EVENT #14: ADVERSITY 8765456

[expiationmods]

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)!

♡

Comments

[decussate]

A. Entry

[ The golden gate Arlecchino is suddenly confronted with is quite decidedly suspect. She's always been skeptical of things too beautiful, and given the snakes' obsession with crime, she doubts what lies beyond will be pure and innocent. Regardless, she's already made up her mind. Not all hearts are made for unsavory deeds, so those that are must do their part.

She makes no effort to cover the snake tattoo on the back of her hand as she strolls up to the gate, its pattern at home among the black lines running along her darkened skin. As she approaches someone else loitering by the gate, she speaks up with even cordiality. ]

Heading in? Don't let me stop you.

B. The Garden

[ The garden beyond the gate is deceptively peaceful. Even the snakes are less unsettling, seeming more like simple creatures and less like the vehicles of temptation that have been permeating Aldrip. Arlecchino is happy to fill in the gaps. ]

Shh... Quiet, now.

[ Her voice, hushed and lilting as if addressing a naughty child, comes suddenly from over the shoulder. If all remains still, then Arlecchino's hand will come into view from behind and reach up slowly, black and red nails coming to beckon a matching black and red spotted snake that's been hanging peacefully overhead. Don't mind as she waits patiently for the snake to make its way down, the little thing winding around her hand... and by your Chosen's head. ]

C. Wildcard

(( Anything you like! If you'd like to chat things out, I have a plotting comment. ))

A.

[babilun]

[ Well, at least they have fine tastes. It was a golden gate. Perhaps Gilgamesh would be lenient.

How easy it is to please this King. ]

Hmm? I suppose I can head in.

[ Gilgamesh gestured at the woman. ]

What about yourself? Are you going to enter these jaws?

[decussate]

[ This man seems... unserious. Earned confidence or buffoonery? On one hand, he may be a risk to travel with. On the other, he may make fantastic cannon fodder for whatever might greet them beyond the doors. If he ends up being competent, then color Arlecchino delighted. ]

That was my intention, yes. Shall we go together? I only hope you won't expect too much of me.

[babilun]

[ That is, if Gilgamesh was willing to defend himself. ]

. . .

[ Gilgamesh scoffed at Arlecchino's words of not expecting too much from her. ]

Is that so? I was quite certain you were more than capable of holding off on your own. I must be misplaced.

[ But that in itself was entertaining. ]

Shall we be off then?

[decussate]

[ She makes no commment on whether or not his certainty was founded. An experienced fighter probably could glean much from her proud, economic bearing; that isn't something she bothers to hide. ]

One thing before we go. I could hardly call you a companion if I lacked even your name.

[ Maybe they will both step through these gates and get immediately vaporized, but she'd like to carry on as if that won't be the case. ]

I am The Knave, Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers. [ In contrast to the grandiose title, she raises a careless hand. ] It's all just a fine way of saying that I am a diplomat, among other things.

[babilun]

[ Diplomat, huh? ]

And you're fourth? [ A brow was raised, but Gilgamesh didn't question it as he stepped forward. ] Very well.

[ Carelessly, he waved his hand about, as if ready to take a leisurely stroll in the park. ]

I am Gilgamesh. [ He looks around and sighs. ] Of all creatures, they decide to go with snakes.

[decussate]

[ Being merely fourth probably sounds unimpressive to most. That's fine with her. In a similar vein, Gilgamesh's name is unfamiliar to her, and so falls short of the impression it probably ought to make on her.

She joins him in stepping forward, her black hand reaching for the door. She'll hold it open for him, as if they were heading into any old building. ]

You have a distaste for snakes?

[ Normal, if so. But she'd still like to hear from him why that is. ]

[babilun]

[ 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. ]

[decussate]

[ Gilgamesh doesn't immediately burst into flames when he crosses the threshold, which she supposes is a good thing. Arlecchino follows, letting the gate shut behind them.

So he's a king. It does match his attitude. As long as he isn't demanding that she kowtow to him, she's content to let him lead the way. ]

An incident? With a mighty serpentine beast, I presume?

B!

[digthefuzz]

[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??]

[decussate]

[ 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. ]

[digthefuzz]

[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.]

[decussate]

[ 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....... ]

[digthefuzz]

[A nervous chuckle.]

We're still being metaphorical, right? Because for the record, I don't really bite. Unless you're a burger!

[He tries to sell that with a sheepish smile. A little humor to defuse the tension! Even though he's the one mostly feeling tense. At least she doesn't seem like she'll 'bite'. And if she is able to keep snakes off of him, that could be helpful...]

But, um, yeah! I appreciate the offer. If you can keep them out of my hair, I'd really appreciate it! I'm just trying to figure this place out.

[decussate]

[ She carries on as if there is no awkwardness or tension happening whatsoever. Leaving the question of metaphors aside, ]

Then we share a purpose. Come. We'll have a merry little adventure.

[ By the mismatched elegance of her tone, you'd think she's making a joke. Anyway, she starts walking, little snake passenger and all. ]

While we travel, shall I regale you with the characteristics of venomous snakes? Pertinent information, I should think.

[digthefuzz]

[Normally he'd be a lot more enthusiastic about the prospect of adventure! But he continues to not know how to feel about this whole situation and how she takes command of it. But still, it does make sense to follow her lead, for now.]

Um, sure! Sounds like a plan. I'm sure I could use a refresher lesson!

[He says that with another, weaker laugh. He's ready to follow her - while keeping a bit of space between them - and hopes to learn things that aren't unsettling!]