MASK OR MENACE

WHO: Everyone!
WHERE: Jeopardy?
WHEN: November 12th-18th
WHAT: The sisters have been summoned. What happens now that all three are here?
WARNINGS: Violence

Despite the best efforts of OTO, a determined group of imPorts has gathered at the Altar, a rock formation outside the city once rumored to be a place of sacrifice, to conduct a seance and reach out to Lachesis, who measures the thread of fate, and Clotho, who weaves, in hopes that they will summon and balance the destruction of Atropos, she who cuts the thread.

Minds and wills focused together, powers not of this world wielded in harmony. Many points of light in the darkness become one, strong and then stronger, energy gathering in the air around them. And then the sky lights up in unearthly colors, power from even farther away rushing towards the group and pooling around the two chosen to act as the group's foci, suffusing them with painful energy until it feels as though they might explode.

A clap of thunder nearly as loud as a sonic boom echoes in the sky. The light fades — in seconds, a windstorm descends on the group, obscuring all senses by whipping up the sand. When it lifts, the intended conduits Jessika and Bruce lie unconscious on the ground and will remain so for ten minutes until they awaken, tired but utterly themselves. Layla and Sally Clapp, wherever they were kept at the ceremony, are simply gone.

When the surge of energy and winds die down, imPorts will feel a difference in the quality of the air—something charged, electrical. Something has happened. And as they turn toward Jeopardy proper, they will see a startling change: a thick wall of clouds, roiling and angry, has enveloped much of the city.



The storm wall itself is different than others characters may have seen, made more obvious to those with detection-related abilities. There's power there, enough to engulf this world and others. Do they dare go see what's inside? Can they bring themselves to turn away?

[NOTE: Characters may enter the storm at any time, including those who were not present at the ritual but travel there later, but once inside, they cannot leave and there is no technological communication with the outside world. Time will move differently inside the storm, and no matter what point they entered no one will be able to leave until Nov. 19, at which point the method of their return will be posted.]

( face your fate(s) )

There is a mysterious quality to the air tonight...perhaps due in part to the reprieve from the zombies and strange monsters rampaging about? Indeed, the space you've wandered into seems to exude a kind of serenity that's been lacking of late...it's as soothing as it is suspicious, and it only gets stranger from there.

Whatever you were up to, wherever you were going...it doesn't really seem to matter much the moment you spot them — someone you never expected to see here, even in this weird world. Maybe they're a long-lost family member, lover, or cherished friend...someone you cared for deeply, someone who made you who you are today, someone whose absence leaves a hole in your heart to this day. There they are...and there they go.

No matter how fast you give chase (yes, even you most speedy of speedsters), they seem to be just barely out of reach, even though they seem to be walking a natural pace! And soon, they'll lead you to the platform of a train...



ARRIVAL
It might not sink in right away, but this quaintly-crafted locomotive is very unlike the subways and trains of the city you've been living in. Neither are its passengers — all of them somewhat transparent, somewhat glowing...and all of them quite content to be there, eager to greet and welcome you along for the ride.

While you search for the specter of your loved one, you will definitely encounter others who were charmed into climbing aboard as well; perhaps that'll be enough to shake you out of the stupor? Or maybe it'll take a bit more time to realize something's really amiss. No worries — there's nothing but time here; you'll find clocks have stopped, even if the Network is still accessible. Who knows how long it's been since you boarded, and when?

The train passes along to each of the cities in its own time at its own pace — even phasing through other vehicles in its path. As it collects its new passengers, there's a chance to finally, finally sit down and speak to that special lost loved one again! How many people can say they have that chance?!

ASCENT
When all the cities have been touched, finishing with that spooky city of Jeopardy (where more than a few spectral passengers are picked up, as well!), the train closes its doors and begins to accelerate. Faster, faster...then up...and up...to the stars! You have a plain view from any window to see the colors of the sky shift, the atmosphere part, and the blanket of stars overtake the view, leaving the Earth behind. It's quite beautiful...but also, perhaps, bad? You live down there, after all! Maybe it's time to call for help, or find a way off this mystery train...

ADIEU
Whether you've found a way into the escape pods or gotten the passenger cars decoupled from the engine, it means farewell to this ghostly train on its destination to the unknown. Or, maybe...you've just had enough of that life down below, and just want to stay with the one you've missed so much. It's not your place to decide, however, but at least...at least you'll finally be able to give a goodbye (or another one).

Those who don't escape will find their eyes fluttering open, as if waking from deep sleep, standing before the platform they'd boarded. And in their heart? The last few parting words with the ghosts of loved ones from another realm...

What a strange gift.

Details and questions here!