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▶ 007. TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #7
TDM & SIMULATION #7
▶ 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 the desire of your normal life. When you awaken, 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 wakes 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 that 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 a small array of food: blood sausages, blood soup, pumpkin curry, candy corn, and iron pills to each Outsider. The blood for the sausages and soup are supposedly from donations and whatever was left from the medical bay. There will be enough iron pills for people to distribute amongst their teammates if needed, as well as other supplements.
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 wakes 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:
Blood Type:
Do you believe in ghosts?
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 that 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 a small array of food: blood sausages, blood soup, pumpkin curry, candy corn, and iron pills to each Outsider. The blood for the sausages and soup are supposedly from donations and whatever was left from the medical bay. There will be enough iron pills for people to distribute amongst their teammates if needed, as well as other supplements.
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.
Outsiders are provided sufficient downtime after the last optional mission. Additionally, LILITH will still be offering the same services as the aftermath of the previous battle, including the usual medical assistance and therapy. Those who have lost body parts will be provided a synthetic replacement when they are ready. This replacement will function just like the body part that is lost and can look way cooler (up to you) or blend in with a character's natural body (also up to you.) Refer to our rewards page for more information. Characters will receive a replacement prosthetic (e.g. the basic prosthetic arm/leg/eye) but will need to put in a reward request to further enhance their prosthetic (e.g. to buy a machine gun for their prosthetic arm).
Just because LILITH provides therapy, doesn't mean a character has to go, but the option is there. Outsiders may also be encouraged to visit these facilities, depending on their general mood, which occasionally seems tracked through their oculars. Team members will also be incentivized to reach out to one another to check in and provide some much needed emotional and/or physical support.
While not required, LILITH will still resume its usual simulation training, and those who desire to participate will be asked to arrive at the simulation in varying intervals in their LILITH-issued plugsuits. The design of this simulation will be a bit different and will take on the form of a horror and/or survival game: participating Outsiders will be expected to complete puzzles and make it through various levels of difficulty in order to complete the simulation.
Each Outsider will open their eyes to what appears to be an abandoned town. The town almost appears to be colorless in many ways and is covered in a light fog. The simulation will provide various objectives that range from protecting a single civilian or child found in the midst of this town, to defeating several monsters. The monsters will be reminiscent of any monster the Outsiders have already seen before, the only exception being the “final boss.” During the final boss fight, Outsiders are encouraged to give it their all and push their abilities in order for LILITH to be able to better gauge everyone’s abilities and growth.
Besides, it wouldn’t be considered an actual simulation without a proper battle.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET:
NAME: TRIANGLE HEAD
HEIGHT: 3 METERS
WEIGHT: 300 KG
CLASS: UNKNOWN, CANNOT BE CLASSED.
THREAT LEVEL: MODERATE-SEVERE
LOCATION: Unnamed City, USA
ABILITIES: Able to appear from people’s shadows, able to instill a sense of fear in others. Wields a sword, which it also utilizes as a long ranged weapon.
WEAKNESS: Susceptible to the emotions of the other party. The more acceptance they have in their hearts, the less powerful it becomes.
EXTRA NOTES: Once it is able to instill fear on its target, it is able to cast illusions. These illusions can differ from person to person, but seems to make them confront their biggest fears.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Identify any living civilians and take them to safety bunker while fighting off monsters.
✖ Take out all monsters and/or kaiju that are in the area.
✖ Protect safe zones.
✖ Defeat TRIANGLE HEAD.
EXTRA NOTES: Assisting other Outsiders and working together also increases the overall score.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
At the end of the simulation, they will be rewarded with a little pin that says: “I’ve survived ☺” with either a cat, ghost, or witch on it. Outsiders may challenge this as many times as they would like. Unfortunately, as this “horror simulation” hinged deeply on the subconscious, some will find that after the simulation is complete, they may have residual fear left in their bodies that trigger at random times. Whether this be when they’re going to the bathroom at 2 AM, or they’re in the middle of the cafeteria grabbing a late snack. They may also have the feeling that they hear monsters lingering around base, and be struck with the sudden fear that they’re being followed.
While LILITH will rework everyone’s oculars in order to deal with this problem, in the meantime, they suggest watching heartwarming videos and shows. LILITH will have a library of suggestions, including old Christmas movies, cartoons, and even old episodes of reality TV to act as an appropriate distraction. Maybe arrange a comforting sleepover party?
Just because LILITH provides therapy, doesn't mean a character has to go, but the option is there. Outsiders may also be encouraged to visit these facilities, depending on their general mood, which occasionally seems tracked through their oculars. Team members will also be incentivized to reach out to one another to check in and provide some much needed emotional and/or physical support.
While not required, LILITH will still resume its usual simulation training, and those who desire to participate will be asked to arrive at the simulation in varying intervals in their LILITH-issued plugsuits. The design of this simulation will be a bit different and will take on the form of a horror and/or survival game: participating Outsiders will be expected to complete puzzles and make it through various levels of difficulty in order to complete the simulation.
Each Outsider will open their eyes to what appears to be an abandoned town. The town almost appears to be colorless in many ways and is covered in a light fog. The simulation will provide various objectives that range from protecting a single civilian or child found in the midst of this town, to defeating several monsters. The monsters will be reminiscent of any monster the Outsiders have already seen before, the only exception being the “final boss.” During the final boss fight, Outsiders are encouraged to give it their all and push their abilities in order for LILITH to be able to better gauge everyone’s abilities and growth.
