collectedlogs | INTRO LOG #1

INTRO LOG #1

Welcome to Collected’s first Intro Log! The information we’ve provided about the setting is not exhaustive - feel free to interact with the setting as you see fit. Rather than have specific prompts, our event posts throughout the game will generally have information listed out like this and players may come up with their own prompts.

If you have questions about the setting or the intro log, please ask them HERE in the comment thread! And most of all, have fun, shoppers.

PROMPTS

The first thing anyone does is gasp for air.

It’ll feel like the first breath you’ve taken in years. That’s right; before you can even become aware of your surroundings, the most immediate thing they’ll process is that you’re in water. Foul smelling water - like rotten eggs and decay. It’s pitch black, and you’re swimming in it with only your head above the surface. If the smell doesn’t deter you, the longer you stay in will; the water stings to have on your skin, chemical in nature.

So - you need to get out. This water can’t be okay to stay in. Once you’ve gathered enough about your surroundings, you’ll see that you’re inside a mall, of sorts. There’s a large (non-functioning) escalator in front of you that will lead you to the semi-safe havens of the second floor - but be careful, because everyone’s going to be gunning for that only exit.

» Once on the second floor, exploring will lead you to a few notes of interest: Long windows and tall glass doors show the conditions outside. The sky is a burnt orange, and there is a thick sort of fog on the horizon. Nothing for miles in every direction - just an empty parking lot, completely devoid of life or any sign that anyone has come across this place in many years. Even so, you’ll find the windows and doors unlocked, so getting outside is easy… the problem is what’s out there.

A trip outside will make it instantly clear why you see no life outside the mall’s walls: exposure to the radioactive sun outside causes your skin to bubble with welts, and the thick, toxic air of the outside is impossible to inhale without keeling over. It’s blistering hot, too. Even non-organic creatures would melt or be eroded by the sun’s radioactive qualities. One thing is abundantly obvious: you cannot survive outside. Not now, at least. Those who receive a burn or other damage from the conditions outside will discover that strangely enough, upon returning inside the mall, the wound begins to heal up on its own. Slowly, and extremely painfully, but it’s healing. That’s strange…

» Another thing of note is that there’s a food court on the second floor. There, you’ll find a variety of abandoned restaurants that have varying amounts of non-perishables inside - canned vegetables and preserved meats, as well as dusty old jars of sauces and the like. There are a few walk-in freezers with hefty locks on them, but if the locks are broken or picked, there’s actually some frozen rations, as well! Many of them are not labelled, so the dining experience will be pretty hit or miss. None of the stoves or cooking appliances in the food court work anymore, either, so you’ll have to get creative when it comes to cooking up these ingredients. (Or just, you know, eat them cold.)

» Throughout the mall’s bathrooms, water fountains, and gym showers, you’ll find that all the water in the mall is suspiciously clean. Like, way too clean to be normal in a place as run-down and clearly abandoned as this. You’ll find that toilets flush completely fine, and shower water heats up (eventually). Should you be grateful, or concerned?

» There’s an electronics store on the second floor, as well, along with a internet cafe. Should you try to turn on the computers in the internet cafe, you’ll find that it only opens to the same forum page: a site called Mall Watch. It’ll prompt you to make an account and password if you try posting to it. In the electronics store, you’ll also find that any phone you forage for and try to boot up will also only open up to this forum page. Weird!

» If you’re looking for a place to sleep, the department stores of the mall still have a variety of furniture sets collecting a lot of dust. Then again, no one’s around to tell you where to sleep - and maybe you don’t trust all these new faces you arrived with. If you’re okay sleeping on the floor of a random store, more power to you.

» You’ll probably want to do something about your clothes that were stained by the black water on the first floor.. try foraging for some clothes! Looking around, you’ll find that some clothes stores have some stock left over, though everything’s generally a mess in clothing stores - it’ll take you some time to find anything that’ll fit you. Looking around enough on this second floor, you might end up stumbling across some of your own belongings or clothing, or those of your peers.

More than anything, the longer you explore and scavenge the mall, you’ll recognize how eerily silent it is. If not for you and your peers here, this place would be totally desolate. Clearly, there’s no one around for miles, and as far as you can tell, you’ll only be able to survive here for as long as the supplies here last. No one’s coming to save you - no one even knows you’re here. In every sense of the word, you are alone.

