I know we have a captive-created guide to the floors of the tower. Do we have a bestiary of any kind? It would be helpful to be able to learn what we can about the monsters of the tower, even if it's spotty.

I'll start. Does anyone know of a monster that can summon people's fears? Because there is one.

[Following his unpleasant encounters during infiltration, Rick's had some time to critically think about his place in the Tower. He's been here a month now, and it's been quite the month, surely; but what has he done here, to ease the lives of everyone else? Stalk around as random animals? Make lunch? Work the printing press? It all seems so ineffective, now--just distraction after distraction, all the while adding nothing. Somehow he has to make himself useful.]

[Thankfully--or possibly not, depending on how this pans out--Rick is reminded of a conversation he had recently over the network, and while he couldn't think of anything at the time, he has an idea now.]

Sephiroth? This is Patrick Dawn again. Are you still working on that bestiary?

I think I know a way I can help you.

((ooc: Official start of the Monster Souls plot! Still have spots open for part one, it's not too late to sign up--and part two is open right up until the 8th! Main forum "hunt" to happen soon! :3 ))

I am Sephiroth.

[Though which Sephiroth is it? The ID number attached to the post reads S1297993 rather than S1727002, for those who know there are two Sephiroths, are familiar with those numbers, and take the time to notice. Then again, the tone of the post may also be a hint.]

I have been researching the monsters in the Tower. I am curious as to why they are treated so differently than we are, although they likely come from other worlds as well. They have no collars, and they roam freely. They are not wire constructs containing souls, as we are. They were not altered during the glamour failure. They appeared as normal. Many of them are absent during the day. Where do they go? What is their nature? Why are they here?

If you have any ideas or theories, I would be interested in hearing them.

Also, I have noticed that there is a discrepancy in my memories. If there is anyone capable of reading or altering memories, please contact me.

Thank you.

[Video]

[While it's been a while since Diarmuid posted to the Network himself as opposed to just responding to others, his expression is very similar to the expression he had the last time he posted--tired, worn.  Unlike last time, though, he actually seems happy to be as tired as he is.]

Those of you who were here in May probably remember a post that Saber of White made where she and I asked for assistance from people who would be willing to help make copies of maps and documents that warn others of the dangers on each floor of the Tower.  Since then we have continued to gather information and discussed the best ways to organize that information.  However, in light of recent developments and the very real possibility that things might be about to take a turn for the worst around here, I think that the time for information gathering and discussion has come to an end.

As a result and with Saber's permission, I would like to ask anyone who volunteered back then or who would like to volunteer now, to please meet at the Library on the 3rd floor early tomorrow so that we can begin making copies of the information and maps.  A printing press has been found so that will make copying the written part of this project much easier.  However, the maps will still all need to be hand copied and that will take much longer.

My friend and Master Waver Velvet will be helping me organize this.  Anyone who wishes to learn how to use the printing press need only ask one of us and we will be glad to show you how it works.  I would like to make enough copies to post one on or near each floor and then leave multiple copies in places like the library, cafeteria, and lounges where people spend the most time.  From my tests with rough drafts of the information, nothing we post to the floors will remain there for very long, but if we can keep copies in the libraries and other places where people gather, that will be better than nothing.

Once all of the copies have been made, I will also post a copy of the guide to the Network since I suspect that is the only place where it will remain permanently as long as the administrators don't decide to remove it.

Anyone with questions or comments please feel free to respond to this post.  I thank you all in advance for your help with this.  I realize that there is little we can do to truly make the Tower a safer place, but every little bit helps especially when we have bigger fights to focus our attention on.



(OOC:  Please keep in mind, the meeting in the library is handwaved.  Anyone who would like to say their character came to help work on this is welcome to do so!  Work is going to continue for roughly three days after which Diarmuid will be posting a copy of the guide to the Network and thanking those who helped out with the project.  If you have any questions about the guide itself and what can and cannot be done with the information, please refer to this OOC post.  Thanks!)

[V/V seems a little hesitant to ask her question.]

Does anyone mind if I sleep with them tonight?

I don't want to be troublesome, but I really can't defend myself very well.

[Video]
[Arturia appears on the video, turned halfway and politely asking someone behind her to step to the side. Those who are not new to the Tower will recognize it as a retrieval unit. Apparently the one following Arturia is obliging enough to move out of the frame when she politely asks. She turns back to the screen, runs a hand through her hair to straighten it out. Then begins speaking, apparently unaware she hit the 'record' button a few seconds too early.]

Good evening. For those who don't know me I am 'Saber of White,' a resident who has stayed in the Tower for four months now.