Besides, it wouldn’t be considered an actual simulation without a proper battle.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET:
NAME: TRIANGLE HEAD
HEIGHT: 3 METERS
WEIGHT: 300 KG
CLASS: UNKNOWN, CANNOT BE CLASSED.
THREAT LEVEL: MODERATE-SEVERE
LOCATION: Unnamed City, USA
ABILITIES: Able to appear from people’s shadows, able to instill a sense of fear in others. Wields a sword, which it also utilizes as a long ranged weapon.
WEAKNESS: Susceptible to the emotions of the other party. The more acceptance they have in their hearts, the less powerful it becomes.
EXTRA NOTES: Once it is able to instill fear on its target, it is able to cast illusions. These illusions can differ from person to person, but seems to make them confront their biggest fears.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Identify any living civilians and take them to safety bunker while fighting off monsters.
✖ Take out all monsters and/or kaiju that are in the area.
✖ Protect safe zones.
✖ Defeat TRIANGLE HEAD.
EXTRA NOTES: Assisting other Outsiders and working together also increases the overall score.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
At the end of the simulation, they will be rewarded with a little pin that says: “I’ve survived ☺” with either a cat, ghost, or witch on it. Outsiders may challenge this as many times as they would like. Unfortunately, as this “horror simulation” hinged deeply on the subconscious, some will find that after the simulation is complete, they may have residual fear left in their bodies that trigger at random times. Whether this be when they’re going to the bathroom at 2 AM, or they’re in the middle of the cafeteria grabbing a late snack. They may also have the feeling that they hear monsters lingering around base, and be struck with the sudden fear that they’re being followed.
While LILITH will rework everyone’s oculars in order to deal with this problem, in the meantime, they suggest watching heartwarming videos and shows. LILITH will have a library of suggestions, including old Christmas movies, cartoons, and even old episodes of reality TV to act as an appropriate distraction. Maybe arrange a comforting sleepover party?
▶ 003. THIS IS HALLOWEEN.
Outsiders who choose to venture out into Neo Tokyo will find the city bustling with life, just as it always is. Halloween has always been a holiday well loved and celebrated in Neo Tokyo, and not even the very real threat of kaiju can dampen the spirits of the people. If anything, being able to find some humor in the sordid state of the world seems to be keeping the spirits of the people up. The fact that some people are walking the streets dressed up as very real kaiju that have attacked the city before seems to prove this point.
Though Halloween is over, the celebrations are dragging on for longer than usual this year. Lucky you, right? After a month of loss and devastation in Transylvania, you still get to enjoy Halloween! Shops, restaurants and bars are milking this holiday for what it’s worth while they still can. They come fully decked out in spooky decorations - skeletons, cobwebs, jack-o-lanterns, and the occasional witch cauldron! Outsiders may simply enjoy the sight of costumed locals wandering the streets, but if they feel inclined to dress up as well, they can buy a costume from a store or use their style upgrade to make a costume (or simply assume that the style upgrade chip had glitched them into a particular costume). Some events running in the city include:
With the popularity of Halloween, law enforcement is on high alert for unruly characters and will be breaking up gatherings of too many people or arresting anyone appearing to be heavily intoxicated in public. There’s a certain gang of trouble-makers who seem to be finding joy in scaring people for real, and they do this by dressing up in clown costumes and chasing people down the street with real weapons. There have even been reports of these hooligans assaulting people for real. Any Outsider who can wrangle these trouble-makers and present them to law enforcement will receive a decent reward from the city.
For the period of Halloween, LILITH has given clearance for inhuman Outsiders to roam the streets without their cloaking disguises. They might get many compliments for their impressive ‘costumes’.
Though Halloween is over, the celebrations are dragging on for longer than usual this year. Lucky you, right? After a month of loss and devastation in Transylvania, you still get to enjoy Halloween! Shops, restaurants and bars are milking this holiday for what it’s worth while they still can. They come fully decked out in spooky decorations - skeletons, cobwebs, jack-o-lanterns, and the occasional witch cauldron! Outsiders may simply enjoy the sight of costumed locals wandering the streets, but if they feel inclined to dress up as well, they can buy a costume from a store or use their style upgrade to make a costume (or simply assume that the style upgrade chip had glitched them into a particular costume). Some events running in the city include:
- Bars and clubs are serving Halloween themed drinks and food. Some examples of this would be alcohol served in a jack-o-lantern or smoky cauldron, blood-themed cocktails, cookies with frosted spiders on them, candied apples, pumpkin-flavored food and many more. Feel free to make up your own.
- The Harlem bar in Tokyo is hosting a Halloween rave with drinks, music, and a costume party! The customers with the most impressive, scariest, or sexiest costume get to be crowned king or queen of the bar for the night and will be treated to bottomless drinks and a 50,000 KRYPTO gift card.
- The Tachikawa region of Neo Tokyo is hosting their annual yokai festival! People are filling the streets wearing masks or dressing up as yokai, and coming to the festival in a costume is mandatory or you will be turned away. Don’t worry, a face-painting stall has been set up to help characters become the yokai of their dreams! Live music is playing, people are dancing, and there are numerous stalls selling traditional snacks and yokai-themed foods.
