[MAZE TRIALS] Sponsored Test Subjects

[skinstealer]

SPECIMEN NAME: Dust Devil [DECEASED?]
sponsored by VictorianFlorist

TYPE: Zombie
PRONOUNS: They/Them
OVERSEERS: [REDACTED], Dr. Julie, [REDACTED]
MODIFICATIONS: Scrap sensitivity maxed out via spawner manipulation. While they had some difficulties adjusting to it at first- namely hallucinations, visions, and overall sensory confusion- the sensitivity adjustments did take, and Dust Devil was able to manipulate scraps. The psychogenic symptoms did return after increased exposure to magic, but I determined that the price was well worth the results.  
TESTING NOTES:
[much of the text here has been redacted, the first few passages nigh unreadable. it continues after that, with a new header in place; POSTMORTEM.]

Dust Devil was my personal project, an attempt at seeing how TCPs take to more dark and forbidden magic practices…while I’ve read about TCP wizards, they tend to keep to themselves, and I craved more information. [REDACTED] had allowed me to make my experiments even more, well, experimental, and while this specific instance could be considered a failure by some- I personally consider being able to witness an entity abduction as a great success.

It’s unknown whether Dust Devil is alive or not, due to their disappearance after making an entity pact. For now, we’ve assumed them dead, and have begun to repeat these tests with a suitable replacement zombie type, self-identified as “Limbo”. With a name like that chosen right off the bat, one has to wonder whether he’s some kind of reincarnation.

Potential signs of scraps remaining post-”abduction” have been found. When Limbo is more acclimated to his own powers, we’ll send him in to investigate. With any luck, we may have our first ghost in the trials…

 
TRIAL CHAMBERS

 
[SPAWN]
Dust Devil was spawned with spawner manipulation set to maximize scrap sensitivity. At first, I was nervous that the manipulation failed- it’s experimental tech, after all, and while I had faith in something I developed myself, it was decidedly untested before this. However, it was a complete success…they did struggle with some psychogenic symptoms for the first few days, but we waited until those subsided to put them into a trial.

Upon scanning them as per usual, we were able to determine that they have a rot scrap affinity, though that’s subject to rapidly change as they go through more trials. We should be able to procure some soon.

We spoke to Dust frequently throughout the adjustment period, helping them through their symptoms. They seemed to trust us quickly, and when presented with one of the scraps we had on hand as a belated welcome gift- a warmth scrap collected from [REDACTED]- they immediately latched onto it as a comfort object, sifting through the memories and telling us about them.

Fostering an interest in magic will be crucial, but I’d say we’re off to a good start.

Rewards:
-Standardized Rewards [Predetermined]
-Warmth Scrap [Predetermined]
Questions (free talking was allowed- but these are particularly interesting.):
-Where are the voices coming from?
-What is a scrap?
-Where can I find more?

[TRIAL 1]
After the adjustment period passed, we launched Dust into their first real trial. Using their warmth scrap and some coaxing, they were able to light a few torches. Fire scared them badly at first, but they were reassured that as long as they remained in control, the fire would bend to their will. Even still, they were nervous, and almost dropped their flames multiple times.

Upon completing the trial and being rewarded with an impression, they shed a single rot scrap- I encouraged them to pick it up immediately, and they were so proud of themself. They spent hours after the trial replaying the memory of success in their room, and even managed to figure out some tricks with it upon receiving their reward- namely being able to dissolve and reconstruct objects.

Rewards:
-Practice Cube [Predetermined]
Questions:
-How can I use these powers better?

[TRIAL 10]
Dust appeared to be having issues with hallucinations again, intensifying with the depth of the magic involved in their trials. We were too far in to afford another adjustment period, and I decided that we had to press forward and use this as a chance to study the effects of spawner-based sensitivity manipulation.

I have reason to believe that their hallucinations are not just psychological in nature, as seen by this trial. Dust Devil was placed in a chamber with a mirror and a mounted entity radio, and upon standing in front of it, they were able to converse with not one, but multiple entities, their reflection shifting as each made contact. I was fascinated at how rapidly these beings oscillated through them- they are a perfect conduit, unimaginably receptive…

I eagerly gave Dust their own radio, and I can only hope that they continue their studies as feverishly and cooperatively as they have up until this point.

Rewards:
-Entity Radio [Predetermined]
Questions:
-They’re talking to me. They’re talking to me, and I have to go to them- how can I make the connection?

[FINAL TRIAL]
Dust made contact with the strongest entity we’ve been able to contact today- the Blight, as it called itself. I have written about it many times thus far, but today, Dust made a pact. As detailed before, they had been speaking to it for many weeks now, and the two of them seemed to form a strong bond…strong enough for Dust to crave a proxy with its blessing.

The ritual was set up in a fresh chamber, our aid helping to set the stage. The Blight materialized once summoned via radio, and spoke with Dust Devil as if they were a long time friend.

It asked Dust if they’d like to see the delights the outside world has to offer. While this posed a risk to our operation, I did not interfere. Dust said yes, as long as it could stay by their side.

The Blight agreed, and the pact was sealed.

Hands emerged from the radio, and pulled Dust Devil inside. After full inspection of the trial chamber, we’ve determined that aside from a cluster of scraps left behind, there is nothing to be found of them.

The scrap cluster will be moved from room to room in an effort to form a scrap ghost, with the intent of introducing it to a replacement TCP raised under the same conditions once they’ve reached a similar point in their development. With this, we can benefit from Dust’s “death”, even long after they’re gone.

Goodnight, Dust. How I wish I could have learned more from you…
Rewards: N/A
Questions: N/A