Atarah (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
misassembled) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thisavrou_log2017-06-04 02:28 pm
misassembled) wrote in thisavrou_log2017-06-04 02:28 pm
June Player Plot Log
Who: Everyone
When: June 4rd to June 26th
Where: Earth 91c
What: Thisavrou’s Ingress connects to an alternate, technologically advanced version of Earth.
Warnings: Murder (and mystery!), potential violence, arguably slavery(?)
Important OOC Note: This event features NPC encounters in certain locations, with the NPCs Atarah (misassembled), Alex (outofstock), and Calla (TBA). These encounters may be used to gather information for the murder investigation, influence the world, or just to nab some interesting CR. If you are open to having your character approached by an NPC, please include the phrase “NPC-friendly” in the subject line of your top-level, or in the the heading of your preferred starter(s). Note that your chances of such an encounter may be greatly increased (or even guaranteed) by signing up for encounters on the OOC post. Have fun!
Once visitors arrive in Eastgate City proper, it will be very easy to see how exactly Earth 91c became the utopia it is today. Programs, AI, androids—whatever you call them, they’re known as the “Created” here and they’re out in force. They perform a variety of functions on this world, including (but not limited to) manual labor, factory work, personal and professional assistance, system organization, household drudgery, farming, construction, child care, entertainment, and companionship. A large portion of these Created are called “Programs”; they resemble humans, marked as different only by glowing markings that decorate their bodies, some simple and some so ornate and extensive, their wearers resemble walking works of art. Any who are familiar with Thisavrou's own small Program population will notice a key difference, however: the Programs of Earth 91c carry no disks on their backs. There are also AI, owned by individuals or companies, often resembling small, holographic humans who can be summoned at will by personal devices to provide information, analysis, or entertainment. Anywhere you go in the city you’ll see these Created, hurrying along to carry out their programmed functions, stationed in businesses or kiosks, or accompanying the humans (called, of course, “Creators”) who own them. To prevent any confusion between visiting and native Created, all AI characters who enter through the Ingress will be asked to wear identifying bracelets for the duration of their stay. All visitors are also referred to a message broadcast to their TABs for a list of the planet’s laws as they pertain to foreign guests, and as a means of getting in contact with Eastgate’s official ambassador, Daniel Wright.
And yet, for all the pretense of welcome, there’s a strange, tense atmosphere pervading the city. You might be able to see it in the wary glances of organic and AI alike towards more visibly foreign visitors, or hear it in the hushed whispers of a crime too terrible to imagine. Most natives you meet will be reluctant to discuss it with you, but you may be able to put together a few details: an incident occurred a couple weeks earlier in which a Created—a Program by the name of Kess—murdered two humans at a political rally for the rising political star Delilah Handler, a candidate with known ties to the “Equalist” movement—an umbrella term for activists who seek to further Created rights. No one is quite sure how such an attack was possible; the production of Created is strictly regulated so that none possess the capacity for such violence. But, speculation abounds. Some believe that it was a random, tragic glitch. Some blame the Ingress for bringing in some kind of foreign virus and fear that other Created may also become indiscriminately violent. However, the predominant theory is that Delilah somehow altered Kess’s programming and unintentionally created the glitch that caused Kess to snap. This theory is supported both by Delilah’s ties to the Equalist movement, which has been long suspected of editing Created to parrot their beliefs, and the fact that she was a former authorized programmer, meaning she might’ve had the knowledge to edit Kess. Whatever the truth, the incident has cast a pall of mistrust over the normally hospitable city. But for those willing to put up with the uneasy atmosphere, Eastgate has a number of locations available to explore.
One of the largest structures in the city, this sprawling facility is made up of multiple interconnected buildings and courtyards. The Center for Created Oversight and Affairs (or the CCOA) manages almost every aspect of Program and AI life, from their creation to related policy-making. Though most of the buildings are off-limits to visitors, there is a museum open to the public with exhibits that display how Programs and other AI are created and the role they play in Eastgate’s society. Simple, easy-to-understand exhibits explain that Created are coded by highly trained programmers using advanced computers, and that those meant for “outside use” are then made tangible through a complex “reverse-digitization process.” There are regular tours through the museum, delivered, of course, by beaming Created docents.
Though security in the museum is relatively light, all other areas of the facility are heavily guarded and monitored.
