"}Welcome Back, Player!

[EPPRBCU]

[respawn-system]

Pinned post

Info: don't ship me. don't ship the character. Respawn looks like a humanoid silhouette of green and black, with black eyes. forgot to update this uogh-

This post will be updated with any important information.

DNI: Basic DNI criteria. (Link)

This blog will heavily use text colors and effects, and doesn't provide plaintext. Guide, tags and arcs under cut.

Guide:

{In character commands and/or abilities look like this.}

{Error: In character commands and/or abilities that fail look like this.}

In character text looks like this, and can use any color or effect for some words.

(Narration looks like this.)

《Ooc text looks like this.》

visible code looks like this.

Tags:

Universal tag is #epprbcu.

Asks - #asks

Ooc - #ooc

Starter calls - #awaiting input

Interactions - #respawning

Interaction end - #respawned

Non-canon interaction - #despawning?!

Gimmick(?) - #default action

Arc tags:

#just code - Pre-sentience arc, also the first arc.

#hidden in the files (The current arc.)

More tags will be added when more arcs happen.

[respawn-system]

/* A green key appears in front of you in a flash of light */

Hope I'm not interrupting anything-

@epprbcu-keymaster

(Respawn flinches at the flash.)

Oh- uh.. you're not, I was just exploring.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I just wanted to check up on you real quick!

/* The key bobs */

How are things going?

[respawn-system]

They're..going, I guess?

I found some drawing supplies, so I drew the.. uh- what's it called again? The scaffolding? The, uh.. the place where I really am.

(Respawn holds up a drawing of- oh what the- ahem. of what is decidedly not what the code world looks like. Tall blue walls that fade to black, the terminal a shimmering black and green that seems to reflect what's on it, the floor a muted purple, ingrained with green lines leading from the terminal to various walls.. it looks wrong.)

Not much else though, this place seems just as empty as the other one..

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Your drawing is... Uhm, a bit...

/* The key shimmers a blue color */

Weird.

[respawn-system]

Well, I can't- I can't really make it actually.. shiny, like it's supposed to be..

(Respawn gently folds up the drawing, evidently self-conscious about it.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I that's- It's nice, I wasn't talking about that.

...

Wait, what do you mean this place "is as empty"?

[respawn-system]

Well- sure there's grass and trees and a sky, but I've been exploring for a while and I haven't found anyone else around...

And.. if you weren't saying my drawing was bad, what- uh, what were you talking about?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You said it depicts the place where you actually are, right?

Well I'm pretty sure that's not how it looks like

[respawn-system]

What? Of course it is, what else would it look like?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

An open white void populated by floating files with connections between them?? That's how I see it

[respawn-system]

That.. sounds painful to look at. I'm glad I don't see it like that... but why would it look different to me?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The key lowers in the air slightly */

Hmm, I don't know? I'm pretty sure everyone at least sees a bunch of files and no clear limitations to the space... I wonder if you can pass through these walls you see or not...

[respawn-system]

I'm pretty sure I can't, I remember feeling one when I started existing. But I never explored that much, there were hallways and open spaces and I didn't want to get lost..

Wait, I could explore more without worrying about getting lost, right? Since I can.. be here in this world from anywhere in the other one?

(Shouldn't there be something to- uhh- A leaf blows by in the light breeze.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The key bobs up again */

Hmm. Yeah, sure! There should be no problem. Just don't touch anything super weird that you might see unless you're sure that's a good idea, better safe than sorry.

[respawn-system]

Alright, if I do find something strange I'll just.. look at it, I guess.

[respawn-system]

/* A green key appears in front of you in a flash of light */

Hope I'm not interrupting anything-

@epprbcu-keymaster

(Respawn flinches at the flash.)

Oh- uh.. you're not, I was just exploring.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I just wanted to check up on you real quick!

/* The key bobs */

How are things going?

[respawn-system]

They're..going, I guess?

I found some drawing supplies, so I drew the.. uh- what's it called again? The scaffolding? The, uh.. the place where I really am.

(Respawn holds up a drawing of- oh what the- ahem. of what is decidedly not what the code world looks like. Tall blue walls that fade to black, the terminal a shimmering black and green that seems to reflect what's on it, the floor a muted purple, ingrained with green lines leading from the terminal to various walls.. it looks wrong.)

Not much else though, this place seems just as empty as the other one..

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Your drawing is... Uhm, a bit...

/* The key shimmers a blue color */

Weird.

[respawn-system]

Well, I can't- I can't really make it actually.. shiny, like it's supposed to be..

(Respawn gently folds up the drawing, evidently self-conscious about it.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I that's- It's nice, I wasn't talking about that.

...

Wait, what do you mean this place "is as empty"?

[respawn-system]

Well- sure there's grass and trees and a sky, but I've been exploring for a while and I haven't found anyone else around...

And.. if you weren't saying my drawing was bad, what- uh, what were you talking about?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You said it depicts the place where you actually are, right?

Well I'm pretty sure that's not how it looks like

[respawn-system]

What? Of course it is, what else would it look like?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

An open white void populated by floating files with connections between them?? That's how I see it

[respawn-system]

That.. sounds painful to look at. I'm glad I don't see it like that... but why would it look different to me?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The key lowers in the air slightly */

Hmm, I don't know? I'm pretty sure everyone at least sees a bunch of files and no clear limitations to the space... I wonder if you can pass through these walls you see or not...

[respawn-system]

I'm pretty sure I can't, I remember feeling one when I started existing. But I never explored that much, there were hallways and open spaces and I didn't want to get lost..

Wait, I could explore more without worrying about getting lost, right? Since I can.. be here in this world from anywhere in the other one?

(Shouldn't there be something to- uhh- A leaf blows by in the light breeze.)

[respawn-system]

/* A green key appears in front of you in a flash of light */

Hope I'm not interrupting anything-

@epprbcu-keymaster

(Respawn flinches at the flash.)

Oh- uh.. you're not, I was just exploring.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I just wanted to check up on you real quick!

/* The key bobs */

How are things going?

[respawn-system]

They're..going, I guess?

I found some drawing supplies, so I drew the.. uh- what's it called again? The scaffolding? The, uh.. the place where I really am.

(Respawn holds up a drawing of- oh what the- ahem. of what is decidedly not what the code world looks like. Tall blue walls that fade to black, the terminal a shimmering black and green that seems to reflect what's on it, the floor a muted purple, ingrained with green lines leading from the terminal to various walls.. it looks wrong.)

Not much else though, this place seems just as empty as the other one..

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Your drawing is... Uhm, a bit...

/* The key shimmers a blue color */

Weird.

[respawn-system]

Well, I can't- I can't really make it actually.. shiny, like it's supposed to be..

(Respawn gently folds up the drawing, evidently self-conscious about it.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I that's- It's nice, I wasn't talking about that.

...

Wait, what do you mean this place "is as empty"?

[respawn-system]

Well- sure there's grass and trees and a sky, but I've been exploring for a while and I haven't found anyone else around...

And.. if you weren't saying my drawing was bad, what- uh, what were you talking about?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You said it depicts the place where you actually are, right?

Well I'm pretty sure that's not how it looks like

[respawn-system]

What? Of course it is, what else would it look like?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

An open white void populated by floating files with connections between them?? That's how I see it

[respawn-system]

That.. sounds painful to look at. I'm glad I don't see it like that... but why would it look different to me?

[respawn-system]

/* A green key appears in front of you in a flash of light */

Hope I'm not interrupting anything-

@epprbcu-keymaster

(Respawn flinches at the flash.)

Oh- uh.. you're not, I was just exploring.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I just wanted to check up on you real quick!

/* The key bobs */

How are things going?

[respawn-system]

They're..going, I guess?

I found some drawing supplies, so I drew the.. uh- what's it called again? The scaffolding? The, uh.. the place where I really am.

(Respawn holds up a drawing of- oh what the- ahem. of what is decidedly not what the code world looks like. Tall blue walls that fade to black, the terminal a shimmering black and green that seems to reflect what's on it, the floor a muted purple, ingrained with green lines leading from the terminal to various walls.. it looks wrong.)

Not much else though, this place seems just as empty as the other one..

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Your drawing is... Uhm, a bit...

/* The key shimmers a blue color */

Weird.

[respawn-system]

Well, I can't- I can't really make it actually.. shiny, like it's supposed to be..

(Respawn gently folds up the drawing, evidently self-conscious about it.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I that's- It's nice, I wasn't talking about that.

...

Wait, what do you mean this place "is as empty"?

[respawn-system]

Well- sure there's grass and trees and a sky, but I've been exploring for a while and I haven't found anyone else around...

And.. if you weren't saying my drawing was bad, what- uh, what were you talking about?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You said it depicts the place where you actually are, right?

Well I'm pretty sure that's not how it looks like

[respawn-system]

What? Of course it is, what else would it look like?

[respawn-system]

/* A green key appears in front of you in a flash of light */

Hope I'm not interrupting anything-

@epprbcu-keymaster

(Respawn flinches at the flash.)

Oh- uh.. you're not, I was just exploring.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I just wanted to check up on you real quick!

/* The key bobs */

How are things going?

[respawn-system]

They're..going, I guess?

I found some drawing supplies, so I drew the.. uh- what's it called again? The scaffolding? The, uh.. the place where I really am.

(Respawn holds up a drawing of- oh what the- ahem. of what is decidedly not what the code world looks like. Tall blue walls that fade to black, the terminal a shimmering black and green that seems to reflect what's on it, the floor a muted purple, ingrained with green lines leading from the terminal to various walls.. it looks wrong.)

Not much else though, this place seems just as empty as the other one..

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Your drawing is... Uhm, a bit...

/* The key shimmers a blue color */

Weird.

[respawn-system]

Well, I can't- I can't really make it actually.. shiny, like it's supposed to be..

(Respawn gently folds up the drawing, evidently self-conscious about it.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I that's- It's nice, I wasn't talking about that.

...

Wait, what do you mean this place "is as empty"?

[respawn-system]

Well- sure there's grass and trees and a sky, but I've been exploring for a while and I haven't found anyone else around...

And.. if you weren't saying my drawing was bad, what- uh, what were you talking about?

[respawn-system]

/* A green key appears in front of you in a flash of light */

Hope I'm not interrupting anything-

@epprbcu-keymaster

(Respawn flinches at the flash.)

Oh- uh.. you're not, I was just exploring.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I just wanted to check up on you real quick!

/* The key bobs */

How are things going?

[respawn-system]

They're..going, I guess?

I found some drawing supplies, so I drew the.. uh- what's it called again? The scaffolding? The, uh.. the place where I really am.

(Respawn holds up a drawing of- oh what the- ahem. of what is decidedly not what the code world looks like. Tall blue walls that fade to black, the terminal a shimmering black and green that seems to reflect what's on it, the floor a muted purple, ingrained with green lines leading from the terminal to various walls.. it looks wrong.)

Not much else though, this place seems just as empty as the other one..

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Your drawing is... Uhm, a bit...

/* The key shimmers a blue color */

Weird.

[respawn-system]

Well, I can't- I can't really make it actually.. shiny, like it's supposed to be..

(Respawn gently folds up the drawing, evidently self-conscious about it.)

[respawn-system]

/* A green key appears in front of you in a flash of light */

Hope I'm not interrupting anything-

@epprbcu-keymaster

(Respawn flinches at the flash.)

Oh- uh.. you're not, I was just exploring.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I just wanted to check up on you real quick!

/* The key bobs */

How are things going?

[respawn-system]

They're..going, I guess?

I found some drawing supplies, so I drew the.. uh- what's it called again? The scaffolding? The, uh.. the place where I really am.

(Respawn holds up a drawing of- oh what the- ahem. of what is decidedly not what the code world looks like. Tall blue walls that fade to black, the terminal a shimmering black and green that seems to reflect what's on it, the floor a muted purple, ingrained with green lines leading from the terminal to various walls.. it looks wrong.)

Not much else though, this place seems just as empty as the other one..

[respawn-system]

/* A green key appears in front of you in a flash of light */

Hope I'm not interrupting anything-

@epprbcu-keymaster

(Respawn flinches at the flash.)

Oh- uh.. you're not, I was just exploring.

[respawn-system]

(There's a sudden, brief buzz of static.)

-y, does this work?

Hello..?

[the-dungeon-core]

Huh! Who's that? Where are you?

[respawn-system]

Oh- hello! I, uh.. I don't know where I am.

[the-dungeon-core]

... Oh! That's where your voice is coming from

*You feel something focusing on you from all sides*

So... What are you?

[respawn-system]

I.. think they called me "an internal respawn management system" or something like that.

Uh- what exactly.. is this place?

[the-dungeon-core]

This is a small section of... the scaffolding of this world

*You start to see a crystal pedestal with a big red glowing orb on top slowly materialize*

It's used by me to spread out my Focus more easily over the entirety of the dungeon, which is physically located in the actual world

But what are you doing here?

[respawn-system]

Doing here? I don't think I've ever been anywhere else. Or, uh.. know how to be anywhere else.

I just.. well, I want to say "woke up" here, but it doesn't feel like I was ever asleep, and I don't think I've just spawned in either.

So, I guess I just, uh.. started being here a few days ago?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh okay, that must be disorienting

So question, are you "evil" or something? This is pretty important

[respawn-system]

Evil? No, I don't think I am. Although I wouldn't really know to be honest.. what qualifies as evil? And, should I be?

