mirrored-skies

[mirrored-skies]

"Welcome, dear guest." "Welcome, dear guest." "We are glad to welcome you to this manor." "We hope you may enjoy your stay here." "Accommodations for our guests have already been prepared." "If you need assistance, do not hesitate to call." "And worry not, dear guest." "Whatever may come to pass..." "However many times you may suffer through this, with no end in sight..." "Though it may seem unfair, though it may seem like you have no hope to succeed..." "Though you may feel like you have no choice but to give up, please, do remember."       "I sh̴a̴l̸l̵           b̴̟͠ë̵͈́ ̶̻͝t̴͔̓h̸͇̚e̴͓͗r̷̈ͅê̶ͅ ̶̘́                t̸͙͝o̴̫̐ w̵̥̰͠ȉ̷̳̍ṭ̸̦̑̕n̸̢͉̂ë̶͉́̑s̷̲̹̎̓s̶͕̫̈ ̸̙̈́                     i̴̥̟̜̍͘t̸͈͋ ̸͈̮͇̏̕a̴͚̹̤͐̈́ll.̸̯̞̐͆.̴̨̢̳͗͜.̴��̧̻ͅ...."

Danganronpa: Chronomaly is an online Danganronpa roleplay group, featuring a cast of 16 original characters.

Through an invitation posted online, a group of people are selected to meet once-illustrious astronomer Dario Hermann at the mansion where he now resides, as he discusses his latest findings and observations- however controversial they may be- with food and accommodations for the stay fully covered. Be it interest in the field, boredom, or just the free stuff- whatever their reason for coming may be, everyone will soon realize.

This trip is much more than they could have ever realized.

This group will feature submission-based trials taking place on the group’s own tumblr page, with the OOC chat taking place on discord, where threads and events will also take place.

Applications are open! The deadline is November 9th!

Home || About || Ask || App || Links || Hopeful's Server

[mirrored-skies]

…

How did you… get here?

Does it even matter? The path you walked led you here, like it was fated to happen.

You turn to leave, but when you stumble through the thickest parts of the fog, you come out at the same old path.

You’re meant to be here, under fog and under stars.

Your grubby soul has been tied to Wormwood, and now it’s too late.

Deusopia: The Wormwood Massacre is an upcoming 18+ horror MKG RP inspired by Hypermall, Fear and Hunger: Termina, Monster of the Week, and Silent Hill. Eighteen people, whether by train, foot, car, or bike, ended up walking through the gates of the foggy town of Wormwood - none of them intended to visit, but the town has wrapped its tendrils around them, and not even death can sever the ties. Deusopia, run by Ollie (@bandtrees), Sammi (@sammisafetypin), and Zephyr (@princealberich), will feature a cast of eighteen characters, from teenagers to grown adults, chosen by the Elite Star Agency as the “Elite” prodigies in their field - however, before the semester can begin, they’re trapped in a town that exists on no maps… and follows no human, or divine, rules. Only with blood can the chains of Wormwood be rusted, then broken. Deusopia features queue trials, player-based lore, and afterlife mechanics, for people who’ve been on the lookout for grimmer, horror-inspired killing games. Major themes will include body horror, gore, paranoia, and loss of cognitive function, as in Wormwood, death is not the end, but a gruesome opportunity.

ABOUT | RULES | APPLICATION | HOPEFULS | FAQ | MODS | HOPEFULS SERVER

APPS DUE: JUNE 8TH

[mirrored-skies]

A tower. It was said that whoever might reach the top, shall be granted their deepest wish, as thanks for perpetuating a ritual that keeps the land alive.

However. What this ritual consists of, and what is at the top- nobody knows. Not one who had ventured has returned, or if they did they had left no records of their voyage; and eventually, nobody tried anymore either. Today. You, as well as your classmates, stand before that very tower. You are here on a class trip, to visit a monument that has escaped the mainstream media’s eye, yet is still quite beautiful. You wonder what would happen were you to reach the top- you’ve heard the stories, of course. Yet. What you could never imagine.

–Was that reaching the top would be the only way out.

Mirrored Skies is a Danganronpa Roleplay group set in an ancient tower, laden with religious history but now nothing more than a run-down tourism spot. Featuring a cast of 16 students and their odd, nervous tour guide, what was first a haphazard field trip to start the school year will become a gruesome experience none of them will ever forget.

