11/13/2021
"
11/13/2021
"Insert Disc."
[[NOW PLAYING: Disc 01 - Unearthed]]
The chaotically calm void of stars and space persistently looms above and around all, encompassing your entire world and beyond.
Even when it's obstructed behind the daytime sky, it still keeps watch from the outside, perpetually existing in its unfathomably contradictory state.
Eternal.
11/13/2021
"Scene Select"
11/13/2021
"[[Unknown Data]]"
>Insufficient information.
Please wait for restoration...
11/13/2021
"Credits"
------------
Creator
Zerio - Creator, writer, main artist and animator
Guest Panels
81 (Kiaric & Keioh)
91, 131 (Nova)
111 & 112 (Rhyno)
132 (jdragon7)
183 & 184 (TheNeonWerewolf)
223 (Kiaric)
263 (Rhyno)
------------
Want to help out with the comic? You can join the project coordination Discord server here to potentially help with guest art, designs, and music!
11/13/2021
"Next."
Dotting the sky are countless celestial objects, each exponentially larger than the entirety of the two worlds you've known your whole life.
Despite their incomprehensible volume, they are each visually compressed into tiny pinpoints of light by sheer distance alone; distances so impossibly vast that you can never truly visualize them, even if you were to dedicate your entire life to the idea.
And yet, this is normal. The universe is more extensive than anything you will ever even have the capacity to know, yet it's relegated to a simple backdrop in the eyes of society. Looming above, seldom acknowledged.
You almost forget how esoteric this whole existence is, sometimes.
11/13/2021
"Next."
There's so much hidden out there, but it's unlikely anyone alive on Nobriel or Girin-2 will ever see even a speck of it in clarity. But that doesn't stop the tantalizing process of imagining what might be out there, spanning throughout infinity.
There are bound to be things beyond your world's perception that can effortlessly contradict everything accepted as the very laws of reality, scattered throughout the endless ideological minefield that is the universe, waiting in vain for the impossible event of their discovery.
11/13/2021
"Next."
[[ZARIYAH GUNN: Self-proclaimed "paranormal activist."]]
During such moments of reflection, your very eyes are the sole conclusion of the starlight's billion year journey through the cosmos.
11/13/2021
"Next."
...
And you're just stuck on this one stupid boring fucked up rock.
11/13/2021
"Next."
[[KRISTAN GUNN: Tentative tagalong.]]
KRISTAN: You feeling alright? You look kinda... lethargic.
ZARIYAH: oh, yeah i'm good. just talking to the stars again is all.
KRISTAN: Normal.
ZARIYAH: yeah, normal. that's the fuckin' problem.
KRISTAN: Wuh... Wait, what??
ZARIYAH: oh, yeah i'm good. just talking to the stars again is all.
KRISTAN: Normal.
ZARIYAH: yeah, normal. that's the fuckin' problem.
KRISTAN: Wuh... Wait, what??
11/13/2021
"Next."
KRISTAN: Did you forget what we're doing? I thought these Banshian ruins were a really big deal to you. It's... why I came with, this time.
ZARIYAH: of course i didn't forget. it's supposed to be really exciting, yes.
ZARIYAH: but in practice i'm realizing this is kind of dreadful actually?
KRISTAN: I... What? Where is this even coming from?
ZARIYAH: of course i didn't forget. it's supposed to be really exciting, yes.
ZARIYAH: but in practice i'm realizing this is kind of dreadful actually?
KRISTAN: I... What? Where is this even coming from?
11/13/2021
"Next."
ZARIYAH: okay, so like... how do i explain this. there's a huge appeal to the unseen, you know? a certain... mysticism to mysteries.
KRISTAN: A quest in the question.
ZARIYAH: yeah! the bigger the ideological shroud, the more the imagination can run wild beyond it. building up all this momentum, inadvertently setting up such expectations...
ZARIYAH: how outright soul-crushing it'd be for this of all things to end up being another letdown.
KRISTAN: Aw, c'mon. We don't know there's nothing here for sure yet! Not to mention, being locked away like this implies there's something here worth keeping hidden, right?
ZARIYAH: probably just historical preservation or whatever.
KRISTAN: Maybe we should rework our approach, then?
KRISTAN: A quest in the question.
ZARIYAH: yeah! the bigger the ideological shroud, the more the imagination can run wild beyond it. building up all this momentum, inadvertently setting up such expectations...
ZARIYAH: how outright soul-crushing it'd be for this of all things to end up being another letdown.
KRISTAN: Aw, c'mon. We don't know there's nothing here for sure yet! Not to mention, being locked away like this implies there's something here worth keeping hidden, right?
ZARIYAH: probably just historical preservation or whatever.
KRISTAN: Maybe we should rework our approach, then?
11/13/2021
"Next."
KRISTAN: I mean, what if historical preservation was the reason we explore places like this? We'd statistically get what we're looking for more often as rogue historians!
KRISTAN: Even if we just find a whole bunch of rocks, that's still a win; historians love rocks!
ZARIYAH: pretty sure you're thinking of geologists.
KRISTAN: And geologists are rock historians.
ZARIYAH: semaaantics. you know i just want to find more stuff that breaks reality, anyway.
KRISTAN: "Breaking reality" is a slight overstatement for the things we've found so far, don't you think?
ZARIYAH: nah, it just sounds cooler. it's a coolerstatement.
KRISTAN: Uh huh.
KRISTAN: Even if we just find a whole bunch of rocks, that's still a win; historians love rocks!
ZARIYAH: pretty sure you're thinking of geologists.
KRISTAN: And geologists are rock historians.
ZARIYAH: semaaantics. you know i just want to find more stuff that breaks reality, anyway.
KRISTAN: "Breaking reality" is a slight overstatement for the things we've found so far, don't you think?
ZARIYAH: nah, it just sounds cooler. it's a coolerstatement.
KRISTAN: Uh huh.
11/13/2021
"Next."
ZARIYAH: you know what? i'll let you try one out and see for yourself.
KRISTAN: Oh uh... me?
ZARIYAH: you're gonna need some hands-on experience with the tools of the trade if you're gonna be coming with me, you know.
ZARIYAH: so, here's a problem to kick things off: how do you suppose we're gonna get in through this gate?
KRISTAN: ...Erm...
ZARIYAH: don't tell me you're afraid of these trinkets that totally don't break reality.
KRISTAN: No, not at all! Just... you know.
KRISTAN: This gate is like, extremely old. There's no way the mask works on this.
KRISTAN: Oh uh... me?
ZARIYAH: you're gonna need some hands-on experience with the tools of the trade if you're gonna be coming with me, you know.
ZARIYAH: so, here's a problem to kick things off: how do you suppose we're gonna get in through this gate?
KRISTAN: ...Erm...
ZARIYAH: don't tell me you're afraid of these trinkets that totally don't break reality.
KRISTAN: No, not at all! Just... you know.
KRISTAN: This gate is like, extremely old. There's no way the mask works on this.
11/13/2021
"Next."
KRISTAN: HEY don't just THROW this at me??
ZARIYAH: >snrrk.< oh, relax. it might come in handy as a TV remote, but it's not some cheap electronic. it's not like dropping it is gonna break it or anything.
ZARIYAH: >snrrk.< oh, relax. it might come in handy as a TV remote, but it's not some cheap electronic. it's not like dropping it is gonna break it or anything.
11/13/2021
"Next."
KRISTAN: >Sigh.< So, how am I supposed to do this, anyway? Just... focus really hard on opening the gate?
11/13/2021
"Kristan: Focus really hard on opening the gate."
...Oh. Huh.
Depending on who you ask, that was (un)expected.
11/13/2021
"Next."
ZARIYAH: "oh nooo, the mask will never work on the door."
ZARIYAH: someone's lucky he wasn't having cereal right about now.
KRISTAN: ...What?
ZARIYAH: someone's lucky he wasn't having cereal right about now.
KRISTAN: ...What?
11/13/2021
"Next."
ZARIYAH: i gotta admit, this place is already kind of interesting. just looking at how some plants persist in this enclosed courtyard to this day, while others have wilted long ago.
KRISTAN: Ah, yeah? Makes me wonder how close the surviving species even are to whatever they started as, at this point.
ZARIYAH: in this place's conception, each of the plants present was under the same circumstance, all thriving hassle-free in an environment where they were equally tended to.
ZARIYAH: and then the banshians fucked off for whatever reason, so the plants were presumably thrust into an unfamiliar, harsher situation on a whim.
ZARIYAH: so, we can see the strongest trait one can have is adaptability - the capacity to dive headfirst into the unknown and figure out the revised ruleset.
KRISTAN: ...Zar, I really don't think they "figured anything out." They're plants.
ZARIYAH: eh, you know what i mean.
KRISTAN: I don't??
1 new messageKRISTAN: Ah, yeah? Makes me wonder how close the surviving species even are to whatever they started as, at this point.
ZARIYAH: in this place's conception, each of the plants present was under the same circumstance, all thriving hassle-free in an environment where they were equally tended to.
ZARIYAH: and then the banshians fucked off for whatever reason, so the plants were presumably thrust into an unfamiliar, harsher situation on a whim.
ZARIYAH: so, we can see the strongest trait one can have is adaptability - the capacity to dive headfirst into the unknown and figure out the revised ruleset.
KRISTAN: ...Zar, I really don't think they "figured anything out." They're plants.
ZARIYAH: eh, you know what i mean.
KRISTAN: I don't??
11/13/2021
"Next."
It seems your lesson (?) is going to have to wait.
11/13/2021
"Gunns: Answer BarkLength message."
[[Operation_Breakthrough]]
Lord_Zerros: hey whats up so the bombs are all pumped and primed ive never been [100]% on optimal strategic detonation points or w/e but the [1] rule i do know is [more is better] so i just doubled down on the charges; anyway: bombs are in position, im in position, ideally you guys are in position - lemme know when its time to rock and roll :toad:
embezzler404: these ramble bricks of yours are always so beautiful to witness.
Lord_Zerros: why thank you, i try B) okay i dont actually try it just kinda ends up that way but still yknow
Xerarch_CV: I'm a bit... tenuous on the idea of the charges being placed on pure impulse, if I'll be honest. Mmmaybe we should get some sort of input from Addisyn real quick?
Lord_Zerros: i cant imagine her boss would be very keen on the idea of her coordinating a [break and entry] on another governments property, but we dont gotta seek her council on every little mechanical thing anyway do we? i mean the point of explosives is to DESTROY isnt it? no need to be safe and cautious with em or anything lol
embezzler404: yeah, haha. hard agree. i've gone on a bunch of missions with "lord zerros" before. he may seem a bit reckless, but he's skilled; he doesn't mess things like this up.
Xerarch_CV: I wasn't doubting him exactly!
KRISTAN: Hey, why are we typing this to each other? You're right here.
embezzler404: tired of mouth.
Xerarch_CV: Oh, gotcha.
embezzler404: these ramble bricks of yours are always so beautiful to witness.
Lord_Zerros: why thank you, i try B) okay i dont actually try it just kinda ends up that way but still yknow
Xerarch_CV: I'm a bit... tenuous on the idea of the charges being placed on pure impulse, if I'll be honest. Mmmaybe we should get some sort of input from Addisyn real quick?
Lord_Zerros: i cant imagine her boss would be very keen on the idea of her coordinating a [break and entry] on another governments property, but we dont gotta seek her council on every little mechanical thing anyway do we? i mean the point of explosives is to DESTROY isnt it? no need to be safe and cautious with em or anything lol
embezzler404: yeah, haha. hard agree. i've gone on a bunch of missions with "lord zerros" before. he may seem a bit reckless, but he's skilled; he doesn't mess things like this up.
Xerarch_CV: I wasn't doubting him exactly!
KRISTAN: Hey, why are we typing this to each other? You're right here.
embezzler404: tired of mouth.
Xerarch_CV: Oh, gotcha.
11/13/2021
"Next."
[[Operation_Breakthrough]]
Xerarch_CV: What about the noise, though? We're really close to the city, I don't want us to get caught doing this.
Lord_Zerros: the slope theres tall enough that sound isnt gonna travel up there no matter how desperately it craves an innocent ear, believe me. p sure the government doesnt give a shit about these old sites anyway and its been decades since they even tried acting like they do
Lord_Zerros: the only detriment the soundll cause is robbing our sleeping beauty getaway driver of his precious rest but he knew what he was signing up for while falling asleep at the wheel so no harm no foul eh?
IIambicIInstant: snjfrgck
Lord_Zerros: yeah see thats sleeptalk for "go ahead and detonate the bombs in fact waking me up would be a favor because im a nightmare coward and also i should be responsible and awake at my post anyway thank you for being a kind and considerate lord of explosives breizan"
embezzler404: somehow i doubt he'll be that wordy with it, but you're probably not too far off.
embezzler404: but yeah, breizan knows his stuff when it comes to noise. part-time dj and all that.
Xerarch_CV: But that's experience in being loud, not quiet. (Also guys, codenames???)
Lord_Zerros: yeah thats exactly why i remember the things thatll fuck me over in being loud like tall slopes muffling my entire setup; ill remember that way more than some scröplet whos all [oh no loud noimses scarey,,]
Xerarch_CV: .
Lord_Zerros: the slope theres tall enough that sound isnt gonna travel up there no matter how desperately it craves an innocent ear, believe me. p sure the government doesnt give a shit about these old sites anyway and its been decades since they even tried acting like they do
Lord_Zerros: the only detriment the soundll cause is robbing our sleeping beauty getaway driver of his precious rest but he knew what he was signing up for while falling asleep at the wheel so no harm no foul eh?
IIambicIInstant: snjfrgck
Lord_Zerros: yeah see thats sleeptalk for "go ahead and detonate the bombs in fact waking me up would be a favor because im a nightmare coward and also i should be responsible and awake at my post anyway thank you for being a kind and considerate lord of explosives breizan"
embezzler404: somehow i doubt he'll be that wordy with it, but you're probably not too far off.
embezzler404: but yeah, breizan knows his stuff when it comes to noise. part-time dj and all that.
Xerarch_CV: But that's experience in being loud, not quiet. (Also guys, codenames???)
Lord_Zerros: yeah thats exactly why i remember the things thatll fuck me over in being loud like tall slopes muffling my entire setup; ill remember that way more than some scröplet whos all [oh no loud noimses scarey,,]
Xerarch_CV: .
11/13/2021
"Next."
[[Operation_Breakthrough]]
Lord_Zerros: so! were set on explosives right? i know ive already placed em and ill take any chance i can get to make them do their thing but i figured id ask in case you two care about the resources and materials or whatevs
embezzler404: eh, yeah. pretty sure that thing's not supposed to open, but even if it was it'd probably crush me within the mask's range anyway, lmao.
Xerarch_CV: :(
embezzler404: hey, no, that's why we didn't use the mask on this part. don't ou type me that look.
Lord_Zerros: well damn if thats what you were worried about i coulda just been the one tasked with the mask instead lol
Xerarch_CV: :( x2
embezzler404: okay breizan, we can stop. we're using the bombs, we don't even need to discuss this.
Lord_Zerros: right right, sure, just gimme the word whenever then
IIambicIInstant: yhgfnb
Lord_Zerros: well, the gods have spoken through their chosen vessel. lets fvckin do this >B)
embezzler404: eh, yeah. pretty sure that thing's not supposed to open, but even if it was it'd probably crush me within the mask's range anyway, lmao.
Xerarch_CV: :(
embezzler404: hey, no, that's why we didn't use the mask on this part. don't ou type me that look.
Lord_Zerros: well damn if thats what you were worried about i coulda just been the one tasked with the mask instead lol
Xerarch_CV: :( x2
embezzler404: okay breizan, we can stop. we're using the bombs, we don't even need to discuss this.
Lord_Zerros: right right, sure, just gimme the word whenever then
IIambicIInstant: yhgfnb
Lord_Zerros: well, the gods have spoken through their chosen vessel. lets fvckin do this >B)
11/13/2021
"Breizan: Fvckin do this."
11/13/2021
"Next."
11/13/2021
"Next."
WHFT THEF FUCK WHAS THAT
11/13/2021
"Next."
[[Operation_Breakthrough]]
IIambicIInstant: WHATHE FUCK WAS THTA NOISE WHY AM I IN CAR
Xerarch_CV: Hey uh, just to confirm we're not supposed to get out of here or anything, nobody nearby like... heard that, right?
IIambicIInstant: oh okay right yeahs wer;re doin gthe thing okay
IIambicIInstant: aauhhh shht.....lmme check
Xerarch_CV: Hey uh, just to confirm we're not supposed to get out of here or anything, nobody nearby like... heard that, right?
IIambicIInstant: oh okay right yeahs wer;re doin gthe thing okay
IIambicIInstant: aauhhh shht.....lmme check
11/13/2021
"Let him check."
11/13/2021
"Next."
11/13/2021
"Next."
11/13/2021
"Next."
11/13/2021
"Rennard: Give the a-okay."
[[Operation_Breakthrough]]
IIambicIInstant: okay weare good none one's here
Xerarch_CV: Cool, thanks for checking! That's a huge relief.
Lord_Zerros: told ya dude. i know my stuff B)
IIambicIInstant: hey what do i even do now anyway i cant just sit here all night
Xerarch_CV: Isn't that what the Jimmy Bingus is for?
IIambicIInstant: thj fucking what
Xerarch_CV: Uh, whatever your game system is called.
IIambicIInstant: ph you mean the GimminyHoldem™ ojh yeah
IIambicIInstant: .
IIambicIInstant: it ran of baterys :/
embezzler404: hey, isn't your boyfriend awake at this time? pretty sure it's daytime in yskelia right about now.
IIambicIInstant: yes daytine ,so hes asleep
Xerarch_CV: Well I'm sure you'll find a way to pass the time otherwise!
IIambicIInstant: thanks for the vague reassesureance krinsten
Xerarch_CV: Cool, thanks for checking! That's a huge relief.
Lord_Zerros: told ya dude. i know my stuff B)
IIambicIInstant: hey what do i even do now anyway i cant just sit here all night
Xerarch_CV: Isn't that what the Jimmy Bingus is for?
IIambicIInstant: thj fucking what
Xerarch_CV: Uh, whatever your game system is called.
IIambicIInstant: ph you mean the GimminyHoldem™ ojh yeah
IIambicIInstant: .
IIambicIInstant: it ran of baterys :/
embezzler404: hey, isn't your boyfriend awake at this time? pretty sure it's daytime in yskelia right about now.
IIambicIInstant: yes daytine ,so hes asleep
Xerarch_CV: Well I'm sure you'll find a way to pass the time otherwise!
IIambicIInstant: thanks for the vague reassesureance krinsten
11/13/2021
"Next."
BREIZAN: oh my god are we ever going to go in
ZARIYAH: uh, yeah sure. guess we can't stay in this suspense forever, let's go.
ZARIYAH: uh, yeah sure. guess we can't stay in this suspense forever, let's go.
11/13/2021
"Enter the ruins."
The three of you set foot in the Banshian Ruins, likely the first individuals in centuries to see the interior of this structure lost to time. A glimpse into the ancient world predating your entire society.
It's...
It's...
11/13/2021
"Next."
It's a fucking shopping mall??
12/02/2021
"What are those things?"
This place is home to at least a few aberrations, as expected.
12/02/2021
"Next."
Two physical, one ethereal.
12/02/2021
"Next."
Zero problem.
12/02/2021
"Next."
Aberrations are only found in the physical world when they lack either the will or the capacity to leave of their own accord.
All it takes is a sudden shock for them to reflexively eject themselves back into the inbetween.
Unfortunately, some aberrations possess traits that make this task a bit harder, such as a lack of tangibility with physical matter.
12/02/2021
"Next."
In such cases, special equipment is needed.
12/02/2021
"Next."
You don't know why people even charge for this.
12/02/2021
"Next."
KRISTAN: Hey, this is... the correct place, right?
ZARIYAH: yeah? the place is clearly abandoned and locked up, and doesn't look like any mall i've seen. plus, the writing is on the walls.
ZARIYAH: i mean - literally, it's in banshian.
ZARIYAH: and everything else the clerk's told me has been trustworthy thus far, so.
KRISTAN: But this just doesn't check out? This literally looks like a shopping mall, there's no way this is some ancient structure.
ZARIYAH: eh, maybe it's just a coincidence. ...we should poke around a bit and find out.
BREIZAN: yeah thats what im gonna be doing. feel free to follow me or go wherever, we'll use barklength to stay in touch yeah?
ZARIYAH: ah, sure. you go on ahead.
KRISTAN: Be safe..!
BREIZAN: ill consider it LOL
ZARIYAH: yeah? the place is clearly abandoned and locked up, and doesn't look like any mall i've seen. plus, the writing is on the walls.
ZARIYAH: i mean - literally, it's in banshian.
ZARIYAH: and everything else the clerk's told me has been trustworthy thus far, so.
KRISTAN: But this just doesn't check out? This literally looks like a shopping mall, there's no way this is some ancient structure.
ZARIYAH: eh, maybe it's just a coincidence. ...we should poke around a bit and find out.
BREIZAN: yeah thats what im gonna be doing. feel free to follow me or go wherever, we'll use barklength to stay in touch yeah?
ZARIYAH: ah, sure. you go on ahead.
KRISTAN: Be safe..!
BREIZAN: ill consider it LOL
12/02/2021
"Next."
ZARIYAH: so! where do you suppose we should start?
KRISTAN: Well, no offense to Breizan, but he's never been the most... cautious. Maybe we should take a look closer to the entrance to know what we're getting into before going in too deep?
ZARIYAH: sounds like a plan.
KRISTAN: Well, no offense to Breizan, but he's never been the most... cautious. Maybe we should take a look closer to the entrance to know what we're getting into before going in too deep?
