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sinfucks2024-09-16 10:26 am
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2024-09-16 10:26 am
▶ 006. TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #6 (OVERFLOW)
TDM & SIMULATION #6 (OVERFLOW)
THIS IS AN OVERFLOW POST FROM TDM #6
▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA.
It happens in the blink of an eye -- a dash of time. You're taken from where you were. What you were doing... it isn't important anymore, and slowly, you give up to desire your normal life. When you awake, figures are looking down on you from a surgical table.
"Yeah, this one will do; let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakens each Outsider. Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them, and head to a locker room in the medical bay to find a towel to dry off with and a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in assigning the Outsiders to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right; that their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2278, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
While there would normally be a meal available for them in the cafeteria, this doesn’t seem to be the case this time. Robots working within the cafeteria will instead be handing out food ration bars to each Outsider. They are dense with calories and nutrition, but taste a bit like sawdust.
That familiar, robotic voice is heard again:
"Yeah, this one will do; let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakens each Outsider. Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them, and head to a locker room in the medical bay to find a towel to dry off with and a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in assigning the Outsiders to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right; that their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
Name:
Username:
Civilian Identity:
Age:
Species:
Origin:
A trolley is headed down the tracks at high speed towards a fork. On its current path, five people are tied to the tracks. You stand in front of a lever to switch the tracks to the other path, where only one person is tied to the tracks. Assume the trolley cannot be safely stopped before it hits the people, and they cannot be freed before the trolley gets there. What do you do?
The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2278, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
While there would normally be a meal available for them in the cafeteria, this doesn’t seem to be the case this time. Robots working within the cafeteria will instead be handing out food ration bars to each Outsider. They are dense with calories and nutrition, but taste a bit like sawdust.
That familiar, robotic voice is heard again:
"Greetings, my name is SYNTHIA and I will be taking care of you today while the rest of the crew is occupied. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands."
▶ 002. SIMULATION.
While Outsiders are given a fair amount of time to recuperate, not only from physical injuries but from the aftermath of their mission in Korea, it doesn’t take long before their training kicks back up again. This time, the stress is on formation, teamwork, and split decision making. While the Japan branch of LILITH believes all the Outsiders at their branch are performing as expected of them, the other international operatives underneath LILITH may not feel the same due to the results of their prior mission. While the higher ups back in Tokyo believe they made the best decision based on the information they had, it’s not to state the other branches of LILITH echo the same sentiment. As a result, there is a strict training regime that all Outsiders must commit to, new and old alike.
The simulation will naturally cover the terrain of Seoul, Busan, and other intermediary cities of South Korea; everything else will seem par for the course with the simulation. Outsiders will be asked to group up with those close to them and practice timing their attacks and specifically aiming for the kaiju’s weak points. Those who have trouble finding someone to work with can assume to be assigned to one another randomly. Veteran Outsiders will be asked to assist anyone new whom they may not recognize.
Despite their best attempts, the simulation feels harder than the actual kaiju, and its settings seem to factor in its incredibly unpredictable nature. As a result, “MISSION FAILED” will be seen more frequently than not. Outsiders will be forced to redo the simulations over and over, even until the early hours of the morning.
As a result, Outsiders will also be provided with energy drinks and coffee in a variety of flavors that are laced with their newest energy boosters. This will keep Outsiders particularly enthusiastic for the simulation runs, and give them the drive to keep them on track! The unfortunate side effect, however, is it that it does come with a fairly significant crash. Try not to develop a caffeine addiction during this time.
Other than the simulations, Outsiders will also be required to clock in for regular medical checkups, and most will result in asking them to increase their general fitness and physical capabilities. They will be required to utilize the gym, swimming pool, and other physical fitness facilities until their doctors sign off on them. While this may seem like a new form of hazing, the higher ups actually believe it could foster better relationships.
The simulation will naturally cover the terrain of Seoul, Busan, and other intermediary cities of South Korea; everything else will seem par for the course with the simulation. Outsiders will be asked to group up with those close to them and practice timing their attacks and specifically aiming for the kaiju’s weak points. Those who have trouble finding someone to work with can assume to be assigned to one another randomly. Veteran Outsiders will be asked to assist anyone new whom they may not recognize.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: IMUGI ♀
HEIGHT: 1600 feet across, 55 feet high
WEIGHT: 2850kg
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Various Locations, South Korea - Map will be auto populated for terrain.
ABILITIES: Control over weather conditions, including summoning of heavy storms, lightning strikes and hurricanes. Can fly up to 1000 feet. By flying amongst the clouds, Imugi releases chemicals into the atmosphere that bring about acid rain. Armored scales, sharp teeth and claws. Camouflage; can disappear into seemingly thin air.
WEAKNESSES: Piercing it in the gaps between its impenetrable scales. There is also a particularly weak spot under its chin that will deal significant damage if pierced.