This group takes inspiration from the Fate franchise, the When They Cry series, and the Evillious Chronicles saga, as well as numerous other media.

This group will be hosted in a blend of Discord and Tumblr based roleplay, with Discord-based character threads and submission-based Tumblr trials.

Home || About || Ask || Apps || Mods || Hopefuls Chat

[mirrored-skies]

A tower. It was said that whoever might reach the top, shall be granted their deepest wish, as thanks for perpetuating a ritual that keeps the land alive.

However. What this ritual consists of, and what is at the top- nobody knows. Not one who had ventured has returned, or if they did they had left no records of their voyage; and eventually, nobody tried anymore either. Today. You, as well as your classmates, stand before that very tower. You are here on a class trip, to visit a monument that has escaped the mainstream media’s eye, yet is still quite beautiful. You wonder what would happen were you to reach the top- you’ve heard the stories, of course. Yet. What you could never imagine.

–Was that reaching the top would be the only way out.

Mirrored Skies is a Danganronpa Roleplay group set in an ancient tower, laden with religious history but now nothing more than a run-down tourism spot. Featuring a cast of 16 students and their odd, nervous tour guide, what was first a haphazard field trip to start the school year will become a gruesome experience none of them will ever forget.

This group takes inspiration from the Fate franchise, the When They Cry series, and the Evillious Chronicles saga, as well as numerous other media.

This group will be hosted in a blend of Discord and Tumblr based roleplay, with Discord-based character threads and submission-based Tumblr trials.

Home || About || Ask || Apps || Mods

[mirrored-skies]

Devil’s Script

“What insolence?!” Another voice suddenly rings out, though one that’s been proven so far to not be as helpful as they want. In a flash of weak light, Udyana appears over Iragala’s shoulder — glaring into them, unnaturally long fingers curled into fists. “These children have done nothing to you! Can you not leave them be, Iragala?”

“Oh, you needn’t stall the inevitable! Not once has the ruling deity of Tyruth-ie been denied their conquests!” Turning on their heel to savor the growing horror in the darkening room, Iragala pays no mind to Udyana’s wide, disgusted eyes as some of you begin to wonder if this is even the first of these ‘conquests’ — how many groups of people had succumbed to this sacrificial ceremony, then been erased from history completely, rising from the blood of their companions with their wishes ungranted?

Iragala’s eyes glint with a sickening glee as you entertain these thoughts.

“Is trapping them not enough for you?” Udyana whines, looking less like a god and more like a lost mortal playing pretend with every passing moment as shadows flicker overhead — fear feeds into Iragala, of course, and in turn, Udyana can only watch and feebly protest. “You are no God, you wretched beast! Desecrating Tyruth-ie’s name with such blasphemy, terrorizing these mortals with nightmares to get what you want — you care not for respect for the gods in the slightest!”

They bare their teeth, voice raising with confidence as their rant spills from their mouth — Iragala, for once, stunned silent, eyebrows furrowed in disdain.

“This is not an offering, this is not a ceremony, it’s a massacre — and you should be the one struck down for daring to call your ruin anything but! Respect as a god for these children should not be built on their bones — what in all of Oul-ie happened to you?!”

With that final, heart-rendering shriek, the lights of torches and lamps all snuff out in an instant, leaving behind only smoke and a skin-crawling darkness throughout the entire tower — whether it’s Udyana’s doing or Iragala’s, you can’t even tell, but in the darkness, you can still spot Iragala, fangs bared as genuine, unbridled fury billows from their eyes as they glint in the shadows, Udyana’s widening as a hand lurches out, grasping their hair and roughly throwing them to the floor — clawed foot raised in outrage before Udyana’s sprawled arm is violently stomped on.

A crack and gasp of pain follow, as Udyana’s hair is grasped in their other half’s fist, head pulled back before being mercilessly thrown to the floor — another crack sounds, a noise quite fit for the oncoming nightmares, their nose bloodied with a gash from the force alone when they raise it once more, expression still defiant as they shiver, talking a trembling breath to use their energy to light the room once more.

Only three blows — yet the floor is dented, blood flicking Udyana’s robes, sleeve thankfully sparing you from the sight of what must have become of their arm. Of course Iragala’s strength is unmatched — one would expect no less of a deity dedicating themself to nothing but conquest and bloodshed.

