seasonsmods: (Default)
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
datingsimp: (3.)

[personal profile] datingsimp 2024-03-28 10:17 am (UTC)(link)
Ah? But you’ll be exhausted after tonight and will probably want to sleep in!

[Tristan’s hands won’t stay still or off Luciel on the way up. He keeps trying to catch his eyes.]

I’ve seen lots of hotels like this one!
wrotetheworld: (just bros)

[personal profile] wrotetheworld 2024-03-28 12:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[He took full advantage of the offered arm, hissing faintly when the skin on his back pulled. Oh, that was still going to be tender for a while, he knew it.]

Sure did. Tried so hard he switched the genre entirely by accidentally seducing my precious protagonist son! Harem never had a chance to even start.

[Transmigration experience, 1/10, would not recommend. One point awarded for the number of gorgeous men.]
outlivelf: <user name=malagraphic> (09)

[personal profile] outlivelf 2024-03-28 12:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Plucking out non-combatants out of their homes and making them fight a battle that they have no relation to? That is some fearsome magic indeed...

[The books continue gliding not caring about fearsome magic.]
outlivelf: <user name=malagraphic> (12)

publiczne miejsce wiec lepiej eng

[personal profile] outlivelf 2024-03-28 01:18 pm (UTC)(link)
And you look just like the last time I saw you.

[In a casket. But that was not a thought for now.]

You have aged. Not that it matters.

[She makes all that effort to travel back to Ende only to be suddenly spirited away and unexpectedly reunited with one of the people she was hoping to talk to again? Whatever this world's magic was, it sure works in mysterious ways. She smiles.]

It's good to see you again.
outlivelf: <user name=malagraphic> (02)

[personal profile] outlivelf 2024-03-28 01:20 pm (UTC)(link)
I see it as pretty likely, to be honest. Any kind of magic that can bring people in just like that can definitely erase them just as easily.

[Frieren's tone is calm, she is not trying to scare her.]
outlivelf: <user name=malagraphic> (12)

[personal profile] outlivelf 2024-03-28 01:37 pm (UTC)(link)
I see... I have been trying to analyze the magic her but everything about my staff seems to be in order. And yet..

[Bubbles.]

Can you tell me anything about this place? Anything to help deduce the reason why I found myself here.

[Clearly a more general approach to the analysis is needed.]
roundandaround: Pumped-up smile. (we can do this)

[personal profile] roundandaround 2024-03-28 02:49 pm (UTC)(link)
It's okay! It'll be just like fighting out in the segments.

[Rinku starts humming as she wanders around, inspecting... well, anything, really. Poking at trees, lifting up signs, trying doors.]
roundandaround: Surprised gasp. (but that means...)

2

[personal profile] roundandaround 2024-03-28 03:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Rinku summons a fire sword, stepping back from a group of Darkness-empowered maple rabbits. Look, she's seen Re:Zero, even she knows to take killer bunnies seriously.]

We can take these guys, right?
offeredhearts: (strange how this journey's hurting)

[personal profile] offeredhearts 2024-03-28 05:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Erwin feels that stare, but he's concentrating on opening up little holes in the dirt for more sprouts and doesn't return it. The words twist a half wince, half grimace to his lips. All of a sudden he feels the little kernel of guilt that's been sitting in his stomach for months more sharply. He could have kept up with training, if he'd wanted. In the two months prior to the ride out to Shiganshina, Erwin had pushed himself, trained tirelessly to relearn how to use the gear with one hand - for maneuverability, if nothing else. Yet so far, he's done nothing to keep up those skills here. Obviously, there's a need, and soon enough he'll have no excuse.

But still...

He's quiet for a few moments, feeling the remnants of the oldest argument that's lived in him for decades scratching once again at his conscience.

What he ought to do, and what he wants to do.

He holds a cosmos blossom in his hand, the petals soft and pure white, and finally presses it into the waiting earth.

"...no, I suppose you're right." His voice is quiet, laced with those old thoughts. "Even so, this is our home now...if there's something I can do to protect it, I should."
melodymania: (You gotta think.)

Max Davis | Changeling the Lost/Chronicles of Darkness (OC) | Spring | Visitor

[personal profile] melodymania 2024-03-28 06:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Wrong turn

The network was somewhat educational about the current predicament. A simulation had drawn him into this world and that was some powerful stuff. Not the first time it had happened to Max though. This wasn't entirely new territory. At least this time it didn't come with being kidnapped and locked in an insane asylum. At least as far as he was aware. Regardless, he walked the streets of Nightwake and took in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere.

