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

Max can feel the need for distraction coming off her. The anxiety and other emotions bubbling under the surface. The benefits of feeding off them. He slid his hand up her arm and link them together and hold her hand gently in his gloved one.

"How about the seashore then? I would love to see the ocean. It's loud too yet different. A nice walk along the beach with a new potential friend. Lead the way, Saya," The music kept that rhythm going and stayed quiet, for now. Matching the energy between them as they felt one another out.

"So what is your favorite part about this world we find ourselves in? Being one of the originals to arrive here, surely you've found plenty to love and hate about this place."

Anxiety, yes. And grief. Confusion. She's a mess. None of it shows outwardly since she's a champion at compartmentalizing when she wants to be, or needs to be.

She shoots him a look when he takes her arm that speaks to none of her underlying feelings. She's after a bit of fun to pass the time, something uncomplicated.

"I always enjoy a trip to the sea. The sound of the waves and all that makes me feel quite at home." Balance to counter the too-often occasions when she's not.

"There are always fun quests to do, and the powers they give us are pretty great." She makes an impressive fireball just in front of them, which is just small enough to not do any damage but they can certainly feel the heat of it. "But I do wish they'd hang onto the people they bring here a little better."

Max could feel those bubbling emotions and her hiding them spoke to him. He was similar. Hiding the rougher emotions and times under compartmentalization and a happy demeanor. Flirting was a wonderful distraction and the other activities that could come after. He chuckled as they walked and he took in the fireball and the explanation.

"That sounds so fun. A shame about them not hanging onto their chosen people. You'd think they'd want them around as long as possible," Max said with a nod.

"But sometimes that happens. And it is rather sad. But dwelling on it won't get us anywhere. And when we have such delightful company before us."

The music picked up some. Taking a few steps, the song changed again. A more happy beach song as the sounds of waves surrounded them. Suddenly with just a few steps he moved them from the city to the beach.

"Hmmm. Much better."

"I've experienced enough of it that I set aside time for dwelling, and that isn't right now."

Saya steps away from him and into the breeze coming off the ocean, though she doesn't go far. Just enough to ruffle her hair and her dress in the wind.

She turns back and reaches her hand out again. Come and join her, it's quite pleasant.

Max watched her as she let the breeze flow over her and through her hair. He took her hand and moved with to let his head fall back. The breeze ruffling his jacket and his hair. He grinned wide.

"Hmmm. That's very pleasant. Such a wonderful feeling," He sighed happily. He took her other hand and started to dance with her.

"If not dwelling right now then, do you want a distraction? From someone who likely understands what you're going through?"

Saya moves into the dance smoothly. She's clearly been classically trained, it's evident in the way she moves. It's also probably evident that she's not human, she's a little too well-balanced.

She seems more at ease now that they're in sight of the sea. It calms the beast.

"I'd welcome a distraction, I think. What do you have in mind?"

Max was similar. Too good at the movements, too in sync with the rhythm of the music and shifted into a waltz for the two of them. He grinned as they moved along the sand.

"Well, I have plenty of distracting talents. I am a fantastic lover. Been told that many times by many people. I could sing you a song. Musical numbers are at my fingertips. We could go slaughter monsters together. You could drink my blood. I do warn you, it's a little different. I'm delicious on my own and it's mixed with a wonderful little substance that warps reality itself. You'll get high as fuck off me."

There's a flash of surprise when he mentions her drinking blood, but she blinks it away quickly enough. Plenty of beings can read her kind like a book. He doesn't seem like a hunter, at least. Usually those fools are far too upfront about it for their own good.

"Do I have to choose just one? That might take a moment."

"You can choose all of the above. You have free will, after all. Choose any and all you like. Request something. I'm like a jukebox. I got all the songs. You just gotta push the right buttons and ask for it~" He chuckled and spun her around.

"My mother was a vampire. Father was a mage. Sensing vampires is in my blood. Even if you feel very different, the red eyes are a giveaway."

"It's no wonder I felt a draw towards you." She so seldom comes across anyone like her. "I'm not a true vampire, as you've no doubt guessed. I have none of those traditional weaknesses, except a need for blood. I'm a Queen, in fact. I was born rather than turned." Not very common, that.

Her arms shift a bit, pulling herself closer to him. "Let's start with a song. I have quite a voice myself, perhaps we could make it a duet. If you'd care to visit the music room in my home, the acoustics are incredible there."

