So Familiar a Gleam: Start

[voidtreckermods]

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JINNJAR CITY

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"Welcome to Jinnjar City! A city famed as the central power of all of Diagad, and where the magic happens. It has a big history: the birthplace of the first Heroes Association that led to the creation of the Interstellar Justice Alliance, the protectors of the universe. Compared to other places, Diagad's what many people call a superheroes world, but that isn't true. A lot of us don't have the crazy powers that some of the popular folks have! And people like me? We don't care about saving the world! I'm just trying to make it through school, hang out with friends. Live my life!

People tell thousands of stories about us though, and that I can be proud of. When other planets call for help, it's us that comes running to their aid. Our heroes put their lives on the line for anyone who needs a hand, and sure, I don't count myself one of them... but I want to share their story anyway.

Well, I don't need to be telling you about this city, do I? You're a part of it! Always have been, just like me. So I should talk about some funny stuff that's been going on lately instead…”

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A TL;DR notes version of days/prompts: (click to show)

EVENT BASICS: Un-apped AU characters were taken 1 week before the event from their own worlds, their minds altered to believe they were always from Jinnjar, Diagad. They have a superpower because of this and a new life either living alone or with family (other NPCs or PCs). Go to the OOC post for more info.

DAYS ONE-TWO:

• Strange streams of colour in the sky have appeared, and looking at them for too long causes strange headaches. At this point you’re not sure what they’re about, but you can investigate them. However, trying to get right close to them is impossible. You will never get high enough. Regardless, let us know if characters will be investigating anything!
  
  
• Voidtreckers arrive, be on the lookout. People are excited about finding these infamous criminals, and may be bothering those wearing peculiar watches, or the colours of Blue, Red, Purple, or Orange. You might be one of them: the bothered, or botheree. Many games or movie criminals are some adaptation of these Voidtreckers. A lot of people are worried they’re behind the phoenonem in the sky.
  
  
• Nevertheless, people will still have their own lives to deal with, regardless of worrying events. Play around with what job your character has, if they’re in school, what work they do; if they’re drawn to a night life or just hanging around wherever they like. Characters not used to technology in-canon may find themselves having trouble with this world (despite believing they’ve always lived here).
  
  
• Some of the Voidtreckers who are most resistant to illusions and mind control will be breaking out by the end of the first day. They will have to lay low and plot in secret, figure out how to make contact with others. The SCA comms do not work.
  
  
• Other Voidtreckers might begin having dreams about their past by day 2-3.

DAYS THREE-FOUR:

• Those who have been brought to the world begin to dream of their real and past lives, if just in very small and confusing snippets. Some of those dreams may bleed into reality, and people may start to recognise absolute strangers, but don't quite always know why. This is stronger for Voidtreckers than 4th wallers.
  
  
• Random electronics seem to be glitching in odd ways, particularly the training centres, which lock people in together, even random strangers. Mostly it's harmless and more of a pain. People also swear they think they see the tops of buildings 'glitching' or colouring out. People have been speaking about pets going missing on walks, though the zoos and such are mostly fine, save for some of the higher up bird sanctuaries.
  
  
• More of the Voidtreckers and some of the more resilient guests will begin realising the reality of the place they find themselves in. That this is not their own world at all.
  
  
• The propaganda of the city starts to escalate, warnings about the dangerous voidtreckers and reminding people of how great the city is.

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DAYS ONE & TWO: SLICES OF LIFE

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"This is an emergency broadcast to everyone in Jinnjar City. At 08:00 today, a breach into the city was attempted by the invading force known as the Voidtreckers, who have tried countless times before to take over Diagad for themselves. While it's believed the group was resisted, citizen are advised to watch out for anyone acting suspiciously in the city, and to watch out for this emblem. Please call the D-F-O-R-C-E hotline if you see anyone you suspect of being an intruder! Remember to keep low altitudes while we deal with the phenomenon above."

[ RAINBOW SKIES. ] "Everyone's been speculating about what's been going on up above. About a week ago, these long streams of twisting colours suddenly spread through the purple skies of Diagad, rainbow colours inking the clouds. They've been growing out, like merging with the sky itself, and news broadcasts have been telling people not to worry. But what even are they? They say that looking at them for too long causes headaches, while some swear up and down they've seen things in them! I've heard a couple of friends talking about investigating them, but I dunno..."