ZARIYAH: sounds like a plan.
12/02/2021
"Next."
12/02/2021
"Head into the first door."
The door of course does not automatically slide open for you.
Obviously.
12/02/2021
"Pull the door open."
Geez, are doors always this heavy?
Well, no. The answer is no.
Are sliding doors always this heavy?
12/02/2021
"Next."
You wonder how much these things have to work out to be able to move their weight so effortlessly. Goddamn.
12/02/2021
"Next."
This room is somehow even more aggressively Shopping Mall than the last.
This is getting weird, and one of you likes that.
12/27/2021
"Next."
KRISTAN: Okay, so I can't be the only one who finds this to be incredibly uncanny, right?
ZARIYAH: nah, i agree. it's awesome, isn't it?
KRISTAN: Mm. It's kinda freaking me out? All of this just... being here before our species' inception, apparently. And the government hiding it up for... whatever reason.
KRISTAN: You're sure we're in the right place?
ZARIYAH: kristan, c'mon, rezal's word is legit. it's been proven time and time before.
KRISTAN: ...Okay then.
ZARIYAH: nah, i agree. it's awesome, isn't it?
KRISTAN: Mm. It's kinda freaking me out? All of this just... being here before our species' inception, apparently. And the government hiding it up for... whatever reason.
KRISTAN: You're sure we're in the right place?
ZARIYAH: kristan, c'mon, rezal's word is legit. it's been proven time and time before.
KRISTAN: ...Okay then.
12/27/2021
"Next."
KRISTAN: It just seems a bit— AAHCK
12/27/2021
"Next."
KRISTAN: Accursed banana shirt... had it not been for its timely disintigration, I would show it no swift exit from this mortal coil.
ZARIYAH: if ya want i'll make a phylactery to curse its soul when we get home.
KRISTAN: Please do.
ZARIYAH: if ya want i'll make a phylactery to curse its soul when we get home.
KRISTAN: Please do.
12/27/2021
"Next."
ZARIYAH: so you good?
KRISTAN: Ugh. Yeah, thanks. What's up with the clothes here, anyway?
ZARIYAH: haha. pretty flimsy fabric, huh?
ZARIYAH: guess they're just that old.
KRISTAN: Do clothes normally do this when they get old?
ZARIYAH: i'unno.
KRISTAN: Ugh. Yeah, thanks. What's up with the clothes here, anyway?
ZARIYAH: haha. pretty flimsy fabric, huh?
ZARIYAH: guess they're just that old.
KRISTAN: Do clothes normally do this when they get old?
ZARIYAH: i'unno.
12/27/2021
"Grab some sweet kicks."
Even if these were more your style, they seem to be degraded to the point they'd be way too slippery to ever hope to walk in.
How curious.
12/27/2021
"Still take the shoes."
You're sure you'll come up with some cool use for the shoes' weird property later on, so you stuff them into your inventory on a whim.
12/27/2021
"Check behind the counter."
You approach the weird door behind the counter with apprehensive curiosity.
This looks like it could be important. Maybe.
12/27/2021
"Open it up?"
You give the door a quick prod, but no luck. Considering the difficulty of the normal sliding door earlier, this doesn't surprise you much.
You doubt even Zariyah would be able to open this with her bare hands, either. Maybe there's some other way to get it open?
01/12/2022
"Next."
ZARIYAH: i got this.
KRISTAN: It isn't gonna work, showoff.
ZARIYAH: naahhh, it'll work.
KRISTAN: It isn't gonna work, showoff.
ZARIYAH: naahhh, it'll work.
01/12/2022
"Zariyah: Pull the door open."
01/12/2022
"Next."
ZARIYAH: ...okay yeah you were right, this isn't happening.
KRISTAN: Literally I told you.
KRISTAN: Literally I told you.
01/12/2022
"Next."
ZARIYAH: not with my bare hands, that is!
01/12/2022
"Next."
...Oh.
No matter how hard you try to focus on the door mechanism on its own, its "activation" response is merely to power the keycard scanner(?) for a few seconds - likely due to the absence of its usual power source.
Seems like you'll need to either restore natural power, or find the missing keycard - assuming that's even what this is. Something tells you that the latter option will be easier, but it's still not exactly enticing.
01/12/2022
"Next."
While Zariyah begins rummaging through the front desk for the keycard, you decide to take a look around the rest of the shop.
01/12/2022
"Examine promotional material."
You take a moment to ponder the distinctly Banshian promotional material. Was this really what they looked like all this time? Well... probably not the mannequin, but mannequins in your society rarely ever look like adlets either, so you give this one a pass.
After so many years of conflicting speculation amongst your species, you feel like it should be weirder to find what is likely an accurate confirmation on their appearance - especially since none of the ideas you've seen really looked like this.
All of the speculation and arguments you've both seen and participated in on the subject feel completely pointless now.
01/12/2022
"Stare into mirror."
Your attention gradually wanders to the relatively mundane seeming mirror. You're not sure why, but you've always felt a sort of affinity towards these things. Something about the clear reflection causes you to... well, reflect on things. It perfectly perceives and recreates all that it sees with a fascinating lack of effort.
Or, you know. It's just really really shiny.
Still, you're no stranger to inviting mystical ideas into your everyday thoughts. It makes things more fun, in moderation.
01/12/2022
"Equip mirror."
On a whim, you decide to equip the mirror. Maybe there's something special about it, considering where you found it. Who knows.
01/12/2022
"Check on Zariyah."
KRISTAN: So, any luck with the keycard?
ZARIYAH: no, but i found this sans-card key. kinda looks like it might go with this box thing.
ZARIYAH: what's that you got on your back?
KRISTAN: Mirror.
ZARIYAH: cool.
KRISTAN: Yeah.
ZARIYAH: no, but i found this sans-card key. kinda looks like it might go with this box thing.
ZARIYAH: what's that you got on your back?
KRISTAN: Mirror.
ZARIYAH: cool.
KRISTAN: Yeah.
01/26/2022
"Open box thing."
ZARIYAH: the fuck are these things?
KRISTAN: Well... they do look like keycards?
ZARIYAH: worth a shot, i guess.
KRISTAN: Well... they do look like keycards?
ZARIYAH: worth a shot, i guess.
01/26/2022
"Scan one of these things."
No luck.
01/26/2022
"Next."
You decide to take some of these with you anyway, because why not.
Maybe they work elsewhere.
01/26/2022
"Kristan: Check out the sweet mask on that mannequin."
Doesn't seem like it's a mask, actually. It's kind of offputting how this looks, assuming the posters are how Banshians truly looked.
But then again, adlet mannequins don't resemble your species very closely, either. You're not sure which of the two you find creepier.
...
You'd rather not think about this long enough to decide, actually.
01/26/2022
"Exit store."
The two of you decide it's time to head further into the ruins, figuring you've already seen everything there is to see in this particular room.
Maybe you'll regroup with Breizan at some point ahead, but it isn't an urgent priority at the moment.
01/26/2022
"Be Breizan."
Yeah, yeah. You're always brazen.
Currently you're just kind of strolling down the main hallway like you own the place. Still nothing of note beyond the first few aberrations earlier.
You'd say you're surprised by how empty this place is, but you know there's no way that's all there is. You just gotta find 'em.
02/25/2022
"Spot some aberrations."
Ah, bingo. Seems most of them have congregated around what seems to be a larger central area. You'd jump right in, but maybe you should wait a moment and figure out the best approach.
It's hard to tell from here, but there seem to be quite a lot over there.
02/25/2022
"Next."
Your eyes adjust to the sight of several aberrations taking notice of you. Or, at least, you're pretty sure they're looking at you. It isn't exactly clear with some of them.
Either way, it seems you're a bit more pressed for time than you thought.
02/25/2022
"Engage the enemy."
Even your recklessness knows its limits; this is not a good idea on your own, considering how many aberrations are potentially nearby.
You reach for a specific type of bullet.
02/25/2022
"Next."
And take aim.
02/25/2022
"Fire."
Sweet, you land a shot at the perfect angle from the ground.
The aberrations are now distracted by the crystal formation; this is your chance to slip away undetected!
02/25/2022
"Get out of there before they find you."
Ah shit, or not. You guess a few were clever enough to investigate the source of the crystal bullet instead.
embezzler404: just checking in, things calm over there too?
Lord_Zerros: yes
Lord_Zerros: yes
03/16/2022
"What kind of aberrations are the ones chasing you?"
You take a few glances to note what you have on your hands.
Doesn't look great.
03/16/2022
"Duck inside a nearby store and hide."
03/16/2022
"Next."
You feel the need to specify that this is tactical obstruction.
You are not - you repeat, NOT - "running" and/or "hiding."
03/16/2022
"Next."
Looks like one of the aberrations guessed the right path.
The exact one you wanted to engage with the least, no less.
Seriously?
03/16/2022
"Next."
It's getting close; now's your best chance to make a break for it.
03/16/2022
"Fire the reverb shell."
SEEYA, SUCKER.
03/16/2022
"DODGE!!"
Before you even register the threat, your body reflexively swings out of the way. Guess the recursicannon found you, too.
No matter; by some miracle, you managed to keep your momentum. This just means you're now leaving two aberrations in your dust instead of one.
03/16/2022
"Next."
Scratch that, the Slither's got moves.
03/24/2022
"Score a midair hit."
You should at least take one out while you have a bit of airtime downtime.
03/24/2022
"Next."
Perfect shot! Are you badass or what?
Bit of collateral property damage, but it's not like that's a big deal.
03/24/2022
"Next."
..........
03/24/2022
"Next."
03/24/2022
"Next."
You'll be honest - you've been in better situations before.
03/24/2022
"Meanwhile..."
ZARIYAH: so. what do you think?
KRISTAN: Huh? About what?
ZARIYAH: your first time on the field, dummy.
KRISTAN: Oh! Right!
KRISTAN: Honestly uh, it feels so natural I almost forgot this was like, new.
ZARIYAH: does it, now?
KRISTAN: Well, yeah? Just kinda exploring places with you, haha.
KRISTAN: Huh? About what?
ZARIYAH: your first time on the field, dummy.
KRISTAN: Oh! Right!
KRISTAN: Honestly uh, it feels so natural I almost forgot this was like, new.
ZARIYAH: does it, now?
KRISTAN: Well, yeah? Just kinda exploring places with you, haha.
03/24/2022
"Next."
ZARIYAH: keep in mind this isn't casual exploration. we've barely encountered any danger yet, but there's bound to be more ahead.
KRISTAN: Oh, I know! Believe me, I'm staying alert.
ZARIYAH: ...no offense, but you're not.
ZARIYAH: you literally can't be truly alert until you've directly experienced what you need to be prepared for, i mean.
ZARIYAH: it's easy to read all about this kind of thing and think it'll translate to actual familiarity or whatever, but it's not that simple.
KRISTAN: Well... yeah, I guess that makes sense...
ZARIYAH: you'll figure it out as we go, though! i'm not saying this to discourage you or anything.
ZARIYAH: i just want you to be careful and stay out of trouble in the meantime, alright? don't do anything stupid.
KRISTAN: So don't do what you'd do. Gotcha.
ZARIYAH: yeah, exactly.
KRISTAN: Oh, I know! Believe me, I'm staying alert.
ZARIYAH: ...no offense, but you're not.
ZARIYAH: you literally can't be truly alert until you've directly experienced what you need to be prepared for, i mean.
ZARIYAH: it's easy to read all about this kind of thing and think it'll translate to actual familiarity or whatever, but it's not that simple.
KRISTAN: Well... yeah, I guess that makes sense...
ZARIYAH: you'll figure it out as we go, though! i'm not saying this to discourage you or anything.
ZARIYAH: i just want you to be careful and stay out of trouble in the meantime, alright? don't do anything stupid.
KRISTAN: So don't do what you'd do. Gotcha.
ZARIYAH: yeah, exactly.
03/24/2022
"Next."
KRISTAN: Hey... speaking of staying out of trouble.
KRISTAN: Should we maybe duck into one of the nearby stores..?
ZARIYAH: nah, let 'em approach. i don't want you to learn the wrong lessons from this.
ZARIYAH: just stay back and watch.
KRISTAN: Should we maybe duck into one of the nearby stores..?
ZARIYAH: nah, let 'em approach. i don't want you to learn the wrong lessons from this.
ZARIYAH: just stay back and watch.
04/16/2022
"Aberration: Approach."
04/16/2022
"Next."
Talispinners are specifically enchanted to violently react with all ethereal and paranormal objects.
Their usefulness makes it worth the effort of keeping them from coming in contact with your other paranormal stuff.
04/16/2022
"Next."
Other paranormal stuff such as your laserprisms, which also happen to be a perfect counter to the nimble yet fragile aerodynamic-type wyverns.
04/16/2022
"Wyvern: Retreat."
Ahp, looks like one's trying to get away.
Can't expect the erratic laserprism to hit everything, you suppose.
04/16/2022
"Next."
That said, you still have another trick up your sleeve.
These things really should be thanking you for all the trouble you go through to send them back to their own world.
04/16/2022
"Zariyah: Catch! Catch!!!"
Perfect - gotcha.
04/16/2022
"Next."
Now to throw the talispinner through it, and-- Oh, huh. Never mind.
Guess the laserprism's even more effective than you gave it credit for.
04/16/2022
"Uh, what about the skywheel?"
KRISTAN: Maybe we should run..!?
ZARIYAH: uh, shit. so... the wrath of a skywheel isn't really something you can run from.
KRISTAN: What??
ZARIYAH: uhhh. i got this under control?
KRISTAN: You don't seem like you have this under control!!
ZARIYAH: nah, just... i do, just gimme a sec to think of something.
04/22/2022
"?????"
You feel your entire body lock up, caught between two burning, conflicting paths. Your mind can only watch helplessly as your base reflexes urgently pull in diametrically opposed directions.
Do you stay out of this and seek cover like Zariyah sternly warned you to, and just leave her here to either figure something out or get hurt in the process? Or do you jump in and try to help -- somehow?
Will you just get in the way, or will you stand by as she gets badly hurt?
Avoid or engage?
Avoid or engage??
AVOID OR ENGAGE???
04/22/2022
"Next."
As if you've skipped a scene, you find yourself already further into the fray, feeling more like you're spectating than actually doing this.
You ask yourself what you're sure Zariyah's also shouting right now:
What the hell are you doing??
04/22/2022
"Do something!"
You... I...
.....
Huh?
05/03/2022
"Next."
ZARIYAH: i asked you not to do that.
KRISTAN: I, uh... Sorry.
ZARIYAH: but... this might have gone a lot worse, if you didn't.
KRISTAN: I didn't really do anything, though? ...I don't think I did.
ZARIYAH: who else could've taken down that skywheel, then?
KRISTAN: I... don't know? But I literally didn't swing my blades. I don't remember doing that...
ZARIYAH: well, this can be one of our lessons - sometimes you just go on autopilot in the heat of the moment. it's to be expected.
KRISTAN: ...I see...
ZARIYAH: and hey, striking a weakpoint like that under such stress is no small feat, you know.
KRISTAN: I, uh... Sorry.
ZARIYAH: but... this might have gone a lot worse, if you didn't.
KRISTAN: I didn't really do anything, though? ...I don't think I did.
ZARIYAH: who else could've taken down that skywheel, then?
KRISTAN: I... don't know? But I literally didn't swing my blades. I don't remember doing that...
ZARIYAH: well, this can be one of our lessons - sometimes you just go on autopilot in the heat of the moment. it's to be expected.
KRISTAN: ...I see...
ZARIYAH: and hey, striking a weakpoint like that under such stress is no small feat, you know.
05/03/2022
"Next."
ZARIYAH: still... i know it runs in our blood, so don't be too reckless, alright? i don't want a repeat of last time.
KRISTAN: Well... I do?
ZARIYAH: dude, are you out of your mind!?
KRISTAN: I mean, not like that!! Not how it went before. I just want another shot at... being worth having around, you know?
ZARIYAH: kristan, stop. you're already well worth having around.
ZARIYAH: and you've just proven you'll be plenty capable! i just want you to avoid jumping into things until you have more experience. gotta be fully aware of what we're dealing with.
KRISTAN: Gotcha. ...Sorry.
KRISTAN: Well... I do?
ZARIYAH: dude, are you out of your mind!?
KRISTAN: I mean, not like that!! Not how it went before. I just want another shot at... being worth having around, you know?
ZARIYAH: kristan, stop. you're already well worth having around.
ZARIYAH: and you've just proven you'll be plenty capable! i just want you to avoid jumping into things until you have more experience. gotta be fully aware of what we're dealing with.
KRISTAN: Gotcha. ...Sorry.
05/03/2022
"Next."
KRISTAN: But... what if something like this happens again?
ZARIYAH: it won't. i'll make sure of it.
KRISTAN: ...IF it does?
ZARIYAH: um... well, i uh...
ZARIYAH: guh, maybe i worry too much about this. am i just being silly here?
KRISTAN: Well... This whole thing is new for both of us. Having me around for this again, I mean.
KRISTAN: So, it's like you said: We'll figure it out as we go, right?
ZARIYAH: ...yeah. you're right.
ZARIYAH: it won't. i'll make sure of it.
KRISTAN: ...IF it does?
ZARIYAH: um... well, i uh...
ZARIYAH: guh, maybe i worry too much about this. am i just being silly here?
KRISTAN: Well... This whole thing is new for both of us. Having me around for this again, I mean.
KRISTAN: So, it's like you said: We'll figure it out as we go, right?
ZARIYAH: ...yeah. you're right.
4 new messages
05/03/2022
"Answer BarkLength."
Lord_Zerros: so i have a bit of an ANNOYING situation on my hands
Lord_Zerros: i MAYBE kind of SORT OF got myself locked up in one of these stupid stores with some dumbass anti-theft system thing. dont ask how its still working, its some pulley bullshit IDGAF
Lord_Zerros: anyway im in here with two bullfuck irritating aberrations that are giving me a bit of.... trouble
Lord_Zerros: as much as i hate to say this: [help would be appreciated]. if not just to make this a LITTLE bit less annoying.
Xerarch_CV: Oh no, are you in trouble? Where are you at?
Lord_Zerros: im not IN [trouble] but im in some store. uh yeah wait i already said that. hold on
Lord_Zerros: uhhhh... you wont miss the shutter over the door if you see it im sure. its just around a corner or two from some big central area, maybe a plaza or food court or something. there were also some wyverns and a skywheel i shook off my tail before getting here so maybe seeing those could work as nobriels most dangerous bread crumb trail if that helps
embezzler404: oh hey, we just took care of those. we'll follow the path they came from, we're on our way.
Lord_Zerros: ok good make it quick KTHXBYE
Lord_Zerros: i MAYBE kind of SORT OF got myself locked up in one of these stupid stores with some dumbass anti-theft system thing. dont ask how its still working, its some pulley bullshit IDGAF
Lord_Zerros: anyway im in here with two bullfuck irritating aberrations that are giving me a bit of.... trouble
Lord_Zerros: as much as i hate to say this: [help would be appreciated]. if not just to make this a LITTLE bit less annoying.
Xerarch_CV: Oh no, are you in trouble? Where are you at?
Lord_Zerros: im not IN [trouble] but im in some store. uh yeah wait i already said that. hold on
Lord_Zerros: uhhhh... you wont miss the shutter over the door if you see it im sure. its just around a corner or two from some big central area, maybe a plaza or food court or something. there were also some wyverns and a skywheel i shook off my tail before getting here so maybe seeing those could work as nobriels most dangerous bread crumb trail if that helps
embezzler404: oh hey, we just took care of those. we'll follow the path they came from, we're on our way.
Lord_Zerros: ok good make it quick KTHXBYE
05/03/2022
"Follow the path."
IIambicIInstant: hi so hello hi not to be a dick or anythigh tbut can we maybe keep messages to a minumim please? i am trying to sleep
embezzler404: WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO SLEEP
IIambicIInstant: geez sorry for asking im jgetting bored outta my mind here, nobody showing up or anywhere near here its out in some random feild nbdoy really cares sbout
IIambicIInstant: are you at least almsot done?
embezzler404: dude, there's still a lot to explore even after rescuing zerros.
Lord_Zerros: *[ASSISTING] lord zerros thanks. my situation is just a frustrating setback and nothing more
Lord_Zerros: ok but still hurry though this recursicannon is TICKING me OFF
embezzler404: yeah yeah, hold tight. we're almost there.
Xerarch_CV: Hey Iambic, if you want you can always join us in here! Just set up the drone to keep watch instead or something.
IIambicIInstant: yeah no thask, i actually know how dangerous this place is unlike you lunatics
Xerarch_CV: Haha... Right.
embezzler404: well, we're here, zerros. just gotta find a way in. hold on a sec.
embezzler404: WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO SLEEP
IIambicIInstant: geez sorry for asking im jgetting bored outta my mind here, nobody showing up or anywhere near here its out in some random feild nbdoy really cares sbout
IIambicIInstant: are you at least almsot done?
embezzler404: dude, there's still a lot to explore even after rescuing zerros.
Lord_Zerros: *[ASSISTING] lord zerros thanks. my situation is just a frustrating setback and nothing more
Lord_Zerros: ok but still hurry though this recursicannon is TICKING me OFF
embezzler404: yeah yeah, hold tight. we're almost there.
Xerarch_CV: Hey Iambic, if you want you can always join us in here! Just set up the drone to keep watch instead or something.
IIambicIInstant: yeah no thask, i actually know how dangerous this place is unlike you lunatics
Xerarch_CV: Haha... Right.
embezzler404: well, we're here, zerros. just gotta find a way in. hold on a sec.
05/03/2022
"Pull the shutter open."
Yeah. You can do this.
Just... need a second.
Come on.
05/03/2022
"Next."
