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February | Test Drive Meme
Jikan Test Drive MemeMinimize
You've seen this before. The thought strikes suddenly, during whatever it is you were doing. Having an important conversation? Running away from home? Dying in the midst of a fierce battle? Where ever you are, one things is true: you're certain this isn't the first time you've lived through this. But upon realizing this, that's when it happens. Like someone hitting rewind on the VCR, you're back where you were ten minutes ago. And it happens again. And again. And again--Until finally, something is different. A door stands in front of you. Will you go through it? Nothing else seems to be working, so this might be your only chance.
Upon opening the door and heading inside, a strange feeling overwhelms you. It's comforting and warm, like being enveloped in a soft, heavy blanket. You hear a voice murmuring in your ear, but it's unintelligible.
And in the next moment, you've appeared in a laboratory, surrounded by the unfamiliar yet worried faces of people in lab coats, speaking in a foreign language that doesn't sound so foreign to you anymore.
Nanjikan Research Laboratory
There isn't much time to process what's happening before characters are ushered out of the arrival room. They're passed between a medical and a psychiatric team, checking them for injuries and psychological trauma. Their every need is met: food is offered, injuries are tended to, and questions are answered. "You're in a country called Nippon on a planet called Gaia," they explain. "You were brought here because you became aware of the timeloop... we'll explain everything."
Orientation Nanjikan Research Lab, Tokyo
Everyone is brought to a large auditorium, where dozens of other people looking similarly out of place are seated around them. The scientists and doctors from before file on stage, thoroughly explaining the situation. What they experienced back home was a timeloop. While the loops in their home worlds are smaller and likely to resolve on their own, the fact that such a small amount of time is being repeated is what makes them so dangerous for those who become aware of it. And they've been working around the clock, checking adjacent universes for others who've become aware. While the technical explanations may go over the heads of most, that's not the reason they were all brought together like this.
And they continue to explain: their own world was trapped in a year long loop for decades, if not longer. Through the use of an ancient form of bonding magic, they bound their world to the present flow of time, allowing it to progress past the timeloop. Or at least, that's how they thought it worked. In truth, it appears to be magic capable of distorting reality itself. But by the time they realized this was the case, they had already begun the process of rescuing others from similar worlds using that very same magic.
Until they find the means of resuming the flow of time back in your home world, you'll just have to make due with this one. But not to worry, because Nippon is fully committed to taking care of the refugees!
A Place to Call Home Tokyo, Kanto
Once orientation is over, characters will be given one of three options for housing. Housing will be paid by the government of Nippon until they decide to move elsewhere, with NRL providing a stipend for food expenses.
In lieu of providing transportation, all refugees will be granted an unlimited rail pass that they can use to travel all across Nippon!
Refugees arriving at their apartments in Nihonbashi will be making a horrifying discovery. Nestled just above their balcony are numerous pigeon nests -- but not just any pigeon nests. These are Rattle Pigeons, a common bird found in just about any city of Nippon. These birds get their names from the ominous rattle-like sound they produce when eating, which is often associated with bad omens. They're completely harmless otherwise, but it might make it a bit hard to sleep with "rattlesnakes" in the eaves.
Over in Little Edo, refugees living in their shared houses will be met with colourful gift baskets at their door, courtesy of their native Nippon-jin neighbors. Each basket contains a variety of rice crackers, sweets, and winter fruit. But one in particular will have a little note wrapped around it -- "wine fruit, for the grown-ups". True to its name, it's a very juicy fruit with a wine-like aftertaste. The reason being that it's naturally fermented in a way to make the entire fruit very alcoholic, causing drunkenness with only a few bites.
And in Yoshiwara, refugees assigned to the dorms will have to put up with a power outage affecting most of the neighborhood. For a neighborhood that usually never sleeps, it's downright eerie to see it go completely dark. Better find someone to cuddle up with until they fix the power. It's going to be a long, chilly night.
NRL Time Refugee Support Network
Once they've received their housing assignment, all refugees will be given small handheld devices called magi-tech comms, or magi-comms for short. They're heavier than a conventional smartphone would be, but far sturdier, and powered by the ambient magic that flows through the city. They don't need to be charged, but they won't work outside of cities at all. Upon booting it up, they'll find a message linking them to a special channel for refugees.
#nrl_time_refugee_support - online
Just as the linked "website" states, once a character clicks the provided link, they'll find a message on the network seemingly posted under their name, stating exactly what was on their mind twenty-three minutes earlier. Clicking the link again will repeat this process infinitely, but it will not work if shared by anyone else. Did you know magical computer viruses exist?? Because apparently magical computer viruses exist.
