expiationlogs | EVENT #14: ADVERSITY 8765456

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EVENT #14: ADVERSITY 8765456

EVENT #14: YOU'RE A SNAKE I CAN SEE IT IN YOUR FACE

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.

-Fandaniel has put his backup of the AI into the system, and now there seems to be an update on devices.

MAP UPGRADE: 80%... .... .... ...

-Viktor has changed some of the Naga from Rumpitur into their original forms -- more or less, further proving that those who live in the cities from before are former Chosen.

OOC NOTE: This event will still go on for ten days OOCly, and the aftermath of the event via the poll will be posted on the 23rd instead of the 22nd.

SSSOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMESSS

It seems like the recent arrivals aren't the only guests at Aldrip this month. Beginning on the 12th of the month, the Chosen might notice an increased presence of snakes ─ at first it's in the outskirts and in the fields, where it can be expected, but soon it becomes clear they can show up just about anywhere: in the inn, chilling in the library, and even at homes. They're not aggressive and seem to largely mind their own business, so most will probably assume it's best to leave them be.

Until they begin to speak.

"It'sss time,"

It comes as a soft whisper, cooing to you from beneath your feet as the creature slithers on the ground.

"The sssystem hasss failed you. But you have the power to change that. The power to ssstop it."

You may disregard their words, but they're quite persistent, and will keep following you, promising to share the ways for you to fight back. To find a way out. And, perhaps most importantly, to stop the cycle of sentencing for good.

All you need to do is break the system by doing the very thing it's designed to prevent: committing crimes.

But not just any crimes will do, oh no. The snakes are quick to note that there's little point in trying to antagonize the locals, as they're already part of the system. But the other Chosen? That's who you should target, they say. Steal. Lie. Cheat. Maim. Kill. They cannot stop all of you, but it's up to you if you'll end up as a victim or the victor.

The snakes will not attack or harm those who refuse them, but to those still hesitating or questioning their suggestion, they have one reminder:

"That'sss the price for freedom."

Are you prepared to pay it…?

ENTER THE GATES TO THE GOLDEN GARDEN

CW: SNAKE PICTURES LINKED IN THIS PROMPT

As the lies spill past your teeth or the item that you’ve lifted from another Chosen or the shudder of flesh from your blow, there is an elevation of energy around like the simulation itself is breathing a stuttering breath that it had been holding. Suddenly, they stand before a gilded gate that is partially ajar and welcoming.

In fact, it is the only destination available. All around otherwise is a thick fog with muffled sounds, and if a Chosen decided to avoid the sensation of welcome to enter through the Gate, they will find themselves back in front of it no matter the direction that they consider venturing into. The muffles they may think they are following grows quieter until there is an absolute oppressive silence.

Then they are back at the Gate. The longer they avoid entry, the more the temptation to do so will grow until it is unavoidable.

The moment that they slipped through the gilded elaborate gate, the world around them suddenly bursts forth with the scent of sweet flowers, the musical elation of various bird species serenading to one another, and the soft feel of foliage under bare feet. Wait, when did you lose your shoes? Oh well, the foliage is layered densities of deciduous trees with leaves of red, orange, and most proliferatively green There are fruits weighing down branches, mushrooms peeking from under unfurrowed ferns and other underbrush.

There are game trails that double as winding garden paths. They lazily verge off this way and that, taking a person deeper into this beautiful garden. One could lose themselves here if they aren’t careful for there is a blissful peace at first.

As a Chosen moves around or even just looks around, they will notice snakes sliding through the trees or along the ground in the undergrowth minding their own businesses. Big, small, various coloured and patterned but they’re heading off to wherever a snake concerns itself. There is no other wildlife here regardless of the bird songs. That’s strange, isn’t it?

Wandering around exploring either by following the paths or spelunking into the brush or even clambering through the trees will eventually find two Chosen finding each other. It’s easy to recognize each other because evidence of their crimes is marked on them whether that’s the item the lifted, bruised knuckles or a forked tongue for those who lied. Both are attracted to each other as if the impression that leaving the garden requires a pair.

But how to find their way out? The gilded gate seems to no longer be where one might think, and the forest stretches out in all directions. One could wander hours or days and not make headway on how to leave. Except, there are two common denominators: snakes are the only animals here and bird song is a constant presence no matter how much time passes.

