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sinfucks2025-02-27 09:29 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2025-02-27 09:29 pm
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TEST DRIVE #9
TEST DRIVE #9
▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA. (KYOTO BASE)
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, you regain consciousness in a pool of stasis liquid along many others. You realize you are underground. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
When the pool mostly drains of its liquid, each Outsider will find themselves in what appears to be a large pool of some sort; they are underground. The base in Kyoto isn’t fully equipped with individual pods, and so the newly arrived will find themselves in a tangle of limbs, or depending on when they wake, utterly alone in this vast space. While normally they arrive in their undergarments, there is a chance that they could arrive totally nude due to lack of resources in Kyoto. Those who are not nude, however, may find themselves in whatever undergarments LILITH could provide for them at the time. Maybe it's something basic and simple like whitey tighties, or something saucy like a lingerie set, maybe matching Hello Kitty bra and panties. When they fully regain their bearings, they will be ushered into the medical bay space right across from the stasis pool, in which several grey LILITH-issued yukata will be prepared for them.
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 stasis pool, 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! Also, current Outsiders will see that their Syndata Files are now accessible for all to see. (If you would like your Syndata file to be private for some reason, just assume it is inaccessible for some reason.)
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 mess hall at this base is on the surface level; not underground, and while larger, it does have a lot of empty space that still needs to be fitted in. The kitchen can be seen and one or two robots are busy stirring pots and preparing the dishes. The current offerings are a spicy turtle soup and deep fried vegetables roots that have been cultivated at this base in Kyoto. Not all the veggies used are a hit, some more pungent than others. There also seems to be several mystery meat dishes for those who wish to explore a new culinary world. Some are made as lab meats, and some most definitely come from smaller kaiju, but nobody needs to know that. Additionally, as only so much robotic staff could be brought over at a time, and since most are being used to rebuild parts of this base and the one in Tokyo— Outsiders will also be encouraged to make their own food. The recipes will all be made available on their oculars, but considering these meats come from various sources, they’re not all guaranteed to be tasty.
Someone else is here to check in with the newcomers; none other than Dr. Spim, the lead medical doctor here. A genius in an adorable, cat-sized body.
"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, you regain consciousness in a pool of stasis liquid along many others. You realize you are underground. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
When the pool mostly drains of its liquid, each Outsider will find themselves in what appears to be a large pool of some sort; they are underground. The base in Kyoto isn’t fully equipped with individual pods, and so the newly arrived will find themselves in a tangle of limbs, or depending on when they wake, utterly alone in this vast space. While normally they arrive in their undergarments, there is a chance that they could arrive totally nude due to lack of resources in Kyoto. Those who are not nude, however, may find themselves in whatever undergarments LILITH could provide for them at the time. Maybe it's something basic and simple like whitey tighties, or something saucy like a lingerie set, maybe matching Hello Kitty bra and panties. When they fully regain their bearings, they will be ushered into the medical bay space right across from the stasis pool, in which several grey LILITH-issued yukata will be prepared for them.
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 stasis pool, 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:
Syndata File: 🎉 NOW PUBLIC ACCESSIBLE 🎉
Have you ever had a dream that that you um you had you'd you would you could you'd do you wi you wants you you could do so you you'd do you could you you want you want him to do you so much you could do anything?
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! Also, current Outsiders will see that their Syndata Files are now accessible for all to see. (If you would like your Syndata file to be private for some reason, just assume it is inaccessible for some reason.)
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 mess hall at this base is on the surface level; not underground, and while larger, it does have a lot of empty space that still needs to be fitted in. The kitchen can be seen and one or two robots are busy stirring pots and preparing the dishes. The current offerings are a spicy turtle soup and deep fried vegetables roots that have been cultivated at this base in Kyoto. Not all the veggies used are a hit, some more pungent than others. There also seems to be several mystery meat dishes for those who wish to explore a new culinary world. Some are made as lab meats, and some most definitely come from smaller kaiju, but nobody needs to know that. Additionally, as only so much robotic staff could be brought over at a time, and since most are being used to rebuild parts of this base and the one in Tokyo— Outsiders will also be encouraged to make their own food. The recipes will all be made available on their oculars, but considering these meats come from various sources, they’re not all guaranteed to be tasty.
Someone else is here to check in with the newcomers; none other than Dr. Spim, the lead medical doctor here. A genius in an adorable, cat-sized body.
