< That is pretty weird... They go back to normal, talk about fairies and the previous cycles, then disappear when things start to go bad. Not sure if I should be suspicious or worry that something worse than usual is happening. >
[After all, everyone in Aldrip's been through plenty and none of them have left when something has happened. At least, not as long as they've been here.]
< Emet-Selch! That was it. And yeah. I thought those questions were more about the people of Rumpitur given how they were spreading all those rumors about a month ago, but it looks like it was this? >
< Probably. Maybe? It definitely sounds like the AI. But there were some suspicious questions in there too. "What's the best kind of crime" doesn't sound like the sort of thing that a program trying to make us all reform is going to ask to me. Especially considering what kinds of things can be considered a crime around here. >
< Not that I can tell. I know that there was something about the simulation not being maintained for awhile, so that's probably a sign that whatever created it isn't involved. >
< 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]
< Not yet, I don't think, but it's worth a shot. Even if we get there and realize everything's fine with the people there, that's still some sort of answer. >
[And if they aren't, then there's a whole new layer to all this that they're not sure what to do with.]
< Until then, we're just left wondering if this is something the AI has been thinking about or if there's some sort of disagreement going on inside this simulation like you said. >
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[After all, everyone in Aldrip's been through plenty and none of them have left when something has happened. At least, not as long as they've been here.]
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“Are snakes friends?” “Will they be mad I changed them?” They must be related.
[ A beat, as he looks over this clock person one more time. ]
Dante, was it? I’ve seen your photograph.
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< That's me. You look familiar too. One of the people who had their profile filled in for them, right? >
[They hadn't exactly been in the best mindset at the time, but they think they remember seeing his picture too.]
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[ They messaged briefly, if he recalls. He just didn't think the clock face... face... was a real thing. Altius' picture had been of some gardens. ]
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[It doesn't make much sense to them though.]
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[ But what does it MEAN. ]
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Have there been signs that there is more governing the simulation than just the AI?
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[ Not unreasonable. Or perhaps the AI somehow splintered. There are too many variables, and it’s driving him mad, not having all the information. ]
Stars, what a headache.
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[Everything to do with the AI is a little beyond them already. Add in all these new problems with snakes and other factions...
Air slips from a vent in their head as they sigh]
< I wonder what's going on in that garden place, anyway... >
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[ He makes a face, wrinkling his nose. ]
As a last recourse, mayhap.
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[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]
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[ The snake people becoming snakes, he means. ]
I thought they might have something to do with the goings on and simply made themselves scarce. Has anyone checked in with the village?
[ Well, they’re of the same mind there, at least. ]
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[And if they aren't, then there's a whole new layer to all this that they're not sure what to do with.]
< Until then, we're just left wondering if this is something the AI has been thinking about or if there's some sort of disagreement going on inside this simulation like you said. >
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[ He'll not say no to an extra pair of... well, maybe not eyes. Hands? He'll not say no to a bit of help. ]