Eagle-eyed Chosen will notice that there are certain snakes with identical colouring and patterning. Keen-eared Chosen will notice that bird songs have a certain tune around a select snake type. What could that mean? Maybe it deserves investigation?

Reticulated Python - East
Eyelash Viper - South
Rubber Boa - North
Red-Spotted Garter - West

Teams need to collect a pair of the same species of snake and follow the bird song that grows louder in a certain direction. If they follow the direction appropriately, they will discover an altar and upon placing their snake pair upon it, a quarter of the map of the garden is revealed. Collect all four pairs and take them to the altars and a map is revealed to allow the pair of Chosen to find their way out of the garden.

EVERYTHING IS NOT AS IT SEEMS

This may all seem easy, but the garden throws a curveball at you. After a little while of exploring, Chosen will start to hallucinate in the Garden. Hallucinations will vary by character – namely the worst possible endings for them. It could be either the worst possible ending in Aldrip, or in their canons, but none of them will receive a happy ending.
None of them.

Among the hallucinations of their home world or their lives, they see others. Other cycles that have ended. Those that have completed the RNG of targeted crimes from the snakes are more likely to see these visions:

Bodies of Chosen with the same tattoos on the back of their hands as the ones who’ve done crimes. The thought of I can’t let them die goes through the Chosen’s heads, and suddenly the Chosen shift. Their bodies become more snakelike, foreign of the humans that they used to be.

I have to save them.

Another scenario, this time a thriving city in a desert. A shadow passes through, almost like a plague as Chosen turn into something monstrous. They start to rip and tear into each other, infecting the next person with the shadows. A thought rips through the current Chosen’s minds, despair as the thoughts of I can’t save them happen.

The image flickers, and cuts. Then there’s just a bunch of ruins in the middle of a desert, former technology buried in the sand.

Another scenario, this time a city surrounded by water. The image looks a little hazy, but... over time, the water rises, and rises. It rises through the tiers of the city, drowning it all in water.

The water recedes, and the life that had been bustling around before are now gone.

I couldn't save them.

ON THE OUTSIDE

Chosen that won’t or haven’t committed crimes may see the Garden. While the ones who have committed crimes will find themselves in front of it automatically, the ones who don’t have to find it. They’ll find it deep in the forest, almost as if when they start looking for it, it starts to call for them. The thought of help them may even enter their minds. Once there, they may even attempt to get into the Garden, but… will find they can’t go through. They cannot fly over it or damage it by any means. Enough attempts at forced entry will have a snake come out of the wall and attempt to bite them. If bitten, Chosen may fall ill and even die – this is up to player’s discretion.

Kurt, however, and the characters he chooses to share the glimpse of the world through his item with, are able to enter the Garden without problems. The hallucinations may affect them still, but are much easier to fight through, as they can see through the illusions. They may notice that everything looks old and withered instead of the vibrance that the others see, almost as if it’s… not real. Something that isn’t really tethered to the world at all.

There may be some that would like to question the Naga-turned-people on the happenings of this, but they seem to have disappeared from where they were living with Viktor. Almost as if they ran from this situation…

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)!

♡

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[Kurt had been exploring the garden with the help of his handy little glass and trying to figure out exactly what's going on here.

But instead of any answers, he finds - this. This situation. The blue teen looks very unnerved as the stranger speaks behind him, and the snake winds down to her hand. His eyes widen with concern, and while he knows better to make any sudden moves, he does slowly start to shift away from the snake, while speaking with a frantic whisper.]

F-friend of yours...? [Who is this snake charming stranger??]

[ With the snake comfortably in hand (on wrist), Arlecchino finally gives Kurt back his space, slowly stepping around to face his front. She's a woman of particular appearance on most days, but now she has one more feature to add to the mix: a long burn snaking up her neck to one cheek, red bordering on crimson. She pays it no mind, only breathing a chuckle at Kurt's reaction. ]

Strangers, as a matter of fact. But this one might be more open to friendship than you think.

[ With care, she lifts the restless snake to her shoulder and allows it to wind its way as it pleases. She runs warm, and so the snake ends up being content to keep a loose ring over her shoulders. With that business done, she looks back to Kurt. ]

Nervous around snakes? Given recent developments, you should be used to them by now.

