INTRO LOG #1

[bequiet]

INTRO LOG #1
Muzzle and Mute
Content Warnings: Disorientation, memory loss, confusion
Themes: Arrival, survival, exploration, horror

You wake, standing. A thick, muddy red dust coats your skin and clothes - it sticks to your tongue and blocks your vision. Inhale and it chokes you, exhale and your breath puffs out in front of your face in a transparent maroon cloud. It tastes of copper, tangy and harsh. Movement is difficult, every limb tingles and aches. Look to your left, your right. Evenly spaced in each direction stands another person indistinguishable in every way from the next. You're disoriented and lethargic, unable to grasp onto a single thought. A pinprick of light blooms ahead and grows steadily larger; a door has opened.

Hands grip your wrists, push at the small of your back and guide you out of the darkness into a room with four walls and a thin, sagging ceiling. The plaster is peeling, the air is musty, and the floor is slick. White plastic piping juts up from the center and curves into multiple spouts, clean water flowing in uneven streams. Those hands pull your clothes off and clear the dust from your body, redress you in handsewn jumpsuits. By the time they’re through, you will have begun to come back to yourself.

A finger is pressed to your lips. Kind eyes meet your own and a single word is whispered - hush.

Led out of the room in a line, you’re taken down a short hallway and into another, much larger room. There’s a woman waiting for you there, a child hugging her leg, and a cloth bag in her hands. She reaches in and pulls out a device, passes one to each of you. Once finished, she begins to move both hands in graceful gestures, a language. One of the people who helped you lifts their device and the screen lights up, tracks the woman’s hands. Letters appear on the screen and you understand the device’s purpose. She tells you what she knows and it’s not much.

This world is haunted. Noise attracts them, so it is not allowed. Communication is through body language, soundless writing, and the device. She tells you that your feet must be light and your mouth never used. There is a community outside these doors, where you can survive together, but only if you agree to one thing: complete and total silence. You'll have time to talk it over. You may ask one question and receive one answer.

Acceptance allows you to journey outside. The ground is marked in pathways of sand, lining the paths to each building and everywhere in-between. You notice that the locals hold their devices always, aloft and glance to it often. It will not vibrate or make a sound to signal a message. Notices appear. Rules. Guidelines. Feet on the sand and never anywhere else. To open a door you brush your fingers along the hinges - oiled and you may enter. If not, take the brush from the can sitting nearby and coat the metal with the dark liquid.

Now, you're to settle into your new home.

The Man in the Hat
Content Warnings: Heavy lifting, following the rules, alcoholism
Themes: Moving in, survival, exploration, horror

Once you’ve claimed a room for yourself, it’s time to acclimate to the community. Natives will ask what you need and take you along the sandpaths to different areas in the city to gather supplies - furniture and the like. Heavier items will require assistance and will take longer. Houses are mostly empty so if you and your housemates need something, you’ll have to carry it and put it inside the home. Do not make any noise or the natives will refuse to help you. Getting to know your housemates is key to a smooth transition. They are going through what you are right now; take the time to get to know them. Make house rules.

As the first day gives way to night, the natives can be seen moving at a faster pace outside. They’re hurried, though not frightened. Some even smile at you. When the sun sets behind the ruins of what was once picturesque Reims, your device will signal that it’s time to meet at the center of the community. There, natives will stop each person and give them a small gift - a trinket, a token to show that they are trying their best to make all the new arrivals feel at home. These are all items from the character’s home or from another character's home (they will not be anything that belongs to anyone else). Small, soundless and either something taken during the application process or something brand new. They will have no powers to speak of and are meant to be a momento. If asked, the natives found them the same way they found each of you.

Then the party starts. Sort of. A soundless, stitled kind of celebration. Fun is meant to be had, but it’s not an overly joyous occasion. The natives simply don’t know how to cut loose. There will be extra food in the form of one and two; Phillipa even brought some of her homemade bread. If you stumble across a man wearing a hat, the only man in town who does, and agree to go with him when he offers to show you his house - he’ll gift you with a jar of hooch; it’ll burn on the way down.

