Apocalypse How Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
apocalypsehowmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
apocalypsehowcomm2023-12-05 05:15 pm
apocalypsehowmods) wrote in apocalypsehowcomm2023-12-05 05:15 pm
Entry tags:
Spinning - network | video | open
Who: Nia Lehrer and You!
Username: n.lehrer
Warnings: compulsion/mind control
[It's a familiar face that appears on the off-worlders' private network; though, one that hasn't been seen around ADI headquarters in recent weeks. Nia Lehrer's eyes gaze into the camera as though trained upon the viewer, her expression as intense as ever. She's looking worse for wear with a halfway healed cut above one eye and the collar of her shirt bloodstained. It's hard to see much of the room from which she's broadcasting. The space is unlit apart from the light of the phone screen on her face, the rest of the room cloaked in shadow. There's just the vague impression of dingy plaster walls and a water-damaged ceiling.]
Hello, everyone. I know this is a little unusual, but I suggest you listen because this may be the most important thing any of us do here in this world– in Gloucester.
[She glances off-camera at something or someone, mouth tightening a little with some suppressed emotion before she gives a little nod. And then–]
You must come to the house at the center of Dogtown. Immediately.
[Her eyes seem fathomlessly black for a moment as those words drown out all other thought, seeping deep into almost every viewer's mind and taking hold of their hearts. There's something wrong here, something deeply wrong, but knowing that does not diminish the sudden inescapability of the order she's given. Those who have heard it and feel the power know with dread certainty that they will enter Dogtown as bidden to seek out the house at its center. And for those who are able to resist or who didn't see the broadcast? Those are people who must be brought. You must bring everyone with you into Dogtown.
Nia sits back and lets out a tired little sigh.]
There's a ritual brewing here, and we must destabilize it–or maybe the opposite, considering it's the Spiral behind all of this. I've found my way in, but I don't have enough manpower here; I need you to come join me so we can finish this. There's a safe path through Dogtown, just not a straight one. Follow the spiral, keep turning along with it whenever you brush up against the edges of what's safe. It'll bring you here, to the center. You'll have to get past the fence after that. Normal means won't work; you have to come at it sideways somehow.
You'll know more when you get here. There's too much to explain like this, but I'll tell you everything I can once you find me. Then we'll put an end to this together, once and for all. This is the big one. The last one.
[With another tight nod, she cuts the video feed. It seems, though, that her account is still active. Perhaps she'll remain long enough to answer a few questions.]
Username: n.lehrer
Warnings: compulsion/mind control
[It's a familiar face that appears on the off-worlders' private network; though, one that hasn't been seen around ADI headquarters in recent weeks. Nia Lehrer's eyes gaze into the camera as though trained upon the viewer, her expression as intense as ever. She's looking worse for wear with a halfway healed cut above one eye and the collar of her shirt bloodstained. It's hard to see much of the room from which she's broadcasting. The space is unlit apart from the light of the phone screen on her face, the rest of the room cloaked in shadow. There's just the vague impression of dingy plaster walls and a water-damaged ceiling.]
Hello, everyone. I know this is a little unusual, but I suggest you listen because this may be the most important thing any of us do here in this world– in Gloucester.
[She glances off-camera at something or someone, mouth tightening a little with some suppressed emotion before she gives a little nod. And then–]
You must come to the house at the center of Dogtown. Immediately.
[Her eyes seem fathomlessly black for a moment as those words drown out all other thought, seeping deep into almost every viewer's mind and taking hold of their hearts. There's something wrong here, something deeply wrong, but knowing that does not diminish the sudden inescapability of the order she's given. Those who have heard it and feel the power know with dread certainty that they will enter Dogtown as bidden to seek out the house at its center. And for those who are able to resist or who didn't see the broadcast? Those are people who must be brought. You must bring everyone with you into Dogtown.
Nia sits back and lets out a tired little sigh.]