In my time here, a colleague of mine named Diarmuid Ua Duibhne and I have been working on a map of the residential area of the Tower. It includes a list of the dangers of the various floors and the monsters that normally lurk there.

We've recently completed the map and would like the help of the residents of the Tower. Our intention is to create copies and pass them out among the populace so they will be aware of the dangers here. However, we are only two people. Is there anyone amongst you willing to help us pen and create copies? Diarmuid is on another terminal in the media room and will be answering questions alongside myself if you have any.

(ooc: As usual, threadjacking is a-okay! Replies will come from both Diarmuid and Arturia.)

( action for roommates )

[Eventually, she makes her way to the terminals, and figures out how to post.]

Anybody here know how to fight hand-to-hand? A spar would be a good way to work off some energy after last week.

[V/V smiles at the screen gently, a little more subdued than normal.]

A lot of people here need a lot of happiness in their lives right about now... I'm not good at a lot of things, but I can try to do the best I can at what I can do.

I'm going to have a concert at the start of the next month, where there'll be food to make a really good concert experience. Everyone who wants to play or sing is welcome to perform, and I'll be singing.

Do you know any songs from your home? Can you teach me? I only know songs from my world, but I know they won't mean as much to you as songs from your homes. It's okay if they're in languages I don't speak, I'm good at mimicking them.

And if you don't like music...

What makes you happy?

Greetings to any and all residents reading this. I'd like to make a request. It shouldn't be hard, and doesn't require personal details unless you choose to give them. Here goes:

If you could please share any information you have on the Tower, its monsters, its floors, the administrators - any solid facts about this place, I would really appreciate it.

As for why I am asking this: back in my home world, I served as a tactician for an army. I would like to continue helping in that capacity if anyone wishes me to, given that the Tower is hazardous most of the time. However, as I arrived only last month, I don't know much about the Tower yet. That's going to make things difficult.

On a less self-centered note, it would be a good idea to gather everyone's knowledge about the place we're now in, don't you think? It'd make life a lot easier for newcomers, and I'm sure everyone has something to contribute.

Thank you for your time, either way.

Hello. [The person seated in front of the library terminal is a pale, white-haired woman dressed in something reminiscent of a nun's habit, though there's nothing to cover her head. One of her yellow eyes is covered with an eyepatch. She tries to smile and does about as well as one might expect of a person in her situation, the expression both pinched and weak.] My name is Claudia Kotomine. I've—just arrived.

[There's definitely some uncertainty in her voice about how she should describe the situation, but nonetheless, she carries on.] If there are any other members of the Holy Church here, I'd like to hear from them as soon as possible. Or— Anyone else I'm acquainted with. And, mm, even if there aren't...

[She trails off momentarily, her one visible eye flicking away from the terminal as she considers something. Her lips purse together for a moment, and then she sighs. Well, she doesn't want to be ungrateful—at least she's able to eat—but—]

Ah, it's just that the kitchen seems equipped to do a lot more than it currently is! [She laughs, but the sound is nervous.] Is the food always in the state that it is now? I just thought—if there are better ingredients around anywhere, I could make something nicer. I'm more than willing to share with anyone who helps me with this, so...

...Ah, in any case, thank you for your time. [She forces another slight smile.] If there's anything you would like to ask of me in turn, I'm happy to assist or answer you to the best of my ability.

[For those that would prefer action, immediately after this she can be found browsing the library (and frustrating herself with her inability to find anything of immediate use), and later on she'll be investigating the thirteenth floor/the cathedral.]

Oi.

[Say hello to the silver haired man on your terminal monitors.]

Who's the main heroine in this tower? If there's more than one, Gin-san can help decide the lead. But anyway, it's really important.

Our fates rest firmly in her cup-size hands.

[ooc note: Gintoki will recognize some canons and either excitedly or offhandedly fourth wall characters, so if you want to reply, but don't like fourth walling, just note that in your comment somewhere!]

[The video feed opens on a young boy with green eyes that glow faintly.]

Hello. My name is Sephiroth.

I am interested in learning more about other planets, for research purposes. The planet I am from is named Gaia. I have met people from Earth and Alternia. If you are from a different planet, or if you could tell me more about these planets, please contact me. I do not know very much about Earth or Alternia. We may speak on the network or in person in the library.

I heard that someone has made a list of all the floors, but I do not know what their name is. [Shinji had described them as a "blowhard", but Sephiroth does not think it would be a good idea to use that description.] Could you contact me also? It would be a good idea to make copies of the list or put it on the network for everyone to access.

Another good idea would be a manual for operating the network, if there is not one already.

Thank you.

[Sephiroth believes the network should be useful!