EXTRA NOTES: This is the female counterpart of the Imugi slain in Seoul. After giving birth, it demonstrated typical reptile behavior and abandoned its eggs. Since its initial appearance in Busan, it has grown. This kaiju seems more agile, is openly aggressive, and has demonstrated intelligence in being able to hold grudges.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
Despite their best attempts, the simulation feels harder than the actual kaiju, and its settings seem to factor in its incredibly unpredictable nature. As a result, “MISSION FAILED” will be seen more frequently than not. Outsiders will be forced to redo the simulations over and over, even until the early hours of the morning.
As a result, Outsiders will also be provided with energy drinks and coffee in a variety of flavors that are laced with their newest energy boosters. This will keep Outsiders particularly enthusiastic for the simulation runs, and give them the drive to keep them on track! The unfortunate side effect, however, is it that it does come with a fairly significant crash. Try not to develop a caffeine addiction during this time.
Other than the simulations, Outsiders will also be required to clock in for regular medical checkups, and most will result in asking them to increase their general fitness and physical capabilities. They will be required to utilize the gym, swimming pool, and other physical fitness facilities until their doctors sign off on them. While this may seem like a new form of hazing, the higher ups actually believe it could foster better relationships.
▶ 003. BLACK MARKET.
It’s clear that the number one priority on people’s minds lately is the kaiju that’s on the loose. However, these hushed whispers on the streets aren’t simply rehashing the recent news, but instead are talking about certain trades happening on the black market. Considering the lack of personnel at base due to the damage control and fallout from the incident in Seoul, Outsiders will be tasked with talking to the citizens and scoping out any and all information on these secret trades. Yes, that's right, the black market is teeming with energy yet again.
Akin to the mission in March, it looks like those associated with Tokyo’s darker undertakings have a new business venture and it’s in Imugi body part trading. It looks like the newest hit in folk medicine is currently illegal research in using the Imugi’s scales, bones, and every part they can get their hands on: they have created dragon scale teas, dragon horn supplements, dragon blood steroids, and many other meats, delicacies, and food items. Some have even taken to grinding down the bones and claws. No one actually knows if this increases one's vitality and cures illnesses, or if it’s an unknown risk to the people.
Each of these leads will need to be looked into, and so Outsiders will be tasked as a group, and encouraged to work together in exploring these undertakings. Apparently, there are three major places that need to be explored: an abandoned factory in Shinjuku, a restaurant that is supposedly acting as a front for trades, and even a club similar to the Sapphire Room for higher VIPS who apparently are offering entire limbs of the kaiju up for sale.
It may be hard to move just by operating on civilian identities, and so LILITH is also offering a disguise by style upgrade, and encouraging recruits to make up an adequate “cover” as they explore. As the disguise on their style upgrade coincides with whatever they decide to make their fake identity, Outsiders are also required to turn in the appropriate paperwork, including what the occupation for the cover is, along with any other details to go along with their bit.
These actions are considered unacceptable by LILITH, and as a result are asking Outsiders to partake covertly in order to capture and bring back any suspicious individuals working for any of these black market distribution circles. These same individuals also seem to intersect with other levels of crime in the city, and so certain missions may coincide with these efforts. Outsiders are encouraged to contribute as they are able to.
Akin to the mission in March, it looks like those associated with Tokyo’s darker undertakings have a new business venture and it’s in Imugi body part trading. It looks like the newest hit in folk medicine is currently illegal research in using the Imugi’s scales, bones, and every part they can get their hands on: they have created dragon scale teas, dragon horn supplements, dragon blood steroids, and many other meats, delicacies, and food items. Some have even taken to grinding down the bones and claws. No one actually knows if this increases one's vitality and cures illnesses, or if it’s an unknown risk to the people.
Each of these leads will need to be looked into, and so Outsiders will be tasked as a group, and encouraged to work together in exploring these undertakings. Apparently, there are three major places that need to be explored: an abandoned factory in Shinjuku, a restaurant that is supposedly acting as a front for trades, and even a club similar to the Sapphire Room for higher VIPS who apparently are offering entire limbs of the kaiju up for sale.
It may be hard to move just by operating on civilian identities, and so LILITH is also offering a disguise by style upgrade, and encouraging recruits to make up an adequate “cover” as they explore. As the disguise on their style upgrade coincides with whatever they decide to make their fake identity, Outsiders are also required to turn in the appropriate paperwork, including what the occupation for the cover is, along with any other details to go along with their bit.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Create false identity to go undercover.
✖ Sneak into or receive an invitation to one of the following locations: an abandoned factory in Shinjuku, a restaurant chain that is supposedly acting as a front for trades, and Club Spades.
✖ Capture and round-up any suspicious individuals who may have information. Bring them back alive.
✖ Turn in any kaiju parts, items, and stock in.
These actions are considered unacceptable by LILITH, and as a result are asking Outsiders to partake covertly in order to capture and bring back any suspicious individuals working for any of these black market distribution circles. These same individuals also seem to intersect with other levels of crime in the city, and so certain missions may coincide with these efforts. Outsiders are encouraged to contribute as they are able to.
