AU time!
By now, those of you in the Sea of Fragments are leaving it. There's no bang or pop-everything just leaves, and you're scattered again, on your own two feet again… somewhere completely different. Except oh so familiar, too. You won't have any powers, whether or not you have your chip in: no supernatural abilities, no gadgets, nothing on your person but the clothes you're wearing; there's only two exceptions, and we'll get to them later.
Welcome to Discedo.
You'll arrive without any fanfare. Rather, you won't really 'arrive' at all. You'll find yourself in the middle of various tasks-sleeping, in a classroom, at work-without a single puff of smoke or pause. One second you're standing in the sea of fragments, the next you're taking someone's order at Burger World. Go ahead, freak out-just be aware that your bosses, families, and spouses will treat you like the crazy person they think you are.
So where are you?
Discedo.
The first thing you'll notice is the people. Not just a few, but millions of them. Cars and bikes clog the streets, the subway rumbles below them, buses make stops. There are millions of people of all appearances and ages going about their days. Buildings are taller, in good repair. People go in and out of offices, stands sell food on the streets, kids play in the park, and so on. By all appearances, Discedo is a big, thriving city.
And we do mean big. Take a walk, get your bearings. You'll see a lot of familiar locations-Marshall, Latimir, and Horton, cleaner and busier; the bar and cafe, now a upscale restaurant and an icecream shop; the high school, packed full of students, the museum, open for visitors, the library, city hall, and police station-no longer burnt, all bustling.
But there's more. Suddenly, Discedo is on top of a hill. The very geography is different. The lake no longer curves around the city; the entire west part of it is gone, revealing more of Discedo-a suburban area, with supermarkets and another school. The city no longer stops abruptly to the south, turning into a grass plains area-it now curves downhill, revealing factories, shops, apartment buildings, and Discedo Community College. The forest is still there, but not as overgrown; it's obviously been trimmed back. The city is thinner here, but there are hotels and parks. Highways are intact and used. Farms can be seem to the south. Ferries go across the lake at impossible speeds.
Discedo is nearly twice as big as you're used to.
Now, look in your pockets, and you'll notice a few things.
First, there's a smartphone type device; this Discedo's version of the communicator. In addition to being able to make and place calls to others, it has access to a city-wide directory (and a search function). And instead of an internet function, it has a "network". This is pretty similar to what your characters are used to-but a lot bigger, and divided into sub-forums. You might find a network all about gardening tips, or election news. You can also make your own networks, either public or private-some of you may have access to private networks already. For example, schools will have them for 'school news,' and all students will be able to see and post in it. As with some businesses. Maybe even some families!
Making a post is pretty much the same as always-you can either call or text people directly, or find a network (or create one) and post to that. Just be aware that in network cases, if they're not private, anyone can see it. And while most of the people of Discedo will just think it's weird and ignore it if you start talking about other worlds… some might not.
All network posts/topics show the full name of whoever posted them. Think of the typical forum layout, where it'll say who created the topic, and then the subject of the topic. In other words, when you post, you're creating a new topic on a really, really huge forum-unless you lock the 'topic' so only certain people can see. There's a directory for that. Posts will usually be text; voice forums are also possible. As is directly calling someone, or videochatting with them.
You'll also notice that all computers in Discedo have this same function-instead of an internet option, there's the network option, and computers can be used as the same way as the phones can.
Check your wallet. Most people will have a bank card of some sort instead of paper money; this is how you buy and pay for things. Everyone will also have an ID card, with their full name, a photo, their address, and their job (and its address); school if they're a student. If your character doesn't have a last name in canon? They have one now. If your character is a country or something with no human name? They have a name now. Make up anything you'd like.
You also might find things like library cards, driver's licensees (if the character is 18 or older), etc.
Wait, I'm sure you're saying-address? Job?
We're getting to that!
We're pretty much leaving your address up to you. There are hundreds of apartment buildings in Discedo, and you can be in any one of them at random. There are also houses in the suburbs; you can be in any of them, too (but they do tend to be a bit more expensive). There are also student dorms for college students. Be creative! There's a lot more places to live than just Marshall, Latimir, and Horton. The houses vary as much as real world houses do.
As for jobs…
If your character is 5-18, they're students. Every day they're expected in school, on time, and will have classes just like any normal student. High school students might have part-time jobs after school.
If a character is 18-22, they might also be students! In addition to Discedo Community College (which has dorms if your character lives there), there's Spero University across the lake-an hour ferry ride will get you there each morning.
