I threw this together.
No need to thank me or anything.
Show your wife, show your kids.
PROMENADE, THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE.
Written by Dr. Jacob Glaser, compiled from very many sources and experiences.
Arrival: Coming to terms with your kidnapping.
Up and at ‘em. Chances are you’ve just woken up where you’re not supposed to be. This place is called a residency, there are eighteen of them and they all have four floors. These buildings lie in various places throughout the city of Promenade. That’s where you are. Promenade, the endless city. Endless? I’m glad you asked me if I was being literal, only the most intelligent and attentive can put aside their confusion and displacement long enough to inquire about the validity of the statement. Yes, in fact, the city spans on and on for hundreds or thousands of miles. If you don’t believe me you’re welcome to go for a walk. Try not to get lost, or hit by a giant camouflaged robot. Not that one of those will be the first thing that you encounter. I’m only being semi-literal now.
Somewhere on a flat surface there will be a device, it may look familiar to you or it might not, and it too has powers of deception far beyond your wildest dreams. It’s called a PORTAL and thanks to Tony Stark you’re able to use encrypted text that will allow you to filter and lock messages to a specific person or group of people. They can change shape to better fit a situation and they have some primary functions and capabilities that will help you better get into contact with other captives like yourself. There’s probably a note there, “Be wary of the King and Queen,” signed by “The Exile.” Congratulations, you’re not going home any time soon, so pick a spot of your room and get comfortable so I can continue with this discourse.
You’re still in one piece, regardless of what you were up against at home, and everything about you hidden or not so hidden will likely be intact. There are the odd circumstances where those that had sustained an injury before they woke still have them to deal with. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to address the network. There are people here that can help.
On the off chance that you’re not in a residency but instead somewhere familiar to you. This is called your Place of Solace, and they’re just as functional if not more so than they were to you back home. There will be more on that later.
The locals here all act as if they know you, as if you’ve been here all along. You’ll get the same response from all native Promenadians try not to fret about it too much. At most, I consider it an odd quirk and try to ask what they’re planning to get me for my birthday.
The Portals: How do they work?
Well, I’m glad you asked. Aside from being able to change shape and form to better acclimate to your needs, they’re also quite easy to operate. They work like a cell phone, organizer, or computer and the options should be very clearly labeled for you.
Text:
Is exactly as it’s said. It can be hand print or something computer based like size twelve Geneva font, but the text function leaves a lot to the imagination if you’re not wanting to be seen or have your reasons for not appearing on screen or speaking on audio. Not everyone is a social butterfly. The filtering options should also be somewhere on screen. Just use the encryption you’d like and you’re good to go. A trained monkey could do this.
Audio:
If you’re in a hurry or on the go, speaking through a small microphone in the device might be more preferable to you. The rest of those on the PORTAL network will hear these messages and respond with their own. It functions a lot like a phone or a very impersonal vocal conversation. Be sure you know who you’re speaking to, because some people may sound alike.
Video:
Addressing the public with a video message is a very forward way of getting your point across. A camera in the PORTAL will record you and your feed as you relay it and the rest of the residents. They’re receive the recording and be able to respond to your own. In America we call this camera whoring, or webcamming, some people get paid to do it. You won’t.
Teneka:
This is a more night specific feature. At night the residents of Promenade find themselves unable to talk for whatever reason, this feature projects your thoughts into the minds of others and will work so long as you have the PORTAL on your person. It’s very handy, especially considering the night and day stipulations.
Night vs. Day: Guidelines that aren’t particularly pleasant.
As mentioned before the residents of the city lose all ability to speak during the night. Not a sound will come from your throat and you’ll have to rely on Teneka or text to get your point across. Some appear on video using Teneka, but between you and me I find this to be attention seeking behavior, I don’t see why anyone would want to just stare vacantly at a screen as they relayed what they were thinking. If you’re going to make the display at least make it interesting, if not enjoyable, to watch.
During the day it is decreed that we must wear a mask while outside of our residencies at all times. You may find this stupid, or bothersome, but the repercussions for not doing so are worse. You probably arrived with your mask already on, if that’s the case, this is what you’ll be wearing while you’re not within those four walls and while you’re perusing the rest of the city that’s been laid out for you.
Places of Solace: That little piece of you that you brought with.
When you arrive to Promenade a fact to keep in mind is that somewhere within the city is something you remember from home or a place that’s important to you. It could be as small as a bicycle or as large as part of a town. You’ll need to go out and find that on your own. Some places might not be as easily found or gotten to as others. This section will be vague because obviously I don’t know what applies to you and what brings you comfort. For me it was my house.
The Forbidden Paths: Don’t you feel like you’re in an episode of Scooby Doo? I do.
Not much is known about this area. It’s rumored that this is where, “The Exile,” was last scene. Guards keep it locked up and won’t let anyone enter. I wouldn’t test them, from what I’ve heard they’re not as friendly when they’re being crossed.
Places in Promenade: Areas that you can visit if you want a change of scenery.
There’s the castle, the gardens, and the beach without the inclusion of the forbidden paths or your places of solace.
Self explanatory.
… Enjoy those.
Dream Projection: And you.
Along with Promenade not really being what we all know from reality, it allows us to bend it! Some people have dreamed their pets into the city, or vehicles or other methods of transportation. It works with all things, food and health care items included and makes sure you’re never left wanting.
I wouldn’t rush into doing this, as it hasn’t been disproved that there might be ill-effects but I would start small. A cup of Joe, or your favorite book. Then you can move on to bounce houses and that Ferrari you’ve been wanting since you peaked.
Conclusions: Things to end with.
I’ve broken this down in such a way that allows ease and comfort as you get better adjusted. A third grader could take this guide and learn from it, so, don’t be stubborn and keep what’s mentioned here in mind. Obviously we don’t know about the city in entirety and the royalty is vague and uncongenial at most. Be warned that there are bad people within the city, just as there are at home, and that thinks from your reality might not hold true in the life or dimension of someone else. A lot about Promenade is TBD (this means to be determined, for those of you that don’t speak acronym.) Expect an update when more is found out.
Until then, enjoy your time in dream country.
As opposed to being bitter and angry at the city because of it. That only makes you look like a jackass.