07 August 2015 @ 10:57 am
CALHOUN HOUR - REINTRODUCTION  




Back on the morning of Day 90, the original group has been given access to a new location, The Library, only after seeing this note:

library is open
go use it or whatever
don't trash it or else!!!!! (♯`∧´)
i got my eye on you!!!
brb later
~ ᘛᕐᐷ
An Ambidex Round was planned for this day, but instead, Calhoun was nowhere to be seen. He completely disappeared and left the test subjects to do whatever they pleased. It's not until the early afternoon that his lovely voice rings throughout the speakers:

"Ahem, aaaaahem!! Okay, so! I'm sure that you illiterate bunch have seen my note on the floor earlier today, which tells you to all go to the library. If you're not there already, then get in there, because I'm going to tell you about a seeeeecret ennnnntranceeee, ohhhhhhh."

There's a few more seconds of 'ohhh's and 'ahhhh's before Calhoun moves on.

"Normally, I'd have you play Moonlight Sonata on the piano to open up the hidden doorway, but that's too much work, so just get over to the furthest bookshelf in the back and give it a biiiiig pull. I've unlocked it for you already, so it'll just swing right open like a door! Go through it and I'll see you losers soon."

The intercom goes silent, but true to his word, should someone pull back the extremely heavy bookcase, a long and dark hallway is presented to them. It certainly hasn't seen much use, as evidenced by the dust and cobwebs, but once everyone reaches the end of the hall, an identical first floor lobby greets them. Every single window bolted shut, and only florescent lights illuminate the room. The security cameras line up in the exact same locations, a row of Ambidex Rooms lined up against the wall, and there's even an identical Number 9 door. It's an exact replica, asides from a "few" details...

A large blinking sign hangs up high on the centre of the back wall. It reads "CALHOUN'S PLEASURE PARADISE" and features a large photo of Calhoun with a large wad of flaming cash in one hand, which he holds underneath a cigar super glued to his gas mask. It's unique, to say the least, and there are rows and rows of slot machines line up in the centre. Tables with games such as blackjack and poker take up the sides, and there's even a pool table nearby. One end has a small mini-bar, with all the crab legs you can eat, and loud music blares throughout the entire room. Unfortunately(?), a good number of the machines and tables are being run by your favourite robotic friends, complete with damaged synthetic skin. They don't answer or seem responsive, other than playing on the slots or dishing out cards, and they each have a cigar or two stuck in their mouths, which Calhoun must have shoved in there.

Speaking of the rodent, Calhoun sits at a large table with a deck of cards, dressed in a long white dress shirt and a red vest. The cigar glued to his mask, as shown in the sign, still remains, and he adjusts his bow tie at the sight of everyone.

"Happy anniversary, test subjects! What's a better way to celebrate this disgustingly heart crushing moment but to go all out with a taste of Las Vegas!" He shouts, but then places a paw to his chin. "Or was it Los Plagas... It was Las or Los something. It's way too hard to keep track of the million places."

He looks back up and waves it off. "Whatever, anyway! Go ahead and gamble, drink to your heart's content, I don't care, just do something useful while you're here, all right? And because I know that some of you don't have any coins because you're bad with money management or just really dumb or something, and also because I'm such a kind mouse, I left you all a little baggie gift at the bar."

"I better see you gambling those off though! What fun would it be if you don't try to test your luck?"
 
 
18 June 2015 @ 09:32 pm
CALHOUN HOUR - WOULD YOU RATHER  




The morning of Day 6 starts off with a loud siren. Said siren keeps on going for five long seconds before a terribly scratchy voice comes on.

"Uuuuuup and at 'em, test subjects! No sleeping in today, so all of you come on down to the lobby, unless you want to hear some more of siren_001.mp3!"

True to Calhoun's word, that terrible alarm will continue to go off until everyone gathers in the newly lit lobby. With all the florescent lights now on and working, it's clearer to see just how dull this warehouse is. Everything is a boring metallic colour, there are plates covering up any windows, and every door remains shut tight (other than the one leading to the Greenhouse). The elevators have gone back to being closed off from entry, and standing tall and right in front of them is Calhoun. Two suspiciously clothed tables stand on either side of him, with objects clearly under those sheets.

"Sssssssssssssso! I think it's about time we tried something new around here. I'd like to introduce you to something call 'Calhoun Hour'! I've done a few of these before, so I know how to run a real fun one!" He snickers into his paws for a suspiciously long time, then looks back up.