▶ 004. INTERROGATION.
In the midst of the ongoing investigations into the black market, there are rumors that the entire black market scheme was hatched up by a LILITH operative. Due to the timing of the Outsiders touching down in Tokyo and how swiftly the parts collected became distributed, a majority of the suspicions seem to fall on the Outsiders themselves. As a result, everyone on the base will be subject to routine checks on base, and may notice some LILITH drones may be keeping surveillance of them when they leave the premises.
LILITH is also offering rewards to agents under them who are able to discover their peers in possession of any sort of contraband. This includes kaiju parts which may have been given to them for safe-holding during investigation, research specimens that were given to them, or even any items crafted from kaiju, including food items. If any Outsiders are found with these kaiju parts and/or items, they will be taken in for questioning.
During questioning, they will either recruit a fellow Outsider to assist in these cross-examinations, or have them done by another agent under LILITH. Everyone who is brought in to be questioned is forced to ingest a truth serum. Upon consuming the serum orally or aromatically, they will be forced to tell the truth. They will also find themselves particularly loose-lipped, or uncharacteristically forthcoming. Unfortunately, while this serum may clear them of the smuggling accusations, these effects will continue to linger even after the interrogation has ended.
Additionally, while the Outsider or agent may not have been planning anything nefarious by holding onto these kaiju parts, they will be lightly punished. This may include being locked with another Outsider for 24-48 hours to watch AI-generated videos on the importance of going through the proper venues of tagging kaiju parts and not stealing.
LILITH is also offering rewards to agents under them who are able to discover their peers in possession of any sort of contraband. This includes kaiju parts which may have been given to them for safe-holding during investigation, research specimens that were given to them, or even any items crafted from kaiju, including food items. If any Outsiders are found with these kaiju parts and/or items, they will be taken in for questioning.
During questioning, they will either recruit a fellow Outsider to assist in these cross-examinations, or have them done by another agent under LILITH. Everyone who is brought in to be questioned is forced to ingest a truth serum. Upon consuming the serum orally or aromatically, they will be forced to tell the truth. They will also find themselves particularly loose-lipped, or uncharacteristically forthcoming. Unfortunately, while this serum may clear them of the smuggling accusations, these effects will continue to linger even after the interrogation has ended.
Additionally, while the Outsider or agent may not have been planning anything nefarious by holding onto these kaiju parts, they will be lightly punished. This may include being locked with another Outsider for 24-48 hours to watch AI-generated videos on the importance of going through the proper venues of tagging kaiju parts and not stealing.
▶ 005. CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR ACTIONS.
A few days after newcomers have arrived and the atmosphere on the LILITH base seems to be less tense, a message on everyone's ocular implants will flash: MEETING IN THE SIMULATION ARENA. ATTENDANCE IS A MUST. THIS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.
Characters will be grouped by their team name and in numerical order with the assistance of AI robots once they have reached the arena. If they are questioned, they only seem to answer one thing: COMMANDER SHIRO LIKES THINGS A CERTAIN WAY. Once everyone is organized, it's just a matter of waiting. After a moment, one of the arena walls, which is conveniently also a screen, will project a new looking face onto it.
The face is of a man who appears to be in his late twenties, but he's quite older than that. How he's achieved this, nobody seems to know. His hair, stark white, appears rather ragged for someone who otherwise has a neat and tidy appearance. Most of his face is obscured by a pair of goggles, and he does, on the whole look... human. However, while it's difficult to see what exactly is behind him, it certainly looks like a silhouette belonging to a set of tentacles coming from his back. His fingers are laced together with his chin on top of them as he heaves a sigh. The screen flickers with a bit of static.
The screen cuts out, and another debrief sheet appears.
Characters will be grouped by their team name and in numerical order with the assistance of AI robots once they have reached the arena. If they are questioned, they only seem to answer one thing: COMMANDER SHIRO LIKES THINGS A CERTAIN WAY. Once everyone is organized, it's just a matter of waiting. After a moment, one of the arena walls, which is conveniently also a screen, will project a new looking face onto it.
The face is of a man who appears to be in his late twenties, but he's quite older than that. How he's achieved this, nobody seems to know. His hair, stark white, appears rather ragged for someone who otherwise has a neat and tidy appearance. Most of his face is obscured by a pair of goggles, and he does, on the whole look... human. However, while it's difficult to see what exactly is behind him, it certainly looks like a silhouette belonging to a set of tentacles coming from his back. His fingers are laced together with his chin on top of them as he heaves a sigh. The screen flickers with a bit of static.
"Angels of LILITH, I'm severely disappointed in your failure. Teams Brimstone & Revelation, I expected more of you. If you had not let the Imugi escape, we would not have fallen into the hell that we are in now. We would not have had to make a decision to start with. Read the following instructions carefully. Make up for your mistakes. Don't ever let this happen again. Or else."
