Game Master: Here, we are!
You: It’s nice and cozy, but are you allowed to just walk in without knocking?
Game Master: Mmm, well, it’s okay because it’s me. Don’t worry about it.
A character emerges. Others follow.
Character 1: She never knocks.
Character 2: What brings you here today? And who do you have with you?
Game Master: This is someone who’s helping me with the Witly problem.
You: Hi. Nice to meet y’all.
Char 1: I’m assuming you brought them here to ask us about our experiences in EnginWorld and EnginEE with regards to Witly?
Game Master: I can always count on you to get to the point. 🙂
Char 1: Sure. I don’t mind. But before we start, would you like some snacks and tea?
After Char 1 serves tea and snacks.
Char 3: Whenever you’re ready, feel free to start asking your questions.
You: How would you describe the culture of EnginEE?
They all look at each other and consult. Char 1 prepares to speak.
Char 1: In comparison to EnginWorld, we like to position ourselves as being more progressive. In actuality, we still pander quite a bit to the larger EnginWorld. It’s almost like we are still asking for their acceptance of us as “worthy citizens.” I think many of us in this room have struggled with ever truly feeling like a citizen there.
Char 2: For me, my experience is different. When my dad saw me trying to fix a broken table and waited for me to do it—because he knew I’d work hard to use my brains—that was when I fully stepped into my identity as an EnginWorld citizen. Yes, I’m in EnginEE now, but I haven’t abandoned that identity. I just think the ridiculous “circle-jerking” that goes into the society’s approval of what makes a “good citizen” is bogus.
Char 3: Similar for me. During my first job at EnginWorld, my manager told me to simply “claim the title.” After all, I was a citizen, so why wouldn’t I claim the benefits?
You: This is valuable information. How have y’all experienced Witly within EnginEE?
Char 1: (Laughs) This is a difficult one. You see, perhaps it comes with the disease, but people here don’t really see Witly. They believe it’s a thing of the past. How could it possibly exist within EnginEE, which sees the evils of EnginWorld? How could someone trying to “fix” a problem be part of the very problem they are fixing? That mindset has allowed the fruits of Witly to take root here.
Char 2: Yeah, I see it during forums and events endorsed by our leaders. The structure is all messed up. If you want to interact with any of the “big shots” at those meetings, forget it. They are all grouped in one section and it’s hard to gain access. It follows a hierarchy—the very thing we moved away from to reform the town.
Char 1: Yeah, and the process just to get into those meetings reminds me of the Tyranny of the Clock. You have to submit proposals months in advance. They put so much pressure on the time frame, all while using outdated systems that make the process more difficult.
Char 4: And having to defend ideas that are near and dear to your identity is tough. People who have caught a hold of Witly don’t see our ideas as legitimate if they stray too far from their “standards.” They constantly question your way of thinking, especially if it supports the “othered” who are impacted by the isolation. It takes a toll when you’re constantly explaining why you should be treated like a proper human being.
You: Thanks for sharing. In an ideal world, who would you be?
Char 2: We would be filled with joy. We would be free. Sometimes it feels like with the urgency and worship of productivity, I’m not able to dabble in the hobbies that fulfill me. In an ideal world, I’d have more time for that.
You: Thank you for being so hospitable and answering my questions.
Game Master: Told you you’d be in good hands.
You give the Game Master a side eye.
Game Master: Speaking of which can you prepare rooms for us ? >.< We’ll be staying for some time.
Char 2: Sure, no problem.
…
They are walked to a room.
Game Master: This is your room now. If you have anymore questions, want to talk to someone more about their experience, or when you’re done with your task, I’ll be in the room over there.
You: …
Game Master chuckles.
Game Master: See you soon.
Game Master leaves.
You: (Sigh).
Yaathought 