Use the following code for your top-level if you'd like! This is how network communication will look for characters in the game until more advanced magi-tech comms become available for characters.
It's A Living
While the NRL may be providing shelter and food expenses, those hoping to do a little more with their time in Nippon should start thinking about getting a job! Thankfully, the economy is booming in Tokyo, and there's no shortage of work to be found. You might even find yourself doing something you love!
Or lovingly tolerate, at least.
Shopping Spree Shibuya, Tokyo
For those looking to pump up their wardrobe before setting out into the job market, they'd be best heading towards the neighborhood of Shibuya. Much like its modern counterpart, Shibuya is home to dozens of clothing stores and other retail storefronts. And one department store in particular is offering something special to all refugees: free vouchers for up to three new outfits in their latest fashion department.
But while browsing and trying on clothes, they might start to feel a little strange. After one hour, they'll be starving, as if they hadn't eaten all day. In two, they'll start feeling exhausted, as if they've pulled an all-nighter. And should they make it to three hours, they'll start feeling horrible, dizzy and hungry without any cause or explanation. Fearing a possible gas leak of some kind, eventually the whole building is evacuated -- only to find a rather large presence of Samurai officers and worried family members waiting outside.
It seems a very dangerous time surge struck the building, causing time to pass much slower on the inside. Every hour spent inside shopping translated to one full day outside it. And unfortunately, this one didn't affect their bodies. While it only feels like it's been three hours, in reality, they've all gone without food, water, or sleep for up to three days.
Everyone is offered food and water, as well as possible medical treatment if needed. And of course, the building is immediately shut down. Good thing those vouchers don't expire, at least?
Sakura Saku Yoshiwara, Tokyo
Refugees living in Yoshiwara should by now be used to the sight of raunchy or otherwise lascivious businesses opening up late at night around the neighborhood. While arts and entertainment ruled the daylight hours, at night, the grounds became known as Tokyo's red light district. Incense laced with special aphrodisiac, just barely strong enough to entice customers into their businesses, were a common staple along the streets at night.
But something was different today. Today, one of those businesses was open during daylight hours -- and they seem to be very keen in drawing in as many refugees as they can. The business in question is a host club called Sakuranbo. And they're not looking for customers right now: they're looking to hire.
It's really not a bad gig. And for month of February, all refugees will have the opportunity to work there under a trial-only basis, working only as much as they want. Jobs range from serving drinks, to live comedy or musical performances, and of course, private sexual performances. But when the owner promises refugees will never be touched by anyone they don't want, she means it. After all, Sakuranbo is first and foremost a voyeur's club. Customers watch sexual performances through a shoji screen or, for a sizable fee, they can poke a hole in the screen and watch directly.
It may not be the sort of work any refugee would choose to jump on, but seeing as all positions receive the same wage, and it is the highest paying job in Yoshiwara, it might be worth spending a day or two to give it a shot.
Slippery Salamander Nihonbashi, Tokyo
For those hoping to pass through Nihonbashi, it seems they might be waiting for a little while. A great Nippon salamander has found its way into the canals below the bridge from which Nihonbashi gets its name. Roughly the size of train car, the salamander appears to be trapped under a section of the bridge, and is very unhappy about it. It thrashes around violently, causing earthquake-like tremors that extend all throughout the neighborhood. Fearing a collapse, the Samurai officers on patrol are enlisting the help of everyone and anyone to try and evacuate the buildings that are located on that section of the bridge. And of course, one of those happens to be where some of the refugees have been living.
Unfortunately, killing it isn't an option. As a nearby spectator explains, they're virtually immortal and can regenerate even from near total incineration. And it's not like it's the salamander's fault it got stuck here! Killing such a long-lived creature would be cruel. But refugees are free to attempt other means of soothing the beast, at least. Perhaps if they can get it to stop struggling, it'll calm down long enough to evacuate everyone safely.
Eventually, the specialists are called in: the Hanzaki Clan, one of the many hunter clans in Nippon. When it comes to dealing with dangerous beasts and monstrous ayakashi, they're second to none! It seems the process of removing the salamander will be an icky one: it produces a thick, gelatinous coating around its body when it's stressed, and they'll need volunteers to help carve it off with specialized safety shears to free it. It's sticky, gooey, and gets just about everywhere -- but anyone who sticks around to help will be offered to join the Hanzaki if they think they'd enjoy the work. They promise -- it won't always be this nasty. But before looking towards new employment opportunities, might be a good idea to hit up one of Tokyo's many public baths to wash off the slime. Yuck!
OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's February TDM! The TDM is considered game canon, and also serves as the intro log! That said, whether you choose to carry threads over to the game or not is up to you!
