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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.
.


likemybooks: Taryon looking over his book (concerned)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-01-16 04:38 pm (UTC)(link)
No, I got here on time. I was just on the other side. [He will insist that he did his job as asked.

Taryon steps aside, closer to the gate, just to show how dedicated he is to guarding this building.]
So are you going back to hiding in trees, or are you staying out here with me?
sanguivorous: (Smirk -You have become like other men)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-01-16 04:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Why, will you be lonely?
likemybooks: <user name = jessecuster site = insanejournal.com> (you are beneath me)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-01-16 05:03 pm (UTC)(link)
They said we need more than one person working together. You know, since it's more strategically sound.

[He huffs.]

I wasn't lonely. I had Doty.
sanguivorous: (Frown -Head tilt and down idk wtf you do)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-01-16 05:38 pm (UTC)(link)
I was working! [A petulant huff as he crosses his arms.] As you may have noticed, I'm a great ambusher.

[He then eyes the automotan, who must be "Doty", and snorts in disdain.]

Yes, a walking hunk of metal, I'm sure it's a great conversationalist.
likemybooks: <user name = jessecuster site = insanejournal.com> (you are beneath me)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-01-16 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Tary. [The automaton speaks in a monotone, mechanical voice.]

I have someone to talk to who can protect me. So far, Doty's been doing well as my bodyguard partner.
sanguivorous: (Neutral -A haughty neutral)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-01-16 08:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[He eyes the robot up and down, clearly unimpressed. Wasn't as intimidating as Gortash's Steel Watch, and apparently not as smart if the one word answer was it's reply.]

It only said half your name.
likemybooks: Taryon looking over his book (concerned)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-01-16 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
It said many things in one word. That he sides with me, that I'm his friend, and that he doesn't agree with your claim that I'll be lonely.

[How much is Taryon making it up? Most of it, probably. But he'll retain what pride he has left.]

Don't you underestimate him.
sanguivorous: (Angry -rar rar)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-01-16 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
I am not too worried about him.

[He steps around Taryon, the opposite side of Doty, and turns on his heel to lean back against the wall, arms still folded, as if preparing to remain with Taryon instead of returning to the tree.]

If you thought he said all that then you must be very lonely indeed.
likemybooks: Staring ahead with a serious expression. (confused)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-01-17 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[Taryon crosses his arms, now watching Astarion instead of the surrounding environment.]

Well. I mean. [It's true, but it's not the best way to introduce oneself.] So what? I learned how to entertain myself, which isn't something you can say of most people.
sanguivorous: (Neutral -Sorta sus)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-01-23 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
I suppose.

[He's not sure if it's better or worse that he put his loneliness to work in order to make an enchanted automaton. But then again, compared to himself, when he was a lonely child he learned to bully and it led to a relatively lucrative career of being a magistrate.]

But surely a man with as sunny a disposition has made friends here.
likemybooks: Taryon with a frustrated look (mild anger)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-01-23 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, certainly. I've made plenty of friends in my time here. [Taryon says quickly enough that one can read it as defensice.] They've given me so many gifts for Christmas and the New Year celebrations.
sanguivorous: (Smug -What a rogue face)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-02-02 05:11 am (UTC)(link)
Did they now? What were your favorite ones?

[He was being rather cruel if it was actually false he didn't receive "so many" gifts. And perhaps it would backfire on him; if he had been here during gift giving times he most likely would not have received any himself. It was far more likely Taryon would have friends compared to himself.

But what can he say, this man was fun to needle, and this prep school age reaction to his question delighted him.]
likemybooks: <user name = jessecuster site = insanejournal.com> (you are beneath me)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-02-02 04:01 pm (UTC)(link)
I have so many to choose from. I like the hair care supplies. I received a doll of a duck that symbolizes a deep friendship. [That he forgot about when he died and was revived but what's important is that Ereshkigal thought of him.] So there's my practical answer and sentimental answer.

[What victory he finds is sweeter in knowing that Astarion wasn't around to get presents. Because he wasn't the type to go around making friends. Wouldn't he be jealous that being nice to other people has its own rewards!]
sanguivorous: (Worried -Soft)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-02-02 04:44 pm (UTC)(link)
A duck?

[It makes him immediately think of Halsin, and all those blasted wooden ducks he carves. Oddly, Astarion feels a pang of sadness, the emotion flitting across his face. Could he really be missing his travel companions? Vile. His face returns stoic.]