There's a ritual brewing here, and we must destabilize it–or maybe the opposite, considering it's the Spiral behind all of this. I've found my way in, but I don't have enough manpower here; I need you to come join me so we can finish this. There's a safe path through Dogtown, just not a straight one. Follow the spiral, keep turning along with it whenever you brush up against the edges of what's safe. It'll bring you here, to the center. You'll have to get past the fence after that. Normal means won't work; you have to come at it sideways somehow.
You'll know more when you get here. There's too much to explain like this, but I'll tell you everything I can once you find me. Then we'll put an end to this together, once and for all. This is the big one. The last one.
[With another tight nod, she cuts the video feed. It seems, though, that her account is still active. Perhaps she'll remain long enough to answer a few questions.]
MOD NOTES AND QUESTIONS
Once characters have seen or heard the contents of this video, the compulsion to follow the order and come to the center of Dogtown is irresistible to most. Characters may vary in their level of awareness that they are being compelled and "happiness" about obeying according to player discretion; while obeying the order is inevitable for most, they don't have to like it. For folks who absolutely do not want their character compelled, the PCs and NPCs around them who are being compelled will beg, plead, and kidnap them into Dogtown. There's a compulsion to bring everyone. This is too important to miss.
Characters who do not see or hear the video will not be subject to its compulsion. However, we must warn players that entering the house at the center of Dogtown for this event is central to participation in Apocalypse How's endgame. While the video and its compulsion tie into plot elements that will soon be revealed, it's also offered as a way for players to cause characters who would otherwise be reluctant to storm Dogtown to participate in the events of the finale.
Characters who have been lucky enough to make the acquaintance of Gus the Bus and receive one of his
frequent traveler stampsspiderweb tattoos will feel heavily compelled to enter Dogtown regardless of whether or not they have seen the video. Indeed, they will be even more insistent about dragging people along with them. Again, though, their level of awareness of the compulsion and whether or not they're "happy" to obey is up to player discretion.[video]
What equipment do you need?
[ Kate is getting ready to go. OMG! Has Winter, Rogers, and Yelena seen this? They need to go too. But they should be prepared when they go... right? ]
[text]
Come armed, but that should be obvious. Anything you need to protect yourself. And don't come alone, there's strength in numbers.
[text]
She switches to text too because she has to prepare! She can't go into Dogtown wearing work slacks and a nice blouse. It's just not practical! ]
Don't come alone, got it! What threats have you faced while making your way to the house?
[ Kate has been avoidant of Dogtown mostly since she's arrived! She's heard stories and knows a little bit about what others have gone through. They've been through a lot and knowing that would make normally make her question Nia's command but the compulsion is strong with this one. ]
[permatext]
Definitely a lot of Spiral in here, along with Hunt and Web. I hate to say it, but the Web seems to be trying to "help," at least. So maybe a little less danger there. Still, be on your guard.
no subject
[ What? She's not asking for a friend. That seems like a useful weapon! Especially against malicious spiders and overgrowth. The only real weapon she has is a taser. :( ]
Help? Well. That's something I suppose.
i remembered this is text
Sorry. Had to make sure with things getting shifted around after the departures. You know were the armory is in the lower levels. Arm yourselves there.
no subject
What do you mean departures? Have you found the source of what's causing all of the off-worlders to come and go?
Armory, got it. Anything else?
no subject
Bring any artifacts you or anyone else you know has been keeping. Could come in handy, especially getting through the fence.
no subject
[ Kate. Kate, no. ]
Okay. I will. [ Wait. ] How did you get through?
no subject
no subject
Look for the spiders, got it. Who is we?
no subject
Me, Bonnie, and Reyes.
They're alive, thank god.
Met up with them in here.
no subject
I'm glad you're not alone. Can you guys get out of the house and wait for the rest of us to make it to you?
no subject
Lot out there that doesn't want anyone getting in.
no subject
no subject
no subject