"So sorry about the weird question, but because of the previous damage done to the NEO TOKYO BASE, SYNTHIA has been acting kind of funny lately. Apologies for that. We are working quickly to fix her so she can return to purrfect operation."
▶ 002. KYOTO: THE BASE.
The Kyoto base was originally built as part of a large temple and its smaller structures, blending into a traditional yet modern building. As a result, it has all of the fixtures one may find in a temple, including several tori, as well as other areas of quiet meditation. If it weren’t so overgrown, a lot of the sights could have been considered idyllic at one point.
While Outsiders were encouraged to go to the bunkers after the mess of Tokyo, they are now offered a space within the base in Kyoto, as well. Though, the catch is that they have to help rebuild it. While the robots have been quick to rebuild the most important parts of the building, including the area for the giant stasis pool, a barebones research facility, the mess hall, and some rooms, it’s clear it’s still a work in progress. As mentioned, it has some area underground, such as the stasis pool and medical room.
The rooms available are designed as a traditional washitsu, where there are tatami floors, and futons to sleep on. As not all the rooms have been prepared yet, Outsiders will also be required to room up during their stays in Kyoto, unless they prefer to travel between the Tokyo bunkers. Each room can hold a maximum of three (3) people, four (4) if they push their floor futons very, very close.
The main temple ground is currently being retrofitted into a training ground. While there is no simulation room, they do have hologram options in which characters are able to choose to fight with several different kaiju, as well as general soldiers, and they’re even able to link memories from their oculars to fight against– whether this be an enemy from their respective home worlds, or otherwise. The only issue is that their powers haven’t been scaled yet, so enemies which seem weak, can be strong, and vice versa. LILITH also wants to be sure Outsiders get as much practice as needed, even without the simulation rooms, and so all manner of futuristic weapons will be offered to play around with.
While many have been made familiar with certain spaces at the base, including the mess hall, or the medical bay, there will also be a general map of the rest of the base, and Outsiders are free to explore those freely. Just like with the bunkers, there are communal baths, and even a library. Most of the reading offered here are of older texts, but there will be some books that were on base that may have been moved sometime between last year. They may have even mistakenly put up books salvaged from the base that may be personal items, whether that is a diary, notebook, or even doujinshi that Outsiders could have been keeping. Surely some of these doujinshi don't look like you, right?
Getting settled is priority number one, however one glaring issue will be made apparent during the initial week of them moving onto the base in Kyoto. The monks who were residing nearby, or even utilizing the abandoned temple spaces on the outskirts of the base, all seem to have issues with the Outsiders being there. As such, LILITH hopes to offer them assistance in exchange for giving up those areas. Monks will be asking Outsiders for help with numerous tasks, and are allowed to call upon any Outsider they see— whether they need them to clean some of the halls of their own living spaces, or even to help cultivate plants nearby. Some may even ask them to put on a performance appropriate for their cultural celebrations. It’s never too late to learn something new! On the bright side, in two weeks time, they will (probably) be out of everyone’s hair, right?
While Outsiders were encouraged to go to the bunkers after the mess of Tokyo, they are now offered a space within the base in Kyoto, as well. Though, the catch is that they have to help rebuild it. While the robots have been quick to rebuild the most important parts of the building, including the area for the giant stasis pool, a barebones research facility, the mess hall, and some rooms, it’s clear it’s still a work in progress. As mentioned, it has some area underground, such as the stasis pool and medical room.
The rooms available are designed as a traditional washitsu, where there are tatami floors, and futons to sleep on. As not all the rooms have been prepared yet, Outsiders will also be required to room up during their stays in Kyoto, unless they prefer to travel between the Tokyo bunkers. Each room can hold a maximum of three (3) people, four (4) if they push their floor futons very, very close.
The main temple ground is currently being retrofitted into a training ground. While there is no simulation room, they do have hologram options in which characters are able to choose to fight with several different kaiju, as well as general soldiers, and they’re even able to link memories from their oculars to fight against– whether this be an enemy from their respective home worlds, or otherwise. The only issue is that their powers haven’t been scaled yet, so enemies which seem weak, can be strong, and vice versa. LILITH also wants to be sure Outsiders get as much practice as needed, even without the simulation rooms, and so all manner of futuristic weapons will be offered to play around with.