Marked only by a neon sign showing a flower in bloom, The Gardens is a popular, high-end entertainment venue, which includes a bar, lounge, dance floor, and casino, all connected by a verdant courtyard. As one might guess from the name, the entire venue has a botanical theme that extends not only to the interior and exterior decor, but also to the Created who work there. These Created include Programs marked by very thin, fine circuits on their faces, wrists, and ankles that are wrought in a delicate floral pattern and are named after flowers corresponding to their circuit colors. These Programs serve a variety of functions here, from running the casino games to keeping the venue clean to accommodating the requests of the venue’s various guests. There are also holographic AI, resembling foot-tall humans with insectoid wings, stationed at the bar who can help you find a place to sit, direct you to the venue’s various attractions, and place an order for drinks (though the bartender himself is human). Visitors here can drink, dance, or gamble the night away, though they should be warned: fighting and destructive behavior are not allowed on the premises and violators will be removed by the venue’s (human) security.
On the outskirts of Eastgate lies the center of production, a vast maze of factories and refineries that produce most of the goods consumed by the city. Here, Created outnumber humans several times over; after all, they staff all of the factories. In fact, there are some factories that operate almost entirely independent of human supervision and are only given a general inspection a few times a year. If you speak with the right people, you may even hear word of a factory that has ceased to be a factory. For those who can rub elbows with the criminal elements of Eastgate, “Rook Manufacturing” may prove a useful place for your less-than-legal needs. Here, visiting AI can get their mandatory bracelets removed free-of-charge—and any organics wanting to see how the other side lives can purchases these bracelets for themselves, if they have something worth trading. AI can also pay for illegal upgrades; even a full function change isn’t out of the question, though the side-effects would be severe to say the very least. However, even with such services available, unfamiliar guests shouldn’t expect a completely cordial experience during their visit. A certain AI is known for testing newcomers’ patience—quite literally, as it turns out. Finally, those interested in challenge rather than commerce may be interested in Rook Manufacturing’s next offering: a chance to fight with willing, combat-ready Programs looking to try out their new upgrades in the ring. All fights MUST be non-lethal. Attending the fights is the leader of this operation, a green-circuited Program by the name of Atarah. Judging by the awed hush that falls over the assembled audience when she appears, it’s no secret that she commands a great deal of respect here—from Creators and Created alike.
Missions Available
OOC: If you have any questions about the event or setting, please post them here!
When: June 4rd to June 26th
Where: Earth 91c
What: Thisavrou’s Ingress connects to an alternate, technologically advanced version of Earth.
Warnings: Murder (and mystery!), potential violence, arguably slavery(?)
Important OOC Note: This event features NPC encounters in certain locations, with the NPCs Atarah (misassembled), Alex (outofstock), and Calla (TBA). These encounters may be used to gather information for the murder investigation, influence the world, or just to nab some interesting CR. If you are open to having your character approached by an NPC, please include the phrase “NPC-friendly” in the subject line of your top-level, or in the the heading of your preferred starter(s). Note that your chances of such an encounter may be greatly increased (or even guaranteed) by signing up for encounters on the OOC post. Have fun!
Earth 91c
While scanning through various universes for matching signatures, Thisavrou’s Ingress technicians occasionally find different versions of a single world, not quite matching the signature of anyone’s homeworld and yet not completely alien either. On the first of June, Thisavrou’s Ingress connects to one such alternate world—specifically, an alternative version of Earth.
Labeled “Earth 91c” by Ingress personnel, life on this Earth is fundamentally different than the life Earthlings on Thisavrou may remember. It’s the year 2610 and advancements made hundreds of years in the past have revolutionized every industry on the planet, allowing for an exponential increase in the production of food, goods, and commodities, while the cost in human effort and suffering has fallen to almost null. The result is a near-utopia with surpluses in almost every resource, creating an environment where humans can stretch their creative and scientific wings skyward, where no brilliant mind must be squandered in a life spent on unfulfilling menial labor. Art and technology flourish on this world and beyond, as humans, freed from such quaint concerns as food production and resource extraction, have extended their reach to the stars, even discovering an Ingress on a distant planet and relocating it to a city on Earth.
Upon exiting the Ingress, visitors will find themselves in a vibrant center of technological and cultural exchange, in the midst of a human civilization that seems to be in the midst of its golden age. The technology that made this prosperity possible is on full display throughout Eastgate City. And some of it is very familiar…
Labeled “Earth 91c” by Ingress personnel, life on this Earth is fundamentally different than the life Earthlings on Thisavrou may remember. It’s the year 2610 and advancements made hundreds of years in the past have revolutionized every industry on the planet, allowing for an exponential increase in the production of food, goods, and commodities, while the cost in human effort and suffering has fallen to almost null. The result is a near-utopia with surpluses in almost every resource, creating an environment where humans can stretch their creative and scientific wings skyward, where no brilliant mind must be squandered in a life spent on unfulfilling menial labor. Art and technology flourish on this world and beyond, as humans, freed from such quaint concerns as food production and resource extraction, have extended their reach to the stars, even discovering an Ingress on a distant planet and relocating it to a city on Earth.