“I do not intend to let Udyana impose upon me any longer. What I say, as Tyruth-ie’s carrier, is law within the walls of this tower — may they consider themself lucky to pass with all four limbs.” Iragala practically spits in Udyana’s direction, as they allow the shadows to reclaim them once more — and with them, they raise a hand, as dawning horror seems to cross Udyana’s face.

Then they’re gone — vanishing into the shadows seamlessly, like flies swarming a festering wound, as Iragala grins — shoulders relaxing at the minor threat dealt with, making Udyana vanish into thin air as easily as one would crush a roach. Then, they turn to address you.

“I do hope the shock of what you may see tonight does not claim you before the ritual begins, lambs. The lives you have all led provide more than enough wood for the fire — but the ceremony is only beginning. Consider this a prologue — you have many trials awaiting you.”

Cruelly, their eyes shine.

“And — hmm, maybe Udyana may live long enough to accompany you. If you perform as I say, yes?”

With that dreadful cackle, they follow Udyana’s lead, and disappear into the night.

A new challenge in the abyss — on top of relentless night terrors… the more cynical of you may have thought this trip boring, but now, if you hadn’t felt it before, the shock and fear is truly setting in.

The stage is set to begin the ritual — now what do you do?

[mirrored-skies]

Fear Alone

Alair’s party, with the silly little icebreaker games and stories exchanged therein, was the closest any of you had felt to being real, normal teenagers since Iragala’s demand — it was good fun, but came in hand with the stomach-turning facts of the matter that you were all just that: teenagers, most of whom couldn’t even drive, who should have been out doing things like falling in love, taking care of your pets, cheating on tests to get out of the drivel of schoolwork Hope’s Peak was ought to be.

And yet, here you stood, all too out of place in this ancient artifact that stretched out towards the sky, your shiny talents and worldwide fame only serving as tools to make your sacrifice that much richer: like cattle being purebred for the slaughter — and even as a relatively normal day, whether you participated in the party or just hung out in your room, wound down, Iragala seemed intent on not letting it stay that way.

But the party is fun, if you’re there, and if not the solitude is comforting. While trapped here you are, it is almost a reprieve from the thought of having no escape.

And yet.

If you were not in the library, you would feel a chill run down your spine, as something akin to a jolt of electricity shoots through your body and freezes you in place. It is not that you cannot move your body- rather, your body does not dare move. And soon enough, you would hear a voice, deep and otherworldly yet one you have come to know already- Iragala’s voice.

If you had, however, been in the library, you would have seen the deity appear before you. Its appearance as demon-like as you remember, its face shrouded in shadows. But out of the shadows they would emerge to speak, and you would notice them looking slightly angered.

Never a good sign.

And then, no matter where you were or what you were doing, you would hear the words they spoke.

“A new challenge awaits you fools, though you are not heroes. Whereupon the Mouth of Truth is located, you may now head downwards into the abyss, and in there challenge yourself and Tyruth-ie.”

They relate, though the meaning of their words might still be a bit obscure.

The problem is what comes after.

They give a small laugh then, and speak again.

“I come to you to bring these news, and yet I see you foolish lambs gathered here in celebration- and without a sacrifice, nor an offering to the gods! Truly, this is unforgivable. Were I not bound by a contract of my own, I would smite you worthless souls where you stand, but alas, it is not my discretion to do so.”

They take a step forward, and declare.

“Though... if Tyruth-ie wishes to test you, then it is only right I contribute, is it not? Consider this punishment, for lacking any respect to the gods. In ages past, you would have been lucky to be left alive.” Then, the shadows in the room appear to gather on their body, like a hundred serpents all running towards their hands. They hold them as though water, with cupped hands- and then they thrust their arms forwards, and the dark snakes disperse, running through and on every surface in the library, before returning to the shadows in the room. This otherworldly exhibition of power, if you were there to see it, would be sure to leave with a very strong sense of dread. Even so, you would probably be puzzled, until Iragala spoke again. But perhaps, you’d wish they never had. “Foolish children of men, you are much too weak. Weakness, fear, doubt- these emotions plague your hearts, and corrupt your souls. You shall face yourself here. When you wake, you may run away from them- but when you sleep, you shall have no escape. Your nights, nay, whenever you close your eyes and give in to your drowsiness, you shall see it. You shall see what most haunts you, the fears you hold most deep- you shall see them as though they had come to pass already. You may either bear this burden, and overcome yourself, or... You may offer a sacrifice worthy of my name, as compensation for your earlier insolence.”

