch a little bit, reminding anyone that this is the metaverse. Except the glitches weren't meant to happen. Luckily they're all mostly aesthetical, but some items may work differently than they should. You have a spoon? It actually works like a fork.

Luckily, this doesn't mean they will be without any items. They can open a menu with the device on their wrist that lets them get anything at all from Riki's Rewards during the simulator without any cost. They can think of this as special opportunity to test out all kinds of items before buying them, as they work exactly the same as they would in normal space.

For some reason, the Shady Shop also appears in the menu. That was not anyone's intention as the items are, well, shady.

Other than the two shops there are basic potion and magical item menus that people can use where needed. Even vehicles, such as airships can be summoned through the menus for easier traveling in the segments.

Some might find the glitches concerning and wish to return and tell the researches about them. The problem with that is is that clicking "Log Off" won't do anything at all, even if it's supposed to boot someone out of the metaverse. But that's not the end of the strange things going on.


You're in the Metaverse Now


Along with the otherworlders that were participating in the test, others start to join in as well due to unforeseen circumstances. Luckily, they have the same "settings" as everyone else, so they're not completely without aid wherever they end up in. They also have all of their powers unlocked for the duration of their stay in the metaverse (including all animal transformations).

As part of the strange glitch going on everyone also has access to any powers from previous worlds, if they have experienced other places before. It would seem the powers can also be shared through the item inventory, should anyone want to temporary use another world's abilities. This is possible with even a person's native powers.

And as if that wasn't enough, people who weren't on Ellipsa start appearing as well. Anyone who doesn't currently have a body on Ellipsa has a mark somewhere on their body, signaling that they're just data. This mark is somehow related to the characters that has it and emits a faint light.

All of the people who are just visiting will also be able to enjoy the metaverse the same way as anyone else. They have been sorted into a Seasons and have access to full powers - and the same item inventory. All that's different from the others is that they have no physical body to return to in this world.


Communication is the key


During the metaverse adventures, people are able to communicate through their devices, but the messages will not go out to the "normal" network. So the messages are only between those in the metaverse, but at least the network works the same way as it would in the "normal world".

Happy communicating.




It's Getting Dark, Too Dark to See


The goal of the metaverse is to have a safe environment to test powers against the Darkness. All of the barriers have been taken out, except for the one surrounding the city of Nightwake. The city acts as a safe haven to anyone who needs a break or doesn't want to fight.

Everyone is encouraged to go to where the barriers used to be and use their full, unlocked powers against everything and anything the darkness throws at them to see how well they can fight against it.

Thanks to all powers being unlocked, destroying enemies powered up by the Darkness is a lot easier, but pushing back the approaching darkness still needs something more than just raw power. Though with enough power holders of different seasons working together and crossing the different seasonal element streams fusing together different elements from each season in a single attack, it's possible to halt the advance, much like a barrier would, for 24 hours.

Due to the barriers being off, all creatures are stronger due to the Darkness's influence. Even creatures that normally have no danger level can now at least do Dark damage. Some Slime especially may seek vengeance.

Unfortunately, due to the weird glitch in the system, everyone inside the metaverse is able to feel pain when they originally weren't supposed to, to make the experience safe. It feels very real, and there's a chance any non-lethal wounds will appear on the person's real body.

Effects of "The Darkness"


The Darkness is slowly expanding from all sides. Very slowly, at a snail's pace. Everything it touches turns into black sand, before transforming into something different. Some may even recognize the things that rise from the sand, as they're monsters, fauna or people from their own world, made into more twisted forms. They may even be creatures from a popular media from back home... or at least, someone's home (players').

If a Power Holder walks into the Darkness, they won't immediately turn into anything. Instead the transformation is slow and painful. Leaving the area will stop the transformation, but any damage already done remains. If the person changes completely, they might lose their sense of self completely and attack anything in their sights.

