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I suppose there's no reason to put this off any longer.

Recall a month ago I said that someone stole a book from me. To be more forthcoming, it's known as a skin bible from my world. About as charming as you can expect. I was concerned that the person in question would use a ritual instructed in the book.

If you experienced a series of wretched rooms, the replaying of your memories, that sort of thing -- that was the result of the ritual, at least in its limited form.

[He says with a sneer:] And you can thank Fearne for the lovely time you had. I'd exercise some caution with your belongings around her, suffice it to say.

...Though I will also bear the responsibility of being the owner of that book. I had no intention of ever using it myself, but it seems some people can't fucking help themselves.

That'll be all. Please try not to get yourselves sick or injured, I'm tired.

[Daan's voice sounds both irritated and cold.]

An item of mine is missing, and I need it back in my hands. So if you have seen it, inform me as soon as you are able.

It is a ghastly looking book that is leatherbound. The outside doesn't have any manner of labels on it, but it is a tome that was penned by someone from my world named Enki.

Whoever took this and can hear me, know that I will look the other away if you return it immediately. I shouldn't have to educate someone that there's no point in stealing from each other while we're all stuck in this place.

[ Not long after getting to the Welcome Diner and gathering his thoughts, he flips on the device to begin what will surely be one of the hardest things he's ever had to do. He hasn't bothered to clean himself up much but, with Daniel's help, he probably doesn't look like a serial killer anymore. Still, it's obvious the man has been through hell. ]

My name is Ethan Chandler. I-- [ He swallows, then begins again. ]

Last night, something wicked prowled through the streets and attacked several residents. It was me. I don't look as I did last evening and, despite what I said, I can't recall who I encountered or what events took place. I change, you see, when the moon is full. I can't control myself; God knows I've tried.

[ He lets out a sharp exhale, grimacing when it aggravates some of his injuries, but powers through. ]

Ever since my arrival, I've done what I could to make sure I couldn't hurt anyone, taken precautionary measures to restrain myself so this wouldn't happen. But it did. Something happened last night, and I made a mistake that put people here in harm's way. The blame rests entirely upon my shoulders and mine alone.

I'm not deserving of your forgiveness, but I'll ask for it. If you encountered the wolf last evening, please, reach out to me here. The phones are impersonal and I would prefer to extend my apology in person, to look you in the eye when I give it.

[ Now, to another pressing matter: ]

Mr. Gray and Miss Ives were present before and after what happened. I can't contact either one of them. I've tried.

Good evening, dear City. Lestat here.

As I'm sure many of you are aware, the upcoming Sunlight at Midnight Black Tie Gala is fast approaching. It should be a fabulous evening and a perfect opportunity for those of us who enjoy a little get-together to do as the saying suggests and get together. Dates aren't mandatory, I'm sure, but there is one person on the guest list who absolutely cannot attend alone; its very organizer, Ghost.

( Read more... )

well well
i admit after all the other ways this place has seen fit to censor its wares, i didn't have particularly high hopes for this "media store" archive
but i suppose i ought to have balanced that with how it likes to taunt us with the familiar even more

whoever would have thought a copy of "heavensward" would find its way to these very shelves?
i'm sure the count de fortemps would be delighted to know his memoirs are so popular
and the songs of that wandering minstrel, as well
"requiem for a hero" isn't one i'm exactly partial to but i can't deny its popularity

i rather wonder if i ought to write out my own account of the goings-on from back home while i'm here
far from the watchful eyes of the forum and their cover-ups

not that the skies turned to fire, the seas to blood, and the transformation of unsuspecting innocents into craven blasphemies is my idea of an entertaining read, mind

but neither was the dragonsong war i suppose and yet here it sits
a bestseller for the ages regardless

( the feed starts, and there sits a woman. the nook she'd found this time around is clearly another one of the cafes scattered about, quiet and without all the harsher lights of stark fluorescence. she's made herself quite comfortable from the looks of it, a teapot visible within the framing with a few unused cups overturned by it, as if she's expecting company. there's even has a platter of fruit, a small afterthought of one.

slices of peach, if one were so inclined as to squint.

some have met her already, some know her quite profoundly, but that matters not. she has a question, just as she always does, and she figures a face to the voice would be a little more reassuring than mere text, given what she has in mind. the crowd seems.. skittish. wary. she'd rather they not run too soon before she sates a curiosity.

her tea steeps within reach, and her chin rests on her knuckles as she waits; her voice akin to that of a dirge when she finally parts her lips to speak. )

Indulge me for but a moment.

( oh, she's well aware of the range of how this can be taken. it's quite alright. )

But what would you say is a moment of achievement for you? Big or small. You're free to use whatever criteria suits.

( ah. )

And if you'd rather not have it broadcasted, I'm not hard to find. I'd be pleased for company.

[ 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.

I'd meant to do this before, but honestly last month was a bit of mess. So, here we are, the stakes lower and less obnoxious felines involved.