Sound Eaters
Content Warnings: Threat, danger
Themes: Survival, exploration, horror, game plot

It’s the second day of your stay, and the natives call for an emergency meeting at the Town Hall. Everyone is paired off (see below) and are asked to walk the perimeter looking for anything out of place and patching any areas that might have been affected by weather. Once finished, the same is done on the inside, and when the community leader is satisfied, the main hall is opened up so that everyone can congregate. Characters, during this time only, are allowed to make sound. This is so that the natives can explain why silence is so necessary...

The Sound Eaters.

In an effort not to frighten everyone, the natives won’t go into the history just yet, but they will warn that when someone makes a sound, it attracts them. They don’t know what they look like because they are so fast. If you’re too loud, then in the blink of an eye, you’ll go through a room reset. This is because either the natives ‘silenced’ you or the Sound Eaters have. They will explain that the room came at the same time the Sound Eaters did and that it doesn’t work for the natives. Sometimes, it doesn’t work on new arrivals. Death, for those born in this world, is permanent. If you attract them, you’ll get someone killed. Hence the need for no noise. During the meeting, the natives will tell each character of their own experiences. Their losses. The families they have left and how they’d do anything to keep them alive. They don’t know if you’ll be reset, but is that a risk you’re willing to take? The meeting will last a few hours and will end on a somber, ominous note - at the end of the month, they are taking everyone to meet them.

OOC
From your mods:

Please be mindful of content - if something triggery comes up or if it goes up a rating to say, something sexy, mark your threads in the subject line. We're very flexible and allow any material; we just want our players to be respectful of each other. If you have questions, pp the mod account, use the faq or comment to the appropriate post below. Have fun!

NAVIGATION

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Comments

Poe Dameron | Star Wars

[gotyourselfapilot]

Muzzle and Mute

[ None of this made any kind of sense. Poe was extremely frustrated once his thoughts could come back. He had hoped to wake up to a different scene altogether. Now all he had was worry, he paced on a sand path not really going anywhere. He makes a small circle as he stays on it there are times where he'll stop to glance around at the natives.

How were they okay with this? The freedom to speak was something he was used to giving. Now to remain silent would be hard at first. Poe's facial expression would be clear to anyone that something bothered him greatly. Maybe it was more than the new rules in place at staying quiet. He seemed a bit defeated too as he glances down toward the ground at the sand. It had shifted in placing and he couldn't help but crouch down to fix the path for the next person to use it.

If there's someone close by he's already on his device typing away on it before showing it to someone not a native. ]

What do you think about all of this?

[ It's a simple question and he was generally curious to find out what other people thought. ]

Man in the Hat (House Seven)

[ After settling his frustrated thoughts and being slightly calmer, Poe would be found in front of house seven. Or at least what he assumes is the house he'll be staying in. He will start by slowly moving in the smaller furniture. The pilot wouldn't even tempt the more heavier ones until he had another housemate to help him.

First he'll more in end tables that he can pick up and move silently inside. He'll place them on anything that's a carpet space and the others can direct him where they'll need to go for their rooms. He'll bring in about two for his own room and places them close to the wall but not too close.

He'll wait outside leaning against a desk as he waits for a new housemate. Once one comes he has something already for them to read. ]

We're gonna have to help each other out to stay silent and quiet while we move in furniture. For the bigger stuff it'll be good to a pair of hands or more depending on what it is. We can try moving this desk together. I brought in some end tables and random things that were easier to lift. But I didn't want to move anything too big without some help.

Man in the Hat (Party time!)