Music followed him everywhere. It was a light jazz song that would play from phones, TVs, anything with a speaker system as he passed by. Nothing too loud or energetic but light and happy. He was fine with this turn of events.

"It's not everyday I get surprised. What a wonderful shake up! As they say, where is the fun without complications?"

Knock Knock (locked to Cole [personal profile] tethered_roamer and other CR)

Familiarity was here in both the way he ended up here and a few people. He could feel them here and thought it time for a visit. It had been a few days since he got here. He let them have their piece of mind, their quiet relaxation in this simulation, and now it was time for a chat. He walked up to the apartment door Cole was staying in. Music played as he knocked on the door. A familiar song Cole would know well at this point.

"Train train~
Whooo whooo!
Train train~
Whoooo whoooo
Train Train~
Whoooo whooo
Round and round we go~"
Edited 2024-03-28 18:01 (UTC)
noodleboi: (I got a plan~)

Research Center

[personal profile] noodleboi 2024-03-28 06:13 pm (UTC)(link)
MK made his way to the Research Center as well. He hadn't heard the network post but it was where he knew he should go when they first arrived. He ran inside while he left his current travel partners stayed outside. He looked around and had hoped he'd see more people here. Wasn't everyone supposed to show up here? He did spot a familiar fox though!

"Hey Nine! You made it here too? Did you spawn in here or did you have to come here too? Things out there are WACK man!"
shatteredprison: (Ultimate lifeform)

Re: Husk | Hazbin Hotel | Autumn

[personal profile] shatteredprison 2024-03-28 06:21 pm (UTC)(link)
Fortunately for Husk, someone was close and had been running through the outskirts of the city. A blur of yellow came out of nowhere. It slammed into the creature as water exploded over the monster. Then Shadow launched himself back and threw lightning from his hands. It hit the rolling beast hard. It was enough to get it to slow down but not take care of it.

"We need to move. These things can take a beating," He said to Husk and took off running. Follow or don't, Husk.
tethered_roamer: (OtA - What am I supposed to do with this)

Re: Max Davis | Changeling the Lost/Chronicles of Darkness (OC) | Spring | Visitor

[personal profile] tethered_roamer 2024-03-28 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
That. Song.

Cole didn't jolt up or anything of the sort, he simply opened his eyes with a quietly annoyed sigh and slowly turned to look at the door. Then he stood without so much as a word, and an expression that all but said that he was too old for this shit, and walked over to the door.

"You would find me here," he said, pulling it open and looking up at the man who dwarfed by about two feet. Being smaller than average was only really a problem when he disliked someone though. This...person...had the annoying honor of not being dislike, just his presence never being good.
melodymania: (Things get messy.)

RE: MAX DAVIS

[personal profile] melodymania 2024-03-28 06:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"Of course I would. You know me so well," Max said with a sharp toothed grin. He looked down at Cole with one steely blue eye and one vibrant green one. He tilted his head just enough to ask if he could come in without saying a word.

"And how have you been, Cole? Enjoying your little sabbatical? We both know you were well overdue for a vacation, after all. And a long ice nap doesn't count."
Edited (Keeping part of the subject line for ease of remembering threads) 2024-03-28 18:28 (UTC)
marvelloussky: (Eep!)

[personal profile] marvelloussky 2024-03-28 06:37 pm (UTC)(link)
[She may not be trying to, but she's doing a good job of it anyway!]

T-then what should we do? Is there anything we can do?
luckynumber13: (Line)

Re: City pt2

[personal profile] luckynumber13 2024-03-28 06:37 pm (UTC)(link)
"Ha ha."

Moving on from the joke

"Well there's a lot of people in the real version of this place too. Not many cats though. Unless you count the ones that walk on four legs." Dick sipped his beer. "So what's your name kid?"
mayoninofukucho: (Uniform)

[personal profile] mayoninofukucho 2024-03-28 06:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hijikata offers another potion can. He's trying to help..!]

Okay, that is a derailment. How'd you two end up getting along eventually? Just a case of 'misery loves company'?

