OOC: Understand.  The most worrisome result is the addition of new skills.

I let my mouth hang open.

"Uh, hello, me."

Okay, the entire world around you is black. Not dark. You can see Tadeusz just fine. But everything around you is black. Like there's nothing there. You look down at your feet. You see your feet, but not the ground. It's just black. You're not floating either. You're just there.

Tadeusz says "Sorry I missed the Quarter Alert. You must have code-dropped at exactly the right time. That's not unheard of. You were supposed to go through orientation first, Tadeusz Two. Oh well, nothing like being shoved right into the action on your first day out. Is there anything you'd like to know before you go to orientation Tadeusz Two?"

(Right in the middle of Dextroland.)

Two Posts



Why is that worrisome? I thought you'd be jumping for joy at that.

I thought I mentioned this before.  Generally, its something I'd lean against doing.

"I'm in a video game, aren't I?"

Tadeusz says "You are a Tadeusz Two. A secondary backup avatar compatible with all Tadeusz game systems."

He goes on to explain that Tadeusz is like Mario. Mario was in Donkey Kong, Super Mario Brothers, Doctor Mario, Mario Kart, even had a cameo as the fight referee in Mike Tyson's Punch Out. He does a lot of games. If this one isn't your speed, you can find another.

Then he says "Our job is to serve The Creators." and points up at the sky. You see a huge window floating in space. Just floating there. And through it, you can see the inside of a video arcade. Everything from Asteroids to Zaxon.

"It is the sole responsibility of the Tadeusz One avatar to answer all Quarter Alerts. Unless you happen to be in the right place at the right time, as you were today, you will never be called up to play against your will, Tadeusz Two."

Basically, you have all the rights and privileges of an extremely popular video game character, but share none of the responsibilities, unless you choose to share them.

OOC) You might want to watch the movie Wreck-It Ralph to get a better feel for what you're looking at. That's the inspiration for this.

"Like Wreck-It Ralph." I murmur to myself.  I'd watched that movie twice, I think.  It was good.

"What happens if I lose  afight, I'm in?"

Tadeusz says "You know Ralph, Tadeusz Two?"


"If you leave your game, stay safe, stay alert, and whatever you do, don't die! Because if you die outside of your own game, you don't regenerate. EVER! It's Game Over. That applies to all Tadeusz games. If you die inside a Tadeusz game, you will regenerate, Tadeusz Two."

Which is to say, you cannot verse out if you die inside a Tadeusz game.

But then the call comes in "QUARTER ALERT!! QUARTER ALERT!!"

Tadeusz asks if you want to take it. It's his responsibility though.

"If you don't want it, then get to orientation at Game Central Station." And then there's arrows on the ground pointing the way.

So are you taking the Quarter Alert or going to Game Central?
This message was last edited by the player at 08:59, Wed 22 Oct 2014.

"Heard of him." I say, and then wonder if I really have as does a story from another realm qualify?

"Thanks, Tadeusz One." and I head to my borientation, determined to extract useful data and pay attention.

OOC) What's the plural of Tadeusz? Tadeuszes? Tadei?

So Tadeusz One disappears. You hear the chanting "Tad-e-usz!!! Tad-e-usz!!!" as his game begins.

And you follow the arrows in the blackness. It wouldn't be right to say the arrows are on the floor, since there is no "floor". There are arrows at your feet in this black environment that you're following. But they lead you to a small kiddie sized train. The train is also just floating in the blackness. You board the train and it starts to move down the track. As far as you can tell, there's no one driving it. It leads you down in the inside of an electrical cable. Like a tunnel, but it's a power cable, until you come to a plug end. That's the train's end. You walk through the third prong as if it were a tunnel, and you find yourself in a gargantuan hallway. You can see the wall opposite you, but the two ends stretch as far as the eye can see. It's more or less infinite in length. The walls on both sides are lined with the plug ends. The plug you are leaving through has the words "Tadeusz, Supersoldier Extraordinaire" written over it. That's the name of the game you were in. There's Pac-Man, Asteroids, Mario Brothers, any game you can think of. The names are written over the plugs.