05/11/2022
"Follow Kristan."
You pick up a few Banshian Astrotexts on the way.
You bet Alethea would get a kick out of comparing these old tomes to today's understanding of astronomy.
05/11/2022
"Break through."
Anyway, looks like you're up.
One swing of the gravestone should be enough to bring this wall down.
05/11/2022
"WAIT!"
KRISTAN: Waitwaitwait! Can't we find another way to do this??
KRISTAN: I'd rather not have to deal with... you know.
ZARIYAH: aw, c'mon. what's a brief little spat with that nuisance? we'll just banish him real quick and get back on with what we're doing.
KRISTAN: Zar, you just said you'd prevent situations like earlier. I don't trust this to go well.
ZARIYAH: ...alright.
ZARIYAH: hey, i got it. listen up - it's my turn for a clever idea.
KRISTAN: Let's hear it.
KRISTAN: I'd rather not have to deal with... you know.
ZARIYAH: aw, c'mon. what's a brief little spat with that nuisance? we'll just banish him real quick and get back on with what we're doing.
KRISTAN: Zar, you just said you'd prevent situations like earlier. I don't trust this to go well.
ZARIYAH: ...alright.
ZARIYAH: hey, i got it. listen up - it's my turn for a clever idea.
KRISTAN: Let's hear it.
05/11/2022
"Next."
embezzler404: hey, think you can lure the recursicannon into hitting a specific part of the wall?
Lord_Zerros: maybe. does it have to be the cannon? i think i could lead the slither more easily
embezzler404: there's a slither in there?
Lord_Zerros: probably apparent by the fact its still here but its bulletproof too. clockwork type
embezzler404: i... okay, you know what? sure. i have a plan for that, we'll deal with it.
Lord_Zerros: where do you want me to lead it
embezzler404: do you see a crack in the wall anywhere?
Xerarch_CV: Should be near the back of the store, assuming it's the same size as this one.
Lord_Zerros: uhh yeah i see it. stand back B)
Xerarch_CV: Way ahead of you.
Lord_Zerros: maybe. does it have to be the cannon? i think i could lead the slither more easily
embezzler404: there's a slither in there?
Lord_Zerros: probably apparent by the fact its still here but its bulletproof too. clockwork type
embezzler404: i... okay, you know what? sure. i have a plan for that, we'll deal with it.
Lord_Zerros: where do you want me to lead it
embezzler404: do you see a crack in the wall anywhere?
Xerarch_CV: Should be near the back of the store, assuming it's the same size as this one.
Lord_Zerros: uhh yeah i see it. stand back B)
Xerarch_CV: Way ahead of you.
06/07/2022
"Get in position."
ZARIYAH: you ready?
KRISTAN: Uh... sure. Guess it's time to put my aim to the test.
KRISTAN: And here I was thinking you were fucking with me with all that throwing practice.
ZARIYAH: to be fair, the part about the weather was completely made up.
KRISTAN: Of godsdamn course it was.
KRISTAN: But yes, I got this. I think.
KRISTAN: Uh... sure. Guess it's time to put my aim to the test.
KRISTAN: And here I was thinking you were fucking with me with all that throwing practice.
ZARIYAH: to be fair, the part about the weather was completely made up.
KRISTAN: Of godsdamn course it was.
KRISTAN: But yes, I got this. I think.
06/07/2022
"Breizan: Break through the wall."
Wait for it...
06/07/2022
"...now?"
Sure, now.
06/07/2022
"Zariyah: Put up the barrier."
06/07/2022
"Kristan: Throw the talispinner through it."
Well... that went through more things than you were expecting it to.
Not that you're complaining.
06/17/2022
"Next."
BREIZAN: i gotta say - that was a pretty cool trick, dude
KRISTAN: I mean, the whole thing was Zariyah's idea! I wouldn't have thought to--
BREIZAN: well hey the gangs back together, what do you say we get this exploration back underway and figure out what were even looking for, cmon lets go
KRISTAN: I mean, the whole thing was Zariyah's idea! I wouldn't have thought to--
BREIZAN: well hey the gangs back together, what do you say we get this exploration back underway and figure out what were even looking for, cmon lets go
06/17/2022
"Next."
KRISTAN: OHMYGOSH YOU'RE HURT!
BREIZAN: nnno im not im FINE
KRISTAN: Butbutbut you're bleeding!!
BREIZAN: just a bit, its NOTHING, really
KRISTAN: Zariyah he's actually bleeding!!!
ZARIYAH: geez, yeah, we should get that covered up.
BREIZAN: oh my god
ZARIYAH: you brought the bandages, right?
BREIZAN: nnno im not im FINE
KRISTAN: Butbutbut you're bleeding!!
BREIZAN: just a bit, its NOTHING, really
KRISTAN: Zariyah he's actually bleeding!!!
ZARIYAH: geez, yeah, we should get that covered up.
BREIZAN: oh my god
ZARIYAH: you brought the bandages, right?
06/17/2022
"Breizan: Check inventory."
BREIZAN: uhhhh not exactly
ZARIYAH: what does that even mean? those were explicitly your responsibility.
BREIZAN: well like theyre not on me
ZARIYAH: so you forgot them!? your negligence can affect more than just you, you know.
BREIZAN: i didnt FORGET them. theyre in the car
ZARIYAH: the car!?
KRISTAN: I'll uh, contact Rennard about this.
ZARIYAH: what does that even mean? those were explicitly your responsibility.
BREIZAN: well like theyre not on me
ZARIYAH: so you forgot them!? your negligence can affect more than just you, you know.
BREIZAN: i didnt FORGET them. theyre in the car
ZARIYAH: the car!?
KRISTAN: I'll uh, contact Rennard about this.
06/17/2022
"Contact Rennard about bandages."
Xerarch_CV: Hey um, Iambic?
IIambicIInstant: yes watchcar here, anything i need to or youneed to know?
Xerarch_CV: Zerros needs to be patched up, he's hurt.
IIambicIInstant: uh wait what, hurt how much
Xerarch_CV: His hand is bleeding and he forgot the bandages in the car! Please hurry.
Lord_Zerros: good lord its barely anything stop being so dramatic
embezzler404: we are covering it up.
embezzler404: iambic should stay on watch, however. we will escort zerros to the car instead.
IIambicIInstant: hmmmmmm alrigh ill head on over
Xerarch_CV: With the bandages?
Xerarch_CV: Hello?
Xerarch_CV: ...With the bandages, right?
embezzler404 (sarcastic tired smile): does anyone on this team even listen to anything.
IIambicIInstant: yes watchcar here, anything i need to or youneed to know?
Xerarch_CV: Zerros needs to be patched up, he's hurt.
IIambicIInstant: uh wait what, hurt how much
Xerarch_CV: His hand is bleeding and he forgot the bandages in the car! Please hurry.
Lord_Zerros: good lord its barely anything stop being so dramatic
embezzler404: we are covering it up.
embezzler404: iambic should stay on watch, however. we will escort zerros to the car instead.
IIambicIInstant: hmmmmmm alrigh ill head on over
Xerarch_CV: With the bandages?
Xerarch_CV: Hello?
Xerarch_CV: ...With the bandages, right?
embezzler404 (sarcastic tired smile): does anyone on this team even listen to anything.
06/25/2022
"Next."
ZARIYAH: alright, let's sit tight until he gets here, i guess.
KRISTAN: How's he gonna find us? I still can't get a hold of him.
ZARIYAH: as long as we remain visible he should be able to find us. otherwise, i'm sure he'll followup on barklength eventually if he gets lost.
ZARIYAH: just like our reckless musketeer over here. where do you think you're going?
BREIZAN: just taking a quick peek ahead, relax
ZARIYAH: alright then. lemme know if there's anything of note.
KRISTAN: How's he gonna find us? I still can't get a hold of him.
ZARIYAH: as long as we remain visible he should be able to find us. otherwise, i'm sure he'll followup on barklength eventually if he gets lost.
ZARIYAH: just like our reckless musketeer over here. where do you think you're going?
BREIZAN: just taking a quick peek ahead, relax
ZARIYAH: alright then. lemme know if there's anything of note.
06/25/2022
"Next."
BREIZAN: ...huh.
BREIZAN: hey so we're not exactly alone, turns out??
ZARIYAH: more aberrations?
BREIZAN: uh... yeah, those too, but thats not exactly it
BREIZAN: someones here.
ZARIYAH: ...what?
BREIZAN: hey so we're not exactly alone, turns out??
ZARIYAH: more aberrations?
BREIZAN: uh... yeah, those too, but thats not exactly it
BREIZAN: someones here.
ZARIYAH: ...what?
06/25/2022
"Next."
BREIZAN: not even a moment after rennard leaves his post and people are already slipping in. GREAT.
ZARIYAH: they're further in than us. there must be another entrance, or they got in before us--
KRISTAN: Gosh, they're surrounded! Should we help them..?
ZARIYAH: shh!
ZARIYAH: they're further in than us. there must be another entrance, or they got in before us--
KRISTAN: Gosh, they're surrounded! Should we help them..?
ZARIYAH: shh!
06/25/2022
"Next."
KRISTAN: Wh... Wait, huh??
BREIZAN: what the [HELL] was that
ZARIYAH: SHH! we need to leave right now.
BREIZAN: what the [HELL] was that
ZARIYAH: SHH! we need to leave right now.
06/29/2022
"Get out of here."
KRISTAN: Zariyah, who the hell are these people?
ZARIYAH: i have about a million different ideas. now is not the time to speculate on which it is, especially if they're who i think they are.
KRISTAN: You don't mean...?
ZARIYAH: i have about a million different ideas. now is not the time to speculate on which it is, especially if they're who i think they are.
KRISTAN: You don't mean...?
06/29/2022
"Wait, where's Breizan?"
BREIZAN? BREIZAN WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING
06/29/2022
"Converse more discreetly!"
Lord_Zerros: heh, thought you were the one who yammered on about us having to be quiet
embezzler404: THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR THIS.
embezzler404: I AM SERIOUS. TURN BACK, NOW.
embezzler404: YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT BE GETTING INTO.
Lord_Zerros: relax, im not intent on [getting into] anything
Lord_Zerros: something just caught my eye is all, ill be quick
Lord_Zerros: you guys just go if they catch me or whatever, ill just tell em im on my own
Xerarch_CV: Breizan please actually don't!!
embezzler404: son of a fucking bitch.
embezzler404: THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR THIS.
embezzler404: I AM SERIOUS. TURN BACK, NOW.
embezzler404: YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT BE GETTING INTO.
Lord_Zerros: relax, im not intent on [getting into] anything
Lord_Zerros: something just caught my eye is all, ill be quick
Lord_Zerros: you guys just go if they catch me or whatever, ill just tell em im on my own
Xerarch_CV: Breizan please actually don't!!
embezzler404: son of a fucking bitch.
06/29/2022
"Take note of the wyvern."
BREIZAN: (oh perfect. hey dude, cmere real quick)
WYVERN: -hiss-
WYVERN: -hiss-
06/29/2022
"Next."
Lord_Zerros: you guys said you needed a keycard for some room, right?
embezzler404: well, yeah. we did. but circumstances have clearly changed. we have to leave.
Lord_Zerros: what, we're giving up on our first big lead just because the comic book club showed up? cmon, that doesnt sound like the zariyah i know. B)
embezzler404: ...
embezzler404: well, yeah. we did. but circumstances have clearly changed. we have to leave.
Lord_Zerros: what, we're giving up on our first big lead just because the comic book club showed up? cmon, that doesnt sound like the zariyah i know. B)
embezzler404: ...
07/13/2022
"Next."
Alright, you've got one shot at this to do it perfectly.
07/13/2022
"Grab it and get out of here!"
07/13/2022
"Next."
OP-3: -Picking up a concentrated sonic disruptance.
-Status update, Director?
DIRECTOR: Errant aberration.
-Status update, Director?
DIRECTOR: Errant aberration.
07/13/2022
"Next."
DIRECTOR: Deem the issue resolved.
OP-3: -Understood.
OP-3: -Understood.
07/31/2022
"Director: Resolve."
07/31/2022
"Breizan: Get the hell out of there!"
Don't got to tell you twice. You've never seen anything like that.
07/31/2022
"Next."
BREIZAN: wow that sure was something huh. glad i didnt get caught up in whatever THAT was
BREIZAN: anyway! look what iiiii found~ B)
ZARIYAH: .....
KRISTAN: .....
08/04/2022
"What now?"
BREIZAN: so, wheres that door at?
ZARIYAH: ...okay, you need to reel it back in.
ZARIYAH: just because you somehow managed to swipe that keycard does not mean we're continuing this expedition.
ZARIYAH: i'm sure you can already gather - assuming you just ignore your common sense and aren't just lacking it outright - but this is a dangerous group to be messing with.
BREIZAN: then we'll avoid em, simple as
ZARIYAH: and if we accidentally run into them? if they find us?
BREIZAN: we're clever and talented, we'll just think of something
ZARIYAH: wh... no. i'm not comfortable continuing this, and neither should you.
BREIZAN: so, what, i risked my ass for nothing?
ZARIYAH: i didn't ASK you to do that! in fact, i specifically told you NOT to!!
KRISTAN: Guys, can we put this on hold?
KRISTAN: We still don't know where Rennard is.
ZARIYAH: ...fuck, that's a pretty big point.
ZARIYAH: ...okay, you need to reel it back in.
ZARIYAH: just because you somehow managed to swipe that keycard does not mean we're continuing this expedition.
ZARIYAH: i'm sure you can already gather - assuming you just ignore your common sense and aren't just lacking it outright - but this is a dangerous group to be messing with.
BREIZAN: then we'll avoid em, simple as
ZARIYAH: and if we accidentally run into them? if they find us?
BREIZAN: we're clever and talented, we'll just think of something
ZARIYAH: wh... no. i'm not comfortable continuing this, and neither should you.
BREIZAN: so, what, i risked my ass for nothing?
ZARIYAH: i didn't ASK you to do that! in fact, i specifically told you NOT to!!
KRISTAN: Guys, can we put this on hold?
KRISTAN: We still don't know where Rennard is.
ZARIYAH: ...fuck, that's a pretty big point.
08/04/2022
"How to find Rennard?"
ZARIYAH: how are we even going to find him?
ZARIYAH: ugh, stuff like this makes me wish we went through with the gps idea.
BREIZAN: nope from me. too easily traceable
ZARIYAH: and since when were you concerned with security?
BREIZAN: when it isnt something skill can handle? B/
KRISTAN: Neither of you are helping right now.
KRISTAN: Rennard might wander into their sight and we have no idea what they'd do to any of us if they knew we were here.
KRISTAN: ...Especially after we stole from them.
BREIZAN: well, what IS there to do about it?
ZARIYAH: just... try contacting him, maybe?
ZARIYAH: ugh, stuff like this makes me wish we went through with the gps idea.
BREIZAN: nope from me. too easily traceable
ZARIYAH: and since when were you concerned with security?
BREIZAN: when it isnt something skill can handle? B/
KRISTAN: Neither of you are helping right now.
KRISTAN: Rennard might wander into their sight and we have no idea what they'd do to any of us if they knew we were here.
KRISTAN: ...Especially after we stole from them.
BREIZAN: well, what IS there to do about it?
ZARIYAH: just... try contacting him, maybe?
08/04/2022
"Kristan: Contact Rennard again."
Xerarch_CV: Hey?
Xerarch_CV: Paging Iambic — Please come in.
Xerarch_CV: Okay really, please check your phone?
Xerarch_CV: Did you even bring it with you? I don't see how you couldn't.
Xerarch_CV: I guess I get to keep sending messages until it gets your attention, then.
Xerarch_CV: Unless— wait, you don't have notification sounds on do you?? Oh god.
Xerarch_CV: ...Okay no, there's no way you could, you'd have seen these by now if you did.
Xerarch_CV: Paging Iambic — Please come in.
Xerarch_CV: Okay really, please check your phone?
Xerarch_CV: Did you even bring it with you? I don't see how you couldn't.
Xerarch_CV: I guess I get to keep sending messages until it gets your attention, then.
Xerarch_CV: Unless— wait, you don't have notification sounds on do you?? Oh god.
Xerarch_CV: ...Okay no, there's no way you could, you'd have seen these by now if you did.
08/04/2022
"Next."
Xerarch_CV: Guh, things aren't good, can you seriously jusdNSD;;./---
KRISTAN: ---!!
RENNARD: okay what
KRISTAN: ---!!
RENNARD: okay what
08/11/2022
"Next."
KRISTAN: Geez, you startled me! You're lucky I wasn't caught too off guard, there.
RENNARD: oh so you literalyl go on one missond and already youre all the edgey "please stay back.......i dont want to hurt you" kind of powerful huh
KRISTAN: What? No! It's just... there's this other group of people here. And we think they might be... that group.
RENNARD: oh word?
KRISTAN: Um... well, yes word.
KRISTAN: So, it's critical we don't give up our position, since they don't know we're here. I mean they probably don't. Hopefully.
BREIZAN: he means hed have squealed real loud if you startled him too much LOL
KRISTAN: Shut up.
ZARIYAH: yeah dude, shut up.
ZARIYAH: either way, it's a relief we found you first. er - that you found us, i suppose.
ZARIYAH: we need to leave.
RENNARD: oh so you literalyl go on one missond and already youre all the edgey "please stay back.......i dont want to hurt you" kind of powerful huh
KRISTAN: What? No! It's just... there's this other group of people here. And we think they might be... that group.
RENNARD: oh word?
KRISTAN: Um... well, yes word.
KRISTAN: So, it's critical we don't give up our position, since they don't know we're here. I mean they probably don't. Hopefully.
BREIZAN: he means hed have squealed real loud if you startled him too much LOL
KRISTAN: Shut up.
ZARIYAH: yeah dude, shut up.
ZARIYAH: either way, it's a relief we found you first. er - that you found us, i suppose.
ZARIYAH: we need to leave.
08/11/2022
"Zariyah: Fill him in."
RENNARD: uh.... wat.
ZARIYAH: "we need to leave."
ZARIYAH: as in - we need to reach the getaway car as quickly, quietly, and soon as possible.
RENNARD: yeahno i heard you just like um......how do i put this:
RENNARD: "wat"
ZARIYAH: i don't understand the confusion here.
ZARIYAH: the people here are quite possibly the shadowy cabal behind the downfall of modern society.
ZARIYAH: you know, the ones i always speculate about? they're here in the mall with us.
ZARIYAH: they have abilities and tech far beyond anything we've—
BREIZAN: hey uh, hate to interrupt your anxiety fueled prattling, but we got one of your big bads coming up at 12 o'clock. think we should hide or whatever?
KRISTAN: Shit.
ZARIYAH: "we need to leave."
ZARIYAH: as in - we need to reach the getaway car as quickly, quietly, and soon as possible.
RENNARD: yeahno i heard you just like um......how do i put this:
RENNARD: "wat"
ZARIYAH: i don't understand the confusion here.
ZARIYAH: the people here are quite possibly the shadowy cabal behind the downfall of modern society.
ZARIYAH: you know, the ones i always speculate about? they're here in the mall with us.
ZARIYAH: they have abilities and tech far beyond anything we've—
BREIZAN: hey uh, hate to interrupt your anxiety fueled prattling, but we got one of your big bads coming up at 12 o'clock. think we should hide or whatever?
KRISTAN: Shit.
08/11/2022
"Yes hide!"
Hurry! Hurry!!
08/11/2022
"Next."
..........
08/11/2022
"Next."
OP-4: No sign of activity in the west wing.
OP-4: Neutralizers placed at the entry gate are currently being refreshed as per routine maintenance.
OP-4: ...consult OP-5 on the matter.
OP-4: estimated time of restored functionality: Perhaps ten minutes.
OP-4: Also i hate wearing this shoe can i take it off
OP-4: ........
OP-4: Informality noted. apologies.
OP-4: No. the gear is adequate.
OP-4: returning to group.
OP-4: Neutralizers placed at the entry gate are currently being refreshed as per routine maintenance.
OP-4: ...consult OP-5 on the matter.
OP-4: estimated time of restored functionality: Perhaps ten minutes.
OP-4: Also i hate wearing this shoe can i take it off
OP-4: ........
OP-4: Informality noted. apologies.
OP-4: No. the gear is adequate.
OP-4: returning to group.
08/24/2022
"Operative: Leave."
08/24/2022
"Next."
08/24/2022
"Next."
BREIZAN: HAH, FUCKEN IDIOT!!!
ZARIYAH: KEEP YOUR FUCKING VOICE DOWN ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
KRISTAN: .....
KRISTAN: Thankfully, they seem to already be out of earshot.
RENNARD: >KACHOO!<
ZARIYAH: KEEP YOUR FUCKING VOICE DOWN ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
KRISTAN: .....
KRISTAN: Thankfully, they seem to already be out of earshot.
RENNARD: >KACHOO!<
08/24/2022
"Rennard: Get back to her on that."
RENNARD: wow that windoews fucking DUSTY......HOOOO-WEE
RENNARD: anyway, zar, while that guy was here i thought about the point you were making to me and well
RENNARD: i dont... necescairilly agree with you here? about us needing to leave?
ZARIYAH: ...
ZARIYAH: how?
RENNARD: anyway, zar, while that guy was here i thought about the point you were making to me and well
RENNARD: i dont... necescairilly agree with you here? about us needing to leave?
ZARIYAH: ...
ZARIYAH: how?
08/28/2022
"Next."
BREIZAN: HELL yeah, based rennard
RENNARD: huh
RENNARD: huh
08/28/2022
"Next."
KRISTAN: Oh, hey. Breizan. We have the bandages now.
KRISTAN: Don't think I forgot about your hand.
BREIZAN: [.]
