How It Started
I was getting a haircut. Yes, this was how it actually started. The app was still buggy, but I thought it was ready for a test run. There was legit nothing planned.
The weather was great though. So I thought: you know what, I'm doing it today.
It was already 4:45 PM by the time I wrapped up. Let's plan for 5:30 PM, latest 6:00 PM to go live.
I thought a physical souvenir would always be welcomed. So I dashed home, grabbed my suitcase, emptied it, loaded it with puzzles. Started recording. Mochi (my cat) interrupted the recording. Welp, great, even better.
Rinsed. Changed. Headed out. Opened the app. Started screen recording. Figured out the logistics and what to post on my way to Queens Park.
The Encounter
Got to King Edward Statue by 5:45 PM. Found a spot. Settled in.
No advance notice, no heads up. Nobody knew where I was going to be, let alone that the event was going live. Would anyone pay attention? Would anyone actually show up? Thoughts like these were flying through my head, but it didn't matter. I was going to do it anyway. Worst case, nobody shows up. That's okay.
No time to edit a reel. Stories only. Editing. Posting. Editing. Posting. Up until the last second... I tapped. Go Live.
20 minutes passed. Suddenly, I saw someone walking slowly but surely towards me with eyes locked on me.
We were having a staring contest for a good 15 seconds as he walked towards me.
In those 15 seconds, my mind ran a whole marathon: Oh?? Oh my god! No... No way... Is he it?! Is that a player? Do we have our first winner? Okay. I think we have our guy.
Once he was in front of me, he said "Mentis?" and I said "YES! OH MY GOD. Congrats!"
Took a screenshot of my timer and forgot the next steps.
I was at a loss for words, flustered, shocked, overwhelmed with joy. Every meeting with players is a special moment for me.
"Oh right! Let me award you the bounty… then turn off the event… now here, pick a prize…"
Time to Retreat
As the winner left the area, I realized I'd forgotten to take a photo for the Instagram community. Legit nothing was planned.
I grabbed my suitcase, ran up to him, asked him to reenact the scene, his hand reaching into the suitcase to grab a puzzle, while I took a photo.
Everyone at the park saw me running with the suitcase, all wondering what was inside.
As soon as that was done, I signalled my team.
"Retreat and regroup at Victoria. Now."
If there's one thing I've learned from building Mentis Game, it's this: actions will always produce signals. Polish as you go.
One last thing. If you ever find me or a future NPC out there, the phrase you're looking for is Fortis Mentis. It's my way of wishing everyone a strong mind when times are tough.