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

[chimericalclaw]

I tend to see them more than I don't, where I work. It's hard to go very far without seeing something that can serve the same function.

[ He looks at the watch for another moment before putting it in the inner pocket of his jacket.

More to the present situation, the fact that their current AI captor has proclaimed it doesn't want them to die is... something vaguely nice, anyway. But he's got suspicion in spades. ]

I take it you haven't seen anything familiar from home, yourself? Aside from your sister.

[despitethenora]

[She shakes her head.]

There's some gear that would be helpful. But...there's only a few things with any sentimental connections.

[And now that she thinks about it, there's probably nothing for Beta. The only thing she can think Beta had was the implant the clone had cut out of her own body.]

It would probably be a bad idea for the AI to let me have some of those.

[chimericalclaw]

It's made a number of mistakes, from my understanding. Maybe it will make some to your benefit, next.

[Who knows what the tools they're given are capable of in terms of helping them get out of this place, though. In some ways he has to be satisfied with monopoly money and keeping himself alive.]

How have you been doing, Aloy? Not harassed by any of these snakes, I hope.

[despitethenora]

[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.

[chimericalclaw]

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?

[despitethenora]

They're new, I guess. It's -

[Extinction sure is a thing. Has she never seen a real horse because the Zero Dawn team ran out of time, or because GAIA hasn't had the chance to reintroduce them to the environment yet? Or do they simply not live in Aloy's corner of the world?

Well. She shakes her head, and changes what she was about to say.]

There's machines that are a lot like them. Resource gatherers. I could find them grazing in herds, and override one to ride. [A short laugh as an opinion comes to her.] Might be a better mount than an actual horse. Doesn't get to argue with me about their own ideas.

[chimericalclaw]

Horse machines, [he says with some interest. He pictures one of those rusty rodeo bulls without any real thought but puts the absurd idea aside quickly. He does let out a chuckle at her remark, however.]

Better if your only interest is getting somewhere, to be sure. [Funny, how their experiences in that aspect are similar—both riding constructs, her technological overrides, his magical charm. The certainty of knowing your steed will follow your orders lets you take more risks.

"Altius," though, wouldn't know anything about that, outside of driving a car.]

There's something to be said about earning the respect of something you can't talk to, even if I do prefer something that listens to me.

[despitethenora]

[She nods, and rattles off some names.]

Striders, Chargers, and Broadheads. The last two have horns, but they're all performing the same function.

[She gives a laugh, and crosses her arms. Maybe there's something to think about, there. Aloy likes the steady practicality of a machine mount, but...the hunter does tend to give them a completely unnecessary pat. And sometimes that enjoyment is about the rush of getting to go fast.]

Maybe I can get used to it. As long as they don't try leaving me on the ground.

[chimericalclaw]

I'm sure you could. I don't expect that would be a problem unless you're trying to tame a wild one... or asking it to do something especially dangerous.

[At which most animals would probably balk, unless someone's made themselves a lifelong companion sort of situation.

Descriptive names, though. Analogues to cattle and something else, perhaps? Despite the fact that he probably can't use the information for anything of note, he still finds himself curious.]

You said "resource gatherers." To be used for what?