[mirrored-skies]

An Invitation!

One afternoon - or morning, or evening, who can still keep track of time in here? - there's someone scuttling about the tower. And if you happen to be in your room at the time, you may hear a few things...

Some hear restrained laughter, maybe a little too exuberant. Others hear nothing but the sound of fluttery footsteps. One or two hear a certain someone yelp as she trips over herself. No matter what you hear, you find a piece of paper slipped under their door.

These personalized invitations contain a few things, delicately brought to life by a practiced hand. Drawings of each recepient are adorned by little party hats, confetti, and of course, smiles. Below the drawings is text reading as follows:

"YOU (yes you) ARE INVITED TO ALAIR'S LIBRARY EXTRAVAGANZAZAZA! DATE: TODAY!!! TIME: WHEN YOU GET THIS LETTER!!! BE: THERE!!!"

Shall you celebrate... whatever the heck it is Alair intends to celebrate? Judging by the tiny hamster saying "please!" she draws right below the last line of text, she would be thrilled to have your company.

[mirrored-skies]

Unrecognizable Script

It has been a while since the dark deity, Iragala, appeared, and revealed that Johannes themself had also been another deity, as well as announced the reality of the ceremony you were meant to partake in to you all. It might have felt like mere seconds, or entire months- but the truth is, it was a day at best, as hard as it was for you to sleep with their eyes in the back of your mind. How you had received the news was up to you — who or what you could trust anymore was even more so.

But after that, Iragala had vanished, and you had been granted some reprieve.

Sadly, this was not to last — as once again, on the eve of the first morning of the rest of your life, their voice resounded, though no systems seemed to be in place to amplify it. “Gather once more in the library, o pitiful ones.” It is so that Iragala calls you to attendance- if you go, that is up to you, though what they did to Udyana is still quite fresh in your mind. Once they see you there, or at least most of you, they speak. “It seems the preparations are complete. The ceremony can truly begin, now. Though merciless, there seems to be some worthless piety in Tyruth-ie; as such, you have been granted a further blessing. Consider yourselves lucky; mercy is not something you humans often show.” They shake their head, and continue. “The door on the corridor above this library has lost its chains. You may now access the staircase. Though, you will find no escape there. Not that there ever was any!” They give a malice-filled grin, and a wheezing laugh that sends a chill up your spine — oh, how you wish Udyana was here. “Struggle all you might, the only route to freedom is to abide by the ceremony. However... heh heh heh. How very fortunate for you. If Tyruth-ie itself deems you worthy of receiving such a gift, I should not be outdone. I shall also gift you something.” They pause, and wave their hand — before continuing. “You will find a statue, if you head to the path that was just now opened. It is the Mouth of Truth- at least, it is a construction based on the same mythos. Once, it would have served to judge criminals. But there is none of humanity who is not a sinner... So I shall at least remind you of what you have lost. Approach this statue bearing a token, and offer it in sacrifice. You shall receive, in return, an artifact. The catalyst may be you yourself, or someone else, or nothing at all. You may obtain a worthless item, a relic from someone’s past, or something else yet — not even I can know in advance. The tokens you must offer exist within this tower — I have moved some in your own rooms, and that is my single gift to you. Perhaps, you may receive motivation to partake in this ritual, if you are reminded of what you have left behind...” The smile has not left their face during their explanation, and as they seem to fade into the shadows again, it gleams from the darkness. But, they still have some last words to speak.

“I shall expect a sacrifice in the near future.”

