seasonsmods: (Default)
Seasons Mods ([personal profile] seasonsmods) wrote in [community profile] seasonsgreetings2024-03-15 12:11 am
Entry tags:

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
goeswest: (five elements mountain - buddha palm)

[personal profile] goeswest 2024-03-16 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
"No - yes - sort of? It depends how you look at it." Is the Throne of Heroes part of Heaven? It only contains people who have died (with rare exceptions) so it's probably technically an afterlife...
gemuinemanagement: (have closed)

[personal profile] gemuinemanagement 2024-03-16 03:18 am (UTC)(link)
That's so strange - wait, but that's not important. Are you okay??

[Priorities, Suga.]
notdaddy: (riiiight)

[personal profile] notdaddy 2024-03-16 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
You're welcome.

[ The staring gets a blink from him, but it's nothing he isn't used to by now. Humanoid entities like him aren't that common; he's been in scenarios...not quite like this, but. Similar enough. ]

Better than you're doing. [ chicken boi ] Think you might be dressed for the wrong weather. What was the thinking on that one?
noodleboi: (S4 Human - Her final words)

Re: 4 - regular MK, but after some time

[personal profile] noodleboi 2024-03-16 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
MK watched the glamours fall. He smiled a little more. That had to be hard for Macaque but MK was happy to see it. To see him. Though the smile faded a little.

"My heart...isn't easy for anyone to protect," MK admitted, "But you really did help. The candies, the good memories, and Doodleque. You even damaged your soul to come help me. I was breaking down and you did it to find me. To stop me from spiraling. You were right about the monkey form. In the end. I was able to protect Red Son with it but I almost did more damage. I lost myself again. But you came down to find me. To help me find myself again. You did more than enough to help me. You were amazing and I am so proud of you."

MK squeezed the hand again.

"It doesn't help that she's still in my head. I know she's gone but she's still all up in there. The ink curse didn't help either. Like at all."
notbornguilty: (I swear it here today)

[personal profile] notbornguilty 2024-03-16 03:22 am (UTC)(link)
I've been getting stronger these past few years, especially here in Ellipsa. I have no lack of practice, the season powers grow stronger every time I use them, and there's plenty of nasty monsters in the Segments to add to my collection.
timeslip_up: (Why is this my life?)

[personal profile] timeslip_up 2024-03-16 03:24 am (UTC)(link)
And I guarantee you, there's almost no chance any of it will make my top ten.
believe_in_destiny: (Default)

[personal profile] believe_in_destiny 2024-03-16 03:25 am (UTC)(link)
I guess I have a lot to catch up on, then!
freedomfighterhammer: (pic#16386945)

[personal profile] freedomfighterhammer 2024-03-16 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
[Amy laughs at that]

I do hope you hang around, though. You're fun to be with and I just met you!
castaside: wukong, hug, sad, soft (257)

Re: 4 - regular MK, but after some time

[personal profile] castaside 2024-03-16 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
Doodle-- [ He thinks for a second. ] The drawing you brought back?

Totally worth a little soul damage if it helped you. I can't remember things very clearly, as I said, but that's a little easier. I remember getting the sense that you needed me, and then it happened before I even really could form a thought.

[ Macaque's free arm slides around MK's shoulders to try to pull him closer. ]

What can I do now? To help you feel more like you're on solid ground.
notbornguilty: (I swear it here today)

[personal profile] notbornguilty 2024-03-16 03:28 am (UTC)(link)
I'm sure you'll do fine. But if you think you need it, don't hesitate to ask for help, all right?
believe_in_destiny: (Default)

[personal profile] believe_in_destiny 2024-03-16 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
Gladly. Now, um...

[And she's going to look around for her headdress, waving her red hair around to unwittingly tease Weiss.]
notbornguilty: (I swear it here today)

[personal profile] notbornguilty 2024-03-16 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
[Weiss spots it nearby, going to pick it up.]

Oh, there's a scratch on it. Well, that's no problem at all for a Winter.

[A moment of concentration, and the headdress is as good as new!]
noodleboi: (S1 Human - EXPLOSIONS!)

[personal profile] noodleboi 2024-03-16 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
MK was enraptured by the story. His smile was wide and he nodded along.

"Oh that cheeky Monkey King. I'll definitely ask him. Okay. So he stopped the rain. What happened next? Did he make it rain? Oh! He asked the gods to make it rain for you guys! I bet that's what he did. Am I right?"
believe_in_destiny: (Profile)

[personal profile] believe_in_destiny 2024-03-16 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
Oh! Wow, that's incredibly handy!

[And once it's fixed up, she'll go to take it and slide it back on her head.]