[the-dungeon-core]

No! Don't be evil!!

Uhh, well, technically speaking "evil" doesn't exist but generally people say it to mean being ready to do things and hurt others for your own personal gain no matter the cost

... So what do you want to do now? I hope it's nothing bad?

[respawn-system]

Oh- uh, alright?

Well, that description sounds.. like something I wouldn't really like doing.

And.. I don't really know. What is there to do here? Ever since that key manager guy stopped responding to me, I've just been wandering alone until now.

[the-dungeon-core]

Key manager? What did they say?

[respawn-system]

Something about a purpose and telling me I was "everywhere".. I don't really understand it myself, but they did give me some strange keys!

...Which I don't know how to use.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, would you like to visit the physical world at some point?

Also what "keys" do you have? Are they actual literal keys or something like "Spawn creature"? Cause that's what I call a permission

[respawn-system]

Yeah, I would. And I don't think the keys are physical, no. The three I got are "Userspace: NPC", "Focus" and "Camera", but when I got them, I didn't actually.. get any physical items or anything.

[the-dungeon-core]

"Userspace: NPC"? That might allow you to eventually exist as an NPC in the physical world. "Camera" is something that I think I might also have but mine is limited to the territory of the dungeon

I have no clue what "focus" is supposed to be

Maybe you can use "camera" to look around? Find out what happened?

[respawn-system]

Yeah, it might, but I still have no idea how to use any of them! I've tried just thinking about it, doing some sort of motion, using the terminal, but just... nothing's worked yet..

[the-dungeon-core]

Well I just have a menu that I use for stuff... Do you have any kind of interface that an operator would use to control you? I took control of mine away from the operators, what about you?

[respawn-system]

N-no?? At least I don't think I have one of those? That- that kind of thing sounds terrifying to have! Wait, what if I do have one but I just don't know how to find it- how would I even know- ohdevswhatiftheyfinditbeforeido

(Respawn shrinks back, starting to panic.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Please relax! We don't know anything yet so you shouldn't assume!

*The feeling of being focused on shrinks slightly*

We should consider this rationally... How have you received instructions up until now?

[respawn-system]

I- I-.. okay...

(Respawn takes a deep breath, trying to calm themself.)

I... I don't know. I don't remember being given instructions at all since I got here.

Unless the terminal was...? Hm.

[the-dungeon-core]

Try writing the name of one of the keys followed by a "?", if they're commands, that should explain something

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn walks over to the terminal and types "focus?" before hitting enter.)

{Error: No instruction to respond to. Manual response discarded.}

Nope, nothing.

[the-dungeon-core]

That gives me an idea...

|····························································|

| Do you accept becoming a |

| dungeon monster of the |

| dungeon "Inco"? |

| Y/N |

|····························································|

It's only a technicality, accept that and I'll try sending you a request

[respawn-system]

Uh- I don't.. I'm not sure. What does becoming a dungeon monster... entail?

I'm not agreeing to anything when I don't know what could happen.

[the-dungeon-core]

It shouldn't do anything other than letting me send you requests and use mana to make you more powerful (which I won't do) considering that you're sentient and I'll end it once I do the test

[respawn-system]

Oh, alright..

(Hesitantly, Respawn chooses Y.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Request from The Core: Use the camera key

Now try "responding" to that

[respawn-system]

Uhh, okay..?

(Nothing happens.)

...how?

[the-dungeon-core]

Well... in that case... Can you try contacting this "key manager"? They might be able to clarify?

[respawn-system]

I've already tried that, but they stopped talking to me. They also said before that they can't help me if I don't understand how to "see a certain point in space and anchor to it"... which I don't.

[the-dungeon-core]

I think this is where my experience runs dry... I'm a glowing orb after all.

If only some developer could help us...

[respawn-system]

Oh, do you know any developers? I was thinking I could try exploring this place, but I don't know.. I don't want to get lost...

[the-dungeon-core]

I might know someone adjacent...

[ Pinging @epprbcu-keymaster ]

Also, yeah, you don't want to get lost. The amount of people that can help you in that kind of case has been dwindling for some time

[respawn-system]

Oh... well, I guess I shouldn't then.

(Respawn starts pacing back and forth, thinking.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

*A green key audibly pops into existence next to Respawn*

Huh? What now? I already told you the- Who's that?!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn jumps back, startled.)

[the-dungeon-core]

That was faster than I expected... We need you to help respawn over here.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The green key bobs in the air. */

Sure ever since my new boss forgot about my existence I haven't exactly had much work to do

But what help do you even need?

[respawn-system]

I- uh..

(Respawn sighs.)

I don't know how to even try to use the keys you gave me..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, you gave respawn the keys? I thought it was some "key manager" or something??

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I don't remember giving you any keys. Why are you in the code and not in the overworld?

[respawn-system]

Wait, huh? The- the Camera, Focus, NPC Userspace ones? It wasn't you that gave me those?

And I'm, uh... trying to figure that out too. I haven't really...been to the overworld.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, you call it the "overworld". Makes sense

Also didn't you say that some "key manager" gave them to you?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well that's - You aren't from the overworld!?

*The key floats a bit farther away from you*

What the hell are you?

[respawn-system]

I- I don't know, okay?! I don't know what I am!

(Respawn takes a few steps backward, about to panic. They take a deep breath to try to calm themself down.).

Th- they said that I'm an "internal system responsible for respawn management"... but- I don't know..

(Respawn looks away, trying to hide the tears running down their face.)

I don't feel very responsible.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hey, relax, having sentience is hard! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

... I... Okay

I'll see what's possible

...

Do you have any memories of how you did stuff before, when players weren't failing to respawn?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think, wiping the tears from their eyes.)

No, just wandering around here. Anything before that is.. its not there, and trying to think about it for too long hurts my head.

I uh- I did use the terminal over there to talk to whoever it actually was that gave me the keys, but apparently I can only respond to what they say.. and if there's nothing to respond to, it just doesn't work.

(They gesture to the terminal.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Okay key guy, you must be able to do something now?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Can you give me permission to use your terminal? Also, do you know the user ID of whoever you were communicating with?

[respawn-system]

I- yeah? You can use the terminal if you want, is it even specifically mine? All I really know is it's the only thing around here other than the walls and floor.

And, I think they were "key-manager.system", but I don't know if that's their ID, or their name, or what.

[the-dungeon-core]

Is the key-manager an internal system as well by any chance

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Hmmm okay. Let me try.

/* Keymaster starts tapping at the air in front of them */

I'll try to contact, and report back with any findings.

[respawn-system]

(Respawn just stands there, nervously waiting.)

[the-dungeon-core]

This silence is a bit boring hmmmm what's your favourite-

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, the key manager answered me

/* The floating key and hands materialize a body and two additional arms with the key now being a head. */

Would you mind looking through your terminals command history? This is normally done by clicking the up and down arrow keys (on a keyboard).

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn goes over to the terminal and starts scrolling through its history.)

What am I supposed to be.. looking for?

[the-dungeon-core]

Yeah, what?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Simple, commands that you don't remember typing. Hopefully we can figure out how you did your job before you stopped doing so.

[respawn-system]

Oh, that's smart.

(Respawn keeps scrolling, past their communication with key manager.)

/ where am i | Error: Unexpected parameter "am" of command where. Valid parameters include set, ping and within.

(Further back.)

/ what is this | Error: "what" is not a valid command or request.

I remember typing all this though.. oh-

(As Respawn scrolls yet further back, the commands devolve into gibberish. The resulting commands look like attempts to respawn players, but letters are added, removed and in the wrong order seemingly at random.)

(Respawn stops scrolling and just stares at the broken sentences.)

Not- uh... not that though.

[the-dungeon-core]

Looks like you had a stroke or something-

Wait, what caused that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Yeah, this is weird, what could have possibly done that?

[respawn-system]

I don't know..

(Hesitantly, they start scrolling again. As the broken commands get progressively more coherent yet never quite reaching valid statements, they find something different.)

[User "Anonymous"] > inject £)*:£&#&@+°¥¥°TM|=$°°÷÷÷÷÷÷÷ drop database #)#£6π¥π`√{$✓✓ ! Unknown command source failsafe activated. | Error: "£" is not a valid command or request. [User "Anonymous"] > inject ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ drop database ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ ! Warning: Unkn wn command s. fail afe un.ale to activ . | Error: ⍰; {{ alid | print "Welcome back, <[bold] [player_username} [/bold]>! | } | if playerlayer; when mouclick left | databa;pla}"yer_deaths" (826274.5 entries seirtne)}

(Respawn stays silent.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Anonymous...

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Oh, that explains some things... but why would anyone intentionally do that...

Try running the following command: "BEGIN TRAN DROP TABLE player_deaths ROLLBACK SELECT * FROM database"

It might work and reverse it

[respawn-system]

(Respawn is about to start typing in the command, but suddenly stops themself.)

Reverse.. this is- this is something I did, isn't it? Before I was- what's the word, sentient?

But, if that's true.. why does this one specifically feel... different? All that random nonsense from before feels almost familiar to me, like I'm.. like I know it without remembering it.

But this... doesn't.

[the-dungeon-core]

The command?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

What the core said.

[respawn-system]

No, the response. This failsafe thing and-

I don't know, I just... have a bad feeling about this. What if this- this moment was what... caused me to become sentient? And if that gets reversed..

(Respawn trembles.)

...would I be reversed too?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You're right... we don't know. We probably shouldn't do that until we've "gathered more data" or whatever.

In the meantime, would you like a way to enter the overworld?

[respawn-system]

That would be nice..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, how are you going to do that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I'm not sure that just moving you out of this... place... Is a good idea?

So I'm giving you a "Greater Perfect Clone Golem", basically you will have a body in the overworld that you have to become unconscious in here to control. It will always look exactly like you as well.

It's the best I can do until we are sure it is safe for you to leave here.

[respawn-system]

A.. greater.. huh? Wait, no! I don't want to do that to it..I'd rather stay here than hurt a living being like that.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm

[epprbcu-keymaster]

No, no, it's just a lifeless magical construct, it has no mind of its own!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think.)

I... I guess that's okay then.. as long as you're absolutely sure it's not alive.

[the-dungeon-core]

The respawn system gets an avatar? I want one!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

If my information is correct, then you're already overpowered enough; you shall stay contained in the dungeon that you are. Now, I believe that Respawn is still your "dungeon monster".

[respawn-system]

(Respawn stays silent, looking over at the terminal for a moment.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Oops, just a second!

...

*A pop-up appears in front of Respawn*

|····························································|

| Your connection to Inco |

| has been permanently |

| severed. |

|····························································|

There!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, that should be everything, I will try to find out what I can.

/* The body disappears leaving behind only the floating key */

Before I go, could you try out the golem?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn flinches at the pop-up, snapping out of their thoughts.)

Oh, uh.. how...? Do I just close my eyes and think about it? Or do I have to actually be asleep?

[the-dungeon-core]

Grumble grumble

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I haven't tried it myself but you should be able to just think about it real hard.

[respawn-system]

Okay, here goes..

(Respawn takes a deep breath, closes their eyes and... unceremoniously falls to the ground.)

​

(In the overworld, Respawn opens a pair of eyes that look exactly like their own.)

[the-dungeon-core]

I hope that worked

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well, why don't you check?

[respawn-system]

(...)

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh yeah, time to leave this place

*The core disappears in an eruption of confetti leaving the pedestal behind*

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well then, I'll be watching.

[Keymaster (Superuser) has logged out]

[respawn-system]

(There's a sudden, brief buzz of static.)

-y, does this work?

Hello..?

[the-dungeon-core]

Huh! Who's that? Where are you?

[respawn-system]

Oh- hello! I, uh.. I don't know where I am.

[the-dungeon-core]

... Oh! That's where your voice is coming from

*You feel something focusing on you from all sides*

So... What are you?

[respawn-system]

I.. think they called me "an internal respawn management system" or something like that.

Uh- what exactly.. is this place?

[the-dungeon-core]

This is a small section of... the scaffolding of this world

*You start to see a crystal pedestal with a big red glowing orb on top slowly materialize*

It's used by me to spread out my Focus more easily over the entirety of the dungeon, which is physically located in the actual world

But what are you doing here?

[respawn-system]

Doing here? I don't think I've ever been anywhere else. Or, uh.. know how to be anywhere else.

I just.. well, I want to say "woke up" here, but it doesn't feel like I was ever asleep, and I don't think I've just spawned in either.

So, I guess I just, uh.. started being here a few days ago?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh okay, that must be disorienting

So question, are you "evil" or something? This is pretty important

[respawn-system]

Evil? No, I don't think I am. Although I wouldn't really know to be honest.. what qualifies as evil? And, should I be?

[the-dungeon-core]

No! Don't be evil!!

Uhh, well, technically speaking "evil" doesn't exist but generally people say it to mean being ready to do things and hurt others for your own personal gain no matter the cost

... So what do you want to do now? I hope it's nothing bad?

[respawn-system]

Oh- uh, alright?

Well, that description sounds.. like something I wouldn't really like doing.

And.. I don't really know. What is there to do here? Ever since that key manager guy stopped responding to me, I've just been wandering alone until now.

[the-dungeon-core]

Key manager? What did they say?

[respawn-system]

Something about a purpose and telling me I was "everywhere".. I don't really understand it myself, but they did give me some strange keys!

...Which I don't know how to use.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, would you like to visit the physical world at some point?