If a character is 18+ and not going to college, then they'll probably be working. They can be unemployed and looking for a job, but that's pretty uncommon in Discedo. If your character is working for a living, comment here and we'll give them a job that totally suits their talents and skills. Really.
And when they get home in the afternoon/evening? Well, they have a family to greet them!
If a character is under 18, they will have parents and maybe a sibling or two. These will be NPC citizens of Discedo; feel free to give them whatever personalities you like. They will be positive that they are your family, and have photos to prove it. They will not be AU versions of your character's canon family-they will be brand new.
If a character is over 18, you have a bit more freedom in deciding their family situation! You might be living alone, or still with your parents. You might have someone coming by claiming to be your younger brother, or get phone calls from your uncle Bob. You might have roommates, you might even be married, engaged, or dating someone! You can even have kids of your own!
Edit: Amend wording
A couple people have asked about the "characters relating to each other" thing, and it was poorly worded the first time around. Basically we like it when other people branch out and take on lives outside of the relations in Discedo (that is, getting NPC families/significant others/etc), but we will not hunt you down and drag you to the Lubyanka should you choose otherwise. It's something that is encouraged, not enforced. If you do choose to interact with other players rather than create NPCs, we also encourage that you branch out to others in the AU world whom your characters would not normally interact with!
The exception for this is canon blood relations. If your character's sibling or parent is also being played, then in AU Discedo, they'll still be related in the same way (while the rest of the family is random). Be creative and have fun with it!
There is, however, one very important exception to all this:
Nonhuman characters. Characters who do not appear human, with wings, horns, tails, or some other obvious traits. Unlike the rest of Discedo, they do not have jobs, or families. All of them, no exceptions, live in a dorm next to the hospital. They're allowed to leave and use the network, but they'll be followed and observed. They cannot have jobs, or go to school, although they do get special tutors in their dorms. They will also be tested in the hospital-nothing sinister, just blood drawings and MRIs. And if they cause trouble-for example, attack someone-they'll be locked up for a day. People on the streets will give them strange looks and avoid them. Forums will speculate about the "freaks"; some will want to give them a chance, others will want them dead.
Sure, Discedo seems thriving and perfect… but it's not.
There are other things, too. Police are everywhere. They'll be friendly enough, happy to help with questions, but watching very carefully. The newspapers' crime sections will report on very harsh penalties for breaking the law-thieves getting branded with X, the death sentence for every homicide. There are cameras on every street.
There are other things, too. History classes will teach about how Dissmulo, Accido, and Spero were eliminated by Discedo, then repopulated by Discedians. But of course, the others were savages and deserved it. Other countries are also attacked.
The population varies, but you'll notice everyone does look sort of similar-dark, often curly hair, skin tones ranging from light to medium dark. The same kind of noses, faces-and almost nothing outside of that. Blondes are rare. Red hair is almost non existent. Everyone fits firmly into a certain group, no exceptions. Everyone is friendly, of course, and they won't discriminate against blondes and the like-it's just that this is not a multi-cultural kind of place.
There's also a lot of nationalism. Discedo is the best. There are no exceptions, no differing opinions: Discedo is the one shining light in the world. Everyone else is a heathen, a savage, unlucky because they were born elsewhere.
And speaking of them. Pay attention in history class and you'll also hear about how Hollisland was subjugated centuries ago. They're in Discedo, too-Hollislanders. Working grunt jobs, for low pay, living in the slums. You can tell them pretty easily-they all have to wear an orange band on their arms, by law. But they're not mistreated! Of course not! Hollislanders are just the lowest of the low; they're paying the price for having grandfathers who dared attack Discedo. They're little more than indentured servants.
But don't be discouraged! Most people you meet are very friendly, very nice, very helpful. If you put up too much of a fuss, well, they might call the police-for your own good-and you might get brought to the hospital for sedation, but most people are pleasant. There aren't many homeless, there are plenty of jobs and lots of money, the city is gleaming and plants are everywhere.
On a whole, it seems like the perfect place to live.
So, now that you're introduced to Discedo, what kind of people will you be running into? As we've said, you're free to NPC and make up anything you wish. Like most cities, Discedo does have a seedy underbelly, but violent crime is very low (possibly because of how heavily it's punished). There are snobby people, stupid people, aggressive people-but also kind, smart, and generous ones. They vary just like in any other place.
There are a few specific groups, however!
POLICE: As said, they're everywhere. They'll be totally kind and helpful to you, until you break the law. If you attack others or break things, you'll be arrested and tossed in jail. Discedo doesn't have a jury system; you'll be brought to trial the next day and sentenced if it's a severe crime. If it's minor, you'll probably be released and warned not to do it again. Try not to.