The screen cuts out, and another debrief sheet appears.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE: COMMUNITY & TEAM BUILDING.
✖ Team Brimstone & Revelation: Treat a colleague from Team Everlight & Team Redemption to a meal to celebrate their overall success. Everlight & Redemption will pick their meal of choice.
✖ (ALL TEAMS) Teach kaiju emergency protocol with given curriculum at the following school: Nishi Elementary School in the Shinjuku district.
✖ (ALL TEAMS) Clean up trash in the following districts: Shinjuku, Chiyoda, and Bunkyo.
✖ Shame fellow colleagues for their MISSED ATTACKS in whatever methods possible. Their codenames are: RUBBER DUCKY, AMBROSIA, CLOWN PRINCE, GODDESS OF DEATH, LILITH69, NADEL, RASGULLA, STARDUST.
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our sixth TDM! All TDM threads are game canon and characters who don't app will be glitched out of this world. As the TDM will act as the event, existing characters are heavily encouraged to participate. Please use this format for top levels: CHARACTER | CANON | CURRENT / NEW CHARACTER.
There are currently 14 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.
None of the prompts suit your fancy? Feel free to check out our main base and locations page and make up your own prompts! (Las Vegas is still being rebuilt and Seoul has closed off its borders to the Japan branch of LILITH.)
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker.
The monthly mingle will reveal information about payment for last month's mission and the winners for KO and top hit.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards September AC.
There are currently 14 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.
None of the prompts suit your fancy? Feel free to check out our main base and locations page and make up your own prompts! (Las Vegas is still being rebuilt and Seoul has closed off its borders to the Japan branch of LILITH.)
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker.
The monthly mingle will reveal information about payment for last month's mission and the winners for KO and top hit.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards September AC.
TDM #6 BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. ARRIVAL PROMPT: Newcomers arrive with ocular and brain implants, and are given a breakdown of the premise with an icebreaker orientation to complete. Their first cafeteria meal is food ration bars. Newcomers are placed in gray loungewear while they are being sorted into teams.
2. SIMULATION: All Outsiders are subject to a new paired training regimen that focuses on formation, teamwork, and decision making. The training is a simulation of the most recent mission in South Korea and the target is a simulated version of the Imugi. Failed results will be more frequent and Outsiders will be required to redo the simulation until they achieve a mission success. Outsiders will also have required medical checkups with the goal of increasing overall fitness and physical capabilities.
3. BLACK MARKET: Outsiders are tasked to investigate rumors of Imugi body part trading happening in certain areas of Tokyo. They are encouraged to work together and create aliases outside of their civilian identities in order to infiltrate these facilities. Once infiltrated, Outsiders are to capture any suspicious individuals working for these black market circles, as well as to retrieve any kaiju parts or items.
4. INTERROGATION: Everyone on base will be subjected to routine checks with LILITH drones surveilling them upon leaving base. LILITH will be offering rewards to agents who turn in their peers for possessing any sort of contraband; these Outsiders will be brought in for interrogation either by a LILITH agent, or by another Outsider. Those subject to interrogation will be forced to ingest a truth serum; effects of the serum will linger after the interrogation has ended. Anyone who admits to being in possession of contraband will be punished by being locked with another Outsider for 24-48 hours.
5. CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR ACTIONS: Outsiders are summoned to the simulation arena for a meeting with Commander Shiro, who expresses his disappointment with their performance in the latest mission. He provides a chance for Outsiders to redeem themselves via various tasks to avoid this from happening again.
Dan Heng | Honkai Star Rail | TDM Overflow
@bakugo (back tags so far it goes to overflowwww)
Well it's good LILITH draws from a variety! Difficulties and all. Heroes have good support powers too, don't they? Backup and stuff!
Aw Bakugo. That's a fast track to a breakdown...perhaps the failures will strengthen everyone here.
Dan Heng looks at Bakugo with a vaguely baffled expression. His beacon translates that. Stupid dragon?? ] Excuse me? [Not offended (yet), just wondering if he heard right. If it's like March's nicknaming, he's really in for it...Dan Heng does tend to stick close to Bakugo. Timid or not, all the lights and sounds of a strange city can be. Alot. One of the many reasons he chose to not attend Penacony...]
Ah. More like a curator? It's not for a public display, but more for the future passengers of the Astral Express. The train travels to many different worlds, and it would be good for the gathered information to be...organized and stored properly. Which it was not when I boarded. [He huffs with fond exasperation.] I was...happy to help defend my new companions, but organized they are not.
[He smiles at Bakugo's apparent interest. He will getcha in the sparring thread later. Also above the table, there are hammers pace gloves, aren't there? Anyway. The blacksmith who made Dan Heng's spear would be pleased at the compliments...if he were still sane. Alas.] It has been, especially in the Imugi simulations. Difficult as they are, it's been a good chance to hone my abilities. Especially alongside new people. [On that note...] Do you have certain specialties as well, Bakugo?