- Pop-up haunted houses and zombie houses are still running in the area! Test your courage by wandering through a spooky, dark room filled with ghastly ghouls, zombies and werewolves (who happen to be … robots or people in costume). Or perhaps you fancy a zombie run event in the dead of the night? Being chased by zombie actors and robot zombies sounds like an excellent way to get some cardio in. (These zombies and ghouls are paid actors and will not harm the customers in any way, so any violence against them is prohibited and will get you kicked out.)
- The Bandai store is excited to reveal its latest holographic virtual pet: Kasper! Kasper exists as a keychain of a cartoon ghost. When turned on, it projects the hologram of a cutesy-looking ghost into the air. This small ghost can float around in the air and phase through walls and people. It is programmed to behave like a pet, coming to its owner when called, enjoying being petted, and getting into some mischief on occasion. Very much like a Tamagotchi, Kasper needs frequent attention or he will fade away and the user will need to start the game over. Outsiders may purchase this toy if they wish. It is for leisure purposes only and cannot be used for carrying things or espionage.
With the popularity of Halloween, law enforcement is on high alert for unruly characters and will be breaking up gatherings of too many people or arresting anyone appearing to be heavily intoxicated in public. There’s a certain gang of trouble-makers who seem to be finding joy in scaring people for real, and they do this by dressing up in clown costumes and chasing people down the street with real weapons. There have even been reports of these hooligans assaulting people for real. Any Outsider who can wrangle these trouble-makers and present them to law enforcement will receive a decent reward from the city.
For the period of Halloween, LILITH has given clearance for inhuman Outsiders to roam the streets without their cloaking disguises. They might get many compliments for their impressive ‘costumes’.
▶ 004. BLOOD DRIVE.
Not only is the mission to Transylvania highly classified, but the existence of vampires amongst the Outsiders is also classified information. For the sake of Neo Tokyo’s stability, LILITH will be ordering all Outsiders to keep this information under wraps. Thankfully, a fanged vampire would not look too out of place amongst the many costumed crowds in Neo Tokyo. In fact, play into the vampire theme, and you might even get your picture taken! You don't need to answer them when your image doesn't show up on film, it's all part of the magic with nowadays technology.
As Dr. Spim works tirelessly on a cure, freshly turned vampires will need to find ways to cope with the changes. A special monitor will be added to their implant that will alert them when they are dangerously low on blood and need to feed. If they continue to ignore these warnings, LILITH security robots will prevent them from leaving the base, forcing them to feed on a blood bag or find a friend to feed on. With some Outsiders going feral from their thirst for blood, LILITH simply cannot allow the people of Neo Tokyo to be put at risk. Vampires who are sensitive to the sun (it's up to you if you would like them to be a daywalker or not) will be given medicated sunscreen that will offer some protection from the sun. It is still recommended that they wear protective clothing and stay in the shade, however.
With the grave hit that LILITH has taken following the last mission, LILITH’s blood bank is running lower than ever before. Not only did the wounded require blood transfusions, but a good number of Outsiders have been turned into vampires and require a regular food source. A creative solution has been proposed: it’s time for a blood drive! LILITH has set up a medical booth in the streets of Shibuya where volunteers and Outsiders may visit and donate blood. For some added irony, the blood drive is vampire-themed, but LILITH would prefer that Outsiders not tell the donors about the fact that some of their blood will go on to feed actual vampires.
Donors rest on one of the comfortable chairs provided, and a trained medical staff or robot will prick them, drawing out enough blood to fill a bag. Those who do not know their blood type can be tested today and get a cute sticker with their blood type on it! Outsiders may become donors themselves or volunteer to prick others; specialized training will be provided for volunteers. There is a refreshment and relaxation area providing beverages and a light meal (such as little cakes, small sandwiches and onigiri) to all donors.
▶ 005. THE ORPHANS.
Following the mission in Transylvania, several cultist children have been brought back to base. LILITH has prepared a holding area with beds for them to stay in temporarily as a long-term solution is prepared.
These children are understandably very affected by what had happened to them and the town they once considered home. In their perspective, LILITH Outsiders had come out of nowhere and the adults in their town had treated them with hospitality. It was typical for the people of the town to occasionally disappear, and the adults would call it being ‘chosen’ by the Lord of the Forest. What was not typical was what had happened in late October: how chaos had emerged between the people of the town and those from outside, which led to parts of the village being burned down, food being taken, and children being whisked away to this mysterious land.
Someone should probably fill them in on the real story.
Being ripped away from your entire world in such a drastic and violent way would not be easy for anyone to cope with. Most of the children appear miserable and withdrawn, some refusing to eat, some crying in their corners and some refusing to speak. While most of the children are shaken with terror, a few of them cope with their raw emotions by lashing out, hitting the other children, kicking the walls and throwing things at other people. The road to recovery for them appears to be a long one, and currently, it’s not clear if they even can go on to live a normal life after everything they have been through.
Since the Outsiders now have some time on their hands, they are heavily encouraged to make an organized effort to help these children. The holding area looks as clinical as any other hospital room and could use …warmer decor. The area is also bereft of toys or anything a child would typically enjoy, so there’s little for these troubled children to do but sit in their corners feeling miserable for themselves. LILITH does provide robot nannies capable of changing diapers and teaching mathematics, but they are cold and emotionless, lacking any real affection. Presently, LILITH does not have the funds to do anything more than meet these childrens’ basic needs, so they are counting on the Outsiders to provide their support in any way they know how. Keep them company? Teach them something new? Give them treats? Take them trick-o-treating? Every Outsider has a different skill to offer.