Upon exiting the Ingress, visitors will find themselves in a vibrant center of technological and cultural exchange, in the midst of a human civilization that seems to be in the midst of its golden age. The technology that made this prosperity possible is on full display throughout Eastgate City. And some of it is very familiar…
Welcome To Eastgate City
Once visitors arrive in Eastgate City proper, it will be very easy to see how exactly Earth 91c became the utopia it is today. Programs, AI, androids—whatever you call them, they’re known as the “Created” here and they’re out in force. They perform a variety of functions on this world, including (but not limited to) manual labor, factory work, personal and professional assistance, system organization, household drudgery, farming, construction, child care, entertainment, and companionship. A large portion of these Created are called “Programs”; they resemble humans, marked as different only by glowing markings that decorate their bodies, some simple and some so ornate and extensive, their wearers resemble walking works of art. Any who are familiar with Thisavrou's own small Program population will notice a key difference, however: the Programs of Earth 91c carry no disks on their backs. There are also AI, owned by individuals or companies, often resembling small, holographic humans who can be summoned at will by personal devices to provide information, analysis, or entertainment. Anywhere you go in the city you’ll see these Created, hurrying along to carry out their programmed functions, stationed in businesses or kiosks, or accompanying the humans (called, of course, “Creators”) who own them. To prevent any confusion between visiting and native Created, all AI characters who enter through the Ingress will be asked to wear identifying bracelets for the duration of their stay. All visitors are also referred to a message broadcast to their TABs for a list of the planet’s laws as they pertain to foreign guests, and as a means of getting in contact with Eastgate’s official ambassador, Daniel Wright.
And yet, for all the pretense of welcome, there’s a strange, tense atmosphere pervading the city. You might be able to see it in the wary glances of organic and AI alike towards more visibly foreign visitors, or hear it in the hushed whispers of a crime too terrible to imagine. Most natives you meet will be reluctant to discuss it with you, but you may be able to put together a few details: an incident occurred a couple weeks earlier in which a Created—a Program by the name of Kess—murdered two humans at a political rally for the rising political star Delilah Handler, a candidate with known ties to the “Equalist” movement—an umbrella term for activists who seek to further Created rights. No one is quite sure how such an attack was possible; the production of Created is strictly regulated so that none possess the capacity for such violence. But, speculation abounds. Some believe that it was a random, tragic glitch. Some blame the Ingress for bringing in some kind of foreign virus and fear that other Created may also become indiscriminately violent. However, the predominant theory is that Delilah somehow altered Kess’s programming and unintentionally created the glitch that caused Kess to snap. This theory is supported both by Delilah’s ties to the Equalist movement, which has been long suspected of editing Created to parrot their beliefs, and the fact that she was a former authorized programmer, meaning she might’ve had the knowledge to edit Kess. Whatever the truth, the incident has cast a pall of mistrust over the normally hospitable city. But for those willing to put up with the uneasy atmosphere, Eastgate has a number of locations available to explore.
The Center for Created Oversight and Affairs
One of the largest structures in the city, this sprawling facility is made up of multiple interconnected buildings and courtyards. The Center for Created Oversight and Affairs (or the CCOA) manages almost every aspect of Program and AI life, from their creation to related policy-making. Though most of the buildings are off-limits to visitors, there is a museum open to the public with exhibits that display how Programs and other AI are created and the role they play in Eastgate’s society. Simple, easy-to-understand exhibits explain that Created are coded by highly trained programmers using advanced computers, and that those meant for “outside use” are then made tangible through a complex “reverse-digitization process.” There are regular tours through the museum, delivered, of course, by beaming Created docents.
Though security in the museum is relatively light, all other areas of the facility are heavily guarded and monitored.