KRISTAN: Don't think I forgot about your hand.
BREIZAN: [.]
08/28/2022
"Rennard: Elaborate."
RENNARD: so... great, i have to explain what i mea now dont i
ZARIYAH: please do.
RENNARD: well. the way i see it is we have a choice in front of us
RENNARD: on one hand we could leave now before those... whatever it is turns back on
RENNARD: it would thesafer option for sure, getting out before were caught
RENNARD: but as much as id actually love to do that...... isnt this your whole lifes work?
ZARIYAH: i'm not sure what you mean.
RENNARD: come on, its practically the main thing you talk about ever
ZARIYAH: okay, you got me there.
ZARIYAH: ...but if i'm right about this, we're facing a scenario more dangerous than anything we've encountered thus far. i just don't know if we're ready.
RENNARD: it's realy any scarier than that ghost that haunts you and kristan a bunch?
ZARIYAH: that inconsequential nuisance of a spirit? yeah, duh. this is much worse.
RENNARD: uhhhh huh. "egree to disegree"
ZARIYAH: please do.
RENNARD: well. the way i see it is we have a choice in front of us
RENNARD: on one hand we could leave now before those... whatever it is turns back on
RENNARD: it would thesafer option for sure, getting out before were caught
RENNARD: but as much as id actually love to do that...... isnt this your whole lifes work?
ZARIYAH: i'm not sure what you mean.
RENNARD: come on, its practically the main thing you talk about ever
ZARIYAH: okay, you got me there.
ZARIYAH: ...but if i'm right about this, we're facing a scenario more dangerous than anything we've encountered thus far. i just don't know if we're ready.
RENNARD: it's realy any scarier than that ghost that haunts you and kristan a bunch?
ZARIYAH: that inconsequential nuisance of a spirit? yeah, duh. this is much worse.
RENNARD: uhhhh huh. "egree to disegree"
08/28/2022
"Next."
KRISTAN: Hey, about us not being prepared for this... When would we be?
ZARIYAH: huh?
KRISTAN: Well, you've been at this whole paranormal sleuthing thing for a long time now. Please don't take this the wrong way, but in all this time we haven't really... found much.
KRISTAN: The few genuine artifacts we do have were extremely hard to track down amongst the sea of convincing flukes.
KRISTAN: So where would we find what we need to confidently face them? They'd surely have tighter security after tonight, and I don't think finding another cursed salt shaker would be worth it.
KRISTAN: The Archive bothering to show up tips their hand about this place, too. I think pushing on and finding whatever they're hiding here while they're still off guard is our best bet.
ZARIYAH: yeah... you're right. but i'm starting to wonder if this is really worth it to begin with.
KRISTAN: Zar, your theory is sound and we've just seen proof. Hell, at this point, even I'd be upset if we just gave up while we were so close!
KRISTAN: So I couldn't even imagine how you'd feel, considering how driven you are by this.
ZARIYAH: ...you do have a point. maybe things have lined up like this for a reason. maybe we shouldn't just let this slip away.
BREIZAN: oh come on, thats exactly what [ive] been trying to say this whole time >BV
ZARIYAH: guess you could learn a thing or two about his way with words, then.
KRISTAN: Hehe. :)
ZARIYAH: huh?
KRISTAN: Well, you've been at this whole paranormal sleuthing thing for a long time now. Please don't take this the wrong way, but in all this time we haven't really... found much.
KRISTAN: The few genuine artifacts we do have were extremely hard to track down amongst the sea of convincing flukes.
KRISTAN: So where would we find what we need to confidently face them? They'd surely have tighter security after tonight, and I don't think finding another cursed salt shaker would be worth it.
KRISTAN: The Archive bothering to show up tips their hand about this place, too. I think pushing on and finding whatever they're hiding here while they're still off guard is our best bet.
ZARIYAH: yeah... you're right. but i'm starting to wonder if this is really worth it to begin with.
KRISTAN: Zar, your theory is sound and we've just seen proof. Hell, at this point, even I'd be upset if we just gave up while we were so close!
KRISTAN: So I couldn't even imagine how you'd feel, considering how driven you are by this.
ZARIYAH: ...you do have a point. maybe things have lined up like this for a reason. maybe we shouldn't just let this slip away.
BREIZAN: oh come on, thats exactly what [ive] been trying to say this whole time >BV
ZARIYAH: guess you could learn a thing or two about his way with words, then.
KRISTAN: Hehe. :)
09/02/2022
"Next."
ZARIYAH: okay! fuck it, we're doing this after all. screw these guys.
BREIZAN: NOW we're talking with fire B)
ZARIYAH: BUT! i understand this is my own goal to pursue, and i don't want to drag any of you into danger for my sake.
ZARIYAH: i know i can't stop breizan from coming along if i tried, but i think you two should get out of here safely while that's still an option.
KRISTAN: No way!
BREIZAN: NOW we're talking with fire B)
ZARIYAH: BUT! i understand this is my own goal to pursue, and i don't want to drag any of you into danger for my sake.
ZARIYAH: i know i can't stop breizan from coming along if i tried, but i think you two should get out of here safely while that's still an option.
KRISTAN: No way!
09/02/2022
"Next."
KRISTAN: I won't leave you two to do this alone.
ZARIYAH: ...are you sure? you've seen glimpses of how dangerous this might get.
KRISTAN: Which is exactly why I want to go with you! The anxiety of something bad happening while I'm away is far more likely to kill me than any of the stuff in here.
ZARIYAH: corny, but i get it.
ZARIYAH: as usual, just promise me you'll be careful, alright?
KRISTAN: Always! It'll be a learning experience.
ZARIYAH: i appreciate it, hun.
ZARIYAH: and you, rennard?
ZARIYAH: don't feel pressured to join - you can still leave if you want.
RENNARD: and leave you all without a ride? nahh, nobody can dissociate hard enough while driving to pull off the kinds of stunts and speed i can without freaking out about it
RENNARD: except maybe breizan but hed probably end up crashing it lmoa
BREIZAN: HEY—
BREIZAN: okay yeah probably, LOL
ZARIYAH: huh. guess we're all in, then.
BREIZAN: now THATS what i like to see. lets do this, take II >B)
ZARIYAH: ...are you sure? you've seen glimpses of how dangerous this might get.
KRISTAN: Which is exactly why I want to go with you! The anxiety of something bad happening while I'm away is far more likely to kill me than any of the stuff in here.
ZARIYAH: corny, but i get it.
ZARIYAH: as usual, just promise me you'll be careful, alright?
KRISTAN: Always! It'll be a learning experience.
ZARIYAH: i appreciate it, hun.
ZARIYAH: and you, rennard?
ZARIYAH: don't feel pressured to join - you can still leave if you want.
RENNARD: and leave you all without a ride? nahh, nobody can dissociate hard enough while driving to pull off the kinds of stunts and speed i can without freaking out about it
RENNARD: except maybe breizan but hed probably end up crashing it lmoa
BREIZAN: HEY—
BREIZAN: okay yeah probably, LOL
ZARIYAH: huh. guess we're all in, then.
BREIZAN: now THATS what i like to see. lets do this, take II >B)
09/02/2022
"Go find that door again."
ZARIYAH: alright, so the door's in here.
BREIZAN: perfect, wonder what its hiding
KRISTAN: Considering it seems to be a mall, it could just be a break room or something.
KRISTAN: ...If it is, do NOT try eating anything that may have been left here.
BREIZAN: might, might not, depends on how tasty it seems
KRISTAN: I'm serious!!
ZARIYAH: yeah dude, just don't.
RENNARD: uh, hey guys?
BREIZAN: perfect, wonder what its hiding
KRISTAN: Considering it seems to be a mall, it could just be a break room or something.
KRISTAN: ...If it is, do NOT try eating anything that may have been left here.
BREIZAN: might, might not, depends on how tasty it seems
KRISTAN: I'm serious!!
ZARIYAH: yeah dude, just don't.
RENNARD: uh, hey guys?
09/02/2022
"Next."
RENNARD: i think the uh
RENNARD: "things"
RENNARD: might be turning back on....
RENNARD: "things"
RENNARD: might be turning back on....
09/13/2022
"Neutralizers: Reactivate."
09/13/2022
"Get out of the way!"
Woah, gotcha little man!
09/13/2022
"Next."
Oh whoops.
09/13/2022
"Rennard: Catch your pen."
Uh...
09/13/2022
"Next."
...Bit late for that. None of you even know what this stuff is.
09/13/2022
"Next."
ZARIYAH: well... there goes one of our two routes.
ZARIYAH: breizan, i really hope you swiped the right keycard.
ZARIYAH: breizan, i really hope you swiped the right keycard.
10/31/2022
"Retrieve pen."
You're tempted to just reach out and grab it, but... your subconscious screams at you not to. The space it's suspended in is timeless.
You have no idea how to more aptly explain this, but you're convinced that if you were to reach into it, all time will be pulled out of you as well.
You decide to let the pen be.
ZARIYAH: hey rennard, you good?
oh-- yeah== 1nesec
oh-- yeah== 1nesec
10/31/2022
"Approach door."
You have the right card, you're sure of it. ...Right?
Only one way to find out, you guess.
10/31/2022
"[S] Activate Scanner."
(Discord - Twitter - Music Credit)
10/31/2022
"Next."
...
This is not the sort of discovery that any of you were expecting.
11/06/2022
"Next."
KRISTAN: Here...
BREIZAN: .....
ZARIYAH: dude, uh... i think there are better times to pass out the food.
KRISTAN: LOOK I NEED SOMETHING TO DISTRACT MYSELF FROM THE DEAD BODIES OKAY.
ZARIYAH: yeah uh... fair enough.
RENNARD: hey ill hvae what shes having (the chips)
KRISTAN: S-Sure.
BREIZAN: .....
ZARIYAH: dude, uh... i think there are better times to pass out the food.
KRISTAN: LOOK I NEED SOMETHING TO DISTRACT MYSELF FROM THE DEAD BODIES OKAY.
ZARIYAH: yeah uh... fair enough.
RENNARD: hey ill hvae what shes having (the chips)
KRISTAN: S-Sure.
11/06/2022
"Greet banshian."
You're at least 3,030 years too late for that. Whatever happened to these guys... doesn't seem pleasant.
...
You're not about to turn back, but you're beginning to wonder if it's safe to be down here. You hope that whatever did... this to them still isn't lurking around.
11/06/2022
"Raid thing on wall."
May as well check if there's anything salvageable in here. You mutter an apology to the petrified body on the floor as you step around them.
11/06/2022
"Next."
Ah, that's about what you'd expect, you guess.
It's already a wonder things are as intact as they are, really.
11/06/2022
"Examine wall decor."
One vaguely resembles a clock at first glance, but you're not so sure.
And the other thing resembles a... thing that goes next to a clock.
11/06/2022
"Activate them with the mask."
Okay, that's weird.
When activated, the clock liquid(?) forms hands that somehow perfectly correspond to the current time, on the dot.
There's no way it could still be wound after thousands of years, and there's no way it can interface with today's internet.
Is this just the world's most specific coincidence? You guess it could be.
11/06/2022
"Examine far side of room."
ZARIYAH: wonder what this thing is.
KRISTAN: Maybe some sort of brewer?
ZARIYAH: >snrrk.< i can't believe you still call it that.
KRISTAN: I mean, you call it a "coffee generator."
ZARIYAH: well, yeah. that's what it is. it generates coffee.
KRISTAN: We've been over this! The coffee isn't created inside the machine, it's brewed via existing ingredients!
ZARIYAH: ah, whatever. i don't think it's that coffee device of dubious name. i think that'd be too obvious, since we have those.
KRISTAN: We also have shopping malls...
KRISTAN: Maybe some sort of brewer?
ZARIYAH: >snrrk.< i can't believe you still call it that.
KRISTAN: I mean, you call it a "coffee generator."
ZARIYAH: well, yeah. that's what it is. it generates coffee.
KRISTAN: We've been over this! The coffee isn't created inside the machine, it's brewed via existing ingredients!
ZARIYAH: ah, whatever. i don't think it's that coffee device of dubious name. i think that'd be too obvious, since we have those.
KRISTAN: We also have shopping malls...
11/06/2022
"Next."
RENNARD: ojh i think thats a toffee machine
ZARIYAH: ...toffee? like the candy?
RENNARD: no
RENNARD: well yeah
RENNARD: but no
RENNARD: like... tea cofe
KRISTAN: Ew. Who would want that?
RENNARD: me, im very so tired
ZARIYAH: ...well, i guess this being some sort of drink... creation thing makes the most sense.
ZARIYAH: i dunno why i was hoping it'd be some sort of weird magic sci-fi thing.
KRISTAN: You think everything is a weird magic sci-fi thing.
ZARIYAH: shush. >:P
ZARIYAH: so breizan, what do you think it is?
BREIZAN: huh? oh um... sure.
ZARIYAH: okay.
ZARIYAH: ...toffee? like the candy?
RENNARD: no
RENNARD: well yeah
RENNARD: but no
RENNARD: like... tea cofe
KRISTAN: Ew. Who would want that?
RENNARD: me, im very so tired
ZARIYAH: ...well, i guess this being some sort of drink... creation thing makes the most sense.
ZARIYAH: i dunno why i was hoping it'd be some sort of weird magic sci-fi thing.
KRISTAN: You think everything is a weird magic sci-fi thing.
ZARIYAH: shush. >:P
ZARIYAH: so breizan, what do you think it is?
BREIZAN: huh? oh um... sure.
ZARIYAH: okay.
11/22/2022
"Check on Breizan."
KRISTAN: Hey... you doing alright?
BREIZAN: what
BREIZAN: oh, yeah, why
KRISTAN: I dunno, you've just been staring at that bookshelf for a while.
BREIZAN: ok and? im just reading what they had here alright
KRISTAN: Reading the books without picking them up? You might as well just be staring at the wall.
BREIZAN: i cant read banshian
KRISTAN: Then what are you investigating here?
BREIZAN: ...
KRISTAN: ...Hey, really, I'm here if you need me to listen. None of us would judge you.
BREIZAN: what
BREIZAN: oh, yeah, why
KRISTAN: I dunno, you've just been staring at that bookshelf for a while.
BREIZAN: ok and? im just reading what they had here alright
KRISTAN: Reading the books without picking them up? You might as well just be staring at the wall.
BREIZAN: i cant read banshian
KRISTAN: Then what are you investigating here?
BREIZAN: ...
KRISTAN: ...Hey, really, I'm here if you need me to listen. None of us would judge you.
11/22/2022
"Next."
BREIZAN: nah dude, im good
BREIZAN: lets just get on with this exploration alright, weve wasted enough time standing around being all moody
ZARIYAH: i hear that. i'll get this door open.
BREIZAN: lets just get on with this exploration alright, weve wasted enough time standing around being all moody
ZARIYAH: i hear that. i'll get this door open.
11/22/2022
"Next."
ZARIYAH: come one, come all, to the cool mystery zone - where untold wonders and paranormal secrets await all who enter. who knows how our worlds will be changed by what lies within?
KRISTAN: Wow, how fancy!
KRISTAN: Wow, how fancy!
11/22/2022
"Next."
KRISTAN: It's a janitor's closet!
ZARIYAH: oh.
BREIZAN: wait what
BREIZAN: where the fuck do we go next then
ZARIYAH: oh.
BREIZAN: wait what
BREIZAN: where the fuck do we go next then
11/22/2022
"Enter janitor's closet."
Yeah, this sure seems like a janitor's closet.
There don't seem to be any further doors or passageways either, effectively leaving you all at a dead end.
Which begs the question - what do you all do now?
12/11/2022
"Use mask to determine what still works."
ZARIYAH: hey kristan, get behind me real quick? i wanna check the devices in here.
KRISTAN: Sure thing.
KRISTAN: Sure thing.
12/11/2022
"Activate lights."
12/11/2022
"Activate shelf."
12/11/2022
"Activate large vacuum."
12/11/2022
"Next."
BREIZAN: oh my [GOD]...
ZARIYAH: something's on fire!
KRISTAN: Something's on fire!!
ZARIYAH: something's on fire!
KRISTAN: Something's on fire!!
12/11/2022
"Put it out! Quick!"
No water!
12/11/2022
"Next."
12/11/2022
"Next."
Crisis averted.
12/11/2022
"Examine knife."
Looks like this neat little thing is our culprit. Some sort of device designed to superheat its surface, maybe for maintenance work of some kind?
It seems to be out of batteries, but the activation mask can be used to briefly activate its superheating property.
12/11/2022
"Take knife."
This could come in handy, potentially.
12/11/2022
"Next."
...You really shouldn't.
...
BUT...
12/11/2022
"Get a cup of toffee."
You-- ah fuck not now
12/11/2022
"Next."
BREIZAN: alright cool so that was a complete waste of time
ZARIYAH: eh, at least i got a cool knife out of it.
ZARIYAH: so hey, how are things out here?
RENNARD: sure
RENNARD: oh um,.i mean okay
RENNARD: sitll noidea where we go nect tought
ZARIYAH: well, let's figure that out. shall we?
ZARIYAH: eh, at least i got a cool knife out of it.
ZARIYAH: so hey, how are things out here?
RENNARD: sure
RENNARD: oh um,.i mean okay
RENNARD: sitll noidea where we go nect tought
ZARIYAH: well, let's figure that out. shall we?
12/28/2022
"Next."
BREIZAN: sure but one quick problem
BREIZAN: we're kind of at a complete dead end.
ZARIYAH: wanna know the funny thing about dead ends, breizan?
ZARIYAH: they don't exist.
RENNARD: so what does that dangibly mean for us
ZARIYAH: we just need to find the right path.
KRISTAN: Right!
BREIZAN: we're kind of at a complete dead end.
ZARIYAH: wanna know the funny thing about dead ends, breizan?
ZARIYAH: they don't exist.
RENNARD: so what does that dangibly mean for us
ZARIYAH: we just need to find the right path.
KRISTAN: Right!
12/28/2022
"Examine fencing."
It looks like there's some sort of gate, which is probably a good sign.
Maybe it's set up to work with some sort of tech in the area?
This prompts further examination.
12/28/2022
"Activate fencing?"
You find something that turns on, but it doesn't seem to do anything.
Could just be a light, or maybe something else? Hmm.
12/28/2022
"Send an activation signal out into the darkness."
You doubt you'll be able to find anything— oh.
Jeez, that thing is huge, whatever it is.
Actually, this makes you wonder...
12/28/2022
"Try to activate directly ahead from the posts."
Okay, so something does line up on the other side.
12/28/2022
"Activate the lights in sequence."
You charge up two activation signals, then activate the matching lights.
Woah! Okay, now we're getting somewhere.
12/28/2022
"Next."
Or, well... a start to getting somewhere, at least.
This alone clearly isn't meant for transversal.
12/28/2022
"Next."
RENNARD: hey try the toffee machine next q uick
ZARIYAH: ...
ZARIYAH: why's that, rennard?
RENNARD: im tired i could use the extra energy
RENNARD: if it works
ZARIYAH: no!
ZARIYAH: just pop one of your 105-hour energies or something.
RENNARD: youdont understand thats too much.; toffee would be perfect
ZARIYAH: you heard kristan earlier, i am not enabling you guys on sampling random millennium-old food products.
ZARIYAH: end of discussion.
RENNARD: dratte.........foieled agein..
ZARIYAH: ...
ZARIYAH: why's that, rennard?
RENNARD: im tired i could use the extra energy
RENNARD: if it works
ZARIYAH: no!
ZARIYAH: just pop one of your 105-hour energies or something.
RENNARD: youdont understand thats too much.; toffee would be perfect
ZARIYAH: you heard kristan earlier, i am not enabling you guys on sampling random millennium-old food products.
ZARIYAH: end of discussion.
RENNARD: dratte.........foieled agein..
12/28/2022
"Look over the edge for a ladder or something."
No ladder in sight, but there is some sort of... thing.
12/28/2022
"Activate thing."
...Well, there's your bridge.
12/28/2022
"Next."
And there it goes.
12/28/2022
"Next."
12/28/2022
"Next."
...Okay, well.
This could be worse.
12/28/2022
"Next."
Aaaaand now it's worse.
12/28/2022
"Next."
12/28/2022
"Next."
01/24/2023
"Next."
RENNARD: hang on i got idea
KRISTAN: Uh??
KRISTAN: Uh??
01/24/2023
"Get a pen."
Hm... yeah, this will do.
01/24/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: are you serious!?
KRISTAN: Do you not see the giant aberration right there??
ZARIYAH: we don't have time for these antics, go get somewhere safe while we handle this thing!
RENNARD: thats the point .hang on
KRISTAN: Do you not see the giant aberration right there??
ZARIYAH: we don't have time for these antics, go get somewhere safe while we handle this thing!
RENNARD: thats the point .hang on
01/24/2023
"Next."
RENNARD: alrigth
RENNARD: gimme a three letter number
RENNARD: any
RENNARD: gimme a three letter number
RENNARD: any
01/24/2023
"Next."
KRISTAN: Uh... nine hundred?
RENNARD: hmm no
RENNARD: gimme something worse
BREIZAN: oh oh i know one
RENNARD: dont say 420.
BREIZAN: four--
BREIZAN: ...
BREIZAN: 853
RENNARD: oouuhghhh fuck thats vile
RENNARD: thankyou
ZARIYAH: dude, look out!!!
RENNARD: hmm no
RENNARD: gimme something worse
BREIZAN: oh oh i know one
RENNARD: dont say 420.
BREIZAN: four--
BREIZAN: ...
BREIZAN: 853
RENNARD: oouuhghhh fuck thats vile
RENNARD: thankyou
ZARIYAH: dude, look out!!!
01/24/2023
"Architect: Strike."
01/24/2023
"Next."