While many have been made familiar with certain spaces at the base, including the mess hall, or the medical bay, there will also be a general map of the rest of the base, and Outsiders are free to explore those freely. Just like with the bunkers, there are communal baths, and even a library. Most of the reading offered here are of older texts, but there will be some books that were on base that may have been moved sometime between last year. They may have even mistakenly put up books salvaged from the base that may be personal items, whether that is a diary, notebook, or even doujinshi that Outsiders could have been keeping. Surely some of these doujinshi don't look like you, right?
Getting settled is priority number one, however one glaring issue will be made apparent during the initial week of them moving onto the base in Kyoto. The monks who were residing nearby, or even utilizing the abandoned temple spaces on the outskirts of the base, all seem to have issues with the Outsiders being there. As such, LILITH hopes to offer them assistance in exchange for giving up those areas. Monks will be asking Outsiders for help with numerous tasks, and are allowed to call upon any Outsider they see— whether they need them to clean some of the halls of their own living spaces, or even to help cultivate plants nearby. Some may even ask them to put on a performance appropriate for their cultural celebrations. It’s never too late to learn something new! On the bright side, in two weeks time, they will (probably) be out of everyone’s hair, right?
▶ 003. KYOTO: REBUILD .
Kyoto itself had been largely abandoned before the Outsiders first stepped in last year. Since then, some pockets of civilization that existed nearby have made the move to Kyoto in hopes of a better life. Additionally, those who have been scarred by the battle in Tokyo have decided to also make this move. Some originally from Kyoto, are grateful for the help of the Outsiders as they can finally return to their old family homes.
Outsiders are expected to use this time off from battle to not only assist the civilians in their efforts in rebuilding their lives, but to also help create an impact in Kyoto!
This is where the Outsiders are able to assist in pitching their idea of necessary infrastructure to Kyoto. As of right now, there are only so many resources, and whichever ideas are most well-justified will likely end up becoming a part of Kyoto. As of right now, the civilians themselves seem to want hospitals, shops/entertainment businesses, and even parks! Outsiders will be expected to help not only plan these ideas out, but to go around and rally support for these projects, which can be them creating annoying ads via oculars, participating in city hall debates, and/or even clogging up the network on why their idea would be best.
Despite bringing in a fair amount of food supplies to start, not only growing some of the food they had successes in raising via the lab, growth time is still a huge factor, especially as the LILITH-grade greenhouse is still in the works. In the meantime, Outsiders will be expected to hunt and gather their own food. Kyoto is still largely overrun by some populations of smaller boar kaiju, and even off the coasts of Osaka, there are several fishing spots available. As for whether they’re safe for consumption, everyone will get a ping on their oculars which includes a whole archive of signs of what is safe or unsafe to consume. Some will also find some fish will still be supersized and may take more than one Outsider to reel in.
Who doesn’t like a bit of risk to go with their fishing?
( After the TDM, characters will have the opportunity to rebuild Kyoto in a meaningful way, just like playing a game of the sims! In the next event, players will be encouraged to share their ideas for infrastructure and LILITH will provide assistance with building it. Interested characters may even have the opportunity to take up roles in running and governing the city following that. As a mod team, we are looking forward seeing the fruits of a player-run city. So rally your ideas and let's make Kyoto a great new place to live! )
Outsiders are expected to use this time off from battle to not only assist the civilians in their efforts in rebuilding their lives, but to also help create an impact in Kyoto!
This is where the Outsiders are able to assist in pitching their idea of necessary infrastructure to Kyoto. As of right now, there are only so many resources, and whichever ideas are most well-justified will likely end up becoming a part of Kyoto. As of right now, the civilians themselves seem to want hospitals, shops/entertainment businesses, and even parks! Outsiders will be expected to help not only plan these ideas out, but to go around and rally support for these projects, which can be them creating annoying ads via oculars, participating in city hall debates, and/or even clogging up the network on why their idea would be best.
Despite bringing in a fair amount of food supplies to start, not only growing some of the food they had successes in raising via the lab, growth time is still a huge factor, especially as the LILITH-grade greenhouse is still in the works. In the meantime, Outsiders will be expected to hunt and gather their own food. Kyoto is still largely overrun by some populations of smaller boar kaiju, and even off the coasts of Osaka, there are several fishing spots available. As for whether they’re safe for consumption, everyone will get a ping on their oculars which includes a whole archive of signs of what is safe or unsafe to consume. Some will also find some fish will still be supersized and may take more than one Outsider to reel in.