Why a duck?
likemybooks: Taryon shading his eyes and smiling (new adventure)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-02-03 02:09 am (UTC)(link)
A duck. He's a fictional character with an entire extensive family tree. There are a lot of stories about him.

[He could share the graphic novel outlining the history of this elderly patriarch, but that might be too much nerdy stuff to load onto this guy.]

Ducks are pretty cool. I know a guy who draws his power from them.

[You know. Just a weird custom subclass.]
sanguivorous: (Pensive -But let me kiss you once again)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-02-03 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
That is--well, I would like to say sounds like the worst thing to draw power from, but I must remind myself I find the gods particularly useless, so good for him.

[A beat.]

I know someone that likes to whittle ducks from wood. Though I think that's the only shape he knows.
likemybooks: Taryon looks confused while talking (wait a moment)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-02-03 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
I don't get it, but I'm not going to question a barbarian with the strength to break my spine in two.

I would think that ducks are among the more complex shapes to carve. Which I know I can do. [He adds quickly.]
sanguivorous: (Laugh -Huhu)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-02-03 02:51 am (UTC)(link)
[He snorts violently, covering his mouth with a hand as he titters at the thought.]

Out of all the possibilities, I did not consider it being a barbarian.

[He lowers the fingers to his chin, holding them there as he smiles with genuine delight.]

Please, tell me he quacked a ferocious quack when he entered his rage.
likemybooks: looking up and thinking (gears are turning)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-02-03 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
I...haven't seen Lionel do that. He normally just looks excitwd that he's in a fight.

[A "happy rage" if you will.]

No, wait — I remember he quacked at us when we first met to scare us off. He does thay sometimes.
sanguivorous: (Laugh -Huhu)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-02-03 03:04 am (UTC)(link)
[His giggle turns into peals of laughter, loud barks with a tone somewhat different from the posh voice he usually has on.]

Oh... Barbarians. I love those thick brutes, always a font of entertainment.

[And they were often very honest and straight-forward, which he always appreciates. It was always nice to be at ease with them and not worry about inevitable betrayal.

He sighs, and wipes at an eye.]


Though, I would have advised him that geese are far more terrifying than a duck, if he wanted to remain in the same animal family. I would stay away from a threatening goose honk.
likemybooks: speaking unconcerned (dismissive)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-02-03 03:49 am (UTC)(link)
[The undignified noise Astarion makes shocks Taryon od any follow-up. A stealthy thief does not bark or laugh like an excited donkey at an odd tale, yet here he is, losing it at Taryon describing the first member of the Darrington Brigade.

Would he survive if he met the orc in person? Taryon grins.]
Funny story, actually. He was sent away on a basket down the river when he was small and raised by ducks.

No. Seriously. I didn't beleive it, but he talks to ducks all the time.
sanguivorous: (Smirk -in 3/4 and close up)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-02-03 03:58 am (UTC)(link)
[He has calmed down into a more appropriate demeanor for a roguish moon elf to take, but a smile still lingers on his face.]

I would say that sounds entirely idiotic and false, however I happened to have met a particularly moronic specimen of a man, recently revived from being a statue for about a century, who seems to be able to speak fluently with a small rodent even without magic. So sure, why the hells not.
likemybooks: talking to someone to the side (thoughtful)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-02-03 02:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[Taryon blinks, and with one second of consideration:] Did you awaken a god?

[It makes sense. He's a statue given life. He has an animal companion that he speaks to innately. Lionel can commune to ducks, but that's because he grew up speaking their ducky language. So, this mystery man was either raised by rodents (not likely), or he's in mortal form, investigating his realm of...whatever his domain is.]
sanguivorous: (Smirk -You have become like other men)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-02-03 04:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, no. No, no, not at all.

[He laughs again, thinking of Minsc the meathead god.]

Though, I doubt he would be worse than any other god. He would likely answer your prayer, if incorrectly, at least.

[He gestures as if he were shrugging while doing a dismissive shrug, ending with folding his arms over his chest.]

No, he is but a normal ranger with a miniature giant space hamster. Of course.

likemybooks: Taryon holding a hand to his head while he listens (listening)

[personal profile] likemybooks 2025-02-03 07:12 pm (UTC)(link)
That's normal. All rangers can talk to their pets. [He nods with the wisdom of having met one (1) ranger and her bear.] Not the part where he was a statue. That's kind of strange.

[A gust of wind blows throught the trees and along the perimeter of the exterior fence. Taryon shivers.]

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