01/24/2023
"Next."
01/24/2023
"Next."
BREIZAN: cool thanks, gonna need this extra maneuverability
ZARIYAH: wait, WHAT!? what are you doing??
BREIZAN: gonna lead it away, just trust me okay?
ZARIYAH: THAT'S your plan???BREIZAN: ME TOO!
ZARIYAH: wait, WHAT!? what are you doing??
BREIZAN: gonna lead it away, just trust me okay?
ZARIYAH: THAT'S your plan???BREIZAN: ME TOO!
03/07/2023
"That's your plan. Get its attention."
03/07/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: BREIZAN!!!
KRISTAN: LOOK OUT!
KRISTAN: LOOK OUT!
03/07/2023
"Activate the other handguard."
BREIZAN: cool thanks, gonna need this extra maneuverability
ZARIYAH: wait, WHAT!? what are you doing??
BREIZAN: gonna lead it away, just trust me okay?
ZARIYAH: THAT'S your plan???
ZARIYAH: wait, WHAT!? what are you doing??
BREIZAN: gonna lead it away, just trust me okay?
ZARIYAH: THAT'S your plan???
03/07/2023
"Architect: Cut the handguard."
03/07/2023
"Next."
03/07/2023
"Next."
03/07/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: i can't believe i let him do that.
KRISTAN: Zariyah, this isn't your fault. Breizan is just... like this.
ZARIYAH: yeah, so i should've seen the clear pattern and...
ZARIYAH: not let him just do that.
KRISTAN: Did you "let" me charge up to the skywheel earlier?
ZARIYAH: well... okay no, but i don't even know if he's still alive out there, i...
ZARIYAH: i should have done better as a leader.
KRISTAN: ...We have to just do the best we can now.
KRISTAN: Let's just trust Breizan knew what he was doing, okay? We'll find a way across and regroup, no problem.
ZARIYAH: ...right...
ZARIYAH: let's... let's hurry and find a way across. he needs us.
KRISTAN: Yeah.
KRISTAN: Zariyah, this isn't your fault. Breizan is just... like this.
ZARIYAH: yeah, so i should've seen the clear pattern and...
ZARIYAH: not let him just do that.
KRISTAN: Did you "let" me charge up to the skywheel earlier?
ZARIYAH: well... okay no, but i don't even know if he's still alive out there, i...
ZARIYAH: i should have done better as a leader.
KRISTAN: ...We have to just do the best we can now.
KRISTAN: Let's just trust Breizan knew what he was doing, okay? We'll find a way across and regroup, no problem.
ZARIYAH: ...right...
ZARIYAH: let's... let's hurry and find a way across. he needs us.
KRISTAN: Yeah.
03/15/2023
"Ask Rennard what he did."
ZARIYAH: ...before we continue, i have to ask - what the hell was that?
RENNARD: well im pretty su re it was an uerhcitect type aberattion
RENNARD: at least i think iut was,; i havent seen one in person before.
RENNARD: gkinda scary
ZARIYAH: i mean the... thing you did with the paper. you distracted it somehow. or confused it? what was that.
RENNARD: oh. the funny thing is i dont konw,., you see its like...
RENNARD: well im pretty su re it was an uerhcitect type aberattion
RENNARD: at least i think iut was,; i havent seen one in person before.
RENNARD: gkinda scary
ZARIYAH: i mean the... thing you did with the paper. you distracted it somehow. or confused it? what was that.
RENNARD: oh. the funny thing is i dont konw,., you see its like...
03/15/2023
"Rennard: Explain at her."
RENNARD: you see whem i get really tunnenlevisionesd on focused on something on it like the world kinda stops aroung me so anyhtign thats going on feels like it slows dowm and stuff
RENNARD: profably some weird sorp of supersititon thing though honesly i hvae no idea if it even actually dboes anything but even then it got you guys to jump into aciton quicker so that means it did its some kind of job atleas
RENNARD: oh ohr maybe it was just so offpuf by by behaviorn it slowst down or caught a climpse at this horrrible number i was saquere rooting bychance
RENNARD: seriously this one was a doozy io mean do you SEE how much decamal points i got to, choose my god. HIDIESCE......
ZARIYAH: alright alright, got it.
ZARIYAH: i guess it doesn't entirely matter what happened specifically, just as long as it isn't some sort of paranormal ability you've withheld from us or something.
RENNARD: oh right yeah right no right
ZARIYAH: so let's just chalk this up to bizarre psychological warfare and move on, then.
RENNARD: profably some weird sorp of supersititon thing though honesly i hvae no idea if it even actually dboes anything but even then it got you guys to jump into aciton quicker so that means it did its some kind of job atleas
RENNARD: oh ohr maybe it was just so offpuf by by behaviorn it slowst down or caught a climpse at this horrrible number i was saquere rooting bychance
RENNARD: seriously this one was a doozy io mean do you SEE how much decamal points i got to, choose my god. HIDIESCE......
ZARIYAH: alright alright, got it.
ZARIYAH: i guess it doesn't entirely matter what happened specifically, just as long as it isn't some sort of paranormal ability you've withheld from us or something.
RENNARD: oh right yeah right no right
ZARIYAH: so let's just chalk this up to bizarre psychological warfare and move on, then.
03/15/2023
"Climb up to the catwalk."
It's a bit high up to reach. Even if you were to recklessly climb up onto the cabinets on the wall, you doubt that would be enough to reach it.
03/15/2023
"Use the vacuum, perhaps."
KRISTAN: How about the vacuum?
ZARIYAH: i'm sorry?
KRISTAN: We could bring it out here, and maybe it can help us reach the catwalk, somehow.
ZARIYAH: even if it's weird advanced banshian tech, there's no way it can pull us up there. that's straight-up cartoon physics.
KRISTAN: Oh come on, not like that! I mean the top of it, it had this uh, piston looking thing. Maybe that can lift up and work like a platform to help us reach.
ZARIYAH: ...okay, you might be onto something here.
ZARIYAH: i'm sorry?
KRISTAN: We could bring it out here, and maybe it can help us reach the catwalk, somehow.
ZARIYAH: even if it's weird advanced banshian tech, there's no way it can pull us up there. that's straight-up cartoon physics.
KRISTAN: Oh come on, not like that! I mean the top of it, it had this uh, piston looking thing. Maybe that can lift up and work like a platform to help us reach.
ZARIYAH: ...okay, you might be onto something here.
03/15/2023
"Go get the vacuum."
RENNARD: " vaccuum " ?
RENNARD: i legif thought that was a bong dude!
ZARIYAH: okay.
RENNARD: i legif thought that was a bong dude!
ZARIYAH: okay.
03/15/2023
"Next."
You seem properly lined up here.
It's time.
03/15/2023
"Activate vacuum."
HISSSSSSS
03/15/2023
"Next."
KRISTAN: Well... that didn't work like I thought it would.
KRISTAN: Sorry.
ZARIYAH: dude no, we're not through with this thing yet.
ZARIYAH: maybe we just need to modify it a bit. it kinda seems like it could launch us, if it just... worked a little differently.
KRISTAN: Oh, maybe!
KRISTAN: ...Hang on, "launch"?
KRISTAN: Sorry.
ZARIYAH: dude no, we're not through with this thing yet.
ZARIYAH: maybe we just need to modify it a bit. it kinda seems like it could launch us, if it just... worked a little differently.
KRISTAN: Oh, maybe!
KRISTAN: ...Hang on, "launch"?
03/15/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: rennard, do you have the drone with you?
RENNARD: oh um... yeah seems so, whoops..
RENNARD: i know you wanted us to use this to keep watch if i had to follow you guys in.. i could go put it back if youd like
ZARIYAH: no no, this is perfect.
KRISTAN: Pretty sure our way out is still blocked, anyway...
ZARIYAH: either way, i think it's time we call in some help with all this dumb technical bullshit.
KRISTAN: Oh, huh? Isn't she at work right now?
ZARIYAH: don't worry, her and i already have the perfect cover figured out.
ZARIYAH: the good old clueless customer act. With a bit of "proper" capitalization and subtle codewords sprinkled in, of course.
KRISTAN: Wow, capitalization? I didn't know you had it in you.
KRISTAN: Go for it, then.
RENNARD: oh um... yeah seems so, whoops..
RENNARD: i know you wanted us to use this to keep watch if i had to follow you guys in.. i could go put it back if youd like
ZARIYAH: no no, this is perfect.
KRISTAN: Pretty sure our way out is still blocked, anyway...
ZARIYAH: either way, i think it's time we call in some help with all this dumb technical bullshit.
KRISTAN: Oh, huh? Isn't she at work right now?
ZARIYAH: don't worry, her and i already have the perfect cover figured out.
ZARIYAH: the good old clueless customer act. With a bit of "proper" capitalization and subtle codewords sprinkled in, of course.
KRISTAN: Wow, capitalization? I didn't know you had it in you.
KRISTAN: Go for it, then.
03/26/2023
"Message your contact."
You are now said contact, even if you wouldn't yet know it. You're having a bit of a busy morning on the job, but you find the work engaging enough.
...Somewhat.
You take a brief moment from one client to respond to another new one.
YOU: Hello, you have reached Kelly Industries - this is Addisyn speaking. How may I be of assistance?
CUSTOMER: I have a problem with some old tech not working the way it should.
YOU: Please provide the make and model.
CUSTOMER: "Gunner-404." It's some sort of lamp with a cerulean light shade.
YOU: Please hold momentarily.
YOU: This item does not match any entries in our records. I am terribly sorry, but our company's services cannot assist here.
CUSTOMER: I understand. I'll seek help elsewhere.
Customer 89524102 has disconnected.
CUSTOMER: I have a problem with some old tech not working the way it should.
YOU: Please provide the make and model.
CUSTOMER: "Gunner-404." It's some sort of lamp with a cerulean light shade.
YOU: Please hold momentarily.
YOU: This item does not match any entries in our records. I am terribly sorry, but our company's services cannot assist here.
CUSTOMER: I understand. I'll seek help elsewhere.
Customer 89524102 has disconnected.
03/26/2023
"Next."
KRISTAN: Well, that didn't seem to work. Now what do we do?
ZARIYAH: give it a minute.
ZARIYAH: give it a minute.
03/26/2023
"Next."
03/26/2023
"Answer message."
ZayrIndustries: Alright, "Gunner." This had Better be important. I have anywhere from 1-3 clients waiting on me for this, depending on how long we take here.
embezzler404: oh trust me, this is big. i'm not gonna ask too much of you, we just gotta borrow you for a minute to take care of a little tech thing.
ZayrIndustries: Such a minute task. Could you not have simply looked up a solution?
embezzler404: okay, "little" to you specifically. i didn't wanna turn you away by saying it's impossible for us.
ZayrIndustries: And yet, you are Keenly Aware of how much I love picking apart a tricky puzzle.
embezzler404: well, in that case - is banshian tech enticing enough for you?
ZayrIndustries: Incredibly so, but I have to wonder where you've found such an artifact. Is this the occasion I think it is?
embezzler404: yup, we're finally doing it.
ZayrIndustries: This diversion may be Well Worth making my lunch break, then.
ZayrIndustries: I'll presume you have the drone up and running?
embezzler404: booting up as we speak.
ZayrIndustries: Perfect. Let's get started.
embezzler404: oh trust me, this is big. i'm not gonna ask too much of you, we just gotta borrow you for a minute to take care of a little tech thing.
ZayrIndustries: Such a minute task. Could you not have simply looked up a solution?
embezzler404: okay, "little" to you specifically. i didn't wanna turn you away by saying it's impossible for us.
ZayrIndustries: And yet, you are Keenly Aware of how much I love picking apart a tricky puzzle.
embezzler404: well, in that case - is banshian tech enticing enough for you?
ZayrIndustries: Incredibly so, but I have to wonder where you've found such an artifact. Is this the occasion I think it is?
embezzler404: yup, we're finally doing it.
ZayrIndustries: This diversion may be Well Worth making my lunch break, then.
ZayrIndustries: I'll presume you have the drone up and running?
embezzler404: booting up as we speak.
ZayrIndustries: Perfect. Let's get started.
03/26/2023
"Begin interfacing with the drone."
ZayrIndustries: Establishing direct connection. I can already tell you remembered to clear its cache. Well done.
embezzler404: hey, either it forgets or i do - and only one of these gets me the big lecture.
ZayrIndustries: You've caught on.
ZayrIndustries: What is the current situation over there?
embezzler404: oh boy, well—
embezzler404: ...actually, would it be alright if i just add you to the group memo? we could all fill you in there more easily.
ZayrIndustries: Take a look at who you're talking to and tell me there's a World where I would Decline to streamline an operation.
embezzler404: you got me there. hold tight.
04/06/2023
"Add her to the memo."
ZayrIndustries: Clever name.
embezzler404: why, thank you.
Xerarch_CV: Hey, Addisyn. Sorry to bother you while you're at work.
ZayrIndustries: Don't worry about that. If anything, I wish I was brought in Sooner.
IIambicIInstant: hi i'n here too
ZayrIndustries: Hello, Rennard. Hopefully this outing concludes soon enough for you to get your Needed sleep.
IIambicIInstant: hostfully NOT
Xerarch_CV: He's currently occupied, but Breizan's here too.
embezzler404: speaking of which, if he's reading this and would like to let us know he's not dead or anything, we'd greatly appreciate it.
Xerarch_CV: ...Yeah, seconded.
ZayrIndustries: Somehow, Breizan being here and Already in some sort of potential mortal peril does not surprise me in the least.
embezzler404: it is the second time this mission.
ZayrIndustries: I am Even Less surprised.
embezzler404: why, thank you.
Xerarch_CV: Hey, Addisyn. Sorry to bother you while you're at work.
ZayrIndustries: Don't worry about that. If anything, I wish I was brought in Sooner.
IIambicIInstant: hi i'n here too
ZayrIndustries: Hello, Rennard. Hopefully this outing concludes soon enough for you to get your Needed sleep.
IIambicIInstant: hostfully NOT
Xerarch_CV: He's currently occupied, but Breizan's here too.
embezzler404: speaking of which, if he's reading this and would like to let us know he's not dead or anything, we'd greatly appreciate it.
Xerarch_CV: ...Yeah, seconded.
ZayrIndustries: Somehow, Breizan being here and Already in some sort of potential mortal peril does not surprise me in the least.
embezzler404: it is the second time this mission.
ZayrIndustries: I am Even Less surprised.
04/06/2023
"Assess the situation."
ZayrIndustries: Inferring from environmental context clues, I'm going to Figure you need my help in traversing this... Environment, in order to help Breizan.
ZayrIndustries: Without many options, I'd assume he either went Up the stairs and you need me to get the door Open, or he went Across this pit before these nylon strips were cut. Perhaps parts of a missing bridge you would like me to attempt to Restore?
embezzler404: it was a bridge yeah, but we lost it. ...like completely lost.
embezzler404: don't ask.
Xerarch_CV: We're actually thinking we could use the vacuum to get up to the catwalk by extending the piston thing on the back.
embezzler404: or launch ourselves up with it.
Xerarch_CV: ...Preferably a sturdy and safe platform that we can use to step up on a safer pace.
ZayrIndustries: I will see what I can do.
ZayrIndustries: Without many options, I'd assume he either went Up the stairs and you need me to get the door Open, or he went Across this pit before these nylon strips were cut. Perhaps parts of a missing bridge you would like me to attempt to Restore?
embezzler404: it was a bridge yeah, but we lost it. ...like completely lost.
embezzler404: don't ask.
Xerarch_CV: We're actually thinking we could use the vacuum to get up to the catwalk by extending the piston thing on the back.
embezzler404: or launch ourselves up with it.
Xerarch_CV: ...Preferably a sturdy and safe platform that we can use to step up on a safer pace.
ZayrIndustries: I will see what I can do.
04/06/2023
"Get to work."
ZayrIndustries: This is a long shot: Is there a Schematic or Operations Manual for this device on hand?
IIambicIInstant: oh i think i saw it while skimming through the pamghplets thing ok yeah heare it is
IIambicIInstant: ill just uh set it down here and you can read it through the drove i guess
ZayrIndustries: Ah, Banshian text. I suppose I should have anticipated this.
Xerarch_CV: Should I contact Trinity to help translate it?
embezzler404: absolutely not! we don't need her to know about what we're doing.
ZayrIndustries: I agree. Her Eccentricities may further complicate the matter if she caught on.
ZayrIndustries: The lack of transcription will be no issue, however. Simply having a clear visual layout of the interior already helps substantially.
ZayrIndustries: I aim to have the situation resolved in approximately thirteen minutes.
embezzler404: ah, thirteen minutes...?
IIambicIInstant: oh i think i saw it while skimming through the pamghplets thing ok yeah heare it is
IIambicIInstant: ill just uh set it down here and you can read it through the drove i guess
ZayrIndustries: Ah, Banshian text. I suppose I should have anticipated this.
Xerarch_CV: Should I contact Trinity to help translate it?
embezzler404: absolutely not! we don't need her to know about what we're doing.
ZayrIndustries: I agree. Her Eccentricities may further complicate the matter if she caught on.
ZayrIndustries: The lack of transcription will be no issue, however. Simply having a clear visual layout of the interior already helps substantially.
ZayrIndustries: I aim to have the situation resolved in approximately thirteen minutes.
embezzler404: ah, thirteen minutes...?
04/06/2023
"Next."
ZayrIndustries: I gave my estimate, yes.
Xerarch_CV: I mean, that is extremely quick for an entire disassembly and alteration of an unfamiliar and ancient device.
embezzler404: well yeah, just... i dunno. sorry.
ZayrIndustries: I understand you are Worried for Breizan's wellbeing, but do Not rush me or I will Mute the chat.
embezzler404: wh-- you can't just ignore what we're saying! something important might come up!
ZayrIndustries: Exactly. So Don't make me do that.
IIambicIInstant: tem minutes is good enogh time for lay down so im gonnan do that okay?
embezzler404: sure, just don't fall asleep. remember who's here.
ZayrIndustries: Is there another party I should be aware of?
embezzler404: oh right, fuck, so much is going on... i can't believe i forgot to tell you.
Xerarch_CV: I mean, that is extremely quick for an entire disassembly and alteration of an unfamiliar and ancient device.
embezzler404: well yeah, just... i dunno. sorry.
ZayrIndustries: I understand you are Worried for Breizan's wellbeing, but do Not rush me or I will Mute the chat.
embezzler404: wh-- you can't just ignore what we're saying! something important might come up!
ZayrIndustries: Exactly. So Don't make me do that.
IIambicIInstant: tem minutes is good enogh time for lay down so im gonnan do that okay?
embezzler404: sure, just don't fall asleep. remember who's here.
ZayrIndustries: Is there another party I should be aware of?
embezzler404: oh right, fuck, so much is going on... i can't believe i forgot to tell you.
04/06/2023
"Next."
ZayrIndustries: Go on. You have my divided attention.
embezzler404: i'm pretty sure this is them. you know, the archive.
ZayrIndustries: And you can Confirm this isn't just your overactive imagination? You have suspected this of Unrelated Happenstance before, you know.
embezzler404: no, we've literally seen what they're capable of firsthand. paranormal artifacts capable of ejecting an entire crowd of aberrations in one fell swoop.
Xerarch_CV: I uh, can second it's at least a similar highly-advanced group, if not specifically the Archive.
Xerarch_CV: They also set up these... things at the entrance that seemed to... alter reality in some way when they detected us. I don't even know how to describe it.
IIambicIInstant: they took the time out of the area
embezzler404: how can you tell for sure that's what they did?
IIambicIInstant: i dunno it;s just a huch.. goodnight
ZayrIndustries: Curious. Well, keep an eye out for them while I work on this. Unless there are further developments, I would appreciate if our chatter is kept to a minimum as I work on this.
embezzler404: alright, sure.
embezzler404: i'm pretty sure this is them. you know, the archive.
ZayrIndustries: And you can Confirm this isn't just your overactive imagination? You have suspected this of Unrelated Happenstance before, you know.
embezzler404: no, we've literally seen what they're capable of firsthand. paranormal artifacts capable of ejecting an entire crowd of aberrations in one fell swoop.
Xerarch_CV: I uh, can second it's at least a similar highly-advanced group, if not specifically the Archive.
Xerarch_CV: They also set up these... things at the entrance that seemed to... alter reality in some way when they detected us. I don't even know how to describe it.
IIambicIInstant: they took the time out of the area
embezzler404: how can you tell for sure that's what they did?
IIambicIInstant: i dunno it;s just a huch.. goodnight
ZayrIndustries: Curious. Well, keep an eye out for them while I work on this. Unless there are further developments, I would appreciate if our chatter is kept to a minimum as I work on this.
embezzler404: alright, sure.
04/06/2023
"Next."
DIRECTOR: Still zero signs of hypothetical intruders.
DIRECTOR: OP-3, give me the likelihood of an aberration bringing down the door seal.
OP-3: -Not high...
-But also not -quite- zero.
OP-3: -Statistically, one bringing it down may have already been an overdue inevitability.
DIRECTOR: "May"?
OP-3: -The door seal has... insufficient documentation.
-It seems it wasn't -entirely- tested for all factors when first instated.
DIRECTOR: Archaic tech and careless forefathers.
DIRECTOR: We will get to the bottom of this breach.
DIRECTOR: OP-3, give me the likelihood of an aberration bringing down the door seal.
OP-3: -Not high...
-But also not -quite- zero.
OP-3: -Statistically, one bringing it down may have already been an overdue inevitability.
DIRECTOR: "May"?
OP-3: -The door seal has... insufficient documentation.
-It seems it wasn't -entirely- tested for all factors when first instated.
DIRECTOR: Archaic tech and careless forefathers.
DIRECTOR: We will get to the bottom of this breach.