HOSPITAL STAFF: Most of the doctors are your average doctors; overworked, stressed, but meaning well and wanting to help. However, in the wing where the non humans are kept, people are very taciturn, very quiet. Don't cross them. One offense will get you locked in a padded room for a day and tranquilized. Two will lead to more severe punishments. If you try to escape, they will catch you and toss you in the padded room.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS: Locked up in city hall all day. You can get into city hall-they offer a guided tour twice a day!-but trying to break in or explore on your own will get you arrested.
HOLLISLANDERS: The lowest of the low. They are maids, garbage men, warehouse workers, etc. They won't want to talk to you, and it's frowned on to talk to them. Most of them have been born in Discedo and so don't have the accent.
And if you turn on the news or read the paper, you'll find a few common themes in addition to the usual public interest stories and celebrity gossip:
• Stories on a construction project turning Dissmulo into a "haven" for the nonhumans. A safe place for them to live without 'bothering anyone.' Pictures accompanying the story shows a very spartan town with concrete and rebar showing everywhere. Concrete buildings, potted plants, and walls visible in the background of every shot. It's being praised as a safe, complete home for them, and due for completion "this summer." Reporters will comment on how you can "hardly even tell" it was a POW camp before now. There is no word on what happened to said prisoners.
• Reports on the falling radiation levels in Accido. It should be safe for living in in as little as ten years! Pictures show a ruined city, with hardly any buildings left standing.
• News about a mass execution for six prisoners who staged a jail break. Some are proposing that rather than allowing prisoners to fester in jail, they be executed immediately. However, Discedo's government insists that all people-even prisoners-are provided a second chance "after punishment." Execution is the third strike, and to do anything less is "cruel and savage."
• Science stories regarding a prototype machine that can look into other universes and dimensions. Scientists say that when this is studied and improved, the possibilities and applications will be endless. They're very excited about this.
Enjoy, and again: Welcome to Discedo.
For the next week, this will be your home; play around, explore, have fun. We realize there are a lot of questions you probably have about it still, so feel free to ask them, and we'll try and flesh out this place as best we can. Of course there's more-but that comes later.
What about those of you who stayed behind? Well, nothing much at first. There are bodies everywhere, so you might want to get them inside and somewhere safe: monsters consider them, rightfully so, very easy pickings. But for now, nothing much is happening.
Of course, the key word is always "for now."
Remember! If your character needs a job in AU Discedo, comment here to get one! Otherwise, ask questions, plot, and have fun!
Welcome to Discedo.
You'll arrive without any fanfare. Rather, you won't really 'arrive' at all. You'll find yourself in the middle of various tasks-sleeping, in a classroom, at work-without a single puff of smoke or pause. One second you're standing in the sea of fragments, the next you're taking someone's order at Burger World. Go ahead, freak out-just be aware that your bosses, families, and spouses will treat you like the crazy person they think you are.
So where are you?
Discedo.
The first thing you'll notice is the people. Not just a few, but millions of them. Cars and bikes clog the streets, the subway rumbles below them, buses make stops. There are millions of people of all appearances and ages going about their days. Buildings are taller, in good repair. People go in and out of offices, stands sell food on the streets, kids play in the park, and so on. By all appearances, Discedo is a big, thriving city.
And we do mean big. Take a walk, get your bearings. You'll see a lot of familiar locations-Marshall, Latimir, and Horton, cleaner and busier; the bar and cafe, now a upscale restaurant and an icecream shop; the high school, packed full of students, the museum, open for visitors, the library, city hall, and police station-no longer burnt, all bustling.
But there's more. Suddenly, Discedo is on top of a hill. The very geography is different. The lake no longer curves around the city; the entire west part of it is gone, revealing more of Discedo-a suburban area, with supermarkets and another school. The city no longer stops abruptly to the south, turning into a grass plains area-it now curves downhill, revealing factories, shops, apartment buildings, and Discedo Community College. The forest is still there, but not as overgrown; it's obviously been trimmed back. The city is thinner here, but there are hotels and parks. Highways are intact and used. Farms can be seem to the south. Ferries go across the lake at impossible speeds.
Discedo is nearly twice as big as you're used to.
Now, look in your pockets, and you'll notice a few things.
First, there's a smartphone type device; this Discedo's version of the communicator. In addition to being able to make and place calls to others, it has access to a city-wide directory (and a search function). And instead of an internet function, it has a "network". This is pretty similar to what your characters are used to-but a lot bigger, and divided into sub-forums. You might find a network all about gardening tips, or election news. You can also make your own networks, either public or private-some of you may have access to private networks already. For example, schools will have them for 'school news,' and all students will be able to see and post in it. As with some businesses. Maybe even some families!
