Log:V4 Session 50 (Meta, no ontology)

Oct 22 19:57:40 <Hebizuka> [Session start!] Oct 22 19:59:10 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _After what seems like an eternity, you wake up. You have a bit of trouble understanding what happened... The last thing you remember, you're pretty sure you died, but here you are, slowly waking up from what seemed like a very long nap. The first thing you notice is that you're waking up in a hospital bedroom. It doesn't look like home or anywhere familiar._ Oct 22 19:59:12 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _The next thing you notice is that there appears to be someone waiting for you at your bedside ; a fifty-something man, dressed in a lab coat, with a look of concern - or is it relief? - on his face. He observes you waking up, but doesn't say a thing, figuring you want the first word._ Oct 22 20:33:57 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> Iris stirred groggily as her eyelids flickered open. After a moment, her eyes widened...”panic setting in...”as she realised that she didn't know where she was. "Where am I?- What happened?- Was I in an accident?... Oct 22 20:34:53 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Medic]** Good morning, miss Iris, or Prismatic Iris, was it? It's a pleasure to see you are among the living again. I've been monitoring your vital signs for a while now, and they've all been stable. Please don't panic, you are safe. I only have one question: what is the last thing you remember? Oct 22 20:36:30 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "I'm not sure- Everything's really a bit of a blur. Ohmigosh was anybody else hurt? Am I going to be okay?... Oct 22 20:37:42 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Medic]** Yes, by every metric, you are okay, but do not worry and let me explain myself ; you have, effectively, died. However, my superior, the Administrator, saw fit to select you for what I can best describe as bringing you back from the dead. You are no longer at home, miss Iris, you are somewhere else entirely - this realm is called the Mazes. Oct 22 20:37:53 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Medic]** But - I'm sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I am Dr. Philip Gage, head of the Medical Science Team, chief of the Proving Grounds medical staff, and... how to put this. I'm the primary caretaker and creator of your body, so to speak. Along with my superior, the Administrator, we have... the best word to use here is "recreated" the body you're currently in. Oct 22 21:55:06 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> Her ears pricked up upon hearing that she'd shifted her mortal coil. "I'm...dead? That isn't something to joke about! This has got to be some kind of sick joke.... She bowed her head, pausing for a minute. Gears turning in her head. Directing her gaze...”a fierce glare...”right back at the doctor. "I don't buy it. Where am I, really? What have you done with me?... Oct 22 21:56:16 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** I wish this was just a bad joke, but it is the truth. You are in the Mazes, as I said. The Administrator wants you to do something in exchange for your, er, second chance, so to speak. Oct 22 21:56:39 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** You may be referred to hereon as the **Contestant**. Your objective is to find four ancient, divine artifacts called the Cardinal Amulets. If you find all four of these Amulets, you will be able to go back home, safe and sound and alive again. Oct 22 21:56:46 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** Sadly I do not know much more, besides the fact that it's up to you to figure out where they are and how to acquire them. Why and how, I do not know either. She simply told me to say this is your primary objective. Oct 22 21:56:51 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** What I do know however, is that I have received gear - clothing, equipment, and weapons - and that it's all for you. It's over there, feel free to sort through it and take whatever you like. Oct 22 21:56:54 <HashiBot> <Tempest> (This equipment is what you already have on your sheet.) Oct 22 22:43:34 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> Having realised that he wasn't about to try anything on and that he was only repeating himself, she set about examining her surroundings. She'd spent plenty of time in hospitals, at least as far as she could remember, and this seemed pretty standard as far as they went. Nothing really out of the ordinary, other than her being there to start with. And the fact that she was naked beneath her sheets. Oct 22 22:43:35 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> Hearing him finish, she turned her attention to the doctor again. "Okay. I'm still not sure that I believe your story, but I have no other recollection of why I might be here and this seems like the real deal...... Her gaze softened and she paused for a second as if to think. "I think... I think I feel fine. But I have a headache. Can I please get something for that and maybe a glass of water?... Oct 22 22:49:16 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** This is normal, and it will rapidly subside, no need for medication. After all, you've been technically asleep for a long while now. Please make sure to get dressed and equipped with the gear that's been brought here for you. If you're ready to go, let me know, and I'll escort you outside. Oct 22 22:52:47 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "Okay. How about that water then?" Oct 22 22:53:03 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "And sure. Would you mind giving me some privacy? I'm not sure what went on while I was asleep, but a girl's gotta keep some dignity." Oct 22 22:55:18 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _The doctor nods, and briefly leaves the room, the time for you to get your bearings, your equipment, and for him to go and get you a glass of water - what could it hurt?