The Gardens
Marked only by a neon sign showing a flower in bloom, The Gardens is a popular, high-end entertainment venue, which includes a bar, lounge, dance floor, and casino, all connected by a verdant courtyard. As one might guess from the name, the entire venue has a botanical theme that extends not only to the interior and exterior decor, but also to the Created who work there. These Created include Programs marked by very thin, fine circuits on their faces, wrists, and ankles that are wrought in a delicate floral pattern and are named after flowers corresponding to their circuit colors. These Programs serve a variety of functions here, from running the casino games to keeping the venue clean to accommodating the requests of the venue’s various guests. There are also holographic AI, resembling foot-tall humans with insectoid wings, stationed at the bar who can help you find a place to sit, direct you to the venue’s various attractions, and place an order for drinks (though the bartender himself is human). Visitors here can drink, dance, or gamble the night away, though they should be warned: fighting and destructive behavior are not allowed on the premises and violators will be removed by the venue’s (human) security.
Manufacturing District
On the outskirts of Eastgate lies the center of production, a vast maze of factories and refineries that produce most of the goods consumed by the city. Here, Created outnumber humans several times over; after all, they staff all of the factories. In fact, there are some factories that operate almost entirely independent of human supervision and are only given a general inspection a few times a year. If you speak with the right people, you may even hear word of a factory that has ceased to be a factory. For those who can rub elbows with the criminal elements of Eastgate, “Rook Manufacturing” may prove a useful place for your less-than-legal needs. Here, visiting AI can get their mandatory bracelets removed free-of-charge—and any organics wanting to see how the other side lives can purchases these bracelets for themselves, if they have something worth trading. AI can also pay for illegal upgrades; even a full function change isn’t out of the question, though the side-effects would be severe to say the very least. However, even with such services available, unfamiliar guests shouldn’t expect a completely cordial experience during their visit. A certain AI is known for testing newcomers’ patience—quite literally, as it turns out. Finally, those interested in challenge rather than commerce may be interested in Rook Manufacturing’s next offering: a chance to fight with willing, combat-ready Programs looking to try out their new upgrades in the ring. All fights MUST be non-lethal. Attending the fights is the leader of this operation, a green-circuited Program by the name of Atarah. Judging by the awed hush that falls over the assembled audience when she appears, it’s no secret that she commands a great deal of respect here—from Creators and Created alike.
Missions Available
♖Visitors to Rook Manufacturing may hear excited rumors that Atarah is looking to recruit outsiders for a more meaningful kind of fight. There are whispers that something precious has been taken from her and her fellow Created by a faction that identifies as “Extinctionists”—a movement that opposes the very existence of Created in the outside world. And she is willing to pay any sum to anyone who is willing to get it back—if you can prove you’re worth her time.
♔ Knowledge of foreign technology, particularly as it relates to artificial intelligence, is highly valued by the CCOA. Those with expertise on such technology, whether from Thisavrou or their own world, will be paid 200 sencs for a seminar on the subject, assuming they can provide new information about technology not yet present on Earth 91c. It’s possible a charlatan might be able to give a seminar on a piece of technology that doesn’t actually exist—just hope that there’s nobody from your own world in the crowd who might be able to call you out.
OOC: If you have any questions about the event or setting, please post them here!
infodump time
“I was telling the truth when I said I didn’t know Delilah or Kess. But… I think I might know what happened. To Kess, at least.” He fixes his gaze on L, alert for any outward reaction in the man’s expression. “About a week before the murders, two Creators came to the Gardens—a man and a woman. I hadn’t seen them before, but there wasn't anything that looked strange about them. I was working in the casino and the woman approached me and asked me to accompany them to a private booth so they could show me... some game they were working on.” A hint of aggravation slips into Calla’s voice. “I thought it was an odd request, but I just assumed it was… you know… doublespeak for something else harmless." He shrugs and averts his gaze. "I went with them to the booth and they sat on either side of me. And then the woman pulled this… thing out of her bag.” He makes a circle with his fingers, about four inches in diameter. “Flat, straight edges. And all these glowing lines on one side.” His tone is distant as he remembers it, brow creased in concentration. “She said it was part of the game, and that I had to turn my back so she could set it up without me seeing. So I did and…” He can’t entirely stop the look of revulsion that crosses his features here. He shakes his head. “The second I turned away, she put it on my back and I couldn’t move. And it felt… Well, it hurt and I just felt… angry and sick, I think.” His tone has become less certain here, the focus in his expression more tenuous. “The man—he was sitting in front of me so no one could see—asked why it was taking so long and the woman said she wasn’t sure if it was working. And then I heard someone else start yelling at them, telling them to stop… And then I felt her lift the thing from my back and I shut down.”