Making a post is pretty much the same as always-you can either call or text people directly, or find a network (or create one) and post to that. Just be aware that in network cases, if they're not private, anyone can see it. And while most of the people of Discedo will just think it's weird and ignore it if you start talking about other worlds… some might not.
All network posts/topics show the full name of whoever posted them. Think of the typical forum layout, where it'll say who created the topic, and then the subject of the topic. In other words, when you post, you're creating a new topic on a really, really huge forum-unless you lock the 'topic' so only certain people can see. There's a directory for that. Posts will usually be text; voice forums are also possible. As is directly calling someone, or videochatting with them.
You'll also notice that all computers in Discedo have this same function-instead of an internet option, there's the network option, and computers can be used as the same way as the phones can.
Check your wallet. Most people will have a bank card of some sort instead of paper money; this is how you buy and pay for things. Everyone will also have an ID card, with their full name, a photo, their address, and their job (and its address); school if they're a student. If your character doesn't have a last name in canon? They have one now. If your character is a country or something with no human name? They have a name now. Make up anything you'd like.
You also might find things like library cards, driver's licensees (if the character is 18 or older), etc.
Wait, I'm sure you're saying-address? Job?
We're getting to that!
We're pretty much leaving your address up to you. There are hundreds of apartment buildings in Discedo, and you can be in any one of them at random. There are also houses in the suburbs; you can be in any of them, too (but they do tend to be a bit more expensive). There are also student dorms for college students. Be creative! There's a lot more places to live than just Marshall, Latimir, and Horton. The houses vary as much as real world houses do.
As for jobs…
If your character is 5-18, they're students. Every day they're expected in school, on time, and will have classes just like any normal student. High school students might have part-time jobs after school.
If a character is 18-22, they might also be students! In addition to Discedo Community College (which has dorms if your character lives there), there's Spero University across the lake-an hour ferry ride will get you there each morning.
If a character is 18+ and not going to college, then they'll probably be working. They can be unemployed and looking for a job, but that's pretty uncommon in Discedo. If your character is working for a living, comment here and we'll give them a job that totally suits their talents and skills. Really.
And when they get home in the afternoon/evening? Well, they have a family to greet them!
If a character is under 18, they will have parents and maybe a sibling or two. These will be NPC citizens of Discedo; feel free to give them whatever personalities you like. They will be positive that they are your family, and have photos to prove it. They will not be AU versions of your character's canon family-they will be brand new.
If a character is over 18, you have a bit more freedom in deciding their family situation! You might be living alone, or still with your parents. You might have someone coming by claiming to be your younger brother, or get phone calls from your uncle Bob. You might have roommates, you might even be married, engaged, or dating someone! You can even have kids of your own!
Edit: Amend wording
A couple people have asked about the "characters relating to each other" thing, and it was poorly worded the first time around. Basically we like it when other people branch out and take on lives outside of the relations in Discedo (that is, getting NPC families/significant others/etc), but we will not hunt you down and drag you to the Lubyanka should you choose otherwise. It's something that is encouraged, not enforced. If you do choose to interact with other players rather than create NPCs, we also encourage that you branch out to others in the AU world whom your characters would not normally interact with!
The exception for this is canon blood relations. If your character's sibling or parent is also being played, then in AU Discedo, they'll still be related in the same way (while the rest of the family is random). Be creative and have fun with it!
There is, however, one very important exception to all this:
Nonhuman characters. Characters who do not appear human, with wings, horns, tails, or some other obvious traits. Unlike the rest of Discedo, they do not have jobs, or families. All of them, no exceptions, live in a dorm next to the hospital. They're allowed to leave and use the network, but they'll be followed and observed. They cannot have jobs, or go to school, although they do get special tutors in their dorms. They will also be tested in the hospital-nothing sinister, just blood drawings and MRIs. And if they cause trouble-for example, attack someone-they'll be locked up for a day. People on the streets will give them strange looks and avoid them. Forums will speculate about the "freaks"; some will want to give them a chance, others will want them dead.
Sure, Discedo seems thriving and perfect… but it's not.
There are other things, too. Police are everywhere. They'll be friendly enough, happy to help with questions, but watching very carefully. The newspapers' crime sections will report on very harsh penalties for breaking the law-thieves getting branded with X, the death sentence for every homicide. There are cameras on every street.
There are other things, too. History classes will teach about how Dissmulo, Accido, and Spero were eliminated by Discedo, then repopulated by Discedians. But of course, the others were savages and deserved it. Other countries are also attacked.