Outsiders who gain the trust of certain children will be granted clearance to take them around the base and into the city of Neo Tokyo. These children have grown up isolated from modern technology and people outside their town–the sights and sounds will be overwhelming for them, especially with so many people in costumes, so field trips need to be planned carefully.
While still in the early stages, the Outsider known as PUNISHER (Nicholas D. Wolfwood) has proposed that an orphanage be raised to provide shelter for disadvantaged children in Neo Tokyo. LILITH has plans to make a generous donation to this project, and is calling on Outsiders to raise funds however they see fit. Some examples on how to raise funds include: speaking to investors for toy companies, spreading awareness to their social media followings, putting up musical performances or selling merchandise. (If you wish to have your character gain fans or a following online to aid in the fundraising, you do not need mod permission and can just assume it happens.)
These children are understandably very affected by what had happened to them and the town they once considered home. In their perspective, LILITH Outsiders had come out of nowhere and the adults in their town had treated them with hospitality. It was typical for the people of the town to occasionally disappear, and the adults would call it being ‘chosen’ by the Lord of the Forest. What was not typical was what had happened in late October: how chaos had emerged between the people of the town and those from outside, which led to parts of the village being burned down, food being taken, and children being whisked away to this mysterious land.
Someone should probably fill them in on the real story.
Being ripped away from your entire world in such a drastic and violent way would not be easy for anyone to cope with. Most of the children appear miserable and withdrawn, some refusing to eat, some crying in their corners and some refusing to speak. While most of the children are shaken with terror, a few of them cope with their raw emotions by lashing out, hitting the other children, kicking the walls and throwing things at other people. The road to recovery for them appears to be a long one, and currently, it’s not clear if they even can go on to live a normal life after everything they have been through.
Since the Outsiders now have some time on their hands, they are heavily encouraged to make an organized effort to help these children. The holding area looks as clinical as any other hospital room and could use …warmer decor. The area is also bereft of toys or anything a child would typically enjoy, so there’s little for these troubled children to do but sit in their corners feeling miserable for themselves. LILITH does provide robot nannies capable of changing diapers and teaching mathematics, but they are cold and emotionless, lacking any real affection. Presently, LILITH does not have the funds to do anything more than meet these childrens’ basic needs, so they are counting on the Outsiders to provide their support in any way they know how. Keep them company? Teach them something new? Give them treats? Take them trick-o-treating? Every Outsider has a different skill to offer.
Outsiders who gain the trust of certain children will be granted clearance to take them around the base and into the city of Neo Tokyo. These children have grown up isolated from modern technology and people outside their town–the sights and sounds will be overwhelming for them, especially with so many people in costumes, so field trips need to be planned carefully.
While still in the early stages, the Outsider known as PUNISHER (Nicholas D. Wolfwood) has proposed that an orphanage be raised to provide shelter for disadvantaged children in Neo Tokyo. LILITH has plans to make a generous donation to this project, and is calling on Outsiders to raise funds however they see fit. Some examples on how to raise funds include: speaking to investors for toy companies, spreading awareness to their social media followings, putting up musical performances or selling merchandise. (If you wish to have your character gain fans or a following online to aid in the fundraising, you do not need mod permission and can just assume it happens.)
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our 7th 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 8 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.
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 November AC.
There are currently 8 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.
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 November AC.
TDM #7 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. Newcomers are placed in gray loungewear while they are being sorted into teams. Blood based food will be served for all vampire turned Outsiders with Halloween themed food for non-vampires. Characters who lost a body part or two in Transylvania may get a free prosthetic when they are ready. On-base therapy and counseling sessions are offered.
2. SIMULATION: An optional simulation prompt featuring TRIANGLE HEAD is offered in a survival-horror themed simulation. Some after affects from this simulation may cause characters to feel fear and panic and are encouraged to watch comforting videos, possibly together, to counteract the side effects.
3. THIS IS HALLOWEEN: Halloween celebration spills into November with Halloween themed bars, costume parties, youkai festival, and the reveal of Kasper, a hologram virtual pet. Troublemaking gangs dressed as clowns wreck havoc when they see a chance and Outsiders are free to intervene for a reward.
4. BLOOD DRIVE: A blood drive to aid in feeding vampiric Outsiders is offered in Shibuya. Outsiders may be donors or phlebotomists for this task.
5. THE ORPHANS: Cultists orphans are held on base while LILITH works on establishing an orphanage for both cultist children and orphans on the street. Outsiders are encouraged to take care of them and even take them trick-or-treating until their new home is ready.
▶ 003. YOKAI PARADE
This time, rather than the people they were supposed to protect damning them for "abandoning" them, the people themselves were the damned and almost slaughtered the Outsiders' companions and friends. And they couldn't do a damn thing about it until the final night broke open. Unleashing their own worst sides. Rage, revenge, failure, pain, bitterness, loss, all of it enough to make too many of them doubt themselves all over again.
Katsuki knew Raidou had been dealing with these things for a long time. What he saw from his friend in the gloom of the castle and learned about later still makes his blood run cold. Not that Raidou was capable of such things, he always knew he could, but that Raidou has to endure the knowledge he fell into that state, did those things, returned... No, he doesn't ask what's wrong.