[mirrored-skies]

Contract

“Now then.” Iragala spoke, the laughter and mad glare gone from their face. “As you have all been called to partake in this ceremony, it is necessary that you know its rules.” They point to the library table, upon which a pile of books stands. They are black, with a featureless cover, and from the looks of it there are sixteen- one for each of you. When did they get there, anyway...? Every passing moment you felt like things were happening that were far beyond your control or reach. “Those books shall explain them in all due details, and furthermore contain a wealth of other information. Though they say knowledge is power, do not take joy in this. You cannot stop this. You are all to be sent to the slaughter, like the sacrificial lambs you are.” They shake their head. “So that you may not feign ignorance later, I shall also give an explanation here. This is a sacred ceremony, where worthy souls are selected to acquire the treasure that Tyruth-ie contains. You should feel lucky.” They chuckle. “Many warriors and sages from ages past could not reach this tower. For some, their very bones rest on the path here. And yet, you have been granted an opportunity like this... Truly, you should be ecstatic. And yet I feel none of these feelings in you, no, in fact, you do not wish to be here at all...? Tch. Have you lost all reverence for all that is supposed to be revered?” They sigh, and continue. “But enough of that. Whether you like it or not, the ceremony has already begun. The fact I can speak these words to you is proof. The trial that has been assigned unto you is simple: you are to reach the top of the tower. However...” Here is where they smile again, no doubt about to unveil some awful truth. ”Such a treasure as the one that is protected here cannot be bestowed upon all of you. There are, therefore, additional rules. You are to prove your worth by taking the life of another of your classmates, and escaping the suspicions of the others. By doing so, you shall prove your will and abilities surpass all of theirs, and you alone shall be deemed worthy. However. This is not as simple as merely carrying out a murder in broad daylight. Whenever a life is lost, the people who remain shall honor this loss, and uncover the truth. They shall be given the time and means to investigate, and to thereafter debate amongst themselves. That is the Tryal, and beyond it is judgment. The worthy heroes who have not succumbed will pass judgment, and declare the name of they who have committed this act. Should they be correct, that person will have failed, and as such, they will be punished accordingly. A life taken is not something repaid lightly. And, should they be wrong...” The deity’s face is once more cast in shadow. ”Then they will be deemed unworthy, and this very tower shall cast them to die, welcoming the one who has shown to be the better of them alone.” They conclude gravely. “These are the rules of this ceremony, and such is the contract that you are bound by. It is no use struggling, nor claiming you wished not for this. Such bounds are rarely fair, and do not care whether or not any of you deserved a fate as cruel as this. Just by you being here, you can no longer go back.” “That should give you much to think about. Will you just give up and perish, I wonder? Will you struggle inanely, until the very end? I shall laugh as I watch your futile attempts to, no doubt. For the moment, that will be all. But rest assured...” They take a step back, and before disappearing into the shadows, with which they seem to almost be one, they add. ”More is to come.”

[mirrored-skies]

Akem Manah

Johannes falters, turning their head to look over their shoulder at their students, as if wondering if you heard that: but you did, clear as day, even if you have no godly idea what it could mean...

Johannes — Udyana? Other half?

You all knew, however vaguely, of the tower’s legends, but up until now, you’ve been led to believe that they were... just that. A tourist story, to add just a bit of flair to this old field trip.

Nothing you expected to meet face to face with. Johannes’ — Udyana’s? — eyes glint in the fire of the torches around you, and you begin to fear that you’ve been sharing your time in this tower with an unqualified stranger.

The next words come out slowly and deliberately, the white-haired figure’s hands balling into an uncomfortable fidget with their lanyard, unable to take their eyes off their ‘other half’s’ extended finger.

“What are you talking about?”

This time, it is not a sneer, a grin, a snicker or a chuckle that escapes Iragala's lips. Instead, they break out in laughter- uproarious and cruel, the kind of sound only someone mad with anger could make. Then, they turn towards you all, the sixteen students of Hope's Peak, and address you all.

"Listen well, o children of man! For the one you see before your eyes, the one who had pretended to be your cicerone, is naught but a liar!"

They raise their right hand, emphasizing their point in a very theatrical fashion. They then glare at you- and it is clear that they are enjoying this far more than they should- and continue.

"Their true identity is that of Udyana! They are one such as myself, bearing the title of a deity, the heavy crown of this tower's protector!"

They say that last part with a tone dripping with disdain.

"My equal and opposite, indeed! As me and them both-"

"Be silent, you damned soul!"- Johannes snaps, cutting the other figure off with a sweeping gesture of their arm - in that instant, their sleeve is long and withered, a thick white robe. Their headband gleams in the tower's light, and there, shadows no longer cast on it.

— A mortal form is being shed before your very eyes.

"You will not claim to be my equal!" Their voice booms, echoing unnaturally in a rather busy room, and with another large gesture, their stuffy cardigan billows out into long white robes, and you swear they even grow several inches taller as their fingers stretch thinner and longer - whatever Johannes is, they are very evidently not human, and even the staunchest atheists among you feel a deep, unsettling fear at the sight of this.

