Dark Dice: Vigilance | Ep. 1 | The Model Citizen
Host/Author: Fool and Scholar Productions
Release Date: October 7, 2024
Introduction
In the premiere episode of Vigilance, a branch of the Dark Dice series produced by Fool and Scholar Productions, listeners are introduced to the intricate world of the Department of Public Services’ Division of Community Order (DCO) within the Grand City of Atreus. This episode, titled "The Model Citizen," sets the stage for a gripping horror-themed actual play narrative where four volunteers delve into a missing persons investigation that uncovers deeper conspiracies and dark secrets.
Character Introductions
The episode begins with a detailed introduction of the main characters, each brought to life by a talented voice cast:
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Junior Engineer Horatius McBride (02:54)
- Description: A South American or Cuban descent individual with dark hair, coffee-colored eyes, and olive skin. Horatius exhibits a "thousand yard stare" accompanied by intriguing facial scars, suggesting a tumultuous past.
- Quote: “He looks like the kind of guy who'd stroll into a bar with a flannel shirt on and start playing pool...” (02:54)
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DCO Agent Cassius Sogot (03:40)
- Description: Formerly born in a male body, Cassius is a muscular 6ft tall agent with dark East Asian complexion and striking violet eyes. Her appearance is accentuated by full-sleeve geometric tattoos and a meticulously braided hairstyle.
- Quote: “She is like a very imposing figure if people notice her...” (05:01)
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Lab Technician Diana Azad (05:05)
- Description: A woman of Persian descent with a clean-cut black bob, Diana dons pristine gray attire typical of her laboratory work. She specializes in meal improvement, creating the world's food currency, and shows a keen interest in puzzles and projects over people.
- Quote: “She never really seems to look as interested in people as she is in puzzles and projects.” (05:49)
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Disgraced Private Investigator Sylvanas Clairhout (05:54)
- Description: A stocky individual with dark skin and graying hair, Sylvanas bears scars from past conflicts. His demeanor suggests a troubled history, adding layers to his character’s complexity.
- Quote: “He’s been through more than he should have by now...” (05:54)
Assigning the First Mission
The newly formed team gathers in the primary DCO station of District 9, under the guidance of Enforcer Sergeant Balbinius Mueller (07:00). Sergeant Mueller provides the team with essential equipment—flashlights and chemical spray—and outlines their first assignment: investigating missing persons reports. His encouraging words boost the team's confidence as they prepare to embark on their mission.
Investigation Begins: Missing Person - Hadrian Baker
The team’s first case centers around Citizen Hadrian Baker, a 34-year-old DCO agent who has been absent for over a week (09:08). The missing persons report details his work history, family, and last known whereabouts, prompting the team to prioritize visiting his family in District 4 before delving into his professional life.
Visiting Hadrian's Family
Upon arriving at Tower 11 in District 4, the team meets Jania Baker, Hadrian’s sister (17:32). Through their conversation, they uncover that Hadrian has been involved in a peculiar card game called Architectural Spectrum, hinting at possible connections to clandestine activities.
- Notable Quote:
Jania Baker: “Hadrian did visit us a few times. Most such a strange citizen.” (22:14)
This revelation leads the team to consider the game as a potential lead in locating Hadrian’s whereabouts.
Visiting Hadrian's Work: DCO Station
Their next stop is the DCO station in District 4, where they encounter Enforcer Sergeant Colliver (30:23). Sergeant Colliver provides insights into Hadrian's work ethic and hints at a possible second job in underground sanitation. His skepticism about Hadrian's reliability adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.
- Notable Quote:
Sergeant Colliver: “He was a recent transfer, so he hadn’t made too many close bonds or any bonds whatsoever.” (31:03)
Sunset Cafe Meeting
The team’s investigation takes them to the Sunset Cafe on the 17th floor of Tower 5 (35:02), where they meet the proprietor, Citizen Varinius Southstudio. Here, they delve deeper into the Architectural Spectrum game, learning about its strategic complexity and uncovering connections to other players like Marinius Orocco.
- Notable Quote:
Varinius Southstudio: “Architectural Spectrum is a complex game. It's a fun game. It teaches valuable resource management and life organizational skills.” (48:05)
Their interaction with Orocco’s group unravels further clues, including the scheduling of their meetings and the nature of the game, suggesting that there might be more to Hadrian’s disappearance than meets the eye.
Conclusion
As the episode draws to a close, the team consolidates their findings—Hadrian’s involvement in Architectural Spectrum, his possible second job, and his reclusive behavior post-tragedy. These threads weave a tapestry of mystery that promises deeper investigations and darker revelations in future episodes.
- Notable Quote:
Caitlin Buckley: “Thank you. Please find my son. Reeve endures.” (26:15)
The stage is set for a harrowing journey into the unseen corners of Atreus, where every clue leads the team closer to uncovering the sinister forces at play.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Travis Vengraff: “Greetings adventurers. You're here because you enjoy the stories you make...” (00:00)
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Sergeant Mueller: “Can I offer you any flashlights or chemical spray?...” (07:30)
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Cassius Sogot: “Ah, shit.” (36:40)
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Jania Baker: “He seemed like he was being forced to learn a game he had no interest in.” (47:04)
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Varinius Southstudio: “They’re very friendly. They keep to themselves. They’re quiet...” (40:02)
Timestamp Key
- 00:00: Introduction by Travis Vengraff
- 02:54: Introduction of Horatius McBride
- 03:40: Introduction of Cassius Sogot
- 05:05: Introduction of Diana Azad
- 05:54: Introduction of Sylvanas Clairhout
- 07:00: Meeting with Sergeant Mueller
- 09:08: Missing person report on Hadrian Baker
- 14:36: Decision to visit Hadrian’s family
- 17:32: Interaction with Jania Baker
- 30:23: Meeting Sergeant Colliver at DCO
- 35:02: Visit to Sunset Cafe
- 48:05: Discussion on Architectural Spectrum
- 50:52: Transition to Outro
Conclusion
Episode 1 of Vigilance, "The Model Citizen," expertly sets up a suspenseful narrative filled with character depth, mysterious investigations, and an overarching sense of impending horror. With a rich blend of dialogue and atmospheric storytelling, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the unraveling of the dark conspiracy surrounding the disappearance of Hadrian Baker.