There's no greeting. No words. Katsuki simply settles into a stand beside Raidou under the tree. Fiery colors occasionally spindle downward around them, fall nudging the tree to loose its boughs of garnet, citrine, topaz one to three at a time. When Raidou offers the tray of takoyak, Katsuki sticks a toothpick in one to sample it, before hinging his arm in offering of sliced daigaku imo.]
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He's too ashamed to talk about his breakdown in front of Ratio in the weeks between Seoul and Brasov. Same for the way he acted down in that dungeon, what he did to Yuji and almost nearly did to Katsuki himself. And now it's happened again here, outside the heat of battle, within the halls of the base. Everything that approaches Raidou feels like an enemy ever since they returned from the mission. As if the violence followed him home, hiding the back of his mind and making him lash out. Perpetually stuck in in the fight part of fight or flight.
It's no wonder he's been avoiding talking, making himself seen but still scarce. Spending time alone, like he used to. That familiar solitude of being a Kuzunoha, of being the Capital's Summoner. Most at the base are doing poorly. It's better if he keeps away if he can't be of help.
Luckily for Raidou, he still does have those friends. One approaches him now, wordlessly, but with a simple offering of his favorite food.
Raidou looks at it, and then at Katsuki, a hint of a smile making its way onto his face.]
I didn't know they were selling it here.
[Tis the season, after all, so he's not too surprised. He takes a piece with his own toothpick.]
Thanks.
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Katsuki resonates with that very idea as heroes were to be the same. While he didn't agree with Best Jeanist's way of conveying it, the man taught him about public image and how civilians view heroes. Yes, they gather results and amazement when they kick the shit out of villains, but a hero should also wellspring the thought "I'm safe here" in anyone who sees them simply out and about on patrol.
Weakness of any kind doesn't bring that feeling to people. How can they feel safe when the person the look to for strength is crumbling? Heroes are those who stay strong for others who aren't as able to. Yet... yet... the hard question many people like them don't think to ask or even answer is... When heroes are suffering and weak, who steps in to save them?
No matter what Raidou feels or how much he runs, he's already connected to the hearts of others who care for him. Friends who will run after him despite distance or yelling, and-- regardless of how bloody or tight fisted it is --take his hand.
Friendship's a fucking chain, isn't it.]
They're on the other side. [He indicates with his toothpick the glow of orange to the eastern end of the festival.] Aa.
[And bites into the hot ball of batter, octopus, and sauce. He's not here to talk if Raidou doesn't want it. Katsuki's never been much a conversationalist over nothing. He's content to simply stand beside his friend and support him like this.]
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It's not until they're finished up their food that Raidou finally speaks up. It might put Katsuki in mind of the Raidou that had first arrived here - quiet, distant, too much on his mind.]
How've you been?
[An honest question, not a pleasantry. He had almost decided against asking, afraid it might be turned back to him to answer as well. But concern for his friend wins out.]
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Katsuki lingers on the people enjoying the festival, thinking back to his own world and the frightened, angry civilians yelling within U.A.'s protective embrace. Yelling because a tired, injured hero had come back to recuperate and they were scared of the threat he potentially brought with them...
How long has it been since he's seen people smile and laugh in his world like this? A month, maybe more, yet it feels like society hasn't hoped in forever. Even with the kaiju threat looming over them, these people are still laughing and smiling.
Katsuki recognizes the tone Raidou speaks in. Separated from his emotions, steel in his volume, a retreat back to his militaristic shell which isn't threatened by something as dangerous and fleshy as feelings.]
Focusing on Denji, my job, and trying not to fucking bite people.
[The last part's droll on purpose. He didn't include training like he usually would because... well... personal reasons right now.]
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I hope that last part hasn't been too difficult. So many have returned from the mission with this as a souvenier.
[He's not quite sure how he avoided it. Maybe it was thanks to his nanotech upgrade that makes him more resilient. Less likely to have been bitten or get blood mixed in with his own.]
But I've donated again. If you need it.
[Honestly, he's probably donating a little too much, but times are tough. Maybe with the blood drive ongoing, it won't be as bad, and he can take some time to recover.]
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Denji makes it easier. He got jealous I didn't tell him immediately.
[Some people simply didn't get bitten. Others might have been bitten, but the "venom" wasn't injected or never took hold. Katsuki's bitten Denji and the half-devil hasn't been infected. Maybe the half-devil part's the reason. He doesn't know. But apart from one attempt and one bite of an already afflicted person, Katsuki's stuck with blood bags. (Including the one Raidou set aside for his grumpy butt; it was his first one.)
He tilts his head to the side, cracking his neck.]
Don't make yourself anemic. You can keep my share in your body, unless you want Denji giving you the stink eye.
[It's meant to be more a rib than anything warning or serious.]
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[The only one who's allowed to bite him is Yuji, who is reluctant to in the first place. Reluctant to drink blood at all, really, which worries Raidou.]
Nothing some iron-rich food and some sleep won't fix. I'll be okay. Better than having hungry vampires.
[Raidou's quiet again for a moment, absently poking at the last takoyaki ball with his toothpick. Wanting to talk has been a really struggle since they got back from Romania. Mostly he's been just avoiding others, or keeping conversations as short as possible. The only acceptations to that rule being Yuji, Choso, and Katsuki. One thing does strike him, though, and Raidou looks to his friend with his head tilted in earnest curiosity.]