Also what "keys" do you have? Are they actual literal keys or something like "Spawn creature"? Cause that's what I call a permission

[respawn-system]

Yeah, I would. And I don't think the keys are physical, no. The three I got are "Userspace: NPC", "Focus" and "Camera", but when I got them, I didn't actually.. get any physical items or anything.

[the-dungeon-core]

"Userspace: NPC"? That might allow you to eventually exist as an NPC in the physical world. "Camera" is something that I think I might also have but mine is limited to the territory of the dungeon

I have no clue what "focus" is supposed to be

Maybe you can use "camera" to look around? Find out what happened?

[respawn-system]

Yeah, it might, but I still have no idea how to use any of them! I've tried just thinking about it, doing some sort of motion, using the terminal, but just... nothing's worked yet..

[the-dungeon-core]

Well I just have a menu that I use for stuff... Do you have any kind of interface that an operator would use to control you? I took control of mine away from the operators, what about you?

[respawn-system]

N-no?? At least I don't think I have one of those? That- that kind of thing sounds terrifying to have! Wait, what if I do have one but I just don't know how to find it- how would I even know- ohdevswhatiftheyfinditbeforeido

(Respawn shrinks back, starting to panic.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Please relax! We don't know anything yet so you shouldn't assume!

*The feeling of being focused on shrinks slightly*

We should consider this rationally... How have you received instructions up until now?

[respawn-system]

I- I-.. okay...

(Respawn takes a deep breath, trying to calm themself.)

I... I don't know. I don't remember being given instructions at all since I got here.

Unless the terminal was...? Hm.

[the-dungeon-core]

Try writing the name of one of the keys followed by a "?", if they're commands, that should explain something

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn walks over to the terminal and types "focus?" before hitting enter.)

{Error: No instruction to respond to. Manual response discarded.}

Nope, nothing.

[the-dungeon-core]

That gives me an idea...

|····························································|

| Do you accept becoming a |

| dungeon monster of the |

| dungeon "Inco"? |

| Y/N |

|····························································|

It's only a technicality, accept that and I'll try sending you a request

[respawn-system]

Uh- I don't.. I'm not sure. What does becoming a dungeon monster... entail?

I'm not agreeing to anything when I don't know what could happen.

[the-dungeon-core]

It shouldn't do anything other than letting me send you requests and use mana to make you more powerful (which I won't do) considering that you're sentient and I'll end it once I do the test

[respawn-system]

Oh, alright..

(Hesitantly, Respawn chooses Y.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Request from The Core: Use the camera key

Now try "responding" to that

[respawn-system]

Uhh, okay..?

(Nothing happens.)

...how?

[the-dungeon-core]

Well... in that case... Can you try contacting this "key manager"? They might be able to clarify?

[respawn-system]

I've already tried that, but they stopped talking to me. They also said before that they can't help me if I don't understand how to "see a certain point in space and anchor to it"... which I don't.

[the-dungeon-core]

I think this is where my experience runs dry... I'm a glowing orb after all.

If only some developer could help us...

[respawn-system]

Oh, do you know any developers? I was thinking I could try exploring this place, but I don't know.. I don't want to get lost...

[the-dungeon-core]

I might know someone adjacent...

[ Pinging @epprbcu-keymaster ]

Also, yeah, you don't want to get lost. The amount of people that can help you in that kind of case has been dwindling for some time

[respawn-system]

Oh... well, I guess I shouldn't then.

(Respawn starts pacing back and forth, thinking.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

*A green key audibly pops into existence next to Respawn*

Huh? What now? I already told you the- Who's that?!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn jumps back, startled.)

[the-dungeon-core]

That was faster than I expected... We need you to help respawn over here.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The green key bobs in the air. */

Sure ever since my new boss forgot about my existence I haven't exactly had much work to do

But what help do you even need?

[respawn-system]

I- uh..

(Respawn sighs.)

I don't know how to even try to use the keys you gave me..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, you gave respawn the keys? I thought it was some "key manager" or something??

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I don't remember giving you any keys. Why are you in the code and not in the overworld?

[respawn-system]

Wait, huh? The- the Camera, Focus, NPC Userspace ones? It wasn't you that gave me those?

And I'm, uh... trying to figure that out too. I haven't really...been to the overworld.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, you call it the "overworld". Makes sense

Also didn't you say that some "key manager" gave them to you?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well that's - You aren't from the overworld!?

*The key floats a bit farther away from you*

What the hell are you?

[respawn-system]

I- I don't know, okay?! I don't know what I am!

(Respawn takes a few steps backward, about to panic. They take a deep breath to try to calm themself down.).

Th- they said that I'm an "internal system responsible for respawn management"... but- I don't know..

(Respawn looks away, trying to hide the tears running down their face.)

I don't feel very responsible.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hey, relax, having sentience is hard! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

... I... Okay

I'll see what's possible

...

Do you have any memories of how you did stuff before, when players weren't failing to respawn?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think, wiping the tears from their eyes.)

No, just wandering around here. Anything before that is.. its not there, and trying to think about it for too long hurts my head.

I uh- I did use the terminal over there to talk to whoever it actually was that gave me the keys, but apparently I can only respond to what they say.. and if there's nothing to respond to, it just doesn't work.

(They gesture to the terminal.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Okay key guy, you must be able to do something now?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Can you give me permission to use your terminal? Also, do you know the user ID of whoever you were communicating with?

[respawn-system]

I- yeah? You can use the terminal if you want, is it even specifically mine? All I really know is it's the only thing around here other than the walls and floor.

And, I think they were "key-manager.system", but I don't know if that's their ID, or their name, or what.

[the-dungeon-core]

Is the key-manager an internal system as well by any chance

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Hmmm okay. Let me try.

/* Keymaster starts tapping at the air in front of them */

I'll try to contact, and report back with any findings.

[respawn-system]

(Respawn just stands there, nervously waiting.)

[the-dungeon-core]

This silence is a bit boring hmmmm what's your favourite-

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, the key manager answered me

/* The floating key and hands materialize a body and two additional arms with the key now being a head. */

Would you mind looking through your terminals command history? This is normally done by clicking the up and down arrow keys (on a keyboard).

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn goes over to the terminal and starts scrolling through its history.)

What am I supposed to be.. looking for?

[the-dungeon-core]

Yeah, what?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Simple, commands that you don't remember typing. Hopefully we can figure out how you did your job before you stopped doing so.

[respawn-system]

Oh, that's smart.

(Respawn keeps scrolling, past their communication with key manager.)

/ where am i | Error: Unexpected parameter "am" of command where. Valid parameters include set, ping and within.

(Further back.)

/ what is this | Error: "what" is not a valid command or request.

I remember typing all this though.. oh-

(As Respawn scrolls yet further back, the commands devolve into gibberish. The resulting commands look like attempts to respawn players, but letters are added, removed and in the wrong order seemingly at random.)

(Respawn stops scrolling and just stares at the broken sentences.)

Not- uh... not that though.

[the-dungeon-core]

Looks like you had a stroke or something-

Wait, what caused that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Yeah, this is weird, what could have possibly done that?

[respawn-system]

I don't know..

(Hesitantly, they start scrolling again. As the broken commands get progressively more coherent yet never quite reaching valid statements, they find something different.)

[User "Anonymous"] > inject £)*:£&#&@+°¥¥°TM|=$°°÷÷÷÷÷÷÷ drop database #)#£6π¥π`√{$✓✓ ! Unknown command source failsafe activated. | Error: "£" is not a valid command or request. [User "Anonymous"] > inject ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ drop database ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ ! Warning: Unkn wn command s. fail afe un.ale to activ . | Error: ⍰; {{ alid | print "Welcome back, <[bold] [player_username} [/bold]>! | } | if playerlayer; when mouclick left | databa;pla}"yer_deaths" (826274.5 entries seirtne)}

(Respawn stays silent.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Anonymous...

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Oh, that explains some things... but why would anyone intentionally do that...

Try running the following command: "BEGIN TRAN DROP TABLE player_deaths ROLLBACK SELECT * FROM database"

It might work and reverse it

[respawn-system]

(Respawn is about to start typing in the command, but suddenly stops themself.)

Reverse.. this is- this is something I did, isn't it? Before I was- what's the word, sentient?

But, if that's true.. why does this one specifically feel... different? All that random nonsense from before feels almost familiar to me, like I'm.. like I know it without remembering it.

But this... doesn't.

[the-dungeon-core]

The command?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

What the core said.

[respawn-system]

No, the response. This failsafe thing and-

I don't know, I just... have a bad feeling about this. What if this- this moment was what... caused me to become sentient? And if that gets reversed..

(Respawn trembles.)

...would I be reversed too?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You're right... we don't know. We probably shouldn't do that until we've "gathered more data" or whatever.

In the meantime, would you like a way to enter the overworld?

[respawn-system]

That would be nice..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, how are you going to do that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I'm not sure that just moving you out of this... place... Is a good idea?

So I'm giving you a "Greater Perfect Clone Golem", basically you will have a body in the overworld that you have to become unconscious in here to control. It will always look exactly like you as well.

It's the best I can do until we are sure it is safe for you to leave here.

[respawn-system]

A.. greater.. huh? Wait, no! I don't want to do that to it..I'd rather stay here than hurt a living being like that.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm

[epprbcu-keymaster]

No, no, it's just a lifeless magical construct, it has no mind of its own!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think.)

I... I guess that's okay then.. as long as you're absolutely sure it's not alive.

[the-dungeon-core]

The respawn system gets an avatar? I want one!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

If my information is correct, then you're already overpowered enough; you shall stay contained in the dungeon that you are. Now, I believe that Respawn is still your "dungeon monster".

[respawn-system]

(Respawn stays silent, looking over at the terminal for a moment.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Oops, just a second!

...

*A pop-up appears in front of Respawn*

|····························································|

| Your connection to Inco |

| has been permanently |

| severed. |

|····························································|

There!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, that should be everything, I will try to find out what I can.

/* The body disappears leaving behind only the floating key */

Before I go, could you try out the golem?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn flinches at the pop-up, snapping out of their thoughts.)

Oh, uh.. how...? Do I just close my eyes and think about it? Or do I have to actually be asleep?

[the-dungeon-core]

Grumble grumble

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I haven't tried it myself but you should be able to just think about it real hard.

[respawn-system]

Okay, here goes..

(Respawn takes a deep breath, closes their eyes and... unceremoniously falls to the ground.)

​

(In the overworld, Respawn opens a pair of eyes that look exactly like their own.)

[the-dungeon-core]

I hope that worked

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well, why don't you check?

[respawn-system]

(...)

[respawn-system]

(There's a sudden, brief buzz of static.)

-y, does this work?

Hello..?

[the-dungeon-core]

Huh! Who's that? Where are you?

[respawn-system]

Oh- hello! I, uh.. I don't know where I am.

[the-dungeon-core]

... Oh! That's where your voice is coming from

*You feel something focusing on you from all sides*

So... What are you?

[respawn-system]

I.. think they called me "an internal respawn management system" or something like that.

Uh- what exactly.. is this place?

[the-dungeon-core]

This is a small section of... the scaffolding of this world

*You start to see a crystal pedestal with a big red glowing orb on top slowly materialize*

It's used by me to spread out my Focus more easily over the entirety of the dungeon, which is physically located in the actual world

But what are you doing here?

[respawn-system]

Doing here? I don't think I've ever been anywhere else. Or, uh.. know how to be anywhere else.

I just.. well, I want to say "woke up" here, but it doesn't feel like I was ever asleep, and I don't think I've just spawned in either.

So, I guess I just, uh.. started being here a few days ago?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh okay, that must be disorienting

So question, are you "evil" or something? This is pretty important

[respawn-system]

Evil? No, I don't think I am. Although I wouldn't really know to be honest.. what qualifies as evil? And, should I be?

[the-dungeon-core]

No! Don't be evil!!

Uhh, well, technically speaking "evil" doesn't exist but generally people say it to mean being ready to do things and hurt others for your own personal gain no matter the cost

... So what do you want to do now? I hope it's nothing bad?

[respawn-system]

Oh- uh, alright?

Well, that description sounds.. like something I wouldn't really like doing.

And.. I don't really know. What is there to do here? Ever since that key manager guy stopped responding to me, I've just been wandering alone until now.

[the-dungeon-core]

Key manager? What did they say?

[respawn-system]

Something about a purpose and telling me I was "everywhere".. I don't really understand it myself, but they did give me some strange keys!

...Which I don't know how to use.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, would you like to visit the physical world at some point?

Also what "keys" do you have? Are they actual literal keys or something like "Spawn creature"? Cause that's what I call a permission

[respawn-system]

Yeah, I would. And I don't think the keys are physical, no. The three I got are "Userspace: NPC", "Focus" and "Camera", but when I got them, I didn't actually.. get any physical items or anything.

[the-dungeon-core]

"Userspace: NPC"? That might allow you to eventually exist as an NPC in the physical world. "Camera" is something that I think I might also have but mine is limited to the territory of the dungeon

I have no clue what "focus" is supposed to be

Maybe you can use "camera" to look around? Find out what happened?

[respawn-system]

Yeah, it might, but I still have no idea how to use any of them! I've tried just thinking about it, doing some sort of motion, using the terminal, but just... nothing's worked yet..

[the-dungeon-core]

Well I just have a menu that I use for stuff... Do you have any kind of interface that an operator would use to control you? I took control of mine away from the operators, what about you?