For now.

NAVIGATION

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[ Eventually, Wataru might think something like this is useful. For now, he just looks it over and lets Eichi take his wrist back.

The way he talks about his family... he understands the situation, but it still doesn't bring him any happiness to hear. Now, more than ever, he wants him to remember that the rest of his new family is waiting for them. He can't say anything heroic like "your parents would definitely notice you" after all. ]

Our disappearance has likely already been noted, at least.

[ He's not exactly happy to think that they've left that to the others, under the assumption that those two are not also somewhere here. Still, they were moments from performing. Someone would have noticed that half of fine was gone. ]

But as for your device, unless something happened to it after you stopped using it, I'm not sure how it would end up here. Though, it's not as if we can guess how we got here ourselves, either. Hmmm, it's a mystery once more...

[ But it's especially strange, he thinks, that an item like that would be here as well. ]

Considering the timing of our disappearance, that much must be true, though I hate to think of what happened. The pieces of our memory that are missing, and the thoughts of those precious fans in the audience, let alone our cute Tori and Yuzuru.

To be honest, it's been troubling me.

[He sighs, swiping his hand over the rest of the area where he'd found the watch now that he has it back— but there's nothing else of value here.]

Do you think there may be an exit on this floor? Now that the acid is no longer burning at our skin, we have time to search.

[ Was there? He didn't see any exits, but it's pretty common for malls, isn't it? At the time, he was pretty focused on getting out of the acid water, and they haven't exactly searched very far. ]

Larger buildings such as this often have second floor access to parkades.

At the very least, there should be windows accessible to us somewhere. Perhaps all we need to do is take a look outside and all of our questions will be answered, hm?

[He gathers everything up once more, glancing back the way they'd come in. If they stay around the edge can they hop over easier? Is there a way around? He doesn't even know what's going to end up happening here.]

I suppose that's a good point. I haven't seen any windows in this store, but in the halls of the mall with each store inside, there may be one or two before we run into an exit. Shall we, then?

[ It's narrow and there's gaps, but it definitely seems more sturdy than the flooring they knocked out earlier. Back around the sexy lingerie they go!

Anyway, doesn't this seem more and more like it's out of an action horror thriller? ]

Mr. Zombies, if you are listening~ this is not a very good time to come out and attack us... ♪

[ ... ]

Idol brains must taste delicious, but I will have to ask you to consider other options for the time being... ♪

[ ... ]

I saw a film once where the main characters pretended to be zombies to get past a terrifying horde. [ Shaun of the Dead. It's just Shaun of the Dead. ] Ah, to think that I may have to expand my list of roles with something like a 'zombie'! Suddenly I'm much more excited about this entire thing!

[ ...

It's been too serious for too long, the clown has decided. ]

[He's so used to this that he feels a little bad that he doesn't even glance his way to see what sort of dramatic twirls or gestures he's making along with these exclamations. He's busy walking, moving around the lingerie, back to the hall, thinking deeply.

It is serious, after all.]

Putting aside that this is a strange situation where anything can happen, there hasn't been a single zombie in view since our very loud arrival, you know? I'm worried that if you act like a zombie, the others who seem to be in a similar situation to ourselves may attack you, so I'm going to have to ask that you hold back for now.

[Sorry his dear clown... He's so lost in thought, and now he sees what looks like a window up ahead, wide and shining in from the side, so he picks up his pace a little even if he should be taking it slow.]

[ His quota for attention is still overfull so it's okay— ]

Fufufu... becoming one of the walking dead and being ruined by victorious heroes! There could be much worse deaths. Though you're right, I'd like to live out a long zombie idol life first! [ He is hurrying up, though, matching Eichi's pace and staying in step beside him. ] You've found one! Good work, good work. Now, let us see...

[ It's... warm? Already, the sunlight feels warm and they've hardly entered its glowing embrace. Well, it was spring... but still. ]

[Eichi feels it, as well. Hot, like the window is radiating heat. Is it that hot outside? More than that, the light from the window itself seems off, and for a moment, Eichi wonders if it might be sunset or sunrise.

But as he peers outside, he sees that he's wrong. The entire sky is orange, rather than just the horizon, and the sun is in the sky above, like it's some time in the mid afternoon. There's a parking lot, cracked and worn out and dry, spreading out— and absolutely nothing that he can see beyond that.