[ Don't mind her; instead of being a dog or cat person, she happens to be a spider and reptile person. ]

Hmmmmm...

[Fandaniel twirls around the lamp post and lands on his tip toes, pistol pointing upward.]

Alas, I've little use for valuables.

[He purses his lips as he considers his options. Shoot, or enjoy some play acting?

Maybe both?]

I could shoot you elsewhere. Perhaps a well-meaning soul will hear your screams and happen upon you in time to save your life.

Would that be preferable?

[ Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer, he supposes. Why he thought for even one second that Fandaniel might resist what the snakes have to say, he doesn’t know. Wishful thinking, perhaps. ]

Would you like to be made a smear on the pavement?

[ Don’t try him!! ]

Stars, what are you scheming?

[He does start feeling significantly less nervous as she gives him some space! He looks on at the unusual stranger and her new snakey companion. He's not sure what to make of her at all, but she does seem like she's part of Team Snake.]

I just don't know what to expect from them, really.

[He's gotten used to them being suspicious, if anything. He's normally not one to judge based on appearances, but his handy glass has given him much reason to doubt these snakes. Just like the old Bible stories he used to hear.]

You don't think there's a chance of getting bit? [He does worry that the people here are being led into a trap... He just has no idea what kind.]

[What would happen if a simulation let her have her machine overrides, Aloy wonders. Just get rendered a useless box, perhaps.

Aloy shrugs at the inquiry.]

I'm not listening to any overgrown worms. Did get to see some horses, though. I like them - even if they have too many ideas of their own.

[Despite his apparent aversion to being helped, something like instinct takes over when Scott tries to move him, and the heel of his boot digs into the undergrowth to push himself in the direction he's being pulled. Perhaps the subconscious thought of not being a burden has taken hold, if he can't get the other to let him go.

The strength in his legs isn't exactly great, though; there's only so much he can do to make the process easier, and only so long he can keep that minimal effort up. Eventually, his mind catches up again, and he mutters another attempt to dissuade the young man.]

None of it was real...

[The difference between the illusion and reality are certainly stark, and it almost seems easier to see through the facade now that he's gotten a few proper looks, perhaps because his subconscious has been made aware. He has some questions about how that item works, but... later.]

I agree. Stay alert. Even if the snakes have left us now... there must be something here.

[His steps are slow and careful. The fact that he doesn't quite have the energy to jog around partly influences that decision.]

Staying smart, then. [Said with a slight smile.] I've been learning to ride one recently, myself. Part of it is respecting them and their ideas, even if you don't agree.

[It's interesting that she's remarked on them, though—like it's a significant experience. Didn't he read something about their entire biosphere being destroyed...?]

Are they new to you?

[ Strange little man. (Not that little, but the energy is there.) ]

If you're asking, then I would really prefer not to get shot at all. Is your bloodlust so insatiable, O hooded one?

[ The drama that was in her voice is already sliding into thinly veiled sarcasm. She tried, briefly. ]

No, not at all. After all, the results will still be the same.

[ Whether it was the snakes or somebody else, the result won't change. ]

If they displease me, they die. Efficient, is it not?

Edited 2025-05-23 18:11 (UTC)

[ Gilgamesh walked forward, as if it was the most natural thing for him to do when somebody opened the door for him.

As they should. Best not to say such words aloud for everybody's sanity. ]

Mongrels keep associating me with snakes. I have a history with them, yes, but after one incident, they all call me a snake! Bah! I much prefer lions, I am a King after all. What sort of ruler would want to be associated with a snake?

[ Well, at least Gilgamesh was honest. ]

[They know he likely means the colors as well as the watch, but there's still a moment where they stare at him before examining the watch a little closer.]

< It has to be a recreation, right? It'd be a little strange for it to just suddenly disappear from them and end up here. >

[It's only in that moment of staring that Altius realizes why comparing Dante to a timepiece might not have been the best idea, and he offers an apologetic sigh.]

Only the colors, I meant.

[Is it strange that he doesn't even think of their head as a clock anymore...? Or maybe he's just that tired.]

I wouldn't be surprised if it was drawn from my memory, but would it be any stranger than us disappearing and ending up here?