04/13/2023
"OP-4: Return."
DIRECTOR: OP-4. You return.
OP-4: Yes. routine reset of the neutralizers was successful. they should be back up and running.
DIRECTOR: Good. Now, explain to me why you did this.
OP-4: ...as explained prior, this was a direct order from OP-5.
DIRECTOR: And an Operative has authority to give orders without consulting the Director?
DIRECTOR: ...
DIRECTOR: Your voice strikes me as familiar.
DIRECTOR: What business did you have to be unaccounted for over the past few years, Arsenio?
04/13/2023
"Next."
OP-4: Ahk!
CONTROLLER: Seems y' got a new limp, too. I'd love t' hear what happened.
ARSENIO: ...that is none of your concern, thank you.
ARSENIO: but yes as I said, consult OP-5 on the matter. It is not my place to divulge this information.
CONTROLLER: What, lost the ability t' talk for yourself too?
DIRECTOR: The job of a Controller is not to antagonize our Operatives. I simply wish to know what pieces I am missing. It matters not who tells me.
DIRECTOR: So explain yourself, OP-5.
04/13/2023
"Next."
OP-5: Gladly.
OP-5: I am here on direct order from the Headmaster himself.
DIRECTOR: That is odd, because I do not seem to recognize you at all.
OP-5: Ideally not, no. I'm not supposed to be known by most of our organization.
DIRECTOR: Even the Director?
04/13/2023
"Next."
OP-5: Especially the Director, silly.
OP-5: The whole point of my role is to ensure there's no corruption amongst our ranks. Can't really do my job if everyone knows about it.
OP-5: Since you've caught on, however, I suppose introductions are in order.
04/13/2023
"Next."
PANDORA: Temporary Operative-5, Pandora Extral - in your service and at your supervision.
PANDORA: Feel free to check the employee databases, if that would ease your mind.
PANDORA: Detailed information is of course omitted for the sake of my role, but ??? I am on file. ???
DIRECTOR: ...OP-3, run a check.
OP-3: -Already on it.
-It seems Ms. Extral is in fact present in our database.
OP-3: -Any data beyond a surface level glance is missing, however...
DIRECTOR: This is... perplexing, but I do not see how tampering would be anything but an impossibility. The databases are fully secure.
DIRECTOR: Perhaps I should contact the Headmaster to be certain.
PANDORA: Feel free, but wouldn't that distract from our mission? We don't want our theoretical trespassers to get away while we're caught up on who's who.
DIRECTOR: ...Pandora is right. I will contact the Headmaster, but only after we have finished sweeping and securing the area.
PANDORA: By all means.
04/20/2023
"Next."
DIRECTOR: And as for Arsenio's unexplained absence?
PANDORA: He's been recruited for an extended venture under my jurisdiction.
ARSENIO: Yes. But we are back on the job now, so let's bury this already.
DIRECTOR: Something about you seems different. OP-4: uhh
ARSENIO: It's really nothing important.
PANDORA: I believe you would know more than most about how our line of work can often change us in unexpected ways, Director Lykel, sir.
DIRECTOR: ...
CONTROLLER: Hey y' guys, check out this blood I just found.
PANDORA: He's been recruited for an extended venture under my jurisdiction.
ARSENIO: Yes. But we are back on the job now, so let's bury this already.
DIRECTOR: Something about you seems different. OP-4: uhh
ARSENIO: It's really nothing important.
PANDORA: I believe you would know more than most about how our line of work can often change us in unexpected ways, Director Lykel, sir.
DIRECTOR: ...
CONTROLLER: Hey y' guys, check out this blood I just found.
04/20/2023
"Check it out."
DIRECTOR: Are we certain this is blood?
CONTROLLER: I mean, probably. It looks like it, doesn't it? Tastes like it, too.
DIRECTOR: ...You...
CONTROLLER: Jokes! Jokes. Hahah.
CONTROLLER: Let's check with our tourguide.
CONTROLLER: I mean, probably. It looks like it, doesn't it? Tastes like it, too.
DIRECTOR: ...You...
CONTROLLER: Jokes! Jokes. Hahah.
CONTROLLER: Let's check with our tourguide.
04/20/2023
"Retrieve tourguide."
CONTROLLER: Hey, c'mere.
??????????: i would prefer if you use the pager instead of just grabbing me!!
CONTROLLER: Y'r just too cute I can't help grabbin' ya.
CONTROLLER: But we really gotta know - do aberrations bleed?
??????????: i would advise against threats!
CONTROLLER: Oh, y' misunderstand. We only wanna know if this stuff on the wall is from another aberration or not. See if it's proof of our little intruders here.
??????????: oh... hm...
??????????: i would prefer if you use the pager instead of just grabbing me!!
CONTROLLER: Y'r just too cute I can't help grabbin' ya.
CONTROLLER: But we really gotta know - do aberrations bleed?
??????????: i would advise against threats!
CONTROLLER: Oh, y' misunderstand. We only wanna know if this stuff on the wall is from another aberration or not. See if it's proof of our little intruders here.
??????????: oh... hm...
04/20/2023
"Identify substance."
??????????: well... it certainly looks like blood yes...
??????????: but aberrations vary so much, its hard to tell for sure!
??????????: this could be powdered glass from another like me... or maybe its from a Corrosive aberration, or it could be residue from a Spectral or Adaptive type...
??????????: really the possibilities for this are endless! its pretty exciting to wonder!
DIRECTOR: Please hasten. We are on a timer.
CONTROLLER: Hey, why not just use y'r Redshift to have it lead us to whatever it came from?
??????????: it doesnt work that way! thats like if we asked you to use your Doppler to reach all the way into the nearest Frame from here!
CONTROLLER: Hey now... no need t' bring my own shortcomings into this. It was j's an idea.
??????????: i just mean its too far away - without all relevant pieces present, Redshift can only trace an objects most recent history before getting lost!
OP-3: -Curious:
-Are you willing to try this for us regardless?
??????????: well sure, but i really dont see what use that would be for you guys!
OP-3: -I would like to see.
-I will trace its path with a holographic projection.
-This will quickly reveal any obvious information it may hold.
??????????: but aberrations vary so much, its hard to tell for sure!
??????????: this could be powdered glass from another like me... or maybe its from a Corrosive aberration, or it could be residue from a Spectral or Adaptive type...
??????????: really the possibilities for this are endless! its pretty exciting to wonder!
DIRECTOR: Please hasten. We are on a timer.
CONTROLLER: Hey, why not just use y'r Redshift to have it lead us to whatever it came from?
??????????: it doesnt work that way! thats like if we asked you to use your Doppler to reach all the way into the nearest Frame from here!
CONTROLLER: Hey now... no need t' bring my own shortcomings into this. It was j's an idea.
??????????: i just mean its too far away - without all relevant pieces present, Redshift can only trace an objects most recent history before getting lost!
OP-3: -Curious:
-Are you willing to try this for us regardless?
??????????: well sure, but i really dont see what use that would be for you guys!
OP-3: -I would like to see.
-I will trace its path with a holographic projection.
-This will quickly reveal any obvious information it may hold.
05/18/2023
"Redshift the substance."
??????????: okay then! here goes!
05/18/2023
"Next."
CONTROLLER: Now that's cool.
PANDORA: I've seen bloodier.
ARSENIO: egh... Let me know when we're done with this.
PANDORA: I've seen bloodier.
ARSENIO: egh... Let me know when we're done with this.
05/18/2023
"OP-3: Trace its path."
OP-3: -Initializing holographic projection.
-Reveal your history.
-Reveal your history.
05/18/2023
"Next."
DIRECTOR: A nobrian adlet's circulatory system... This must be our trespasser.
OP-3: -Chemical analysis shows trace amounts of argyriadine.
-Most likely a silver adlet.
OP-2: •Guess we know who to look for now. •But uh. •Where do we look next...? •We've been at this for a while now...
OP-1: .,Director, if you have a moment. .You might want to hear this.
DIRECTOR: Speak.
OP-3: -Chemical analysis shows trace amounts of argyriadine.
-Most likely a silver adlet.
OP-2: •Guess we know who to look for now. •But uh. •Where do we look next...? •We've been at this for a while now...
OP-1: .,Director, if you have a moment. .You might want to hear this.
DIRECTOR: Speak.
05/18/2023
"Next."
OP-1: .I was reviewing the state of areas we have been prior.
OP-1: .One keycard that has been present earlier this night is now missing.
DIRECTOR: ...Have any of us taken hold of it?
CONTROLLER: Hey, don't look at me. I'd have already used it for a joke by now if I did.
OP-3: -Negative. I have made zero contact with any object thus far.
PANDORA: Maybe an aberration took it?
??????????: oh, maybe!
DIRECTOR: If we cannot confirm this, we need to investigate it.
DIRECTOR: Change of plan: We will be splitting up and systematically checking each employee area.
DIRECTOR: OP-1, 2, and 3 will be covering the food court, while OP-4 and 5 will check the shops of the North wing. I will be taking the Controller to inspect the shops of the South wing, starting nearest to the breached entryway.
ARSENIO: Understood.
PANDORA: Sure thing, boss!
OP-1: .,Moving out, then.
OP-1: .One keycard that has been present earlier this night is now missing.
DIRECTOR: ...Have any of us taken hold of it?
CONTROLLER: Hey, don't look at me. I'd have already used it for a joke by now if I did.
OP-3: -Negative. I have made zero contact with any object thus far.
PANDORA: Maybe an aberration took it?
??????????: oh, maybe!
DIRECTOR: If we cannot confirm this, we need to investigate it.
DIRECTOR: Change of plan: We will be splitting up and systematically checking each employee area.
DIRECTOR: OP-1, 2, and 3 will be covering the food court, while OP-4 and 5 will check the shops of the North wing. I will be taking the Controller to inspect the shops of the South wing, starting nearest to the breached entryway.
ARSENIO: Understood.
PANDORA: Sure thing, boss!
OP-1: .,Moving out, then.
05/18/2023
"Next."
DIRECTOR: (OP-3, a moment.)
DIRECTOR: (Ensure you are out of sight of Pandora and Arsenio and contact the Headmaster. I have trouble believing matters like this would be passed under my nose.)
OP-3: (-Yes, I found their story unsatisfactory as well.)
OP-3: (-You can count on me, sir.)
CONTROLLER: Y' coming or what?
DIRECTOR: Yes.
DIRECTOR: It is time we find our intruders.
DIRECTOR: (Ensure you are out of sight of Pandora and Arsenio and contact the Headmaster. I have trouble believing matters like this would be passed under my nose.)
OP-3: (-Yes, I found their story unsatisfactory as well.)
OP-3: (-You can count on me, sir.)
CONTROLLER: Y' coming or what?
DIRECTOR: Yes.
DIRECTOR: It is time we find our intruders.
05/18/2023
"Addisyn: Finish modifications."
You're working on it.
05/18/2023
"Next."
...Or are you? The drone has been still for a minute or two now.
05/18/2023
"Next."
embezzler404: hey, uh, add? you still there?
embezzler404: i swear to whatever gods i'm not trying to rush you, but you've been idle for... a bit.
Xerarch_CV: She wasn't found out, was she?
embezzler404: no... no, there's no way. we still need to get across.
embezzler404: breizan needs us over there.
Xerarch_CV: ...Sssshould we look into a backup plan?
embezzler404: ...uh...
embezzler404: i swear to whatever gods i'm not trying to rush you, but you've been idle for... a bit.
Xerarch_CV: She wasn't found out, was she?
embezzler404: no... no, there's no way. we still need to get across.
embezzler404: breizan needs us over there.
Xerarch_CV: ...Sssshould we look into a backup plan?
embezzler404: ...uh...
05/18/2023
"Next."
ZayrIndustries: Apologies for the delay. I cannot currently proceed with my task.
embezzler404: what!? you're just gonna take apart our vacuum and dip?? we literally can't get across without your help!
ZayrIndustries: Before you send your incredulous exclamations, let it be known that I will not be able to read messages either. My correspondance is One-Way for the time being.
ZayrIndustries: Be thankful we even have this. One of the many benefits of a flip phone - Highly Recommend.
ZayrIndustries: But yes, my boss has taken note of my Very Early lunch break and has taken it upon herself to check on my "wellbeing." (Ha.)
ZayrIndustries: Surely you understand why I am compelled to indulge her in conversation.
embezzler404: oh my god tell that bitch to fuck off.
Xerarch_CV: Yeah!!!
ZayrIndustries: She surely has Other matters to attend to; I will do my best to subtly deter her from "My Wellbeing" in favor of whatever Those may be.
ZayrIndustries: I will keep you posted on Further developments.
embezzler404: for fuck's sake.
embezzler404: what!? you're just gonna take apart our vacuum and dip?? we literally can't get across without your help!
ZayrIndustries: Before you send your incredulous exclamations, let it be known that I will not be able to read messages either. My correspondance is One-Way for the time being.
ZayrIndustries: Be thankful we even have this. One of the many benefits of a flip phone - Highly Recommend.
ZayrIndustries: But yes, my boss has taken note of my Very Early lunch break and has taken it upon herself to check on my "wellbeing." (Ha.)
ZayrIndustries: Surely you understand why I am compelled to indulge her in conversation.
embezzler404: oh my god tell that bitch to fuck off.
Xerarch_CV: Yeah!!!
ZayrIndustries: She surely has Other matters to attend to; I will do my best to subtly deter her from "My Wellbeing" in favor of whatever Those may be.
ZayrIndustries: I will keep you posted on Further developments.
embezzler404: for fuck's sake.
06/08/2023
"Next."
MS. KELLY: This brings me to my point. Addisyn.
ADDISYN: Yes, Ms. Kelly.
MS. KELLY: You are aware that your time up here is eating into your alloted lunch time. Yes?
MS. KELLY: We are still in the first few hours of the work day.
ADDISYN: Ah, yeah. Don't worry about me, I already weighed up the Cost Vs. Benefit. I just needed to clear my head.
MS. KELLY: Well. You have been slipping with your tone lately.
MS. KELLY: Care to explain? Is there something troubling you?
ADDISYN: It's irrelevant. Either way, I calculated that a short breather when I don't feel 100% is more ideal than allowing myself to slip up in the workplace.
MS. KELLY: No. What is ideal is neither.
MS. KELLY: You are my most skilled worker. And for that you have my commendation. However. There are standards here at Kelly Industries that I am going to ask you to make better attempts to live up to. We need to discuss them.
ZayrIndustries: So. My attempts to Deter my boss has only seemed to Prolong our Little Chat.
ZayrIndustries: She seems intent on speaking to me for a duration that conflicts with my understanding of your timeframe over there.
ZayrIndustries: I regret to ask a favor of you in return, but if we wish to continue with the current operation, we need to get her off of my neck.
embezzler404: gladly!
embezzler404: if we could!
embezzler404: what can we even do from here!?
ADDISYN: Yes, Ms. Kelly.
MS. KELLY: You are aware that your time up here is eating into your alloted lunch time. Yes?
MS. KELLY: We are still in the first few hours of the work day.
ADDISYN: Ah, yeah. Don't worry about me, I already weighed up the Cost Vs. Benefit. I just needed to clear my head.
MS. KELLY: Well. You have been slipping with your tone lately.
MS. KELLY: Care to explain? Is there something troubling you?
ADDISYN: It's irrelevant. Either way, I calculated that a short breather when I don't feel 100% is more ideal than allowing myself to slip up in the workplace.
MS. KELLY: No. What is ideal is neither.
MS. KELLY: You are my most skilled worker. And for that you have my commendation. However. There are standards here at Kelly Industries that I am going to ask you to make better attempts to live up to. We need to discuss them.
ZayrIndustries: So. My attempts to Deter my boss has only seemed to Prolong our Little Chat.
ZayrIndustries: She seems intent on speaking to me for a duration that conflicts with my understanding of your timeframe over there.
ZayrIndustries: I regret to ask a favor of you in return, but if we wish to continue with the current operation, we need to get her off of my neck.
embezzler404: gladly!
embezzler404: if we could!
embezzler404: what can we even do from here!?
06/08/2023
"Think of something!"
ZARIYAH: okay, so we need to distract her stupid boss. from overseas. ...somehow.
ZARIYAH: any ideas?
KRISTAN: It'll need to be done digitally. That's our only way.
ZARIYAH: without a direct customer service line to her. maybe we email her?
KRISTAN: She runs an entire company, there's no way she'll even glance at one email from some random person.
ZARIYAH: then we spam her.
KRISTAN: She probably won't see the notifications while she's in the middle of conversation.
ZARIYAH: we need something more drastic, then.
ZARIYAH: ...anything i can think of is well beyond our capability.
KRISTAN: There's only one suitable option. It's time to ask for some more help.
ZARIYAH: any ideas?
KRISTAN: It'll need to be done digitally. That's our only way.
ZARIYAH: without a direct customer service line to her. maybe we email her?
KRISTAN: She runs an entire company, there's no way she'll even glance at one email from some random person.
ZARIYAH: then we spam her.
KRISTAN: She probably won't see the notifications while she's in the middle of conversation.
ZARIYAH: we need something more drastic, then.
ZARIYAH: ...anything i can think of is well beyond our capability.
KRISTAN: There's only one suitable option. It's time to ask for some more help.
06/08/2023
"Kristan: Ask for more help."
Xerarch_CV has opened communication.
Xerarch_CV: Hey! I'm so sorry to bother you, but we're in a bit of a tricky spot and you're the only one who can help us out. If you're willing, of course.
_Executor.Taciturn: no
Xerarch_CV: I, uh... please at least hear me out? This is really important and time-sensitive, I wouldn't be asking you if it wasn't.
_Executor.Taciturn has closed communication.
Xerarch_CV: Hey! I'm so sorry to bother you, but we're in a bit of a tricky spot and you're the only one who can help us out. If you're willing, of course.
_Executor.Taciturn: no
Xerarch_CV: I, uh... please at least hear me out? This is really important and time-sensitive, I wouldn't be asking you if it wasn't.
_Executor.Taciturn has closed communication.
06/08/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: ...well? what's he say?
KRISTAN: He... instantly hung up on me.
ZARIYAH: ahh, give it a minute. might be like how addisyn got back to me.
KRISTAN: No, like, for real. He literally was not interested.
KRISTAN: Maybe I should have chosen my words more carefully...
ZARIYAH: nah, don't worry about it. you know he's just like that.
KRISTAN: Either way, we need to figure out another idea.
ZARIYAH: no we don't! we just aren't making use of all our pieces.
KRISTAN: Huh...?
KRISTAN: He... instantly hung up on me.
ZARIYAH: ahh, give it a minute. might be like how addisyn got back to me.
KRISTAN: No, like, for real. He literally was not interested.
KRISTAN: Maybe I should have chosen my words more carefully...
ZARIYAH: nah, don't worry about it. you know he's just like that.
KRISTAN: Either way, we need to figure out another idea.
ZARIYAH: no we don't! we just aren't making use of all our pieces.
KRISTAN: Huh...?
06/08/2023
"Wake Rennard."
ZARIYAH: heyyy, buddy.
RENNARD: but i realy love that car
ZARIYAH: yeah,
ZARIYAH: look, we need a favor of you.
RENNARD: ill get it out of the doorway
ZARIYAH: we really need help from your boyfriend, but he isn't particularly receptive to our request. can you talk to him for us?
RENNARD: oh hang on then,okay i think im cognizcent now
RENNARD: tell me what i tell him to tell his computer to tell another computers
RENNARD: but i realy love that car
ZARIYAH: yeah,
ZARIYAH: look, we need a favor of you.
RENNARD: ill get it out of the doorway
ZARIYAH: we really need help from your boyfriend, but he isn't particularly receptive to our request. can you talk to him for us?
RENNARD: oh hang on then,okay i think im cognizcent now
RENNARD: tell me what i tell him to tell his computer to tell another computers
06/08/2023
"Next."
IIambicIInstant: hey hun :star:
_Executor.Taciturn: oh hey :star:
IIambicIInstant: im didnt realize you woke up yet so im so happy to be able to talk to you
IIambicIInstant: but i also have to ask youthing
_Executor.Taciturn: anything
IIambicIInstant: so im on a mission with zariyand and kristen and we need addessen to fix a vaccume but her boss is in the way
IIambicIInstant: like from the drone
_Executor.Taciturn: oh/ i didnt realize you were with them
_Executor.Taciturn: sorry if i came across a little short earlier with kristan
_Executor.Taciturn: just/ you know
IIambicIInstant: dont even worry about it youre fine
_Executor.Taciturn: alright i guess
_Executor.Taciturn: oh hey :star:
IIambicIInstant: im didnt realize you woke up yet so im so happy to be able to talk to you
IIambicIInstant: but i also have to ask youthing
_Executor.Taciturn: anything
IIambicIInstant: so im on a mission with zariyand and kristen and we need addessen to fix a vaccume but her boss is in the way
IIambicIInstant: like from the drone
_Executor.Taciturn: oh/ i didnt realize you were with them
_Executor.Taciturn: sorry if i came across a little short earlier with kristan
_Executor.Taciturn: just/ you know
IIambicIInstant: dont even worry about it youre fine
_Executor.Taciturn: alright i guess
06/08/2023
"Next."
_Executor.Taciturn: so i have to/// -distract- ms kelly
IIambicIInstant: ye, if youre up to it of coruse
_Executor.Taciturn: any excuse to throw a wrench into that hags operations
_Executor.Taciturn: any specifications requested/
IIambicIInstant: i dont think they need anything specific just get her attetnion off addisyn in general
_Executor.Taciturn: well i have something in mind thats been a long time coming///
IIambicIInstant: gosh do it
IIambicIInstant: ye, if youre up to it of coruse
_Executor.Taciturn: any excuse to throw a wrench into that hags operations
_Executor.Taciturn: any specifications requested/
IIambicIInstant: i dont think they need anything specific just get her attetnion off addisyn in general
_Executor.Taciturn: well i have something in mind thats been a long time coming///
IIambicIInstant: gosh do it
06/08/2023
"Next."
