Have you ever felt like you're in a game you don't know you're playing? Perhaps, then, you're already playing. But whether you realize you have been or not, you'll never win if you don't learn the rules. I can show you how the game is played, if you want. Memories you squeeze until your arms are sore and shaking. That is the secret. What you seek is what wins the game. But if you knew where to find what you seek, you wouldn't be here, would you? You are already the kind of person I need if you're reading this. I'm trying to beat the Illusive Game, too. I can't do it alone. Our opponents have intellects beyond our comprehension, powers beyond our perception, and eyes everywhere. We are helpless on our own. I've lost friends in this war. I'm sure you have, too. We're both losing, now. But we can get it all back, we can win! That's all I'm after, all I want. Is for you to trust me, to give me a chance, too much of an ask? I will bear my soul on a plate, and all I'll ask of you is to answer one question. Here is my soul: The Salem Islands The Salem Islands is a modern low-fantasy mystery adventure about ordinary people encountering and embracing the supernatural. You will begin as normal human beings on a mission to discover the reality of magic said to exist somewhere among the islands. At minimum, your character believes enough to be willing to sail here and investigate. As a matter of fact, you've been personally invited by the founders of Fringe Corp, the enigmatic proprietors of the islands. In a sense, this is an ongoing campaign. I can't say too much about it as that's part of the mystery. I'm going to give you a special mission that I'm not going to tell the existing player, so that you have a special connection to me unique from the connection I have to him. I'm going to ask you to be the hope that left this setting when we lost Audrey, but I'm not going to tell you how. Perhaps that, also, will be part of the mystery. To paint a clearer picture, your characters will be subjects of a secret government project known as the Pegasus Program. There was always something special about your character. Perhaps they had friends on the other side, perhaps they were the sole survivor of a burning building or a great storm... twice. Perhaps they could seemingly read others' thoughts or had unusual strength. Or maybe you don't know what's special about you. Whatever it is, it only borders on the supernatural and was noticed before adulthood... because your parents signed you over to the Program, for reasons you may decide. The purpose of the Program is to awaken the supernatural potential of special people, and when you go to the Islands, you'll be under the supervision of two scientists and a soldier. This context entangles your character in the central mystery of the campaign and unites your characters. You will not be the only ones on the Islands. Many have been called. From each player, I will ask for at least one enemy and one friend they will expect to see on the Islands. Though the mystery of magic is at the heart of this story, this story is about you. The real mystery and the real magic is You. I hope I have said enough, but if you're here, I know you're imaginative enough to fill in the gaps with your own, wonderful thoughts. I'm counting on it. But even more than this, your willingness to take a cold plunge into my ocean. It will be unpleasant at first, but the water warms once you're in it, and before you even realize, you never want to leave. My question, then... I hope you're ready. My Question: Why shouldn't I pick you? I want you to succeed, so I will hold nothing back from you. This is not a trick question. The honest answer to this question is the thing our opponents will use to separate us and make us lose the game. I am trying so hard to win. I have been rejected again and again looking for heroes to join me in my quest, for all that I have shown you here. You have all the reasons you shouldn't pick me, whether you realize it or not. Whether you realize it or not, you are playing in this game. You are on Parris Island. You are already part of the mystery. And you are already losing. I am standing before you, shaking your shoulders, looking into your dazed eyes, SCREAMING! Please! Wake up! I don't want to be alone on these islands... I don't want to lose the game... We can't do it without you. I'm begging you... For both our sakes. Wake. Up.