The population varies, but you'll notice everyone does look sort of similar-dark, often curly hair, skin tones ranging from light to medium dark. The same kind of noses, faces-and almost nothing outside of that. Blondes are rare. Red hair is almost non existent. Everyone fits firmly into a certain group, no exceptions. Everyone is friendly, of course, and they won't discriminate against blondes and the like-it's just that this is not a multi-cultural kind of place.
There's also a lot of nationalism. Discedo is the best. There are no exceptions, no differing opinions: Discedo is the one shining light in the world. Everyone else is a heathen, a savage, unlucky because they were born elsewhere.
And speaking of them. Pay attention in history class and you'll also hear about how Hollisland was subjugated centuries ago. They're in Discedo, too-Hollislanders. Working grunt jobs, for low pay, living in the slums. You can tell them pretty easily-they all have to wear an orange band on their arms, by law. But they're not mistreated! Of course not! Hollislanders are just the lowest of the low; they're paying the price for having grandfathers who dared attack Discedo. They're little more than indentured servants.
But don't be discouraged! Most people you meet are very friendly, very nice, very helpful. If you put up too much of a fuss, well, they might call the police-for your own good-and you might get brought to the hospital for sedation, but most people are pleasant. There aren't many homeless, there are plenty of jobs and lots of money, the city is gleaming and plants are everywhere.
On a whole, it seems like the perfect place to live.
So, now that you're introduced to Discedo, what kind of people will you be running into? As we've said, you're free to NPC and make up anything you wish. Like most cities, Discedo does have a seedy underbelly, but violent crime is very low (possibly because of how heavily it's punished). There are snobby people, stupid people, aggressive people-but also kind, smart, and generous ones. They vary just like in any other place.
There are a few specific groups, however!
POLICE: As said, they're everywhere. They'll be totally kind and helpful to you, until you break the law. If you attack others or break things, you'll be arrested and tossed in jail. Discedo doesn't have a jury system; you'll be brought to trial the next day and sentenced if it's a severe crime. If it's minor, you'll probably be released and warned not to do it again. Try not to.
HOSPITAL STAFF: Most of the doctors are your average doctors; overworked, stressed, but meaning well and wanting to help. However, in the wing where the non humans are kept, people are very taciturn, very quiet. Don't cross them. One offense will get you locked in a padded room for a day and tranquilized. Two will lead to more severe punishments. If you try to escape, they will catch you and toss you in the padded room.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS: Locked up in city hall all day. You can get into city hall-they offer a guided tour twice a day!-but trying to break in or explore on your own will get you arrested.
HOLLISLANDERS: The lowest of the low. They are maids, garbage men, warehouse workers, etc. They won't want to talk to you, and it's frowned on to talk to them. Most of them have been born in Discedo and so don't have the accent.
And if you turn on the news or read the paper, you'll find a few common themes in addition to the usual public interest stories and celebrity gossip:
• Stories on a construction project turning Dissmulo into a "haven" for the nonhumans. A safe place for them to live without 'bothering anyone.' Pictures accompanying the story shows a very spartan town with concrete and rebar showing everywhere. Concrete buildings, potted plants, and walls visible in the background of every shot. It's being praised as a safe, complete home for them, and due for completion "this summer." Reporters will comment on how you can "hardly even tell" it was a POW camp before now. There is no word on what happened to said prisoners.
• Reports on the falling radiation levels in Accido. It should be safe for living in in as little as ten years! Pictures show a ruined city, with hardly any buildings left standing.
• News about a mass execution for six prisoners who staged a jail break. Some are proposing that rather than allowing prisoners to fester in jail, they be executed immediately. However, Discedo's government insists that all people-even prisoners-are provided a second chance "after punishment." Execution is the third strike, and to do anything less is "cruel and savage."
• Science stories regarding a prototype machine that can look into other universes and dimensions. Scientists say that when this is studied and improved, the possibilities and applications will be endless. They're very excited about this.
Enjoy, and again: Welcome to Discedo.
For the next week, this will be your home; play around, explore, have fun. We realize there are a lot of questions you probably have about it still, so feel free to ask them, and we'll try and flesh out this place as best we can. Of course there's more-but that comes later.
What about those of you who stayed behind? Well, nothing much at first. There are bodies everywhere, so you might want to get them inside and somewhere safe: monsters consider them, rightfully so, very easy pickings. But for now, nothing much is happening.
Of course, the key word is always "for now."
Remember! If your character needs a job in AU Discedo, comment here to get one! Otherwise, ask questions, plot, and have fun!