♥ October (Lasohm) Fourth Wall Log

[hugtopiamods]

October (Lasohm) Fourth Wall Log

❥ Speaking of Wall Breaking...

The ghosts in town sure are weird, huh? But they're settling down, as the month draws to a close. They're becoming less anxious and random, their behaviour growing sort of… focused. As time passes some of them begin to develop features. They can interact with the world more consistently. You can… hear their voice.

And then suddenly they are people, real and physical and just as confused to be here as you are. They could be anyone, from your world, someone else's world, a place you've never heard of… some of them could even be you, from a different universe, a different timeline, an unknown reality. What does all this mean?

IT'S FOURTH WALL, Y'ALL. Tell your friends, people interested in apping or just playing around in the setting, anybody! Time to break the wall down and have some fun.

This post serves as a replacement for the usual Test Drive Meme, in order to consolidate the chaos a bit. Though it is being posted now, timeline-wise, this shift will occur ONLY during the weekend prior to applications opening: October 30th to November 2nd, after which point characters will either disappear or become permanent residents via the application process. This also means that the rest of the event effects will have worn off, and characters will be their normal selves through the duration of this prompt.

Some ground rules for the 4th Wall event:

For characters/accounts not in-game:

• a character does not have to meet application qualifications to post to the 4th Wall Event, except in cases where there is an intent to apply when applications open. Duplicates, CRAU, AU, etc. are permitted for the event.
  
• we do ask that crack shenanigans are reasonably limited, game rules are followed, and that the event involve characters only, not players or real people.
  
• anyone can toplevel! It'll be a free for all. Go wild, have fun.
  
• characters will be given a temporary, low-tech communicator for the duration of the event with limited network access, due to limited availability of the real deal.
  
• you will not arrive with any items/companions beyond the clothes that you wear
  
• check out the Setting or FAQ pages for location details! Also, have a look at the October event log, to see what else is going on these days.

For characters/accounts currently in-game:

• players can decide for themselves at the event's conclusion whether or not memories of certain visitors remain, and to what extent; memories could become fuzzy, faces or communication obscured, they could disappear entirely, or they can remain fully intact whether the person apps into the game or not.
  
• network communications with 4th Wall visitors that don't (or can't) app in will be wiped, with the locals citing a data error related to the older communicators being used. Technology can be unpredictable, huh!
  
• any communication exchanges that you WANT to keep can remain with some discretion; for example, if a spouse visits and you happen to take a selfie with them, and they do not (or cannot) app but having that photo of them would give you comfort, feel free to keep it.
  
• Similar to the TDM, 4th wall threads cannot be used for AC or AC Reward purposes unless it is between characters already in-game.
  

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Click the above prompt to expand for details. Timeline-wise, this occurs October 30th to November 2nd. For players currently in-game, if you have any questions, please direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread on the original plotting post.

On this post, we've created both another Questions Thread and a Toplevel thread (see below) for visiting players, the latter so that anyone can track and see who's posted! When you've made a toplevel, feel free to comment HERE to let everyone know.

Comments

[draigon]

[Meanwhile, Raihan's never actually met anyone taller than he is, even just a bit like Hemera is, so he's not really sure how to feel about it! It's a little uncomfortable, like a big bird realizing there's something even bigger than itself. He's sure he'll get over it, and in the mean time, he's got to ask for a selfie with her later. No one will believe him about being in another world for sure, but even more unbelievable will be him finding someone even taller than him!

His brow raises considerably at the word "centuries", though they're hidden by his beanie, so his surprise is really only shown by the slight widening of his lazy-looking eyes.

They settle after a moment, instead focusing on the creature they're both looking at. He leans on the railing, one foot crossing over the other, listening to what she has to say. He nods in the end, agreeing with it all.]

Looks like it's pretty quick on its feet, too. It's gotta be, if it wants to run after its prey or away from its predator. Reminds me of some Pokemon back home who'd be out in the wild, runnin' after trainers and steering clear of the stronger mons.