Clinic update: I am, ideally, looking to work with Kaveh in arranging an actual building instead of the shoddy apartment I have myself set up in. I doubt that'll be complete anytime soon, but suffice it to say the clinic is still in operation as-is until further notice.

It's been brought to my attention a few times, but in light of our many incidents here, I will be arranging classes for proper first aid. I will be doing this on each weekend unless a medical emergency arrives. Hopefully that'll ensure the lot of you know how to better set a bone or a papercut, hm? Let me know if you intend on participating.

Lastly, and less important but... we'll say it's a bit of curiosity: I'd like for you to share your favorite poem. I don't really care about genre, just share it here. Thanks.

[Normally, Brook would be perfectly happy to make a video post. It'd just be like his weekly recorded updates for his blog back home. Given the state he's in, though, he doesn't want to risk putting his face on camera. What if he looks as bad as he feels?

Why does he feel bad in the first place? Nothing makes any sense.]

ok, i know that for whatever reason, everyone's powers and shit have been weakened since they got here.
but has anybody else been feeling... weird?
like wobbly or your head hurting. or your legs not working right.
or like you have to lie down for a while until your eyes go back to normal.
idk, is this smth else that just happens here like weeds trying to eat you?

((OOC: Brook just hasn't realized that nerfing means he has to eat and sleep now, so he's been wandering around on little more than a Starbucks cake pop and no rest for days. That said, once people help him figure that out, he'll likely react to the thought of eating with disgust. This might hit a little close to disordered eating patterns, so please keep yourself safe if that's a trigger! Brook also has a permissions page with a long list of content warnings and an opt-out form, because I'm the Grim Reaper is a minefield of common triggers, and I don't want to suddenly spring anything unwanted on anyone.))

[ 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. ]

Oh, hello there.

[Standing in the video is what appears to be a man, even if his proportions are distinctly too tall, arms and legs far too long. The mask he's wearing doesn't help to offset the appearance, and the mouth does not move.

Despite the network username distinctly being Daan's, the voice sounds nothing like him.]

Ladies, gentleman, and all there in between, it's a real pleasure to take advantage of this nifty invention to speak to you all at long last. It's been a real kicker waiting this long, but I'm nothing if not patient! So here we are, and introductions are in order, aren't they? Or maybe we've already met? Well, a refresher couldn't hurt.

I'm called a lot of things, but Pocketcat has been the most consistent. Funny little moniker! I absolutely adore it. And so suitable, too, for my pockets are very deep indeed.

Usually I'm something of a merchant, but I'll admit, my usual goods are just not material right now. My apologies on that front, but perhaps we could all barter for something else instead. I do so love a conversation almost as much as I love to trade, and frankly what is a chat but a trade of words anyway?

Ah, but here I am, rambling on! I should get to the point. Do forgive me.

You may ask me questions, of course, but I'll want something in return. That's just how the barter system goes, baby. For now... let's say I'll want your best story or secret. I'll just have to give a story in return. If such things interest you, of course.

Ta, my loves. I'll be thinking of you all.

( hope you enjoy the view of.. absolutely nothing.

the video feed is dark with the occasional flash of light. sometimes, there's a peek of green and pink fabrics. other times, it's oleander and foxgloves or larkspur - a veritable garden buried in seafoam green hair. just peeks, nothing more. this continues for quite some time!

if there's sound, it's mostly the rustling of fabric and miscellany of bits and bobs. someone is getting into things again like a nosy little rodent. for anyone who might know her, she's oddly quiet. probably sneaking.

and for those guessing: yes she absolutely started the feed by accident when she tucked her phone... wherever it is on her person currently. you wouldn't scare a poor girl witless by making it sound like you're trapped in her pocket, would you? )

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

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]

[Given the fantastic angle staring up the stem of a half-full glass of wine accompanied by a fat green bottle with a pair of gangly, denim-clad legs only partially in view, it's very clear this was probably meant to be an audio post. Crowley is outside somewhere - likely the park or graveyard given what little scenery is in focus, and the reason for his mistake becomes more apparent when he speaks with an evident, wine-drunk slur.]

Right. Summer is infinitely better when there aren't dozens of insects trying to eat you alive at any given time. Point in favour to the city. Well done. No idea how you're going to get any of these plants pollinated but I'm assuming it's the same way you get all the food here. Magic, probably, or something like it.

Still, nothing like going out and it's just you, the sun, and nice bottle of Tempranillo and an afternoon basking. There's a nice flat boulder in the park; catches the morning sun brilliantly, lovely and warm, 10/10, if that's anyone's particular vice.

[A hand comes into view and lifts the glass out of frame. There's a pause, and when it's returned, it's nearly empty.]

Of course there are still a boatload of points not in favour of the city; no art. No music. No shows. No actual nightlife to speak of. Not even books or programs on the telly! All those tubs of icecream for the taking and no re-runs of the Golden Girls to eat them to. Terrible.

[There's a rapid series of clicks that sounds like he's fiddling with a ballpoint pen.]