No other buildings.

The warmth just from standing in this window is uncomfortable, and he takes a step back in worry.]

Do you see that?

Is it something interesting?

[ As they had approached, Wataru had presumed that it was just sunset—but stepping into the rays of light, he understands now. It's warm on his skin, hot, but it's not burning him through the window.

But from the looks of the outside world, it's... ]

...how fascinating. My first thought would have been the time of day, followed by a dust storm of some kind. But this is quite different. The land out there seems entirely undeveloped, doesn't it?

Let us find another window, Eichi. Perhaps a different direction will yield more information.

To the other side, then?

[Eichi glances away from the window and down the way. There are a number of stores, and then there's a bridge that doesn't seem completely destroyed.

It looks incredibly dangerous, though, viewed from this angle. He can see all of that acid water below it, and how bits of the side of the bridge have crumbled away.]

Either we attempt to cross at one of these points, or we stick to the sides and walk the long way around. I wonder... I'm curious to see the other windows, and I see some that way.

[ Looking at the bridge, and also their luck with solid flooring... hm. ]

Eichi, as much as I'd enjoy having you catch me in midair again, I believe we should take the scenic route.

We are not pressed for time so much, now.

[ It would probably do them some good to sneak a peek into each store they pass anyway. If they end up having to stay the night, it'd be helpful to find a place to call home for the night, too. ]

[Eichi sighs. He's right, of course he is. He'd just been staring a little longingly at the bridge... But as he does, another small chunk drops into the water below, and he finally allows his gaze to abandon it and look forward.]

Then we can begin walking. [They're not pressed for time, but he is very tired. He wonders how long he can walk before it begins to ache too much.

He's too quiet as they walk, lost in his thoughts over everything for the time being.]

[ So begins their trek around. He does his best to be cheerful as clowns do, but after the sixth or seventh ruined store, he's stopping, turning to Eichi. ]

As much as I had hoped to just go home after this ordeal today, I'm beginning to think that we may be on our own for the night. Ah! I've always wanted to say this... ♪

'Let's take shelter for the night!' Did I do it right? If we pretend, it's like a camping trip.

It is a little exciting, isn't it? If there's no more danger than this, then we may be able to survive... So I suppose enjoying the thrill of it isn't such a bad thing.

["May survive" is his optimism in this situation?? Well. It's probably good enough.]

I can't say that I've ever been "camping", though. [The closest thing he got to it was staying in hotel resorts and pretending to be stranded on the beach.]

My body may not be meant for it. Beyond that, with the state that things are in now, I wonder when we should consider searching for food?

[ Eichi that's not even remotely close to camping. ]

Ah, that's right... I think we should begin now. But a mall isn't usually where one comes to find food, is it? [ Why is he asking Eichi. ] There ought to be a food court somewhere.

[ But more walking... and Eichi's condition... hm. He's thinking about his past excursions out shopping and— ]

If we keep on walking like this, we should come across a food court before we get to the other side of the building. If you'd like to explore one of these stores, I will go on ahead and return with something.

[ "Explore" he means you can sit down!! ]

There is food, even if it may be an accessory rather than the main choice...

[He understands what Wataru is getting at, he's sure. He should rest? He's thinking about his Eichi-kun gauge? Something like that? He glances aside, and there's a store full of cards of various types, and pens, and stationery...

But next to that is an electronics store that's been ransacked. Maybe he can peek in there. There's also a chair at the cash register...]

So long as you do return, I suppose that would be fine.

[ Wataru is giving Eichi a small bow. ]

You have my word! I will be gone for no more than ten minutes exactly, and will not return a second too early or too late!

[ Success. That's a success. He's going to count that as a small victory yet again as he disappears down the hallway.

If he's being honest (hmm) he doesn't want to leave Eichi alone longer than necessary; it's been quiet, aside from their adventures, but he doesn't feel confident in their safety. But he was right—the food court is where he's guessed it to be, and there's a window pointed in the opposite direction of the mall.

It's... about as useful as the last one. Which tells him quite a bit—a mall in such an undeveloped area, it seems so unlikely for the places he's accustomed to. Not to mention the sky.