[He quirks his lips up in a smile.] And it is adorable. Unfairly so.

[ancestor]

[ There is a reason she was well suited for her role as the Traveler—her curiosity about the world at large was unrivaled by any of her colleagues, who settled for specific fields of study. Hemera always wanted to learn more, and in that sense she can consider herself lucky for this unexpected adventure. There are so many new experiences! So much knowledge to be gained!

And so, as the boy speaks she listens with rapt attention, though it isn't until he speaks of Pokémon that she finally can pry her eyes from the fascinating new creature on exhibit to stare instead at her conversational partner. ]

If you would be willing, I would love to hear more about these Pokémon of which you speak.

[draigon]

[The request gets him to look back at her, a bit intrigued as he turns to lean his back against the railing instead, his hands holding the metal bar.]

Willin' to learn about somethin' you likely won't get to see? That's a curiosity I can get behind. I'd show you my own, but I got brought here without 'em.

[Which makes his eyes tick downward, a heavy sigh escaping. He loves his Pokemon, his team is his life, and not having a single one weighs heavy on him.

But that's the way it is right now. So he lifts a hand to rub the back of his neck as he lifts his head back up.]

Pokemon are a lot like these guys here. [He says with a gesture towards the animal behind him.] They're creatures of all shapes and sizes that roam the entire world. They've all got different elements and abilities the moment they're born, all of which have their pros and cons. Fire types are strong to grass, but weak to water, and so on.

They're also naturally inclined to battle, for sport and for hunting. [With a bit of a grin, he gestures to himself.] That's where trainers like us come in. We engage them in battle with our own mons, and if we're worthy, we get to capture them and temper that nature of theirs to something they can control. We fine tune it and make a whole strategic game out of it, one that both human and Pokemon enjoy. It's why a lot of Pokemon come running at us in the wild; a lot of 'em want to be caught and live side by side with a worthy trainer. When they evolve to stronger forms, they want someone there to help them get used to it. When they're hurt or scared, they want someone to take care of 'em. And when they taste victory, they want to share it with their trainer, whether that's in battle, in beauty contests, or whatever the like.

Our whole way of life revolves around 'em. [He gives the place a glance around, slouching just a bit against the railing.] A place like this, where you can't see even a single Pokemon out and about... it's uncanny.

[ancestor]

[ That is certainly a lot of information to be curious about, and it catches briefly off-guard. Pokémon sound like animals with sapience, but not the same as the sapient, animal-like races she's encountered in her lifetime. And he speaks of evolution as well... Oh, how the Convocation would love this! She hopes one day she might be able to visit this world of Pokémon and study them. ]

They sound wonderful! Almost as though they are their own separate branch within the kingdom Animalia! [ She claps her hands together, unable to contain her excitement. ] This evolution you speak of is specific to Pokémon, yes? You make it sound as though it is rapid change. Is that correct?

I have heard of some creatures forming willing bonds with people, but it has always been spurred on by baser instincts. I've yet to encounter man and beast working together for the sport of it... [ She trails off, the thrill of learning abating with the realization that this boy must miss his companions terribly. She reaches out to place a gentle hand upon his back, keeping her touch light in case he would rather she withdraw it. ]

It is uncanny in many ways. This star is on the precipice of death, struggling to support what little life is left upon it. Still, its will is strong and it continues to fight. We are meant to aid it... And perhaps, in doing so, it may one day be filled with creatures like your Pokémon.

[draigon]

[Her touching on so many topics catches him a bit off-guard too, though he can't help smiling from it. If there's one thing he likes talking about, it's Pokemon, even if it wears on him today, makes him miss all his buddies at home.

Raihan doesn't mind the touch on his back, neither leaning into nor away from it. If she were someone he really knew, he'd probably lean and drape over her, but she's not, so he stays where he is.]

Sure, that'd be nice, but it'd be equally nice if it asked first. Or maybe told us so we'd be better prepared for it, and not take me out while I'm sipping down my blasted tea.

[At least none of his fans got to see that. That'd be embarrassing.