In this room, there's all manner of video game characters walking about. You see several other Tadeuszes? Tadei? walking around. But when you walk, everyone in your path whispers "Bad guy coming!!" and gets out of your way. Except of course, for the other Tadeusz characters. They don't seem overly interested in you. But everyone gets out of their way too.

There are different kiosks here and there in the hallway. "Information Services" "Power ups" and one marked "Orientation." Approaching that, you walk up, and find yourself in a classroom. Desks, chairs, and numerous video game characters sitting around in class. The teacher is Megaman.

OOC) How do you properly use supercharacters? Well, everyone you see is a supercharacter in some sense of the word. Tadeusz is just in the top 75% most powerful among them.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:17, Wed 22 Oct 2014.

"Megaman." I say with a short, but courteous nod.  I've heard of the name, but I'm not familiar with him.   He's some Japanese creation.

I hope that I'm not going to have to drag out what little I've read about Japanese culture to deal with this guy...

OOC) So you're not a video game junkie? That's good. Atari 2600 and 8 bit Nintendo is about as far as I got. I was afraid you were going to be an expert on them.

Megaman is a shorter guy. He's wearing an outfit that reminds you of a motorcycle racer with a helmet. His biological right hand has been amputated and replaced by a bionic enhancement with all manner of different attachments. Mostly different types of blasters. He's currently wearing some type of laser that lets him write on the screen in front of him.

In a sort of mechanical, computerized voice, Megaman says "Game jumping. Leaving your game and joining another. There's two types of game jumping. There's passive game jumping and there's active game jumping. Passive game jumping is going in as an observer. For example, being in the stands in a sports game to watch the action. As long as you do not interfere with the action, this is perfectly acceptable. You can passive game jump as an observer into any game and cheer on you favorite hero or villain. Just Do Not interfere with the action!! You want to watch a baseball game? You want to watch Tadeusz kick the crap out his enemies? Sit in the stands or in the designated observer areas. Your avatar's appearance will change accordingly. Active game jumping is trying to join the game as a player. Interfering with the action. This will bring disciplinary action up to and including code deletion."

Those guys that were cheering "Tad-e-usz!!" They were passive game jumpers. Just there to cheer you on and watch.

"Power ups. Non-game power ups are only to be used in designated power up testing areas. Non game power ups are not to be used in your own game during active play. There was a problem for a long time with power ups being used outside of games." And he describes something not unlike an illicit drug trade. "So the ones in charge decided rather than combat the problem, to allow it with regulation. If you want to test Mario's leaf flying or invincibility star, do so in the designated power up areas after game closure. Be forewarned, non game power ups will not work the same for you."

Instead of being the equivalent of an illicit drug trade, it's become part of the entertainment industry. Highly regulated. You want to fly like Mario? Get a leaf power up, go to the designated power up testing area and fly. Just be sure to lose the power up before you rejoin your own game. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action up to and including code deletion. Same goes for non game weapons testing. You want to test out a Tadeusz Order hammer and you're not Tadeusz? Go to the designated testing area. But if you're not Tadeusz, Do Not use it in your own game!!! Or, for that matter, anywhere outside of the designated testing area. With a few exceptions.

Non game extra lives will not work for you and no amount of extra lives will save you from dying outside your own game. However, they are sold as a delicacy food item. You do not need to eat to live. You can eat for the sake of eating and you will not need to go to the bathroom. But if you like food, eat all you want. Pac-Man chips are another delicacy food item. The large chips that let him eat ghosts will give you 30 seconds where you can eat literally anything. Uranium, arsenic, eat your way out of a dungeon. Anything.