At the six minute mark he's fished out some frozen vegetables from a recently opened freezer, as well as some bottles that he's filled with clean water. Strange how the water down there is so awful, but this seems pristine? Well, he's never paid attention in science classes, who who knows.

At exactly the ten minute mark, just as he promised, he's back. ]

Mmmm, we've truly fallen through the cracks in the floorboards... ♪

[Thankfully, Eichi hasn't wandered off. He's sitting right where he'd been left, hands in his lap and as patient as he always has to be when it comes to his health. It's important to catch his breath when he can, after all, and he's glad he can now.

Wataru coming back is good news, and so he lifts his head noticeably when he's close enough, looking his way.]

Hm? By you saying something like that, can I assume that you found another window on your journey?

[It's a guess, but he was thinking Wataru was probably looking for that too, anyway. Is it that weird...]

There's no network that this Eichi-kun gauge can connect to to send out the usual signals, either, I've noticed.

[ If that's weird, Wataru doesn't want to be normal!!

Did he really just say Eichi-kun... hm. That really is adorable...? Ah, well it's not the time for that. Wataru is passing him a bottle of water first, then leaning a hand on his waist and sighing. ]

Your Wataru can see to the very ends of the earth in every direction! Aside from where we are, it's as if God forgot this canvas when the rest of the world was painted....

[ Or He knocked over a can of orange paint and spilled it all over; anything seems possible. ]

Edited 2020-08-05 23:24 (UTC)

Even if we attempt to view things realistically, this really is as if we've been dropped into a movie, isn't it?

[He sighs a little, because honestly it's making it a little difficult to plan around! He takes the water, though, already moving to take a drink. He really needs it, after just that little bit of walking.

It's nice that it tastes so crisp and clean, though? Interesting.]

I see you're holding something, though. You found more than more fresh water?

Fufu, that's right... I was quite a useful little clown this evening!

Or, afternoon, if you'd prefer. I'm not sure of the time, as it is.

[ Presenting, a whole bag of frozen vegetables. A mix of them, carrots, peas, corn. They've already started to warm from his hands, so it's not like holding a block of ice. He's placing on a surface nearby, letting it finish thawing a bit more. ]

Ah, but it is no gourmet feast fit for you, I'm afraid. I also took a quick look around for something to cook it with, but found nothing of the sort.

[Eichi probably has never seen frozen veggies in his life, rather than fresh ones, so he leans over to the package to poke at it. Wow!]

I'm surprised that you were able to find something at all, with the state this mall is in. [Food...

Is an issue, isn't it. It's true that he's weak and will grow weaker sooner, but doesn't that mean that since he'll die so much easier, he should take less priority, rather than more...? Ah, he doesn't want to have this discussion. He hopes they won't have to.]

That reminds me, I was looking around at the stores that are within view here to see where we might be able to sleep, if necessary. It seems as though it's some time in the evening, if I were to guess, but it's impossible to say...

Still, I don't believe that we can leave right now. So, what about that store, over there...?

[Further down and across another bridge is a very bright store that he's pointing at. Pink and purple with a variety of unnecessary items ransacked all over, not with much space... Cl*ire's.]

[ They're not going to have that discussion because it's stupid!!!!

He's looking to where he's pointing and... well, it's eye-catching, which Wataru loves and immediately agrees with, but isn't it a bit small? In his mind, Eichi should be the king of a furniture department store, on top of a pyramid of king size beds.

But this is quite cute too, he thinks. He's not going to ask why. It doesn't really matter. Cl*ire's is what the Emperor wants, so Cl*ire's it is. ]

Oh, it'll be easy to find... ♪ Very well, it shall be our temporary home. Our base of operations, if we are still thinking of this as a zombie apocalypse.

Fufu. If only it were to have a mattress, it would be suitable for camping.

[What kind of camping does he imagine? Well, that's not important. He's standing, carefully, reaching to carry the frozen vegetables because at least he can do this much. The water is in his other hand, he's ready for moving after sitting.]

Shall we?

[ Neither of them have ever gone camping before, but... ]

We shall! Off to go camping... ♪

[ Maybe he should make them a tent out of blankets and sheets? Then at least they could maybe actually call it camping. Right now, isn't this just like a very sketchy hotel? ]

I did happen to spy a furniture store on the way back, so perhaps a mattress is not so far out of reach.

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glorification - 2020-08-26 20:24 (UTC) - Expand

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