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𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] sinfucks2025-01-01 12:00 pm
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▶ 008. TEST DRIVE #8

TEST DRIVE #8


CONTENT WARNINGS: partial nudity, general violence, medical procedures

▶ 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 …


Name:
Username:
Civilian Identity:
Age:
Species:
Origin:
Blood Type:

What are your new year’s resolutions?




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 2279 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 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.

The cafeteria will be hosting its own version of a feast to ring in the new years. The robots on base will be offering a savory mochi soup with both lab-made and fresh vegetables procured from Transylvania. There will also be a self-serve bar of soba noodles with a simple broth. These are all accompanied by vegetables which have been prepared in various ways to last throughout the month, and act as side dishes to every meal. As the vegetables are a work in progress, some will look or taste peculiarly, or have a bitterness that remains on the tongue.

Additionally, an impressive bronze cauldron now sits proudly in the corner of the cafeteria, marked by a small sign reading "LILITH's Community Perpetual Stew."

True to its name, the stew is now a constant presence, and after every mission, the cauldron’s contents are conspicuously replenished, ensuring it's always filled to the brim for all to enjoy. What the stew evolves into over time is anyone's guess, but for now, it boasts a hearty medley of Transylvania's freshest meats and vegetables, seasoned to perfection.

Visitors and team members alike are encouraged to contribute their own ingredients, with one rule in place: the robot staff, ever vigilant, are programmed to detect any malicious tampering. Should anyone attempt to add something harmful, they will be politely but firmly asked to leave the premises.

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. HAPPY NEW YEAR.

While normally the shrines tucked away within the bustle of the city are quiet and exude a certain tranquility about them, they will be brought to life with celebration for the New Years. Similarly to years before, they will have street vendors offering all the traditional classics, but some will also have a spin to them. For the year of the sheep/ram, there will be fluffy cotton candy to represent the fuwa fuwa of sheep, onigiri in the shape of a ram, and hearty lamb curry.

The temples themselves will have several offerings, but the biggest event is always the bell chiming in for the new years, as well as the celebration for the first sunrise of the year. In light of this, many vendors will be passing out sake, as well as energy drinks. Regardless of the timing, the area for one to purchase their fortunes will be made available. For those who get an awful one, thankfully, there is no shortage of people who are queued up in order to hang up their bad fortunes in order to cast them aside for the coming year.

Outside of this, there will also be corners in which people can write their new years greetings out to their loved ones. Both digitally, or in the form of a physical postcard. People are encouraged to decorate and send their own, and they may or may not be pressured to do so if they so happen to catch the eye of enthusiastic locals. Those who find themselves trapped into this, will find themselves compelled to be honest as soon as their pen hits paper, or for those who opt on a digital card, their true thoughts will be conveyed instantaneously.

The shrines and vendors outside of them aren’t the only ones getting into the spirit of things. The shopping districts are also banking on the continuation of the holidays. As with every year, they will have special sales, and every store will put out their “lucky bags.” The lucky bags will often be sold at discounted prices, but there is no telling what the actual items in them will be. Perhaps, you can test your luck and make a profit while you’re at it?



▶ 003. NEW YEAR MERCENARIES.

Amid all of the public celebrations, local businesses and organizations throw New Year parties for their employees and members. Many of these parties take place at luxury high rise hotels or award winning restaurants in the city. These celebrations are easy to plan, safe within the city limits.

However, there are some groups that won't settle for just safe and easy. No, they have to show off their wealth and influence by going on luxury trips outside the city to the traditional inn on the outskirts of the city. The journey outside the city is risky– there is a high chance their entourage may be attacked by kaiju on the way to the inn and when they arrive, their activity will surely draw attention from even more kaiju. Still, that doesn't stop them from setting out and reveling in celebrations.

These figures will hire mercenaries to escort them into the mountains and keep them safe through the duration of their stay. Most of them are wealthy CEOs and politicians who may or may not have certain shadowy connections so they can afford to pay for protection. They promise high commissions and even offer to pay for a shared room and meals.