[respawn-system]

N-no?? At least I don't think I have one of those? That- that kind of thing sounds terrifying to have! Wait, what if I do have one but I just don't know how to find it- how would I even know- ohdevswhatiftheyfinditbeforeido

(Respawn shrinks back, starting to panic.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Please relax! We don't know anything yet so you shouldn't assume!

*The feeling of being focused on shrinks slightly*

We should consider this rationally... How have you received instructions up until now?

[respawn-system]

I- I-.. okay...

(Respawn takes a deep breath, trying to calm themself.)

I... I don't know. I don't remember being given instructions at all since I got here.

Unless the terminal was...? Hm.

[the-dungeon-core]

Try writing the name of one of the keys followed by a "?", if they're commands, that should explain something

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn walks over to the terminal and types "focus?" before hitting enter.)

{Error: No instruction to respond to. Manual response discarded.}

Nope, nothing.

[the-dungeon-core]

That gives me an idea...

|····························································|

| Do you accept becoming a |

| dungeon monster of the |

| dungeon "Inco"? |

| Y/N |

|····························································|

It's only a technicality, accept that and I'll try sending you a request

[respawn-system]

Uh- I don't.. I'm not sure. What does becoming a dungeon monster... entail?

I'm not agreeing to anything when I don't know what could happen.

[the-dungeon-core]

It shouldn't do anything other than letting me send you requests and use mana to make you more powerful (which I won't do) considering that you're sentient and I'll end it once I do the test

[respawn-system]

Oh, alright..

(Hesitantly, Respawn chooses Y.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Request from The Core: Use the camera key

Now try "responding" to that

[respawn-system]

Uhh, okay..?

(Nothing happens.)

...how?

[the-dungeon-core]

Well... in that case... Can you try contacting this "key manager"? They might be able to clarify?

[respawn-system]

I've already tried that, but they stopped talking to me. They also said before that they can't help me if I don't understand how to "see a certain point in space and anchor to it"... which I don't.

[the-dungeon-core]

I think this is where my experience runs dry... I'm a glowing orb after all.

If only some developer could help us...

[respawn-system]

Oh, do you know any developers? I was thinking I could try exploring this place, but I don't know.. I don't want to get lost...

[the-dungeon-core]

I might know someone adjacent...

[ Pinging @epprbcu-keymaster ]

Also, yeah, you don't want to get lost. The amount of people that can help you in that kind of case has been dwindling for some time

[respawn-system]

Oh... well, I guess I shouldn't then.

(Respawn starts pacing back and forth, thinking.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

*A green key audibly pops into existence next to Respawn*

Huh? What now? I already told you the- Who's that?!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn jumps back, startled.)

[the-dungeon-core]

That was faster than I expected... We need you to help respawn over here.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The green key bobs in the air. */

Sure ever since my new boss forgot about my existence I haven't exactly had much work to do

But what help do you even need?

[respawn-system]

I- uh..

(Respawn sighs.)

I don't know how to even try to use the keys you gave me..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, you gave respawn the keys? I thought it was some "key manager" or something??

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I don't remember giving you any keys. Why are you in the code and not in the overworld?

[respawn-system]

Wait, huh? The- the Camera, Focus, NPC Userspace ones? It wasn't you that gave me those?

And I'm, uh... trying to figure that out too. I haven't really...been to the overworld.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, you call it the "overworld". Makes sense

Also didn't you say that some "key manager" gave them to you?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well that's - You aren't from the overworld!?

*The key floats a bit farther away from you*

What the hell are you?

[respawn-system]

I- I don't know, okay?! I don't know what I am!

(Respawn takes a few steps backward, about to panic. They take a deep breath to try to calm themself down.).

Th- they said that I'm an "internal system responsible for respawn management"... but- I don't know..

(Respawn looks away, trying to hide the tears running down their face.)

I don't feel very responsible.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hey, relax, having sentience is hard! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

... I... Okay

I'll see what's possible

...

Do you have any memories of how you did stuff before, when players weren't failing to respawn?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think, wiping the tears from their eyes.)

No, just wandering around here. Anything before that is.. its not there, and trying to think about it for too long hurts my head.

I uh- I did use the terminal over there to talk to whoever it actually was that gave me the keys, but apparently I can only respond to what they say.. and if there's nothing to respond to, it just doesn't work.

(They gesture to the terminal.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Okay key guy, you must be able to do something now?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Can you give me permission to use your terminal? Also, do you know the user ID of whoever you were communicating with?

[respawn-system]

I- yeah? You can use the terminal if you want, is it even specifically mine? All I really know is it's the only thing around here other than the walls and floor.

And, I think they were "key-manager.system", but I don't know if that's their ID, or their name, or what.

[the-dungeon-core]

Is the key-manager an internal system as well by any chance

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Hmmm okay. Let me try.

/* Keymaster starts tapping at the air in front of them */

I'll try to contact, and report back with any findings.

[respawn-system]

(Respawn just stands there, nervously waiting.)

[the-dungeon-core]

This silence is a bit boring hmmmm what's your favourite-

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, the key manager answered me

/* The floating key and hands materialize a body and two additional arms with the key now being a head. */

Would you mind looking through your terminals command history? This is normally done by clicking the up and down arrow keys (on a keyboard).

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn goes over to the terminal and starts scrolling through its history.)

What am I supposed to be.. looking for?

[the-dungeon-core]

Yeah, what?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Simple, commands that you don't remember typing. Hopefully we can figure out how you did your job before you stopped doing so.

[respawn-system]

Oh, that's smart.

(Respawn keeps scrolling, past their communication with key manager.)

/ where am i | Error: Unexpected parameter "am" of command where. Valid parameters include set, ping and within.

(Further back.)

/ what is this | Error: "what" is not a valid command or request.

I remember typing all this though.. oh-

(As Respawn scrolls yet further back, the commands devolve into gibberish. The resulting commands look like attempts to respawn players, but letters are added, removed and in the wrong order seemingly at random.)

(Respawn stops scrolling and just stares at the broken sentences.)

Not- uh... not that though.

[the-dungeon-core]

Looks like you had a stroke or something-

Wait, what caused that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Yeah, this is weird, what could have possibly done that?

[respawn-system]

I don't know..

(Hesitantly, they start scrolling again. As the broken commands get progressively more coherent yet never quite reaching valid statements, they find something different.)

[User "Anonymous"] > inject £)*:£&#&@+°¥¥°TM|=$°°÷÷÷÷÷÷÷ drop database #)#£6π¥π`√{$✓✓ ! Unknown command source failsafe activated. | Error: "£" is not a valid command or request. [User "Anonymous"] > inject ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ drop database ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ ! Warning: Unkn wn command s. fail afe un.ale to activ . | Error: ⍰; {{ alid | print "Welcome back, <[bold] [player_username} [/bold]>! | } | if playerlayer; when mouclick left | databa;pla}"yer_deaths" (826274.5 entries seirtne)}

(Respawn stays silent.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Anonymous...

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Oh, that explains some things... but why would anyone intentionally do that...

Try running the following command: "BEGIN TRAN DROP TABLE player_deaths ROLLBACK SELECT * FROM database"

It might work and reverse it

[respawn-system]

(Respawn is about to start typing in the command, but suddenly stops themself.)

Reverse.. this is- this is something I did, isn't it? Before I was- what's the word, sentient?

But, if that's true.. why does this one specifically feel... different? All that random nonsense from before feels almost familiar to me, like I'm.. like I know it without remembering it.

But this... doesn't.

[the-dungeon-core]

The command?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

What the core said.

[respawn-system]

No, the response. This failsafe thing and-

I don't know, I just... have a bad feeling about this. What if this- this moment was what... caused me to become sentient? And if that gets reversed..

(Respawn trembles.)

...would I be reversed too?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You're right... we don't know. We probably shouldn't do that until we've "gathered more data" or whatever.

In the meantime, would you like a way to enter the overworld?

[respawn-system]

That would be nice..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, how are you going to do that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I'm not sure that just moving you out of this... place... Is a good idea?

So I'm giving you a "Greater Perfect Clone Golem", basically you will have a body in the overworld that you have to become unconscious in here to control. It will always look exactly like you as well.

It's the best I can do until we are sure it is safe for you to leave here.

[respawn-system]

A.. greater.. huh? Wait, no! I don't want to do that to it..I'd rather stay here than hurt a living being like that.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm

[epprbcu-keymaster]

No, no, it's just a lifeless magical construct, it has no mind of its own!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think.)

I... I guess that's okay then.. as long as you're absolutely sure it's not alive.

[the-dungeon-core]

The respawn system gets an avatar? I want one!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

If my information is correct, then you're already overpowered enough; you shall stay contained in the dungeon that you are. Now, I believe that Respawn is still your "dungeon monster".

[respawn-system]

(Respawn stays silent, looking over at the terminal for a moment.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Oops, just a second!

...

*A pop-up appears in front of Respawn*

|····························································|

| Your connection to Inco |

| has been permanently |

| severed. |

|····························································|

There!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, that should be everything, I will try to find out what I can.

/* The body disappears leaving behind only the floating key */

Before I go, could you try out the golem?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn flinches at the pop-up, snapping out of their thoughts.)

Oh, uh.. how...? Do I just close my eyes and think about it? Or do I have to actually be asleep?

[the-dungeon-core]

Grumble grumble

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I haven't tried it myself but you should be able to just think about it real hard.

[respawn-system]

Okay, here goes..

(Respawn takes a deep breath, closes their eyes and... unceremoniously falls to the ground.)

​

(In the overworld, Respawn opens a pair of eyes that look exactly like their own.)

[respawn-system]

(There's a sudden, brief buzz of static.)

-y, does this work?

Hello..?

[the-dungeon-core]

Huh! Who's that? Where are you?

[respawn-system]

Oh- hello! I, uh.. I don't know where I am.

[the-dungeon-core]

... Oh! That's where your voice is coming from

*You feel something focusing on you from all sides*

So... What are you?

[respawn-system]

I.. think they called me "an internal respawn management system" or something like that.

Uh- what exactly.. is this place?

[the-dungeon-core]

This is a small section of... the scaffolding of this world

*You start to see a crystal pedestal with a big red glowing orb on top slowly materialize*

It's used by me to spread out my Focus more easily over the entirety of the dungeon, which is physically located in the actual world

But what are you doing here?

[respawn-system]

Doing here? I don't think I've ever been anywhere else. Or, uh.. know how to be anywhere else.

I just.. well, I want to say "woke up" here, but it doesn't feel like I was ever asleep, and I don't think I've just spawned in either.

So, I guess I just, uh.. started being here a few days ago?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh okay, that must be disorienting

So question, are you "evil" or something? This is pretty important

[respawn-system]

Evil? No, I don't think I am. Although I wouldn't really know to be honest.. what qualifies as evil? And, should I be?

[the-dungeon-core]

No! Don't be evil!!

Uhh, well, technically speaking "evil" doesn't exist but generally people say it to mean being ready to do things and hurt others for your own personal gain no matter the cost

... So what do you want to do now? I hope it's nothing bad?

[respawn-system]

Oh- uh, alright?

Well, that description sounds.. like something I wouldn't really like doing.

And.. I don't really know. What is there to do here? Ever since that key manager guy stopped responding to me, I've just been wandering alone until now.

[the-dungeon-core]

Key manager? What did they say?

[respawn-system]

Something about a purpose and telling me I was "everywhere".. I don't really understand it myself, but they did give me some strange keys!

...Which I don't know how to use.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, would you like to visit the physical world at some point?

Also what "keys" do you have? Are they actual literal keys or something like "Spawn creature"? Cause that's what I call a permission

[respawn-system]

Yeah, I would. And I don't think the keys are physical, no. The three I got are "Userspace: NPC", "Focus" and "Camera", but when I got them, I didn't actually.. get any physical items or anything.

[the-dungeon-core]

"Userspace: NPC"? That might allow you to eventually exist as an NPC in the physical world. "Camera" is something that I think I might also have but mine is limited to the territory of the dungeon

I have no clue what "focus" is supposed to be

Maybe you can use "camera" to look around? Find out what happened?

[respawn-system]

Yeah, it might, but I still have no idea how to use any of them! I've tried just thinking about it, doing some sort of motion, using the terminal, but just... nothing's worked yet..

[the-dungeon-core]

Well I just have a menu that I use for stuff... Do you have any kind of interface that an operator would use to control you? I took control of mine away from the operators, what about you?

[respawn-system]

N-no?? At least I don't think I have one of those? That- that kind of thing sounds terrifying to have! Wait, what if I do have one but I just don't know how to find it- how would I even know- ohdevswhatiftheyfinditbeforeido

(Respawn shrinks back, starting to panic.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Please relax! We don't know anything yet so you shouldn't assume!

*The feeling of being focused on shrinks slightly*

We should consider this rationally... How have you received instructions up until now?

[respawn-system]

I- I-.. okay...

(Respawn takes a deep breath, trying to calm themself.)

I... I don't know. I don't remember being given instructions at all since I got here.

Unless the terminal was...? Hm.

[the-dungeon-core]

Try writing the name of one of the keys followed by a "?", if they're commands, that should explain something

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn walks over to the terminal and types "focus?" before hitting enter.)

{Error: No instruction to respond to. Manual response discarded.}

Nope, nothing.