How is Denji? After the castle.
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[Denji doesn't want Katsuki biting anyone else and the blonde agreed to it. Ironic, considering the number of times he's bled himself into Denji's mouth to help the half-devil regenerate in a fight. He doesn't know if others have done the same, but figures it's happened before. This is different, somehow. Maybe due to the damn vampiric action of biting and drinking being romanticized over time, or the devil's idea on blood in Denji's world...
Anyways, it's settled. Katsuki doesn't like drinking blood, but he'd rather do it than endanger other Outsiders.]
The damn vampires will still be hungry over your desiccated corpse.
[Rude, but one of those reminders "dead people can't save anyone" for a person willing to sacrifice so much of himself. He knows Raidou isn't stupid enough to do that, yet Katsuki worries he'll tax himself "for the greater good" when there's no real need. He leans against the tree, taking a moment to handle the question.]
Beating himself up. He rotted on the couch or the bed for a whole week. [Didn't move much beyond that, didn't talk, lost in the guilty mire of his own mind. Katsuki didn't talk to him about his time in Romania, not wanting to make him revisit and having no need for the gory, traumatic details.] He didn't snap out of it until I told him I was afflicted.
[Jealousy's a demanding mistress.]
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I... need to check in on him. I just--
[After the failure of the Seoul mission, Denji stopped by with a pile of snacks and to just talk. Raidou was pretty touched by that. He wants to return the favor, but...]
I-I don't know. I don't know what to say to anyone. What to do.
[Because he's only barely holding on himself. How can someone in his state be of any comfort to anyone?]
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Katsuki pushes off the tree and moves over to Raidou's side, close enough their shoulders can share warmth.]
Raidou, you don't need to say anything. [Would he be wrong if he guesses the other boy's guilt and frustration pushes him to feel he must open his mouth or he can't help anyone? Red eyes linger on Raidou from the side.]
Sometimes all you can to do is reach out- [he moves his arm, offering his hand to his friend.] -and hold on to put their heart at ease.
[How many suffering people needed nothing more than a single extended hand? No perfect words said, no questions needed, simply a silent, tangible reminder that someone else is here with them. Notices them. Hurting or healing, they're not alone. Presence alone can be comfort enough, no matter what state they're in.
It's all right. Why? Because i am here.]
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He looks at that hand for a moment, hesitating, before he decides to take it. Because right now, he needs an anchor, sometime to keep him from drifting away in all these insecurities. He just wants to help others. How can he do that when he can't even help himself?
Raidou's head and shoulders drop, squeezing his eyes shut, and that hand tenses. He's having a hard time holding everything in lately, and doesn't know how to let it out. And now it's coming out in dangerous ways - like attacking fellow Outsiders, because his fight or flight mode seems to be stuck on "fight" ever since that dungeon rescue.
Part of him wishes that someone would just tell him what to do, but no one can, and no one should. He needs to figure this out on his own, or he never will.
It takes him a few long moments to be able to manage any words, strained as they are.]
We let them down.
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Katsuki curls his fingers around Raidou's hand when he takes it. So many heroes have offered their hands to others. They've held onto a crying girl dangling over a collapsing bridge. An old man struggling through surgery in a hospital. A fellow hero trapped beneath the rubble. A grateful man thanking them for their help. A boy laughing in joy at meeting his favorite hero. A dear friend as he finally breathed his last with a smile on his face. Anchors in all those times. When words can't cut it alone.
He holds onto Raidou's hand, offering whatever he can by being here with him. Unable to know exactly what he needs, yet determined to be present whenever the summoner wants to take a step. As his friend sags and his eyes clench amid his hand's grip, Katsuki gives the hold a small squeeze. He's not his boss or general, not a superior to order him around. Raidou has to figure his path out on his own, but that doesn't mean he has to walk it by himself.]
No. We went after them and got them back. [Even the one they lost permanently... Bakugo comforts himself from Wriothesley's death with the knowledge the man is home, where he's supposed to be. It doesn't make his absence any easier here.] If we let them down, they wouldn't be here with us now.
[Injured, hurt, scarred, struggling, but alive. He's not met a single one of the captives who wished they'd been left in the castle to die instead.]
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Raidou wants to counter Katsuki's statement - how they could have acted faster, gotten that sooner, done more. But what was the point? It's done with, the consequences needing to be dealt with instead. He nods grimly at his friend's words. How many more could have been lost had they not gotten there when they did? How much more suffering would they have endured? It's too easy to focus on the bad than the good.
A deep breath, and then Raidou tries to straighten back out, chin up. He can't cry, he doesn't know how. As much as he'd like to grieve with the others, the best he can do is just what Katsuki is doing right now. A supportive hand, an ear to listen. If he wants to help others, that's what's needed the most right now. He looks at Katsuki, that grief still nearly palpable on him, but there's a little more resolve behind it, too.]
I... I won't let it happen to them again. They deserve the best I can do for them. Not... not this.
[Not this spiraling wreck. Much easier said than done, though.]
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Unfortunately, Raidou can't counter his statement because Katsuki's already tried countering it a shitload of times! They couldn't act faster because their companions were "magicked" away from the fucking BED! Even after the suspicious ones deliberately avoided eating the "no shit" drugged food! Couldn't get there sooner because no one could penetrate the goddamn fog! And doing anything "more" than they did would've either burned the entire forest down or brought the castle + dungeon to a collapse atop their companions. He's raged about the illogical limitations of the entire fucking event more times than he wants to count! ... Nothing changes. They did the utmost they could do to their physical and ability limits. It leaves Katsuki with the bitter taste of helplessness in his mouth.