Who doesn’t like a bit of risk to go with their fishing?
( After the TDM, characters will have the opportunity to rebuild Kyoto in a meaningful way, just like playing a game of the sims! In the next event, players will be encouraged to share their ideas for infrastructure and LILITH will provide assistance with building it. Interested characters may even have the opportunity to take up roles in running and governing the city following that. As a mod team, we are looking forward seeing the fruits of a player-run city. So rally your ideas and let's make Kyoto a great new place to live! )
▶ 004. PUPPETMASTERS.
While the new beginning is exciting, things never stay calm for long. Outsiders will receive a briefing that there is trouble afoot in Awaji Island, an island close to Osaka. Awaji Island, now mostly deserted, was once known for its traditional puppet theater. These puppet shows, of course, have not been running for decades, but they are still remembered fondly by the people who used to live there. Following a mass exodus by the citizens living there a long time ago, these puppets now lay abandoned in the theater, untouched for decades.
Recently, LILITH has received reports of puppets coming to life and walking the streets, causing panic within the small population still residing in Awaji Island. First, they were simply feeling their feet, roaming the island with no real aim in mind and giving the residents a scare. Eventually, they have started to attack people. It was reported that a young woman was ambushed by animated puppets, and all that was left of her remains were bones and tufts of hair.
Outsiders will be mobilized immediately to Awaji Island with the goal of dealing with the situation. They have the option of boarding a LILITH-issued ferry to the island, or donning an Ocean Gem, gem-like implant that temporarily gives them the gills and tail of a marine creature. These gems will be provided temporarily to all Outsiders requesting them and will need to be returned following the mission. Please note that the transformation can be quite uncomfortable.
Upon arrival on the island, they will be tasked with hunting down the animated puppets, investigating the situation, and eliminating the threat. The capture of one specimen will reveal its true nature. Within the hollow body of a marionette, there appears to be an infestation of ant-like creatures, and much like hundreds to thousands of tiny puppetmasters, they are animating the puppets and using them for protection. These insects have learned to move within their marionettes in a way that’s similar to humans, and within the marionettes, they will attack as humans do, brandishing readily available weapons such as knives and farming tools. When the shell of the puppet is cracked open, they spill out, swarming the nearest human they can find and attempting to eat them or infest their body.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Marionant
HEIGHT: 2cm
WEIGHT: 2g
CLASS: No threat when alone, moderate threat when in a swarm
LOCATION: Awaji Island, Japan
ABILITIES: When in a swarm, they act in a hive mind and are highly coordinated. This allows them to take down much bigger prey. Razor sharp mouth pincers with a mild, stinging venom that can become lethal if a prey gets bitten too many times. More durable than your average ant, able to withstand 100kg of force without being crushed. Shows ability to think and plan their movements when working as a hive mind. When they infest a body, they seek to control it while eating up its insides, turning that body into a puppet slave.
WEAKNESS: Fire or drowning in water.
EXTRA NOTES: It is very difficult to stop them once they have started infesting a body. Avoid this at all cost. Seek medical attention immediately if you or a teammate has been infested.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Rescue civilians from the ant kaiju.
✖ Avoid infestation or lethal bites.
✖ Use fire or water as it is their weakness.
✖ Seek out their nests and destroy it without letting them scatter.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO: Linking Photo (cw: bug illustration)
Recently, LILITH has received reports of puppets coming to life and walking the streets, causing panic within the small population still residing in Awaji Island. First, they were simply feeling their feet, roaming the island with no real aim in mind and giving the residents a scare. Eventually, they have started to attack people. It was reported that a young woman was ambushed by animated puppets, and all that was left of her remains were bones and tufts of hair.
Outsiders will be mobilized immediately to Awaji Island with the goal of dealing with the situation. They have the option of boarding a LILITH-issued ferry to the island, or donning an Ocean Gem, gem-like implant that temporarily gives them the gills and tail of a marine creature. These gems will be provided temporarily to all Outsiders requesting them and will need to be returned following the mission. Please note that the transformation can be quite uncomfortable.
