Mission 1: Signal in the Static

A Temporal Loop Directive Swap

Mission 1: Signal in the Static

To the Esteemed Agents of the Paper Secrets Society,

A distorted signal from Agent Velvetcup (of The Sugar Intelligence Agency) has slipped through the static. It isn’t just words this time—it’s imagery. Repeating forms, broken loops, and scrambled patterns... as though the transmission is trying to rebuild itself from fragments of reality.

Here is what we were able to decipher:

This message is... incomplete. Fragmented. Repeating. Something—someone—has snared me in a temporal loop. Every moment, every sweet second loops back on itself, yet slips slightly out of place. I cannot find the beginning. I cannot reach the end. I cannot—[STATIC]

Request: Immediate assistance in deciphering the nature of this loop.

Objective: Identify anomalies, document distortions, and dispatch findings to headquarters.

Please dispatch your findings promptly.

Time is a trickster—and so, it seems, is whoever set this trap.

Yours in papery secrecy,

The Archivist 🖋️

Swap Description

🔸 Create one piece interpreting the phenomenon of a time loop or broken sequence.

🔸 Include elements of repetition with variation — something that almost repeats, but not perfectly. - things that fit the theme could include zentangles, spirals out of control, washi tape pattern art, broken clock imagery - the sky is the limit really.

🔸 You may send an artwork, a fractured story, or poetry, an altered photograph, or a crafted artifact.

🔸 Minimum size: 2.5 x 3.5 (Standard ATC) or similar effort if three-dimensional. Maximum size is up to you

Swap Requirements

✔️ Send 1 or more pieces matching the description above to your partner, minimum size of standard ATC (2.5” x 3.5”).

✔️ This is not profile-based, so let your creativity shine!

✔️ Must be sent on time

Eligibility

⭐ Must be a member in good standing of the Paper Arcana Group

🔍 If you have concerns about a potential swapper, PM me anytime.

Ratings

📬 Please rate your partner upon receiving—no one likes wondering if their mail got lost!

✅ Rate according to Swap-Bot Official Rules

5️⃣ If you receive at minimum 1 piece no smaller than a standard ATC that fits the theme of repetition with variation Everyone has different talents and tastes.