▷ Twisting streams of colour are becoming exposed in the sky, and indeed, those who look too long high up will find themselves receiving headaches and dizziness. They’ll fade once you look away, but those who do decide to investigate by getting close will experience a tug, as if something yearns to take them somewhere. There will be patrolling Heroes - this world's equivalent of police - keeping an eye on things. Maybe your character is one of them, or posing as one. Maybe your character wants to learn more about what these are. Regardless, they won’t be able to get significantly close to the streams no matter how high they aim.

[ THE VOIDTRECKERS. ] "Gossip is HOT about these Voidtreckers. I remember seeing a movie about them once, based on something that happened years ago. They tried hacking their way into taking over a dyson sphere being built - like a giant structure around a star. There's other stories about them too, but are they really the ones behind this? Who are we even meant to be on the lookout for? I don't know... I'm kinda spooked. But do they seriously ride around in a flying train?"

▷ You've heard about the Voidtreckers, whether you remember stories about them or not. Are you bothered about them? The news broadcasts say they got rid of them - then why are they asking people to look out? And what are you supposed to look out for? On top of the emblem, there's chatter going on about watching out for people wearing strange devices on their wrists, and wearing colours of Blue, Red, Purple, and Orange.

Will you defend your city from these mysterious foes? Be smart about it, or rash? Or maybe you're interested to know more for your own deeds… whether or not they’re the Voidtreckers of tale, they may have resources for furthering your own goals.

[ LIVING YOUR LIFE. ] “But nevermind all that! Life’s about having fun and hanging out with your friends too. I work part time, but I’ve got plans after my shift’s done! Doing some shopping, going to see a movie. I can’t stress out about the funny stuff going on. And I heard the new waiter in my favourite cafe is suuuper cute!”

▷ Despite the few anomalies going on, you still have a life part of Jinnjar City. You have a job filled with devices that you’ve been surrounded by all your life, or certainly longer than a week or, so you know how to work a coffee machine, right? You know how to drive an air taxi!

And where would you take one to? To anywhere: to the gym, one of the training centres, a spa, to the movies - normal things that everyone around the city have always been around. Meet up with some friends for fruit smoothies, or watch one of the shadow displays held by the Georgi’s Gang around every street, putting on shows to mesmerise and delight the kids.

Or how about buying your groceries to take back to your apartment or house? You know what all these fruits are! Right? Right?

… … maybe it’s produce from another planet.

DAYS THREE & FOUR: JUST ANOTHER NORMAL DAY

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[ DREAMS. ] “Dreams are just dreams, but a lot of people have been talking about them. Like, really being disturbed by them? Not in a creepy ohhh a monster’s coming for me! way, but like, they say they see worlds they swear they’ve been to before. Or see people? I wouldn’t really think about it except, there’s this guy… not like a super cute guy, but someone I think I knew…”

▷ Talk about dreams have been popular lately, though not everyone has them - or, not right away. Sometimes people may be at work, in school, doing nothing in particular when a name (important to their real self) appears in their mind, a flash of scenery. Coming as quickly as it goes. They don’t know what it means, if it isn’t just a symptom of the latest weird gossip influencing them.

But it sticks with you, something you can’t completely dismiss. But surely it’s nothing - right?

[ ANOMALIES. ] ”Just what we need! My friend’s dog’s gotten lost! She was taking him for a walk, and then she just says he went running ahead, and poof! Disappeared! Maybe he saw a cat? He’s always been a lazy chubby thing, but even dogs can’t help themselves, I guess…”

▷ The colours in the sky seem brighter today, closer...but it’s difficult to say for some, unless you’re actively studying them. Sometimes when you look above, you might catch - if just for a second - the tops of roofs glitching out, corners or streaks erased, colours meshing with the walls. You think it might be the light or your eyes, as it never lasts long, and even standing around waiting to see it happen again won’t give you what you want.