"Viruses. There is a major problem with viruses. Some areas of Game Central have become completely overrun with viruses. If you happen into one of these areas and you wish to pass through, you are requested to help combat the viruses as you pass. Be forewarned, if the virus kills you, you will not regenerate outside your own game. Anyone leaving a virus infected area must be scanned for virus infestation. If you are found to be infested, you will not be allowed to leave until the virus has been cured."

This is one of the exceptions to the no power ups rule. Since of course they want the viruses cleared out, you are permitted to use power ups and weapons outside the designated areas in order to help to combat the viruses. But it's still highly regulated.

"Any questions so far?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Sat 25 Oct 2014.

This is fascinating stuff.  I can see planning on using some power ups, then going virus hunting.  Perhaps i should go watch some other Tadei to learn their moves, and t hen test them, and then virus hunt....

I smile cheerfully.

"Thank you, no."

Megaman continues with the lecture. "You do not need to eat, sleep, or use the bathroom. The games are active for 12 hour cycles whilst the arcade is open. Twelve on, twelve off. After hours game jumping is perfectly acceptable. Tappers and Burger Time are popular game hang out spots." (That would be a game set in a bar and a game set in a hamburger joint, respectively) "How many of you are secondary avatars?" Every hand in the class goes up. "The best way to get training is to play in a game. There isn't a primary avatar out there that won't welcome the break. To buy power ups you need gold or other precious materials of trade value. The best way to get those is to play. And if there is nothing else, class dismissed. Welcome to life in Game Central."

And you hear a Ryu from Street Fighter elbow the guy next to him and mutter "I'm going over to Mario Brothers after hours. I heard that's a great place to get coins and power ups."

I turn to him, and say calmly and directly...

"Mind if I join in?"

When you nudge him to get his attention, Ryu turns around belligerently, prepared to tell off this interloper who's getting into his business. Until he sees who it is. Then his face changes to a bit of fear panic. He gasps "Tadeusz....." He's quite taken aback. Perhaps how you might feel if someone on the level of Gary Gygax wanted to join your pathetic little gaming club. He kind of stammers "Um, uh, sure Tadeusz. Meet us at Mario Three at uh game closing time."

Pause. OK, that's going to be a problem.

Smile.

"Thanks, Ryu."

I look around for a Tadei in a Race Car game, if there is one.  If not, then a FPS.  I'll ask the Tadei if he wants a break, and if he says yes, I'll tell him I'm a noob, and could use some basic know-how on his game.

OOC) Problem? Surprised. I thought you liked it when guys got out of your way. Personally I think Ryu is one of the toughest characters in Street Fighter and he's terrified of Tadeusz. Tells you something about Tadeusz.

Also, I believe you said you wanted a staff weapon. You get to pick one more martial arts/melee weapon for the Tadei to be carrying. You'll see.



"Um, yes. Thank you. It would be an honor to uh, run with you Tadeusz."

Then you gives you a polite bow and walks away.



Ryu leaves you and goes over to the door of the classroom. He opens the door and disappears into thin air. Then the door closes. You go over and open the door. When you open it, you're standing back in Game Central, in front of the kiosk where you entered. Ryu is nowhere to be seen.

Okay, let me set the stage here. You are wearing a silky ninja outfit. You are barefoot, barehanded, and wearing a toolbelt of sorts with the Katana and blacksmithing hammer hanging from it.

Standing against a wall is another Tadeusz. He is wearing the silky ninja outfit. He's also wearing motorcycle boots and leather driving gloves. He's got a staff weapon strapped to his back, like how Donatello carries his. His toolbelt has the Katana, blacksmithing hammer and one of the paintball guns with glowing paintballs from your last world. Also the before mentioned martial arts/melee weapon of your choice is hanging from the toolbelt. Anything you want, but it cannot be another hammer, Katana or staff. Anything else is fair game. Last but not least, Magehammer's cloth bag is hanging from his toolbelt. It's smaller than the one you've got. Looks about right to carry a single grapefruit.

You approach him and ask him about racing games. He says "That's good that you want to play Two. If you're going to live off our reputation, you better be able to back it up. Nothing infuriates the Tadei faster than a Two who refuses to play and just lives off our reputation."

