» the city network

Hi.

My name is Akihiko Sanada, I've just arrived to the city.

For those inclined — can anyone tell me where the gym is or what gym most residents tend to use if there's multiple? I'd like to keep my form while I'm here and this would be the best option.

Also, if anyone needs a consistent gym partner and/or spotter, I'd like to offer myself up.

And finally, if there isn't a gym, just curious how others stay in fighting form while they're here? Is there a training group? I think it's really important to be vigilant about these type of things.

Thanks.

[ And then that seems to be it before a quick edit pops up on the post — ]

In addition, does anyone know if there are shops with better protein powder available? I've only seen one kind here so far and it's not my usual brand, so looking for variety. Thank you.

[ Akihiko, you depressing nerd. ]

[ Hello, you all. While no one's blessed with a pretty face today, his soft, soothing voice should be good enough. ]

Forgive me if this is something that's remarkably normal in this unremarkable city we're in...

[ A small beat, as if he's preoccupied with something else; there's the gentle strum of some string instrument in the moment. A harp, maybe, at the university. ]

... But is there a reason we were asked about our satisfaction in regards to the party they threw last month? Along with that odd question in the second half -- how many of you voted to turn towards the voice, I wonder.

[ You know. This satisfaction survey, that popped up on everyone's devices the first of the month. More soothing harp music, it sounds like he's trying to pick out a tune from memory. ]

I admit, I'm a little curious about everyone's answers! I gave it a pretty neutral score myself; it was novel, but I wouldn't go again. The string of letters and numbers they had in reference to it was rather interesting too, though I'm not certain how it was "for the good of the many". Have there been any others? I recall a similar phrase the day their party was to begin too, actually.

[ Well, here's some footage! Of something red and long and...

fleshy and sharp and with eyes??

It's probably fine. It's laying there nicely on the grass of some park, until a hand wraps around the hilt and the footage ends! Now there's just a husky voice, sounding a little bemused. ]

Well, there you have it. For whatever reason, I almost tripped over this just getting out of bed this morning.

And I know I'm not getting this back for my good behavior and perfect manners.

[ the video begins with badou wearing one of his usual tees, carefully setting his phone down so the camera angle can spot him sitting on his living room floor surrounded by an array of dresses. affixed to his wrist is a little cloth pumpkin, stuck full of needles and pins. he's without his usual cigarette, instead sucking on a lollipop that stains his lips bright red. last time he made a post on the network his neck was bruised and bandaged — this time it's the same thing, but the bruise is angrier, spreading across his neck and shoulder, disappearing under a bandage and gauze that looks about ready to get changed in an hour or two. ]

Evenin'.

[ he picks up the skirt of one of the dresses, flipping it inside-out to access the pocket he'd been working on attaching. ]

So I'm sittin' here, mendin' dresses — as you do — and I nicked myself pretty good and I'm thinkin', well, shit, that's another one I gotta wait on, y'know?

[ he lifts a forefinger, displaying a bandage that looks an awful like like dora the explorer, and wiggles it in the direction of the camera. ]

It got me thinkin'—

How many of us here are just regular ol' humans? Or whatever. I'm talkin' no magic, no special augmentations, no fancy shamcy abilities that got you doin' better than the average guy.

[ he pauses to finish off a stitch, making a knot with his thread and cutting the excess with his teeth. ]

See, where I'm from, that ain't the norm. But that doesn't seem to be the case around here.

[ oh, one more thing— ]

And if you are one of the special ones, go ahead and tell us what you can do. Why not, right? What else do any of us got to hide at this point?

Hello everyone, it's Onni Hotakainen.

Please let me know if you notice a strange rash anywhere on your body, along with symptoms of a cold or flu. This is very important!

Edit: If the rash goes away when you bathe it's not a symptom.

[OOC: Content warning - probable discussion of a pandemic that wiped out a whole world in the comments, along with possible discussion of disease-related body horror.]

[ hello and welcome to Boredom Hours, sponsored by one too many midafternoon beers and a perpetual inability to not immediately make his ennui everyone else's problem. today's host is... Reno!

when the video starts, it's to a shockingly decently framed shot of Reno doing the hooligan squat on the front stoop of his apartment building. he's got a lit cigarette hanging from his mouth, and once he's sure that the video is rolling he takes a long drag of it before he speaks. ]

Sup. I'm Reno. Some of ya may know me from my colorful past as "guy who got yanked into pool by tentacle monster."

[ probably nobody knows him that way but it's fine. we are not concerned with strict veracity here. Reno blows a neat smoke ring and grins the kind of grin that means he knows he's being a pain in the ass. ]

I was thinkin', y'know, there's only so many of us. Probably ain't a bad idea to get to know each other, right? [ he gestures with his cigarette as he speaks as if to underscore his words. ] We need some conversation starters. Some icebreakers, y'know? Everybody's favorite highlight from their corporate bonding retreats.