_ Oct 22 23:17:18 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _He returns, with a bottle of mineral water for you._ Oct 22 23:17:32 <Hebizuka> [Food] Beverage - Bottle of mineral water. 0 ntri, 169 wtr - Weight: 1 Oct 22 23:23:05 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "Thank-you... Iris nodded and took the bottle from the doctor. Twisting off the cap and drinking from it, swallowing it down with deep thirsty gulps as though she'd never drunk anything before. In a sense maybe she really hadn't. Oct 22 23:25:09 <HashiBot> <Tempest> [Hydration: 869 wtr] Oct 22 23:25:37 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** Is everything okay? Are you ready? Oct 22 23:26:17 <Hebizuka> [Item] Empty plastic bottle. It might have contained a drink at some point, but now it's empty. Can be refilled. - Weight: 1 Oct 22 23:26:25 <Hebizuka> _In case you wanna keep it around._ Oct 22 23:29:16 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> She broke her drink with a relieved sigh, apparently having drained the entire bottle. Oops. "Really. Thank-you. I needed that." Oct 22 23:29:18 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> She'd hoped for an actual glass, as it might've come in handy as a tool, especially given this uncertain situation. But the bottle seemed like it might come in handy, so she kept it. Oct 22 23:29:22 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> At least she felt a little sharper now. Oct 22 23:29:30 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "Would you mind giving me some privacy to get up and dress in whatever's over on that table?" Oct 22 23:32:04 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _The empty plastic bottle has been placed in the backpack._ Oct 22 23:32:11 <HashiBot> <Tempest> [Backpack / Main] 1 /40 Oct 22 23:32:42 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _The good doctor nods, and lets you dress up in peace._ Oct 22 23:32:58 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** I'll be waiting for you outside the door. When you're ready to go, just step out and follow me. Oct 23 00:25:16 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> Iris scanned around for any cameras or spots where a camera might be carefully concealed. Satisfied that there weren't any and that Dr. Gage had left, she let out a sigh of relief. Alone at last. Time to think. Oct 23 00:25:22 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> Headache aside, she felt quite sharp and clear, yet trying to think back, everything seemed rather foggy. Her name was Iris; she was pretty happy with that. She remembered various details about hospitals, their standard interior and, more and more about the processes and procedures around operating them. And yet, anything else seemed distant. Her parents. Her birthplace. Her friends. Heck, even why she was here. All of it was hazy. Oct 23 00:25:25 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "Okay. Now what?... Oct 23 00:25:29 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> There wasn't much space to try anything until she had more information: For her, there was no other sensible conclusion to arrive. She dropped the covers she'd clutched over her bosom and slipped out of bed. Feeling quite nimble...”as though her every body part had been renewed, or like a machine freshly cleaned and oiled...”made hopping out of bed and onto the cold of the floor prove quite easy. Oct 23 00:25:33 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> She skipped over to the table and picked up the shirt, jeans, and sneakers. She wasn't a fan of the shirt, much less the tie it came with, but it was much better than nothing. There were a tactical vest and a belt, so she slipped them on too. Oct 23 00:25:36 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> Finally, brushing herself off, she stepped up and opened the door. Oct 23 00:26:58 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** Ready to go? Please follow me, then. Oct 23 00:27:38 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _The good doctor leads you through corridors and rooms - you barely have the time to register what kind of facility this is, aside from the feeling this is -not- a hospital, or at least it didn't look anything like one._ Oct 23 00:28:13 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _Before long, you're led outside, and taken to the center of the town, which you learn is called Arnett. In the very center of it all, in what's called the Social Square, and the center of it, simply called the Social Square Center._ Oct 23 00:28:32 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** Welcome to Arnett, and more generally welcome to the Mazes. I hope you will be able to succeed in your mission and that you will stay alive. Before you go, three pointers for you. Oct 23 00:28:47 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** One, every town is more or less patterned the same way - they all have a social square, a center plaza like this one, and common features such as a hospital, a bank, some form of special facility, and whatnot. If you're ever lost, find the Social Square Center and look for the map - it will tell you where you are and where to go. Oct 23 00:28:53 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** Two, you will probably want to find clues about where