Save Our Earth NPCs (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
saveournpcs) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
saveourearth2020-04-03 10:47 pm
saveournpcs) wrote in saveourearth2020-04-03 10:47 pm
Run, run, follow me [Open Mingle]
Date: Saturday, 4.1.2020
Characters: OPEN
I.
It's midday when trouble seems to brew underfoot. Literally underfoot, in cases - wherever the Numbered are, they'll suddenly find dormice approaching them, running around their feet, in some cases up their legs, aiming to get their attention, and then running off - coming back again, running off once more in the same direction.
Trying to get the Numbered to FOLLOW.
II.
If Numbered decide to follow the mice, they'll be lead through the streets, fields, or whatever there is (in some cases, this might mean that the mice are trying to lead them through the military area aroudn the air base). Perhaps they'll run into other Numbered on the way - all mice seem to be leading those that they lead into the exact same direction.
III.
The direction of, it turns out, the tunnels under the cliffs. The mice will easily slip through the grates that bar the entries - the grates were made to keep humans out and let a tiny mice through easily. The Numbered, however... well, the grates were installed solid and sturdy to keep humans out. The mice will vanish in the tunnels and not come back.
Characters: OPEN
I.
It's midday when trouble seems to brew underfoot. Literally underfoot, in cases - wherever the Numbered are, they'll suddenly find dormice approaching them, running around their feet, in some cases up their legs, aiming to get their attention, and then running off - coming back again, running off once more in the same direction.
Trying to get the Numbered to FOLLOW.
II.
If Numbered decide to follow the mice, they'll be lead through the streets, fields, or whatever there is (in some cases, this might mean that the mice are trying to lead them through the military area aroudn the air base). Perhaps they'll run into other Numbered on the way - all mice seem to be leading those that they lead into the exact same direction.
III.
The direction of, it turns out, the tunnels under the cliffs. The mice will easily slip through the grates that bar the entries - the grates were made to keep humans out and let a tiny mice through easily. The Numbered, however... well, the grates were installed solid and sturdy to keep humans out. The mice will vanish in the tunnels and not come back.
no subject
After the fairly laid-back New Year's part, Walter had the distinct feeling something was off, but the pattern hadn't made itself evident yet.
And now, there were mice everywhere! Sensing the way things were heading, he decided to spend some time making sure the other Numbered were alright, assuming they were dealing with a surplus of rodents as well.
III
The mice couldn't carry Walter to the tunnels, but he was getting the impression they wanted to.
He'd really rather they didn't; receiving an Echo, pleasant it had been, merely from interacting with them did not inspire blind trust.
"We can't just go in there. We'll have to make sure no one takes notice, for one - editing security footage can only do so much."
Make that security and satellite footage.
"But aside from that... other problems? Other suggestions?"
III
By which I mean, we should at least make sure that we find back out if we go in." Should they go in? Hell no. By which she means, absolutely.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Hmm - how far SHOULD they have to walk/climb to find one?
Well, how much do we want to bully them?
... I vote at least a kilometer. Kitty probably knows one in a shorter distance, though.
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
no subject
If there was one thing Jimmy couldn't resist, it was his curiosity. When the mice catch his attention, he can't resist following them. He follows them, trying to keep track of where they were as he goes. If another of the Numbered happens to join him on the trip he greets them with a wave.
3.
The tunnels. Of course it was the tunnels.
Jimmy kneels down by the grate and debates where to go from here.
2
Which makes her wonder, with him being out here and heading in the same direction... "...You don't happen to have been accosted by mice, too?"
Re: 2
Re: 2
Sam Stone | OTA
"What is it, boy? Is Timmy stuck in the well?"
He vaguely remembers the Lassie tv show from when he was a kid, but that particular bit is a part of the cultural landscape by now. Still, seeing a bunch of mice act like dogs trying to get your attention is... surreal. It would be unbelievable if the mice hadn't been acting weird for months.
"All right, all right, I'm coming. Anybody else?" Looking around at anybody in his family or friend group nearby who'd like to investigate weird mice.
III. That is Not Helpful
"You idiots know humans can't fit in there, right?" Sam grouses at the mice disappearing into their grate. He could yank the thing open, easy, he's sure of it-- he'd just probably break a few fingers in the process, and even then, it's not a big hole he'd have to squeeze through.
"Shit," he mutters to himself, straightening up. Maybe he'd better find the main entrance and see if he can't smash the lock, or something.
Knew he should've brought his car.
1
"Can we help? Gizmo is really good at finding things!"
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
III
Sure, she's only here
under duressbecause she got bribedbecause someone told her and on top of that offered her ice cream if she helped out (which she probably would have done anyway because it sounds like fun but she's going to accept payment for her services quite happily anyway). But she's here now, anyway, and she's going to do her job of showing people inside."...I'm not surprised the mice don't know that this doesn't work. They're not very bright, mice ar- OUCH." And that would be a mouse having heard the insult and snuck up her leg to bite her in retaliation.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
3
with Starbuckswith a spoon for the ice cream that she's going to receive as payment in her pocket, and announces proudly: "I can lead you inside!"And then she studies closely whoever is going to follow her lead. Size does come into the equation here - not everyone's going to be able to fit through a hole that she fits through, after all. For one, people are bigger. For two, they also tend to be less... slippery than her. She might be nowhere near an octopus or even a cat in liquid-ness, but she can get through holes that people wouldn't expect her to get through nonetheless.