So! [ he holds up a hand to count on.

one finger. ] Two truths and a lie. Post 'em, let other people guess. I'll leave mine too. Shoutout to the blond girlie who had that party a couple months back for this one.

[ two fingers. ] Hot or not. Or smash or pass, whatever you wanna call it. Post yourself and let people vote, if you're brave. Or post your friends if you want to fuck around. You can all see my face right now so count that as my submission.

[ three fingers. ] Creativity exercise, open prompt. You can go anywhere, be anybody, do anything you want. The world ain't ending and there's no war or whatever the hell going on. Who are you and what are you doing? [ brief smoke break, and then Reno stubs the butt out on the cement, exhaling as he says, ] Me, I wanna make mediocre coffee for minimum wage and not worry about shit except makin' rent.

[ and lastly, four fingers. ] "Reno, this is fuckin' stupid and I don't want to do it." Okay, nobody's got a gun to your head. We ain't even got guns here. Do what you want.

[ his four fingers curl in so he can offer a cheerful, if a bit manic, thumbs-up before he reaches out to turn off the video.

just before he touches the button, though, he pauses as if something just occurred to him— ] Oh, shit—also, drop map pins for your favorite restaurant in this place. I'm in the market for new eats, bonus points if it's spicy.

[ okay, now he's gone. ]

[ Though the video feed may be started with Daniel’s username, it seems like the man isn’t the only person visible when the message starts. Robby is right there next to him, the man with a friendly smile on his face and the boy smiling, though not as brightly. ]

Hello, everyone! As I’m sure many of you have experienced yourself, suddenly arriving in this place on the train can be more than a little disorienting. And though many people here are incredibly kind and willing to help, Robby and I thought that it would also be nice to have a place where new people can be directed to in order to get some information, a warm welcome, and some equally warm food. So we’re planning on clearing out a space somewhere near the main train station to turn it into a welcome diner of sorts.

We know people are arranging clubs and have regular meet-ups, [ speaks up Robby this time, ] so we thought they'd be a good place to advertise them. Let them know who's running clinics, who to ask about the kiosk or the city. Share what's happened here, too.

[ There's the faintest shift in Robby's tone at the mention of that, but he quickly adds: ] Oh, yeah, and we know there's been talk about how supplies are doing. The food's gonna be packaged and good to take out if people want it–if you wanna help with recipes, or help out with the idea in general, let us know.

[ Daniel is definitely smiling like a proud dad sensei the entire time he’s listening to the boy speak. Please don’t mind a man being very embarrassing, even ruffling his hair once Robby is done speaking. The highest form of humiliation a teenager can suffer. ]

Really, Robby deserves all the credit. He really does always have the best ideas. Everyone, make sure to befriend him, alright?

[ There's a very teenage huff from behind Robby, and the video feed is moving as: ] Okay, I think we're done.

[ Yes, that's Robby reaching for the phone to end the post. Freedom!!!! ]

is this why there are no small animals and vermin to be found about the city? seems about the right size and shape for catching them. tis nutkin-sized	i'd half imagine this were a snowshoe if it were even remotely suited for a proper boot	pity all the birds up and vanished so mysteriously, this poor thing will never hatch at this rate
found this with elastic bands wrapped around it and the ball inside. someone truly didn't want this one getting away, evidently	this rather belongs on a beach, doesn't it?	i daresay this is by far the saddest excuse for a monster toss setup i've yet laid eyes on. no lights? no music? godbert manderville would be ashamed

[OOC: Unsurprisingly, he's at the university campus — though the post is for texting, please feel free to action him up instead if you'd be in the vicinity!]

I've an odd question to ask, if you'll indulge me.

Let us say a world exists where all work toward the betterment of their world, where none go without, and no one need be separated from their loved ones before they could bid farewell. Each day is peaceful and productive, and you know your place within it. You need not leave until you are ready, and only when you feel fulfilled.

Would you choose to live in this world or the one you came from? Why?

And to those who know why I ask this question, I pray you answer as well, and do so honestly. I promise 'tis in the spirit of keeping an open mind.

Hello, this is Kaneki. [ he is always going to introduce himself and say who he is because he never did social media before. kaneki is awkward like that ] I hope everyone is alright after what happened.

I have been realizing that despite me coming from a version of Earth, my version is different. All Earths are very different from each other. Did your Earth have another sentient species besides humans? I wonder if that's an exception or the norm.