And...hm. That's hardly productive. Good to know it's not just me struggling with it though. [Tired sigh...how are they supposed to operate in these conditions?? Seriously.]
we kick this thread into overtime
Their pool of mercenaries has gotten more and more varied over time. As far as Bakugo's concerned, LILITH couldn't go wrong with picking heroes from his world. Some would obviously be better than other's, but... he's biased. Heroes are awesome.
You should be able to get stronger even without failures. Accepting them is as good as encouraging them!
As for the nickname, that perturbed exclamation gets nothing from Bakugo in return. You heard him. He's not repeating himself. Though when Dan Heng shifts a little closer, he stalls his steps just enough to let the guy stay in his peripheral. It's not rush hour traffic on the sidewalk, but the city isn't abandoned either. Most of the civilians are tepid towards the Outsiders, though a few range from hostile to very supportive.]
You've got a train between worlds? [Glad he had experience with Dr. Ratio and his intergalactic world or else Bakugo would've thought the notion ridiculous. Now it's more "another one of the galaxy people" with a world far more advanced than his own.] Che, you made a travel kiosk.
[Like one of those little stands at welcome centers, stuffed full of brochures and catalogues showing maps and interesting places around the area for visiting.]
They're being fucking petty. Trying to punish us for what happened. Only one group was able to kill the Imugi; the other wounded it into retreating. When we chased after it, LILITH tracked the nest, rather than the dragon, and it doubled back on the city.
[Over 168,000 deaths... He lets Dan Heng make his own conjectures to what Bakugo was implying, the way his tone dropping suggesting his irritation about discussing it further. And since he has a perfect segue to avoid it-
Bakugo curls one hand in front of him and "ka-Boom!" a hard explosion detonates in the center of his palm, like a miniature grenade abruptly combusted out of nowhere. Smoke rises from his palm and crawls through his fingers.]
Overtime and overdrive. One day I'll get this tag to be shorter. Today is not that day.
One can learn from failure without necessarily accepting it!
Well he's got a nickname then. Or whatever that is. Dan Heng may not notice Bakugo matching his steps, as he's pretty focused on the crowds and lights. If this isn't even rush hour, he's got a storm coming. This is already bordering overwhelming for him.
Thankfully the devices cloak his dragon qualities. He'd not be able to take being stared at. And the conversation with Bakugo helps him stay more grounded. Especially when asked about the Express. ]
We did. The Astral Express travels through the stars and blazes a trail between worlds so those aboard can help and explore. It was…the only place I could go… [He shakes his head.] There are good people there. March is one of them, if you've met her. [It's hard to find someone who hadn't met March 7th., really.]
[He raises an eyebrow at the kiosk comment. The only offense he takes is how weirdly close it is to one Mr. Koski.] On the surface, it could be. The information gathered runs deeper, however, like records even the world itself lost or discarded. [Like who the Watchmaker really is….was.] I like when seemingly independent events end up connecting to each other. Connecting people. It's fascinating. [Almost like the silver rails themselves...]
I see. I'd…heard some about it. [It does not raise his confidence in LILITH at all. More reason to look out for each other and know their strengths. Like…what Bakugo just demonstrated.
Dan Heng’s eyes light up with interest, the smell of smoke reminding him of Himeko actually.] You have power over fire, then? With that type of explosion, it's like you're a destruction pathstrider. But then you don't have Aeons I imagine so…hm. [He blinks, coming back to himself, ears going a bit pink.] It’s very impressive. [Likely bigger explosions can be done when not out in public…]
It's all good! Your tags are lovely.
He's not arguing that point. Failures that don't encourage growth are pointless.
Bakaryu or Ryu no Baka? Hm... guess it's better than something more childish, like "Horns" or the like. It probably would've been the latter if Dan Heng hadn't mentioned the dragon thing so early.
Bakugo notices the way he sticks close to him, figuring the crowd and busy people walking around them to be the case. Hmph, there are less-traveled paths to take, and a completely empty one if Dan Heng wants to hit the rooftops. But launching out of the crowd via an explosion isn't an ideal answer. He'll simply stick by and keep himself between the dragon and the majority of people.
Tch, this guy might end up being similar to his elf-eared senpai... Wallflower.]
Is that all the Express is for? [A train that travels between worlds carrying help and research. Sounds like a heroic effort. Mentioning good people and March earn a tiny scoff.] Never heard of her.
If the information's on the train, the world hasn't lost it or discarded it. [Bakugo assumes the "world" is the all-encompassing "World" that includes the rest of the planets and worlds that make up Dan Heng's cosmos. He glances to the side, piqued at the mention of the dragon's interest.] Serendipity or synchronicity?
[They can drop the talk about LILITH for another time. Dan Heng has the summary now and can process it as he wants. The other topics are more interesting. Bakugo furrows his brows. Power over fire. A destruction pathstrider... He's heard those words, or kinds like them, before when discussing his Quirk.] Aeons?
