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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
noodleboi: (S4 Human - LOL)

[personal profile] noodleboi 2024-03-16 02:32 am (UTC)(link)
MK laughed and let her ruffle his hair.

"He's great. Most of the time. I mean, not so much. Well he is awesome but anyway. It's hard to explain. Not sure I should. Mr. Tang is great. He's a huge Monkey King fanboy. He told me all about Monkey King's adventures with you and the others."
cureiously: ((02) rude)

[personal profile] cureiously 2024-03-16 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
So it is one of 'those' worlds, huh. Figures I'd end up somewhere like that.

[Being associated with the Kami of Life and all. It feels kind of ironic.]

And I think it's a reasonable one. This is some sort of VR bullshit, right?
goeswest: (dancing on lotus blossom)

[personal profile] goeswest 2024-03-16 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, wow! That's... a little embarrassing for me considering how often I got kidnapped... But Wukong was really cool!"
forgingfires: (Oh really now)

[personal profile] forgingfires 2024-03-16 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
I can take you to some place where I can call him and let him come to you.
everpromisedthunder: (Should I be concerned...?)

[personal profile] everpromisedthunder 2024-03-16 02:34 am (UTC)(link)
It is, but I'm more concerned that this was the first thing you asked a stranger!
noodleboi: (Ain't that a hoot?)

[personal profile] noodleboi 2024-03-16 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
"I know, right?! Wukong is the best ever!" MK said excitedly. "Can you tell me some stories about your adventures? We can walk together. I'll keep you safe too. Let's go check out the Welcome Center."
goeswest: (dancing on lotus blossom)

[personal profile] goeswest 2024-03-16 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
That works for me.

[Just as long as she gets to see Wukong! And Red Son can supervise if she feels like she has to.]
cureiously: ((12) oof)

[personal profile] cureiously 2024-03-16 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
[And he almost drops the book. It's one thing to mess with him- He realizes that he sort of deserves is karmically with what an ass he can be,- but Tau is here.

Everything is infinitely more serious when his daughter is involved.]


Tau... Tau, what are you doing here? [He crosses the remaining distance to her,] Are you hurt?
dereban: (pic#14189998)

[personal profile] dereban 2024-03-16 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
I don't think that's the case, either. I know it's a bit of my gut feeling speaking, but... I think it's different.
cureiously: ((05) should keep his mouth shut)

[personal profile] cureiously 2024-03-16 02:36 am (UTC)(link)
[He absolutely is.

But Shugo has too much pride of his own good. He groans in response and waves his hand.]


Uuugh... I'll get over it. I'm supposed to be a fire chicken, so this is nothing... Probably. Just need some water.
uncylion: (Lion rizz)

[personal profile] uncylion 2024-03-16 02:36 am (UTC)(link)
Azure did a bit of a pose and grinned.

"I know. You look quite fine as well."
cureiously: ((05) should keep his mouth shut)

[personal profile] cureiously 2024-03-16 02:37 am (UTC)(link)
Oh.

[He waves casually again.]

Hi. I'm Shugo Yumeno. Happy?
uncylion: (Concern)

Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

[personal profile] uncylion 2024-03-16 02:37 am (UTC)(link)
"Invasive indeed. It would be likely they would learn a lot about you and your past. Your feelings. How are they taking what they discovered?"
everpromisedthunder: (Good.)

[personal profile] everpromisedthunder 2024-03-16 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
So he's still lending his experience when he can. That's good.

[...she isn't sure how he got onto this 'Astral Express', but that's a question for another time. It at least gives her some relief that he might have gotten out okay at some point...]

If things get rough, you can keep trusting him to lend a hand where he can. It's a little hard for him to keep from getting involved in things.
dereban: <lj user=copyking> (pic#14190276)

[personal profile] dereban 2024-03-16 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
Well, it isn't as if people were brought here because they died, though. Although it is rather weird that people have been showing up in the virtual reality world instead of the real one.

[ It's definitely weird. ]
cureiously: ((01) jiiiii)

[personal profile] cureiously 2024-03-16 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
So there's a 'real' version of this? It's not a video game, but a digital replica?

[boo?]
everpromisedthunder: (Should I be concerned...?)

[personal profile] everpromisedthunder 2024-03-16 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
I don't suppose you have any stories to tell of a few of these dangers?

[She certainly looks well-traveled... well, if one excludes what she's wearing from the equation. Very bold, that...]
castaside: wukong, soft, neutral, sad (001)

Re: 4 - regular MK, but after some time

[personal profile] castaside 2024-03-16 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ Macaque reaches over and tries to take MK's hand while he's speaking. No argument about how MK feels about himself, however strongly Macaque disagrees about MK being empty. MK is the opposite of empty, to him. But how MK feels about himself isn't anyone's to argue with. ]

You didn't push me away, kiddo. You were only trying to be honest, and I stopped listening because of my own bullshit. That wasn't fair. I'll try my best not to do that anymore.

You are my North Star. And that won't change, no matter what. You could push and push and never stop and it would still be true. Because I do love you, MK. I guess you heard that in there... I was hoping it would make it through.
uncylion: (You always make it difficult)

Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

[personal profile] uncylion 2024-03-16 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
Azure felt the sting of those words. It hit him right in his chest. He took a slow step backwards.

"If I had known, I would have gone to see him. I would have found him and attempted to free him. I...I..." He stopped. Would he have? He would but could he have? Heaven's might was too powerful for them to best even with Sun Wukong. Had he known, all he could do was visit. Was see his friend, his brother, the one he...

His thoughts derailed. Wukong was not build to be alone. He knew that of his brother. His brother was caring and joyful. He loved attention and protecting his people. Showering them in kindness and all their hearts could desire.

"...I failed in my duty as Wukong's brother. I failed him. And in the end, he killed me for...Camel Ridge." Azure trailed off. So much had gone wrong. So very very much. For them.

Not for heaven.
starwill: (pic#16701750)

[personal profile] starwill 2024-03-16 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
Of course. I trust everyone on the Astral Express - Himeko, March, and Dan Heng, too, are very important to me.

[ she smiles, but then-- ]

Oh. Right, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Stelle.
notdaddy: (what a daddy)

[personal profile] notdaddy 2024-03-16 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
'Fried chicken' would be more accurate.

[ Or a sweaty chicken. If there was any more 'fire' to Shugo right now, he's pretty sure the guy would melt. Become a puddle goop on the ground. Fizzle into a crisp.


Still. Luciel sighs, and a moment later Shugo will feel a light bump as he holds out a water bottle and taps him lightly in the forehead. ]


Here.
goeswest: (under the same sky)

[personal profile] goeswest 2024-03-16 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, sure, I have lots of stories! Have you heard the one where we met the Immortals of Tiger, Elk, and Antelope Power?"

Off they go to the Welcome Center! Sanzang's just glad to have company.
noodleboi: (S4 Human - A soft smile)

[personal profile] noodleboi 2024-03-16 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
"I don't think so! Tell me!" MK was happy to walk with the monk. Off they went! MK was so glad for company too. Especially company he didn't have to think about his own emotions with. This was nice.
dereban: (pic#14189998)

[personal profile] dereban 2024-03-16 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ She nods in response to his question. ]

Yeah, that's right. People are usually summoned to the real version of this, and this whole... [ groans ] 'Metaverse' thing is kind of new.
goeswest: (under the same sky)

[personal profile] goeswest 2024-03-16 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
"Thank you! -Servants are summoned from the prime of their life, so I actually don't remember much of anything from after my journey... This is how I looked while I was traveling with Wukong and the others."

Don't ask her to explain what a Servant is, she will do a very bad job.