On an unrelated note, I had the idea of sharing stories. Since there are no written books in this place, we could sit down and tell each other stories we know, or even stories we make up. Like... a book club, but instead it's a story club.


There would be snacks, of course. I can bring and make coffee.

On a professional level:
unless it's an emergency, I'm not currently handling patients at this time
so if you have a general check up or you're worried about a rash or something seek out one of the other doctors
great we've got that squared away

Non-professional question:
what's waiting for you back in your home?
Family, friends, saving the world, a hot date?
just a bit of curiosity on my side
Cheers

Has anyone seen Eddie Munson around? He hasn't come back to his apartment for a few days, which isn't totally weird, but long enough his friends are starting to worry about him. Long curly brown hair, dresses like a rockstar, smokes like a chimney. Might have told you his name is something else like Ozzy Osborn.

Also I saw some fliers for the mall opening. Seems like it could have some useful stuff in it, so if anyone wants to go in a group, let me know. Safety in numbers and shit like that.

This is Steve, by the way. Steve Harrington.

I thought I would share this for the benefit of new arrivals and our more veteran individuals. So a bit of repetitive information for some of you, but I'm sure you'll forgive me.

Call me Daan. I am a doctor. There are a couple of others here as well if I'm not to your preferences, but I do currently a temporary location arranged if you need medical assistance. I will include it after my message is finished. We're working on something a bit more permanent, but due to the nature of the city and how it resets, our choices are scarce. So we'll make do for now.

Ideally, I'd like to perform a series of physicals for anyone who is willing. Just basic things to keep track of in case something happens. Blood pressure, height, weight, the same old same old. Obviously I wouldn't dream of forcing anyone to come if they don't want to, but consider it encouraged.

Now then. Let me know if any of you have any questions for me, and I'll do my best to answer.

[the message ends in the location of daan's mojodojocasahouse apartment/office combo]

[ are you fucking tired of her yet

don't worry, she isn't sitting in the middle of a parking lot waiting for death today. or intending to put forth the question of what justice means to someone, if it exists and the like. no. truly, today don quixote is being somewhat normal as far as someone who speaks the way she does goes. promise. ]

A-hem! Whilst I know there is never a good time for a party, particularly in a city that one may find disquietingly peaceful, [ not that she does nope, ] what I wish to propose to thee is something that may prove more useful in the long run:

A festival-like gathering where we may show off, speak of, and eat the diversity we have brought with us from wherever we hail! For example, in my City [ note the implied capitalization ] there are very many Districts, and each one has its own tradiciones, cuisine, and even values which differ from even their close neighbors! It is a most fascinating thing, and I am one of several whom have the pleasure to be travelling through them all -- or I was, before now.

[ it was fun. not for like, a handful of them so far, but very fun. so cool to see the different sights. the different smells. the tastes. ]

I will not enforce thy participation in any way, but those who attend shall be granted food and a chance to speak on their own adventures, values, and world -- those who do not attend will be sorrowful saps whose spines resemble that of a curling worm, rather than the straight edge of a blade! If I have made myself clear, or thee find thyself angered by my word, then do come! There will also be a special surprise at the end, which I think many will be enamored by!

[ ... if junpei's gotten his firework source on board anyway. ]

Uhm, I do not wish it to be too soon, so in three days hence, when the sun has some hours to set, prithee do join myself upon yonder rooftop... ehm, here.

[ hold on she has. a brochure with a map. she's X-marking the spot it and putting it to the camera. it's an office building not terribly far from a cluster of apartments, located in the second district now open to them. ]

Of course, this shall not be thine only guiding hand to the excitement which awaits thee -- I shall provide an easy path as well, one that cannot be missed! I ask thee use this time, and this space, to talk and plan if thou would like, to inquire that which thee may wish to inquire, and also to issue any complaint thee may have ahead of time, particularly by those who see no point in such activities so I may thus convince you to join us regardless!

[ ooc: as a note to everyone else, the log'll be posted by the 14th to allow for newcomers to join in as well, and that's when it will be dated if forward dated ]

[ Four lines of text. ]

This is written in Victorian.
Kore wa Laterano-ji Higashi-go de kakareteimasu.
This is written in Higashinese.
This written by in Yanese. (Might be bad. Sorry.)

Please do let me know how many of these sentences you understand.

[ The first is in what would be considered Earth English, the second is what would be known as Japanese written in Romaji, but he's called it "Laterano-ji Higashinese". The third was written in Japanese, the fourth was written in some rather poor Chinese. He's called the languages themselves clearly incorrect names. What's more important, though, is that only the second one should parse as phonetic, and should only be understandable to fellow Japanese speakers. The rest are in whatever language is most understandable to whoever reads it. Funny, huh? This city sure is strange! ]

Does anyone have spare quarters or dimes? Or something akin to American currency? I'd like to play with the ice cream shop's jukebox a little more and see if I can shuffle to some late 90s music.