[Unlike most anyone else, he'll allow Dante to hold it if they like. If they don't take it, after a moment he'll turn the watch over to the inscription: a message of support he hadn't really met at the time, signed with the name Rion. Some of his exhaustion seems to come through as he reads it again. How things have changed...]

Perhaps it will return along with me, as others supposedly have been.

[They don't take the watch in hand, but they do elect to sit next to Altius, close enough that their arm nearly brushes up against his when they move it.]

< At least he'll get it back either way. >

[More importantly...]

< I take it that's been something on your mind? >

[He's thought about it. He keeps thinking about it. The logical side of him knows there's no point, but the rest of him refuses to let it go. He hadn't meant for his plans with the young man to turn out that way, he'd thought to himself, but he realized that was a lie. How else was it supposed to end? He'd just decided the temporary pain he'd be causing was worth it, before. Why did his feelings change...?

Altius is silent for a few moments, and a clearly somber expression comes to his face, a troubled downturn to his lips.]

As much as I try to believe it's true that we'll make it back like so many have described, I still wonder if I'll get there in time.

[Lowering the watch in his hands until his arms rest on his legs and his elbow makes contact with their arm, he turns to look to Dante.]

The blood you saw on me when we met was his. The last thing I did before I arrived was hold him after he was shot. [He turns back to the watch, unable to keep looking at them, even if their presence is a comfort. There's a bitterness to his tone directed at himself as he continues.] Sitting here and trying to find ways to make simulated money while I still don't know if he's alright...

[It feels wrong.]

"Emet-Ssssselch," the snake at their feet hisses, as if on cue. "He'sssss right here. He'll give you a run for your money, too; you'll enjoy that."

Honestly, they're not wrong on that front, but Shaw still rolls her eyes.

"Just picking people at random, huh? Pretty lame."

[They could tell him about their own experience. That when they returned for those brief few days, not even a minute had passed since they'd exited into the WARP station of District P. But would it help?

When time is of the essence, when someone's life might be on the line, when months have passed when moments count... Could something purely anecdotal be of any comfort?]

< Sometimes... keeping your mind and body busy is all you can really do. The time's going to pass by whether remain still or we keep moving, so I don't think there's anything wrong with making use of that time. >

< Besides, it's not like that's all you did. >

< Very last. >

[They can agree with him there.]

< You think those snake people became actual snakes? As a second transformation, I mean. I'm not really sure how it would do any of that, but if they became that way due to the AI to begin with... >

[It makes them wonder if Rumpitur's changed at all or if it's just the area around Aldrip]

[He doesn't know if anything can truly reassure him—or even if he should be reassured. Dante's attempt still means something, despite that, and he lets out a hum of agreement after a moment, the slightest of smiles on his face as if to reassure them.]

You're right. I know that when it comes down to it. But it's good to hear it from someone else now and again.

[He doesn't say that he's been holding back. Like he feels like he might be able to tear himself out of this place—but that it might be at a price he isn't willing to pay. He could be doing more. He could always be doing more.

He lets out a slow breath, letting his gaze move to the darker corner of the room before returning his attention to his companion.]

What about you, Dante? [He knows their team is alive and well, because Dante takes all that on their own shoulders. He remembers their poor joke about managing to avoid getting hurt. He finds himself asking anyway.] Are you and yours alright, back home?

< For the most part. The mission we'd just finished, it's the kind that tends to wear on us more than the others. More, um, involved, I guess you could say. But it was successful in the end. We got what we went there to get. >

[And Don Quixote had gotten something out of the experience as well.]

< It's hard to say what's gonna come up next for us, but... I've been trying to to face it all with a little more optimism lately. >

[Altius wishes he could assure them it will work out, but he supposes he's wished something similar his whole life, generally speaking. To know that it would all be fine in the end.

Instead, he puts his hand on their shoulder and comes to this:]

I hope things get easier for you. [He knows it won't. But... still, he wants that for them. His gaze moves down over their shoulder, a barely-perceptible tightness to his gaze even though his voice doesn't waver.] If not that, then... at least that you find things to make it worthwhile.

[ Kurt's confusion is understandable. Arlecchino finds a certain satisfaction in being elegantly incomprehensible. ]

I suppose the chances aren't zero. There's just as much a possibility that you might bite me... or I might bite you.

