EVENT #12: ADVERSITY 6568654

[expiationmods]

EVENT #12: DO AIS DREAM OF ALGORITHMIC SHEEP?

THE STORY SO FAR (click to expand)

-Over time, characters have discovered that the world of Expiation is actually a large, elaborate simulation run by an AI that seems to be intent on helping them atone for their crimes. This news is well-known by the Chosen, enough so that any new character who wishes to handwave this knowledge is able to do so.

-In September 2024, that AI needed to be reset as a consequence of some catastrophic systems failures. So far, there has been no downside to this reset–but the AI has also been strangely absent since then.

-Things have been quiet in Aldrip since September, aside from the routine arrival of new Chosen. The locals seem less than happy with the Chosen, though, as if they have already branded them all criminals. As if they no longer trust them…

JANUARY 13

SLEEP MODE INITIATED.
LOADING………………….

The calming hush that falls over Aldrip is strangely comfortable, lulling all Chosen into a deep sleep…or a sleeplike state, for those who will. Whatever the case, it is a very quiet night.

The sleep that follows is anything but.

THE DREAMSCAPES

The Chosen dream of memories, in this dreamscape. They can be twisted and altered by the dream world; events can be contorted or made up; but all of these dreams have within them a kernel of truth. Whether they express an event that happened or part of a person’s past that’s gone fuzzy with age, whether it’s a real moment or just a feeling, something about the dream tells you something about the Chosen to whom it belongs. This may even express itself in multiple dreamscapes, fragments of different memories and feelings to navigate.

Fellow Chosen can travel through these dreamscapes, of course, stumbling upon dreams they were never meant to see. But their presence is not without consequence; the longer two Chosen share the same dream, the more the dream will begin to take on elements of both their dreams, drawing in elements from the Chosen who was simply meant to be watching.

They’re vivid, these dreams–the kind that are so clear, one begins to doubt whether it’s a dream at all. Could it possibly be reality? Whether it’s a good dream or a bad one, the Chosen may find it’s difficult to want to wake up. How could they possibly wake up, when this is so very real? Why would they want to, if it’s a good dream? It’s comfortable, and the idea that it may not be reality is intimidating, isn’t it?

It’s so real that you could stay here forever.

A WAKEUP CALL

Wake up.
You have to wake up.

Staying within the dreams too long is a dangerous thing, and those who don’t wake even once before morning will risk falling into a deep sleep, perhaps never to wake at all.

But how to wake them?

Only by convincing the Chosen that they are most certainly dreaming, as it turns out. Whether that’s someone realizing this on their own, or being helped along by someone else, is entirely up to you. But they must choose to wake from the dream, saying goodbye to the dreamscape without any certainty that they’ll ever see it again, and for some…that could be easier said than done.

Once they wake in Aldrip, they’ll be able to come and go from the dreams at will, helping other Chosen navigate their own waking…or perhaps sabotaging it, for those whose intentions may be less than charitable. (But none of you would do that, right? Right?)

Time becomes meaningless within the dreamscapes, allowing the Chosen to pass through as many of these dreams as they wish before dawn breaks in the morning.

The next day dawns as normal, and surprisingly, the Chosen don’t feel any less well-rested from their long and difficult night chasing after dreams. They may even–_

A sea of numbers, zeroes and ones, their combinations meaningless, their forms shifting. Digital artifacts mar the vision, as if the sequence is somehow corrupted. In those pockets of artifacts, one can see something beyond the numbers, something darker, something blurry with distance.
Query: is this what it is to “dream?”
It feels…warm.

_feel refreshed, actually, as if they’ve lifted various weights from their shoulders. Even those who haven’t may find it difficult to linger on the less happy parts of what they’ve seen. They’ve shared quite a unique experience, after all. Better take some time to process it, before they let it weigh them down.

WILDCARD

Make your own fun! Just because it’s not in the prompts doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Have at it! Go crazy! Try not to break anything (too much)!

♡

Comments

[babilun]

Of course, you wouldn't know.