[ Poe is a bit apprehensive in going to parties. He wasn't big on them to begin with but if this was to gather as a community and learn more, he was gonna go regardless. Once there he didn't expect to get anything from them, much less something from home. Even as a small gesture, he wasn't expecting a necklace with a familiar ring on it. Poe couldn't help but feel the warmth and small heartache that it brought. It would be the most cherished possession from home. A wedding ring that belonged to his late mother. A tiny spark of hope gathered in him as he quietly put it on and left it dangling out for now.

He wondered if everyone would get something. Hopefully some others got something more useful. But he was happy with what he could get and appreciative of it. Even if it wasn't a tool or useful, this held a lot of meaning to him. It would remind him that he could do anything and change wasn't all that bad. A hand would be wrapped around the ring for a moment as he glanced around the party. ]

Soul Eaters (Closed to Izaya Orihara)

[ The next time a meeting is held and they actually want them to make noise for a reason. Poe is thankful that he could at least use his voice this time. A freedom that was easily taken away due to certain rules. Finding out the main reason for it would make it all the more real for them. He waits for his teammate pair not wanting to go towards the perimeter right away. If they were to make a lot noise he wanted to have his partner along so they could partake it in as well. It would only be the fair thing to do. ]

Let me know when you're ready to go. Since this seems to be the only time to make noise. So we know what we're truly up against while being here.

Man in the Hat

[poodlemom]

[Similarly to Poe, Victor had been handed a small ring. He held in a gasp of joy, hands flying outward with thrown wide fingers, before reaching in quickly and snatching it from the gifters hands. After immediately turned over a few times to make sure it was what he thought it was, he gleamed back at the native with a wide smile. They probably don't expect to flung toward and hugged, but that's what Victor does, not lingering too long in the villagers discomfort to be suddenly embraced. Getting his distance again, Victor puts the ring on his fingers, his engagement ring, he couldn't have wanted anything more from home....

He might bump Poe on accident during a thoughtless, joyous little spin in place, hand outreached to admire the gold band. Rather graceful in his recovery and give a wilted, apologetic smile to the man he knocked into. Whoops!]

[gotyourselfapilot]

[ Poe may not have been paying attention to some of the others that were receiving their gifts from home. He's particular gift would be meant to be given to the right partner someday. But that would take time he was sure, but to have it here was a good reminder of what his mother had told him. It'll only bring forth happier moments of home before the inevitability of war back at home. It was a time of peace and he'll be more appreciative of being here.

After being bumped into, he wasn't angry or upset. He gives a small smile back at Victor with a nod but he had removed his hand from the ring around his neck to give a small hand gesture at Victor. It was moved in a way of don't worry about bumping into him. His device was then taken out of his pocket a quick message and he holds it up for Victor to see. ]

It's nice to see something good happening among all of the darkness.

[poodlemom]

[After rubbing the back of his neck, he'll see the man go for his communicator and reach for his, as well. His smile is plastered on his face, broad and genuine, quickly showing off his ring with a cheeriness not very befitting the scenario. It's a simple, good thing, he'll revel in it! He texts back, after,]

this is all KINDS of crazy, but I can't help and be happy to have my ring back
I got engaged RIGHT before ending up here [what luck, huh? He'd sigh wistfully if that wouldn't be too loud.....]

muzzle

[tropism]

It's ridiculous, but then again, we're not from here.

We'll be able to evaluate the situation better once we actually figure out what we're dealing with. An encounter would be nice, however ill-advised it might be.

[gotyourselfapilot]

We may not be from here, but we can still have opinions. Even if we can't voice them properly. The natives don't seem all that bothered by their situation that they are used too.

I would agree with having an encounter. Maybe not have one right away but it's definitely something to plan out and prepare for.

[tropism]

Not disputing that. All I'm saying is that it's easier to go along with them for now. Although they've lived in these rules for a while, it's hard to predict how people can be when they're constantly afraid.

Definitely. But we can't bring it into town.

Do you have experience in setting up an ambush? We can talk more, otherwise - discussing options for the inevitable isn't such a bad way to adapt.

