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Tabula Rasa Mods ([personal profile] tabularasa_mods) wrote in [community profile] tabularasa_rp2020-09-15 10:58 pm

003 - Memories of a False History

Memories of a False History State of the World Locations Bestiary
OOC Comments
Please refer to the original Event Announcement for more information or to ask any questions you might have! For the disaster prompt, players are not restricted to the versions given, but they are intended to be the most common. Feel free to borrow ideas from the disaster suggestions thread as well!

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The Sound of All Things Bad
The sound comes without warning. What the sound is cannot quite be made out - it is at once artificial and natural, bestial and mechanical, rumbling and roaring and crunching, shattering and crashing and screaming. Everything about it feels like a threat, warning of danger. The cacophony of noise reaches throughout the entire Void, loud and inescapable, the mangling and clashing of different sounds leaving each individual with a different idea of what it could possibly have been. It sounds different to everyone, each person able to pick out a part of the sound that ties to their own fears.

What if...?

How long the sound lasts would depend on how the individual perceives time. It might last for seconds, or it might last for minutes, but once it stops it does not repeat. Where it came from or what it is does not become the slightest bit clearer, and people are left to only speculate.

Disaster
No one can quite be sure what has prompted them to remember that day. It might have been that noise of approaching doom, or perhaps it is seeing the crumbling ruins of Hammerlocke itself. Once a stray memory surfaces, it is easy enough to look into the details and recall in full the vivid memory of Hammerlocke’s destruction - the ‘truth’ of what caused the mountainside city to crumble into ruins, as so many have wondered since their first appearance. Though the memory is clear and detailed, vivid enough to have been witnessed in person, it is out of place and does not belong, and anyone who can recall the events knows it.

Attempting to discuss the matter will soon reveal that while others recall the event with similar clarity, the details vary from person to person. Over time, their own memory changes and adapts, occasionally changing to something new entirely, yet the original is never completely forgotten. Memory is a strange and fickle thing, so easy to influence and manipulate, that the truth is difficult to find.

While memories differ from person to person, there are three particular tales that recur:

From the Sky

Though the sky above did not change from its paper-like blank white, the land grew darker and darker as though cast in shadow. The source of the shadow was clear: above, slowly descending towards the wings of the castle, was... something. Something immense, yet shrouded in crackling storm clouds.

As it continued to grow closer and closer, something in the clouds began to swell. It grew larger and larger, an electric hum of energy in the air, until with a resounding crack it burst and a great shadowy beast fell to the ground, landing with such force that the resulting shockwave shook the earth and tore through the stone buildings, causing so much of the city to tumble in an instant. It moves, and it screeches, raising its head up as the great storm above continues to swell and crackle.

This would not be the only beast.

(Based upon: Meteor, the Lunar Cry, and the Darkest Day)
The Battlefield

It was never clear why the fighting eventually made its way to this defenseless city, but it came without warning. The chaos was heralded only by explosions as the city walls were blasted through by tanks that had somehow made their way along the treacherous and narrow mountain path that simply was not meant for such heavy machines. The thundering explosions and the collapse of buildings could surely be heard for miles, and people and animals alike were quick to flee.

Though they reached Hammerlocke first, the tanks seemed like nothing compared to the enemy. The enormous shadowy monstrosity that swooped in from the sky seemed to be made from far more advanced technology. Even just the one towering machine, as large as the castle falling to ruins beneath its feet as it lands, proves deadly as it fires upon the approaching tanks, blasting them all to pieces within an instant before turning fire on whichever buildings remain standing.

(Based upon: Tanks, and Reapers)
The Mysterious Storm

There had been no way to predict the change in the weather, never mind how destructive it would prove. One moment, everything had been still and quiet, and the next the city was assailed by howling, violent winds and freezing, glittering snow and ice. Though the city was built of stone and had stood the test of time for centuries, it could not stand against these combined forces. The only shelter was underground, for the furious storm was so powerful it could rip through earth, lift up and fling any object in its path with devastating force, shattering windows and toppling buildings.