[ There's a caramel sweetness to her words as she appraises Kurt with eyes cut crimson. He doesn't seem like he intends to cause trouble, but people aren't always what they seem. ]

But don't you worry. I'll keep a close eye on this one. If you'd like, I'll even keep an eye on any number of snakes for you — that is, if you don't mind my continued company.

[ And why wouldn't he want her to tag along, hahaha....... ]

[I. Parrot Grass]

[It's a more typical day when you may overhear an odd exchange taking place. It won't take too much searching to see what's going on.

Echo is clearly just trying to go about her life, walking through town. However, each time she passes some parrot grass, it calls out to her. The voice of a boy, teenaged but still prepubescent, comes out of each of them, and sounds quite cheerful.]

Eko-chan!

[Almost immediately, Echo spins and snaps back at it, like a conditioned response she has little control over.]

IT IS ECHO!

[She's progressively getting more and more angry the longer this goes on. Luckily she started at a very low level, but even she's capable of some pretty intense emotions under the right circumstances. And there's a lot more parrot grass lining the path ahead. She might need a little help...]

[II. They had a garden once]

[The former Nagas/former Chosen left a very strong impression on Echo. "Who were we again...?" It was exactly the sort of thing she was literally born to prevent, what she was born to heal. Even without checking if they're still around, she's trying to figure out what she can do to help them. The snakes seem like they might be a good place to start right now.

Unfortunately, directly listening to one isn't going to work out so well, so after that, Echo finds herself wondering how else she can enter the garden.]

[A. Crimes]

[Despite the initial setback, Echo is actually fairly good at doing shady deeds. She'd entirely done them under orders, though. She doesn't really want to commit a crime, but she wants to get into that garden just in case there's something to learn in there. Her current idea is to try to pull something off that she won't feel too guilty about.

Therefore, if you're holding something really nondescript and/or easily replaceable like common groceries or sticks or what have you, you may suddenly find Echo in front of you. Both of her short swords are extended from under her sleeves, and she's got one pointed directly at your face.]

I'm afraid I am going to need that.

[Does this even count as a crime...?]

[B. Gardening]

[She may or may not manage to make it in from those crimes. If she does, Echo will do some exploring!

Thanks to her rather gymnastic skills, there's a good chance you find Echo hopping around between trees, trying to get a better look at the area. And not from trunk to trunk—she's literally up in the branches and handling it all quite agilely. It's even more impressive when you consider that she doesn't even have her boots on (boy does it make her outfit look weird , though...).

Explore? Try to get out? Hallucinate? They're all options now.]

[closed to Gilgamesh]

[You tried.]

[It had been over a year since Echo had to do any sort of undercover work, and the task the snake gave her almost made the jobs she got from Vincent seem sane. She'd never tried to pose as a middle-aged man before. But she can't shake the possibility that this might help the former Chosen remember who they are, and that's what's important to her right now.

Her resources aren't what they used to be, but somehow she's managed to get a decent-ish disguise together. A suit, a believable wig, that sort of thing. Jerry's mysterious reputation hasn't helped much and Echo isn't exactly a master impersonator, so her build and face are going to be giveaways, and she knows it. If she can keep this person from really noticing either of those, she thinks she may have a chance. She also hasn't learned much about Gilgamesh if only to not look suspicious.

Echo lurks in the shadows until she finally locates him. She's as careful as she can be to not get spotted, but that's not always entirely under her control. Regardless, when the moment is right, she gets close enough to the edge of the shadows for the average person to be able to tell someone is there. She speaks very quietly and as deeply as she can manage, in hopes that her obviously feminine voice isn't another problem.]

Come with me.

[Wildcard]

[You know the drill! Contact me at

kaitodoushi or on Discord @ belinsk if you'd like to chat!]

< I already have. >

[They can say that much with certainty. Seeing the others grow, watching as they take the steps they need to take to reach their dreams, being able to help them along in that process... It's worth it. No matter how much it hurts, it's always worth something in the end.

They go quiet for a moment, staring somewhere ahead of themselves, but then they pull away, just enough pull the syringe out from earlier.]

< ...Here. You take it. >

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EVENT #14: ADVERSITY 8765456

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