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)!

♡

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Ugh, what an awful feeling. Worse than moving through any of his portals—at least with those he knows what to expect. After a few shaky breaths, he registers the concerned tone. (Is there something else in it? ... It doesn't matter.) ]

I'm fine, [ he says, a little breathless; ] I'm fine.

[ Still, he does move his arm to accept the offered help, rather than trying to get up on his own. He may be confident he can stand this condition, but he's not pushing himself to work at a hundred percent. ]

< You don't look like you're fine. ...Especially if you think something as dim as my flame is that bright. >

[They help him to his feet, watching him all the while.

It feels strange to hope that he's that sick, and they don't particularly like the feeling, but the alternative... They're not sure what to do or how to explain the alternative.]

Must be your personality, [he replies with something between a grimace and a strained smile, trying to mask some of his uneasiness and brush off the spell as something less serious. It shouldn't be serious. It should be gone—he should be able to get past it.

He refuses to acknowledge the idea that he can't, when his healing has been what's kept him alive through so much.]

I'll be alright. But—after somewhere dark and quiet, I think.

[He can at least accept that he needs to sit for a while.]

< If you're sure. >

[Which is to say they don't believe him at all. Probably better if they stick around until he's feeling better just in case.

They stick close as they walk in case he takes another tumble.]

< How long has this been going on? >

[ He can recognize a dubious reply when he hears one... ah well. He'll prove it soon enough, he's sure. Altius heads towards the nearest room he knows to be empty. ]

I've been strangely tired for a few days, but these moments are new.

[ There's a level of frustration in his response, but it's gone quickly, and his confidence returns as he continues, even if there's still a strain in his features. ]

They'll pass with some extra rest.

[Dante keeps the light off for his sake once they enter, drawing the blinds to dim any light filtering in from outside. Their flame adds some light to the room, they notice, but not nearly enough to be considered bright. Not even slightly.]

< Think it's related to the sentencing? >

[It's the only thing they can think of.]

[ He slides into a chair with a sigh of relief, resting his head against his palm. ]

I was bitten by one of those snakes, [ he admits. ] I did have it checked shortly after, but I expect it's not a typical condition.

[ He turns his eye towards them, even if there's still a bit of a squint there at first. He forces his expression to relax. ]

Do you think you've recovered fully from yours? [ They certainly seem to be back to the usual, which he's been glad to see. ]

[A nod.]

< Yep. I actually feel like myself again. Even got a souvenir out of it. >

[One that they make a note to bring with them when they come to visit.]

< You were near that "garden," then? >

Thank goodness, [he mutters, posture relaxing slightly.

He hums briefly in the affirmative before explaining further.]

I wanted to see if I could investigate what sort of mess we'd have to deal with this time. Apparently I hadn't earned an invitation.

[He'll circle back around to the idea of that souvenir.]

["Thank goodness," he says. A simple nothing of a phrase that they find themself grasping onto nonetheless.]

< Pretty easy to guess what they want of us in order to get in. Bunch of snakes telling us to commit crimes against one another, snakes biting people if they get too close to the garden without being invited... >

Trying to turn us against each other alone would have been enough for me not to trust them.

[ And then also biting him?? That certainly solidified it. Vaguely annoyed, he continues: ]

If I could have seen what they're hiding, I could have figured out how to use it to discourage anyone from listening to them...

< ...Probably not the best time to admit I was curious to see what would happen if I did. >

[ His expression falls with obvious exasperation. ]

Dante...

[ Even recovering in a dark room from apparently overworking himself, his tone leans towards scolding them. But he can't say he doesn't understand the temptation. ]

Would you have at least told someone [ him ], if you had decided to try?

[They reach up and rub the back of their neck, ticking away.]

< I wouldn't have done anything serious? It's just... you know. You have to figure out how these things work somehow. >

[They make a mental note to not tell him the sorts of things they've tried in the Mirror Dungeons.]

[Yeah, he's in lecture mode, a furrow in his brow. He doesn't think about the fact that it's brought on largely by the fact that he's upset by the thought of Dante coming to harm and not having any help.]

That's why you set up contingencies, if you're taking risks, and this place is unpredictable. If something happened to you and no one knew to look out for you, what then?

[Their shoulders slowly inch closer to where their ears would be, duly chastened.

Still, they can't quite bring themselves to meet his gaze.]

< I was only thinking about it. I wasn't going to actually do it... >

[ Altius lets out a slow breath, a little shakier than usual. With it goes his stern tone and the solidity of his frown, and a few moments later, he makes a soft request. ]

Come here for a moment, please?

[They stay exactly where they are for a beat or two, but finally approach.]

< Everything okay? >

[He only waits a moment before reaching to take Dante's hand in both of his, his eyes meeting their face.]

You know I'm not asking all of that because I'm trying to humiliate you or make you feel ashamed. Don't you?

[There's that tight feeling in their chest again. They're never sure what to do with it.]

< ...I know. You're not the only one I've heard this kind of thing from. >

[ He lowers his gaze to the gloved hand he's holding. What others have they heard it from? Their Sinners? Their superiors? Does it come from the same place as his scolding now, or does it come from where his used to come from? ]

Have any of them told you it's because they care for you?

< They've... >

[Have they?

Don Quixote said something about a family of twelve that one time. But was she just counting herself in that or...?]

< We've been through a lot. That kind of thing gets complicated after awhile. >

[Complicated. ... he supposes he can't judge that. As busy as they all are, who knows what opportunities they may have had or not had to express that kind of sentiment, if it's there. Would Dante feel as strongly about their duty if there wasn't some genuine sentiment among their team?

Regardless.]

Then let me be explicit about it.

[His hand curls a little tighter around theirs, and he raises his eyes again. There's a tired but serious look on his face.]

You mean a great deal to me. And I hate the thought of not being able to help you when you needed it simply because I wasn't aware.

< .... >

[For the second time since they came to after losing their memory, Dante feels as if their clock hands have rusted to a stop. The feeling, similar in intensity, similar in overwhelming enormity, hangs on their shoulders and drags at their limbs in a heavy weight.

This time, though, it's... different. It clings, but doesn't choke or drown. It sinks deep, but doesn't seek to bury them alive.]

< ...I won't put myself in danger unless I have to. >

[Altius watches them for a long moment, expression softening. While it would be a lie to say he isn't comforted by the thought of them avoiding harm, especially for his sake... it would be unfair, wouldn't it? To try and wrap them in a bubble, to keep them from taking any risk because of nothing more than his feelings.

He decides to clarify, at least.]

I don't mean to ask you never to try anything, [he says, letting a breath out of his nose.] I just want to know you'll have what you need to be alright at the end of the day. But... thank you. For listening.

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