"Your majesty. In my world they're all turned. Except Dhampires like I used to be. We're born. That sounds lovely," Max wrapped his arms around her and spun her around. By the time they stopped, they were in her music room. He loved flaunting his powers a little. He had them, might as well use them, right?

"A duet sounds lovely. I got two songs in mind. Which would you rather? A song about understanding or something more of a sensual duet? I think either would help your disposition. Oh choose a song you love. Free will and all. Any song I can do. Comes with the title I have. Melody Mania. Fun little way to describe a song that gets stuck in your head."

"No need to call me that." But she clearly likes it, by the glint in her eyes.

She glances around as the light changes, laughing sweetly at the shift. She does so love a show-off, there's nothing like someone with a little flair. There are instruments all around, predominantly a piano and several stringed instruments that she uses most often. And, as promised, the acoustics are perfect. She got this room for the god of music, after all.

Saya smiles and candles light all over the room. A very Red Son move indeed.

She separates herself from the dance long enough to move over to the baby grand piano, which has a remote control sitting on top of it. She hits play on a song she's been singing often enough lately.

"Does this suit you? Just to start. If you want to seduce me, this is where you should begin." Soothe her first, and then venture out into other areas.

"No need. Only desire~" Max answered back. He let her go and watched her hit play. He grinned and nodded. He attuned himself to the song and moved close. He would let her start. After all, it was her part first.

"This song suits me just fine. And you, I'm sure. Let the seducing begin~"

Saya turns back to him, her mouth curling into a pleasing grin, just a hint sharp, lips parting to show her fangs.

She reaches for his hand and spins back into his arms so they can dance while they perform the song. She lets her voice go, not holding back the pulling effect that it can have on vampires -- not to say that it will have any such effect on him, but it's comforting knowing that she doesn't need to stifle the impulse. It couldn't compel someone else who could match her power, only pull at them.

Max danced and sang with Saya as they moved with the music. He could feel the pull but it was not overwhelming. It was like a soft warm beckoning. His own blood would sing under his skin. He moved effortlessly with her. He was sure she felt no strong compulsion to feed or be close but a warm inviting sensation. Like a soft beckoning.

A flirtatious curl of a finger.

The song came to an end and the music died down. Max smiled softly and leaned in to steal a kiss.

Sir, you can't steal what she'd give up willingly. Unless stealing is what he's after, in which case she can play hard to get all over this house.

Saya is perfectly happy to keep dancing while he kisses her, if he doesn't stop her that's exactly what she'll do, as the music continues onto the next track on her playlist which is something rather less maudlin. Her movements are sleek and powerful beneath his hands, and her figure is curved as if designed to be perfect for touching. It's not far from the truth, as a Queen she has two roles, and one is to tempt mates. The other, to turn them.

Then he will gladly share a dancing kiss with the beautiful queen. The music continued and their movements shifted perfectly to the new rhythm. It was fluid and perfect between them. Max shrugged off his jacket and let it fall to the floor. Though it would just disappear to not get in the way of their dancing. His body wasn't sculpted like hers. He was fit, standing at a full six foot three, lean, and his clothes tailored perfectly to his own body.

He pulled her body flush against his and indeed his gloved hands explored. They mapped out every curve and took in the strength under that perfect form of hers. He pulled back from the kiss to trail kisses up to her ear.

"You are truly a tempting Queen. You fit your role quite well. I wonder though, are you hungry? We said all of the above and I want to make sure we're not having all sorts of fun while you're hungry."

Saya always wears heels but she still has to stretch up to kiss him, which she does without any struggle given her perfect balance. Her hands slide over his shoulders to help the jacket fall away, and she chuckles at his words.

"So eager for me to drink your blood?" She has the air of someone who is very used to that, which means that no, she's not hungry, but that won't stop her necessarily.

"I tend to bite when I'm piqued regardless, so you'll get your wish. But I have many willing donors so I'm rarely in dire need." Only if she uses too much energy.

Max grinned as they kept moving with one another.

"Color me curious. Back home, vampire bites instill pleasure. Enough from a single bite to cause orgasm in most. It's addictive. Some more than others. You can't blame me can you?" He spun her and leaned down to gently kiss Saya. The biting would come later. Might as well enjoy other pleasurable contact then.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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

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