Raidou's right. The past isn't as important right now as the present. He's dealt with pain, loss, failure before. They happen, as much as he fucking hates any of them showing up in his life. But he refuse to let them dictate or control him. Learn from it, grow by it, improve with it, and make sure it never happens again.
From the corner of his eye, he sees Raidou lift his shoulders and his chin, focusing on the world in front of him. There's a difference between resolving yourself to do better and plastering on metal for an unfeeling power up. He doesn't want Raidou to shut away his emotions and refuse to deal with them. Yet... saying so would be hypocritical when Katsuki's doing the same thing. Then again... he already vented to two other people. Seeing Raidou's sorrow crawling under the marble surface of his face reminds the hero of water behind glass. Hard and solid, yet so fluid and moving beneath. It's... not the best way to handle it, even though he acknowledge Raidou's resolve.]
Aa. We won't fail again. [They said that after the worm. They said that after the dragons. They're saying it again after this. And yet each time... No, thinking of how they might fail again only invites the possibility. Focus forward, refuse to accept the possibility of failure. Doing anything else is heading into a battle prepared to lose. But, there's one other thing that Raidou says which Katsuki can't leave alone.]
Oy. "This" is being human, Raidou. [He looks at his friend quietly, giving his hand a small squeeze. What does he do? Pushing Raidou to show his emotions... Letting him lock himself up and ice over... Dammit, he knows which one HE does, but this isn't about him. Which is best for Raidou?] ... it's okay to cry.
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I would if I knew how.
[No tears ever come. No laughter. Like the needle of his emotions never moves far enough to one side or another, never far enough to let them be shown. Sometimes it did make him feel like he wasn't human, or at least not like most others. Was he always meant to be like this? Was it his upbringing? It's something he's wondered. Maybe if he could figure how to, his emotions wouldn't come out in the ways it has been lately. Maybe he could finally laugh and cry alongside Yuji.
Speaking of. Another in the long list of things Raidou is worried about lately, though admittedly it's towards the top of the list. His eyes stay on the crowd, his voice still tinged with melancholy.]
... I'm worried about Yuji.
[For him to speak it out loud means he is, indeed, very worried.]
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Were you created in a test tube or do you have alexithymia?
[Honest question. Because if he's a human, bred and born from a human mother, he damn well knows how to cry. Did it for two fucking years most likely! Regardless of whether Raidou was raised to not show emotions, the capability is there. Unless his origin isn't human or he has that condition. Or did a demon steal away Raidou's ability to show emotion? Obviously not, considering Katsuki saw cold fury in the other boy's expression amid the castle assault. And he has emotion enough to get a boyfriend. Then again... he's never seen Raidou cry, but he has seen a smile.
Tch, Katsuki looks back to the crowd again, drawing his thumb over Raidou's knuckles. Hearing that is concerning. Normally Raidou's not one to express worry outside mission-related things.]
What happened...
[He knows WHAT happened, but wants to know what's currently going on.]
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Afraid I'm just an ordinary human.
[He'll actually have to give alexithymia a quick internet search - he doesn't know if that's the case, but he gets it. Feelings are hard, when you never had the chance or permission to explore them growing up.]
I... don't know about that. But I couldn't tell you when I last did. I was probably quite small.
[If there's one person Raidou feels like he could talk to about Yuji, it's Katsuki. Those two are just as close as they are, if not closer.]
He's... I-I mean, everyone has been bad for awhile. Considering everything that's happened in the last few dew months. But, recently it was... the anniversary of something really terrible for him.
[Raidou doesn't know if Yuji's mentioned Shibuya to Katsuki. There's a good chance he has, but just in case he hasn't, he'll keep it vague.
His boyfriend seems so steeped in grief and guilty, a magnitude well beyond Raidou's own, that Raidou has no idea how to help. Or if he even could.]
It's all just... so much for him, too much. But I don't know what can be done for him. I... I'd do anything, but...
[What else can he do, other than offer a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on? How much of a help is that in the grand scheme of things?]
I'm afraid of what he might be like if things get worse. If he can't bounce back.
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[He's only half-sarcastic about it. Sometimes he wonders if Raidou himself believes that. Seems like both the summoner and the sorcerer have issues wrestling with their humanity, while Katsuki tries his damnest to remind them of it when the doubts flare up. Humanity has never been in question with him; it's hard to grapple with someone conflicted over what he thinks is "fucking obvious" from the start.]
Just because your emotions are buried doesn't mean you don't have them.
[He'll beat this dead horse as many times as necessary to pull Raidou out of any drifting back towards the unfeeling robot he met first. It's like watching Todoroki fade away from his fledgling defrosting and icing back up again. It sucks.
Though he's willing to swing topics to Yuji for now, he won't let Raidou escape from a watchful gaze.]
Aa. I know. [Only what Yuji's told him; Katsuki hasn't asked about it. Enduring the ramifications of all that anguish at the same time as the trauma from Romania crashing overhead... It's no wonder the sorcerer is enduring so much.]