"I wish to nurture, and you - destroy! You will not do as you please with these innocent mortals who did no wrong!"

...You feel like you've been caught up in something far, far above you.

Just looking at the people before you makes your head hurt — this is no dream, clearly, as the heat in the tower's air threatens to knock you unconscious, and the being before you is very clearly Johannes, even if changed in some way, but... what else could it even be?

You're not sure you have any answers for that, and can only watch as Udyana continues to threaten their other half — gesturing widely with an arm to try and usher you out, to somewhere safer than here, but Iragala's eyes pin your feet to the floor like a hapless moth on a taxidermist’s board.

Upon seeing this, Iragala gives another laugh, as they clap- mocking Udyana and their attempt at resistance, and by extension all of you- laughing at your protector. Then, their gaze sets once more upon their other half, and they clap their hands together. Shadows seem to envelop the room, now. On the walls, on the floor, dancing all around you- they are indistinct and shapeless, yet, if you glimpse at them, you feel almost as though they form a picture you understand.

Ropes, chains, something or someone being bound and torn apart. The place where the most shadows seem to be is the deity's face, as only their eyes shine through. Mad, furious, glaring eyes. If you had not had that feeling before, by now you are certain —

— This is something entirely out of this world. Those eyes cannot be human. That figure, too, cannot be. Right now, more than ever before, you understand. This is a demon...!

"You yourself should know, far too well...! By now, it is too late to stop this ceremony. You are powerless to save anyone, this time as well..."

They take another step.

"So, let us end this already."

They whisper something, but you cannot hear it. Even if you could, you could not make out what the sounds mean. All you know is that the shadows seem to converge on Udyana, almost as if attempting to swallow them. The light from their halo fighting against them, with both attempting to banish the other —

And on the walls behind them, you can see your tour guide's shape seeming to crumble, as if dragged down and chained... And no sooner has that happened, that the shadows recede. With the force of the shadows. Udyana drops to the floor, eyes rolling into the back of their head for a moment. It appears Iragala’s dark intentions may outweigh theirs — and for a moment, you remember the legends of a ritual involving this tower, the artifact at the top... You don’t want to be a part of this — watching these deities you hardly know, with more history than you could imagine, battle for your right to live when just a day ago you were on a regular class trip — but it appears neither Iragala or Udyana will let you go.

The latter is weakened, though the glare they give Iragala feels like it could turn one to stone. Still, they’re kneeling on the floor, clutching their head. They seem to be in a great amount of pain, unresponsive beyond glaring at the other deity — their face is quite pale, and they pant with exertion.

Iragala looks at them again for a few seconds, but takes no further action, probably deeming them a non-threat at this point. Instead, they turn once more to face you all.

[mirrored-skies]

Mirror Image

The surprise appearance of your tour guide... doesn't leave the person in front of you all very impressed.

"So you are here. But, it is too late! As always, you are powerless to stop anything."

Johannes’ eyebrows furrow, and at that point, the naïve, dorky chaperone seems to vanish — in favor of something more powerful. Their back straightens, the nervousness on their face vanishing despite the quite grave situation.

“I don’t know what your business is with these children, fiend, but I won’t allow it. They’ve come here to rest and learn — not whatever you plan on doing with them.” Johannes glares hard into the inhuman entity.

The being who had identified themself as Iragala earlier laughs, sneering at the foolish person that stands before them. They take a step forward, and their expression turns darker, more serious- still with a sneer, but one clearly of derision.

"Rest and learn? Surely you have not attempted to fool them with such delusions. Then again, I suppose deception is what you have excelled at, thus far, is it not?"

Their expression twists into a grin, as their eyes almost seem to glow. It is... quite unnatural. Then again, their entire appearance is. They take a second step, and point at Johannes.

"Is that not so, my other half, Udyana?"

[mirrored-skies]

Diabolos Ex Machina

When you eventually get to the library, you notice a few things. One is — you were right, if you had assumed the voice you heard did not come from Johannes. Another is — there is someone standing before you all. Yet another is — the person before you is definitely not anyone you know. And finally — they are likely the one who told you to gather here.