Upon arrival on the island, they will be tasked with hunting down the animated puppets, investigating the situation, and eliminating the threat. The capture of one specimen will reveal its true nature. Within the hollow body of a marionette, there appears to be an infestation of ant-like creatures, and much like hundreds to thousands of tiny puppetmasters, they are animating the puppets and using them for protection. These insects have learned to move within their marionettes in a way that’s similar to humans, and within the marionettes, they will attack as humans do, brandishing readily available weapons such as knives and farming tools. When the shell of the puppet is cracked open, they spill out, swarming the nearest human they can find and attempting to eat them or infest their body.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Marionant
HEIGHT: 2cm
WEIGHT: 2g
CLASS: No threat when alone, moderate threat when in a swarm
LOCATION: Awaji Island, Japan
ABILITIES: When in a swarm, they act in a hive mind and are highly coordinated. This allows them to take down much bigger prey. Razor sharp mouth pincers with a mild, stinging venom that can become lethal if a prey gets bitten too many times. More durable than your average ant, able to withstand 100kg of force without being crushed. Shows ability to think and plan their movements when working as a hive mind. When they infest a body, they seek to control it while eating up its insides, turning that body into a puppet slave.
WEAKNESS: Fire or drowning in water.
EXTRA NOTES: It is very difficult to stop them once they have started infesting a body. Avoid this at all cost. Seek medical attention immediately if you or a teammate has been infested.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Rescue civilians from the ant kaiju.
✖ Avoid infestation or lethal bites.
✖ Use fire or water as it is their weakness.
✖ Seek out their nests and destroy it without letting them scatter.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO: Linking Photo (cw: bug illustration)
▶ 005. THE RIFT .
Following the events of the month before, Mt. Fuji has now been cordoned off and put under restricted access. This means that no civilian may go anywhere close to the area. Outsiders are given patrol duties in groups of 2-3 around the area and instructed to eliminate any stray kaiju that try to rear their head out of the rift. These kaiju can include common kaiju such as the boar kaiju, the coconut crab or the yamadenki. These shifts are designed to not last very long, as prolonged exposure to the rift can result in rift poisoning effects (headache, nausea, impulsive behavior, hallucinations). It is not recommended to stick any part of your body through the rift, given that we are working with what we don’t understand (please contact a mod if your character decides to do this).
While nothing seems out of the ordinary at first, reports pour in within a few days of trespassers spotted within the restricted area. With a large, visible portion of Mt. Fuji now destroyed, it’s only natural that civilians will become curious. Against their better judgement, a group of civilians have sneaked into the restricted area during a change of patrols. There is little video record of how this had happened, but being near to the rift without LILITH’s protective suits has made for a devastating consequence for the foolish and daring group. Mutations! Outsiders will come across several mutated humans, their bodies mangled with grotesque growths. Some of them might have developed tentacles, some others multiple eyes or hardened shells. They flicker between lucidity and ferociousness, at times crying and begging to be saved, at other times trying to kill and eat people.
The orders are to subdue these people and bring them back to LILITH for further investigation and treatment. While lethal force is highly discouraged, LILITH will not extend punishment toward Outsiders who see fit to exterminate the threats as a last resort.
While nothing seems out of the ordinary at first, reports pour in within a few days of trespassers spotted within the restricted area. With a large, visible portion of Mt. Fuji now destroyed, it’s only natural that civilians will become curious. Against their better judgement, a group of civilians have sneaked into the restricted area during a change of patrols. There is little video record of how this had happened, but being near to the rift without LILITH’s protective suits has made for a devastating consequence for the foolish and daring group. Mutations! Outsiders will come across several mutated humans, their bodies mangled with grotesque growths. Some of them might have developed tentacles, some others multiple eyes or hardened shells. They flicker between lucidity and ferociousness, at times crying and begging to be saved, at other times trying to kill and eat people.
The orders are to subdue these people and bring them back to LILITH for further investigation and treatment. While lethal force is highly discouraged, LILITH will not extend punishment toward Outsiders who see fit to exterminate the threats as a last resort.
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our 9th 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 15 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. Current Outsiders will have their Syndata files accessible for all to see. New characters will not have a syndata profile but players can write a short blurb about the character for this.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 points each and will count towards March AC.
There are currently 15 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. Current Outsiders will have their Syndata files accessible for all to see. New characters will not have a syndata profile but players can write a short blurb about the character for this.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 points each and will count towards March AC.
