Awards Killing Game 2x2: Moon of Hope (Signups/Lounge)

And that's eighteen! Thank you to everyone who signed up. Keep in mind - you can still join as a replacement, and a couple of our players have very graciously offered to trade spots if you haven't gotten to play many KGs!
 
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To whom it may concern,

You are cordially invited to this year's Grand Experiment, held at the GHOST Complex in Evershade Valley! Here, the greatest minds of the paranormal sciences gather, assembling at one of the world's greatest hubs of paranormal research, in order to push the boundaries of knowledge and pursue a deeper understanding of the world!

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If you received this invitation, we have selected you based on either your innate paranormal abilities, or interest in the paranormal itself and its related technology. Either way, we would love to have you here to pool your knowledge and skills with the resources of the GHOST Complex. With your help, our knowledge will reach heights never before seen!

Please reply to this invitation to communicate your interest. We expect you on May 1st, when the Grand Experiment will begin!

Yours sincerely,

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This is what I get for not going on the boards frequently enough

Dang
 
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Reactions: GBA




"Are you sure you want to do this?
I can't see what's going to happen to you on the other side."


♢ "Yes, I'm certain. We know so little about these creatures,
even though they exist all around us if you look for them.


You said there is a research facility, correct? Think about the opportunity.
Nobody has ever studied these beings in any serious capacity before." ♢


"I feel some kind of... wall thing between our worlds? It's fighting me.
I can hold it open for long enough to send you through from this side, but once you're there
I don't know when it will be weak enough again to pull you back."


♢ "That's fine. I'll find my own way back." ♢

"Lay off him, guys. This is his thing. He's got to blaze his own trail.
Plus, he'll probably flounder about and do something embarrassing,
and that will be fun for us to watch."


*SMACK*

"OW! Dick!!"



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"We will be in touch. If anything happens, you can talk to us through this magical artifact."

♢ "This is... Why is the artifact an old cloth rag?" ♢

"I'm sorry. Your request came on such short notice,
this is the only object I had on hand to enchant that quickly."


♢ "Dare I ask why it is damp?" ♢

"I uh... spilled some juice earlier and then grabbed the wrong napkin,
so... I may have wiped down the table with the communicator by accident.

Sorry!"

♢ "... This mission is off to a great start already." ♢

"Hah!"



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♢ "What is the name of this world I'm going to?" ♢

"I believe it is called--"

"Dirt"!

♢ "Anyone with a serious answer?" ♢

"No, he is essentially correct.
The planet is named after dirt, that's what my readings said."

♢ "Perhaps I should have brought mittens..." ♢



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♢ "Day Zero. Arrived safely on Planet Dirt." ♢



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♢ "My
field study begins. Forthwith I will
unlock the mysteries of these
creatures once and for all." ♢

"Good luck, Winter."


"Break a leg, crystal butt!"


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Winter is here.
 
Winter is here.
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(Credit to Minimum Wage Employee for Jack's dialogue portraits)
"Oh, finally! Someone else is here. I've been waiting here alone for about five minutes... so, how'd you get here? Don't leave out anything funny, I need new material."​
 
The following post contains spoilers for the original AKG2. Links to the original game are provided throughout, if you want to read the game for yourself first.



It all began 12 years ago.

An expedition into a distant jungle. The world's greatest detectives, called forth to solve an unsolvable mystery. Only for it all to end in failure, and a hasty retreat. At least, that's what the official story was for the next 4 years, until something remarkable happened. A survivor, once thought dead, emerged in New Donk City, and with an incredible story to tell.

Spending 4 years in the Jungle, he had honed his survival skills facing off against wolves, barely able to muster the strength to keep going. Until one fateful day, when he came across a mysterious mansion. It was old and decrepit, full of clockwork mechanisms whose condition were as haggard as his own. Deciding it was still better than a home-made shelter in the rain, he made his way inside, hoping for a better quality of life than the jungle had been offering him.

Inside the mansion, he found himself caught up in a game of life and death, orchestrated by a ghoul most mysterious. He and several other residents of the manor were forced to murder each other, and this naturally weighed heavily upon the great detective. After all the violence he had experienced in the jungle, on the run from those dastardly wolves, he didn't fancy having to attack his fellow humans. But the machinations of fate would not allow him to get out of this conundrum so easily.

Even as early as the first night, the detective was on the back foot. He had spent his time exploring the mansion and doing his usual exercises, only to stumble upon the victim just as he was ending his night. He knew this meant he must begin his investigation immediately, but as he worked with his fellow investigators, it became clear to the group that only two people had the ability to have done this kill... and he was one of them. Knowing his own innocence, he was sure it was the other party, a young teen named Monika, and did his best to convince the others, searching for any evidence that could implicate his opponent. Eventually, he was able to find a single, lone contradiction, catching the true culprit in a lie, and preserving his own life.