What they turn into depends on the individual (player's choice) and the only way to reverse the changes is to die. Luckily that isn't permanent even in the metaverse. The person just gets booted out, but can re-enter anytime they want to (or in this case; is forced to). This was told to anyone before entering the program, so they could go all out and test limits as much as they want.




Wait... Did I Save?


A screen appears either when someone dies or gets forcefully booted out of the metaverse. It has two options: Remember or Forget.

Clicking "Remember" will automatically save everything that happened into a person's memory and proceed to boot them out. Clicking "Forget" will lead the person to a series of "Are you Sure" pop up windows. As the very last resort, the window suggests an option to only partially forget events that transpired in the metaverse. Choosing to still forget everything will make the person wake up from a long, dreamless sleep. The memories erased cannot be found later on, as they have been completely erased from their metaverse-selves. Even someone telling them what happened won't sound familiar.

This option is also available for any visitors during the time they're visiting. Whenever they die they get booted out and can be immediately returned to the metaverse (by the power of players) with or without their memories, depending on what they chose.

Of course, anyone can then tell the person about the very crazy stunts they made the last time they were in the metaverse. They could be complete lies, but they wouldn't have any solid proof, other than "I would never do that".

Time to Say Goodbye


Finally, on March 31st, a message comes from the outside. It's telling everyone stuck in the metaverse that they can finally leave out of their own will and stay out this time. People can then choose to leave immediately be pressing by pressing the "Log Off" button on their screen or take a moment to say goodbye to the temporary visitors of the metaverse.

The screen asking if someone wants to "Remember" or "Forget" appears, once again. This time the Forget option is even more insistent on asking if the person is sure about their choice, especially since the memories that are erased can't be taken back later.

Once everyone who exists on Ellipsa has returned to their bodies, the metaverse will be shut down. All visitors have been booted out and returned to where they came.



OOC TIPS


• Ask 4th Wall related questions here. Read the 4th wall FAQ before asking them.

• You don't need to comment on the plotting post to participate & anyone can participate in the 4th wall (there's no separate invitation needed). However, if you wish to app in later, you need an invite if you're not a friend of the mods.

• This post is open to tag and top-level by everyone! Those arriving for the 4th wall can write 4TH WALL or VISITOR on their post and/or link their top level here!

Check the Opt-in top-level if you're considering bringing in a character that already exists in the game.

• Smut is not allowed on the event post, so if your thread is heading that way, please move it to a separate entry (like to your musebox or characters' journal).

• Remember to content and spoiler warn as necessary!

• Reminder to players in the game that this month is Activity Check-in month and check-in ends on March 31th, at 23:59 PST.






code bases by tricklet
idkillforthat: (06. 🗡️ i just do what I know)

[personal profile] idkillforthat 2024-05-10 11:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ Just a tiny bit. He may look cool (questionable) but he's even more of an old man than his nephew, so he's definitely struggling with this. ]

[ He inspects the crystal with suspicion. It looks like it could have come from the Titan Cave, as far as he's concerned, but he's just witnessed that it can do so much more. ]


How exactly does this work, then?
notdaddy: (that's my weirdass son)

[personal profile] notdaddy 2024-05-10 04:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he would shhh Even if Tristan says embarrassing things like that, Luciel's still glad to see him enjoy himself. He's never thought of his cooking as special, and from the way Tristan's acting, he's starting to think that maybe he's assumed a bit too much about this tiny, weird demon.

A faint sigh escapes him as he scratches behind one ear. ]


Yeah, well... There's a lot of other foods out there to try. Maybe we see how many of them become your favourites.

[ skipping right over the sex thing don't mind him ]
mayoninofukucho: (I'm just sitting here.)

[personal profile] mayoninofukucho 2024-05-10 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
You just tell it where you want to go, like it's your personal driver, and it teleports you there. If you want to take anyone else along with you, make sure they're holding on to you.

[He really has become a tutorial NPC, hasn't he... how could this happen to him?]
datingsimp: (5.)

[personal profile] datingsimp 2024-05-10 08:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[Tristan’s eyes are glued to Luciel in adoration as he listens.]