ADDISYN: Yes, I understand you clearly.
MS. KELLY: No. I don't believe you do. Otherwise you would not—
{BANG!!!}
MS. KELLY: What.
MS. KELLY: Was.
MS. KELLY: That.
MS. KELLY: No. I don't believe you do. Otherwise you would not—
{BANG!!!}
MS. KELLY: What.
MS. KELLY: Was.
MS. KELLY: That.
06/08/2023
"Next."
MS. KELLY: I am... going to need to take care of this.
MS. KELLY: We will speak another time.
ADDISYN: .......................
MS. KELLY: We will speak another time.
ADDISYN: .......................
06/08/2023
"Next."
ZayrIndustries: HEY I APPRECIATE THE HELP ON SOME LEVEL BUT BLOWING UP THE BUILDING IS A BIT EXTREME I THINK?
embezzler404: i mean, we only know one hacker and that's kiiiind of the way he operates. sorry i guess?
Xerarch_CV: He WHAT!?
IIambicIInstant: i know, isnt he great? <3
ZayrIndustries: I wanted my boss DISTRACTED, not to endanger my coworkers!?!
IIambicIInstant: hey. come on, ver knows what hes doing
IIambicIInstant: he walked through the steps eith me, all he did was blow up part of kellys stupid server block, "the bullshit spyware one"
IIambicIInstant: he tapped into the cameras to make sure bobody was in harm's way too. you should know he would never harm innocents.
ZayrIndustries: I... okay, I admit I Did hate that spyware of hers. Still, We Will Talk About This Later.
ZayrIndustries: For now, I get to finish what I started and then do my best for damage control here.
embezzler404: i mean, we only know one hacker and that's kiiiind of the way he operates. sorry i guess?
Xerarch_CV: He WHAT!?
IIambicIInstant: i know, isnt he great? <3
ZayrIndustries: I wanted my boss DISTRACTED, not to endanger my coworkers!?!
IIambicIInstant: hey. come on, ver knows what hes doing
IIambicIInstant: he walked through the steps eith me, all he did was blow up part of kellys stupid server block, "the bullshit spyware one"
IIambicIInstant: he tapped into the cameras to make sure bobody was in harm's way too. you should know he would never harm innocents.
ZayrIndustries: I... okay, I admit I Did hate that spyware of hers. Still, We Will Talk About This Later.
ZayrIndustries: For now, I get to finish what I started and then do my best for damage control here.
06/08/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: i'm not gonna say this where she can see it or anything but i really hope she hurries with this. we've lost quite a bit of time.
KRISTAN: Relax, she always works as fast as she can. Even faster when under stress, from what I know. As messed up as that may be to say right now.
KRISTAN: Relax, she always works as fast as she can. Even faster when under stress, from what I know. As messed up as that may be to say right now.
06/08/2023
"Next."
KRISTAN: Besides, I'm sure we have way more time than we realize anyway.
07/05/2023
"Meanwhile..."
07/05/2023
"Next."
07/05/2023
"Next."
07/05/2023
"Next."
This architect is proving to be a continued problem.
07/05/2023
"Breizan: Strike."
And all problems have a solution— whoops.
07/05/2023
"Next."
XploitMarauder: hey dude
XploitMarauder: you there?
XploitMarauder: you there?
07/05/2023
"Next."
XploitMarauder: i snuck into all the new movies at the theater twice each by now lol
XploitMarauder: most of em sucked. the new ass-kicker ruled though. as usual
XploitMarauder: ...i ran outta shit to do, im fuckin bored
XploitMarauder: most of em sucked. the new ass-kicker ruled though. as usual
XploitMarauder: ...i ran outta shit to do, im fuckin bored
07/05/2023
"Next."
XploitMarauder: they got too good at guarding the employee areas nowadays. theres jack shit to do in this town
XploitMarauder: wanna meet up and break some surveillance equipment or smth?
XploitMarauder: wanna meet up and break some surveillance equipment or smth?
07/05/2023
"Next."
XploitMarauder: whatever, guess your busy. ill find some way to occupy myself
XploitMarauder: ...
XploitMarauder: oh shit wait this is THAT night isnt it
XploitMarauder: ...
XploitMarauder: oh shit wait this is THAT night isnt it
07/05/2023
"Next."
XploitMarauder: sucks i wasnt invited. im sure zariyahs making it some sort of stupid "paranormal investigation" anyway.
XploitMarauder: the only way she bothers with anything remotely cool anymore. no actual point to it
XploitMarauder: the only way she bothers with anything remotely cool anymore. no actual point to it
07/05/2023
"Next."
XploitMarauder: ...
XploitMarauder: actually, you know what? fuck it, i might just crash this expedition anyway
XploitMarauder: its not like she owns the place or anything
XploitMarauder: cya soon lmao
XploitMarauder: actually, you know what? fuck it, i might just crash this expedition anyway
XploitMarauder: its not like she owns the place or anything
XploitMarauder: cya soon lmao
08/26/2023
"XploitMarauder: Make your way to the ruins."
Your name is Xzavier, thanks.
After sending your last message, you realized you kind of don't know where exactly the expedition is happening, just that it's some old ruins. Or something like that.
...You and the "leader" aren't exactly on talking terms. Not in a way that she'd care to tell you, at the very least.
However, you're pretty sure you're already in just the place to find out.
08/26/2023
"Next."
XZAVIER: hey man, its been nice chatting, but i gotta go.
REZAL: Aw, I gotcha,, Peace, dude.
CHELZINE: finally. maybe if we're lucky the scent of your godsdamn smokes will clear before our inspection next month.............
CHELZINE: this store smells like a rotted perfume department.
REZAL: Pretty cool,; huh;?
XZAVIER: yeah, sorry about that i guess. bit stressed
REZAL: Aw, I gotcha,, Peace, dude.
CHELZINE: finally. maybe if we're lucky the scent of your godsdamn smokes will clear before our inspection next month.............
CHELZINE: this store smells like a rotted perfume department.
REZAL: Pretty cool,; huh;?
XZAVIER: yeah, sorry about that i guess. bit stressed
08/26/2023
"Next."
XZAVIER: i dont really know where to go is the thing
REZAL: Aw man, I do that all the time,
REZAL: Just wander around and eventually you'll get it. See where the universe takes you, y'know?
XZAVIER: no, that isnt gonna work today. its some important stuff
XZAVIER: luckily, you know where im going
REZAL: Uhhh,,,I do?
REZAL: Aw man, I do that all the time,
REZAL: Just wander around and eventually you'll get it. See where the universe takes you, y'know?
XZAVIER: no, that isnt gonna work today. its some important stuff
XZAVIER: luckily, you know where im going
REZAL: Uhhh,,,I do?
08/26/2023
"Next."
XZAVIER: look, i know youre into the "paranormal" shit zariyahs always on about. i dont really care about any of that, but i gotta know if you tipped her off to any good spots recently
REZAL: Aahh,,, maaan.. Sorry, but no can do.
REZAL: I'd tell ya but she's told me several times not to share any stuff about it with you specifically,
XZAVIER: of fucking course she did.
XZAVIER: listen, i could really care less about bugging her today or whatever she thinks im gonna do
XZAVIER: one of my buddies was tagging along with her stupid antics and i cant get ahold of him
XZAVIER: i just want to check on him. thats it
REZAL: Well,,, aahhhh,,,,, maaan,,
REZAL: Aahh,,, maaan.. Sorry, but no can do.
REZAL: I'd tell ya but she's told me several times not to share any stuff about it with you specifically,
XZAVIER: of fucking course she did.
XZAVIER: listen, i could really care less about bugging her today or whatever she thinks im gonna do
XZAVIER: one of my buddies was tagging along with her stupid antics and i cant get ahold of him
XZAVIER: i just want to check on him. thats it
REZAL: Well,,, aahhhh,,,,, maaan,,
08/26/2023
"Next."
CHELZINE: you arent ACTUALLY considering telling him, are you.........
CHELZINE: zariyah specifically godsdamn said not to tell this dickhead about any of..... whatever the hell it is you two talk about
REZAL: Well like, I dunno Chelz, this sorta sounds like an emergency,, I dunno dude,
REZAL: That place is kinda,,, dangerous,
REZAL: Or, maybe,, it's very unknown,
REZAL: Which prrrrrobably means it's dangerous, maybe,
CHELZINE: what the fuck are you on about
CHELZINE: where did you even point them to THIS time..........
REZAL: Well uhh you know that old Cytone Center out on the outskirts of town,,
CHELZINE: well yeah but its not anything special is it? just some old ruins
CHELZINE: ............wait
CHELZINE: zariyah specifically godsdamn said not to tell this dickhead about any of..... whatever the hell it is you two talk about
REZAL: Well like, I dunno Chelz, this sorta sounds like an emergency,, I dunno dude,
REZAL: That place is kinda,,, dangerous,
REZAL: Or, maybe,, it's very unknown,
REZAL: Which prrrrrobably means it's dangerous, maybe,
CHELZINE: what the fuck are you on about
CHELZINE: where did you even point them to THIS time..........
REZAL: Well uhh you know that old Cytone Center out on the outskirts of town,,
CHELZINE: well yeah but its not anything special is it? just some old ruins
CHELZINE: ............wait
08/26/2023
"Next."
CHELZINE: oh for fuck's sake.
REZAL: what,
REZAL: what,
08/26/2023
"Next."
CHELZINE: ............just........ dont even worry about it. never mind.
CHELZINE: its not our problem anymore. whatever
CHELZINE: now put your blunt out and find some damn air spray already.
REZAL: Aye aye Capton,
CHELZINE: its not our problem anymore. whatever
CHELZINE: now put your blunt out and find some damn air spray already.
REZAL: Aye aye Capton,
08/26/2023
"Next."
09/23/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: addisyn says modifications are almost complete.
ZARIYAH: no specific time estimate, but... we should be fine.
KRISTAN: Yeah! It'll be done before we know it.
KRISTAN: Do we have a plan for when we get to the other side?
ZARIYAH: .......
KRISTAN: ...Zariyah?
ZARIYAH: no specific time estimate, but... we should be fine.
KRISTAN: Yeah! It'll be done before we know it.
KRISTAN: Do we have a plan for when we get to the other side?
ZARIYAH: .......
KRISTAN: ...Zariyah?
09/23/2023
"Next."
There is no more time.
09/23/2023
"Next."
DIRECTOR: That will be far enough. Turn around.
KRISTAN: ..........Oh.
ZARIYAH: .....
ZARIYAH: .....
ZARIYAH: ...who do you think you are?
KRISTAN: ..........Oh.
ZARIYAH: .....
ZARIYAH: .....
ZARIYAH: ...who do you think you are?
09/23/2023
"Next."
DIRECTOR: I am Director Santana Lykel of the Archive, a hidden division of Nobriel's societal contract tasked with cataloguing anomalous facets of the world and keeping them under our control.
SANTANA: And, most importantly, outside of public awareness.
SANTANA: It will do you best to comply.
CONTROLLER: I'm Heither. I'm w'th him.
HEITHER: (Y' sure it was a good idea t' tell 'em all that?)
SANTANA: (If our authority does not make them comply, it will make them too intimidated to maintain full focus. Allowing them to be informed while they still remember is in our best interest, yes.)
ZARIYAH: i can hear your laughable assumptions, you know!
SANTANA: And, most importantly, outside of public awareness.
SANTANA: It will do you best to comply.
CONTROLLER: I'm Heither. I'm w'th him.
HEITHER: (Y' sure it was a good idea t' tell 'em all that?)
SANTANA: (If our authority does not make them comply, it will make them too intimidated to maintain full focus. Allowing them to be informed while they still remember is in our best interest, yes.)
ZARIYAH: i can hear your laughable assumptions, you know!
09/23/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: you clearly have no idea who we are.
ZARIYAH: i already knew of your stupid archive, but thanks for tipping your hand completely unprompted. i was expecting to at least have to try a little bit to confirm it!
HEITHER: (I like these ones. C'n we keep 'em?)
ZARIYAH: my question wasn't your identity, but rather why you goons think you have the right to hoard everything that's truly interesting about this world to begin with.
ZARIYAH: stuff that would be helpful to actually — you know — use for the world instead of against it?
ZARIYAH: sure, it's all "officialized" and "long-standing tradition," but that doesn't justify shit. nor does it sweep away the fact that your organization is flawed from its very concept.
ZARIYAH: i already knew of your stupid archive, but thanks for tipping your hand completely unprompted. i was expecting to at least have to try a little bit to confirm it!
HEITHER: (I like these ones. C'n we keep 'em?)
ZARIYAH: my question wasn't your identity, but rather why you goons think you have the right to hoard everything that's truly interesting about this world to begin with.
ZARIYAH: stuff that would be helpful to actually — you know — use for the world instead of against it?
ZARIYAH: sure, it's all "officialized" and "long-standing tradition," but that doesn't justify shit. nor does it sweep away the fact that your organization is flawed from its very concept.
09/23/2023
"Next."
SANTANA: It is not your place as a civilian — or even mine as an appointed Director — to question the foundation of the Archive. If your perspective were not so incomplete, you would understand that our tactics are exclusively for the benefit of reality as we know it.
ZARIYAH: yeah, as you know it. stop hiding everything and let us understand it, if it's so great.
SANTANA: These matters are much too complicated to allow for simple transparency.
ZARIYAH: uhh huh. and who told you this? that old fuck in a chair?
SANTANA: --!!
HEITHER: (Woah, she knows about the Curator. Talk about an informational leak.)
ZARIYAH: you really think he returns your unwavering care and doesn't just have his own dark interests in mind? is all of this really worth it to you?
SANTANA: I have heard enough. This is not a forum of conversation. You will be coming with us for extensive memory combing.
SANTANA: Surrender easily or force our hand.
ZARIYAH: yeah, as you know it. stop hiding everything and let us understand it, if it's so great.
SANTANA: These matters are much too complicated to allow for simple transparency.
ZARIYAH: uhh huh. and who told you this? that old fuck in a chair?
SANTANA: --!!
HEITHER: (Woah, she knows about the Curator. Talk about an informational leak.)
ZARIYAH: you really think he returns your unwavering care and doesn't just have his own dark interests in mind? is all of this really worth it to you?
SANTANA: I have heard enough. This is not a forum of conversation. You will be coming with us for extensive memory combing.
SANTANA: Surrender easily or force our hand.
09/23/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: see, that's yet another place you have it wrong, dipfuck.
09/23/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: (iambic get up here.)
RENNARD: (oh youre right . they cant get us up there)
RENNARD: (oh youre right . they cant get us up there)
09/23/2023
"Next."
HEITHER: So... y' think this group has th' spunk to back up her big words?
HEITHER: I am gettin' a faint reading from her n' the green guy, after all.
SANTANA: If either of them knew how to use their Refractions, we would be feeling more than these baseline shuffles. We need not concern outselves with their vestigial energies.
SANTANA: Keep an eye out for the suspected silver adlet as well. Let us make this quick.
HEITHER: On it, boss.
HEITHER: I am gettin' a faint reading from her n' the green guy, after all.
SANTANA: If either of them knew how to use their Refractions, we would be feeling more than these baseline shuffles. We need not concern outselves with their vestigial energies.
SANTANA: Keep an eye out for the suspected silver adlet as well. Let us make this quick.
HEITHER: On it, boss.
10/18/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: hey cringle, think fast!
10/18/2023
"Next."
HEITHER: HAH!
10/18/2023
"Santana: Defend yourself."
HEITHER: Nothin' t' worry about, eh?
SANTANA: Enough. I had not accounted for such trinkets. Their element of surprise has swiftly run its course.
SANTANA: Enough. I had not accounted for such trinkets. Their element of surprise has swiftly run its course.
10/18/2023
"Zariyah: Signal Addisyn."
ZARIYAH: well, our chat was nice, but we really gotta get going. seeya!
embezzler404: slrpghtm giyborz1
ZayrIndustries: You know... the whole "Stealth Typing" thing is only a valid option if you have tactile keys.
ZayrIndustries: Luckily for you, the situation leaves Little to be inferred.
ZayrIndustries: Let's see how I did...
embezzler404: slrpghtm giyborz1
ZayrIndustries: You know... the whole "Stealth Typing" thing is only a valid option if you have tactile keys.
ZayrIndustries: Luckily for you, the situation leaves Little to be inferred.
ZayrIndustries: Let's see how I did...
10/18/2023
"Addisyn: Launch."
10/18/2023
"Now get the hell out of there!"
KRISTAN: Zariyah... you're shaking.
ZARIYAH: of course i'm shaking! that's the archive, what the fuck are we doing!?
ZARIYAH: we need to find breizan and get the hell out of here.
KRISTAN: I... yeah.
ZayrIndustries: I have to interject: For future reference, I would Extremely recommend Against talking to law enforcement in such a manner.
ZayrIndustries: Not that I necessarily Disagree in Principle, but such an act might prove itself to be... Dangerous.
ZARIYAH: of course i'm shaking! that's the archive, what the fuck are we doing!?
ZARIYAH: we need to find breizan and get the hell out of here.
KRISTAN: I... yeah.
ZayrIndustries: I have to interject: For future reference, I would Extremely recommend Against talking to law enforcement in such a manner.
ZayrIndustries: Not that I necessarily Disagree in Principle, but such an act might prove itself to be... Dangerous.
10/18/2023
"Next."
embezzler404: i appreciate the concern, but these aren't yskelian officers - we aren't necessarily in mortal peril.
ZayrIndustries: And how are you so certain of this of a group you have never Directly encountered?
ZayrIndustries: And how are you so certain of this of a group you have never Directly encountered?
10/18/2023
"Next."
embezzler404: come on, reason it through.
embezzler404: if they just terminated anyone who gave them trouble, there wouldn't be so many cases of even fully sober individuals blanking out and forgetting whole nights — or in more extreme cases, their entire fields of research.
Xerarch_CV: Y-Yeah. These would be missing person reports instead, and they would disproportionately involve paranormal research groups and urban explorers. Which isn't really the case.
embezzler404: mhm. the archive is more concerned with secrecy than anything. they prefer to erase memories and send people cluelessly back away when possible.
ZayrIndustries: I see. For what it's worth, I hope you have reached the correct conclusion.
embezzler404: if they just terminated anyone who gave them trouble, there wouldn't be so many cases of even fully sober individuals blanking out and forgetting whole nights — or in more extreme cases, their entire fields of research.
Xerarch_CV: Y-Yeah. These would be missing person reports instead, and they would disproportionately involve paranormal research groups and urban explorers. Which isn't really the case.
embezzler404: mhm. the archive is more concerned with secrecy than anything. they prefer to erase memories and send people cluelessly back away when possible.
ZayrIndustries: I see. For what it's worth, I hope you have reached the correct conclusion.
10/18/2023
"Next."
KRISTAN: Hey, how are we going to find Breizan? I'm worried about him, and we can't let the Archive run into him first.
ZARIYAH: we just... need to look and hope for the best at this point.
RENNARD: speaching of breizin i was staring out in the to darkness and looked for him
RENNARD: i think i saw his on the second ledge level and a distince to the right
KRISTAN: ..."Ledge level"?
ZARIYAH: we just... need to look and hope for the best at this point.
RENNARD: speaching of breizin i was staring out in the to darkness and looked for him
RENNARD: i think i saw his on the second ledge level and a distince to the right
KRISTAN: ..."Ledge level"?
10/18/2023
"Vision: Adjust to the darkness."
KRISTAN: ...Oh. That's...
KRISTAN: What the hell IS this place!?
ZARIYAH: no time to gawk at the weird architecture, we gotta hurry down. i'm sure they're already finding some way to pursue us.
KRISTAN: What the hell IS this place!?
ZARIYAH: no time to gawk at the weird architecture, we gotta hurry down. i'm sure they're already finding some way to pursue us.
11/06/2023
"Hop down."
ZARIYAH: alright, we should have a bit of time until they get across. but we can't let our guard down.
ZARIYAH: we need to get our bearings and continue on as soon as possible.
KRISTAN: What are these weird spikey protrusion things..?
ZARIYAH: we need to get our bearings and continue on as soon as possible.
KRISTAN: What are these weird spikey protrusion things..?
11/06/2023
"Inspect protrusions."
ZARIYAH: as weird as this place already is, i can't imagine any possible reason for this. it's gotta be from our shattered architect friend.
KRISTAN: That red stuff... isn't what I think it is, right?
ZARIYAH: no, it's from the carpet here. weird withered... fabric... material.
ZARIYAH: ...maybe you were right to be skeptical about those clothes earlier. there definitely has to have been some cause for turning this fabric so... weirdly dry and brittle.
ZARIYAH: the same thing that vaporized the banshians that were here, maybe?
KRISTAN: I can't think about this right now...
ZARIYAH: right. maybe addisyn can at least analyze this stuff and figure out what exactly happened to it.
ZARIYAH: ...
ZARIYAH: addisyn? that's your cue.
KRISTAN: That red stuff... isn't what I think it is, right?
ZARIYAH: no, it's from the carpet here. weird withered... fabric... material.
ZARIYAH: ...maybe you were right to be skeptical about those clothes earlier. there definitely has to have been some cause for turning this fabric so... weirdly dry and brittle.
ZARIYAH: the same thing that vaporized the banshians that were here, maybe?
KRISTAN: I can't think about this right now...
ZARIYAH: right. maybe addisyn can at least analyze this stuff and figure out what exactly happened to it.
ZARIYAH: ...
ZARIYAH: addisyn? that's your cue.