Sure, they have to share a room and they might not get the same high quality meals and drinks as the main party but it's not so bad, right? They're free to use the hot springs after everyone else is finished, too. All they have to do in return is spend some time out in the freezing cold and keep kaiju away so everyone else can have a good time.

Just remind yourself: You're doing it for the money!



▶ 004. A DEADLY SOAK.

A few days into the new year, people living outside the Neo Tokyo metropolitan area have been having a hard time due to the recent appearance of medium-sized kaiju. No one knows where they had come from, but there’s reason to believe that a small rift has emerged somewhere and it’s mutating the local wildlife. One popular, family-run business that is going through some hard times is the Yuryo onsen, in Hakone, an outer suburb of Neo Tokyo. Seasoned Outsiders might be very familiar with this onsen resort already, as it’s one of the last surviving ones outside Metropolitan Tokyo and hosts a huge colony of feral cats.

Drawn in by the comfort of a warm bath in the cold winter, a troop of mutated macaques have made said onsen resort their home, and they have made it impossible for any customers to visit. These monkeys vary in size depending on rift exposure, with some of them as large as a lion, and others as large as an elephant. Business for the local onsen has been impossible with the macaques occupying the hot springs, stealing food and harassing guests. Though appearing docile as they sit and bathe in the springs, these macaques have become fiercely territorial following the rift’s influence. When they identify a threat, they will let out a piercing scream that’s enough to make ears bleed. Their claws and teeth are sharp, and primates are known to be brutal when tearing apart their enemies. It’s a situation that needs to be contained immediately if people are going to continue living in the outer suburbs.

The macaques aren’t the only wildlife that have been affected by rift. Pockets of Yama-Kujira have been seen roaming the forests and abandoned small towns. While a large portion of the outer suburbs are uninhabited, there continue to be some stragglers toughing it out in the abandoned houses. They all have their own reasons for choosing not to live in the armored city but they will need to be protected all the same. The Yama-Kujira are blind but vicious, making up for their lack of eyesight by charging into anything and everything. Refer to our bestiary or previous TDM for more information about this boar kaiju.

With the increased reports of mutating local wildlife, LILITH has requested that Outsiders also round up the colony of feral cats that normally roam the onsen. If a pride of mutated felines were to emerge in the outer suburbs, the results would simply be disastrous … These cats, fearful of the kaiju, will be skittish and very, very difficult to catch.


█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Nihonzaru
HEIGHT: 2-10 meters
WEIGHT: 20-200kg
CLASS: Moderate threat
LOCATION: Tokyo, Japan
ABILITIES: A piercing scream that can cause ringing in the ears, temporary deafness and bleeding from the ear canal with frequent exposure. Razor sharp claws and teeth. Considerable strength and muscle. Highly intelligent, capable of using basic tactical strategies, using tools (please do not leave your weapon unattended), capitalizing on weaknesses (please do not leave your children unattended) and reading the movements of their enemies. Family orientated and attacks in groups.
WEAKNESS: With how intelligent they are, they might not find a battle worth fighting if they are at a clear disadvantage or there are benefits to being passive. This means they can be bribed to a degree. It also means they will run away if outnumbered. Their skin is not particularly dense and they are weak to being stabbed in their vital organs.
EXTRA NOTES: Juveniles are playful, mischievous and can build bonds with humans, mistaking the humans as their family. Some of the adults can also build bonds with enough bribery.

█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Incapacitate and capture the Nihonzaru and Yama-Kujira and bring them back to base. Large cages will be provided for this purpose.
✖ Kill the kaiju if necessary, especially if they are threatening the people in the area.
✖ Capture the feral cats and bring them back to base.
✖ Following the return to base, these cats will require care. As LILITH does not have the resources for this, the ban on pets on base will be lifted and Outsiders will be encouraged to care for the cats.