Anyway, those of you familiar with old Billiam the Bard; got a question. Taming of the Shrew -- is it 'methinks the lady doth protest too much' orrrrr 'the lady doth protest too much, methinks'? Sss'been a while and I'm a bit too squiffy to remember properly right now.

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]

[Hey, City network! What are you up to today? Having fun exploring the liminal spaces, reliving past memories, getting locked into vaults — or maybe just fucking around? Because apparently someone's in the mood for the latter.]

what's a girl got to do to get a little attention around here? ;)

[A short time after that initial post, a follow-up appears.]

because i certainly wouldn't mind being asked out for a meal and an evening in good company, myself. by someone worthy of the honor, of course; naturally, i'm a lady of discerning tastes.

[And then, a little bit later still: ]

takers must feel the unquenchable thirst of the pursuit of knowledge and be willing to participate in intellectual debate for bells on end. oh, and graciously accept defeat when i inevitably hand it to them. or don't — i'll best you at it whether you accept it or not. i'm ever so brilliant that way. how's that for sharing?

[OOC: If the content of this post sounds suspiciously unlike Y'shtola, that's because it isn't — Thancred (onlythans) and his sticky fingers have "borrowed" her network device for a short time. Responses will come from both Thancred and Y'shtola or possibly just Y'shtola after she murders Thancred in cold blood for this!]

[ yes it has been some days. yes this is not the first time she's spoken to the network at large. this time, however, she is showing her face and standing quite proudly this morning in front of a parking lot. cars, empty of gas but otherwise whole, scatter the background. ]

Good morn, dear fellows! I have come to thee today to ask a favor, to grant thee an honor, and help this young knight with a missive most important to all!

[ a beat. she swings into frame an umbrella, popping open the apple printed "lance" with a laugh before closing it as she continues, easy-going like she isn't going to be talking about what she is.

unbeknownst to most, don quixote needs this. ]

Thou may have seen some days ago an anonymous message regarding murder. Well! I am here now, asking thee to assist me with something like it -- nay, the exact same! I would like to see for myself, and as proof of the effects for others, what happens when one dies.

I shall not fight thee, unless thou shall wish for it for I am most happy to oblige, and I shall take only one volunteer. Whomever has the daring, the will, and the capacity to kill, I ask that thee throw thy hand up and seek to claim my life! My dear friends need not apply, for I shall reject thee post-haste!

[ she is NOT letting a fellow sinner do it. not her coworkers. she's been fussed at and she's going to be fussed at again. she might let one of the other city-dwellers do it, given they're both fixers (or formerly) but not her coworkers, war vet be damned.

gregor couldn't do it the other time, after all. ]

However, allow me to lay bare the possibilities of what may happen to thee should thou take it upon thyself to do so.

There is a chance thou may forget that which is most precious to thee, that thou will forget the moment of my death itself, and face... certain difficulties in speaking about it. [ she doesn't know if kromer mentioned that, but it's something regardless. ] I may suffer the same. The goal of this is to learn if it is the victim who forgets, if it is the murderer who doth, or if both have it struck from their mind; the secondary goal, a more personal one, is to learn if both may suffer from the others I have mentioned.

... I understand it is difficult to think of killing another, but I can assure thee, such a thing comes up frequently in my work. We are ever prepared to do so, and to die just as well!

[ helps they don't stay dead but she's not. gonna. say that. it might be odd to wonder what effects who in this case, but. well. a lady keeps her secrets. ]

Any who wish to act as witness may attend as well, for we will have need of thee. I thank thee heartily for thy time and thy consideration on the matter.

[ a small bow, hand to her chest and umbrella tucked behind her, and that's that. ]

[Miu appears lounging sideways on a chair, legs hanging over one arm. She's got some closed nail polish balanced on her stomach and she keeps critically eyeing her nails as she speaks]

Yeah, people are being murdered, but we apparently come back so it's whatever. Explains why there's no ghosts around here, which honestly has led to the soundest sleep I've gotten in years. Can't complain about that.

Anyway the important thing is that with no one here, I haven't been able to get my hair or nails done in way too long. Does anyone know how to do nails?

[She holds out her hand to present her nails for emphasis; her nails have plain nail polish on it and she doesn't look really happy with it. She pulls back and looks down at them herself, heaving a sigh]

This place is so boring... What are you supposed to do for fun here? Aside from murder, apparently. [She rolls her eyes, her tone sarcastic. Gosh, murder, sooo original.]

But important things first: I need my nails done.

I'd like to keep this as efficient as possible, so I don't plan on talking your ear off.

Call me Daan. I'm a doctor. That should about cover all you need to know about me.

So, first question: is there already a clinic arranged by someone here? Have there been any injuries on top of there being a willing killer out there? Illnesses or whatever else. I can probably help you, even a little.

Second question: who has been here since the start of this whole mess of being trapped in a part of this city? Ideally, I'd like someone who can be informative, but I'm not overly picky.