The second night gave him a welcome reprieve, with a thrilling wrestling match taking place between the legendary Beowulf and some of the mansion's other residents, with a bit of murder investigating happening afterwards. Unfortunately, fate would not be so kind the following night. Two people were murdered that night... and one had happened right in front of him. Fearing the danger from the double-murder night, the detective had teamed up with Fanta, one of the mansions other residence, and the pair had made their way to the kitchen when disaster struck, and they were ambushed by Dante from the Devil May Cry series, who knocked him out and killed his companion. Determined to avenge his fallen friend, he and the other investigators uncovered Dante's true identity, and justice was served.

With that done, the game entered it's final stage, the inhabitants of the mansion being brought to a treacherous new location, and meeting up with survivors from another mansion. Now all that was left was for the remaining players to continue the game until there was only one person left standing. Each night in this mansion, the detective stumbled upon the night's victim, and the death around him drove him closer and closer to the brink of insanity. But in the midst of this despair, there remained one ray of hope.

Just before they left the Old Clockworks, Beowulf had reached out to the detective. He had been gathering a team, one that would work together to solve the true mystery of these mansions: finding and reassembling the shards of the fabled Dark Moon. There were 5 shards to be found, with a couple already having been obtained by his collaborators, and the promise that bringing all of them together could provide them a way of escape. The detective eagerly accepted the invitation, and the group began working with great efficiency to track down each of the remaining shards. There were some obstacles and internal conflicts during this process, but after only three nights in their new location, the group had succeeded in obtaining all 5 shards, and planned to make their escape.

On that fateful night, the detective and one of his companions, Meta Knight, solved the remaining puzzles to reveal the final mansion's shard. With everything going to plan, the pair made their way to the altar, where they collected the shard and waited for their companions to meet them. But, unbeknownst to them, an assassin had chosen this very room to commit a murder attempt. The attacker jumped the pair, pushing the detective out and beginning a struggle with his companion. Once the detective was finally able to get back into the room, the only thing left was his companion's dead body... and he finally broke, weeping for all that he had lost. The years he lost when stranded in the jungle, and the companions and colleagues he had seen murdered before his very eyes. Beowulf and the others arrived, but with only four of them, it was impossible to escape that night. But this didn't bother the detective anymore. He had unfinished business to attend to... solving one final murder. He put his all into the investigation, and managed to identify the correct culprit and bring them to justice, avenging the death of their fallen ally.

With that final job out of the way, the team recruited two more allies to assist in their final escape plan, with one staying behind as the others escaped. They gathered the bodies of their fallen friends from each mansion, and faced off against the evil mastermind, the King of the Boos, who sought to keep them trapped there. With the power of teamwork and soap, the detective and his allies overcame this final obstacle, and they escaped through a magic portal created by the Dark Moon, which released them into New Donk City. A changed man, the detective learned to put aside his prejudices and rededicated his life to his one true love: solving mysteries.

Time would fail me to make mention of every single thing that took place in those fateful mansions. The deadly kitchens, the obsessions with soap, the fact that his closest ally was themed around his previous nemesis, the final murder that went "unsolved" because literally everyone else was in on it... I won't waste too much more of your time. However, there is one final mystery that remains.

Buried deep within this tale is a small detail, easily overlooked. A deal made with an mysterious entity, in a temple deep within the jungle. A paranormal power that allows the creation of bodies of water, as well as transit between them. And a ghostly complexion, weak to wards and talismans. The detective never once attempted to kill a man, so these fantastical powers are merely a footnote in a greater tale. But, a time comes for each mystery to be solved. A paranormal research gathering, bringing together others with similar powers... a perfect stage, wouldn't you agree? Indeed, it seems the time has come for a certain man to finally make his return...


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And that man... is me.

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Nice to meet ya. Name's Luke Atmey. Please, no autographs.
 

"Oh, finally! Someone else is here. I've been waiting here alone for about five minutes... so, how'd you get here? Don't leave out anything funny, I need new material."​

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WINTER:
"........"

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???:
"(unintelligible scavenger noises)"


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WINTER:
".....???"


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WINTER:
"Field Research Log. Upon my arrival, I was confronted by two scavengers at the entry site.
While first contact was non-hostile, I seem to be unable to communicate with either of them verbally.

Regrettable, but expected, as scavengers lack the ability to enunciate properly.

Still, this is a good discovery. For the sake of thoroughness I will keep a
record of my encounters in this area, starting with these two."



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Silverfish
Masked Scavenger

This scavenger seems to have a metal-like carapace affixed to its face, likely either to protect a weak point, or to scare off predators. The most prominent feature of this fixture is a row of tooth-like mandibles. At this time it is unknown whether this facial covering is a part of its body or an external piece of apparel. Some scavengers have demonstrated the ability to manipulate tools, so the creation of such an object is theoretically within their capabilities.