For anyone interested in action, Sephiroth is in the library at one of the terminals, not very difficult to find.]

[Genesis Rhapsodos stares into the monitor for a few good minutes, clearly thinking of what to say as she takes all that she saw and did and learned so far today. It was really all mind boggling and utterly depressing. Finally, she sighed softly, her mako blue eyes lowering as she murmured to herself.]

Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul
Pride is lost
Wings stripped away, the end is nigh...

[She sighed again and lifted her eyes.]

My name is Genesis Rhapsodos and it looks as though I am to be joining you here. I've already eaten the oatmeal, as I was told to do. But now I wonder what to do now.

Can anyone tell me or will I be doomed to spend the rest of my days here?

Is there hope?

The network comes on painfully--the terminals crackle with energy like there was some sort of wild power surge going through the Tower. Every terminal turns on at once. The display is broken at first, but slowly it stabilizes, the display just behind Zo's shoulder. White-hot energy pulses from him--it looks like he’s forced the display on somehow. Monitors flicker in and out of view in the room; it seems to be some sort of control center composed of floating screens and input devices. The room is large, making it hard to see the ends from the display, but aside from Zo there are two others in the room.

Riki looks a bit worse for wear and, as opposed to his usual stoic demeanor, has an expression approaching furious. Most of Zo's energy seems concentrated around him like a barrier, and the monitors whirl around behind RIki now, following some sort of unspoken command. The world shifts abruptly, providing a different angle on the confusing situation.

The laughter that echoes around the chamber is deep, dark and somehow primordial. There’s another figure looking exactly like Riki, but the features are twisted, the indifferent disposition morphed into a terrible smirk. From his hand a wave of dark energy smashes into the room, sending whatever was still standing flying over.

"Come now! Is this the best defense system this place has to offer to one of its grand administrators? Cowering behind a child? Well, I do suppose considering everything about this world, it should not be the least bit surprising."

He took another step.

"So tell me, how did your little ants enjoy their trip into the central throne?"

The various scattered objects freeze in place as Riki draws in his screens; the screens seem to be made of the air itself, or something similar, and he alters and pulls at them as easily as if they were tied to him by a thousand strings. "Not your business," he growls. Another swipe of his screens and the objects morph, shifting into swords that fly at the false Riki. "Stop wearing my face."

Zo shrinks back against the wall. His barriers don’t fall, but he obviously doesn't enjoy the violence taking place.

"Not my business? I am darkness that makes up the Collective Unconsciousness! My primary sources of power, the three poisons that make up life, Anger, Ignorance and Vengeance are ripe in this world!"

Nyarlathotep raises his other hand and catches the swords, looking almost bored.

"Humans are strange...I came here because of the despair that fills every orifice of this tower...the desire for all of you to put an end to this, and now you would try to whisk me away?"

The swords melt into a puddle of metal on the floor, and suddenly he is besides Zo, trying to violently push him away.

Zo shrieks, clearly terrified, but his barriers cover him as they cover Riki, and they crackle with raw energy in their owner’s defense. Riki alters something on his screens and the metal rises up, forming itself into some sort of great mercurial beast that lunges at Nyarlathotep. "Leave the kid out've it, you attacked me first."

"Hahaha! What’s this? Feeling sentimental about another?" Nyarlathotep had barely even flinched from touching the other. "But is not your personal interest simply tied to the tower itself? I suppose even a monkey will brand its tools when backed in a corner..."

At his turn, the giant creature is lit aflame, crying out as the fire causes the skin to bubble, crack and expand. Soon it has enlarged into strands of burned mercury before a slap from the other Riki makes it fall into dust.

"Ha ha ha! Do you not know where the term, 'mad as a hatter' comes from? I've given humanity much fun with that element!"

At his turn, he summons forth a demon, as it moves forward, casting a spell in an attempt to poison both of the tower residents.

Zo flinches at the monster, but steps forward nonetheless--or rather leaps in a burst of childish energy. "Stop--stop it! Stop it!"

The screen turns white and crackles--it’s barely possible to make out the figures, let alone what’s going on, but whatever Zo's done tears the demon into six or seven pieces. Then the light gets brighter--there’s a different sort of crackle. It sounds like the monitor itself is breaking, because it is. The screen warps and fills with static before the video cuts out completely.

They can hear the battle still going on, however, Nyarlathotep speaking for one final time.

"Hmph! Regardless of how much you struggle, the end will be the same! Just like the worlds of the disembodied souls you siphon into recycled bodies over and over, this one will also meet its end! Now the question is, how much are you willing to risk?"

Another explosion cracks apart what sound remains. The feed cuts out.