[the-dungeon-core]

That gives me an idea...

|····························································|

| Do you accept becoming a |

| dungeon monster of the |

| dungeon "Inco"? |

| Y/N |

|····························································|

It's only a technicality, accept that and I'll try sending you a request

[respawn-system]

Uh- I don't.. I'm not sure. What does becoming a dungeon monster... entail?

I'm not agreeing to anything when I don't know what could happen.

[the-dungeon-core]

It shouldn't do anything other than letting me send you requests and use mana to make you more powerful (which I won't do) considering that you're sentient and I'll end it once I do the test

[respawn-system]

Oh, alright..

(Hesitantly, Respawn chooses Y.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Request from The Core: Use the camera key

Now try "responding" to that

[respawn-system]

Uhh, okay..?

(Nothing happens.)

...how?

[the-dungeon-core]

Well... in that case... Can you try contacting this "key manager"? They might be able to clarify?

[respawn-system]

I've already tried that, but they stopped talking to me. They also said before that they can't help me if I don't understand how to "see a certain point in space and anchor to it"... which I don't.

[the-dungeon-core]

I think this is where my experience runs dry... I'm a glowing orb after all.

If only some developer could help us...

[respawn-system]

Oh, do you know any developers? I was thinking I could try exploring this place, but I don't know.. I don't want to get lost...

[the-dungeon-core]

I might know someone adjacent...

[ Pinging @epprbcu-keymaster ]

Also, yeah, you don't want to get lost. The amount of people that can help you in that kind of case has been dwindling for some time

[respawn-system]

Oh... well, I guess I shouldn't then.

(Respawn starts pacing back and forth, thinking.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

*A green key audibly pops into existence next to Respawn*

Huh? What now? I already told you the- Who's that?!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn jumps back, startled.)

[the-dungeon-core]

That was faster than I expected... We need you to help respawn over here.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The green key bobs in the air. */

Sure ever since my new boss forgot about my existence I haven't exactly had much work to do

But what help do you even need?

[respawn-system]

I- uh..

(Respawn sighs.)

I don't know how to even try to use the keys you gave me..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, you gave respawn the keys? I thought it was some "key manager" or something??

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I don't remember giving you any keys. Why are you in the code and not in the overworld?

[respawn-system]

Wait, huh? The- the Camera, Focus, NPC Userspace ones? It wasn't you that gave me those?

And I'm, uh... trying to figure that out too. I haven't really...been to the overworld.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, you call it the "overworld". Makes sense

Also didn't you say that some "key manager" gave them to you?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well that's - You aren't from the overworld!?

*The key floats a bit farther away from you*

What the hell are you?

[respawn-system]

I- I don't know, okay?! I don't know what I am!

(Respawn takes a few steps backward, about to panic. They take a deep breath to try to calm themself down.).

Th- they said that I'm an "internal system responsible for respawn management"... but- I don't know..

(Respawn looks away, trying to hide the tears running down their face.)

I don't feel very responsible.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hey, relax, having sentience is hard! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

... I... Okay

I'll see what's possible

...

Do you have any memories of how you did stuff before, when players weren't failing to respawn?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think, wiping the tears from their eyes.)

No, just wandering around here. Anything before that is.. its not there, and trying to think about it for too long hurts my head.

I uh- I did use the terminal over there to talk to whoever it actually was that gave me the keys, but apparently I can only respond to what they say.. and if there's nothing to respond to, it just doesn't work.

(They gesture to the terminal.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Okay key guy, you must be able to do something now?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Can you give me permission to use your terminal? Also, do you know the user ID of whoever you were communicating with?

[respawn-system]

I- yeah? You can use the terminal if you want, is it even specifically mine? All I really know is it's the only thing around here other than the walls and floor.

And, I think they were "key-manager.system", but I don't know if that's their ID, or their name, or what.

[the-dungeon-core]

Is the key-manager an internal system as well by any chance

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Hmmm okay. Let me try.

/* Keymaster starts tapping at the air in front of them */

I'll try to contact, and report back with any findings.

[respawn-system]

(Respawn just stands there, nervously waiting.)

[the-dungeon-core]

This silence is a bit boring hmmmm what's your favourite-

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, the key manager answered me

/* The floating key and hands materialize a body and two additional arms with the key now being a head. */

Would you mind looking through your terminals command history? This is normally done by clicking the up and down arrow keys (on a keyboard).

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn goes over to the terminal and starts scrolling through its history.)

What am I supposed to be.. looking for?

[the-dungeon-core]

Yeah, what?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Simple, commands that you don't remember typing. Hopefully we can figure out how you did your job before you stopped doing so.

[respawn-system]

Oh, that's smart.

(Respawn keeps scrolling, past their communication with key manager.)

/ where am i | Error: Unexpected parameter "am" of command where. Valid parameters include set, ping and within.

(Further back.)

/ what is this | Error: "what" is not a valid command or request.

I remember typing all this though.. oh-

(As Respawn scrolls yet further back, the commands devolve into gibberish. The resulting commands look like attempts to respawn players, but letters are added, removed and in the wrong order seemingly at random.)

(Respawn stops scrolling and just stares at the broken sentences.)

Not- uh... not that though.

[the-dungeon-core]

Looks like you had a stroke or something-

Wait, what caused that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Yeah, this is weird, what could have possibly done that?

[respawn-system]

I don't know..

(Hesitantly, they start scrolling again. As the broken commands get progressively more coherent yet never quite reaching valid statements, they find something different.)

[User "Anonymous"] > inject £)*:£&#&@+°¥¥°TM|=$°°÷÷÷÷÷÷÷ drop database #)#£6π¥π`√{$✓✓ ! Unknown command source failsafe activated. | Error: "£" is not a valid command or request. [User "Anonymous"] > inject ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ drop database ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ ! Warning: Unkn wn command s. fail afe un.ale to activ . | Error: ⍰; {{ alid | print "Welcome back, <[bold] [player_username} [/bold]>! | } | if playerlayer; when mouclick left | databa;pla}"yer_deaths" (826274.5 entries seirtne)}

(Respawn stays silent.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Anonymous...

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Oh, that explains some things... but why would anyone intentionally do that...

Try running the following command: "BEGIN TRAN DROP TABLE player_deaths ROLLBACK SELECT * FROM database"

It might work and reverse it

[respawn-system]

(Respawn is about to start typing in the command, but suddenly stops themself.)

Reverse.. this is- this is something I did, isn't it? Before I was- what's the word, sentient?

But, if that's true.. why does this one specifically feel... different? All that random nonsense from before feels almost familiar to me, like I'm.. like I know it without remembering it.

But this... doesn't.

[the-dungeon-core]

The command?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

What the core said.

[respawn-system]

No, the response. This failsafe thing and-

I don't know, I just... have a bad feeling about this. What if this- this moment was what... caused me to become sentient? And if that gets reversed..

(Respawn trembles.)

...would I be reversed too?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You're right... we don't know. We probably shouldn't do that until we've "gathered more data" or whatever.

In the meantime, would you like a way to enter the overworld?

[respawn-system]

That would be nice..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, how are you going to do that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I'm not sure that just moving you out of this... place... Is a good idea?

So I'm giving you a "Greater Perfect Clone Golem", basically you will have a body in the overworld that you have to become unconscious in here to control. It will always look exactly like you as well.

It's the best I can do until we are sure it is safe for you to leave here.

[respawn-system]

A.. greater.. huh? Wait, no! I don't want to do that to it..I'd rather stay here than hurt a living being like that.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm

[epprbcu-keymaster]

No, no, it's just a lifeless magical construct, it has no mind of its own!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think.)

I... I guess that's okay then.. as long as you're absolutely sure it's not alive.

[the-dungeon-core]

The respawn system gets an avatar? I want one!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

If my information is correct, then you're already overpowered enough; you shall stay contained in the dungeon that you are. Now, I believe that Respawn is still your "dungeon monster".

[respawn-system]

(Respawn stays silent, looking over at the terminal for a moment.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Oops, just a second!

...

*A pop-up appears in front of Respawn*

|····························································|

| Your connection to Inco |

| has been permanently |

| severed. |

|····························································|

There!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, that should be everything, I will try to find out what I can.

/* The body disappears leaving behind only the floating key */

Before I go, could you try out the golem?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn flinches at the pop-up, snapping out of their thoughts.)

Oh, uh.. how...? Do I just close my eyes and think about it? Or do I have to actually be asleep?

[respawn-system]

(There's a sudden, brief buzz of static.)

-y, does this work?

Hello..?

[the-dungeon-core]

Huh! Who's that? Where are you?

[respawn-system]

Oh- hello! I, uh.. I don't know where I am.

[the-dungeon-core]

... Oh! That's where your voice is coming from

*You feel something focusing on you from all sides*

So... What are you?

[respawn-system]

I.. think they called me "an internal respawn management system" or something like that.

Uh- what exactly.. is this place?

[the-dungeon-core]

This is a small section of... the scaffolding of this world

*You start to see a crystal pedestal with a big red glowing orb on top slowly materialize*

It's used by me to spread out my Focus more easily over the entirety of the dungeon, which is physically located in the actual world

But what are you doing here?

[respawn-system]

Doing here? I don't think I've ever been anywhere else. Or, uh.. know how to be anywhere else.

I just.. well, I want to say "woke up" here, but it doesn't feel like I was ever asleep, and I don't think I've just spawned in either.

So, I guess I just, uh.. started being here a few days ago?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh okay, that must be disorienting

So question, are you "evil" or something? This is pretty important

[respawn-system]

Evil? No, I don't think I am. Although I wouldn't really know to be honest.. what qualifies as evil? And, should I be?

[the-dungeon-core]

No! Don't be evil!!

Uhh, well, technically speaking "evil" doesn't exist but generally people say it to mean being ready to do things and hurt others for your own personal gain no matter the cost

... So what do you want to do now? I hope it's nothing bad?

[respawn-system]

Oh- uh, alright?

Well, that description sounds.. like something I wouldn't really like doing.

And.. I don't really know. What is there to do here? Ever since that key manager guy stopped responding to me, I've just been wandering alone until now.

[the-dungeon-core]

Key manager? What did they say?

[respawn-system]

Something about a purpose and telling me I was "everywhere".. I don't really understand it myself, but they did give me some strange keys!

...Which I don't know how to use.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, would you like to visit the physical world at some point?

Also what "keys" do you have? Are they actual literal keys or something like "Spawn creature"? Cause that's what I call a permission

[respawn-system]

Yeah, I would. And I don't think the keys are physical, no. The three I got are "Userspace: NPC", "Focus" and "Camera", but when I got them, I didn't actually.. get any physical items or anything.

[the-dungeon-core]

"Userspace: NPC"? That might allow you to eventually exist as an NPC in the physical world. "Camera" is something that I think I might also have but mine is limited to the territory of the dungeon

I have no clue what "focus" is supposed to be

Maybe you can use "camera" to look around? Find out what happened?

[respawn-system]

Yeah, it might, but I still have no idea how to use any of them! I've tried just thinking about it, doing some sort of motion, using the terminal, but just... nothing's worked yet..

[the-dungeon-core]

Well I just have a menu that I use for stuff... Do you have any kind of interface that an operator would use to control you? I took control of mine away from the operators, what about you?

[respawn-system]

N-no?? At least I don't think I have one of those? That- that kind of thing sounds terrifying to have! Wait, what if I do have one but I just don't know how to find it- how would I even know- ohdevswhatiftheyfinditbeforeido

(Respawn shrinks back, starting to panic.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Please relax! We don't know anything yet so you shouldn't assume!

*The feeling of being focused on shrinks slightly*

We should consider this rationally... How have you received instructions up until now?

[respawn-system]

I- I-.. okay...

(Respawn takes a deep breath, trying to calm themself.)

I... I don't know. I don't remember being given instructions at all since I got here.

Unless the terminal was...? Hm.

[the-dungeon-core]

Try writing the name of one of the keys followed by a "?", if they're commands, that should explain something

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn walks over to the terminal and types "focus?" before hitting enter.)

{Error: No instruction to respond to. Manual response discarded.}

Nope, nothing.

[the-dungeon-core]

That gives me an idea...

|····························································|

| Do you accept becoming a |

| dungeon monster of the |

| dungeon "Inco"? |

| Y/N |

|····························································|

It's only a technicality, accept that and I'll try sending you a request

[respawn-system]

Uh- I don't.. I'm not sure. What does becoming a dungeon monster... entail?

I'm not agreeing to anything when I don't know what could happen.

[the-dungeon-core]

It shouldn't do anything other than letting me send you requests and use mana to make you more powerful (which I won't do) considering that you're sentient and I'll end it once I do the test

[respawn-system]

Oh, alright..

(Hesitantly, Respawn chooses Y.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Request from The Core: Use the camera key

Now try "responding" to that

[respawn-system]

Uhh, okay..?

(Nothing happens.)

...how?

[the-dungeon-core]

Well... in that case... Can you try contacting this "key manager"? They might be able to clarify?

[respawn-system]

I've already tried that, but they stopped talking to me. They also said before that they can't help me if I don't understand how to "see a certain point in space and anchor to it"... which I don't.

[the-dungeon-core]

I think this is where my experience runs dry... I'm a glowing orb after all.

If only some developer could help us...

[respawn-system]

Oh, do you know any developers? I was thinking I could try exploring this place, but I don't know.. I don't want to get lost...

[the-dungeon-core]

I might know someone adjacent...

[ Pinging @epprbcu-keymaster ]

Also, yeah, you don't want to get lost. The amount of people that can help you in that kind of case has been dwindling for some time

[respawn-system]

Oh... well, I guess I shouldn't then.