He says "Two" curtly and with a touch of disrespect. Like how you might expect a senior in high school to say "Freshman".

But then he continues. "You want to race Two? Well, get over to Tadeusz Racing. I hear that guy hasn't had a break in months. I can help you get there Two."

I want those boots, I hate being barefooted.

I focus in on his toolbelt, and for a second, a very long one, its just a blur.  Then I make our a broadsword.

"Who said I was going to live off your reputation?  Feel free to tell everyone I'm an immortal dimension traveller just visiting your little corner of reality."  I shrug.  "I guess I was doing such, but if it bothers you, then disown me.  I don't care.  I've walked through Hell, and you little gaming avatar probaby had...." I stop.  I dislike making accusations I don't know aren't true.  Its why I win as many arguements as I do.

I give him a long look. Its odd. Seeing my own face.  The uncertainty. The harshness. The dark eyes.  I swallow considering that he probably can kick my teeth in.

"No." My voice warbles a bit as I turn away.  "No, I'll get there on my own, little avatar."

You're going to the right place. You get the gloves and the boots in the racing game.



Darn, I was hoping you'd go for something exotic like a mace and chain.


At this he laughs and says "No you're not. Not yet anyway. If you were a dimension traveler, you'd have the unreality sack." and gestures to MH's bag. "Keep playing Two. You'll get there."

Not even a hint of disrespect this time.



"We look out for our own. But only if our own look out for us. Remember that Two."



He just looks back. He might be thinking about doing just that. Or he might just be a little bit awed by your brashness. Hard to tell.



"Then go in peace brother." And gives you some complicated hand salute. When you don't return the salute, he laughs again and says "So you haven't been there either I see!!"

But you walk away. When you walk, everyone clears a path. You hear a lot of murmured "Bad guy coming!!!" when they clear out.

But then you get to Tadeusz Racing. Going into the plug tunnel, you hop on the little kiddie train and it takes you in. You hear a race going on. Multiple engines running at high RPM. And then you're looking at a computer generated racetrack. And there's a row of cars and another row of high end motorcycles lined up for players to choose from. When the race ends, the Tadeusz avatar from this game appears right in front of you. He wasn't there then he was there.

He smiles warmly and says "You wanting to play? I could use the break."

His clothes are a racing jumpsuit that closely resembles the silky ninja outfit you're wearing. He's also wearing the gloves and motorcycle boots.

I consider correcting him, then decide not to bother.

Walking through the crowd, I feel a long abandoned cloak descend over me, and I walk with more purpose and drive with my face blank and eyes hard and watchful.

Upon reaching the moto race, I first think....no,no.....and then....crud.

I look at the smiling Tadei with a look I know because I've seen a photo of it on a rollercoaster that was simply awful.  Grim determination.  this is going to be awful and I'm going to get through it.

"I hate motorcycles. I thought this was going to be cars."

I force a smile.  He's a nice guy, he doesn't deserve my mood.

"Yeah, but I need a helmet, shoes, I mean boots, and whatever else. I'm on my second game so give me the noob tour." Pause. Remember to be polite. "Please."

Tad Prime grins and says "Yeah, I'm not too fond of them either. It's up to the selection of the Creator playing the game though. Lucky for us, cars are much more popular."

It's both cars and motorcycles. You get the gloves for racing a car and the boots for a motorcycle. I said "Driving Gloves" and "Motorcycle Boots".



"Eh, no need for that. You just go stand in The Pit and when the Quarter Alert comes, you'll know what to do. Everything will be taken care of by the Creator playing."

Then he says "How long can I count on you staying? I really need to get out of here for a while. We've got about 10 hours before game closure."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:27, Fri 31 Oct 2014.

I remind myself to pay attention.  The facts were right in front of me, but I did not add them up.

"How about after an hour you send someone down here to check on me?  If I'm doing good, I'll go another hour, if not, he can take over."