TDM #8 BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. ARRIVAL PROMPT (KYOTO): Newcomers arrive with ocular and brain implants, and are given a breakdown of the premise with an icebreaker orientation to complete. They arrive in the Kyoto base in a communal stasis pool which is underground.
2. THE KYOTO BASE: Most of the base in Kyoto has been rebuilt. It sits in a large temple which has been modified to accommodate for LILITH's needs. There is a giant stasis pool, a research facility, a mess hall, dorm rooms, medical facilities, a library, a training ground and a communal bath. Each room houses 3-4 people. Outsiders may fight in the training grounds, where they can train against holographic monsters or enemies from their home world. Outsiders will need to appease disgruntled monks by completing chores around the base.
3. REBUILD KYOTO: Civilians have started to move back to Kyoto in search of a better life. Outsiders are tasked to support them in rebuilding Kyoto. Gather ideas and rally support for these ideas. This is a lead in to a future event where players can present their ideas for mod consideration. Outsiders are also expected to hunt and gather their own food in the mean time. There are many boar kaiju available for hunting in Osaka and fishing spots available.
4. PUPPETMASTERS: Outsiders take a ferry or Ocean gem to Awaji Island where there is trouble afoot. Puppets are coming to life and attacking people! Inside these puppets there appear to be a swarm of ant kaiju that are highly dangerous. Eliminate the threat at all costs.
5. THE RIFT: Following the last event, there is a huge open rift at Mt. Fuji. Outsiders must take patrol shifts of 2-3 and kill any kaiju that jump out of the rift. Civilians are banned from visiting Mt. Fuji, but a group of civilians trespass illegally and become heavily mutated from rift exposure. Subdue these mutated humans and if necessary, kill them.
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002 but late March!
Over the month, he leaves temple work to the other Outsiders. Near the end of March, though, he's back to see how things are going. Hoping to find some work to do that is mindless and exhausting. Something to keep him from thinking. Isn't it just his luck that he runs into Muramasa, who's been up to just that. Raidou will approach him, quiet as a ghost, his voice soft.]
... Do you need any help?
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Seems like most of the lot here's gone off to some festival, leaving me by myself. If you're offering a hand, I'll take it.
[ That's not fair to the other Outsiders, who deserve a break after everything that's happened. But rest to Muramasa is the same as work; he wants a good task, worth taking his time on. The best option would be pounding iron in front of a searing hearth, but he'll take what he can get, for now. ]
What's your craft, boy?
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[Though, the follow up question throws him off. Craft? Boy? A slight tilt of the head as Raidou considers it, brow slightly furrowed. Everything about this guy seems understated, almost muted.]
Craft? Um, I'm-- [He's never been asked this and isn't sure what kind of answer Muramasa is looking for.] I can help with whatever. Cleaning. Carrying things. Ah, I know a little about gardening. [He's already been doing plenty of weeding.]
Just tell me what needs to be done, and I'll do it.
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If I gave you a list of the shit I gotta get finished, we'd be here all night, and your offer'd be moot.
[ He goes back to the long piece of lumber that he's just finished sawing down to the right length, which still has the rough finish of raw wood. He picks up the saw once again, and begins notching the end so that the crossbeams will fit easily into the top of the post, still thinking. ]
... Nobody told me we had gardens, here.
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[But he won't push too much. He can always find something else to do by himself, which is what he usually ends up doing.]
... The base had a greenhouse. Mostly attended to by robots. But I also started a garden in Okinawa. We can travel there instantly.
[The aura coming from this person makes it quite obvious to Raidou that this isn't a local, and therefore makes them a new Outsider, so a little extra clarification might be needed.]
Though, that project will be on hold until... Until whenever we get caught up here.
[Which, between Kyoto and reconstructing the Neo Tokyo base, feels like it will be forever.]
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[ Muramasa is quiet for a moment, thinking, long enough that Raidou might think his acceptance of help has been forgotten. Then, finally, he jerks his head over towards the array of tools that LILITH provided for the repairs; all of the power tools have been ignored, and many of the hand tools not currently in use have recently been repaired. Handles have been stripped of rust, edges have been sharpened, and metal fixtures have signs of recently being repaired.
As he gives instructions, he doesn't look up from his work. ]
There's abrasive [ read: sandpaper ] in with the other tools. Get some of the coarse stuff and start smoothing out the base while I finish up here, and then I'll meet you halfway.