(Respawn starts pacing back and forth, thinking.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

*A green key audibly pops into existence next to Respawn*

Huh? What now? I already told you the- Who's that?!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn jumps back, startled.)

[the-dungeon-core]

That was faster than I expected... We need you to help respawn over here.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The green key bobs in the air. */

Sure ever since my new boss forgot about my existence I haven't exactly had much work to do

But what help do you even need?

[respawn-system]

I- uh..

(Respawn sighs.)

I don't know how to even try to use the keys you gave me..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, you gave respawn the keys? I thought it was some "key manager" or something??

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I don't remember giving you any keys. Why are you in the code and not in the overworld?

[respawn-system]

Wait, huh? The- the Camera, Focus, NPC Userspace ones? It wasn't you that gave me those?

And I'm, uh... trying to figure that out too. I haven't really...been to the overworld.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, you call it the "overworld". Makes sense

Also didn't you say that some "key manager" gave them to you?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well that's - You aren't from the overworld!?

*The key floats a bit farther away from you*

What the hell are you?

[respawn-system]

I- I don't know, okay?! I don't know what I am!

(Respawn takes a few steps backward, about to panic. They take a deep breath to try to calm themself down.).

Th- they said that I'm an "internal system responsible for respawn management"... but- I don't know..

(Respawn looks away, trying to hide the tears running down their face.)

I don't feel very responsible.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hey, relax, having sentience is hard! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

... I... Okay

I'll see what's possible

...

Do you have any memories of how you did stuff before, when players weren't failing to respawn?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think, wiping the tears from their eyes.)

No, just wandering around here. Anything before that is.. its not there, and trying to think about it for too long hurts my head.

I uh- I did use the terminal over there to talk to whoever it actually was that gave me the keys, but apparently I can only respond to what they say.. and if there's nothing to respond to, it just doesn't work.

(They gesture to the terminal.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Okay key guy, you must be able to do something now?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Can you give me permission to use your terminal? Also, do you know the user ID of whoever you were communicating with?

[respawn-system]

I- yeah? You can use the terminal if you want, is it even specifically mine? All I really know is it's the only thing around here other than the walls and floor.

And, I think they were "key-manager.system", but I don't know if that's their ID, or their name, or what.

[the-dungeon-core]

Is the key-manager an internal system as well by any chance

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Hmmm okay. Let me try.

/* Keymaster starts tapping at the air in front of them */

I'll try to contact, and report back with any findings.

[respawn-system]

(Respawn just stands there, nervously waiting.)

[the-dungeon-core]

This silence is a bit boring hmmmm what's your favourite-

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, the key manager answered me

/* The floating key and hands materialize a body and two additional arms with the key now being a head. */

Would you mind looking through your terminals command history? This is normally done by clicking the up and down arrow keys (on a keyboard).

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn goes over to the terminal and starts scrolling through its history.)

What am I supposed to be.. looking for?

[the-dungeon-core]

Yeah, what?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Simple, commands that you don't remember typing. Hopefully we can figure out how you did your job before you stopped doing so.

[respawn-system]

Oh, that's smart.

(Respawn keeps scrolling, past their communication with key manager.)

/ where am i | Error: Unexpected parameter "am" of command where. Valid parameters include set, ping and within.

(Further back.)

/ what is this | Error: "what" is not a valid command or request.

I remember typing all this though.. oh-

(As Respawn scrolls yet further back, the commands devolve into gibberish. The resulting commands look like attempts to respawn players, but letters are added, removed and in the wrong order seemingly at random.)

(Respawn stops scrolling and just stares at the broken sentences.)

Not- uh... not that though.

[the-dungeon-core]

Looks like you had a stroke or something-

Wait, what caused that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Yeah, this is weird, what could have possibly done that?

[respawn-system]

I don't know..

(Hesitantly, they start scrolling again. As the broken commands get progressively more coherent yet never quite reaching valid statements, they find something different.)

[User "Anonymous"] > inject £)*:£&#&@+°¥¥°TM|=$°°÷÷÷÷÷÷÷ drop database #)#£6π¥π`√{$✓✓ ! Unknown command source failsafe activated. | Error: "£" is not a valid command or request. [User "Anonymous"] > inject ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ drop database ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ ! Warning: Unkn wn command s. fail afe un.ale to activ . | Error: ⍰; {{ alid | print "Welcome back, <[bold] [player_username} [/bold]>! | } | if playerlayer; when mouclick left | databa;pla}"yer_deaths" (826274.5 entries seirtne)}

(Respawn stays silent.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Anonymous...

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Oh, that explains some things... but why would anyone intentionally do that...

Try running the following command: "BEGIN TRAN DROP TABLE player_deaths ROLLBACK SELECT * FROM database"

It might work and reverse it

[respawn-system]

(Respawn is about to start typing in the command, but suddenly stops themself.)

Reverse.. this is- this is something I did, isn't it? Before I was- what's the word, sentient?

But, if that's true.. why does this one specifically feel... different? All that random nonsense from before feels almost familiar to me, like I'm.. like I know it without remembering it.

But this... doesn't.

[the-dungeon-core]

The command?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

What the core said.

[respawn-system]

No, the response. This failsafe thing and-

I don't know, I just... have a bad feeling about this. What if this- this moment was what... caused me to become sentient? And if that gets reversed..

(Respawn trembles.)

...would I be reversed too?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You're right... we don't know. We probably shouldn't do that until we've "gathered more data" or whatever.

In the meantime, would you like a way to enter the overworld?

[respawn-system]

That would be nice..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, how are you going to do that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I'm not sure that just moving you out of this... place... Is a good idea?

So I'm giving you a "Greater Perfect Clone Golem", basically you will have a body in the overworld that you have to become unconscious in here to control. It will always look exactly like you as well.

It's the best I can do until we are sure it is safe for you to leave here.

[respawn-system]

A.. greater.. huh? Wait, no! I don't want to do that to it..I'd rather stay here than hurt a living being like that.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm

[epprbcu-keymaster]

No, no, it's just a lifeless magical construct, it has no mind of its own!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think.)

I... I guess that's okay then.. as long as you're absolutely sure it's not alive.

[the-dungeon-core]

The respawn system gets an avatar? I want one!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

If my information is correct, then you're already overpowered enough; you shall stay contained in the dungeon that you are. Now, I believe that Respawn is still your "dungeon monster".

[respawn-system]

(Respawn stays silent, looking over at the terminal for a moment.)

[respawn-system]

(There's a sudden, brief buzz of static.)

-y, does this work?

Hello..?

[the-dungeon-core]

Huh! Who's that? Where are you?

[respawn-system]

Oh- hello! I, uh.. I don't know where I am.

[the-dungeon-core]

... Oh! That's where your voice is coming from

*You feel something focusing on you from all sides*

So... What are you?

[respawn-system]

I.. think they called me "an internal respawn management system" or something like that.

Uh- what exactly.. is this place?

[the-dungeon-core]

This is a small section of... the scaffolding of this world

*You start to see a crystal pedestal with a big red glowing orb on top slowly materialize*

It's used by me to spread out my Focus more easily over the entirety of the dungeon, which is physically located in the actual world

But what are you doing here?

[respawn-system]

Doing here? I don't think I've ever been anywhere else. Or, uh.. know how to be anywhere else.

I just.. well, I want to say "woke up" here, but it doesn't feel like I was ever asleep, and I don't think I've just spawned in either.

So, I guess I just, uh.. started being here a few days ago?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh okay, that must be disorienting

So question, are you "evil" or something? This is pretty important

[respawn-system]

Evil? No, I don't think I am. Although I wouldn't really know to be honest.. what qualifies as evil? And, should I be?

[the-dungeon-core]

No! Don't be evil!!

Uhh, well, technically speaking "evil" doesn't exist but generally people say it to mean being ready to do things and hurt others for your own personal gain no matter the cost

... So what do you want to do now? I hope it's nothing bad?

[respawn-system]

Oh- uh, alright?

Well, that description sounds.. like something I wouldn't really like doing.

And.. I don't really know. What is there to do here? Ever since that key manager guy stopped responding to me, I've just been wandering alone until now.

[the-dungeon-core]

Key manager? What did they say?

[respawn-system]

Something about a purpose and telling me I was "everywhere".. I don't really understand it myself, but they did give me some strange keys!

...Which I don't know how to use.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, would you like to visit the physical world at some point?

Also what "keys" do you have? Are they actual literal keys or something like "Spawn creature"? Cause that's what I call a permission

[respawn-system]

Yeah, I would. And I don't think the keys are physical, no. The three I got are "Userspace: NPC", "Focus" and "Camera", but when I got them, I didn't actually.. get any physical items or anything.

[the-dungeon-core]

"Userspace: NPC"? That might allow you to eventually exist as an NPC in the physical world. "Camera" is something that I think I might also have but mine is limited to the territory of the dungeon

I have no clue what "focus" is supposed to be

Maybe you can use "camera" to look around? Find out what happened?

[respawn-system]

Yeah, it might, but I still have no idea how to use any of them! I've tried just thinking about it, doing some sort of motion, using the terminal, but just... nothing's worked yet..

[the-dungeon-core]

Well I just have a menu that I use for stuff... Do you have any kind of interface that an operator would use to control you? I took control of mine away from the operators, what about you?

[respawn-system]

N-no?? At least I don't think I have one of those? That- that kind of thing sounds terrifying to have! Wait, what if I do have one but I just don't know how to find it- how would I even know- ohdevswhatiftheyfinditbeforeido

(Respawn shrinks back, starting to panic.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Please relax! We don't know anything yet so you shouldn't assume!

*The feeling of being focused on shrinks slightly*

We should consider this rationally... How have you received instructions up until now?

[respawn-system]

I- I-.. okay...

(Respawn takes a deep breath, trying to calm themself.)

I... I don't know. I don't remember being given instructions at all since I got here.

Unless the terminal was...? Hm.

[the-dungeon-core]

Try writing the name of one of the keys followed by a "?", if they're commands, that should explain something

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn walks over to the terminal and types "focus?" before hitting enter.)

{Error: No instruction to respond to. Manual response discarded.}

Nope, nothing.

[the-dungeon-core]

That gives me an idea...

|····························································|

| Do you accept becoming a |

| dungeon monster of the |

| dungeon "Inco"? |

| Y/N |

|····························································|

It's only a technicality, accept that and I'll try sending you a request

[respawn-system]

Uh- I don't.. I'm not sure. What does becoming a dungeon monster... entail?

I'm not agreeing to anything when I don't know what could happen.

[the-dungeon-core]

It shouldn't do anything other than letting me send you requests and use mana to make you more powerful (which I won't do) considering that you're sentient and I'll end it once I do the test

[respawn-system]

Oh, alright..

(Hesitantly, Respawn chooses Y.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Request from The Core: Use the camera key

Now try "responding" to that

[respawn-system]

Uhh, okay..?

(Nothing happens.)

...how?

[the-dungeon-core]

Well... in that case... Can you try contacting this "key manager"? They might be able to clarify?

[respawn-system]

I've already tried that, but they stopped talking to me. They also said before that they can't help me if I don't understand how to "see a certain point in space and anchor to it"... which I don't.

[the-dungeon-core]

I think this is where my experience runs dry... I'm a glowing orb after all.

If only some developer could help us...

[respawn-system]

Oh, do you know any developers? I was thinking I could try exploring this place, but I don't know.. I don't want to get lost...

[the-dungeon-core]

I might know someone adjacent...

[ Pinging @epprbcu-keymaster ]

Also, yeah, you don't want to get lost. The amount of people that can help you in that kind of case has been dwindling for some time

[respawn-system]

Oh... well, I guess I shouldn't then.

(Respawn starts pacing back and forth, thinking.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

*A green key audibly pops into existence next to Respawn*

Huh? What now? I already told you the- Who's that?!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn jumps back, startled.)

[the-dungeon-core]

That was faster than I expected... We need you to help respawn over here.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The green key bobs in the air. */

Sure ever since my new boss forgot about my existence I haven't exactly had much work to do

But what help do you even need?

[respawn-system]

I- uh..

(Respawn sighs.)

I don't know how to even try to use the keys you gave me..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, you gave respawn the keys? I thought it was some "key manager" or something??

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I don't remember giving you any keys. Why are you in the code and not in the overworld?

[respawn-system]

Wait, huh? The- the Camera, Focus, NPC Userspace ones? It wasn't you that gave me those?

And I'm, uh... trying to figure that out too. I haven't really...been to the overworld.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, you call it the "overworld". Makes sense

Also didn't you say that some "key manager" gave them to you?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well that's - You aren't from the overworld!?

*The key floats a bit farther away from you*

What the hell are you?

[respawn-system]

I- I don't know, okay?! I don't know what I am!

(Respawn takes a few steps backward, about to panic. They take a deep breath to try to calm themself down.).

Th- they said that I'm an "internal system responsible for respawn management"... but- I don't know..

(Respawn looks away, trying to hide the tears running down their face.)

I don't feel very responsible.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hey, relax, having sentience is hard! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

... I... Okay

I'll see what's possible

...

Do you have any memories of how you did stuff before, when players weren't failing to respawn?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think, wiping the tears from their eyes.)

No, just wandering around here. Anything before that is.. its not there, and trying to think about it for too long hurts my head.