"Today's is called 'Would You Rather'. Yeah, yeah, I know, boring title, but I'm a mouse, not some poetic title maker. Anyway, it's pretty simple. We play a few rounds where I give you two choices and you tell me which one you'd rather do. Here's the catch though: I'm pairing you all up, asides from this one comatose test subject, and you're going to give me your decision together as a pair. So, I'll get three votes in total. I'll tally them up and see which is the most popular choice. The teams who didn't choose that choice will now be forced to do it!"

He puts up a paw and waves his entire arm back and forth, as if cutting the air. He stops for a few seconds though, mid-wave, then resumes right away.

"No ifs, no buts, no ums, you gotta do it! Think I won't keep you all here until you get it done? Because I will, but don't think about trying to cheat the game by all agreeing to the same thing so there are no losing parties. I better see a losing party, all right?"

Calhoun then lowers his arm then walks over to a table put his paws underneath the cloth (tippy-toeing to reach...) and pulls out a few sheets of paper. He walks around to hand them out, sometimes missing and just tossing the sheets into midair, but paying it no mind.

"This will tell you who you're paired up with and your first round, so get to it! You got ten minutes to decide!"
 
 
13 April 2015 @ 07:03 pm
CALHOUN HOUR - HUNTERS  




Yet another day, yet another Calhoun Hour where characters find themselves waking up in a new and unfamiliar area. The first thing characters will notice that it's dusty and dark. With almost no lighting whatsoever, characters will be unable to see anything in front of them. Are they with someone else or did they wake up alone? That's something they will have to figure out after Calhoun's announcement.

"Ahem, ahem. Testing, one two three, testing. Well, gooooood evening, test subjects! Yes, you have really been knocked out for that long, but it only fits the mood of today's game."

He snickers then continues.

"How many of you like the horror genre? I bet half of you do, but I hate it! Cheap and cheesy effects with lame jump scares, and what is this, The Human Centipede? "100% medically accurate"? Just ugh, that's not even horror. That's just an insult to science and medicine."

"Anyway, I thought I'd put my own twist to trying out this horror business, so welcome to my little haunted school! Now, all of you should find yourselves a nice little camera and pocket flashlight. I want you all to do me a little favour and take a nice photo of at least five different of my best friends down there. I'm not asking for breathtaking photos, but at least put some effort into it, test subjects. Do that and, you know what, I'm feeling generous, I'll give you whatever you want in the shop and I guess a memory or something, whatever, we'll talk later, test subjects!"

And with that, it goes silent...


BASIC INFOBEGIN THE HUNTPOST-EVENT MINGLETURN-IN
 
 
03 April 2015 @ 11:30 am
CALHOUN HOUR - BINGO II  




Early in the morning of Day 84, an announcement booms from the warehouse speakers:

"All test subjects report to the first floor lobby immediately for your next experiment."

Zero's unmistakable garbled voice goes silent afterwards. Once everyone gathers downstairs, they'll be treated to an unexpected sight: Zero standing in front of them in the flesh. Standing tall (at 5'4"...), they're donned in the same piece of clothing everyone remembers them in: a black raincoat (large and long enough that it covers their entire body, leaving no distinguishable features), a full facial gas mask, and matching black gloves. It seems as if Zero really dislikes showing skin...

"Today, you will be participating in a game of, what you may call, 'Bingo'. I believe most of you have participated in this before. The rules and explanations are on the back of the cards." An arm is raised to motion towards the paper cards scattered on the nearby table, then it falls again.

"Due to some... unfortunate events, I will monitor you in person. However, do not underestimate what will happen to you should you decide to cheat, escape, attack, or do anything that will break my rules. Your bracelets are still very functional and my cameras will continue to record every move you take, so I suggest that you refrain from doing anything foolish."

"Now begin."

BASIC INFOLET'S PLAY BINGOTURN-INPOST-EVENT
 
 
19 February 2015 @ 08:14 pm
CALHOUN HOUR - CHOICE  




It has been two and a half days since the end of the virus takeover. The power, lights, and heating has been turned back on. All the newer areas have been sealed, BP is once again required in certain rooms, and it appears that everything is returning back to normal.

Asides from Calhoun.

Whether characters have chosen to give pieces of Calhoun to Zero, to hold onto them, or to destroy them, it does not matter. There has been no indications as to when he would ever be back, so there has been a robotic mouse void within the warehouse. Zero has refused to leave any information as to the status of rebuilding Calhoun, but they have left this one message for everyone shortly after the power restoration:

"While you may be left alone to your devices, do not trick yourselves into thinking that there is a way out of here, or that you can do as you please. I will always be watching."