[ Gilgamesh retorted in a matter-of-fact tone. ]

I haven't expanded my dynasty large enough to piece through other dimensions! [ Though the truth is that Uruk would only be known to Earth. ] Yet this is why you are here. To regale the tales of this dynasty and its people to unknown citizens.

[ Ever so casually, the Ruler of this grand empire bestows this stranger, traveler, onto a troublesome task that he didn't even ask for! ]

Yes, a tour! Come along now, Stranger. As you can see, this is the marketplace, but I pride myself on our artisans and their craft! [ What they make belongs to Gilgamesh naturally. ] Follow me. I shall lead you to the top so you can witness my nation's full glory!

[ Get ready for a long ride. The first stop, though, was a meat skewer store. After all, you can't start a tour without some food. It wasn't anything special. The world of skewers was the same everywhere you go. Meat is meat. Food is food. Taking the skewer from the stall, of course, he wasn't going to pay; he was King, and this was a dream; he handed it over to Rosen.]

Do you perhaps enjoy drinking? When we reach the top, I'll treat you to something good from my treasury. Do you have any preferences as to where you wish to see it? Residence area? Temples to these "Gods"? My temple? Children? Elderly? Name it, and I shall lead you as the King.

[ He was like a kid ready to show off his project, which was true. These walls, you see? All of Gilgamesh's planning, budget, and hard work that he oversees. ]

[erschlagen]

[Something about that matter-of-fact tone screams "rude" to Rosen. It's enough to make his right brow twitch in frustration. However, he chooses to disregard the slight in favor of discovering what this so-called kingdom has to offer.

He certainly hopes to be blown away.]

Plotting on conquering other dimensions, are we?

[The arkana says with a chuckle, realizing who this dreamer must be. He mistook the young man for a random stranger; it appears he is the ruler of this lovely little kingdom.]

[How bold of you to assume that such a feat could be achieved by mortal hands.
He's not admonishing the young king, but simply stating the facts. If even deities cannot conquer places that are beyond dimensions, then what makes him think he can? Rosen is generally curious to know.

Nonetheless, he intends to enjoy this brief journey through Uruk. Especially since the young emperor takes him to local food booths. Aside from fighting, food is probably the only thing Rosen actually appreciates. That's why he gladly accepts the meat skewer. This smells good, whether you're dreaming or not. ]

Now we're talking!

[Rosen mutters before taking a large bite out of the meat. It's juicy and tender, with just a tinge of smoky charcoal. He could practically taste the herbs and spices in the delicious meat. This is truly delectable. He chews silently while the aspiring emperor begins to boast about Uruk's wonders.]

Drinking the finest wines is something of a hobby of mine. [No, he's just an alcoholic. Ignore him. Moving right along--] However, I'm curious to see what your temples are like.

After all, you can learn a lot about a person by learning about their faith.

[babilun]

Umu. A fine hobby to have!

[ What happens when two alcoholics meet in a jolly manner? Of course, they have to drink! However, that will be a reward for both Gilgamesh and Rosen himself. Dream or not, as long as Gilgamesh wills the taste of Uruk's wine to reality, it shall taste the same as his memories. ]

This "world" has many gods.

[ Though the Era of the Gods and Myth would die in this generation. Their powers were waning and weakening as beliefs were getting less and less. ]

Most temples and priestesses are dedicated to them. We have the God of the Sun and Justice, Utu-Shamash. The Lady of the Wild Cows, Rimat-Ninsun, who resides in this wonderful city. [ Gilgamesh's tone shows a very rare tone of affection towards those two, but of course, one was his Uncle and the other was his beloved Mother. ] Then there is Ishtar, but I don't need to show you that vulgar and sorry excuse for a goddess her temple. She might tempt you away and squeeze you out of everything you have.

[ He went from affectionate about his relatives to talking about a piece of trash. ]

Come now, Traveler. We shall go visit Rimat-Ninsun first and receive her blessings for pleasant "dreams."

[ With that, Gilgamesh began to walk off towards the city's center. Gilgamesh was fully intent on enjoying this stroll of a dream. Besides, it's been a while since he has seen his Mother's face. Might as well swing by and say hello, even if it isn't real. ]