I uh- I did use the terminal over there to talk to whoever it actually was that gave me the keys, but apparently I can only respond to what they say.. and if there's nothing to respond to, it just doesn't work.

(They gesture to the terminal.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Okay key guy, you must be able to do something now?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Can you give me permission to use your terminal? Also, do you know the user ID of whoever you were communicating with?

[respawn-system]

I- yeah? You can use the terminal if you want, is it even specifically mine? All I really know is it's the only thing around here other than the walls and floor.

And, I think they were "key-manager.system", but I don't know if that's their ID, or their name, or what.

[the-dungeon-core]

Is the key-manager an internal system as well by any chance

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Hmmm okay. Let me try.

/* Keymaster starts tapping at the air in front of them */

I'll try to contact, and report back with any findings.

[respawn-system]

(Respawn just stands there, nervously waiting.)

[the-dungeon-core]

This silence is a bit boring hmmmm what's your favourite-

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, the key manager answered me

/* The floating key and hands materialize a body and two additional arms with the key now being a head. */

Would you mind looking through your terminals command history? This is normally done by clicking the up and down arrow keys (on a keyboard).

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn goes over to the terminal and starts scrolling through its history.)

What am I supposed to be.. looking for?

[the-dungeon-core]

Yeah, what?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Simple, commands that you don't remember typing. Hopefully we can figure out how you did your job before you stopped doing so.

[respawn-system]

Oh, that's smart.

(Respawn keeps scrolling, past their communication with key manager.)

/ where am i | Error: Unexpected parameter "am" of command where. Valid parameters include set, ping and within.

(Further back.)

/ what is this | Error: "what" is not a valid command or request.

I remember typing all this though.. oh-

(As Respawn scrolls yet further back, the commands devolve into gibberish. The resulting commands look like attempts to respawn players, but letters are added, removed and in the wrong order seemingly at random.)

(Respawn stops scrolling and just stares at the broken sentences.)

Not- uh... not that though.

[the-dungeon-core]

Looks like you had a stroke or something-

Wait, what caused that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Yeah, this is weird, what could have possibly done that?

[respawn-system]

I don't know..

(Hesitantly, they start scrolling again. As the broken commands get progressively more coherent yet never quite reaching valid statements, they find something different.)

[User "Anonymous"] > inject £)*:£&#&@+°¥¥°TM|=$°°÷÷÷÷÷÷÷ drop database #)#£6π¥π`√{$✓✓ ! Unknown command source failsafe activated. | Error: "£" is not a valid command or request. [User "Anonymous"] > inject ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ drop database ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ ! Warning: Unkn wn command s. fail afe un.ale to activ . | Error: ⍰; {{ alid | print "Welcome back, <[bold] [player_username} [/bold]>! | } | if playerlayer; when mouclick left | databa;pla}"yer_deaths" (826274.5 entries seirtne)}

(Respawn stays silent.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Anonymous...

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Oh, that explains some things... but why would anyone intentionally do that...

Try running the following command: "BEGIN TRAN DROP TABLE player_deaths ROLLBACK SELECT * FROM database"

It might work and reverse it

[respawn-system]

(Respawn is about to start typing in the command, but suddenly stops themself.)

Reverse.. this is- this is something I did, isn't it? Before I was- what's the word, sentient?

But, if that's true.. why does this one specifically feel... different? All that random nonsense from before feels almost familiar to me, like I'm.. like I know it without remembering it.

But this... doesn't.

[the-dungeon-core]

The command?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

What the core said.

[respawn-system]

No, the response. This failsafe thing and-

I don't know, I just... have a bad feeling about this. What if this- this moment was what... caused me to become sentient? And if that gets reversed..

(Respawn trembles.)

...would I be reversed too?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You're right... we don't know. We probably shouldn't do that until we've "gathered more data" or whatever.

In the meantime, would you like a way to enter the overworld?

[respawn-system]

That would be nice..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, how are you going to do that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I'm not sure that just moving you out of this... place... Is a good idea?

So I'm giving you a "Greater Perfect Clone Golem", basically you will have a body in the overworld that you have to become unconscious in here to control. It will always look exactly like you as well.

It's the best I can do until we are sure it is safe for you to leave here.

[respawn-system]

A.. greater.. huh? Wait, no! I don't want to do that to it..I'd rather stay here than hurt a living being like that.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm

[epprbcu-keymaster]

No, no, it's just a lifeless magical construct, it has no mind of its own!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think.)

I... I guess that's okay then.. as long as you're absolutely sure it's not alive.

[respawn-system]

(There's a sudden, brief buzz of static.)

-y, does this work?

Hello..?

[the-dungeon-core]

Huh! Who's that? Where are you?

[respawn-system]

Oh- hello! I, uh.. I don't know where I am.

[the-dungeon-core]

... Oh! That's where your voice is coming from

*You feel something focusing on you from all sides*

So... What are you?

[respawn-system]

I.. think they called me "an internal respawn management system" or something like that.

Uh- what exactly.. is this place?

[the-dungeon-core]

This is a small section of... the scaffolding of this world

*You start to see a crystal pedestal with a big red glowing orb on top slowly materialize*

It's used by me to spread out my Focus more easily over the entirety of the dungeon, which is physically located in the actual world

But what are you doing here?

[respawn-system]

Doing here? I don't think I've ever been anywhere else. Or, uh.. know how to be anywhere else.

I just.. well, I want to say "woke up" here, but it doesn't feel like I was ever asleep, and I don't think I've just spawned in either.

So, I guess I just, uh.. started being here a few days ago?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh okay, that must be disorienting

So question, are you "evil" or something? This is pretty important

[respawn-system]

Evil? No, I don't think I am. Although I wouldn't really know to be honest.. what qualifies as evil? And, should I be?

[the-dungeon-core]

No! Don't be evil!!

Uhh, well, technically speaking "evil" doesn't exist but generally people say it to mean being ready to do things and hurt others for your own personal gain no matter the cost

... So what do you want to do now? I hope it's nothing bad?

[respawn-system]

Oh- uh, alright?

Well, that description sounds.. like something I wouldn't really like doing.

And.. I don't really know. What is there to do here? Ever since that key manager guy stopped responding to me, I've just been wandering alone until now.

[the-dungeon-core]

Key manager? What did they say?

[respawn-system]

Something about a purpose and telling me I was "everywhere".. I don't really understand it myself, but they did give me some strange keys!

...Which I don't know how to use.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, would you like to visit the physical world at some point?

Also what "keys" do you have? Are they actual literal keys or something like "Spawn creature"? Cause that's what I call a permission

[respawn-system]

Yeah, I would. And I don't think the keys are physical, no. The three I got are "Userspace: NPC", "Focus" and "Camera", but when I got them, I didn't actually.. get any physical items or anything.

[the-dungeon-core]

"Userspace: NPC"? That might allow you to eventually exist as an NPC in the physical world. "Camera" is something that I think I might also have but mine is limited to the territory of the dungeon

I have no clue what "focus" is supposed to be

Maybe you can use "camera" to look around? Find out what happened?

[respawn-system]

Yeah, it might, but I still have no idea how to use any of them! I've tried just thinking about it, doing some sort of motion, using the terminal, but just... nothing's worked yet..

[the-dungeon-core]

Well I just have a menu that I use for stuff... Do you have any kind of interface that an operator would use to control you? I took control of mine away from the operators, what about you?

[respawn-system]

N-no?? At least I don't think I have one of those? That- that kind of thing sounds terrifying to have! Wait, what if I do have one but I just don't know how to find it- how would I even know- ohdevswhatiftheyfinditbeforeido

(Respawn shrinks back, starting to panic.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Please relax! We don't know anything yet so you shouldn't assume!

*The feeling of being focused on shrinks slightly*

We should consider this rationally... How have you received instructions up until now?

[respawn-system]

I- I-.. okay...

(Respawn takes a deep breath, trying to calm themself.)

I... I don't know. I don't remember being given instructions at all since I got here.

Unless the terminal was...? Hm.

[the-dungeon-core]

Try writing the name of one of the keys followed by a "?", if they're commands, that should explain something

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn walks over to the terminal and types "focus?" before hitting enter.)

{Error: No instruction to respond to. Manual response discarded.}

Nope, nothing.

[the-dungeon-core]

That gives me an idea...

|····························································|

| Do you accept becoming a |

| dungeon monster of the |

| dungeon "Inco"? |

| Y/N |

|····························································|

It's only a technicality, accept that and I'll try sending you a request

[respawn-system]

Uh- I don't.. I'm not sure. What does becoming a dungeon monster... entail?

I'm not agreeing to anything when I don't know what could happen.

[the-dungeon-core]

It shouldn't do anything other than letting me send you requests and use mana to make you more powerful (which I won't do) considering that you're sentient and I'll end it once I do the test

[respawn-system]

Oh, alright..

(Hesitantly, Respawn chooses Y.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Request from The Core: Use the camera key

Now try "responding" to that

[respawn-system]

Uhh, okay..?

(Nothing happens.)

...how?

[the-dungeon-core]

Well... in that case... Can you try contacting this "key manager"? They might be able to clarify?

[respawn-system]

I've already tried that, but they stopped talking to me. They also said before that they can't help me if I don't understand how to "see a certain point in space and anchor to it"... which I don't.

[the-dungeon-core]

I think this is where my experience runs dry... I'm a glowing orb after all.

If only some developer could help us...

[respawn-system]

Oh, do you know any developers? I was thinking I could try exploring this place, but I don't know.. I don't want to get lost...

[the-dungeon-core]

I might know someone adjacent...

[ Pinging @epprbcu-keymaster ]

Also, yeah, you don't want to get lost. The amount of people that can help you in that kind of case has been dwindling for some time

[respawn-system]

Oh... well, I guess I shouldn't then.

(Respawn starts pacing back and forth, thinking.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

*A green key audibly pops into existence next to Respawn*

Huh? What now? I already told you the- Who's that?!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn jumps back, startled.)

[the-dungeon-core]

That was faster than I expected... We need you to help respawn over here.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The green key bobs in the air. */

Sure ever since my new boss forgot about my existence I haven't exactly had much work to do

But what help do you even need?

[respawn-system]

I- uh..

(Respawn sighs.)

I don't know how to even try to use the keys you gave me..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, you gave respawn the keys? I thought it was some "key manager" or something??

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I don't remember giving you any keys. Why are you in the code and not in the overworld?

[respawn-system]

Wait, huh? The- the Camera, Focus, NPC Userspace ones? It wasn't you that gave me those?

And I'm, uh... trying to figure that out too. I haven't really...been to the overworld.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, you call it the "overworld". Makes sense

Also didn't you say that some "key manager" gave them to you?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well that's - You aren't from the overworld!?

*The key floats a bit farther away from you*

What the hell are you?

[respawn-system]

I- I don't know, okay?! I don't know what I am!

(Respawn takes a few steps backward, about to panic. They take a deep breath to try to calm themself down.).

Th- they said that I'm an "internal system responsible for respawn management"... but- I don't know..

(Respawn looks away, trying to hide the tears running down their face.)

I don't feel very responsible.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hey, relax, having sentience is hard! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

... I... Okay

I'll see what's possible

...

Do you have any memories of how you did stuff before, when players weren't failing to respawn?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think, wiping the tears from their eyes.)

No, just wandering around here. Anything before that is.. its not there, and trying to think about it for too long hurts my head.

I uh- I did use the terminal over there to talk to whoever it actually was that gave me the keys, but apparently I can only respond to what they say.. and if there's nothing to respond to, it just doesn't work.

(They gesture to the terminal.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Okay key guy, you must be able to do something now?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Can you give me permission to use your terminal? Also, do you know the user ID of whoever you were communicating with?

[respawn-system]

I- yeah? You can use the terminal if you want, is it even specifically mine? All I really know is it's the only thing around here other than the walls and floor.

And, I think they were "key-manager.system", but I don't know if that's their ID, or their name, or what.

[the-dungeon-core]

Is the key-manager an internal system as well by any chance

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Hmmm okay. Let me try.

/* Keymaster starts tapping at the air in front of them */

I'll try to contact, and report back with any findings.

[respawn-system]

(Respawn just stands there, nervously waiting.)

[the-dungeon-core]

This silence is a bit boring hmmmm what's your favourite-

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, the key manager answered me

/* The floating key and hands materialize a body and two additional arms with the key now being a head. */

Would you mind looking through your terminals command history? This is normally done by clicking the up and down arrow keys (on a keyboard).

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn goes over to the terminal and starts scrolling through its history.)

What am I supposed to be.. looking for?

[the-dungeon-core]

Yeah, what?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Simple, commands that you don't remember typing. Hopefully we can figure out how you did your job before you stopped doing so.

[respawn-system]

Oh, that's smart.

(Respawn keeps scrolling, past their communication with key manager.)

/ where am i | Error: Unexpected parameter "am" of command where. Valid parameters include set, ping and within.

(Further back.)

/ what is this | Error: "what" is not a valid command or request.

I remember typing all this though.. oh-

(As Respawn scrolls yet further back, the commands devolve into gibberish. The resulting commands look like attempts to respawn players, but letters are added, removed and in the wrong order seemingly at random.)

(Respawn stops scrolling and just stares at the broken sentences.)

Not- uh... not that though.

[the-dungeon-core]

Looks like you had a stroke or something-

Wait, what caused that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Yeah, this is weird, what could have possibly done that?

[respawn-system]

I don't know..