█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:




▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our 8th 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 9 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.

Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards January AC.


TDM #8 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.
2. HAPPY NEW YEAR: Outsiders are welcome to visit local temples for New Year's activities, which include drawing fortune slips and writing down their wishes for the new year. Many sheep-themed goods and foods are also on sale to welcome the Year of the Sheep.
3. NEW YEAR MERCENARIES: High-profile businessman and politicians are hiring bodyguards and protective mercenaries to keep them safe as they enjoy new year's travel and celebrations. In return for being out in the cold and fighting smaller kaiju during the holidays, they offer high monetary compensation.
4. A DEADLY SOAK: Monkey and boar kaiju are attacking the outer suburbs of Tokyo, including a popular onsen spot. Capture/kill the kaiju and protect the people living there. Round up the feral cats to prevent them from rift exposure.
.


intertwinedfates: grin blush (142)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-01-02 08:36 am (UTC)(link)
Really!

[He's used to dealing with skeptics, but then again, with his powers limited here and mostly being a battle-based god, there's often precious little he can do for people, so it's warranted.

Finally dragging his water-laden ass out of the hot springs like Truth coming out of her well to shame mankind, Yato slips free of the drenched clothes, shaking himself off not unlike the cat he was chasing before hurriedly taking the yukata and jacket. First he yanks on the yukata as his teeth begin chattering, then follows it up with the jacket, finally snatching the towel to dry his hair off.]


I bet... Brrr... It's too cold for this shit! Why couldn't those apes have waited until spring, huh?
hassaku: (hssk02)

[personal profile] hassaku 2025-01-02 09:44 am (UTC)(link)
If it's a scam, I'll kick your ass.

That said... I already was forced to write down a wish for new years, so I don't have one yet.

[ Maybe that's a mercy, but honestly that whole deal weirded him out. It wasn't even a serious wish... but man it's just silly and embarrassing.

Yona guards against the shaken off water with a frown like a tired pet owner coming in from the rain. At the monkey complaints, he folds his arms, motioning towards the fence, you can see the tall trees just behind them. ]


Yeah, they act like they own the place, it pisses me off. Them and the cats really have take over, trying to take my onigiri or tripping up would-be catchers...

[ Like Yato turned Truth, speaking of his wish granting powers were the public to have more faith. Literally. ]
intertwinedfates: sigh anime (frozen hand)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-01-02 09:54 am (UTC)(link)
No way! I'm an honest god!

Huh, alright then. Well, I owe you one, how's about that? Fair enough?

[Nothing wrong with a rain check. And maybe he'll be able to help Yona out of a pinch in battle or something, evening their score. That would be more his speed anyway.

Taking the time to smooth out the fresh set of clothes, Yato nods his acknowledgement first before following with his gaze towards the trees. Even from here they can hear some of the simian stragglers making a ruckus further off; hopefully the others will keep them back so they can focus on the cats instead.]


I've heard it can be bad enough with regular monkeys, but rift-mutated ones? Yeesh! Not how I wanted to start the new year off, honestly. Guess we ought to be grateful it's not a larger kaiju.

[Though a single larger one might have been easier and faster to deal with, truthfully...]

Anyway, the name's Yato.
hassaku: (hssk10)

[personal profile] hassaku 2025-01-02 11:33 am (UTC)(link)
[ For the curious, he wrote that he wished to try a dozen new kinds of fish with friends. Yona can keep things simple though, and it seems fair enough— for whatever Yato can do in these trying times, hopefully plausible. Like kaiju fights or any of that. ]

Deal. Also it's Yona, Murakami Yona. Nice to meet you Yato.

[ He says it seriously, but it's also oddly... friendly. Like hey, thanks for introducing himself.

While he can keep complaining about mutant simians with Yato, they seem to be kept busy for now, or Yona managed to leave an impression that he's not worth bothering after the first try.