Temperament-wise, this scavenger appears to be territorial. Though it didn't attack me, it still approached me immediately upon noticing me and began making noises at me while baring its teeth. For now it might be trying to assess whether I am a predator. I will keep an eye on this one.
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Plumage
Crested Scavenger

The most immediately striking feature of this scavenger is the large and jagged golden plumage growing from the front of its head. The rest of its fur is black. I have never seen a two-tone scavenger like this. The lustrous golden color of its crest reminds me of certain birds. This must be how the creature attracts mates.

Also of note are the creature's piercing gaze and long tongue which it likes to leave exposed. My first thought was that it might use the tongue to collect nectar from pollen or eat bugs out of tree hollows, but the creature also seems to be clad in the skin of a tiger, suggesting it actually hunts larger animals.

The exact nature of this scavenger is a mystery to me at present. I need more data on it.
 
Heyyyy, Mob buddy, what's happening?

"Huh? Oh, hello, Master Reigen. My day's actually been rather pleasant so far. I got to talk to Tsubomi some, and I broke my personal record at running clu-"

Running a cult, great, don't do anything I wouldn't do, yeah yeah. Listen, there's a big favor I need to ask of you.

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So there's this thing called a "GHOST Complex" demonstration I'm about to attend for a week or so. They're gonna be showing off some new state-of-the-art ghost-hunting technology, experts from all over will be showing up, basically a World's Fair for the paranormal scene.

"Oh, that does sound pretty exciting. I wonder if even the Ghostbusters are coming..."

Mob, we've been over this. The movie wasn't based on a true story, it was just a hack job done to sell a mass-market friendly version of spirits to ignorant yokels. Sheesh. Anyway, I was actually wondering if you'd, I don't know, like to come along? Think of it this way, you'll have so many new connections with top espers by the end of this, you'll be swimming in internship offers after you're out of high school.

"Well, speaking of graduation...this show's coming up pretty soon, right? Placement exams are going to be next week, so I'm not sure if it would be the best time..."

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H-hold on a second, we can work this out. Exams? Are those all you're worried about? I can call your principal, it should be a cinch to convince them to let you take it somewhere at the complex! I'm not sure there'll be a completely safe testing environment there, but we can work something out.

"Master, I...don't think that's how the education system wo-"

And besides that, you've gotta think about the worst case scenario! A gathering of paranormal talent is just asking for some catastrophe to happen, it's almost tempting fate! Now, my skills alone may not be enough to fend off any high-level spirits bold enough to wreak havoc at a place like this, but combined with your enormous strength? Well, I can't think of a finer way to show off your potential in front of the world's top exorcists!

"Master, you're selling yourself short, perhaps. I don't know anyone more capable of holding up against threats like that than you. You remember that case at the abandoned school from last month, right?"


I seem to recall that spirit having no arms and legs, a stag beetle could have exorcised that! Those were different circumstances!"

"I'll be down in a second, Mom! Sorry, Master, dinner's ready. I hope we can talk again soon. Good luck at the Expo!"


*BEEP*

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It's...it's a Complex.....

......

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awwwwWWW SHIT!

Oh, this is bad, this is bad in so many ways! I know that my fraud ass had no business being with a collection of actually competent psychics! I only wanted Mob around so that I'd look cool by osmosis! They would have thought "Wow, if that kid's so powerful, can you imagine how busted his master is?" and come flocking to me! I could have street cred, but without him I'm street dead! It shouldn't be too late to hail another taxi and-


...You know what? No.

'
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I didn't build myself up from nothing into becoming the best exorcist business in a 5-mile radius of Seasoning City just so I could run. Oh, sure, Mob can keep running in that little club of his, probably getting massive gains from that, but me? I'm done running. When it comes to the art of the con, the only difference between the average client and the most seasoned esper is that one just takes a bit more time to fool than the other. It matters not if the people in that Complex are going to be skeptical of me, at first. I'm unassuming like that. But over time, if I can do everything in my power to convince them I'm the strongest-no, someone who gives off the appearance of being the strongest spirit-smasher there is? Oh, yes, then I would have won.

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For anyone, it would be enough to merely win at life! For me, I must strive to do more! I have to do whatever shenanigans necessary to trick myself into thinking I'm winning at life, and when I do, it will be more winning than anyone else! THAT IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE REIGEN ARATAKA!
 
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Aw, come on, gang, I'm telling ya that this is the score of a lifetime! This spooky old money place is hosting a tech demo for a bunch of high-grade researchers. We just gotta sneak in as regular attendees, then, when the other esteemed guests aren't looking, make off with heaps of valuable mechanics!

With all due respect, are you sure this is a good idea? Who knows what kind of security detail this place could have. It is a very high profile convention.

I hate to agree, but... he has a point. We don't know what exactly we're walking into here.

Oh, you two, ever the pragmatists. When has that stopped us?

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For Lupin the Third and his cohorts, no security is too hard to crack. We just need to stay ahead of the curve.


 
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