[DAY 1-]

[panopte]

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The night drags on.

The moon, full and bright, illuminates the world below as demons rise in indulgence of the hunt. All those who are not securely tucked away become prey, whose blood runs freely down the streets, whose screams fill the air in symphony, whose lives are snuffed out one by one as the night grows darker- but not quieter, no. Towards the far west, wind picks up in a deafening howl that tears through the forest violently enough to uproot trees, followed by a thunderous explosion atop the wall that sends large chunks of rock crashing down on parts of the immobile train, creating shockwaves felt all the way into town. Dark clouds gather overhead, smothering the moon and unleashing a downpour that continues unrelentingly until dawn, when the paltry sunlight behind the clouds is only enough to see that the rain that falls is in fact blood, thick and warm, coating the rooftops and the streets. Rivulets trickle towards the east, where they spill over the edges of the world and into the cavernous abyss of a mouth below.

Those who sleep will dream. They dream of being flat on their back, lying on hard metal, a warm breeze caressing their cheek, the faint scent of cherry blossom in the air. They dream of their bodies feeling like lead, heavy and unable to move, hardly able to breathe— and all the while in complete darkness. Whether they give in to exhaustion or struggle valiantly against it, they will eventually open their eyes to a different scene: of somebody's home before here, you and that person reliving the very last memory they had before waking up in the train just yesterday. It's a memory that culminates in darkness. Give in. Struggle. Open your eyes again and again and again, and eventually you will wake up to what you wish were just another bad dream: the unfortunate plane of existence we call reality.

It may not be a good morning, but it's morning. If characters glance at their COMP, they will see a bright number 7 on the screen that disappears as their chosen AI chimes in with a good morning greeting ("Whoa! Congrats on surviving the night, boss!" or "Yikes, you look like shit. Did you get any rest at all?"). Pulling up the map function shows fewer blue ally dots as expected, but perhaps unexpectedly, much fewer red enemy dots as well: there are very few demons to be seen, and those that are, show little interest in hunting unless they are attacked first. The forest is still and quiet, red Mandrake leaves littering the floor in abundance but the demons remain rooted underground, the Hares of Inaba huddled snug within their dens, bird demons taken roost underneath the canopy to keep out of the blood rain. The concert hall is silent today, guards at the door watchful and ready to snipe intruders. Inside the powerplant, the giant Ooze spreads lazily across the first floor, filling the space wall to wall, acid seeping underneath the front doors and burning its way outside. Indoors, outdoors, demons keep to themselves, seemingly sated.

It's almost peaceful. If you didn't know better.

The drizzle of blood tapers off over the course of Day 1, replaced by normal rain once night hits. The water that falls is clear, though bitter and metallic tasting, and the stormy weather continues for several days more. The temperature outside dips, even during the daytime, and the hunger that continues to persist (unless you're BB, who ate a Pixie, maybe) is made worse by the appearance of a hot dog stand that has been set up in front of the school building. Its existence in this place is wholly suspicious, entirely nonsensical, manifested as if out of a yandere devil summoner fever dream— and yet the mystery meat smells divine, and you are so so hungry.

"Hee-ho! Get your hot dogs here-ho! What? What kind of mee-hee-t is in it, ho? Don't worry about it, ho!"

JACK FROST

LOCATION
hot dog stand

STRENGTH
ice

WEAKNESS
fire

INFORMATION:
Jack Frost is a spirit originating from England who brings in cold weather during the winter and is responsible for the frost that forms on the windows of homes and buildings. Though it is usually friendly and innocent, it also has a mischievous personality and will freezes those it dislikes to death, smiling all the while.

SKILLS:
Mabufudyne: heavy ice damage (multi-target)
Megidolaon: mega almighty damage (multi-target)

NOTE: This demon is non-recruitable.