You have to trust in his strength as much as he's trusted in yours. [Yuji's been worried for Raidou several times. Afraid that his boyfriend's hurting so much, frustrated because he feels like he can't do anything for him. Ultimately, the sad truth is there is nothing that can be done. Neither of them can change each other's pasts, and it's almost impossible to shoulder each other's emotional burdens and memories. But... Katsuki looks down at his hand still holding Raidou's.]
It might not feel like a lot now, but being there for him is the best thing you can do. [A rock doesn't say anything or do anything in the waves. Yet when the storm stops and you're still alive, clinging to that same rock that's stayed there the entire time, it's impossible to describe that feeling of gratitude and relief.]
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[Raidou is already doing what he can to help Yuji, he just doesn't realize it. All you can do for someone facing something so unimaginable is be there for them when they need it, just as Katsuki says. Nothing about it can be fixed, but perhaps healed over time. The scars are always going to run deep.]
What he went through... it was much worse than anything I experienced. I don't know how he... [How he goes on, how he ever smiles or laughs or anything. That kind of strength Raidou feels like he can only imagine.] I'd do anything for him if it would help.
[Don't think Raidou wouldn't fight Sukuna bare-handed if he had to.
He looks to Katsuki now, his expression still heavy with sorrow, but he is so, so glad his friend is here once again to walk him through everything. It takes him a moment to gather up the words he wants to say. Much like his emotions, they often give him trouble too.]
... I don't know what I'd do without you, you know. Like you have to keep picking me up and putting me back on my feet. I'm sorry it keeps coming to that.
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[Hard to make Raidou realize the reality of the situation, both the ugly parts and the beautiful parts. Wounds heal, scars fade, yet the memories will remain, bringing the pain in varying intensities from dull to sharp. Over time, it'll be easier. But at the current moment, it hits far too hard. Katsuki recognizes this is happening to both Raidou and Yuji. Making it hard for both of these self-sacrificing guys to offer the other an anchor when they're both buoys in the water.]
Don't dismiss you own suffering because someone else's. He probably thinks the same as you. [Feeling like he has to smile so Raidou won't suffer because Raidou's pain is worse than his, while Raidou thinks Yuji's pain is far more than his own. A cycle that goes over and over, faking each other out with neither willing to break down into the arms of the one person who cares for him the most. It could come to that...]
Why do you think you're not helping? [Katsuki turns his head to look at Raidou specifically, meeting his eyes with a quiet but firm gaze. So much regret and longing in the summoner's words, yet they're steeped in doubt at his own ability to make the boy he loves feel better. He won't... he won't be able to help Yuji if he doesn't believe anything he does helps.
Raidou's next comment catches him off guard. He blinks, head twitching back slight in surprise. Genuine. Damn. His hand tightens around the summoner's for a second before relaxing again, refusing to let go. Katsuki knows that took a lot to say, so his usual gruff dismissal of gratitude gets stifled.]
Don't apologize. I'll always be here for you. [A hero will always reach out to anyone who needs it. It's what heroes do. But more than his life as a hero, there's another reason. Personal. One Raidou should hear from Katsuki's own mouth.] You're my friend.
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The two were so alike. Maybe not outwardly, but in most other ways. Maybe a little too alike.]
Ah, I just... don't know if there is anything that could. It's all-- It's so overwhelming. Too much on him. I-I don't... [He shakes his head lightly.] I don't know how anyone could recover from those things. Or what could be done or said to comfort someone...
[He tries. Raidou's always there for him. He needs to accept that sometimes, that's all you can do for someone. This is all very new territory for him.
One thing that does rouse Raidou, just enough, is hearing Katsuki use that f-word. He smiles just a little.]
Yeah. Same. And I know Yuji would say the same about you, too.
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Denji learned that a while ago. When he confronted Katsuki one time with "are you 'hero' fine or 'normal' fine?" after the blonde dismissed his own struggles with those damnable pair of words.]
If it were too much, he'd have crumbled by now. You held up the entire Capitol and didn't break. [Even as he tries to process the horrible betrayal and unknown possibility of his own death back home, Raidou is still here, unbroken and operating. After being the only summoner in the Capitol handling all those cases... He's been at it far longer than Yuji has. If Raidou was that strong, he should trust Yuji to be strong too. No matter how overwhelming it seems.]
Tch, screw what you don't know; focus on what you do. Yuji's gonna endure this a lot better with you encouraging him rather than gaping at his burden. [Perhaps it's rude or blunt, but Katsuki was never a "sweet nice guy" in the first place. Admiring the problem won't help anyone. Saying it's overwhelming is fine, once, but then you buckle down and start breaking it down until it's no longer overwhelming.]
No matter what disaster or villain All Might faced, he always reassured people with a smile and said, "It's all right now. Because I am here." [Okay, full disclaimer, Raidou should NEVER, under any circumstance, try to replicate All Might's smile. Please don't. Unless you wanna scare someone...
Pretty sure we can assume Raidou knows about All Might by now.Katsuki looks at the other boy.] Simply being "here" comforts people.[Just like holding a hand. The sheer relief on people's faces when a hero arrives on the scene, knowing their struggles are soon to be eased, their burdens lifted, their fears assuaged. Not only heroes, but when friends arrive during a hard day. When someone was scared about a monster and then Raidou arrived on the scene, didn't he also see the looks on their faces?
Katsuki clicks his tongue and glances to the side, embarrassed.] Yeah, yeah...