Propelled by such force, the ice and hail proved destructive in its own right. As the storm froze everything in its path, the hailstones became like bullets and great chunks of ice became missiles. By the time the winds began to grow calm, there was little left standing.

Something about the storm seemed somehow unnatural, but where it came from was anyone’s guess. Some, however, may have spied a vague figure through the tempest, of unclear appearance but its presence somehow threatening.

(Based upon: Weather, El shortage, and Diamond Dust)

Misplaced Memories
Worries about whatever disaster must have befallen the ruined city of Hammerlocke aside, people quickly become aware that memories of the disaster are not the only invasive, foreign memories. How the other memories come to them seems, on the surface, to be very similar: a connected thought occurs, and upon realizing the memory is not theirs, people are compelled to think more about it until the memory is uncovered in full detail. Unlike the memory of the disaster, however, this one quite clearly belongs to someone else. Someone who is here.

On puzzling this out, some might find they have more than one stray memory sitting in their minds. More importantly, however, is the feeling that something from their own memory is missing, and whatever memory is missing feels like it is something important. It could just be their own phone number, or it could be their name, or the face of whoever is most important to them. It could be something small, it could be something big, but all people know is that it’s something important and it’s gone.

There is no clear, immediate answer as to what people can do about their lost memories. With regards to their new memories, however, the path might seem a tiny bit clearer, for surely it seems a bit unfair that they can see into someone’s past in such a manner without their knowing. Perhaps it’s best to talk to them about it?

Although the lost memory is not always the same as the ones borrowed, taking the memory back to its source and prompting them to discuss and think about it proves a great help - as they talk, the invasive memory leaves, a lost memory is restored, and those who succeed are able to tell others the solution.

While the invasive memory is gone, people can still recall having it, and can still recall the details, but they will no longer remember it from the other’s point of view. Perhaps it might change how they see each other from now on?

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activatingcombatmode: <user name=sefirot> (112)

[personal profile] activatingcombatmode 2020-10-23 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
Are you saying I did something stupid or that someone's out to get me? Or can everyone see you here?

[He looks amused. And maybe like... a fraction concerned.]
gardenerofavalon: (charmed I'm sure)

[personal profile] gardenerofavalon 2020-10-23 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
The kiss is returned, naturally, though it wold be a lie to say Merlin isn't at least a little tempted to try and see if she can be baited to do more. Fortunately, he's still in a content enough mood from the earlier praise not to press the matter, however.

"Make sure you don't have to be anywhere else in a hurry when you do," he replies, partly teasing, part serious. If the heavily abbreviated account he gave didn't make it obvious enough, the full story is quite complicated and long in telling indeed.
forethinking: (CBlWqjZ)

[personal profile] forethinking 2020-10-23 12:34 pm (UTC)(link)
(That's fair. He can't judge the nervousness or the words. It surely will make him very uncomfortable and Ren can only apologize for it later.)

I remember your hometown in flames. (Out with it is much better than dwelling, so there it is.)
pinwheels: (050)

[personal profile] pinwheels 2020-10-23 02:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Rinoa, for her part, sips at her drink, smiling fondly at Parsee. It makes sense that she'd want her friend to be here. They're alike in that regard, despite being different in so many other ways. ]

What is an Oni, anyway?

[ It's information she didn't quite manage to get from the memory, just that Yuugi was one. ]
pinwheels: (067)

[personal profile] pinwheels 2020-10-23 04:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She stares at him, a chill running down her spine. She hates that he's right, hates that he understands it better than even someone like Squall does.