Every food you cook is my favorite! I can’t wait to try them. And then I will cook for you!

[Yes. He will show his love to Luciel by cooking him a delicious meal that he approves of! His eyes sparkle as he daydreams about it.]
Edited 2024-05-10 20:33 (UTC)
offeredhearts: (smirky smirk amused)

[personal profile] offeredhearts 2024-05-10 08:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Kenny probably doesn't want to know how many of those staring contests he's won.

Erwin isn't interested in arguing over outcomes that will never be. It was a gift in and of itself that Levi had been within his reach at all. Even after everything that happened, he wouldn't change a single moment of their time spent together. Levi prevailed because of his nature, not in spite of it.

A hint of returning amusement softens the ice a little. ]


Isn't it? Please, do clarify what you meant, then.
hometown: (resigned)

[personal profile] hometown 2024-05-11 07:31 pm (UTC)(link)
The moment of silence stretches on and on, infinite possibility caught on a held breath. How long does it last? There's no way to tell. No way to measure beyond the beat of Reiner's heart, and even that feels unsteady. Thunderous and fragile all at once, as if it could leap from his chest or shatter to the earth with a word, a look, a too-long silence.

Bertholdt looks up at him, their eyes meeting. Words pass Bertholdt's lips, voice the soft, soothing rhythm Reiner knows so well. The one that pulls him back, pushes him forward, keeps him steady. A guiding light in a maelstrom.

I feel real enough.

Real enough. That's all they can ask for, right? That's more than Reiner can say on his worst days. More than Bertholdt has—will have?—back home.

Reiner tries to shove that thought side, focusing on Bertholdt's eyes, bright in the firelight. On his chest, rising and falling with each breath. On the imprint his body has made in the sand. Substantial. Unmistakable. Real.

Real. Real.

Reiner chokes on his next breath. He manages a few unsteady steps forward before his knees give out, dropping him to the sand with a heavy thud. Then his hands reach out, grasping for Bertholdt. Trying to touch him. To seize him. To pull him close. To embrace his partner as tightly as he can, fingers wound into fabric, arms squeezing as though he might keep Bertholdt here (keep him real) if he just doesn't let go.
notdaddy: (that's my weirdass son)

[personal profile] notdaddy 2024-05-11 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Only if those recipes don't involve dirt.

[ Maybe he would be better off teaching Tristan to cook?? He was throwing vegetables and telling them to be "free" earlier, so... ]

How about I teach you a few dishes first?
datingsimp: (6.)

[personal profile] datingsimp 2024-05-11 10:23 pm (UTC)(link)
They won't! I will get flour.

[Tristan flies out of his seat, unable to contain his excitement a second longer.]

YOU WILL TEACH ME?!
notdaddy: (jesus fuck)

[personal profile] notdaddy 2024-05-11 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Oh boy Tristan sure is up in his space all over again-- ]

Yes?? Is there something wrong with that?
datingsimp: (3.)

[personal profile] datingsimp 2024-05-11 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
No! [He holds out his arms as if to hug Luciel, but stops himself.]

I'm really happy! I want to learn all the dishes you know so I can make you happy.
notdaddy: (that's my weirdass son)

[personal profile] notdaddy 2024-05-11 11:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Oh wow, Tristan holding himself back for once? That's a surprise. ]

...You know I know a lot, right? That's going to take some time, teaching you all that.
datingsimp: (1.)

[personal profile] datingsimp 2024-05-11 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
That's okay. I'm immortal.

[He is holding back. But he really looks like he wants to hug him!!!]
notdaddy: (softer)

[personal profile] notdaddy 2024-05-12 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ HE DOES, and that's why even though he knows this is somehow going to become a weird sex-thing for Tristan...Luciel's going to reach out and place a hand on top of his head. c'mere u weirdo. ]

Close enough.
datingsimp: (3.)

[personal profile] datingsimp 2024-05-12 01:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[Tristan's eyes widen with some emotion that isn't his usual horniness, but that encouragement has him flying into Luciel's arm's with his face pressed against his chest.]