He’s become gradually more tense throughout the account, and by now he looks practically spring-loaded. “When I woke up, there was a man sitting next to me in the booth. A different one from before. He asked me what had happened and if I was alright. And if I was supposed to be making that noise.” Calla gives a short, brittle laugh and then quiets. “You can’t hear it now. The music’s too loud. That’s come in handy for a while.” He seems to deflate some, realizing that the secret is out, and then continues. “He told me that he was with the Equalists and that he wouldn’t tell my Creator that I was… glitched.” Calla’s voice falters some here. The word itself seems to make him feel slightly ill. “He helped me back to my charging station and that’s the last I saw of him. Or the other two Creators.”
He takes a slow breath. “About a week later, I heard a Program had killed two Creators at some political rally. And that she’d been making some strange noise when it happened.” He refocuses on L again, back to the present moment. “I think… I think those Creators did to her what they did to me. Except in her case, I think it worked.”
no subject
What really gets L's attention during the course of the narrative, apart from the story itself, is Calla's reactions to his own experiences. For one thing, it's obvious that the kind of "games" he expected the couple to want to play were probably sexual, and that Calla himself would not have had the choice of refusing even if he'd wanted to, and that he indeed may have wanted to. He might refer to such things as "harmless" -- and they usually are, if everyone is a willing participant -- but there was still the way he averted his gaze. And then, the agitation, the fear, at what had happened to him, at the idea that he might be glitched, at the idea that he might be reset.
It's impossible for L to think of Tex as a machine, any more than he is: it's more that she can use her mind to control a machine that has no sentience of its own. The situation here is not quite the same, but it's similar enough to disquiet him. If the Created merely did their jobs and had no feelings about them, going through the motions like assembly line robots, then treating them like large, sophisticated mechanized tools might be appropriate. But Calla clearly has feelings, reactions, and fears, like anyone might. He finds the loss of his own consciousness undesirable -- he has a consciousness to lose. That makes him less of a tool or piece of equipment, and more explicitly a slave.
He finds himself feeling a small kernel of anger that hadn't been there up to this point, but it doesn't show on his face, which only remains soberly interested.
There are the other points of Calla's story, too. If Delilah was aware that something had happened to Calla, and Calla didn't know her or Kess, then the man who had come to his aid was most likely telling the truth about being an Equalist. But the identity of the man and the woman with the alteration disc is still up in the air... who are they, who are they working for? Someone with a vested interest in discrediting the Equalist cause, but that could be a lot of people. Nearly everyone here profits from the Created in some way, but some probably more than others. They wouldn't be owners or management of this complex -- Calla didn't recognize them and he hadn't been reset, and the method didn't fit that scenario, anyway. They might own something else of a similar nature, or somehow derive prestige from the current cultural norms, or they might be religious fanatics of some kind.
L is briefly silent, then says, "First of all, I'm sorry if my girlfriend frightened you." This is very nearly true, and he isn't a man who apologizes often. But it also conveys his relationship with Tex, and where his sympathies in this situation lie. "Second, do you remember what any of these people looked like? And third... are you able to leave here at any point in the future?"
no subject
“Leave? I… Well, if it’s absolutely necessary to your investigation, you might be able to talk to my Creator, but…” He stops himself. “But I don’t think that would be the best idea, sir,” he adds hurriedly. “If you did that, they’d know I was somehow involved. Besides, I don’t think I’d be much help—it wasn’t as if I was there at the crime scene when it happened.” He ducks his head in his own apology.
“As for what they looked like…” he starts, trying to refocus, “The woman had shoulder length red hair and she was maybe a few inches shorter than me. And she was carrying a tote bag—that’s where she was keeping that…” He makes the same vague circle with his hands that he had earlier. “Whatever it was. The bag had some kind of logo on it, but I wasn’t really paying attention.” His tone is apologetic again, eyes darting up almost as if he expects L to interject. When he doesn’t, Calla continues.
“The man was my height. Blond hair, short beard. He looked… out of place. Or, I mean, he was dressed like anyone else,” Calla backtracks, “But he seemed uncomfortable. Like he’d never been in a place like this before. He didn’t say anything to me, just the woman.”
“As for the last one...” Calla trails off, his brow furrowing. “...He was younger than the other two. He had dyed hair—kind of blue-ish.” Calla shakes his head. “I don’t anything else about him. I wasn’t really, um… in my right mind, at that moment.”
If L remembers the video attached to the anonymous network post, he may recall that there was someone with blue-dyed hair present—in fact, he had been one of the Creators killed in the attack.
“I hope that’s enough,” Calla says, glancing up anxiously. “I don’t remember much else from that night.”