It has been two days since Zero has left these parting words before entirely disappearing. When attempting to call for them, everyone will only be responded with silence. It's clear that they're still watching over the facility though, as any kind of rule breaking or suspicious activities would automatically be rewarded with an injection of Soporil β. True to their word, Zero is somehow monitoring the behaviors without saying a single word.

It is not until the morning of Day 72 does everyone hear again from them again, through the speakers throughout the warehouse.

"Good morning, Subjects. Today, you will be partaking in another experiment of mine. It has come to my knowledge that my assistant has been throwing these so-called "Calhoun Hours" every three days to keep everyone stimulated between his rooms. Don't assume that I will do anything similar of the sort. This activity has far more care and thought put into it than this camping nonsense, so let us begin."

"The rules are simple: every test subject will be paired up and placed against each other. The collective will then have to vote for one of the pair. The one with the fewest amount of votes will be subjective to a punishment of my choice. The one with the most amount of votes will continue their dull experimental lives until the next set of events."

"Any petty attempts of rebellion will be met with serious repercussions, so I would suggest that you rethink any sort of plans."

"Now, best of luck, Subjects. We will talk again soon."

BASIC INFOMINGLEVOTESRESULTS
 
 
07 February 2015 @ 02:25 pm
CALHOUN HOUR - CAMPING  




It's another day, it's another start of Calhoun Hours. Bright and early in the morning, Calhoun marches into the middle of the first floor lobby and shrieks into his megaphone.

"All right, up to the Garden with all of you! C'mon, hurry up, I'm not going to wait for you lazy bunch!" He impatiently taps on his paw on the ground, but then stops. "Hmm, actually, nah, take your time. I'll just meet you all there in a jiffy!"

And with that, he rushes off to take the stairs to the Garden. Listen to him and slowly make your way, or rush up, it doesn't matter. After everyone assembles in the artificial room, Calhoun is standing by the waterfall, staring off into nothing. He just nods to himself a few times and doesn't even seem to notice the presence of the test subjects though. It's not until about ten seconds later that he turns and tilts his head.

"Whoa, don't sneak up on me like that, test subjects! Sheesh, trying to give this mouse a heart attack?" He huffs but then slides back to his regular mood. "So! Today's event will be called camping! Yeah, I got no clever name for it, sue me, but whatever, go set up a tent or other prep-work. I couldn't bring in all the supplies for this so you'll just have to make due until later tonight."

He runs away from the waterfall, but manages to trip on nothing a few steps in. He stays on the ground, as if trying to trick everyone that he's going to stay there for a while, but then pushes himself back up to make his way to the centre of the Garden. He then raises his arms out, as if he's presenting something.

"Even though I didn't manage to grab everything, I hope you like what I did to the place! Sure looks like a real campground, huh?" Asides from a few tent kits scattered around, there... isn't actually much at all. A few of the screen grids (that normally display the sky) are either turned off to a boring black colour or in a constant static display, but asides from that, everything looks exactly the same. Calhoun doesn't seem to really care though as he keeps on talking.

"Soooooooooooooooooooo, get to it, or something. Do whatever you test subjects do during events like these, chip chop chap!!"

BASIC INFOMINGLE
 
 
11 December 2014 @ 04:54 pm
CALHOUN HOUR - ESCAPE  




When characters begin to wake up, instead of finding themselves in the usual warehouse, they will instead find themselves in an a very unfamiliar area. Maybe they'll wake up alone, or maybe they'll wake up with someone else. Either way, the biggest point is that they're in God-knows-where and it's the start of a new Calhoun Hour.

Within seconds later, a familiar voice booms throughout the loud speakers.

"Ahem, testing, testing! Hello, can you all hear me?"

It's, without a doubt, your favourite robotic mouse, Calhoun. As usual, he sounds a cheery as ever.

"Wow, isn't this familiar? It's almost like the first time we've met, you know. Test subject in a new location, maybe alone or maybe with someone else, my charming voice rings throughout the room, trying to drown you all in an elevator. Good times!"

"Well, anyway, welcome to your new Calhoun Hour! You can see that I've taken the liberty to move you all to a more suitable location. You may not know it, with how small your brains are, but you're all stuck in a maze! I've had my fair share of running around in mazes, you know, being a mouse and all, so I want to return to favour to you humans! So, you know the drill: explore, look around, try to escape, blah blah blah, I don't need to explain all this! Just get to it! Who knows, maybe the exit here is an exit out to the real world. I might be generous like that, if you manage to find it. If not, well, I guess you can all starve here!"

He snickers, then pauses. Suddenly, a loud gunshot-like sound rings throughout the speakers, and Calhoun screams again.

"Let's get started!"


