» the city network

[When the broadcast starts, Loki is sitting at the small table in his kitchen area with two ornate daggers lying on the table in front of him. ]

A question for you all. Have any of you suddenly woken one day to find an object of yours from your home world that you did not previously have had mysteriously appeared? Even if said objects were weapons?

[ the video is clearly being shot from a phone is propped up on the coffee table. in it, Reno is sitting on the floor of his living room in an otherwise fairly bare-looking apartment, leaning back casually on both hands.

behind him, Thancred can be seen doing what appears to be a casual few reps of push-ups. or possibly a lot of push-ups. it's likely that Reno is aware of what Thancred is doing behind him, and Thancred is definitely aware that Reno is filming, but neither fact seems to bother either of them, and it doesn't seem like this somewhat unorthodox spectacle of physical prowess will be slowing down or stopping anytime soon. ]

Yo. [ a brief salute as a greeting. ] So we've been watchin' some monster movies lately and came up with a list of questions for those of ya who are from Earth or who might know the answers for some reason.

[ Reno lifts up one hand to tick through the questions from memory: ]

1. Where is Japan and what's the beef between Japan and America?

2A. Where's Russia and what's the beef between Russia and America? And 2B. What's a cold war?

3. What big war event happened in 1944 that would make somebody's pocketwatch stop keeping time?

4. How long is a klick?

How far. It was a measure of distance, I think.

[ — an interjection from Thancred that earns an amused eye-roll from Reno, clearly for the camera's benefit. when Reno speaks again, it's in a surprisingly accurate imitation of Thancred's accent: ]

Oh, excuse me, how far is a klick. Hey, and while we're at it, is "British" the place where they have accents like his?

[ Reno shakes his head, smirking; when he speaks again, it's back to his usual drawl. ]

...What was I saying? Oh, yeah — 5A. What's the story of the mouse and the lion? And 5B. In the story of the mouse and the lion, did the mouse and lion become friends or did the mouse kill the lion with the splinter?

6. Have any of you ever been to the moon?

[ there's a pause while he tries to remember if there's anything else. after a second, Reno turns halfway back to Thancred to ask, ] That was it, right?

It for you, mayhap. I'd still like to know what in the seven hells is a "DILF" —

[ but alas, that's one answer that Thancred is destined not to get, at least by present company, because the audio fills with the sound of Reno's laughter as a hand approaches the camera to switch off the feed. ]


[OOC: Responses may come from Thancred, Reno, or both! Threadjacking is definitely encouraged.]

[ 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.

[ Perhaps if you've already been to the fair, you've spotted one of the booths slowly being draped in blankets and curtains until it looks appropriately gaudy. Reporting to you now live from inside his brocade den is...an off center image of an equally gaudy tiefling. Look, attempts are being made. ]

Hello my dears! I'm sure you're all aware of the carnival that seems to have made itself available to us. Lovely little place. That said, I did notice an sad lack of any sort of fortune tellers, which I think we can all agree is a shame. And so I have gallantly taken it upon myself to fill that unfortunate hole.

[ One hand sweeps out of frame as Molly gives an extravagant bow. You're all welcome. When he straightens up again, he's holding a few tarot cards fanned out, backs to the camera. ]

And, as a special bonus, I'm offering that right here and now, I'll pull a single card for anyone who asks. [ Without him seeming to move at all, two of the cards vanish and the one remaining is now facing the camera. Look closely and you might spot an image of a covered wagon with the word HOME written across the bottom. ]

Fair deal? Only one card, though. If you want more, you'll have to come see me in person~

[ Someone's taken to the idea of advertising quickly. Perhaps also a test to see how well he can cold read through these weird devices? Whomst can say. Look at that sharp-toothed smile, is that the kind of face that would con you? ]

[The video shows Hob, sitting at home on a balcony of his apartment. He smiles, but there's a little uncertainty to his attempt at pleasantness. Something is bothering him.]

Hello, all. Uh, I don't mean to alarm everyone, but...

[That's usually how people cause alarm. Good work, Hob.]

I noticed something strange during my recent walks. I have a path I routinely take as I explore the city, walking different areas each day in case there's something out of the ordinary. Well, I typically stop in the same shops for some water or food, or to carry something home. When I went into one of the stores I frequent, I noticed the things I helped myself to previously haven't been replaced. It always was, before.

[It's hard to mask his concern.]

As more people typically arrive about once a month, if resources get scarcer... shouldn't we think of something?

[A quick smile.]

Or maybe it's all a fluke! A temporary disruption in services. That's all.

[That could be it, right? Hob doesn't have to eat to live, but starving is not a lot of fun.]

When people disappear from here, has there been any indication of how? Or where they go?

This world has many conveniences that far outstrip those of my own. Some of the wealthiest nobles of my home would never imagine the quality of life one of middling status here would enjoy and it has been an eye-opening experience for this humble one.

That being said, there are some basic resources I have had difficulty procuring. I'm not sure if they are simply absent from this world or if I am - ah - what is the colourful turn of phrase? Barking at the wrong tree?

Something like that.

( List of Required Materials: )

Uh, hello everyone. It looks like we might be here a little longer than we hoped for, unless anyone has figured out how to leave yet.

[ He tries not to sound pesimistic about it. ]

I mean, whoever brought us here threw us a really dull mixer and hasn't made themselves known, so a lot of people are probably looking for places to stay and figuring all that stuff out.

No one's asking my opinion, but I would encourage everyone not to live somewhere too secluded. We don't know what might happen, and if you need help, it may be difficult to reach you. I know most of us probably don't know anything about each other, and it can be difficult to trust strangers, but putting city blocks between you and your nearest neighbor won't make things easier.

That's all.