11/06/2023
"Next."
embezzler404: hey ad? you uh, there?
ZayrIndustries: I... cannot continue with this.
ZayrIndustries: There is a surprising amount of weight to your activities, and it only seems to be escalating Much Further than I would have ever guessed.
embezzler404: aw, c'mon, we have this handled. you don't even have to directly deal with it! you have that drone thing to do your work for you.
ZayrIndustries: I Do have to deal with the servers you had Blown Up. As does Everyone else here. This is Kind Of A Big Deal.
embezzler404: none of us specifically told him to blow anything up.
ZayrIndustries: I am going to appear more suspicious the longer I stay up here on my laptop, and this "Archive" of yours becomes more likely to intercept my signal with every passing minute I stay connected.
ZayrIndustries: I Need To Disengage.
embezzler404: i... sure.
embezzler404: sorry about all this.
embezzler404: your help was extremely valuable.
-- ZayrIndustries has withdrawn from Operation_Breakthrough --
ZayrIndustries: I... cannot continue with this.
ZayrIndustries: There is a surprising amount of weight to your activities, and it only seems to be escalating Much Further than I would have ever guessed.
embezzler404: aw, c'mon, we have this handled. you don't even have to directly deal with it! you have that drone thing to do your work for you.
ZayrIndustries: I Do have to deal with the servers you had Blown Up. As does Everyone else here. This is Kind Of A Big Deal.
embezzler404: none of us specifically told him to blow anything up.
ZayrIndustries: I am going to appear more suspicious the longer I stay up here on my laptop, and this "Archive" of yours becomes more likely to intercept my signal with every passing minute I stay connected.
ZayrIndustries: I Need To Disengage.
embezzler404: i... sure.
embezzler404: sorry about all this.
embezzler404: your help was extremely valuable.
-- ZayrIndustries has withdrawn from Operation_Breakthrough --
11/06/2023
"Next."
ZARIYAH: hey, where's rennard? did he really just disappear too?
KRISTAN: I... don't know. I'm sorry, I thought he'd stay with us...
SANTANA: Surrender now. You have run out of tricks.
ZARIYAH: oh you are kidding me, this guy can walk on those!?
KRISTAN: H-Hey I got an idea, let's catch up with Rennard! He must've went upstairs ahead of us!
ZARIYAH: sounds good to me!!
KRISTAN: I... don't know. I'm sorry, I thought he'd stay with us...
SANTANA: Surrender now. You have run out of tricks.
ZARIYAH: oh you are kidding me, this guy can walk on those!?
KRISTAN: H-Hey I got an idea, let's catch up with Rennard! He must've went upstairs ahead of us!
ZARIYAH: sounds good to me!!
11/06/2023
"Go catch up with Rennard."
The two of you sprint upstairs to where you think Rennard is headed.
11/06/2023
"Hey Rennard: Where are you going?"
oh... when did you get here.
11/06/2023
"Next."
you can tell theyre here.
they can tell youre here.
its only a matter of time now.
why can they sense you so quickly.
12/23/2023
"Next."
??????: OH...
??????: OH
??????: OH
??????: OH
??????: MY FAVORITE TOY JUST SHOWED UP.
??????: CAN WE GO FIND IT?
??????: CAN WE?
??????: PLEASE?
??????: OH
??????: OH
??????: OH
??????: MY FAVORITE TOY JUST SHOWED UP.
??????: CAN WE GO FIND IT?
??????: CAN WE?
??????: PLEASE?
12/23/2023
"Next."
???????: The exasperated scribe once again reminds his companion that it cannot drop everything to pester this oddity every single time it shows up.
???????: He also finds it relevant to remind it that the two of them were requested to stay outside of this sector for the time being.
??????: I'M GONNA GO FIND IT I GOTTA EAT IT.
??????: IT SCREAMS LIKE A LITTLE JINGLY BELL DOWN THE DOWN THE HATCH WHEN I BITE INTO IT AND MAUL IT, IT'LL BE SO FUCKING FUNNY.
???????: The scribe would like to see how the specimen behaves outside of distress for once, and he would like an opportunity to conduct more varied experiments on it. Even once.
???????: Is this possible for this cretin, he wonders.
??????: NAW DRINK AN ORANGE ABOUT IT OR SOMETHING.
???????: Insufferable thing.
???????: He also finds it relevant to remind it that the two of them were requested to stay outside of this sector for the time being.
??????: I'M GONNA GO FIND IT I GOTTA EAT IT.
??????: IT SCREAMS LIKE A LITTLE JINGLY BELL DOWN THE DOWN THE HATCH WHEN I BITE INTO IT AND MAUL IT, IT'LL BE SO FUCKING FUNNY.
???????: The scribe would like to see how the specimen behaves outside of distress for once, and he would like an opportunity to conduct more varied experiments on it. Even once.
???????: Is this possible for this cretin, he wonders.
??????: NAW DRINK AN ORANGE ABOUT IT OR SOMETHING.
???????: Insufferable thing.
12/23/2023
"Rennard: That doesn't sound good. Get out of there."
not again. please no not again.
12/23/2023
"Next."
12/23/2023
"Next."
Looks like it's going in for the kill. Gotta make this count.
12/23/2023
"Take aim."
12/23/2023
"Next."
12/23/2023
"Next."
02/15/2024
"Check in with the others."
Lord_Zerros: hey guys
Lord_Zerros: architects down
embezzler404: THERE YOU ARE.
embezzler404: listen, we're being pursued by the archive. they know we're here, we directly made contact.
embezzler404: you see that big glowy door thing in the distance? i need you to take rennard and meet kristan and i there asap.
02/15/2024
"Locate the door."
Lord_Zerros: uh... i see the door, but how am i supposed to find rennard
Xerarch_CV: I thought he was making his way to you!?
embezzler404: good fucking lord.
embezzler404: we... we can't turn back to look for him, that santana guy's on our tail.
embezzler404: we have to hope he just... turns up again. i mean, he did that last time, right?
embezzler404: zerros, you can get to the door without running off into mortal peril again, right?
Lord_Zerros: well... yeah
Lord_Zerros: sorry for dealing with a threat i guess
Lord_Zerros: ill pick rennard up on the way if i run into him
Lord_Zerros: oh, right, i almost forgot something
embezzler404: really hoping for some good news here.
02/15/2024
"Next."
-- Lord_Zerros has added XploitMarauder to Operation_Breakthrough --
embezzler404: ...................
embezzler404: i'm
embezzler404: fucking sorry? am i reading this right?
XploitMarauder: sup lol
Xerarch_CV: Oh no...
Lord_Zerros: hey man
Lord_Zerros: i dont think any of us have the time right now to give you the full rundown so just skim through above for the gist of it
XploitMarauder: sure. gives me something to do while walking ig
XploitMarauder: damn, looks like i just missed some drama with addisyn. things got a bit spicy there huh?
XploitMarauder: lol you really seem like you have things under control here, zar
embezzler404: ...................
embezzler404: i'm
embezzler404: fucking sorry? am i reading this right?
XploitMarauder: sup lol
Xerarch_CV: Oh no...
Lord_Zerros: hey man
Lord_Zerros: i dont think any of us have the time right now to give you the full rundown so just skim through above for the gist of it
XploitMarauder: sure. gives me something to do while walking ig
XploitMarauder: damn, looks like i just missed some drama with addisyn. things got a bit spicy there huh?
XploitMarauder: lol you really seem like you have things under control here, zar
02/15/2024
"Next."
embezzler404: BREIZAN. what the fuck is this?
XploitMarauder: the names xzavier, nice to meetcha :J
Xerarch_CV: Can we PLEASE stick to codenames?
embezzler404: i don't care about codenames right now! i want to know why "LORD ZERROS" here thought it was such a GREAT IDEA to come back from the grave just to immediately invite the worst person on nobriel into the group chat!!
embezzler404: i am banning him. we cannot afford this distraction.
Lord_Zerros: wait wait WAIT
XploitMarauder: yeah hold your horses lmao
XploitMarauder: bitch
embezzler404: why should i.
Lord_Zerros: listen... i know this is far from ideal for you, but hes already been on his way to where we are now. i dont get what your deal is with each other but i for one would appreciate more people on this operation considering what the current situation seems to be
embezzler404: ...have it your way. i'm muting this. kristan can stand in for me.
Xerarch_CV: Um... me? Uh, I'll try.
02/15/2024
"Meanwhile..."
a shattered architect becomes ejected into the space.
you cannot just turn back.
what do you do??
02/15/2024
"Next."
02/15/2024
"Next."
RENNARD: NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!
SCOTCH: NONE OTHER THAN IT'S MY FAVORITE DIRT PLATE. MAUL AND BITE AND BITE AND MAUL.
SCOTCH: THE CARS WILL ROTATING THE TRACK IN RECORD TIME IN... NONE OTHER THAN MY OWN TWO GRASP. SCRITCH WILL DISSOLVE THE HEIGHTS TO SCOTCH.
02/15/2024
"Next."
SCRITCH: The scribe begrudgingly checks his notes and halfheartedly guesstimates the time before Scotch made contact with the oddity.
SCRITCH: ...He doesn't care enough to be accurate, and is perturbed by his companion's behavior.
SCRITCH: So he tells it no. No, it did not break its prior hunting record.
RENNARD: YOU-- YOU!! CANT YOU CALL THIS THING OFFF OFF ME???
SCRITCH: Eh. Maybe with effort.
SCRITCH: Effort which the Scribe cannot be bothered with, as he does not feel the payoff would be worthwhile.
RENNARD: WH--? YOU LAZY FUCK??? I DONT WANT TO GET MAULED< OH MY GOD
SCOTCH: GET MAULED IS DELICIOUS.
03/20/2024
"Next."
well... you guess this is it
it looms
03/20/2024
"Next."
wait whats that
03/20/2024
"Next."
03/20/2024
"Next."
SCRITCH: What a curious event.
SCRITCH: A momentary diversion to Scotch, to be sure, but... curious, nonetheless.
SCOTCH: PAPER BUTTER; PAPER JELLY.
RENNARD: o-oh, please,, dont let it through...
SCRITCH: A momentary diversion to Scotch, to be sure, but... curious, nonetheless.
SCOTCH: PAPER BUTTER; PAPER JELLY.
RENNARD: o-oh, please,, dont let it through...
03/20/2024
"Wall: Don't let it through."
SCOTCH: WHA... IT IS PORKS.
SCOTCH: NO...
SCOTCH: NO...
03/20/2024
"Next."
???????: That will be quite enough
03/20/2024
"Meanwhile..."
03/20/2024
"Xzavier: Arrive at the Cytone Center."
XploitMarauder: alright im here
XploitMarauder: hey did you guys do this
Xerarch_CV: Er, do what exactly?
XploitMarauder: blowing the entrance open
XploitMarauder: i dont hang around this place much but im pretty sure that giant red gate isnt supposed to look like that
XploitMarauder: youre really serious about this. wow
Xerarch_CV: Ah... well, I don't know if we should confirm or deny anything over BarkLength.
Lord_Zerros: hah, [PLEASE] go on. i love having my handiwork complimented!
Xerarch_CV: Wait wait, not yet! Marauder, there's something important you have to know about the entryway.
XploitMarauder: hey did you guys do this
Xerarch_CV: Er, do what exactly?
XploitMarauder: blowing the entrance open
XploitMarauder: i dont hang around this place much but im pretty sure that giant red gate isnt supposed to look like that
XploitMarauder: youre really serious about this. wow
Xerarch_CV: Ah... well, I don't know if we should confirm or deny anything over BarkLength.
Lord_Zerros: hah, [PLEASE] go on. i love having my handiwork complimented!
Xerarch_CV: Wait wait, not yet! Marauder, there's something important you have to know about the entryway.
03/20/2024
"Next."
XploitMarauder: is it those big fancy lamps or whatever
Xerarch_CV: Yes, keep your distance from them!
Xerarch_CV: I don't really know what this means, but Iambic thinks they uh, "take the time out" of the area they look at.
XploitMarauder: tch. tell me you two arent actually believing this shit
Lord_Zerros: wait dude, hang on, i can attest these things should not just be fucked with
XploitMarauder: who said i was going to just run in? im not saying theres nothing there. its just some sort of trick hidden behind a fantasy prop is all
Xerarch_CV: Just... be cautious around them either way, alright?
XploitMarauder: yeah. ill be having a brain about this, relax
Xerarch_CV: Yes, keep your distance from them!
Xerarch_CV: I don't really know what this means, but Iambic thinks they uh, "take the time out" of the area they look at.
XploitMarauder: tch. tell me you two arent actually believing this shit
Lord_Zerros: wait dude, hang on, i can attest these things should not just be fucked with
XploitMarauder: who said i was going to just run in? im not saying theres nothing there. its just some sort of trick hidden behind a fantasy prop is all
Xerarch_CV: Just... be cautious around them either way, alright?
XploitMarauder: yeah. ill be having a brain about this, relax
03/30/2024
"Grab a piece of debris."
May as well see what those things actually do, for starters.
03/30/2024
"Throw it past the Neutralizers."
Sure they look fancy, but there's no such thing as magic. You don't plan on figuring the trick out, but you ain't falling for it, either.
Hup!
03/30/2024
"Next."
03/30/2024
"Next."
Uh... there's... probably a reasonable explanation for what you just saw.
Either way, you deem it necessary to take these things out before proceeding, so they can't do... whatever that was to you.
03/30/2024
"Check inventory."
Let's see... something in here has got to do the trick.
04/18/2024
"Try checking it with the snapball."
You know what? Yeah. You'll just prove to yourself real quick that there's nothing weird going on. You don't know why you let yourself get freaked out by this weird lighting trick in the first place.
04/18/2024
"Throw the snapball in and return it with the string."
Ha! Just as you...
...thought...? Wait what, did it get caught on something?
04/18/2024
"Next."
What the fuck is going on with the string!? It won't even break!
04/18/2024
"Quick, cut the string with your switchblade!"
You cut the string just in time, right before the shadowy effect reaches you.
04/18/2024
"Next."
What... the fuck. You need a smoke to calm your nerves.
04/18/2024
"THAT ISN'T A SMOKE."
Fuck, how did you mix that up!?
04/18/2024
"Take cover from aecherbomb!"
04/18/2024
"Take... cover?"
What... was it put out? No, the flame is still there, just... not burning?
There's... no way.
You... might genuinely be playing with actual stopped time, here.
Getting past these things has suddenly became a lot harder.
MSPFA Mirror | 
Tumblr | 
TwitterMy main work, a character-driven science-fantasy story involving the secrets of a long-lost civilization and exploring the paranormal side of the universe. Still very early in its story, but it's going to be a long ride.
Newest Pages:
04/18/2024 - Take... cover?
04/18/2024 - Take cover from aecherbomb!
04/18/2024 - THAT ISN'T A SMOKE.
04/18/2024 - Next.
04/18/2024 - Quick, cut the string with your switchblade!
04/18/2024 - Next.
04/18/2024 - Throw the snapball in and return it with the string.
04/18/2024 - Try checking it with the snapball.
03/30/2024 - Check inventory.
03/30/2024 - Next.
03/30/2024 - Next.
03/30/2024 - Throw it past the Neutralizers.
03/30/2024 - Grab a piece of debris.
03/20/2024 - Next.
03/20/2024 - Xzavier: Arrive at the Cytone Center.
03/20/2024 - Meanwhile...
03/20/2024 - Next.
03/20/2024 - Wall: Don't let it through.
03/20/2024 - Next.
04/18/2024 - Take... cover?
04/18/2024 - Take cover from aecherbomb!
04/18/2024 - THAT ISN'T A SMOKE.
04/18/2024 - Next.
04/18/2024 - Quick, cut the string with your switchblade!
04/18/2024 - Next.
04/18/2024 - Throw the snapball in and return it with the string.
04/18/2024 - Try checking it with the snapball.
03/30/2024 - Check inventory.
03/30/2024 - Next.
03/30/2024 - Next.
03/30/2024 - Throw it past the Neutralizers.
03/30/2024 - Grab a piece of debris.
03/20/2024 - Next.
03/20/2024 - Xzavier: Arrive at the Cytone Center.
03/20/2024 - Meanwhile...
03/20/2024 - Next.
03/20/2024 - Wall: Don't let it through.
03/20/2024 - Next.
Runecrossed Test Build 01 Release!
By Zerio, 08/08/2023
It's finally happened. You can now play the earliest possible version of Runecrossed, my 3D platformer. You can find the download and more information about it over on the game's ItchIO page. I've decided to hold off on making a page for the game specific to my own site since it was already a bit of work getting that one set up, but for now, the Runecrossed section links directly there.
Also, as you may have noticed, the homepage now includes a section for game updates! I expect these to be much less frequent than comic updates (obviously), but I figure it'll still be cool to see what's new at a glance.
I hope you all enjoy the game!
Patreon (And Patreon Button)
By Zerio, 05/16/2023
It's probably long overdue, but I finally sat down and set up a Patreon! This is mainly intended for those who already just want to support me and my various works, but if you pledge $5 or higher you get a neat little bonus: access to a behind-the-scenes channel in my Discord server where I post WIPs, concept art, and gamedev progress.
There is now also a link to said Patreon in the upper right of the page, replacing what was formerly a blank "placeholder" button. Part of me is going to miss having a clickable button that does nothing, but this was always the plan. Maybe one day I'll add a similar button somewhere on the site for the hell of it.
All Comic Mirrors Added
By Zerio, 04/26/2023
That's right, every single one of my comics now has a mirror on the site. They've been quietly added and I held off on making a newspost for it until now, since I figured the "hey there's another new mirror" posts would've gotten redundant.
So anyway, I can now say that Runecrossed Classic and Zephyr Beta both have ZerioIO mirrors now. Two "failed" adventures cancelled in favor of later approaching the stories I wanted to tell in a different medium - Runecrossed via the game I've been developing and Zephyr likely eventually in smaller-scale games and one-off comics (we'll have to see for sure when I get there, though). These two comics are mostly included for history's sake, since the main worth in reading them nowadays is probably just for curiosity on how my earlier works evolved to become what they are now, I suppose.
However, the big thing from this is that the original Synodic Reboot has begun the mirroring process. It's somewhat in a similar vein as "earlier dated Zerio work that eventually got cancelled to remake it but better," but the difference is that SR is still my largest work to date at the time of writing, and despite its flaws is still a decently fun read with actual events that occur. And that maybe one day I'll give it a conclusion. Possibly.
SR is not on the website in full yet, and will instead be gradually ported as I tend to do with the longer comics. I'll just edit this newspost when that process is done, and you all can read along with it if you'd like.
I'm very excited to develop other parts of the website once the comics are finally fully readable here!
Talikuu Mirror Added
By Zerio, 04/06/2023
The Talikuu comics have now also been mirrored. Like with Mr. Todama, the theme is very basic and will likely be personalized more in the future. That said, the comic navigation buttons actually correspond to the type of talikuu featured in the comic they take you to! Neat.
This also now means that all four main webcomics - the ones featured on the site's home page - are fully readable without having to leave the website. ...Well, aside from the most recent several updates of Sweet Hella Quest, but I'm still working on that.
Mr. Todama Mirror Added
By Zerio, 04/05/2023
Mr. Todama now has a mirror on ZerioIO, which means the elusive 12th strip that was made while MSPFA continues to be down is now more easily accessible. The adventure theme is still a bit barebones and "default MSPFA," but basic readability is more important for now. The fact it's now mirrored means I'll be able to iterate on the page theme and make it more personalized in the future.
The Talikuu comics will probably follow suit before long, but not immediately. Honestly the main thing holding those back is figuring out what to draw for the Next/Previous buttons, as silly as it sounds.
Sweet Hella Quest Mirror Added
By Zerio, 03/11/2023
Sweet Hella Quest is now on its way to ZerioIO, starting with Act 1.
As with Synodic Link, I plan to resume more active work on Sweet Hella Quest once the pages are fully ported, but its next page is still a pretty big WIP flash animation, so updates themselves unfortunately won't resume as quickly. Still, they will eventually.
Retroactive Edit 4/9/23: The pages have now all been fully ported!
Synodic Link Mirror Added
By Zerio, 03/04/2023
After getting the majority of the page reader functionality working, it's time to begin bringing my main work to the site -- That's right, Synodic Link now has a mirror!
...Not all at once, though.
Still, pages will be accessible immediately as they're added, so feel free to check in and read along as they're brought over.
Edit 3/6/23: The pages have now all been fully ported!
Enclosed Rooms Mirrored
By Zerio, 03/03/2023
Enclosed Rooms is now mirrored to the site and fully readable. This surreal adventure's simple format and relatively low pagecount made it an easy pick as I figure this all out a bit more.
Talikuu Quest Mirrored
By Zerio, 03/01/2023
Talikuu Quest has now been mirrored to the site and is readable in its miniscule entirety. Due to its low pagecount and its history as my first ever MSPFA (not counting that two-page Animal Farm adventure I did as a half-assed middle school project. Shhh), it has the honor of also being the first comic to be mirrored while I developed the page reader code, which was surprisingly complicated!
Now that Talikuu Quest's mirror is fully functional, the other comics shouldn't be too far behind. Still expect it to be a somewhat gradual effort, though; there are a lot of pages to port over, and it's likely that certain quirks of these adventures might require additional developments to the page reader code, but it's an exciting journey nonetheless.
Woah check it out, my own website!
By Zerio, 02/28/2023
After having this domain parked for well over a year now, it's very exciting to finally be developing something here. A more independent approach to my works is something that's been a long time coming, really. I have a lot of ambitions in mind for this site, but for now my first goal is to set up functional mirrors for my webcomics and port them over so they can be read in full on their own independent space. I hope you all enjoy as it comes together!