I wait for his reply, and then walk down into the Pit, sizing up my competition.

"I'm afraid it doesn't work like that. But don't worry. You're not going to get stuck here. Unless of course......"

But he doesn't finish that sentence. Suddenly you're standing in the Pit and he's nowhere to be seen. (In case you haven't figured it out yet, this world works by cartoon/video game physics.)

The pit is your typical race pit. It's down below the stands. In the stands are avatars sitting. The spectators. And there's a clock in the tower. You watch that clock count down 30 minutes in what feels like a matter of seconds. Then you hear it:

"QUARTER ALERT!! QUARTER ALERT!!"

This is followed by "Player, select your vehicle!!"

And all of a sudden, you're sitting at the wheel of a Ferrari Testarosa. You're wearing the driving gloves. You still feel barefoot though. You're in line on the racetrack. The light is going red, yellow, green. And you're off.

The car takes off, the G forces pin you against the seat momentarily. You're driving like an ace. Weaving in and out. You're about a quarter of the way through the lap and you see a box floating in the air in front of you. You crash into it. But instead of hurting the car, you hear "Weapon Power Up." And there's a paintball gun with glowing paintballs sitting in the seat next to you. You steer with one hand and point the gun out the passenger window and fire at the car next to you. But instead of a paintball, the gun fires a huge three foot diameter ball of energy that completely obliterates the car next to you. After it explodes, it blinks twice and disappears.

From nowhere, or from everywhere, you hear a voice say "Got him!!!"

And you're driving some more. Taking curves and corners like you've been doing it all your life. Halfway through the lap, you lean out the driver's window with the paintball gun. It again fires a three foot ball of energy which obliterates the car next to you. After it explodes, this car also blinks twice and disappears.

This time the voice laughs and says "You're no match for Tadeusz sucker!!!!"

And you continue through the lap. You finish second.

And again you hear "Player, select your vehicle."

And suddenly you're sitting on a Harley Fatboy. Looking down, you're wearing the boots. And the gloves. The light changes to green, and you gun the engine. You rip out of the starting gate. Leaning into turns. It's the most natural move you've ever made. And again you crash into the floating box. And again you hear "Weapon Power Up!"

And the paintball gun is in your hand. You blast the bike in front of you with a three foot energy ball. Then you drive the bike right through the explosion. It doesn't faze you a bit. No heat, no pain. You just go through it.

And the voice says "Gotcha sucker!!!"

And you finish this race fourth. A voice says "Game Over!!"

And then you're back in the Pit. You've got the paintball gun strapped to your toolbelt. You're wearing the gloves and the boots. The clock in the stands has counted down 20 minutes whilst you were playing. And you watch it count down another 20 minutes in a matter of seconds before hearing "QUARTER ALERT QUARTER ALERT!!" yet again.

And this cycle repeats several times. You drive about three cars for every motorcycle. The clock in the stands has gone forward 5 hours. It didn't feel like more than one though.

Finally you're standing in The Pit and Tad Prime is there with you. He says "You like that? You want to play some more?"

New use on your driving skill, new use on your motorcycle skill, two new uses on your paintball gun skill.

"Yeah, that wasn't bad."


OOC: I'm not certain about this game take over effect you've got going on.  Its uunconventional, and generally goes against Good Advice, but the writing is fun to read.

Tad Prime grins and says "Yeah, it's kinda weird at first letting the Creators take control over your body, but you get used to it after a while. Nobody is getting hurt. Would you like to meet the drivers you shot on the track?"

And suddenly you're surrounded by a whole bunch of racers. They're all congratulating you. You hear a lot of "Good Gaming Tadeusz!!!" They're not upset about it in the slightest. It's their job to die in the game, just like it's your job to kill them. They just regenerate, no harm no foul.

And the Tad Prime says "You want to stay and keep playing?"



OOC) Let's take that to Facebook.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:29, Sun 02 Nov 2014.