Perfect.
notbornguilty: (Mirror mirror now we're DONE)

[personal profile] notbornguilty 2024-03-16 03:37 am (UTC)(link)
I would offer to do the same for your hairband, but those things are impossible to find once you've lost them.
believe_in_destiny: (Default)

[personal profile] believe_in_destiny 2024-03-16 03:38 am (UTC)(link)
Don't worry about it. For now, I like the idea of letting my hair down. Besides, those are easy to replace.
noodleboi: (S1 Human - I can do better)

Re: 4 - regular MK, but after some time

[personal profile] noodleboi 2024-03-16 03:39 am (UTC)(link)
MK slid closer and snuggled against Macaque. Doodleque was going to live in his art room at the house and be able to enjoy all the art he could ever want. MK planned to even draw him his own fun doodle mansion. He had plans. MK looked up at Macaque at the question.

"I did need you. I do," MK smiled again. He leaned in and nuzzled noses with Macaque. "You're definitely helping right now. This is really nice. Just this. Just us. And you? What can I do to help you feel more grounded too?"
uncylion: (Concern)

Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

[personal profile] uncylion 2024-03-16 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
"I do not fully understand but it sounds like quite the experience," Azure admitted. "So you are putting your own feelings back together. And have you discovered anything new? During the process?"
castaside: shadow, grin, aggro, scheming (304)

Re: 4 - regular MK, but after some time

[personal profile] castaside 2024-03-16 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ Those plans are all excellent and Doodleque will be most pleased and happy. ]

[ Macaque chuckles in a low way that rumbles through his nose when MK gives him that nuzzle. ]


Grounding, hm? [ Don't mind his flirting, that world has Implications after heart games. ] How forward.
uncylion: (Me)

Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

[personal profile] uncylion 2024-03-16 03:45 am (UTC)(link)
The arrogance snapped Azure out of the shock. He watched Red Son move around him for a moment.

"Your father, my brother, left us after our defeat in heaven. My ignorance of your mother and of your very existence is not my fault alone. Your father did not send any message to us of his intentions to court your mother, their wedding, or your birth. Had any of that occurred during Wukong's imprisonment. You are correct. I could have requested an audience. Yet when I arrived and was greeted by the sight of your mother and yourself, I attacked. Your father's anger is legendary, to be sure. No, I know not what happened to him either. I knew very little and I acted upon it. And as I have said, I am sorry. However, my separation and distance from your father was not only my own doing. He found a life for himself beyond the Brotherhood and I suspect he never looked back."
uncylion: (The scroll)

[personal profile] uncylion 2024-03-16 03:46 am (UTC)(link)
"Can you elaborate then?" Azure asked. This was quite confusing. Surely the monk could explain. Maybe not but Azure was hopeful.
ikissedaboyandlikedit: (What's going on?!)

Re: 1 - City

[personal profile] ikissedaboyandlikedit 2024-03-16 03:48 am (UTC)(link)
The fireball hit the lion and didn't do much. Paulo gulped.

"I guess I missed that part! Fucking sorry! How the hell do I do that?!" Paulo yelled as he ran. He tried to think of a stupid gull. He jumped and his body shifted. He suddenly had wings and webbed feet. He flew up and around fast.

"Holy shit! I did it! Please tell me these powers could turn me into something cooler!"
Edited 2024-03-16 03:48 (UTC)
noodleboi: (S1 Human - Bedroom eyes)

Re: 4 - regular MK, but after some time

[personal profile] noodleboi 2024-03-16 03:52 am (UTC)(link)
MK didn't mind at all. He knew what he was saying. Macaque did give him that ten out of ten score card for a reason.

"Did you expect me to be anything else?" He asked with his own little attempt at a purr. "I mean, grounding is usually good for both sides. And I did make sure you grounded Red Son when you offered. But it's just us. Right now."

Just them but...shit. He was going fast again. Too fast. He needed...they needed to talk first. He suddenly hugged Macaque and buried his face in the other monkey's shoulder. He needed a moment to think. Hug to delay it and think.
Edited 2024-03-16 03:54 (UTC)
shatterdriven: (Did you even stop to think?!)

Re: 1 - City

[personal profile] shatterdriven 2024-03-16 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
"What will be really cool is if you focus and distract this thing for a little longer!" Nine ordered, all focus. "I can train you more once we're in the clear, but you needed mobility." The flame in his hands was changing color, shifting to green as it grew hotter. "Can you do that?"
castaside: happy, grin, blush (309)

Re: 4 - regular MK, but after some time

[personal profile] castaside 2024-03-16 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
I never know quite what to expect from you, I admit. [ But he doesn't sound disappointed. The opposite, in fact. ]

Just us, indeed. [ Macaque keeps nuzzling MK with his nose. ] My portals are working again, so--

[ And then MK suddenly hugged him. ] Uh... did I say something wrong?
Edited 2024-03-16 03:57 (UTC)