Can anybody resist that cute face? never mind the sales pitch. Jack Frost will operate on a barter system, though it really only seems interested in people's gemstones, or if they're willing to slaughter and bring it a Katakirauwa in exchange for a cold but still delicious hotdog dressed up in any variety of condiment. For those who muster the courage to go demon hunting to earn their meal, they will find that a single hotdog will stave off hunger for up to three days. For those who gave up their gemstone instead, K5 will be screaming at them not to do that, but also, please tell me. Maybe they'll rethink the offer, noticing that the gemstones they'd found on their person now feel slightly warm to the touch- growing warmer when in proximity to another person's gemstones, their colors more vibrant, stones faintly glowing as if with internal light.

Generous as Jack Frost is with providing dubious sustenance, it's a different story when it comes to the vending machine beside its stall. Inside are various drinks guaranteed to be cold, and include bottled water, coffee, teas, juices, blood and tears and many other questionable unlabeled liquids among its touted 100!!! varieties of beverage ("""beverage"""). Two problems: 1) there is no selection button, so you do not get to choose your drink; and 2) the machine will only take macca. Where to get macca? Figure that out yourself and earn your drink gacha.

[ Locked pending: SCHOOL investigation ]

[ Locked pending: GREENHOUSE investigation ]

[ Locked pending: HOSPITAL investigation ]

[ Locked pending: CONCERT HALL investigation ]

[ Locked pending: POWERPLANT investigation ]

OOC

»

Since I know a handful of you are still working on apps, this event log in general will be open to all players, but Investigations will be closed to current players only. See below for more information.

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On Day 1 only, wild demon encounters will be scarce and it will rain blood all day, after which the weather will transition into normal rain and demon encounters will also return to normal rates, less during the day and more frequent after dark.

»

When characters fall asleep any time in the next several days (including victims of the concert hall lullaby that will begin again starting Day 2, as well as inadvertent naps for those of you who are like lmao yeah whatever, i don't need sleep, i'm fine), they will be able to see the circumstances around other characters' canonpoints. This dream may take the form of being a bystander, or from the point of view of the character, whichever would be more fun/interesting to play.

»

Players can advance time by posting new logs set on the current or next IC date— don't be afraid to advance time as needed! Plot beats will be adjusted accordingly, and there'll be ample warning if plot necessitates a deadline or specific event date for any reason. If you have any trigger warnings, please let me know here! Comments are screened, and warnings will be listed in the log format post for player awareness.

»

As characters investigate different locations in the setting, more aspects of the game will be unlocked and will be updated in the post above. In summary, from the previous TDM event, characters have found doors sealed by barriers in the school, greenhouse, and hospital. The concert hall and powerplant are still both heavily guarded by demons that prevent thorough investigation until dealt with.

Comments

the princess | ota

[purport]

network

[purport]

[ Per her earlier conversation with Dimitri, the Princess is going to... Try and overcome her aversion to initiating a conversation with a whole group. She isn't used to it, but this is important, she knows.

It's something she has to tell herself several times before she manages to reach out to the others with Keigo's assistance. ]

To better survive this, there's something we should establish.

Who here arrived with weapons, and who knows how to use them?

[ A pause, and then she supposes she should volunteer... ]

I arrived with a dagger and I know how to use one. I'm able to improvise as well. While I've never taught before, I'm willing to try.

[ Whether others will be willing to be that forthcoming or offer skills to others, she honestly can't say. Depending on others remains largely foreign to her... But she knows she doesn't want people to die where it could be avoided. ]

[devilishkouhai]

BB has daddy NieR! Because you gave him to BB!

[ Sends picture of attached metal iron pipe that is now covered in blood that looks fresh. ]

Don't mind the blood, that's from the demons I just killed lolol ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

[purport]

[ The iron pipe is serving her well... Clearly it has gone to a loving home. ]

Did demons attack you? I thought it was supposedly quieter today.

[ Have her concern, BB. ]

[devilishkouhai]

Well, it's more like we got in an argument its fine tho. BB won! All thanks to your gift~ ♡!!!