@callisto (Backtags all the way to overflow)
Dan Heng is a bodyguard....forgive him for being Jumpy....
He's also not totally great with his personal space being breached, and automatically takes a half step back when the other gets closer.]
I didn't- ....hm. Well. I suppose...?
[This is. Very strange. Oddly so much so he doesn't feel...threatened? Just baffled. So it's an improvement?
Dan Heng sighs, handing over the knife.] Alright. Have at it. It's not the best tool for cutting hair, but perhaps you can make it work. [He goes to turn a little, nervous, but then pauses.] Might I have the name of my impromptu barber? I'm Dan Heng. [He's not sure if introductions will make things less awkward, but might as well...]
crawls in belatedly!!
as bloodthirsty as callisto could be, as well as petty, he doesn't seem interested in making the individual known as "dan heng" an enemy. especially, as the mood seems to taper off. it's a bit curious. to think he was being held at the other end of his spear not too long ago. ]
Callisto Regulus, once sun of the empire, though presently I seem to lack such a title.
[ he takes the knife, grabs onto a good chunk of the uneven hair and gives it a swift slice through. ] You're in luck since I do have skilled hands. [ he then carefully takes another portion of hair, presuming dan heng is comfortable enough with it. ]
heblo it's ok I am belated on many tag-backs haha
Sun of the…empire? Which empire do you mean- oh-
[Dan Heng goes stock still when Lord(...? He mentioned the lack of a title. Did he prefer to not to be addressed with one or-) Callisto starts cutting his hair. For some reason he didn’t actually expect the man to do it. Dan Heng is stiff as a board at first, so as to not risk getting his ears cut, but…
Well, Callisto doesn’t seem to be lying. His confident demeanor has merit, as his movements are deft and careful, skilled as he claimed. Well. Alright then. This is happening. Tension eases from Dan Heng’s posture little by little as this goes on, even turning his back to give the other man an easier time of it.
Even if turning his back on a stranger with a blade makes his skin prickle with anxiety. He forcibly turns his mind back to the introduction.]
So you are…were? Royalty? And you see fit to cut the hair of one such as myself? [Dan Feng may have been the High Elder of the vidyadhara, but Dan Heng has no such status, especially here. He’s an exile even. Was. One. Whatever. His question still stands. He's not really met royalty who acted quite like this...]
o7 powers through together!!
hence, his deft hands take another strand, giving it a cut. the knife isn't exactly sharp, but callisto makes surprising use of it. while some could have been offended at the hidden apprehension in the man's posture, callisto doesn't. no, it's quite the opposite. it meant the other individual was appropriately alert, and it's a show that he wasn't one who was unaccustomed to threats at his life. if his prior reaction wasn't enough of an indicator to that. ]
So you do know how much of an honor it is. [ he says mostly with amusement, not against receiving the initial shock. ] Did your world lack such conventions? [ as having royalty, that is. that's what he's mostly encountered, really. but, it's still a novel thought every time. ]
Reeeeaches weakly
@Loop
I'm not sure if I'd consider it heroic...more...selfish on my part. The past "me" lost his loved ones too quickly. I wish to fight for every moment I can get.
[How did they end up on philosophy adjacent talk...]....being brought here has made that difficult, however. Even if one such person is here.
....oh. I apologize, that was a rude thing of me to ask. I suppose you can be whatever you want to be, even if it's nothing at all?
no subject
Well, I'd say that's pretty lucky considering this whole situation to have at least one person.
Teehee, it happens! But yes, I suppose I can!
no subject
Yes. She’s safe and doing alright, which is more than I can ask for considering what’s been happening here as of late.
I'm glad I did not offend- oh. [Speaking of March. Incoming...] I must go. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Loop. Sorry for taking so much of your time. I will likely see you around the base. [Probably not too hard to spot someone who is a star. Probably.]
no subject
How cruel, to leave a star so curious! I'll be sure to bother you about it next time!!
[ run, dan heng. run. ]
(no subject)
@Dr. Ratio
The man is. Rather heavy for a teacher or scholar. Huh. Nothing he can't handle, however.
He crouches in front of Ratio as he regains his bearings, looking a little to the side to not be overbearing, but keeping an ear out for complications. Dan Heng nods.]
It's no trouble. But you...fell. Are you testing new tech, is that why you're in a combat simulation?
[He tilts his head, looking curiously at the Hermes boots.] I apologize if this comes off as rude, but I'd assumed LILITH would employ its doctors and teachers with other tasks.
no subject
But he makes a noise in affirmative at Dan Heng's question. ]
These boots are one of the pieces of technology LILITH is willing to furnish us with, provided we are capable of paying for it.
[ He only imagines they aren't automatically given out because LILITH doesn't have enough resources to create one for all of them at once, because they're fairly useful. ]
Clearly not, as I am here.
[ Yeah, he hates it too. He's not a fighter; he's never been. But here he is, having to fight anyway. ]
Don't mind me chipping away at my inbox
Dan Heng nods slowly, looking over the boots now with new eyes, remembering he’d read about them in LILITH’s reward descriptions.]