Rinoa's hands fall to her hips, her gaze following as she shakes her head. ]


They are. [ So was she, at first, but she doesn't tell him that. She's dangerous, now, wielding power over life and death as she does. ] I don't blame them.
anciently: (Default)

[personal profile] anciently 2020-10-23 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
After that? [ She smiles her mysterious smile, humming thoughtfully. ] Dunno. Maybe see the world? Open a flower shop somewhere? [ Aerith shrugs lightly, upturning her palms. ] What about you, Cloud? "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

[ That's what they always ask, right? ]
anciently: (i run and run as the rains come)

[personal profile] anciently 2020-10-23 04:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Aerith nods in agreement, though her expression still suggests she's somewhere else, mentally, going back and forth on the possibilities of their situation. ]

Guess we won't know until we know, though... So, for now, we'll just have to do the best we can. And we all have each other to think it through!
thunderwave: (re: johto's elite four)

[personal profile] thunderwave 2020-10-23 06:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ truthfully, lance had meant the situation itself - the swapping of memories, the sudden unmooring of what is real and what isn't. but blue focuses on something entirely different, which causes his brow to furrow slightly . . . but, ah.

it makes sense, that blue would fixate on the memory itself rather than the actual act of losing his memories. and lance supposes he should probably do that too.

the comment about lance and red being the same sort of surprises him. he supposes he and red are similar, in certain aspects. but he also sees some of himself in blue. something that blue (still, apparently) refuses to accept or acknowledge or hear, no matter how many times lance says it. but maybe that's the point, that he doesn't understand.

so, he mulls that over for a long moment, before he takes a sip of his drink. ]


You're right.

[ simply enough, as he replays that day over in his own mind. how angry clair had been with him. and how hurt her feelings likely were. ]

I don't understand. And attempting to understand seems to make it worse.

[ they're completely still talking about clair, obviously. ]
thunderwave: (pic#14231387)

[personal profile] thunderwave 2020-10-23 06:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Mm.

[ in agreement, as he listens. and it does make sense. it's a wholly different culture, with different expectations of their trainers. it's not necessarily better, or worse, though lance definitely prefers the motion of kanto and johto. which is likely why he's stayed.

at any rate: ]


Johto is stepped in such tradition that most matches are relatively private affairs. Some people watch them in person, but for the most part, it is just you and the Leader. And hardly anyone ever gets to the 8th Gym, and by the same token, hardly anyone ever gets to me.

[ even as a member of the elite four, lance was rarely challenged. and as champion, lance spent three years hunting down team rocket, for the most part. he was only really needed when he received word that ethan had arrived at the plateau. and lance headed there immediately, because he knew ethan would be the one to make it to challenge him at the end. ]

Kanto is the same, though because it's a bit more . . . I don't know if developed is the right word, but more modern. And a little more commercialized. I think the Gyms in Kanto have more fans waiting outside of them than the ones in Johto.

[ lance is definitely stopped more in johto, but he thinks that's just because that's his hometown. ]

I don't know how most of Kanto or Johto would react if we had stadiums like in Galar.
Edited 2020-10-23 18:40 (UTC)
bridge_princess: (022)

[personal profile] bridge_princess 2020-10-23 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Nope, nothing like that. [She chuckled.] I'm saying that, if you saw me in my world it might have been one of those. We don't usually make appearances otherwise.

Around here, I'm just some bum.
bridge_princess: (017)

[personal profile] bridge_princess 2020-10-23 10:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, it's a demon. They're horned spirits who get drunk all the time, preside over whatever interests them most and generally like throwing their weight around. Yuugi's one of the bigger ones out there, I guess? There's a group of four who are really powerful.
bridge_princess: (014)

[personal profile] bridge_princess 2020-10-23 10:21 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmmmm, you have a point, and this isn't really high on my list of things to use my brain power on. So if we're outsourcing the question to everyone that might help us reach a conclusion.

...

And as long as another meteor isn't coming down, what's there to worry about?
blue_eyed_obsession: (♘You couldn't wait to move right in)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-10-24 02:07 am (UTC)(link)
Shrugging to that, as Kaiba really didn't have much more to say on the topic. "It's pretty standard." For Japanese schools. "I doubt there's a school that allows for all these variations in color, but everything that arrives here is altered in some form."