BASIC INFOESCAPEPOST-EVENT MINGLETURN-IN
 
 
29 November 2014 @ 07:20 pm
CALHOUN HOUR - SLEEPOVER  




Everything in the warehouse always followed a strict schedule. Every three days, there would either be an Ambidex Round and this would continue until four rounds were held. After that, it would switch over to "Calhoun Hour" events for the next short while, and despite the sudden change in atmosphere, it would follow the same pattern of always starting during the early mornings, but today?

Nothing.

No annoying screeching, no sudden decorations, nothing special to wake up to. In fact, there's not even an alarm. You can wake up whenever you want. Calhoun isn't here, he doesn't care. He's off on vacation, he doesn't have time for you test subjects, this is his first vacation in forever, he's free. At least, that's what the sheet of paper taped against the Number 9 Door read, signatured by Calhoun's attempt of drawing himself (note: it doesn't look good).

So, asides from the locked elevator and stairs, preventing anyone from accessing the second floor, it looks like you can do anything you want. Feel free to wreck havoc, have a fight food in the cafeteria, stab each other. You are all free now.

Well, only for the morning and afternoon.

During the evening, one angry little robotic mouse stomps back into the lobby of the warehouse. Dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, lei necklace, and sunglasses (over his gas mask...), he drags his suitcase behind him and stands in the middle of the room.

"So apparently I'm not allowed to leave you spoiled test subjects with nothing to do! I have to "do my job" and keep you all busy. I don't think I'm getting paid enough for this," he huffs loudly and crosses his arms. "I was just really getting into my vacation too. I'm too good for these test subjects and this world, working overtime."

This tantrum goes on for another half a minute, about how even he needs proper rest too and he's not a robotic mouse, he's an overworked mouse, and so on. He just sighs once he finishes and shakes his head.

"But I guesssss it's true we need to get you lazy bunch to do something besides eat all my gruel and whine about these so-called 'human rights violations', so over to the second floor! Your next Calhoun Hour is going to be held there!"

At the elevators, they unlock with the clap of his paws, and behold, the new second floor!

The floors are no longer hard and cold tiles, but rather soft and covered in blankets. There are cruelly drawn signs stuck up on the walls to indicate different activities, a karaoke machine in one corner, a tv in the other, a rack full of pyjamas, and... is that yet another table with a mysterious punch bowl on it? What is this mouse and his deal with having punch everywhere.

"All right, punks, this was originally going to be all for me for my welcome back party, but since you need an event, I am generously giving this to you! Grab a pair of PJs and a ballot card. For each activity you do, you get one stamp. Get five stamps and, I don't know, you win coins and a memory or something. I'll figure it out later, so get to it!"

BASIC INFOEVENT STATIONSBEGIN THE SLEEPOVERMINGLE
TURN-IN
 
 
12 October 2014 @ 11:16 am
CALHOUN HOUR - SURVIVOR  




At the crack of dawn, presumably, Calhoun gathers everyone in the first floor warehouse to make an announcement.

"That's right, it's time for another of my special events!" He seems pretty pleased with himself. "I noticed you lazy, fat test subjects really let yourselves go last round! It's like I don't feed you here or something."

"Well, I'm worried about your health, always lazing about and not getting proper exercise. So, I decided to be the change I want to see in the world, and so we're going to do something a littttttttllllllle different this time."

"To stop you guys from getting soft from all the fun you're having here, it's time for a little workout."

From one of the doors Calhoun never lets anyone go through there's a loud, metallic banging sound repeating, as if something is trying to get out. Calhoun does not seem troubled at all by this. In fact, he seems pretty excited.

"The rules are simple, everyone's getting sixty coins to use as they see fit. You'll notice the vending machines on both warehouse floors. Anyone who isn't caught will even get a memory back." But what does that mean?

"So go on, survive for 23 hours, I'll even give you a five minute head start. Good luck!"

And with that he scurries off. Should people hang around they'll get to witness that same door open five minutes later. From the door comes several figures, human in shape but something is very, very wrong.

They seem to be robotic, skeletal humans. At one point they must have had some synthetic skin over them but most of it seems to be melting or ripped off. They don't move very fast, mostly they shamble about until they focus on a target. Better hope it's not you!


BASIC INFOFIRST TEN HOURSLAST HOURSPOST EVENT MINGLE
 
 
01 October 2014 @ 10:25 pm
CALHOUN HOUR - COOKING  




When everyone wakes up Calhoun is there, cheerfully directing everyone to follow him. Doing so will reveal the second story warehouse has changed quite a bit, for now at least, because guess what friends! It's time for another Calhoun Hour.