[foxchild]

[Oh, Shun'ya's unsure if they should be openly spreading this information on a network no one can really guess the security of... but it would be a good idea to know just how helpless this group was...]

i'm skilled in a wide range of weaponry and magical arts (tho the latter is, of course, restricted as it is for everyone here!) and am heavily armed ( •̀ ω •́ )✧

[purport]

[ She's evaluated risk and reward and ultimately had the same thought: they're better off knowing who can defend themselves and who can't.

Besides, what she has provided, some have already observed. ]

Heavily? I must have overlooked something before.

[ A joke. He made at least the two plainly visible. ]

Hopefully there are more of us armed than not. What I've seen so far is mixed.

[foxchild]

well technically speaking everyone here is armed no?

COMPs and demons... the most dangerous weapons of all in this place, because they're all being used by a bunch of amateurs (ˉ▽ˉ；)

[rimingcouplet]

I'm as defenseless as a hapless maiden if not for my demons, as you well know. I've seen what you can do with your tanto; I'm willing to take lessons if you're willing to teach.

[Shun'ya can practically hear Alice struggling to choke down her pride here.]

[foxchild]

im flattered you think to ask little ol' me for help, miss alice! ο(=•ω＜=)ρ⌒☆

but sure i can show you how to stick the pointy bit into your enemy rather than yourself. you'll need to provide your own stabber tho

[prodigal_disappointment]

i have my lance and a hand axe. im good with both. i know magic too but it doesnt seem to be working

also do you know if there is somewhere i can find a horse?

[purport]

From what I've heard, it seems that no one with magic can use it.

Can you describe a horse to me?

[prodigal_disappointment]

i wonder if theres a way to fix that

youve never seen a horse?? youre missing out

theyre big usually used for riding, fieldwork, or other kinds of travel. lots of knights use them in battle. they have large torsos with four legs that end in hooves. their heads are kinda triangle shaped, they have pointed ears on top of their head, and long necks. they have hair on their neck called manes and a tail that is the same kind of hair

they eat vegetables weeds grass

this would be easier if i could draw you a picture

[compendiem]

[ why does everybody but him have cool weapons....... ]

I can also use whatever. Wouldn't trust myself with a gun, but anything else is fair. Bare fists if it comes to it.
But even if people can't fight, their contracted demons can. Isn't that the point?

[purport]

[ The plight of a protagonist in this place... ]

It's like you said, isn't it? Those demons could just decide we're food one of these days.

[compendiem]

Right. But the benefit far exceeds the risks. Don't they?

[ like, the risk is death, but. you know. ]

[cyclonearrow]

I'm an archer and use a bow. Unless I find a reliable way to replace my arrows, though, I'm going to rely on my demons first and foremost.

[...she's not really thrilled about it, but needs must.]

[purport]

[ When one could run out of arrows, it makes sense to use them conservatively.

She wonders, though— ]

Can arrows be made, or do they require something we lack? I'm not personally familiar with them.

action

[purport]

∅. Dream a Little Dream of Me
[ It seems as though something is wrong with your eyes.

It must be the case, because everything is cast in monochrome. The woods, the dilapidated ruins of a cabin, the starry sky above — even you, should you look down at yourself. Somehow, the color has been drained of everything.

Some distance away, the Princess might be recognizable. Amidst so much black and grey, only her pale form and the pinprick riot of stars above stand out in stark white. Her form and expression appear lighter for once, as though some great burden has been lifted from her shoulders, despite the chains that hang from her still. She treads through a grassy field only to pause.

Did the air suddenly get cold...?

She clutches at herself, shivering, as pale hands seem to appear from nowhere, seizing her. Grasping at you. A voice rings in your head, like chaos, like song, like all of creation and the void of nothing crashing in on you all at once.

But you don't hear the words.

Everything goes dark, and then you wake. ]

I. Sleepless in Beelzeburg
[ For those who didn't sleep, the Princess' weariness has an easy explanation: she hardly did either. At some point exhaustion took her, but the harrowing ordeal of seeing someone else's memory had jarred her awake, and now she refuses the practice altogether.

