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

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)

A new challenger appears! Max grinned, flashing his sharp teeth. He nodded to Macaque.

"That I am. Wonderful to meet you, whoever you are. Seems Cole knows you. Max Davis, at your service~" He gave a little bow to Macaque.

"Her and spite are old bed fellows but mostly it was for the equation. And your ability to get people to want to take care of you. Keeps the others in line if you're in constant risk," Max explained simply.

"That's her way though. Always has been."

Macaque grins easily at Cole. "You know me." Aka, he heard something sus happening and portaled his way right over.

"He should know me, I live here."

Oh, that line about manipulating Cole's ability to get people to care about him to screw with others by keeping him in danger, that is so fucking noted.

It definitely wasn't hard to guess when your friend has worldwide surveillance through his ears. Macaque's presence was welcome though, and Cole appreciated it...even if the idea that his Keeper was exploiting the idea that he tended to connect to people with enough empathy to help him function was enough to make him bristle.

"...well that did wonders didn't it?" The sarcasm in his voice was enough to cause blunt force trauma. "Your way seems a little more direct than hers. Deals included and aside."

"Why thank you. I'd rather be direct. Doesn't put everyone at ease but at least people know what to expect. Well usually. I can lie. Just not about what I will or won't do. Helps being what I am. First and only of my kind, kinda deal. Grandma had a good idea. So I stole it and perfected it," He chuckled at his own ingenious thinking.

"And I'm clear on my prices. Most agree. I get their souls when they die, and they get whatever it is they ask for. Easy enough transaction. Though I have been known to seal in...alternative revenue streams," His eyes shifted to Macaque and he winked.

"Not to leave your charming roommate out with all my expositioning, you need anything, sir? Anything I could help with, by chance?"

Oh yeah buddy you are suspicious as hell.

Macaque looks like he hasn't a care in the world. Cole can probably feel the animosity and protectiveness, though.

"Me? Depends what you're offering." He'll say no regardless but he's curious what the deal is.

So, like the Queen and Keegan, but perfected...not a reassuring thought, but what on that spectrum was? "Well I mostly meant your knack for offering and executing whatever in the moment was needed for things to be...less of a disaster than they could have when I said direct."

The peddling is souls thing also rubbed Cole the wrong way, but if people were willing to do it then who was he to judge? "If that's your main form of deals, it's probably not surprising there were no bites here specifically," he said, surprisingly evenly. His eyes slid to Macaque, briefly concerned for him. Not because Max was a threat directly though. The fact that Macaque was very cautious meant nothing regrettable was likely to happen.

"Oh I can offer a lot. Depends really. A good time. I can soothe cares, eliminate worries, provide services and items. Though most will likely only be useful here in the simulation. But given your minds are tied to this system, any little favors I give you directly could be used outside after I'm gone. Really the imagination is the limit. Think on it. I'm very helpful, as Cole said. I like to help. Usually I'm just pulling Cole out of a fire he's landed in."

Max chuckled fondly. "I seem to be doing that a lot, honestly. If only things could slow down for any of us, right? Just be calm for a while. That would be so very nice."

Macaque doesn't look impressed. But he doesn't look like anything other than wearing the same grin he came in with.

"And what'll all those nice things cost me?" Just taking stock of things, here. "Usually there's two sides to a deal." He knows that quite well.

"Given what apparently happened when I went back, slow-down doesn't exist there. But my friend poses a good question. You gave me a freebie the first time I ever spoke to you, but you popped up several times to do things that I don't remember making a deal for. So was there a price for that, or was it all part of that equation you mentioned?"

Cole knew how to toe the line on being a skeptic and not biting the hand, as well as not directly steeping on the toes of the being much more powerful than hem. So it was very obvious that he was walking that line between respect and annoyance. "Not that I have a lot to ask for. Here at least." The major thing he would isn't up to Max at all.

Max's eyes moved from Macaque to Cole and back. He kept the smile on his face.

"For you, my furry friend, I would ask for something rather simple. A kiss. Give me a kiss, and I'll give you what you ask for," he said then slowly his eyes shifted to Cole.

"Oh for you. We have no official deal, no. I did what I did to help you to keep you in the game and on the board. Even now, I need you on the board Cole. I need you in the game to help me wipe away the irritating pieces that are left that think themselves players. To get rid of them once and for all. And I need you to do it. That's why I saved you and helped you and your friends. Why I kept popping up. And why I need you to come home again, eventually."

"Hm? That sounds like a pretty good deal, even if you are a terrible kisser."

He pretends to be considering this for a second, mostly so he can see Cole's reaction.

Sorry, Macaque, Cole was caught momentarily on that explanation. But when he did register both the price and Macaque's response, he actually just rolled his eyes. "You're definitely Mike's kid," he said, before glancing at Macaque. "And if he is in every way, he's probably confident in his kissing skills."

Not that he knows if that means Mike and, by extension, Max are good at kissing...but he's not so naive that he can't see blatant flirting. And...at least Max has good taste?

"My mother was also quite the seductress too. I have flirtation and skill in my blood. I am a very good kisser~ So it's a fantastic deal," Max said with a grin. He looked back at Cole again.

"You could ask for something too. Knowledge or information. For you, I'll give it to you for free even. I can do that for you, Cole." Another hint for Cole to chew on.

Cole didn't have an especially strong reaction to that, so it's probably not a huge entrapment thing. He's about to ask for something, but...

"Let me think about it, then. For a good kiss, I'd better think of something decent."

He's waiting to see what Cole gets out of that offer, if anything.

"...Why do I get freebies?" Cole asked, more confused than suspicious. Honestly, he really didn't understand Max outside of being useful and having common enemies. So the idea of an almost godly-powerful being just offering him free information was hard to wrap his head around.

"Don't think too hard~ Save that for more fun things," Max said.

"You get freebies for a few reasons. One, you deserve them. Two, out of spite for Grandma. Three, you'll end up doing exactly what I want and need you to all on your own. I don't need a deal to get what I want from you. You'll do it out of your own sense of honor, gratitude, and helping those you care about. I just need you to be you. I made sure to bring you back after you died. Hence those fun little changes to yourself. Grandma capitalized on all my hard work."

The way Max is talking about Cole disturbs Macaque greatly. He doesn't show it even slightly, though.

He's just going to be over here pretending to think about a deal and ascertaining what this creep knows.

Honestly there was a lot to unpack with all of that, a lot he was primed to say in response. And then that one final revelation snuffed out any words and it felt like the room suddenly closed in as the world faded out for a long moment. I made sure to bring you back after you died.

Max watched Cole as he slowly seemed to shut down a little bit. Well. He pulled a cigarette out of nowhere and lit it with a flick of his finger. He pulled it to his mouth and took a drag. It smelled like Spring. Flowers, fresh rain, ozone, and a breeze. He blew the smoke up at the ceiling. It shimmered as it dissipated and vanished.

"I think Cole's going to need a minute. You got a request yet, sexy?"

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