Basically voicing what the other was thinking. If only these uniforms had been of a design he could utilize, he might have used one or two to expand his wardrobe. Eh- but they were not his style. Maybe Kaiba was too picky.

"I find that hard to believe.." Since he kept his personal effects on him. Even with the claim, he didn't start checking his pockets. Realizing a moment later that the mage might not have been referring to a physical item, Kaiba tried to beat him to the punch.

"Since when was King Arthur female?" There. Why should he be the only one put on the spot?
blue_eyed_obsession: (♙You had it all under control)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-10-24 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
I'm not following you. A memory of what? The Old-machines?

[Had the sound triggered some recorded data from Legion's past encounters? Not yet having jumped to the conclusion that the memory could have been his own.]

... Strangely, I feel as if you don't really have to tell me that.

[Sure what he'd seen had revolved more around this commander Shepard then the old-machines, but whatever they were responsible for had to have been terrible to warrant what followed]
gardenerofavalon: (individuals don't really matter)

[personal profile] gardenerofavalon 2020-10-24 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
Merlin blinks at the sudden question, a bit surprised at what said question was. But, ah, of course, that's always the point that that confuses modern people upon learning 'Arthur's' true identity, isn't it?

"Arturia Pendragon happened to be born a woman," he replies with a shrug. The gender of the king he created never mattered to him in the first place, just that person's suitability for the role. "Upon ascending the throne, however, she took up the male identity of King Arthur, and was known to her subjects and history as that."

No big deal, as far as Merlin's concerned. Now if only he could recall just what the stray memory was about that would bring up that question.
blue_eyed_obsession: (♙ Give it up)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-10-24 02:29 am (UTC)(link)
It was a subtle reaction but no less satisfying in some odd way, throwing the usually unflappable male off for that split second. Kaiba continued to study the other's features as they proceeded to discuss it.

"There are so many questionable elements to that statement..." Giving a deep sigh. "In order to have been born, King Arthur would have had to have been a real person, and that's never been proven." So how could he explain away what he'd seen and overheard? ".. So what... you were a part of some theater group, where you got to live out your misguided dreams to emulate Merlin?" Since Merlin should have been no more real than Arthur. "Why keep up the act here?"

If Kaiba could just get past his skepticism about magic and legends being real that would make this a lot easier. Even as he launched his questions he knew that some of the sensations from the vision hadn't felt like merely playacting. They had felt genuine. The apprehension and the misgivings, about this woman drawing out the sword and taking the responsibilities of the kingdom onto her shoulders...
gardenerofavalon: (individuals don't really matter)

[personal profile] gardenerofavalon 2020-10-24 02:40 am (UTC)(link)
"Seeing as I clearly can't recall whatever specific thing you're referring to, I obviously can't answer most of those questions."

Don't waste your time with stupid questions, kid; Merlin's not wasting his answering them.

"But I act as I always have. It doesn't really make any difference to me whether you believe me or not."

He's the real deal, and feels absolutely zero need to prove himself to some smartypants kid who thinks he's better than everyone.
blue_eyed_obsession: (♕ Betcha didn't count on my return)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-10-24 02:49 am (UTC)(link)
"Heh- I wasn't referencing anything specific." At least, not yet. Remaining silent for a moment, as he debated how best to proceed. "Just that apparently you go by Merlin..." A detail the mage of flowers never thought to share himself.

Too late.

"Right. I should have expected that you'd say something like that," Keeping to the usual dialogue.

"Everyone's heard that tired old sword and the stone story before- and it's been reproduced in countless versions spanning different medias. Not sure what makes this one all that special.."
gardenerofavalon: (individuals don't really matter)

[personal profile] gardenerofavalon 2020-10-24 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
The kid never asked, and Merlin never had any reason to volunteer the information. He really didn't care, after all.

"Who knows?"

Merlin can't remember it right now himself, after all. Not unless Kaiba here wants to actually explain it well enough for the memory to return to its proper owner.