I see. They seem…difficult to master. Would you like some help? [A pause.] My form of flight is likely to operate differently, but having someone in the air with you could be helpful. [Like being able to offer stability before the man crashes to the ground. Again.]
@Wolfwood (Ok but back at him like wow how did they get here lmao /pos)
Sorry if it’s a disappointment. Honestly I think what matters is the path you take for yourself. Which is...probably why I’ve aligned with Akivili more than the others.
[It is indeed rich of Wolfwood to point out a possible cult…at least Dan Heng is aware of certain cults on the Luofu and the like. It’s rough out here though...]
The...devil? Was innocent?
[Dan Heng…isn’t sure how to take Wolfwood’s anger on the matter. He instinctively shies away from it. Righteous fury? Hard to tell...but it eases something in his own heart, all the same. It reminds him of Jing Yuan’s anger, ages ago. Anger for once not directed at him, but at the ones who clapped him in chains and left him to rot for eternity for sins he couldn’t remember.
Dan Heng takes a deep breath, one which shakes just a little.]
But...someone needs to pay for the wrongs, the tragedy wrought upon others. How can it be made right if the one who did it all is...gone? Isn’t it...right to expect what’s left of them to make it right? Someone. Has to...
[Even if it seems impossible….even if his memories are hazy at best of the Sedition, the sins of Imbibator Lunae...he realizes his situation is quite different from a father son thing, but it’s the closest he can think of to make sense. It keeps weighing on him.
It’s hard to think of the abuses others heaped upon you as wrong if it’s all you’ve known since birth. Still...he’s learning. Wolfwood’s anger...helps. It helps alot.]
no subject
not sure what hangup you've got, but everyone's responsible for their own ass and that's it. some shit just cant be made right. people gotta move on rather than dwell on every wrong ever suffered. sufferin is part of the human experience after all.
Here's where I wonder if angel or devil are terms that exist in HSR....
Regardless, the last part hits him harder. Somewhere else on the base, Dan Heng has to take a moment to process, closing his eyes and breathing for a moment.]
Sorry. Like most other topics here, it's...complicated. [After everything, though, it's not as hard to talk about. Maybe someday with Wolfwood, even. When the Shackling Prisons aren't so fresh in his mind.]I do agree. And I do my best to not be...that person; to not make his mistakes. Enough had been lost dwelling on the past. [Ha. Human experience? What of one that isn't human...again he gets what the priest is trying to say.]
It's just...I'm not sure. It's reassuring. To not be automatically condemned at birth for the past. [That he's not weak or foolish for being scared, for being hurt by these things. That they were--wrong? He knew that but... That someone, while completely removed from the situation, would have professed him innocent. He is a bit embarrassed for asking all this out of the blue but...it still means alot.] Sorry. I know it's alot and a heavy topic. Just. Thank you, Wolfwood. Really.
Did you work alot with children before being brought here? [Now it occurs to him to ask...]
pfft, I'm so glad I don't have to deep dive into the mess of religion in HSR
[that's meant to be...comforting.]
yeah, no problem. glad I could help, I think.
...guess its my turn to use the phrase. its complicated.
be very glad...it's rough out here, folks. Also wrapping this up if that's ok?
@Jamie
Easy. Not all at once, or you might get sick...well. More sick.
[He sighs, giving the kid a wan smile. He's not good at comforting but...he understands the misery of the situation more than most who weren't even there for it.] I think it's to appease the country who felt betrayed. Misery loves company, apparently. Even if it would be more productive to let us Outsiders work to fix the mistake and kill the Imugi still on the rampage. [Just like it would have been more productive to tell him what Dan Feng did and allow him to make amends as Dan Heng, instead of just clapping him in chains soon after hatching rebirth. Such is grief...
Dan Heng shakes his head, reaching out to brush his knuckles against Jamie's forehead. He...has a hard time checking human temperatures, (having cold dragon blood, Dan Heng's hand might actually be pretty cold) but he thinks that's a normal temperature for someone who just went through alot of exertion.] Not stupid. This is overwhelming for anyone. [Especially for one so young....aeons....he sighs, shaking his head and sitting fully on the ground.]
It's no trouble. And I'm...alright. I'm used to combat. Well...not this constant, so. Tired, for sure. [He feels his own hair brush his shoulders and bristles, summoning Cloud Piercer to just chop off the main part of his hair. This happens sometimes, don't worry about it.] Have you dealt with much combat before being brought here, Jamie?
fdksas Dan Heng ur precious
That's...I mean, it makes sense, I guess, but after a loss like that... [How many thousands dead? It's a number that Jamie can scarcely wrap his head around.] Maybe...we're lucky that this is all they want from us.