Luckily for Yato, the mild snark at his slip-up with the felines makes it a relevant topic on Yona's mind. ]


You want help catching those cats?
intertwinedfates: peace grin (67)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-01-02 03:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[A peaceful wish like that is a good one in Yato's book; he'd never begrudge someone the simple pleasures in life, not after the death and destruction he's seen - and caused - in his long lifetime. Plus it's always nice when someone makes a wish he can stealthily fulfill. It makes him feel useful.]

Nice meeting ya, Yona!

[Yato's about as serious as can be expected of him, meaning he flashes a peace sign and a grin, hand on his hip.

Whether Yona managed to deem himself hardly worthwhile or not, it's the perfect opportunity for them to try getting a few more of these cats rounded up, so Yato gives a happy nod and rubs his hands together in eagerness. This should make things a little easier...!]


Damn right! Can't go wrong with extra hands! [So he thinks.] I'm looking to get that orange one that lead me into the hot springs. He looks like a cutie but is actually a damn troublemaker.
hassaku: (hssk06)

[personal profile] hassaku 2025-01-03 02:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's lived through war and pretty much done with it, thank you. For most things, he's also kept with the times! Not quite up to Neo-Tokyo levels of course, but kinda close. ]

Okay, just be careful this time, alright— Oh! That one, right?

[ Naggy comes with the traces of old-fashionedness... But he caught a flash of orange from his peripheral vision ducking behind some onsen decor and a bench. Yato picked a good target. ]

Hellcat, you're paying for interrupting my break!

[ He's just gonna direct his annoyance in that direction because he can, but it's up to Yato to decide a plan of action, if he has one. Or just action is fine! ]
intertwinedfates: dork grin gremlin (241)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-01-03 10:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[Can't blame him for that stance, honestly.]

You got it. No more screw-ups for me, thanks.

[It definitely helps that their kitty goal stands out among the more muted colors of the hot springs; Yato wants the little guy because it reminds him of a precious friend back home, plus he's sure his girlfriend is going to love it.]

Hehe, let's get 'em!

[As for a plan of action, he starts circling around one side of the cat, indicating with a hand for Yona to go the other direction in what will hopefully become a pincer attack. Between the two of them, they're bound to snag it! ...right?]
hassaku: (hssk04)

[personal profile] hassaku 2025-01-04 07:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ That's a sweet sentiment in cat pursual... and yeah, fortunate that it's easier to see. Imagine tailing a gray or white cat...

Oh, tactics! Maybe he underestimated Yato, that's clever. Since the cat seems focused on Yato thanks to their earlier scuffle, Yona boldly makes his move... and he manages to grab a hold of the cat by its middle. He's not one to miss an opportunity like this.

However, surprised animals will do as they see fit. ]


Ha...! --Ow, ow!

[ He knows better than to hold down an animal too firmly at the risk of hurting them, but the orange feline is definitely squirming in his arms. The claws hurt. In wanting to escape Yona though, Yato can figure something out preemptively. He might even be batter at handling 'em. ]
intertwinedfates: sweat (93)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-01-04 06:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[They'd never find a calico, either... They'd blend right in with everything!

Never let it be said that a fool can't learn. After trying a direct approach, this seems a better alternative. But hey! Nice snag there, Yona! Yato lets out a cheer, moving in to help.

Just not quite quick enough to prevent the inevitable.]


Ooh-- Ow, that's gotta smart.

[Thankfully Yato's had years of experience handling animals - once he's gotten a hold of them. So he hurriedly snatches up the carrier, opening the door before gently taking the struggling feline by the scruff and directing it backside-first into the crate.]

There we go--! C'mon, now, behave for us, you little turkey...!
hassaku: (hssk03)

[personal profile] hassaku 2025-01-05 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
It really does, I'm not a scratching post, dammit...

[ Helpful commentary right there. But we are thankfully deferring this catch to someone with a batter handle on stuff. No, Yona doesn't have experience with pets. Small cats in particular, the cats in hell like Tama are larger than normal but even he wouldn't mess with a hellcat doing its job.