[ His sawing stops for a moment, as he glances down at the rest of the post with a scowl, and then returns to removing wood in careful slivers, taking his time so that the remaining material doesn't crack and split with the force of the action. ]
Don't waste your time doubling back with a fine grit—just make it serviceable. Since neither of us are carpenters and this isn't a proper temple anymore either, I'm not looking to waste time with finesse.
[ So he says, but his motions are efficient and smooth, with no wasted movement. The notch for the crossbars is coming into existence right before their eyes with each pull of the saw, each tap of the chisel. ]
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He'll set to work, doing his best to keep his work smooth as to not interrupt Muramasa's motions on the opposite end. Seems like he's doing well enough for someone who claims not to be a carpenter, at least to Raidou's untrained eyes. After a few minutes of quiet work, he checks in.]
Is this alright?
[No sense continuing if he's doing it wrong.]</small. May I ask what we're working on?
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I'm fixing up one of the outbuildings that's got rot in the posts holding up the roof. It's a bit out of the way, so I've had to take my time, but this is the last one to swap out.
[ And when he's done, he's hoping to turn it into a humble smithy for himself, though he hasn't quite figured out who to ask permission for use of LILITH's property, yet. Without an anvil, it's just a room with a good hearth, anyway. ]
You ever shingled a roof before, kid?
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Oh. Uh, no, I haven't. But I'm willing to try.
[His clan had other plans for him growing up, so he never really picked up any trades. Unless you count fishing.
He pauses for a moment in thought before adding something.]
It's Kuzunoha.
[Not "kid". Though, in passing Muramasa might hear him be called Narumi by the monks - Raidou's civilian name.]
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[ Oh. He snorts, realizing what he's been caught doing, and briefly pauses in his sanding to wave an apology in Raidou's direction. ]
Oh, sure, sure. Kuzunoha it is. [ Back to sanding he goes. ] You'll have to correct me if I forget again, but that's what being young is for, right? Trying to get your elders to listen to you.
[ He will... probably remember. He will try to remember, but he can't help it. He looks around, and so often he just sees children. Even though he looks like he does, and feels as energetic as he does, he just can't help but see the possibility of youth in so many faces here. LILITH may have a good cause they want to protect, but their recruitment seems... it's skewed, is all. ]
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My elder, huh.
[He seems to be about Raidou's age, but he knows better when it comes to spirits. He can't pinpoint what it is this guy is, but there's something vaguely familiar about the energy he gives off. Powerful, and Raidou bets much more powerful before LILITH brought him here. The process of doing so seems to strip certain kinds of people of their power.]
Are people especially long-lived where you're from?
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[ He's approaching Raidou's section of the post with a rapid speed, and doesn't seem like he's going to stop any time soon. Now that there's no cutting involved, he really is just trying to get the biggest splinters cleaned up and out of the way, so they can roll the post onto its other side and do the bottom. ]
I'm... mn, a special case, I guess you could say? Nobody wants an old man for killing monsters. I've got to use this fellow as a vessel, to do what needs done.
[ He gestures his intent, and goes to roll the post onto its back side as soon as Raidou lifts his hands and sandpaper off of the wood. ]
Otherwise you'd be stuck just getting instructions and no help from the old geezer I actually am.
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I... see.
[He thinks maybe he does. Raidou steps back as Muramasa flips the post, and he gets back to work on the other side. He's quiet for a moment as he gets his words in order in his head. Since this is an Outsider he knows he's dealing with, it's okay to let this info out.]
... Back home, I was summoner. Spirits often don't look their age, though a possession is something else entirely.
[Just. Laying that out as a fact.]
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I didn't steal his body, if that's what you're implying.
[ So don't start! ]
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[He might be a walking textbook on the supernatural, but just being in this world has shown him just how little he really knows, in the grand scheme of things. He works quietly for a few more moments.]
You don't owe me an explanation. But I may understand more than you think.
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[ As the self-professed old man, it's definitely clear he's teasing now, based on the grin that's starting to grow, even as he remains focused on his work. ]
Be honest, how bad do you wanna know? Don't play coy with me, Kuzunoha, and maybe I'll spill my secrets for ya.
