Ivan (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
snaggletooth) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
cultmirror2026-01-01 08:22 pm
snaggletooth) wrote in cultmirror2026-01-01 08:22 pm
001 - Hello, World - Week Two | CW: insects
[ A buzzing besets the wearers of masks, building and building. Then, the moment it seems impossible for it to become any louder, it stops. Like an approaching swarm that's ceased all aggression in an instant. There's still something sitting there behind this sudden cessation, however, hidden in the shifting blackness of the mind. A presence, just arrived, awaiting a turn to speak. ]
Hello, please pardon my intrusion. My name is Ivan. I'm standing at the entrance to Grand Central Station.
Before I head below, there's something I believe I should do for my own safety. With an appearance like mine, it would be easy for those of you I've yet to meet to mistake me for one of those other mindless things that live down there, in the dark. That's why I'm going to show myself to all of you now. It may be startling, so I apologize.
Please, brace yourself.
[ There is movement in the mind's eye. There is a light that switches on, illuminating an oily mass that goes on and on, disappearing off in the depths of the dark plane. Nothing gives it scale except for the distinct sense that it is looming, this terrible silhouette that terminates in the pale, placid face of a young man. It looks like a porcelain doll's head has been torn off and placed atop a nightmarish effigy.
He sways softly before allowing himself to fade away once again. ]
There, ahaha... if you're still hearing this, then I have to thank you for at least humoring me.
I realize that my gesture doesn't give anyone a reason to trust I'm not as bad as the next abomination you run into. I won't begrudge you, whatever your decision. There is one piece of guidance I can offer though. It doesn't even require dealing with me in person, fortunately for all.
Just concentrate with me — for one more moment.
[ He's not usually the one to do this. That person has concerningly not been present. At the end of the moment he requested, your thoughts are pulled along, beyond anywhere you thought to direct them. You can resist and the sensation will simply dissipate, but allow yourself to be lead and all will also be well. At the end of the line is a susurrating knot of voices speaking over one another. Echoes that, with just a bit of focus, become clearer. Individual. ]
If this information proves useful, send your regards to the young man named Megumi.
( NOTE: This message will be sent out once the Veteran's nightmares begin leading them to the tunnels. Ivan will be actively searching while communicating and can be intercepted by other characters in the area. His close companion Till may also respond and/or can optionally appear if a conversation thread is converted to action. )
Hello, please pardon my intrusion. My name is Ivan. I'm standing at the entrance to Grand Central Station.
Before I head below, there's something I believe I should do for my own safety. With an appearance like mine, it would be easy for those of you I've yet to meet to mistake me for one of those other mindless things that live down there, in the dark. That's why I'm going to show myself to all of you now. It may be startling, so I apologize.
Please, brace yourself.
[ There is movement in the mind's eye. There is a light that switches on, illuminating an oily mass that goes on and on, disappearing off in the depths of the dark plane. Nothing gives it scale except for the distinct sense that it is looming, this terrible silhouette that terminates in the pale, placid face of a young man. It looks like a porcelain doll's head has been torn off and placed atop a nightmarish effigy.
He sways softly before allowing himself to fade away once again. ]
There, ahaha... if you're still hearing this, then I have to thank you for at least humoring me.
I realize that my gesture doesn't give anyone a reason to trust I'm not as bad as the next abomination you run into. I won't begrudge you, whatever your decision. There is one piece of guidance I can offer though. It doesn't even require dealing with me in person, fortunately for all.
Just concentrate with me — for one more moment.
[ He's not usually the one to do this. That person has concerningly not been present. At the end of the moment he requested, your thoughts are pulled along, beyond anywhere you thought to direct them. You can resist and the sensation will simply dissipate, but allow yourself to be lead and all will also be well. At the end of the line is a susurrating knot of voices speaking over one another. Echoes that, with just a bit of focus, become clearer. Individual. ]
If this information proves useful, send your regards to the young man named Megumi.
( NOTE: This message will be sent out once the Veteran's nightmares begin leading them to the tunnels. Ivan will be actively searching while communicating and can be intercepted by other characters in the area. His close companion Till may also respond and/or can optionally appear if a conversation thread is converted to action. )
no subject
There's even more symmetry when it immediately offers him what's most practical in this situation, too. He couldn't have asked anyone to get to the point any faster.
Unseen mandibles click-click in approval. ]
Amazing offer, Roe Deer, head of the underground area. [ Teams? — Management? Wow. ] I'm in favor of not taking any avoidable risks. And at this point I think those making the trip with me agree.
[ They've just spotted their first fused-to-the-wall host. ]
Speaking for us all, will you please share with us?
took some creative liberties
[ give soleum a bit to figure this out, but he's looking at a manual right now with what he's drawn from his own adventures down below.
soleum will stop looking at the manual. ]
I'm assuming you saw the same as me. [ or anyone else.
oh, he doesn't like the way this works, but if this benefits everyone underneath then... he must do what he yabba dabba must do.
calmly, he explains. ]
The main paths are labeled blue, and red are the safe passages you should take that will lead you to other safe zones. You may find civilians, you may not, but I can promise you that not everyone is aware of these paths so you'll avoid many hassles.
no subject
'roe deer camp'? no no, you can do soooo much better than that mr. mascot!
mentally scribbling that right out. insistent. it's actually 'flower garden camp' and she IS going to take the time to etch it into a nearby wall with something. like what are the hosts going to do. read it?
doubtful.
... actually? she's going to go do that right now. byee! )
no subject
[ DID SHE JUST EDIT SOMETHING IN HIS MIND!?!?!?!?
oh, he has to keep his composure, did his words shift into "flower garden camp" right in his brain. please, please, that didn't happen to him. that's not happening to him.
he's being so normal right now.
the most normal.
he will not scream. ]
Thank you, Miss Dolphin, if you can hear me out there.
[ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. ]
stop being funny i need to do my TAGS
it's the wrong color...?
she's sure thinkin' it. not as persistent as the name, at least. more like a passing thought that's just.
?? )
STOP UR LITERALLY IN HIS HEAD
[ there's even flowers. ]
wow already can't stop thinking abt her and they haven't even gone on a date yet ?
no more complaints! just a happy camper scratching a rock into one of the walls.
now please continue the more important talks. ty. )
no subject
It's not just your headspace, or mind. Whatever is pushed out into the Murmur stays there, it seems. You can almost visualize it sometimes. Like a spider web. Anyone feeling along the threads can find all sorts of old stuff caught up in it.
[ Ctrl + Delete not found.
Looks like someone found the edit button though! ]
Thank you, Roe Deer.
no subject
I see.
[ that's great to know, that means he can't make a horrible impression ever on the murmurnet, thank you. he's been doing this for years, so he'll avoid those bad murmur footprints that they warn you about when posting your face online and stuff. ]
Thank you. I wasn't aware the concept of this is like a well that never gets full.
[ he is grateful for the information. ]
I would like for you to use this map to assist anyone who comes with you. You are welcomed to stop by the Flower Garden Camp at your leisure.
[ there is another camp, caitlyn's, but soleum doesn't believe it's in his right to say where she is out of respect for her. ]
There is no need to thank me, I'm only doing what's right.