Muzzle

[shotfired]

[ Lup shoots Poe A Look™ ]

Shit sucks

[gotyourselfapilot]

[ He gives a small shrug back at Lup. ]

I know. I don't particularly like having this freedom taken away. How long do you think the natives were here?

[shotfired]

I'd say their whole lives, probably. I mean look at them, I sincerely doubt they can do much more than exist.

mute

[born2b]

[This world is all so unfamiliar to her. There are humans everywhere. It feels like her world is tilting, overwhelmed by the circumstances before her arrival and being amongst humans, her creators. But this is a world of silence, quiet, like death.

She's grateful for a role, but the awkwardness of being amongst humans hasn't yet worn off.

Reluctantly, 2B fishes her own device out of her jumpsuit's pocket before responding...]

I

[There's a pause as 2B frowns down at her device, thinking over her next words before she holds up the device for the man to see.]

am grateful for this opportunity

[gotyourselfapilot]

[ This was a different reply from what he thought he would be seeing more of today. Poe's eyebrows lift upward in surprise but there's another look of maybe concern. ]

Did something happen to you back on your world? If this is too personal right away, you don't need to answer. Most people wouldn't be using a response such as that.

[born2b]

[Yes, but it isn't something she wants to talk about to a human. It's not important to a human. Instead, she considers her next words, fingers ghosting over her device before she swiftly types her reply.]

It is an honour to serve mankind

[Regardless of whether she is here or back on Earth, that is her purpose. Well. Not that Earth is an option anymore.]

Man in the Hat (House Seven)

[rockypath]

[Faith had already gotten a mattress in her room with the help of some natives when she'd arrived, so when she returned after a bit of exploration and getting a feel for the town, she came back to see Poe waiting. She slowed and gave him a tentative wave before leaning down to check out the message he was holding out.]

I can help with the desk. Where are we putting it?

[Faith didn't think she had much use for a desk herself, but that was no reason not to be helpful. She wanted to make a good impression here. It was like a new start. No one had any preconceived notions about her. In that way it was a bit freeing. If only it hadn't come with the downside of not being able to fucking talk.]

Name's Faith. [She gave him a wave.]

[gotyourselfapilot]

[ Poe didn't want to be much of a bother to the natives right away. He wanted to figure out who all may be within this house too. It would help a lot plus getting to know them would be a new kind of adventure. When Faith tentatively waves he greets her with a small smile and a tiny wave as well. ]

My room is big enough to have a desk this size. It'll mostly get used for building parts or tinkering on than anything else.

[ He would move to one end and point for her to take the other end. Poe would take the end that would lead backwards toward the house. Hopefully no one will come behind them as they did so. Before taking his though he gives a wave. ]

Nice to meet you Faith. I'm Poe Dameron. [ After introducing himself he'll grab his end while waiting for her to take hers. The no talking while doing these kinds of tasks was really annoying but he could work around it. ]

[rockypath]

[Yeah, no talking and trying to move large pieces of furniture felt like one of those dumb ass team building exercises. Right between trust-falls and the one where you lead your partner around blind-folded.]

[Faith went to the side of the desk and lifted her end and gestured her head toward him to lead on. Maybe once they were done getting this in she could get his help in locating a bed frame as she hadn't had much luck so far in tracking one down.]

House Seven

[laytheghost]

[Poe will find he's getting a more measuring glance than he might expect from this twit of a twenty-year-old girl who was trying to move a three-hundred pound bed into the house by herself earlier. she's leaning against the wall of the building, arms crossed, radiating the air of someone who's just itching to find a reason to have an attitude. is that really necessary in these circumstances? ...on the other hand, since his work is with rebels, he might be more used to punk kids than any one man wants to be in a lifetime already.

...for all of the apparent readiness to pick a beef that her set face and tense posture implies, her typed response seems surprisingly reasonable.]

has anyone found towels or shit yet? we can tape them to the edges and muffle the bumps.