Re: 3
But he's glad to see her. He's not too tall, on the skinny side (though not to the same extent as his flatmate), wearing dark clothes...
"Well, lead the way, then."
He's resigned himself to just being well-packed, and possibly having to go down far enough for his own signal to be cut off.
Re: 3
Re: 3
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
Russell Scordato - OTA
You know what ruins a yoga routine? Feeling a mysterious moving pressure on your limbs, like a bug or something.
But that's a pretty ordinary event. You know what really, truly ruins a yoga routine? A dozen mysterious pressures, far too large to be ordinary bugs, who turn out to be mice.
Reasonably enough, Russell shrieks and jumps up to get away from them, reflexively using the blue magic on himself to leap halfway across the room. "Where did these come from..?!"
II - Looking for Wonderland
Once it becomes clear that following the mice will convince them to stop climbing him, Russell heaves the largest and most put-upon sighs but does so.
It's uncanny, the way they travel through the streets and grass, moving like they're following a compass with only minor corrections around obstacles. They may be no rabbits, but with all the echoes they've spread around people, it's easy to assume they'll lead somewhere fantastic.
"If you lot lead me to a caterpillar, that's it, I'm going back home," he tells them, pretending to be checking his phone in case any passersby look askance at him for talking to himself.
IIIa - Breaking and entering
When it turns out the mice are leading him to the locked off tunnels and disappearing, it seems like that could be the end of it. It would be so easy to just let them leave, and go back to his own life. But if he were willing to leave all this alone, he wouldn't still be living in Mossgate, lease or no lease.
Of course, it isn't that simple. After the sinkholes in the cemetery and all, the various concerns about the tunnels' stability, the tours are ended and these grates were installed. He knows someone who knows someone, and it's easy enough to borrow a cutting wheel... But actually doing it? Russell isn't completely clueless. He knows there's likely surveillance in the area, and the sound of the power tool would likely draw attention.
But he feels oddly proprietary of the tunnels, like he deserves to go back in. Maybe it's just because, for him, the tunnels are where everything started to change. The place he got the first strange memories.
At the very least, he can cover up in such a way that he's not too easily identifiable. The biggest challenges are getting in without getting caught, with the noise bringing questions down on him... And exploring without getting caved in.
IIIb - Underground again
Someway or another, they've bypassed the grates and gotten into one of the tunnels. Phones onhand, though the signal will likely die as they go in. Flashlights at the ready, and in duplicate: one handheld, one hat. Just in case.
"Do you see any of the mice yet...?" Russell wonders, twisting head and handheld flashlight around to really illuminate the place.
IIIa
oof.
That sure is that hollow feeling you get when an echo hits.
For a moment, she just stands there, her expression a bit absent, but then she shakes her head and... well. Well. That's interesting. That's amazing. "And helping others break into places is my job."
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
I Roz=Oz
And yet, they'd still gotten in. The horror!
He flinches at Russell's shout, notepad falling from his lap onto the floor. Hurrying to pick it up, he snarks, "Possiby Roz?! They can't have gotten through the pipes, they'd get themselves stuck or drowned!"
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...and down and down we go
Surprisingly, there's a soft breeze blowing down here. It's stale and moist, and seems to change direction every once in a while... or maybe that's just the Numbered moving between tunnels?
> Continue downwards.
> Try to talk to one of the dormice.
> Other.
no subject
"Look Gizmo! They look just like the dormouse from before! Do you think he's here too?"
Gizmo was less enthusiastic. He remembered what had happened the last time, and he was feeling more than a little nervous at being surrounded by so many of them. He moves over so that he was almost completely hiding behind Thom.
"I don't like this, Thom. Can we go home now?"
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
no subject
"Does this mean that we reached wherever they were trying to lead us?" he wonders aloud.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
no subject
"Which way do you want me to go?" She glances down at the mice, her eyes glinting in the dark.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
no subject
"Oh, here you are all," he greets, for lack of another obvious thing to do. "I don't suppose... you're going to keep leading me wherever you want us to go?"
Unless the mice now have him exactly where they want him. He keeps facing the mice so they don't surprise him with a swarm, but looks around the tunnels for signs of other interesting things, with a glance up at the stone overhead. So far the tunnels seem stable enough... But how long will that last, really?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
no subject
The holes had been too small at the first two places he had checked, and he shied from the idea of widening them with physical effort that would risk greater damage. Seeking a third location, he had come across Dr. Tilly. It took little to realize they had both been led there, and joined together moving forward. The third hole appeared wide enough at the surface and deeper inside when he shined a light inside. It still made for an awkward fit for him initially, especially dragging his duffle bag along, but the offshoot met quickly with a main tunnel.