The job of the stray onsen cat is much more tame by comparison, but the feral in their title is definitely proven. Yona can try and still help despite the stinging reminders though, holding the crate steady and open with one arm while trying to keep Yato from getting scratched too with the other. He can take another scratch, despite his complaints. ]
intertwinedfates: smile sweat grimace (251)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-01-05 04:46 am (UTC)(link)
They sure seem to think so.

[But hopefully they can stop the cat from inflicting further harm upon him. With the power of TEAMWORK!! Having someone else hold the crate and aid in sliding the kitty into said container makes things much easier, enough so that with a bit of finagling and some scratches of his own, they finally manage to get their target corralled.

There's still a fair amount of growling and spitting like a little fire, but at least nobody's becoming shredded beef. Yato sets the carrier down, cat and all, and sighs in relief, reaching a hand out to shake one of Yona's.]


Nice work, man. Glad to know I can count on you when things are tough.
hassaku: (hssk08)

[personal profile] hassaku 2025-01-05 08:36 am (UTC)(link)
[ It wasn't the smoothest of successes, but it's one nonetheless. He also sighs in relief, the pat to the carrier coming a feeling of accomplishment.

He was on the other side, so he looks surprised when he turns his gaze to see that hand of Teamwork!! in his direction. It's been a while, but he gives a good smile back at Yato and takes the handshake. ]


No problem and likewise. That really is much easier with help, huh.

[ It's not that dangerous of a request from Lilith, but it felt troublesome. Either way, this guy is dependable, and that's pretty nice in a completely new place. ]
intertwinedfates: grin blush (8)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-01-05 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[It definitely could've been a hell of a lot worse, all things considered. They could've had an escapee, or lost a limb, or at least gotten a scratched up hand.

Once they shake hands, Yato flops down on a nearby rock with a heavy sigh that's nevertheless content. He's already dealt with the apes today, so scoring a cat too means it's the cherry on top of his accomplishment sundae.]


No kidding! I probably would've been at it all day otherwise. Now I can take this little one home to Hiyori! I bet she'll love him!

[Since they're now allowed to keep them on base, having a pet should bring a sense of homeliness to the place that only animals can do. And he's met a new friend, so it's a double win in his book!]
hassaku: (hssk02)

[personal profile] hassaku 2025-01-07 10:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Flop away Yato, you deserve it. Yona finds another rock to sorta sit on, checking his arms. Raised marks from the scratched, but they'll fade in a day and he's dealt with worse. Maybe his pride is hurt a little. ]

Wait, you're giving this cat to someone?

[ He sounds so surprised. Like yeah it's up to Yato to figure out and decide what to do with their orange friend, he did most of the work in Yona's opinion. To be honest he didn't think about what would be done about the captured cats... maybe they'd be moved to somewhere where they wouldn't be a nuisance to people. The cats in Asakusa are left alone, but they're much nicer thanks to being fed by strangers...

Not that he ever did that. Nope. They just both like seafood! ]


Your... friend? Girlfriend?

[ Wild guesses here, but not too odd ones hopefully. ]
intertwinedfates: blush talk smile (213)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-01-08 12:18 am (UTC)(link)
[They both deserve a short break, honestly. Cat scratches may not be battle wounds, but they still smart a good deal. Provided you're not allergic to them - then they very well may qualify as being injured in battle, heh.]

Uh huh! I saw this one and had to have him for her.

[Well, it's not like he's about to turn around and just let the damn thing go or something equally silly! And he chose this one for a specific reason - it's pretty yellow-cream colored coat. And somewhat surly attitude. Matches up with who it reminds him of, heh.]

Yup! My fiancée, actually.

[He seems even more pleased saying that, if somewhat shy and bashful. It's still a strange way to think of someone for a thousand year old god who never even dated previously.]