Still, most surprising is that this person looks... well, definitely not human. Vaguely so, yes, they have a human face and shape — but their skin is pallid and taut, like that of a bloated corpse, when not cut into with harsh dark markings resembling tattoos and other symbols you don’t know the significance of.

Horns sit at the top of their head — one broken, and a single wing grows from their back. Their eyes are a stark red, their mouth with thousands of teeth belonging to some kind of predator — it’s a very offputting presence, and the harder you look at it, the less you can convince yourself it’s just a costume.

They take a step forth, and begin to speak, addressing you all. “Ah, so the sacrifices are all gathered. It was about time, too. Now then, let us begin with the ritual.” They begin with those confusing words, and continue, “Listen well, o children of man, listen to my name! I am they who is revered as Iragala!”

“I stand here before you all as they who will judge your worth.” Their eyes meet yours, one by one, and they laugh “Your gathering here was not happenstance, nor is my presence now. But you need not understand now. Yet, listen well! You have all been deemed worthy sacrifices, and as such you shall all partake of this ceremony.”

[mirrored-skies]

Banquet

It’s been a day since the tour guide you’ve come to known as Johannes organized a dinner inviting you all.

Most, if not all, of you had gone there, perhaps to enjoy some good food, perhaps to get to know your classmates, perhaps even just out of boredom — but that night, you had returned to your rooms and your beds with your bellies full and hopefully a smile on your faces.

It was, overall, a good time. There was nothing to fear yet — a normal field trip, homesickness or boredom after the first day the worst you’d deal with.

The heat was easier to deal with now, at least.

You hadn’t really seen Johannes around, but you paid it little mind at the time. It’s probably a good thing you don’t have to deal with more of their cooking for breakfast, anyway. — It was then, around noon, when a voice rang out, from somewhere you couldn’t place, deeper and more assertive than the tour guide’s. “O pitiful childs of man, come. Gather in the place where wisdom is gathered in its earthly form- the one you refer to as the library.”

[mirrored-skies]

Cookery As It Should Be | Prologue | Event

It’s been a few hours since your arrival to the tower. You’ve been spending time, whether alone or mingling with others, in Tyruth-ie, for a while now. All is peaceful, at least, and with some luck you’ve even made some new friends!Or even if you have not, you at least have had some time away from your duties and responsibilities as a Hope’s Peak student.

As the day starts to lull to a close — you’re acutely aware it’s around dinnertime, and the packed lunches you came into the tower with are starting to wear off — a chime, almost impossibly clear, rings out from the kitchen. Following it, Johannes’ raised voice,

“If you’d like, everyone, I’ve, um, prepared dinner! You may come down if you wish, I, I thought it’d be nice to get everyone together!”

Despite the cordial ‘if you wish’, Johannes seems intent on letting everyone know, as after a moment’s wait they also begin to patrol rooms and inform their inhabitants, if any are still around.

When you arrive at the dinner table, it’s no surprise to see why — where on Earth did all this food come from. Johannes, evidently, and they smile proudly at their handiwork, even when none of you really remember them cooking. Maybe they’re not so bad a chaperone after all, if their willingness to do these things for you means anything...?

It’s an odd array of food. It feels appropriate for an old tower like this one, but less appropriate for a bunch of modern day teenagers — that’s certainly some kind of meat and some kind of sauce you’re looking at. Upon closer inspection, it’s roast mutton, and... regarding the sauce, you’re actually still not sure. The same can be said for the soup off to the side, but you at least recognize the vegetables as boiled onions. One of you is going to be very happy about this turn of events.

You also get a muffin.

You’re not entirely sure if Johannes knows what kids like, but thinking on it, it may have been more patronizing if they just brought you Pizza Hut or something. It is, of course, up to you to stay or not, but Johannes seems to really wish you will. (The event will take place on Sunday (9th of May), at 1 PM CST/6 PM UTC, on discord!)

[mirrored-skies]

Les oiseaux qu'on met en cage | Prologue

If you do enter, you will see your tour guide motioning for you to get closer. As soon as a good number of you do- if you do at all, of course- Johannes begins speaking under their breath after turning to wander. “Oh, right, I, uh, I forgot to explain the rules...” They smile sheepishly, bonking themself on the side of the head. “(Get your act together, me!)” They whisper, before turning to greet you all once more, hands clasped. They straighten, plaster that more serene smile on once more, and continue. “The rules are very simple, so it shouldn’t be hard to remember them. Just remember not to do anything illegal, to respect Tyruth-ie and its history — if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask, I get very excited talking about this place — and, uh, to not damage or loot anything, though I hope you wouldn’t think of doing such a thing!”