The once empty floor is now filled with what looks like work stations for... cooking? There are ovens, stove tops, pots, pans, anything you'd really need to make all sorts of things. On top of that there are ingredients of all types, it probably looks heavenly after weeks of gruel and low tier food, doesn't it?

"Welcome test subjects! I've heard a lot of complaints about the cooking here, and I thought hey! Do those lazy, good for nothing test subjects think they can do better? Well, I guess we'll find out, won't we? We're having a little contest!"

"The rules are simple- make five dishes, and whoever has the best may win a little prize. Heck, I'm generous, so anyone who makes five dishes might get a special prize too!"

"But no eating the ingredients or stealing my stuff! Sure, whatever, fine, you can eat the finished dishes, mug someone for theirs, etc, but not the ingredients!! Anyone's who's a good little test subject and follows my rules may find themselves getting a new pair of clothes because, let's face it, some of you are getting... well, let's just say everyone's going to be the winner if you change those smelly rags."

Calhoun claps his paws. "Well, get to it!" And dashes off. He can be found in his own little workstation, generously handing out ingredients and supplies if needed, heckling if not needed.

Hey, it's something to do, right? Might as well get on it while the getting is good.


BASIC INFOCOOKINGMINGLETURN-IN
 
 
16 August 2014 @ 08:04 pm
CALHOUN HOUR - BINGO  




It's another third day, the 15th day to be specific, and everyone knows what that means: it's time for a game!

Of course, he's still refusing to restart Ambidex Rounds, so today, it's going to be another little event (another 'Calhoun's Hour', as he's proudly calling it), but what is going to happen today? Well, the video game last week was fun and all, but man, was it ever tiring to set that up. This time, he wants to do something that lets him a bit more laid back, sit back on his beach chair with a nice martini glass while everyone works. So, he'll go and hand everyone a simple sheet of paper. Once taking a good look at it, it'll be clear that this is a Bingo sheet!

... Well, it's missing a bunch of squares and it's only 3x3m, but it's easier to just call it a Bingo card. It's pretty self-explanatory too. Just fill out as many squares as possible on the sheet and you’ll get coins! Some squares get you more coins than others, as they can see that kissing someone nets you five coins, but singing or dancing only gets you two. If you fill out a line, you get a bonus of five coins. You can only get this bonus a maximum of three times, so only three lines count, so you can only get an extra 15 coins.

If you fill out the whole card? Well, you get ten extra coins, plus a memory! That means, overall, you can earn 62 coins and a trip down memory lane if you manage to fill out every space. It’s not that hard either, some of these are so easy that he’s practically giving the coins to you. Also, it’s probably dumb to mention but some of you really are that dumb, so he’s going to have to mention that he has a strict ‘no cheating’ rule for this! You really have to do what the space says, instead of pretending that you did it then cross it off. As a reminder, he has cameras everywhere so he knows if you’re lying.

Oh, and he almost forgot. You can only do up to three activities per person, so no cheating by doing all nine things with a single BFF.

Now, with that all the way, get to it!

BASIC INFOMINGLELET'S PLAY BINGOTURN-IN
 
 
07 August 2014 @ 05:20 pm
CALHOUN HOUR - Get ready to party!  




Every third day, there would normally be an Ambidex Round going on, but today, it's different. Calhoun still screeches for everyone to wake up, that will never change, but instead of trying to rush people into a Chromatic Door, he instead splits everyone up into groups.

Child Test Subject (Kariya) with Fancy Test Subject (Zelos)! That's Team One.

Team Two will have the Nice Test Subject (Hershel), Hat-wearing Test Subject (Akiko), and Ditzy Test Subject (Aoi)!

Team Three is the Giant Test Subject (Jake), Also Nice Test Subject (Colette), and the Blind Test Subject (Light)!

Finally, the rest will be Team Four, with Tiny Test Subject (Clive), Mean Test Subject (Heiji), and Will-Gladly-Drug-Again Test Subject (Ema).

Oh, why is Team One having only two people instead of three? Where is the French Test Subject (Enjorlas)? Well, he got sick too, there must be something going around, so he was also quarantined for this moment, but don't worry, Team One! Calhoun has something up his sleeves for you, so you're not missing out.

But anyway, each team needs to go into an AB Room and stay in there. This is going to be a fun game, and anyone who refuses? Well, then he can gladly make those bracelets go off, and then you can have a nice long death. It's up to you, really, but let's make this easy and have fun inside the rooms, okay?

Well, he'll see you all soon!

BASIC INFOTEAMS + ROOMSPOST-GAME MINGLECALHOUN'S CORNERGENERAL MINGLE