[ It's only fair, after all, to reward a hard worker for offering to help an old man of his own volition. ]
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As a summoner, I can sense things. Magic, if you will. But many Outsiders, they... they're familiar, but not, at the same time. Just like you are to me.
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[ He takes only the briefest pause to see if Raidou's ready to follow along, and launches into his lecture. Here, Muramasa finally pauses in his work, fully focused on trying to give a good explanation to Raidou. With the requisite visual aids, of course. ]
The concept of this guy's whole self is a nice, solid template. [ He taps himself on the chest with one finger, meaning his body, rather than the ghost inhabiting it. ] His body, his personality, his magecraft—hell, even his ideals—are all a perfect match for a stubborn old swordsmith.
On the other hand, Senji Muramasa [ Now he makes a vague, dismissive motion to the air around himself with the other hand. ] ain't enough of a famous name or spirit to be a full, usable Servant on his own.
So, he gets cast into this guy's template when I get summoned. Anything the spirit lacks, the vessel makes up for and fills in the gaps, and anything the vessel lacks, like skill or experience, spirit brings. The end result is an alloy, which works better than either of the two on their own, see?
[ As he speaks, he makes a show of taking his hands, the one representing the vessel and the other representing the spirit, and lacing his fingers together, to try and demonstrate that rather than one controlling the other, it's a fusion of two disparate but equally important parts that make up his whole self as the man in front of Raidou. ]
Simple as that.
[ Finished with his lecture, he picks up his sandpaper once again, and returns to sanding. He's certain that the boy will have more questions. In fact, he's counting on it, but at least he's laid out the groundwork that covers the important bits. Technically, he's more than just the swordsmith and the vessel, sure. But that's advanced, high level Servant bullshit. Best to get a good foundation of explanations started before he gets onto that high tier esoteric crap. ]
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That formerly level expression has turned to one of great interest - in that muted, Raidou sort of way.]
I understand. I've not come across it myself, but-- [Theoretically, mechanically, he can imagine it, as a summoner.]
But, ah. A question. Two questions. One. What happened to him? [The template person?] Second. Um. You're... Senji Muramasa?
[Sorry, but the history enjoyer and sword nerd definitely knows that name.]
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Yep.
[ It's as simple as that. Even if he's a copy of the original. Even if he's in a different body. Even if he's got two gods mixed in with the swordsmith, and his core's been forged into something far beyond what a Servant usually is, he is and always will be himself. He's Senji goddamn Muramasa, and he was born to work good steel and a hot fire. Everything else is just detours. ]
And I got no idea what happened to my vessel. I'm made out of magical energy, so it's not like I'm using his original body—didn't even know his name until recently. But he's definitely a mage, and he's got an affinity for blades, which is enough for me. For all I know, he's dead, but...
[ Well, his friend is here, and she didn't act like her boy was dead. Just the opposite, in fact.
He shrugs. ]
Can't say for sure.
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I think I understand, now. Thank you.
[An "affinity for blades", huh. Of course that sort of person would appeal to Muramasa. Raidou gets back to sanding, feeling a little self-conscious just standing there.]
I'm a summoner, but I'm also a swordsman. I read a lot, too, so... your name is familiar to me.
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[ Don't feign ignorance, Muramasa, it's not dignified for an elder to act like that. ]
If we get this [ The post, he means, (and the roofing that they have to repair, and building the hearth, and constructing a bellows, and finding good hammers and also an anvil,) ] done and our employer lets me use the space for a forge afterwards, maybe you can let me look at your blade.
I'll make sure it's good and sharp for you.
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[History gets things wrong a lot of the time. Stories get warped over the centuries. Not to mention we're probably dealing with alternate universes here as well, something Raidou is familiar with.]
That would be great, to have something like that. I'll help when I can. I just, um. Have a lot of projects going on too.
[But it would also be nice to do some mindless work, cleaning or organizing or building, which is why he's spent time at this temple helping out the monks so much.]
After all my time here, my heirloom sword could really use some better care than I can give it myself.
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[ In life, in death, in whatever world he finds himself—Senji Muramasa will always finish his work satisfactorily.
Once again, he's made it down to the middle of the post, the wood stripped cleanly of any spare splinters or rough spots. He runs a hand over the grain, checking it one last time, and waits patiently for Raidou to finish his section. ]
But if you've more time to spare now, Kuzunoha, you can help me put this in and then I'll set you free to look after your other "projects."