With a light laugh that likely nobody joins in on, Johannes’ eyes glaze over in thought as they mull over anything they missed, before continuing.

“Oh, and it would be nice if you could avoid making too much noise at night, too... But your rooms are soundproof to a pretty good extent, so that should not be much of a worry! And yes, you have rooms! I prepared for your arrivals all by myself, ehehe.” They then give a nod.

“I’ll leave you all to it. Um, you can wander to your heart’s content! And I hope you won’t make me regret letting you do so, but I figured you wouldn’t want me holding your hand your whole stay...” Johannes smooths their hair with a hand as they speak. “But, um, remember to just call me if you need me! I’ll, I’ll hear it, probably.”

Waving you off with a free hand, they once more let you free to be on your way.

“It’s, um, only us here, after all.”

[mirrored-skies]

Fons Et Origo | Prologue

Taking a step forward, the figure smiled at you all. It was a rather serene smile, devoid of any aggression or hostile intent. They took another step, with angelic grace. Their composure was, well, composed. Calm. Almost otherworldly. It made you feel welcome and relaxed — as though this were some sort of guardian, and not just your adult supervision. They spoke. “Hello there — I see you all are tired. First of all, allow me to thank you all for coming to this tower — Tyruth-ie is a part of history most have long since forgotten, and it warms my heart to see the great minds of Hope’s Peak Academy haven’t.” They gave a polite bow. “I will be your chaperone for your stay. I - err... Uh... No, that was not what I was supposed to say...” Welp. So much for the cool atmosphere. As they stumbled over their words for a split second, suddenly breaking eye contact as they seemingly tried to remember what it was that they were supposed to say next, they fiddled with their jacket's collar. Suddenly, they nodded and continued, as if nothing had happened. “Right, right! My name is Johannes, and I should... let you in! Please follow me!” Saying that, they turned around, beckoning you to follow. Opening the heavy door behind them with surprising strength, Johannes revealed a long corridor with a few doors, which they began to approach.

It’s up to you whether or not you want to follow this chaperone’s orders, but you get the odd feeling you don’t have much of a choice. Hopefully this won’t be a too terribly boring trip...

[mirrored-skies]

Emergence | Prologue

Finally, the bus ride comes to a close, and with the ever so grating screech of the brakes filling the air, the vehicle stops.

If you’d been looking out the window, you would have seen you were going up, ascending a cliff. If you were not, then now you would simply see a tower stand tall before you, and the edge of a cliff behind it.

The sun still shone bright in the sky, even as the time turned to the late hours of the afternoon. In fact, as you got out of the bus and gathered your luggage, you felt the spring heat beat down on you, the cries of the cicadas rising from the grassy fields around you.

This place seemed to be pretty high up on the mountainside, as befitting a tower that was supposed to be sacred- out-looking the land and all. In fact, you could see a few towns from there. You could easily imagine why some civilization would regard this place as a point of contacts with their gods.

With those thoughts in mind- or perhaps, completely different ones- you walked to the tower. Still, it was really hot, huh? So much so in fact, that you just suddenly found yourselves on the stairs, the great doors of the building closing behind you.

You couldn’t quite remember how exactly you made your way there, but you just chalked it up to distraction and the spring warmth.

As you ascended the stairs, you looked around. The interior was certainly as grandiose as you’d expect from this kind of place, and much more well-kept that the exterior would have had you believe.

The first thing you noticed was that you seemed to be higher up than you expected. Looking down over the stairs, you could only see a dark void- though you could somewhat make out water at the bottom of it. You recalled hearing this tower had been built over what once was a lake, so it was not too surprising. Next, you noticed the wooden interiors.

You’d have believed this would have been much more run-down, but it seemed people still did restorations even in a place like this.

As you finished making your way up, you noticed another two things. The first was a large wooden door, ornate and elaborate, at the top, three lit torches in a triangle shape on each side of it.

And the second was...

A person, clad in a white and purple cardigan despite the heat, waiting for you there with a lanyard unreadable in the light clutched in one hand.