"Though what about you?"
blue_eyed_obsession: (♖ If I were you I'd be concerned)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-10-24 03:22 am (UTC)(link)
[Despite the determination in her movements, and the ire in her expression he stood tall refusing to be intimidated. Leveling a stare at her he waited for her to fill him in on the details of just what her deal was.

Unfortunately, even when she piped up he didn't immediately know what she was referencing. Thinking back on his time in the void the only person that fit that description was Professor Oak.
]

Not all of it, just when the occasion presents itself. [He replayed unapologetically with a smirk. It was clear that he wasn't taking this seriously] What makes you so sure that I haven't? [Maybe he should have defended himself or asked for more details but he couldn't help needling her in response to her (what he assumed to be) baseless accusations]
blue_eyed_obsession: (♖ Gonna take back what you stole)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-10-24 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
No, he hadn't and this was making him glad he didn't. It would have been too much unbelievable nonsense to have to deal with all at once.

Given their usual back and forth discussions Kaiba wasn't sure how much of this was Merlin feigning obliviousness versus his legitimate ignorance on the subject. Fine- he'd bite. "I saw this Artoria Pendragon pulling Excalibur from a stone, which as the legend goes means that since she was able to accomplish the task that she gets to become king. Furthermore, you were there trying to stop her."

"What about me?"
blue_eyed_obsession: (♙ Give it up)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-10-24 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
[The deceptive guise of being an average teenager would have served Ren well had circumstances been different.

Eyes darting to the chair, he debates the notion of remaining standing. He doesn't intend on being here long- still that is dependent entirely on what they would end up having to relate to one another. So fine, in a sudden sweeping motion, he centered himself over the chair and sat down. He folded both his legs and arms tightly, tilting his head forward
]

The president of Industrial Illusions and the creator of Duel Monsters. [There were other ways he could have described Pegasus but they now had a more or less uneasy alliance centered around promoting the game]
gardenerofavalon: (wanna spend the night with me?)

[personal profile] gardenerofavalon 2020-10-24 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
How much is sincere and how much is feigned is always a good question with Merlin. Only those who know him well indeed stand much chance of consistently seeing through his acts.

That explanation is enough, at least to start helping Merlin recall. It might take a few more details, but--ah, wait, that's no good at all. In fact, this calls for tapping into his remaining reserves of emotions he's previously fed on, the momentary distant expression as the memory began to come back to him replaced by a slightly amused one.

"Oh, just that it seems I recently recalled you being shown a vision of... a past life, from the looks of it? Much to your protest."

He'll prod for more details to reclaim his own memory in a moment.
blue_eyed_obsession: (♙ spare me all your lame advice)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-10-24 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
Kaiba certainly did not fit into that category. He did not know the other well, nor had he dedicated much time towards accomplishing the task.

Biting back a sigh, he tried to remain patient as the other pondered over what was just conveyed. If it wouldn't have highlighted his irritation he would have taken to pacing among the racks of clothing. What was taking so long? When Merlin's features alter, Kaiba already has an inkling that this will not be anything he wants to hear.

Surprise flashes in his eyes when he realizes this was a two-way street. This must be what was referenced previously, and honestly Merlin was not someone Kaiba wanted delving into his past- fictional or otherwise.

"What you saw was a lie." He stated vehemently, "A fanciful tale constructed by those who would like nothing better than to manipulate me.." Did he know exactly what was being referenced himself? Not a chance, but this is something he'd experienced more than once so he assumed he was on the right track.
gardenerofavalon: (wanna spend the night with me?)

[personal profile] gardenerofavalon 2020-10-24 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
The mild amusement from before deepens a little at that reaction.

"Is it?" Merlin asks meaningfully. He doesn't wait for an answer before continuing though. "As I recall, you..."

To his credit, his recitation both doesn't skimp on the details, and is fairly well and dramatically told, to boot. Enjoy the show, Kaiba, if you can.