[At least he's inferring that that happened - then again, a 'bro' can still be a total jackass. He would know, what with his pain-in-the-ass friends back home.]
tethered_roamer: (OtA - What am I supposed to do with this)

Re: MAX DAVIS

[personal profile] tethered_roamer 2024-03-28 07:01 pm (UTC)(link)
He really didn't. At all. Hell, he didn't even have a name for the man. But Cole still stepped aside to allow Max to enter the apartment he was borrowing for the simulation...with all of the enthusiasm of someone being visited by their in-laws.

"It hasn't been dull," he said simply. "I'm glad someone with influence agrees...but why are you here?"
Edited 2024-03-28 19:04 (UTC)
noodleboi: (Monkey: Oh he fucked up!)

Darkness to the north of Cherry Blossom Parks

[personal profile] noodleboi 2024-03-28 07:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"Let. Him. Go." The voice came first. Loud and booming. Then in a flash a familiar looking monkey was between Castel and Dick, breaking the hold on the cat. Sand seemed to from around the monkey's feet as if by magic. He could see the darkness surrounding these people. If they were even people at this point. He sent the sand at the woman first, having it form into solid rock when it impacted on her. His fist raised and slammed into the man next, exploding with rock shrapnel to try and penetrate the darkness.

"You okay?" He asked without looking at Dick. MK's voice was cold. It didn't have that warmth it usually had. Golden energy sparked off his body as he stood beside the cat.
melodymania: (You gotta think.)

Re: MAX DAVIS

[personal profile] melodymania 2024-03-28 07:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Max walked into the apartment and his eyes scanned the entry way and living room. He seemed to be judging it yet his smile gave nothing away. He chuckled and spun around to look at Cole again.

"Why? Well a number of reasons. I was pulled here quite suddenly. Been looking for people to make deals with, no bites. Unfortunate but that's how it goes. Even I have a dry spell from time to time. And finally I came to talk to you. It has been a while and I thought we could catch up. Play twenty questions, if you were so inclined. Maybe make a deal or two, if you're willing. It isn't like you see many people from home in a place like this. Am I right?"
melodymania: (You gotta think.)

B. Communication is the key

[personal profile] melodymania 2024-03-28 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh no me. This is all part and parcel. Second verse same as the first and all that.

Feeling overwhelmed is also a natural reaction, however. You remembering to breathe? Unless you don't have to.
tethered_roamer: (OtA - What am I supposed to do with this)

Re: MAX DAVIS

[personal profile] tethered_roamer 2024-03-28 08:22 pm (UTC)(link)
It's not his, so Max could judge all he wanted. Cole closed the door and just watched him, not really bothering to hide his suspicion. Especially at the mention of making deals.

"There's probably not much that anyone feels you can offer compared to what they can get other ways. or they're like me and not too inclined to make deals if they can avoid it." The changeling crossed his arms. "The number of people I want to see here is pretty limited, so that's mostly a good thing...but alright, first question being what do I even call you?"
melodymania: (Things get messy.)

Re: MAX DAVIS

[personal profile] melodymania 2024-03-28 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
"Fair enough. I wouldn't want to see most of your friends on a good day. Not to mention the Queen bitch herself or any of her ilk," He chuckled as he started to just touch things. The furniture. The drapes. The windows.

"Hm? Oh right! I never properly introduced myself to you. Yet. Max Davis. You can call me Mr. Davis. Or Melody Mania, since I took that title. I got a whole load of others and I think we both would rather save time. Max works just fine if you feel casual about it."
abnormalizes: negative (she will never let your spirits down)

[personal profile] abnormalizes 2024-03-28 08:54 pm (UTC)(link)
The actual city itself is relatively safe if you don't go into the Segments, I think? It's safer than home anyway, so people who don't want to fight can mostly avoid it unless something unusual is going on. But there are people who don't know how to fight who want to help fight anyway, and that worries me the most.
tethered_roamer: (OtA - What am I supposed to do with this)

Re: MAX DAVIS

[personal profile] tethered_roamer 2024-03-28 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Cole's eye twitched when Max introduced himself as Melody Mania, and again at the mention of having many other titles, his posture stiffening a bit. "Yeah, I think Max will work for now," he said, managing to curb the unease that brought. This man had helped on more than one occasion without asking much...but both having the title Cole shared a mutual hatred with, plus who knew how many others put him more on the back foot and more cautious.

"Should I ask why you're so interested in touching everything, or just skip to asking why you're so interested in me? Because not too many people show up on my doorstep to check in." The fact that apparently not thinking too much of his friend group now spanned space and time was almost enough to ease the tension Cole was feeling though. Almost.