(The ice cream looks good, but there's no durian flavor, so pass for now).

And just to see who knows this little track...

"You are my fire
The one desire..."

5 points to whoever finishes the verse! It'd be wonderful to know it exists in other worlds and timelines 😊

[ Seimei is relaxing in one of the restaurant booths, apparently having a hot cup of coffee when he decides to pop up on the network. ]

Hello everyone! Has anyone figured out if we can go through the top yet?

[ Since powers all seem to be dampened and no one he's met yet can fly, it might actually make sense if the city had an opening above them. Well, it's at least worth setting that thought out for the public. They might get a chance to test it eventually. ]

Ah, but for an empty city, it's strange how consistent this place is when it makes us food. You would think that we would get some bad cups of coffee at least. It's more strange that it doesn't make mistakes.

[ He takes a sip to demonstrate. See? Perfect every time! ]

Since I'm talking about weird, my friend said that the only people brought here are strange ones. I thought it sounded like a good theory, so I want to ask: what is your strangest experience? Yes, we're all different from each other, but are you different from the people you came from? Or if we see things that are strange, sometimes we attract more things... Or maybe you're completely normal and this is a fluke?

I just wonder if this is really the first time something like this happened for all of us.

[ How many isekai veterans are in the city? This is important. ]

[ good morning city-folk, how's your day? today's broadcast is brought to you by our sponsors Fuck This Place, in partnership with Fuck Heine Especially. the video begins after the phone's owner sets it on the ground, so the camera angle is a little strange, but he never claimed to be some marvel of photography here so you get what you get okay.

badou also plunks himself on the ground in what appears to be the sidewalk in front of some nondescript convenience store. the shelves of which he'd just raided if the plastic bag he sets down beside him is of any indication. within its contents one can find a bright pink energy drink, a generous helping of cigarette cartons, and what appears to be a family-size bag of off-brand twizzlers. #bachelorlife, amirite?

there's bruising on his neck that's only just begun to fade, and a splint around his left wrist that's already got various crude drawings on it, all courtesy of mr. artist himself. he works on fishing himself out and lighting up a brand new cigarette before even addressing the camera (made all the more difficult by that fractured wrist) so enjoy five minutes of nicotine addict ASMR. ]

Hey. 'Sup. How ya doing. Have y'all seen my dog? Lost him a bit ago, about yea high, real pale, red eyes, no eyebrows, answers to the name Heine or Fuckface.

[ for ease, he's provided a supplementary visual, which he holds up to the camera with all the flourish of a child's first finger-painting. BEHOLD his uncanny portrait! yes, his commissions are open. ]

( cut for image :') )
[ he crumples the paper with perhaps a lot more ire for someone supposedly "missing" his ""dog"" but a deep drag of his cigarette quickly calms him back down. there's a beat-up lighter in his hand he can't seem to stop fiddling with. ]

Thought about putting some signs up and slappin' 'em on some milk cartons but who knows what the fuck whoever's-in-charge-here considers """vandalism""" and I ain't about to go around testin' it like some of you can't seem to stop yourselves from.

[ a-hem. ]

Speakin' of — that survey we were given here. How many of ya answered that honestly? Shit's startin' to get real personal, though I think I'd remember if I'd been asked about the worst fuckin' day of my life.

[ which begs the question he's sure everyone's already thought about by now: how the fuck do these people know them that well? ]

---

( EDITED: because someone (me) forgot to include injuries.... smh )

╰(▔∀▔)╯ ( ´ ▽ ` ) ╰(*´︶`*)╯

i'm looking for data on ability users in this place! no need to tell me what it is! just tell me - is it perfectly fine? help a detective build a case! ٩(｡•́‿•̀｡)۶

It seems that several of us have already located the keys to "our" personal safety deposit boxes, and found items of a very personal nature contained therein. Likewise many of you may also have discovered that these objects carry a curse most peculiar, which compels the person who recognizes them to speak of the circumstances surrounding these objects which weigh most heavily on their memory.

This one would like to take this time to remind everyone that we exist now in a new world, subject to no laws but those we make ourselves. It strikes this one as nonsensical to persecute each other for things we may or may not have done elsewhere, especially when those with shameful memories may struggle to convey the full context which lay behind their remembered actions. This is said not to justify or apologize for the crimes some of us may have committed in another world, but simply to promote harmony in this one. We have no allies here but each other; shall we allow our mysterious captors to turn us against each other so easily?

[no shen yuan doesn't have a guilty conscious shut the fuck up]