[He contemplates this long enough to be startled by the hand against his clammy forehead; it does indeed feel pleasantly cool, but moreover he's not really used to being treated this way. His teammates aren't uncaring, but they're not exactly nurturing types, either - that's more Jamie's job, and it's unusual to be on the receiving end of it, especially from a stranger. He won't deny that it feels sort of nice right now, though, and it's for that reason as much as sheer exhaustion that he doesn't politely try to shrug it off.
...and he's clearly just hallucinating that his companion here summoned a giant blade for a quick impromptu haircut. Shit's wild, man. He blinks slowly, tries to process this, and then quietly offers Dan Heng the water bottle to slake his own thirst if he needs it.]
I'm actually my team's strategist. I've been in combat a couple times, but nothing like...like this. ["This" indicating the Imugi, the constant failures, the one-on-one mecha-less nature of the fight, the fact that this is a fight to the death instead of pretendy funtime sport battles like he's used to, or some combination of the above. He gestures feebly with one hand, as though this will somehow illustrate his emotions.] It's just...it's. A lot. All at once. I feel like I could get the hang of it eventually but it's just, just constant - what if it's worse than this when we're fighting for real? And if I can't do my part, if I screw up -
[People are going to die, he doesn't say. I'm going to die. He doesn't want either of those things to happen, but right now he's irrationally petrified that this will be the inevitable outcome of his inability to punch a giant dragon into submission.]
Back at Jamie, waughhh....
Dan Heng closes his eyes for a moment, is if taking a moment of silence for the many that’d died.] Indeed. It’s hardly a productive answer, but it is…an understandable one. Seoul mourns the loss of its people, who were killed in the rampage of a grieving Imugi, whose mate had been killed. All we can do is help the future turn out better, and have that cycle end with us.
[He does note how Jamie stiffens at the touch, and he winces in turn. The boy does not protest, however, so he will assess as well as he can. He’s no Healer Lady, but…
Dan Heng does crack a small, wry smile at the boy’s wide eyed look at the hair cutting.] I do not like my hair getting long. And yet using much of my power grows it out quickly… It’s complicated. Simple solution, however. [He sends the hair to his subspace pocket to dispose of properly later. He’s not here to make a mess. …He dispels his spear as well.
His face softens when Jamie offers the bottle back. He shakes his head, gently pressing it back toward him.] Thanks. You should keep it, though. I packed several. [As if to prove it, another water bottle pops into his hand. This isn’t showing off, just something that’s practically second nature to him. Packing water especially…water dragon needs to stay hydrated. He drinks as Jamie talks.]
A strategist? I imagine it’s difficult to be separated from the team you’d been working with and thrown into [He echoes Jamie’s own gesture,] all of this. I’m sorry.
[Dan Heng listens, then holds up a hand when Jamie starts to spiral.]
Jamie. Jamie. Breathe. It’s alright.
[He takes deep breaths as an example…]
That is later. Right now, the kaiju is only a simulation. One that is much more difficult than the real thing. It will not do anyone good to stress over it now, right?
i am so sorry for my slowness agh
I get it, but that's...that's what I do. Worry about stuff like this. That's my job back home, because I'm the strategist, and if I don't worry about it nobody will. My team counts on me knowing how to deal with problems because I'm supposed to direct them in battle and make sure they don't get hurt.
And that - that was just a game, what we did back home. They weren't fights like this, where people could die. That just - makes everything so much worse. I feel like I can't...not stress out about it.
[He does try not to succumb to another doom spiral, despite his words, and instead takes another pull from his water bottle. His hands haven't stopped shaking, instead seem to be trembling even more badly, from dread as much as muscle fatigue.
Dan Heng's voice echo in his ears, a phrase rattling around in his brain like a pebble in a tin can - I imagine it’s difficult to be separated from the team you’d been working with. It's undeniably true; Jamie misses his team desperately, and as much as he wishes they were here to fight with him he's glad they're not, that they're safe at home where they belong instead of fighting gigantic nightmare monsters.
Thinking about them makes his throat tighten and his eyes burn and he shifts away from his companion, as surreptitiously as he can, to hide it. He does notice, though, how Dan Heng produces another bottle of water from nowhere, and he comments on it as much to distract them both from his own distress as out of actual curiosity.]
...that's a pretty handy skill. Between that and knowing how to fight, makes sense why LILITH decided you'd be useful in all this.
Do not be sorry!!! I am also slow....slow together.....
@Laios (can't believe I asked my lore friends about this. There sure will be a flavor.)
I…suppose? Honestly with the type of the "food" being offered in the cafeteria, I didn't think there were ingredients for something like that. And I've never really…tried it?
[Great, now he’s curious. This is a guy who climbed up in trees to observe creatures for the archives. And the ration bars truly are awful…if Dan Heng can just…help conjure something that tastes better……could be good.
….it's not like. Really his tail anyway. It's probably fine.
Not to mention Laios looks so excited….morale has been so low lately. The man is even beat up...why is he beat up??]
It…is something I've never considered before, but I'm willing to help if you'd wish to try.
[He has no idea what he's getting into….]