[gotyourselfapilot]

[ He's used to dealing with all sorts of different kinds of people. For a short period of time he was recruiting for the Resistance before getting into missions that General Leia Organa needed done by someone she trusted. A team that he could get together to do something other than sit idle. Poe looks at Jan wondering if her body language would reflect in the response he would get. He's not afraid or intimidated. There's no flinching being made as her device comes his way so he could see what it says. ]

I didn't see any within the house. There could be a shop around here if you wanted to go venture with someone. It might be helpful for other things to carry in with. As well as place on the floor to make it quieter in areas or floor boards that could creak.

[laytheghost]

[great, someone who doesn't know shit about floors. at least that's not unusual...]

you need shims and friction screws for creaks, not towels. maybe some wood glue. god knows what shape the joists and boards are in.

[and how is she supposed to fix them without making any noise? Jan bites her lip, more irritated at the whole situation than ever. she could get a hand drill and make the holes for the screws with something to muffle the noise, maybe... that's going to be an enormous pain in the ass, and slow to boot. how's she going to get the floorboards up to look without a hammer, anyway?

she takes a moment to examine the conviction that this is somehow why her dad and all his high school friends took her power tools away when she was twelve and told her she had to learn how to do everything the hard way. fucking hell, she hates it when they're right.]

sheets. we could use sheets probably. carpet, blankets, anything soft. theyll muffle footsteps at least. you offering to come along?

[that had BETTER be why he's telling her who she should have supervising wherever she decides to go. it's not that he's not being practical, or that she doesn't know he's just being safety-conscious, but right now she's already ready to be exasperated about everything, much less some guy deciding he's the boss of the house.]

muzzle & mute

[steal]

[Rey isn't okay with this. Not a single thing. The only reason she isn't making a scene right now is because the fear of these people keeps her in line. Whatever is happening here, she won't risk causing them harm. She may not fully believe them yet, but their fear is very real. She's almost consumed by it as she ambles out of the arrival area and outside, looking around at everything suspiciously.

There's a face she recognizes however, one that makes her smile with hope. She makes a beeline straight toward him,
finding strength in familiarity.]

I think we should be looking for a way out. One must exist.

[gotyourselfapilot]

[ When he looks up to see a familiar face his own lit up. He didn't know if there would be anyone from their world to be here. At least he wouldn't have to be alone with having another person here they could work together. Maybe get other people involved. He would try to make a list somewhere. Find a journal that he could use, figure out if the device could hold a logging kind of thing.

He smiles at her feeling that hope slowly spark back. Even if he was still full of regret and some doubt. But he could try giving her light from all of this darkness. ]

What was your question to the native? I feel really silly asking them if there are any areas to speak freely in. But it may come in handy for private conversation that needs to spoken. Poe Dameron, by the way.

[ He knew that he was facing Rey. BB-8 and Finn both talked about her enough that he could tell by look alone. ]

muzzle & mute

[a2brutus]

[What's an eloquent way of saying Shit sucks, fam, but it's better than i'm used to?]

It's not any worse than what I'm used to.

Better, actually.

[gotyourselfapilot]

What are you used to exactly?

I have an issue about freedoms being taken away. People seemingly to be afraid in this matter. There's a few things I hate about it. But I appreciate what there is here. It could be much worse.

Sound Eaters

[unconventionallove]

[Izaya approaches his partner with an easy smile, perhaps too relaxed given the overall circumstances. He's far too curious for fear.]

Ready whenever you are~ [He adds, voice lowered,] How much of this are you buying?

[gotyourselfapilot]

[ Poe doesn't seem all too afraid with this task either. Once he sees that his partner isn't bothered by it he gives a smile in return. ]

I'm always ready. [ He starts to walk in the direction they were told to go in. ] I wanna see it for myself. The natives are afraid of something. There must be a reason. It can't just be nothing. If a freedom is taken away from us, I wanna know why.