He lets out a sigh, reaching out to pat her shoulder. They're supposed to be talking about Pokemon, not this.]

Sorry, I don't mean to be short with ya. It's got me all loused, is all.

[ancestor]

In times of great need there is rarely time to ask for help, but there is no reason to not give even a few moments to prepare. [ Summoning spells are her specialty, so she has some strong opinions on proper protocol for them. Aside from not wanting to be inconsiderate, there is also the matter of needing the spell to be safe. ] There is a reason I made sure my own summoning spell gave ample warning, and only brought the willing to my side. My formula needed the simplest of additions to accomplish it.

[ Hemera pats his shoulder once he reaches out to do the same, clearing taking no offense. ]

There's no need to apologize. An improper summoning will eat away at anyone's patience. That you were in the midst of tea is all the more reason for it.

Would you like another cup? Or perhaps a small companion to keep you company for a time? I cannot create a Pokémon for you, but a minor construct would be well within my power.

[draigon]

[It's nice that she agrees, at least with giving them a few minutes to prepare. Maybe he could've downed the rest of his tea, told his friends what was happening, and his gym trainers so they could figure out what to do in his absence - apparently time stops while he's here, but he won't believe that until he gets home and sees it for himself.

His hand falls from her shoulder quick, and he knows that won't get him much money, but whatever. Prolonged touches with people he doesn't know are just weird, and the fact that he's got to do it for money doesn't change that one bit.

He doesn't really get all this spell and magic stuff, though the offer makes his brow raise from under his beanie.]

Don't really got an appetite for anything right now, but a little companion, you say?

[ancestor]

[ She nods, clearly very excited yet trying to keep it reined in. Creating things for others has ever been one of her greatest joys in life. ]

My first approved concept was an adorable aetheric companion for children—the Carbuncle. Its foundational form is vulpine, though I gave it long ears like a bunny. I suspect the ears were what swayed the Bureau's vote in its favour.

[ It has been a few centuries since then, but Carbuncle is still one of her favourite creations. ]

If you've a specific request I can do my best to replicate it. It would need to be small, and will have imperfections as I'm lacking in a proper concept.

[draigon]

[It's pretty easy to tell how excited she is about it. It makes him give a lopsided smile, and even if he didn't want to do it, he can't just deny her now.

He won't try to ask for his Pokemon, though. It'd be off-kilter if it were the slightest bit off and make him miss them all the more, so he'll go for something else instead.]

Ah, nothin' specific. I do fancy me some dragon types, though. [If dragons are a thing where she's from?]

I had a tag all typed up then remembered dragons don't exist in her world yet 😂

[ancestor]

What is a 'dragon type?' I'm unfamiliar with the term.

RIP

[draigon]

Seriously?

[ancestor]

Ah— Yes?

[ Realizing she is actually quite positive her answer is 'yes', she quickly states again with much more confidence: ]

Yes. I've yet to hear of something by that name in my travels.

[draigon]

[For a moment, Raihan just lets out a sigh as he taps his phone against his forehead. It's once again very clear to him that this is not his world at all, that Pokemon aren't a thing here or anywhere else.

Never heard of dragon types, or even dragons? How does he even explain what they are? He could show her pictures of his Pokemon, but they've got such a wide range that just saying they're dragons wouldn't really give her a clear idea.

Well, whatever. He gives his head a shake, then lowers his phone with a smile.]

In that case, how about you come up with somethin' from your travels? Maybe somethin' you've been dyin' to make, but haven't got the chance to just yet. Who knows, maybe I won't know what it is, then we'll be in the same boat!

[ancestor]

[ She watches as he taps the phone against his forehead, curious, but is quickly brought back to the topic at hand by his request. Her brows knit together, furrowing in thought as she considers. There are a great many things she's been keen to create, though has no solid concept for just yet. That narrows things down a fair bit. ]

If it's something I've yet to make it would take a fair bit of time to conceptualize... However I do have a concept I've been working on that's near complete.

Are you familiar with lizards?