I'll take care of you and we'll have lots of sex.
shatterdriven: (Alright...just gimme a moment.)

Re: Research Center

[personal profile] shatterdriven 2024-05-13 03:59 am (UTC)(link)
"Ideally, we coordinate and make sure that everyone is on the same page," Nine said, with all the enthusiasm of someone in the middle of herding cats. "But current progress on that says not to hold your breath for results."

He looked up at MK. "So instead, the most capable of us should act as rescue squads, scoping out the area and helping anyone who either shouldn't be here or logged into a danger zone. Are you up for that?"
shatterdriven: (Nine 127)

Effects of the Darkness A

[personal profile] shatterdriven 2024-05-13 04:06 am (UTC)(link)
What are you doing? Get out of there!

[Nine had ventured out to get a better grasp on the situation, and look for anyone in over their heads. The simulation is feeling more and more like a bust, and that feeling is made more justified seeing Amy's predicament.

Flying in as fast as his tails can take him, he reaches for her left hand.]


We have to go!
shatterdriven: (Nerd explanation incoming.)

Re: 1 - City

[personal profile] shatterdriven 2024-05-13 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
"Not to this extent, no. The idea is to test us, real pain wasn't part of this."

Finding the things to treat a burn was easy enough and Nine soon joined Paulo, one of his tails gently lifting the injured arm. "Let me take a look. It's a good thing you shook it off as quickly as you did, or there could have been serious harm done. Worse than you got."
freedomfighterhammer: (Default)

[personal profile] freedomfighterhammer 2024-05-13 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
Nine!

[Amy reaches out to grab Nine’s hand so he can get her out of there. She screwed up big time!]
noodleboi: (S4 Human - Batteries recharged)

Re: Research Center

[personal profile] noodleboi 2024-05-13 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh I am so up for that. Monkey King and I can get on that. We can start getting people out of dangerous spots and bring them back here where it's safe. No problem," MK nodded and crossed his arms. He could do hero stuff and practice all his powers here. Just like the whole thing was supposed to be about.

"What about you? You gonna stay here and try to figure out what happened?"
ikissedaboyandlikedit: (But you don't love me either)

Re: 1 - City

[personal profile] ikissedaboyandlikedit 2024-05-13 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Paulo groaned as his arm was lifted and he let Nine do his work.

"It mostly was the heat, I think? It didn't land on me but that shit was so hot, it still burned me. Which is dumb," Paulo said again and wiped way a few tears of pain.

"So this is supposed to be a test? That worst case scenario thing, right?"
notdaddy: (DADDY)

[personal profile] notdaddy 2024-05-14 01:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ "isn't his usual horniness", AND YET. Luciel isn't even surprised--he merely sighs and pats the top of Tristan's head. ]

Let's start with taking care of yourself first. Still can't believe you tried to cook with dirt...
datingsimp: (4.)

[personal profile] datingsimp 2024-05-15 11:26 am (UTC)(link)
[It feels nice. It’s a gentle, soft warm feeling that Tristan isn’t used to. There’s still so much more about love for him to learn! He peers up at him, but not before burying his face in Luciel’s wonderful chest.]

And I want to take care of you. Won’t sleeping together be the best way to accomplish that?
notdaddy: (riiiight)

[personal profile] notdaddy 2024-05-15 07:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Straight into the booba....... SIGH. Headpats. ]

If you actually let me sleep, yeah.

[ He would love to conk out for 18 hours and be woken up by Sexy, but he's not going to bet on that with Tristan involved. ]
datingsimp: (3.)

[personal profile] datingsimp 2024-05-15 09:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[More headpats! Tristan smiles and enjoys his pillow.]

You have a wonderful chest. …Do you want to dream together?
notdaddy: (blinku)

[personal profile] notdaddy 2024-05-15 11:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Dream...? You mean like how incubus and succubus do? Or actual dreaming?

[ DADDY KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE THERE SON, one of those is a lot busier than the other. ]