to go next for your primary objective. I advise you to ask around in town. The hiring bureau, the local bar, or anywhere else you feel you might find what you need. Oct 23 00:29:05 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** Three, the best place for information and the place you want to go to if you need money, is the Hiring Bureau. Think of it as a sort of combination of post office and job finding agency. If you're ever in need of something to do for cash, my advice is to ask there first. Oct 23 00:47:32 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> Taking a moment to adjust to the light, Iris surveys the area. "This doesn't seem like any town I've ever been to...... she murmurs. Oct 23 00:47:33 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "So, let me get this straight.... I apparently have died and subsequently brought back, so that I can be set loose on some scavenger hunt to find some amulets... And my only lead is that I can find a map in a glorified visitor's center, and paid for doing odd jobs?... Oct 23 00:48:02 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** I know this sounds very odd, to say the least, but that is what I've been instructed to tell you. Oct 23 00:55:35 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> She wondered to herself if any of this was real. Or if this was some hyper-realistic game, or ... a dream...”That meant maybe it was now a lucid dream. Perhaps that meant she could fly. Only one way to find out. Oct 23 00:55:37 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> Her attempt to fly fell flat on its face, and so did she. Oct 23 00:55:48 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "Oof-. Okay, that was stupid." Oct 23 00:56:00 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** O-Ohdear. Now is not the time to get yourself hurt. Oct 23 00:56:06 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "Is there at least some kind of guide-book I can use, or should I head to this center first? Do you come with me, or if not do I stay in touch with you?... Oct 23 00:57:47 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** I'm afraid I can't help you directly, I must return to my duties, and I greatly doubt we'll ever meet again. As for guides, you should find all the information you need in the places I've advised. Stay safe, be careful, and I'm certain you'll get far. Oct 23 01:02:19 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _The doc offers a hand to shake, indicating that he will turn heels and leave you on your own afterwards. Oct 23 01:20:51 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "Right, I ... see. All this still seems a bit daunting, and a bit fast. Even now I'm half-convinced someone has spiked me with some hallucinogen. You make it sound like I'm Dorothy and I need to find the yellow brick road!... With all that said, she still shook his hand. "Thanks for the help.... Oct 23 01:21:07 <HashiBot> <Tempest> **[Dr. Gage]** Good luck, and stay safe out there. Oct 23 01:21:43 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _With the handshake done, Dr. Gage leaves back towards his lab, leaving you all alone in the Social Square Center. It's 8 in the morning, and you are free to go anywhere you please, although not without a few pointers._ Oct 23 01:21:48 <HashiBot> <Tempest> <**M02: First Town** - Quest complete!> <**M03: Take the Long Way Home** - Quest started.> Oct 23 01:22:07 <HashiBot> <Tempest> M03 objectives: Oct 23 01:22:09 <HashiBot> <Tempest> 1) Head to Arnett's Hiring Bureau to register yourself as a contractor: the Hiring Bureau is the place to go to find jobs and initiate sidequests, in order to earn money and acquire better gear. Oct 23 01:22:11 <HashiBot> <Tempest> 2) Ask around in Arnett and inquire about the Cardinal Amulets' supposed whereabouts. Oct 23 01:37:31 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> "Alright. Might as well forge on ahead.... She departed for the Social Square Centre. Oct 23 01:47:12 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _You are already there._ Oct 23 01:49:05 <Hebizuka> _The map in the SSC displays all of the facilities and areas you can visit in Arnett._ Oct 23 01:49:07 <Hebizuka> < Arnett - Map > Oct 23 01:49:07 <Hebizuka> Social square facilities: Bank, Hiring bureau, Bar (The Bolt Face), Restaurant [Diner, Bill's Burgers], Takeout stand, Shooting range, Library Oct 23 01:49:07 <Hebizuka> Residential areas: 3 Oct 23 01:49:07 <Hebizuka> Shops: 2 individual (Weapon shop, Clothing shop) Oct 23 01:49:07 <Hebizuka> Special facility: Laboratory (GT - Biotech/Genetics) Oct 23 01:49:07 <Hebizuka> Other areas: Hospital, Hydroponics farm, UA water recycling unit, Generator, Town entrance Oct 23 02:32:18 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> She'd hoped there'd be some version of the map she could take around with her. Trying to remember this would have to do. There wasn't much else to do, and she didn't have much money to her name. She'd played the game before though, and knew she could probably score some freebies at the bar. Failing that, she'd at least maybe have the opportunity to find out more about the town. Oct 23 02:32:47 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _Where would you like to go first?_ Oct 23 02:32:52 <HashiBot> <Prismatic Iris> Bar. Oct 23 02:33:56 <HashiBot> <Tempest> _Three rooms separate you from the entrance to The Bolt Face, which you quickly cross. You end up in the hall of the watering hole, which is, at this current, morning hour, mostly empty of people. To the west is the exit, and to the east is the bar room proper, with the counter and the barkeep._ Oct 23 03:09:21 <Hebizuka> [Session end!]