As though she has a choice in the matter.

Regardless, the dark circles under her eyes look more pronounced today as she works on refilling small bags of candy. For those actually familiar with the treats, they don't look quite right. Too red, actually. Fresh bandages on her fingers suggest the cause, but she makes industrious work of packing them up, her chain scraping against the floor as she presses on with her task. ]

...You don't want one.

[ She'll warn anyone who draws near enough, though her gaze never strays. ]

II. What's This?
[ The Princess was an industrious little looter on the first day and the second is no different. Wetter and even more unpleasant, perhaps, but she had procured an umbrella. She's about as ready for the occasion as she's going to be.

At any time when she isn't tagging along with someone else, she busies herself. She'd spent so much time chained to a wall that further stillness unnerves her, so she pokes into various houses. Often emerging with odd finds, she turns commonplace objects about under her thoughtful gaze as though they're well and truly alien.

Maybe it's an instax, maybe it's a vegetable peeler, maybe it's a feather duster. They're all new. Also new is a fireplace poker she has evidently decided to wear on a belt like a sword. ]

III. Mystery Meal
[ She doesn't know what hot dogs are. Neither does she know what a vending machine is. When the Princess isn't keeping herself busy, she occasions to eye either of these curious new additions with an overt skepticism, as though her blue eyes might glean some new information if only she peers hard enough.

Sometimes, this manifests as a fruitless staredown with Jack Frost at a range, her umbrella poised above her to shield her from the blood-rain.

Others, she approaches the vending machine and prods it with a fireplace poker. What is the box, and why are there bottles and cans inside? She hasn't the first idea, but she evidently doesn't recognize it or know how it works. ]

IV. Wildcard
[ ooc: Have something else in mind? Feel free to tag in with it. ]

iii

[compendiem]

[ "Hee... hee-lo?" The staredown is unnerving and Jack Frost is all the more relieved when Minato approaches and redirects some of that attention away. That said, if you can't pay, don't just loiter around and window shop! get lost! ]

Hey. Something caught your eye?

[ Minato too peers at what he can see inside the vending machine. Soda. Coffee. Thirst isn't a problem so much as that gnawing hunger, but not being thirsty never stopped him from chugging five Cielo Mists in quick succession. ]

[purport]

[ Alas for Jack Frost, the only thing that diverts the Princess' perhaps unnerving deadpan attention is the arrival of Minato on the scene. She turns to face him, giving the demon some reprieve for now. ]

Nothing specific, but... [ Trailing off, the Princess taps her fireplace poker against the glass. ] This machine wasn't here before, was it?

[ She could swear it wasn't. ]

∅. Dream a Little Dream of Me

[devilishkouhai]

[ Dream acquired. ]

closed prompts

[purport]

Starters for specific pre-plotted threads will go here. Feel free to DM or ping in server if you'd like to plan something!

concert hall → Dimitri

[purport]

[ At the agreed-upon time, the Princess readies for another excursion to the concert hall. With Minato, she'd been able to get a good look at the exterior, especially its guards. She'd also learned that bribery worked with the smaller pixies, which may avail them once they get into the building...

There's just the matter of getting in to begin with. It's something they can discuss along the way, and once she has packed her provisions and retrieved her umbrella, she waits by the church doors for Dimitri. ]

[hauntedsnowfall]

[ Dimitri had planned to arrive at the meetup spot early so as to not keep her waiting, however it seems the Princess was also the early sort. He shouldn't be surprised, she does seem to be rather diligent.

The first thing the Princess notices as he jogs up the church's lawn is that this boy does not, in fact, have an umbrella. Or, really, anything to deflect the falling blood. While the downpour has lightened up some since that morning, he's still soaked to the bone. Luckily (?) it's a warm sort of rain, but he doesn't look exactly thrilled to be drenched in blood. ]

Apologies for keeping you waiting.