Now standing in one of the many tunnels with his head ducked down and the flashlight aimed downward, he spots the dormice ahead when he hears them and quickly realizes they aren’t showing any intention of leading further, “...looks like they’re leaving this to us from here.”
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
no subject
Eventually, that narrow tunnel opens further down, and she rises to her feet in a junction area. Looking about, she hears the dormice chattering and follows the sound until she can see them. Walking up to them, she crouches down, “There you all are... Where to?”
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
no subject
Sadie sighs as she regards the gate, "I don't suppose you mice know a different entrance to the tunnels?"
Not that she expects an answer from the mice, although it sure would have been nice to receive another Echo to let her talk to them right about now. Turning to the other Numbered who have also been on a merry mouse chase today, Sadie gestures to the gate.
"I can think of two ways to get it open but neither of them are very subtle."
no subject
Walter can only assume he knows what Sadie means here; he's not actually a mind reader!
"Not that either option would necessarily end well for the mice, but the latter's less outright destructive."
(no subject)
(no subject)
[Network - writing]
Network works in the tunnels
If something happens, should be able to ask for help
Not sure what the mice want
Any ideas?
[Network - writing]
[Because if they're using fantasy tropes, why not that as well? It's irritating, is what it is.]
But we've been indicated to follow the tunnels downward.
[Walter makes himself wait a moment before sending this next one, for emphasis:]
So this is why you weren't at the flat when I went back to fetch supplies.
[Network - writing]
Re: [Network - writing]
(no subject)
(no subject)
gonna bypass the question for now, to leave room for backtagged Nel or Benjiro or other chats
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
Re: [Network - writing]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
Midday leaves the dormice to find one particular Numbered tagging along on a shopping trip in town with siblings taking advantage of the post-holiday sales. It’s usually the best time to stock up on wrapping paper or other goods for next year after all, and with such a large family, any savings adds up. Nel has barely gotten back enough energy to be on this trip after another plunge into a comatose state two weeks ago, but she had insisted on getting out of the house. She could only take so much resting.
Standing in an aisle looking at the leftover ornaments, she gets quite the surprise when a dormouse climbs over her boot onto her leg. Identifying the source of the pricks at her skin through her leggings immediately soothes her alarm, and she bends down to whisper after it returns to the floor, “You probably shouldn’t be in here...” Then she realizes it was not only one that had found her. Staring, she watches them run to and from her only a couple times before she realizes they want her to come. Nel stands and finds her siblings, telling them she is heading home early and reassuring them she can make the trip. Multiple times.
Leaving the store, Nel spots the dormice waiting. “You realize I can only get away with this once. If they get home before I do they’ll never let me go anywhere alone. ...I hope this is important.” The girl starts to follow the dormice as she sends a text to her mother at home to let her know she is changing location with a promise to update her soon, and that it must be something to do with the Numbers. Once she knows where she needs to go, she’ll text again.
III
Shivering upon arrival from the chilly trip to the tunnels, Nel pauses to push her hands against her knees to catch her breath. She had hurried as well as she could, but even bundled as well as she had dressed for the shopping trip, the cold has seeped through the layers and left her more drained.
Staring after where they disappeared into the grate, she waits until she has recovered to approach the grate. “Hallo...? Come on, I can’t go that way...” Another pause, then she sighs. “...Guess I’ll find another way in then.”
Swinging her bag around, she digs inside the pockets. If she is going into the tunnels, she’ll need something to light her way. She has her cellphone, but she does not want to risk dropping it or draining the battery. If memory serves however, she has an unbroken glowstick in the bottom of her rucksack that might help.
III
"Oh, hey... Nel, right?" Russell asks as he comes close, mostly watching the disappearing mice. "You're here too? Don't tell me..."
Much as he'd like to deny it, it seems unlikely that the mice are just singling him and Walter out for... whatever's going on.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
i checked their heights for this and had to laugh
She is pint-sized, and not much taller than when this game started
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
Network - Written
But Grandpa didn't want us to talk to it, so I guess we're coming back up now.
no subject
[One of the tiny ones bit here. She's not really in the mood to get bitten by a big one.]
What's it doing?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Written in in old man style cursive
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Network - written
Ben says the giant mouse is located directly under the mouth of the Moss River.
Also written
Maybe that’s why they brought up the sharks.
The little mice said the giant mouse is in danger because of Mr. Evil. Russell figured out they want us to stop him.
(no subject)
Text
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
written - now in a better location
...
no subject
[She doesn't see a reason for them to clear out of the cave system - that would be safer, of course, but she does hope that he's right and it won't actually wake. ...though. Kids.]
Nel, Thom, please get back above ground while this is happening.
[Text]
Does he want a spotter?
[Because BEN.]
Or another one, I should say.
[Text]
Re: [Text]
[Text]
Re: [Text]
[Text]
Re: [Text]
[Text]
Re: [Text]
...
Text
Text
(no subject)
(no subject)
Text
Text
Text
Text
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
[Text]
[Text]
[Text]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
[Written]
...
...
...
...
...