seasonsgreetings | Event #7: Knocking on the 4th Wall (Inside the Metaverse)

Entry tags:

!4th wall

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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 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)

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.

"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)

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)

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?"

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?"

"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."

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.

If Max noticed the twitch or not was hard to tell. He just kept touching things.

"Sensory input. Just checking. Can I still feel things? What do they feel like? Anything feel like they shouldn't?? He said offhandedly and with a wave of his hand. He chuckled.

"Guess you cut to the chase anyway. I'm interested in you for several reasons. First, your part in the equation. You balance it nicely, depending on the other variables. Makes it easy to build around you. And you and I share a number of beings that I think we both would like to see suffer, dead, and slash or nonexistent. My bitch of a Grandmother, to start. And I wanted to see how you're doing. See if you exist still and you do! What a marvelous little happenstance. How long have you been here in Ellipsa anyway?"

There were so many questions that all of that raised, some of which Cole was fairly certain were none of his business, others that made his brain stop ticking along for a moment before certain things started to answer themselves internally, and then the ones that had an air of him not liking the implications.

"So you're Mike's other kid. You're against the Queen and a few others I could think of...but what equation? And why wouldn't I still exist?" Did he want to know why? Probably not. But didn't stop him from asking even though he could practically feel his heart in his ears though. "...Besides a short break, it's been over half a year. I'm assuming you're only here because of whatever is going on right now then."

"You are the clever one. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Max said with a happy tone. His face finally lost that smile at the other questions.

"The equation for perfect luck. A set of variables and circumstances that takes several people to get. You put those people together and boom! They got perfect luck. And that luck lets them do amazing things. Let's them alter things far beyond their scope. Could change the world, kill a god, destroy the universe, or make a restaurant that only sells Spam a huge success. Anything's possible with perfect luck. And you are crucial to that equation. Why do you think Grandma was so adamant about keeping you? She still is, the bitch. The equation she tried to keep going for you and all your friends. In multiple timelines. Not that she knows that."

Max took a pause for a moment, having somewhat given away the answer to the second question.

At this point, Macaque pops out of his room and leans against the wall, looking at this newcomer. He's been listening, and gathering that this fool isn't the most welcome of guests, but guessing that Cole needs information so he's tolerating this.

"Another temporary visitor?" He's very much hoping so, the vibes are way off here.

For someone clever, Cole was being bogged down fast by the explanation. Perfect luck, changing the world, multiple timelines, him in any way being relevant to the big picture...it was enough to make his head spin and his focus start to fade a bit. He didn't hear Macaque enter the room until he spoke, but immediately looked over his shoulder.

"It appears so. I didn't think you were here."

The diversion was welcome, pulling him out of his near-stupor and allowing some level of actually trying to organize his thoughts. "...and for the record, I didn't have the faintest idea why still me. For all I knew her reasoning was spite."

Edited 2024-03-28 22:35 (UTC)

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

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

RE: MAX DAVIS

Re: MAX DAVIS

Re: MAX DAVIS

Re: MAX DAVIS

Re: MAX DAVIS

Re: MAX DAVIS

Re: MAX DAVIS

Re: MAX DAVIS

Re: MAX DAVIS

Re: MAX DAVIS

Re: MAX DAVIS

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn

Re: Max Davis | Wrong turn