• Current players are more than welcome to top-level, or take prompts from the TDM and use for their own logs! This may change in the future depending on how busy TDMs become.
• CRAU characters may start regaining their CRAU memories one month after the TDM. However, vague feelings of familiarity are allowed between previous game CR! For more on this, please read the FAQ!
• You do not need to sign-up for housing! Choose whichever style you prefer. Roommates can be chosen by the characters or can be random. If you want to switch housing later, your character has the option of moving at the beginning of each month.
• While the owner of Sakuranbo is earnest in wanting to help the refugees make a living without forcing them to sell their bodies, she's not above attempting to coerce them into sexual performances after she's earned their trust. These performances will always be alone or with fellow employees, and never with customers. This is an option for players who want to play the prostitution angle, but have characters who would not be open to it.
• Characters who leave the department store in the first or second hour will leave to discover that they lost one day or two days respectively. But there won't be any officers and medical help waiting on the outside. Attempting to re-enter will cause them to somehow arrive at the end of the third hour, no matter when they originally left.
• Clothing vouchers can be redeemed a week after the initial incident when the time surge disappears and the shop re-opens. For an idea of what sort of fashion exists in Nippon, here is a general idea!
Please leave any questions about the TDM prompts in the thread below! General game questions can be directed to the FAQ!
Reserves and Apps are always open!
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no subject
In response to his name, he gives a small salute in Caesar's direction, having that same cheeky look on his face, just with a lot more age to them. ]
The one and only Joseph Joestar.
[ And then something softens. It's apparent that he's been through a lot in is years. That he's matured in many ways, but that glimmer in his eye still holds a mischievous glimmer to it. He pats the roof right next to him, offering for Caesar to come join him. As an extra incentive, he tips the bottle in his direction without a word. ]
It's good to see you again, my friend.
[ Even if his younger self wouldn't have admitted it straight out, at this age, he has no reason not to call him exactly what he is. Maybe more than just a friend, but at the very least, a friend. ]
no subject
It feels like a trick.
That my friend a shock to all of his senses because it's something they rarely admitted, even after weeks together.
The man says it so easily now-tips the wine towards him like they meet this way every weekend. As if they always share stories and wisdom around an open bottle.
He steps onto the roof without a word, jumping the patio fencing with ease and sticking to the tiles as if it's just another training session between them. He isn't convinced it's real-not yet, but there's only one way to find out. ]
You got old, you idiot.
[Is all he can manage to say at first-an accusation and sincere statement all in one. He isn't sure what to do with this. Going on the attack seems nature, feels right and-
If he's truly here, truly this much older, than-
He won. He lived. Their family's battles are finally over and he can breathe easy knowing his sacrifice wasn't in vain.]
But you're still same fool through and through-drinking on the roof? What are you thinking?
[Caesar doesn't sit beside him-not yet. He crosses his arms over his chest and stares down at the old timer from above, observing and watching for any Weird Shenanigans. He won't be caught offguard by this place.]
no subject
[ Let's be real, even if he had someone to harass him, he probably wouldn't have kept up like he had before, but he can still be a sassy little shit to Caesar even in his old age. Even if it was a lot of work and the reason was quite serious, he thinks of those days with some measure of fondness.
There comes a shrug at his question. Had Caesar ever really approved of the crazy shit he'd done even in his youth? No, not really. But that didn't stop him from doing the things he does. He motions up at the sky, though. ]
Thought it was a nice place to enjoy the stars and relax. I didn't expect anyone to be poking their head out the window this late, but I'm glad someone did.
no subject
He wanted his friend to get stronger-not just for that battle, but for the rest of his life.
Lazy. That's the first word that comes to mind. Typical is another.
And with that admission, he settles at the aforementioned spot-eyeing the booze held in the man's hand.]
Many live here. It was bound to happen-you're far too noisy even in your old age. You're lucky that I spotted you before the police did.
[Are there police?? He doesn't know, but whatever.]
You truly stopped using hamon after that trial?
no subject
[ Joseph reaches over and pokes Caesar in the arm to give him a little spark, but it's nothing like what he had during his youth. For him, he'd assumed that with their fight complete he wouldn't have to face anything like that again. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. ]
Besides, I have another trick up my sleeve these days.
no subject
Nothing. It's nothing like the intense burst of energy he would feel when JoJo would pressure him on the training grounds. It's a sad loss of his innate, powerful gift.
Caesar gives a dismissive wave of his hand-brushing off the spark and the statement entirely.]
What? Did you chose to spend your life with those useless clackers instead?
no subject
A small laugh comes from him at Caesar's indignant and dismissive response. ]
Still the same as you've always been. [ He shakes his head a bit. ] I developed a new power. It's called a "Stand."