You may have other things to worry about than tricks of the light. Animals have simply been...disappearing, and always the ones owned, or particularly birds that fly around freely. People will ask you for help, and it’s weird they need to. Most owners have a tracker chip and app, and either apps show a blank map, or show them just standing in place...a place that when you get there, is nothing, no one.

[ TRAINING CENTRE. ]
“Really though, other than the weird sky business and how jumpy the news has made everyone about the Voidtreckers, the only odd thing that’s been up is some weird stuff happening at the training gyms. Even I saw it! I was just doing my warm-ups for the day when the field I set it to, the sky...these shapes suddenly appeared, dark and looming. It seriously creeped me out. But it’s just a glitch, right?”

▷ Young or old, the training centres around the central district are a popular spot for everyone to give their powers a safe space to be unleashed. While there’s basic simulations that’s free for everyone to use, people can be personal trainers, or even run group sessions in the bigger rooms.

Sessions aren’t always linked, since getting private training is allowed. However, lately, people keep getting jumped into other’s sessions, and can’t get out until they finish the routine. Sometimes they’re simple, where you need to destroy building block-esque cubes, or superspeed through courses twenty times. But then there’s also story modes, such as…

Castle Defence: Help protect the castle of Erna from the tricky Voidtreckers! They’re trying to storm the castle, and the world needs your power to help keep them away. Difficulty is based on the amount of people present, and speed of the individual. Do you turn things green? Then turning a Voidtrecker green will make them pop! Good job!

Kama Aid: Floating spheres have been lured inside a giant 3-tiered labyrinth ball. You must help the spheres - come in optional people-shaped or even cute animals - be released back outside where the air is fresh. Use telekinesis to tilt the tiers like a ball tilting game, or use super-strength to destroy the different tiers!

Dia Mysteries: A theft, vandalism, maybe even a murder. The crime scene is locked down, and something is afoot. Use your telepathy to gain information from the suspects, sneak into a secure area under invisibility... the solution is yours to find in this investigative simulation.

[ A PSA or Six. ] ”Stay vigilant citizens of Diagad. Please report any suspicious behavior to the DFORCE force.”

Announcements blare from speakers on public transport. Adverts pop up as they scroll through Diagnet. All remind citizens to be on their guard, report strange or disturbing behaviour and keep a look out for any of the symbols or colours of the Voidtreckers.

"Heroes don't keep secrets! If you have suspicions about any dangerous people in our midst, let your local DFORCE force know. Speak the Truth. Save the World."

▷ Billboards are plastered with bold posters reminding citizens to keep an eye out for the Voidtreckers or anyone who they might have tried to sway to their side. For those beginning to glimpse that this city might not be what they once had thought, this could be dangerous especially if their families and friends believe the city truly is under threat.

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credits: text box - city banner - city side - coloured sky by benjamin0000

Comments

[adregem]

The coded language they exchange is met with eagerness. Roland leans slightly further against the edge of the table, interested to learn more, to assuage that Essek is indeed, part of their cause to liberate themselves of this planet's mental assault.

I transferred in at the first of the month. He nods and responds accordingly, book forgotten for the time being. Essek was a new captive just last platform. No wonder he missed him, why Roland can't quite place the face to the name. It matters little - an ally is an ally and they needed to stick together.

I haven't had much chance to become acquainted with many yet- Essek hasn't touched base with a lot of Voidtreckers awakened from the illusion. Dammit.

Especially with how taken I've been with the phenomena. Recently cognizant. That's a start. That's the only spark they need. A moment of clarity to lead them to the truth. He dons his mask of innocence once more, cracks of who he truly is only showing through a well-crafted message in response.

"Heh, no wonder we didn't get to chat. I was on sabbatical leave up until your batch of transferees. Hope you received a warm welcome. I still remember my first day on campus. That was what...nine months ago? I transferred myself, you see. From somewhere else."

Heavy-handed as that was, at least no one around would ever think it meant anything but what it sounded to be. He continues, setting up their inevitable departure from public view. If they were to talk candidly, they needed to do so without drawing suspicion.

