▶ 008. TEST DRIVE #8

[synfluxmods]

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?

<raw code><table width="80%"><br><div align="center"><img src="IMAGE_URL" style="width: 200px; border-radius: 15px; border: 1px solid #7F7F7F; box-shadow: #8D8D8D 1px 1px 1px;"> <!-- CARD --> <div style="width:230px;padding:20px 0 0;border:1px solid #f2f2f2;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;align-items:right;gap:5px;background:#fff;"> <!-- CHAR INFO: start --> <div style="width:150px;font-family:courier;font-weight:bold;font-size: clamp(14px, 1vw, 10px);letter-spacing:1px;line-height:1;color:#000;"></lj-raw><font color="#00686E">NAME</font> <lj-raw></div> <!-- CHAR INFO: end --> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE START --> <div style="width:230px;background:#eee;"><details><summary style="cursor:pointer;text-align:center;font-family:arial, sans serif;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center;background:#ccc;color:#000;">+</summary> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE: content --> <div style="width:190px;margin:0 auto;padding:7px 0;font-family:arial, sans serif;font-size:11px;text-align:left;color:#000;"> </lj-raw><b>Username:</b> !!ANSWER HERE!! <br> <b>Civilian Identity:</b> !!ANSWER HERE OR SAY UNDECIDED!! <br> <b>Age:</b> !!AGE HERE!! <br> <b>Species:</b> !!SPECIES HERE!! <br> <b>Origin:</b> !!ORIGIN HERE!! <br></br> <b>Blood Type:</b> !!BLOOD TYPE HERE!! <br></br> <b>What are your new year’s resolutions?</b></br> </br>!! ANSWER HERE !!<lj-raw> </div></details></div> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE: content end --> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE END --> </div></div> <!-- CARD name: END --> <!-- CREDIT --> <div style="width:100%;margin-top:-15px;font-size:10px;color:#ddd; text-align:center;"><a title="code credit!" href="http://10billionghosts.dreamwidth.org" style="text-decoration:none;color:#ddd;">credit</a></div></center></table></raw code>

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.
.

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Comments

KALADIN | THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE | CURRENT

[gyve]

( ORIENTATION. )

KALADIN STORMBLESSED

+

Username: shash
Civilian Identity: Calvin Wero, paramedic
Age: 21 (23 by the Gregorian calendar)
Species: Human
Origin: Roshar

Blood Type: O

What are your New Year’s resolutions?

I want to remain true to my ideals. I want to feel better. I want to go home.

credit

( IMPLANT ID: SHASH. )

I'd like to make an announcement now that the festivities have begun
I don't want to go around picking any of you up off the street
So I've drawn up a list of ways you can prevent alcohol poisoning
For yourself and others

Listen up

Drink in moderation
One to two drinks per hour people
Far less if you're doing shots of hard liquor

Pace yourself
You drink a lot in a short period and you think you can keep going
Wrong
You've already crossed that line
Stop it's over

Eat before drinking
Pad your stomach with something before going out

Stay hydrated
Have a drink then follow it with a glass of water
One drink one water this is not difficult

Don't mix substances
Don't drink while taking medication or drugs
Don't add energy drinks to alcohol

Boundaries
Set a limit and stick to it
Don't let anyone peer pressure you into drinking more than you planned to

Be wary
Never leave your drink unattended for any reason for any amount of time
Someone could spike it with something

Intervene
If you see someone drinking way too much step in and stop them
Comrades strangers it doesn't matter

As always if you need my help you can reach me here or on my emergency line
Link below
[CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY]
Stay safe and take care of each other

@xXdarkwarriorXx

[fessus]

A lot of the sake cups have been sitting out/a lot of the energy drinks are already opened when they hand them out, js

Also define "drinking way too much" bc one guy tried to take my hair but he seemed pretty chill other than that

[gyve]

( closes his eyes... focuses on breathing... )

Direct your attention above
Specifically to the be wary and intervene sections of the list

Using common sense what tasks do you think are required of you

@nice toy

[fursuit]

can I reduce your next lecture by a few minutes if I post this at the bar

[gyve]

Yes

( THE FASTEST HE'S EVER RESPONDED TO SOMEONE IN HIS LIFE )

@poker

[stonehearts]

I take it you're not the sort of person to let people learn from their mistakes, eh?

[gyve]

When have you ever known drinkers to quit drinking because of one bad night
I'd prefer them to be safe from the outset

@BAD DADDY

[zauneyete]

Do you enjoy talking down to adults?

[gyve]

No
Just to you

@rasgulla

[peoplewatch]

Just one or two? [ that is so little kaladin, pls live a little ]

This is very thoughtful of you. However, I feel like they aren't going to listen.

[gyve]

That's what people said about my last request and I haven't heard a storming thing from them

( he told them to stop commenting on his height. sure enough, they did, because people's memories—even for petty garbage—are short!!!!! )

If even one person picks a recommendation from this list to adhere to I'll have done my job
It's about awareness more than it is about rules

@KENSUKE

[vorous]

_{[ oh, we are sharing survival facts, are we? ]}

If you throw a weasel into a Basilisk's hole, it's odor drives it away.

_{[ why is he so fixated on this particular monster this week?? ]}

[gyve]

Do we have to go over this again Laios

I don't understand a word you say to me

Are these more of your monsters

( all dictated to his implant in the tone of a weary father )

@NIGHTFALL

[yuwon]

Did they pay you put this out, or is this for someone specific? The next time, I'd advise you just leave them out on the street. They'll learn faster that way.

[gyve]

( aventurine's and silco's negative opinions on his public service announcement have made him approach critical mass, and unfortunately, yuwon's addition sprinkles on the last fissile material to sustain kaladin's rage indefinitely.

fuelled by his intolerance for wanton dickishness, he learns for the first time how to toggle capslock. )

I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE INHUMANE THINGS YOU HAVE TO SAY

DO BETTER

un: eagle

[raynos]

you seem to know a lot about responsible drinking

did you have to learn because of your job, or do you have friends who like to make bad decisions?

[gyve]

( thinks of his comrades back home—one specifically. it makes his chest ache. )

Both
I'm not an expert but I know enough to help where it's needed

Are you out enjoying the celebrations

@hearse

[wheft]

This is just Alcohol Consumption 101...

Though, I guess the kids in the base would appreciate something like this once they come of age.

[gyve]

Yes it is
Yet regardless of age many don't adhere to these recommendations
Something I'm sure you've noticed

@ soba

[gorb]

Shouldn't you just let nature take its course? I'm certain LILITH would just bring anyone foolish enough to reach that point back to fighting health. And it's a life lesson.

( Says frequent drinker, Geto Suguru. But so far no one's caught him flying a curse drunk. )

[gyve]

No

( SAID WITH FINALITY. it's too bad his implant doesn't pick up on his intensity naturally. an exclamation mark or extremely heavy, slanted lines—or something—would go a long way... )

Only older generations think life lessons should be learned the hard way
It doesn't build character you're being callous

@justish

[lostdestiny]

[ ] Who put you in charge

[gyve]

For the last time none of you have to read the list

orientation ( i do what i want )

[redsoil]

What even is there to feel poorly about?
You must be overthinking. Again.

[ you a party pooper?? ]

Come out with me! I will show you how to have fun.

you do and i love you

[gyve]

( I POOP EVERY PARTY

does overthink a lot... sighs... )

What does your idea of fun look like Set