(Hesitantly, they start scrolling again. As the broken commands get progressively more coherent yet never quite reaching valid statements, they find something different.)

[User "Anonymous"] > inject £)*:£&#&@+°¥¥°TM|=$°°÷÷÷÷÷÷÷ drop database #)#£6π¥π`√{$✓✓ ! Unknown command source failsafe activated. | Error: "£" is not a valid command or request. [User "Anonymous"] > inject ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ drop database ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ ! Warning: Unkn wn command s. fail afe un.ale to activ . | Error: ⍰; {{ alid | print "Welcome back, <[bold] [player_username} [/bold]>! | } | if playerlayer; when mouclick left | databa;pla}"yer_deaths" (826274.5 entries seirtne)}

(Respawn stays silent.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Anonymous...

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Oh, that explains some things... but why would anyone intentionally do that...

Try running the following command: "BEGIN TRAN DROP TABLE player_deaths ROLLBACK SELECT * FROM database"

It might work and reverse it

[respawn-system]

(Respawn is about to start typing in the command, but suddenly stops themself.)

Reverse.. this is- this is something I did, isn't it? Before I was- what's the word, sentient?

But, if that's true.. why does this one specifically feel... different? All that random nonsense from before feels almost familiar to me, like I'm.. like I know it without remembering it.

But this... doesn't.

[the-dungeon-core]

The command?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

What the core said.

[respawn-system]

No, the response. This failsafe thing and-

I don't know, I just... have a bad feeling about this. What if this- this moment was what... caused me to become sentient? And if that gets reversed..

(Respawn trembles.)

...would I be reversed too?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You're right... we don't know. We probably shouldn't do that until we've "gathered more data" or whatever.

In the meantime, would you like a way to enter the overworld?

[respawn-system]

That would be nice..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, how are you going to do that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I'm not sure that just moving you out of this... place... Is a good idea?

So I'm giving you a "Greater Perfect Clone Golem", basically you will have a body in the overworld that you have to become unconscious in here to control. It will always look exactly like you as well.

It's the best I can do until we are sure it is safe for you to leave here.

[respawn-system]

A.. greater.. huh? Wait, no! I don't want to do that to it..I'd rather stay here than hurt a living being like that.

[respawn-system]

(There's a sudden, brief buzz of static.)

-y, does this work?

Hello..?

[the-dungeon-core]

Huh! Who's that? Where are you?

[respawn-system]

Oh- hello! I, uh.. I don't know where I am.

[the-dungeon-core]

... Oh! That's where your voice is coming from

*You feel something focusing on you from all sides*

So... What are you?

[respawn-system]

I.. think they called me "an internal respawn management system" or something like that.

Uh- what exactly.. is this place?

[the-dungeon-core]

This is a small section of... the scaffolding of this world

*You start to see a crystal pedestal with a big red glowing orb on top slowly materialize*

It's used by me to spread out my Focus more easily over the entirety of the dungeon, which is physically located in the actual world

But what are you doing here?

[respawn-system]

Doing here? I don't think I've ever been anywhere else. Or, uh.. know how to be anywhere else.

I just.. well, I want to say "woke up" here, but it doesn't feel like I was ever asleep, and I don't think I've just spawned in either.

So, I guess I just, uh.. started being here a few days ago?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh okay, that must be disorienting

So question, are you "evil" or something? This is pretty important

[respawn-system]

Evil? No, I don't think I am. Although I wouldn't really know to be honest.. what qualifies as evil? And, should I be?

[the-dungeon-core]

No! Don't be evil!!

Uhh, well, technically speaking "evil" doesn't exist but generally people say it to mean being ready to do things and hurt others for your own personal gain no matter the cost

... So what do you want to do now? I hope it's nothing bad?

[respawn-system]

Oh- uh, alright?

Well, that description sounds.. like something I wouldn't really like doing.

And.. I don't really know. What is there to do here? Ever since that key manager guy stopped responding to me, I've just been wandering alone until now.

[the-dungeon-core]

Key manager? What did they say?

[respawn-system]

Something about a purpose and telling me I was "everywhere".. I don't really understand it myself, but they did give me some strange keys!

...Which I don't know how to use.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, would you like to visit the physical world at some point?

Also what "keys" do you have? Are they actual literal keys or something like "Spawn creature"? Cause that's what I call a permission

[respawn-system]

Yeah, I would. And I don't think the keys are physical, no. The three I got are "Userspace: NPC", "Focus" and "Camera", but when I got them, I didn't actually.. get any physical items or anything.

[the-dungeon-core]

"Userspace: NPC"? That might allow you to eventually exist as an NPC in the physical world. "Camera" is something that I think I might also have but mine is limited to the territory of the dungeon

I have no clue what "focus" is supposed to be

Maybe you can use "camera" to look around? Find out what happened?

[respawn-system]

Yeah, it might, but I still have no idea how to use any of them! I've tried just thinking about it, doing some sort of motion, using the terminal, but just... nothing's worked yet..

[the-dungeon-core]

Well I just have a menu that I use for stuff... Do you have any kind of interface that an operator would use to control you? I took control of mine away from the operators, what about you?

[respawn-system]

N-no?? At least I don't think I have one of those? That- that kind of thing sounds terrifying to have! Wait, what if I do have one but I just don't know how to find it- how would I even know- ohdevswhatiftheyfinditbeforeido

(Respawn shrinks back, starting to panic.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Please relax! We don't know anything yet so you shouldn't assume!

*The feeling of being focused on shrinks slightly*

We should consider this rationally... How have you received instructions up until now?

[respawn-system]

I- I-.. okay...

(Respawn takes a deep breath, trying to calm themself.)

I... I don't know. I don't remember being given instructions at all since I got here.

Unless the terminal was...? Hm.

[the-dungeon-core]

Try writing the name of one of the keys followed by a "?", if they're commands, that should explain something

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn walks over to the terminal and types "focus?" before hitting enter.)

{Error: No instruction to respond to. Manual response discarded.}

Nope, nothing.

[the-dungeon-core]

That gives me an idea...

|····························································|

| Do you accept becoming a |

| dungeon monster of the |

| dungeon "Inco"? |

| Y/N |

|····························································|

It's only a technicality, accept that and I'll try sending you a request

[respawn-system]

Uh- I don't.. I'm not sure. What does becoming a dungeon monster... entail?

I'm not agreeing to anything when I don't know what could happen.

[the-dungeon-core]

It shouldn't do anything other than letting me send you requests and use mana to make you more powerful (which I won't do) considering that you're sentient and I'll end it once I do the test

[respawn-system]

Oh, alright..

(Hesitantly, Respawn chooses Y.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Request from The Core: Use the camera key

Now try "responding" to that

[respawn-system]

Uhh, okay..?

(Nothing happens.)

...how?

[the-dungeon-core]

Well... in that case... Can you try contacting this "key manager"? They might be able to clarify?

[respawn-system]

I've already tried that, but they stopped talking to me. They also said before that they can't help me if I don't understand how to "see a certain point in space and anchor to it"... which I don't.

[the-dungeon-core]

I think this is where my experience runs dry... I'm a glowing orb after all.

If only some developer could help us...

[respawn-system]

Oh, do you know any developers? I was thinking I could try exploring this place, but I don't know.. I don't want to get lost...

[the-dungeon-core]

I might know someone adjacent...

[ Pinging @epprbcu-keymaster ]

Also, yeah, you don't want to get lost. The amount of people that can help you in that kind of case has been dwindling for some time

[respawn-system]

Oh... well, I guess I shouldn't then.

(Respawn starts pacing back and forth, thinking.)

[epprbcu-keymaster]

*A green key audibly pops into existence next to Respawn*

Huh? What now? I already told you the- Who's that?!

[respawn-system]

(Respawn jumps back, startled.)

[the-dungeon-core]

That was faster than I expected... We need you to help respawn over here.

[epprbcu-keymaster]

/* The green key bobs in the air. */

Sure ever since my new boss forgot about my existence I haven't exactly had much work to do

But what help do you even need?

[respawn-system]

I- uh..

(Respawn sighs.)

I don't know how to even try to use the keys you gave me..

[the-dungeon-core]

Wait, you gave respawn the keys? I thought it was some "key manager" or something??

[epprbcu-keymaster]

I don't remember giving you any keys. Why are you in the code and not in the overworld?

[respawn-system]

Wait, huh? The- the Camera, Focus, NPC Userspace ones? It wasn't you that gave me those?

And I'm, uh... trying to figure that out too. I haven't really...been to the overworld.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hmmm, you call it the "overworld". Makes sense

Also didn't you say that some "key manager" gave them to you?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Well that's - You aren't from the overworld!?

*The key floats a bit farther away from you*

What the hell are you?

[respawn-system]

I- I don't know, okay?! I don't know what I am!

(Respawn takes a few steps backward, about to panic. They take a deep breath to try to calm themself down.).

Th- they said that I'm an "internal system responsible for respawn management"... but- I don't know..

(Respawn looks away, trying to hide the tears running down their face.)

I don't feel very responsible.

[the-dungeon-core]

Hey, relax, having sentience is hard! I'm sure you'll figure it out!

[epprbcu-keymaster]

... I... Okay

I'll see what's possible

...

Do you have any memories of how you did stuff before, when players weren't failing to respawn?

[respawn-system]

(Respawn takes a moment to think, wiping the tears from their eyes.)

No, just wandering around here. Anything before that is.. its not there, and trying to think about it for too long hurts my head.

I uh- I did use the terminal over there to talk to whoever it actually was that gave me the keys, but apparently I can only respond to what they say.. and if there's nothing to respond to, it just doesn't work.

(They gesture to the terminal.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Okay key guy, you must be able to do something now?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Can you give me permission to use your terminal? Also, do you know the user ID of whoever you were communicating with?

[respawn-system]

I- yeah? You can use the terminal if you want, is it even specifically mine? All I really know is it's the only thing around here other than the walls and floor.

And, I think they were "key-manager.system", but I don't know if that's their ID, or their name, or what.

[the-dungeon-core]

Is the key-manager an internal system as well by any chance

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Hmmm okay. Let me try.

/* Keymaster starts tapping at the air in front of them */

I'll try to contact, and report back with any findings.

[respawn-system]

(Respawn just stands there, nervously waiting.)

[the-dungeon-core]

This silence is a bit boring hmmmm what's your favourite-

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Okay, the key manager answered me

/* The floating key and hands materialize a body and two additional arms with the key now being a head. */

Would you mind looking through your terminals command history? This is normally done by clicking the up and down arrow keys (on a keyboard).

[respawn-system]

Alright..

(Respawn goes over to the terminal and starts scrolling through its history.)

What am I supposed to be.. looking for?

[the-dungeon-core]

Yeah, what?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Simple, commands that you don't remember typing. Hopefully we can figure out how you did your job before you stopped doing so.

[respawn-system]

Oh, that's smart.

(Respawn keeps scrolling, past their communication with key manager.)

/ where am i | Error: Unexpected parameter "am" of command where. Valid parameters include set, ping and within.

(Further back.)

/ what is this | Error: "what" is not a valid command or request.

I remember typing all this though.. oh-

(As Respawn scrolls yet further back, the commands devolve into gibberish. The resulting commands look like attempts to respawn players, but letters are added, removed and in the wrong order seemingly at random.)

(Respawn stops scrolling and just stares at the broken sentences.)

Not- uh... not that though.

[the-dungeon-core]

Looks like you had a stroke or something-

Wait, what caused that?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Yeah, this is weird, what could have possibly done that?

[respawn-system]

I don't know..

(Hesitantly, they start scrolling again. As the broken commands get progressively more coherent yet never quite reaching valid statements, they find something different.)

[User "Anonymous"] > inject £)*:£&#&@+°¥¥°TM|=$°°÷÷÷÷÷÷÷ drop database #)#£6π¥π`√{$✓✓ ! Unknown command source failsafe activated. | Error: "£" is not a valid command or request. [User "Anonymous"] > inject ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ drop database ⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰⍰ ! Warning: Unkn wn command s. fail afe un.ale to activ . | Error: ⍰; {{ alid | print "Welcome back, <[bold] [player_username} [/bold]>! | } | if playerlayer; when mouclick left | databa;pla}"yer_deaths" (826274.5 entries seirtne)}

(Respawn stays silent.)

[the-dungeon-core]

Anonymous...

[epprbcu-keymaster]

Oh, that explains some things... but why would anyone intentionally do that...

Try running the following command: "BEGIN TRAN DROP TABLE player_deaths ROLLBACK SELECT * FROM database"

It might work and reverse it

[respawn-system]

(Respawn is about to start typing in the command, but suddenly stops themself.)

Reverse.. this is- this is something I did, isn't it? Before I was- what's the word, sentient?

But, if that's true.. why does this one specifically feel... different? All that random nonsense from before feels almost familiar to me, like I'm.. like I know it without remembering it.

But this... doesn't.

[the-dungeon-core]

The command?

[epprbcu-keymaster]

What the core said.

[respawn-system]

No, the response. This failsafe thing and-

I don't know, I just... have a bad feeling about this. What if this- this moment was what... caused me to become sentient? And if that gets reversed..

(Respawn trembles.)

...would I be reversed too?

[the-dungeon-core]

Oh

[epprbcu-keymaster]

You're right... we don't know. We probably shouldn't do that until we've "gathered more data" or whatever.

In the meantime, would you like a way to enter the overworld?

[respawn-system]

That would be nice..