"Anyway, same here. I only got out of this mess just yesterday! Gotta keep my head in the game, y'know? Say, if you're researching, maybe I can help? It might do my brain some good to think about something other than my notes. Mind if I pitch in?"

Though if they can do their research somewhere other than here, that might be all the better... Regardless, Essek is a voidtrecker as obvious as the sun in the sky and Roland's not about to lose this chance. This farce had to end by their collective hand.

[essek]

The moment of eagerness that he could catch a glimpse of before it was carefully masked away is heartening. It's reassuring to know his search for allies, his aimless hope to find someone in the crowd of this world, was not in vain. There's hope to be had in moments like these, to know you're not alone against a threat, that you have people to work with to protect those you care about.

It's still a very new lesson for him, but he's glad it hasn't failed him yet.

He keeps his face placid and unerringly calm, his skills as the Shadowhand being useful in the face of a situation where they are surrounded by threats. His ears and mind are keenly attuned to the other, quickly and efficiently picking apart every phrase.

So likely, a temporary disappearance he's heard of - called to see the Conductor - until just before the mission, the most logical reason for not having run into him the days prior to this. Warm welcome... he would need to address that. But it seems Roland has been around for nine months, it makes sense why people speak of him. And woke up from the illusion yesterday. Perhaps he's found others then, he knows more people to look for.

And he wants to help, to put their heads together. Good. The mention of somewhere else prior sits well with him, he also rather speak more candidly, not in code at every turn.

"It was.. well, warm enough, I am not very well acquainted with any outside of some friends who arrived here before me, I had to tie up some loose ends before following," it was direct enough while not giving too much away. That and he... felt deeply uncomfortable calling them his husband and sister-in-law even if that's what the illusion made them.

"And yes actually, I could use a clear mind to look at my work, I feel as if I... have hit a wall so to speak, that I am missing information or overlooking something obvious," Essek stops to seemingly ponder his notebook, he's not actually. "Most of my research is back in an office, but if you do not mind accompanying me, we can head there and go over things more thoroughly."

Essek closes his notebook, there's an orange flower sticker on the back, it's only visible for a moment before he gathers it with a book he set down.

[adregem]

Each of the man's gestures are met with a sharp glint in Roland's eye. Keen is he to follow indeed, nodding as eager as a regular 'ol university student might upon meeting a potential new friend...And they both seem to be on the same page anyway, which is all Roland needs as a sign to flash a similar reassurance.

When he answers, his finger begins to play with the dangling color off his polo shirt, revealing an intricate purple flower brooch. "Yeah, that sounds like a pretty good idea. Maybe on the way, I can show you around campus! I'm a T.A. too, so this is definitely up my alley. Just glad I can help."

Taking the easy excuse to stand and leave the eye of the storm, Roland nods, breaking eye contact and dragging the legs of his chair as lightly as possible. Then, he remembers something that may aid in their shared task. Resuming the farce, Roland's eyes widen like saucers, making sure his body language lends to the idea that he forgot something. "Gah! Two minutes. Lemme grab some books I borrowed!"

Essek won't be waiting long. He'll jog back with about four tomes cradled against his chest before he follows their lead, stride for stride. "Sorry about that. Thought if we're doing research, these might help you get over that wall you just hit."

The heaviest of all coded signs, if it ever was one.

[essek]

Essek nods as the other runs off to gather books, taking the time to quietly stand and hold the books he has to his chest, mostly to keep his hands still. Unlike back home, he doesn't have a long obscuring mantle to hide any fidget his hands might give way to, so he masks it by keeping them occupied with holding books. Perhaps this is a good time to get over the many crutches he's allowed himself to develop.

"No need to say sorry if you feel these will aid us, I would rather have all the resources we could need to have a a breakthrough," he gives a polite smile as he leads the way to the office, walking with an unerring grace almost as if he was floating, though unfortunately he wasn't able to.

"We should be able to research mostly uninterrupted in the office, I've not many visitors," plus he has magic that should aid in making it difficult to eavesdrop on them.

"But I am open to being shown around, if there's somewhere else you'd like to stop first." If Roland has another destination or place to branch off, Essek is amendable, if not he will continue to lead them to his office.

((Continued Here Due to Captcha))