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March | 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 front of a mysterious stone shrine in the middle of a forest, surrounded by the unfamiliar yet worried faces of fox-like humans in red and white robes, speaking in a foreign language that doesn't sound so foreign to you anymore.
Maryouku University
There isn't much time to process what's happening before characters are transported to the nearby Maryouku University. All injuries are completely healed, and those under mental duress will have a powerful soothing spell cast on them to calm them down. Their every need is met: food is offered, and questions are answered. "You've arrived in the Western Kingdom of Nippon, on a planet called Gaia," they explain. "When you became aware of the timeloop, we... well, let us explain."
Orientation Maryouku University, Kyoto
Everyone is brought to a large auditorium, where dozens of other people looking similarly out of place are seated around them. The Kitsune Yokai from before filter on stage, as well as a number of humans and other Yokai in labcoats. And after a brief introduction, they begin to explain. 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, Kizuna is very powerful reality-warping magic. And thanks to the powerful bond all refugees now share with the country of Nippon, the magic surrounding them will only continue to evolve.
Until a means of resuming the flow of time back in their home world is found, they'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 Brand New Home Kyoto, Kansai
Once orientation is over, characters will be allowed to choose housing in both Kyoto and Tokyo, enabling them the means of easily living between both cities if they please. These housing options will be fully paid for by the government of Nippon, with the NRL and MRU providing a stipend for food expenses in Tokyo and Kyoto respectively.
In lieu of providing transportation, all refugees will be granted an unlimited rail pass that they can use to travel all across Nippon! As of the beginning of May, express routes connecting Tokyo and Kyoto will be running at all times of day, allowing refugees to freely travel between the Eastern and Western Kingdoms.
In Higashiyama, a certain ayakashi has been spotted all over the city: the wasurebana, the forget-me-flower ayakashi, who entices those who see it into picking the flower and losing their memory as a result. These memories can be something as simple as forgetting the last few days, to forgetting who they are entirely. Or even just specific things, like names and places. These effects will wear off once the flower wilts, but in the mean time, they sell for a pretty penny at most flower shops given the difficulty in harvesting them.
Over in Gion, various izakaya around the city are holding special deals in honor of Hina Matsuri. While typically a holiday for children, there's no reason adults can't have fun too! But only women will get to benefit from this special deal: all food is half-price, and drinks are on the house! But one bar is particular has taken a more extreme route: one sip of their exclusive Hina Drink will cause the drinker to physically transform into a woman. This effect only lasts an hour, so enjoy it while you can!
Over in Uji, refugees will find numerous signs warning that there have been reported sightings of the Uramibana on MRU campus grounds. All visitors to the campus will be offered charms that negate the ayakashi's effects. But most will never even know that the Uramibana are there, as only those who have killed someone will be able to see it. Although the curse is easily treatable, most aren't willing to admit that they were able to see the flower in the first place, given the implications. But with a charm in hand, those looking to see a rather rare supernatural occurrence (and who have a little murder under their belt) will be totally fine should they spot the patch of curious white flowers.
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
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.
Cat Planet
Just south of the bustling city of Osaka lies Wakayama, a largely rural region of the Western Kingdom, well known for its plethora of ancient ruins and adherence to traditional customs. And while many of the small villages found here aren't usually the most friendly towards outsiders, things have changed!
At the start of the month, all refugees will find themselves receiving a mail from the NRL, passing on a message from Wakayama's Tourist Association.
"Hello Everynyan! We, the Bakeneko of Wakayama, have heard many tales of the great refugees from across time and space, but few of our kittens have ever had a chance to meet one of you.
Our kind isn't as well known as other Yokai, but here in Wakayama, our modest villages have been thriving. Won't you come and visit us for a week? It does the soul well to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And you'll be just in time to see the Plum Blossoms!"
Our kind isn't as well known as other Yokai, but here in Wakayama, our modest villages have been thriving. Won't you come and visit us for a week? It does the soul well to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And you'll be just in time to see the Plum Blossoms!"
And with Wakayama just a train ride away, why not take them up on the offer?
Simple Life Shingu, Wakayama
Taking a train from Nara will bring refugees to the Tanabe region of Wakayama. Small villages and vast fields of rice and other crops pepper the landscape. Even the largest station in the region is still rather small, with only a few trains available to head south to Shingu, the Bakeneko territory.
Stepping off the train in Shingu proper, refugees will be met by a group of curious Bakeneko kittens -- looking like miniature catpeople, and none standing more than two feet high. The tiny procession will lead them back to town, where the refugees will be quick to discover why the Bakeneko likely keep to themselves. They are a very small people, coming in a variety of forms. While most Bakeneko will simply appear as human-like with some cat features, the elders are for more feline, with some looking more like ordinary cats walking on two legs.
And given that not a single one of them is taller than 5 feet, it goes without saying that their buildings are designed with their height in mind. Most refugees will have to duck under doorways, signposts, and-- well, just forget about taking a rickshaw around town. Thankfully, the only inn within the village is designed with travelers in mind, and the ceiling are the highest in the village: nearly 6 feet high! But you might still need to ask for a second futon if you don't want to sleep with your legs on the floor.
But the biggest draw to the village right now is the Plum Blossoms. The entire countryside is filled with bright pink flowers, the petals dancing in the wind. Villagers will invite refugees out to a large picnic gathering under the flowers, with plenty of free food and drink to go around. And as they skitter about, Bakeneko Kittens will tell them that if they catch a petal in the palm of their hand (or paw), they can make a wish.
Ordinarily, this is just a superstition. But for the refugees, who are all imbued with reality altering Kizuna magic-- if they make a wish, it might just come true.
Stuck In A Tanabe, Wakayama
It's believed that one of the reasons Wakayama is still so heavily affected by the power of long gone gods is due to a naturally occurring tree known as mahougi, crystalline trees that can be found all over Wakayama's cities and towns, releasing ambient magic into the air. Over the centuries, many have been cut down or relocated to cities across Nippon, and today they are rumored to be the power source for magi-tech within major cities in the East.
Of these, the most powerful is the Momoirogami, a massive tree located in the Tanabe region, whose pink, crystal-like flowers resemble plum blossoms. The roots of the Momoirogami sit in gnarled twists and turns at the base of the tree, creating small alcoves and crawlspaces that extend to a secret shrine built under the tree itself. Crawling beneath the tree to pray at the shrine is seen as rite of passage in Wakayama for those studying higher order magic.
But not every path to the shrine is so obvious, and many may find themselves becoming trapped in the roots with their ass sticking out. Praying to the Momoirogami is all that's needed for the roots to loosen their hold, but not everyone is going to know that. And if that weren't bad enough, just being around the Momoirogami may cause severe kizuna effects to manifest!
With just how large the tree is, some may end up trapped for hours before they're saved by one of the Miko who tend the shrine. Better find some way to pass the time!
Where the Wild Things Are Southern Wilds, Wakayama
Those in search of something a bit more exciting may see fliers around various cities in Nippon seeking those with an adventurous spirit willing to explore the Southern Wilds of Wakayama in search of a certain type of flower. Known as etherblossoms, these flowers are critical in research pertaining to the creation of stable teleportation points -- a dream long held by many in the West who find the trains to be a bit too slow. Ordinarily, these blossoms can only be found in the protected lands atop the floating Tengu cities, making it impossible to harvest them.
But recently, these distinct flowers have been spotted along the mountains of the Southern Wilds of Wakayama, and a high bounty has been placed on them: one million yen for anyone who can bring back either a living specimen or seeds.
What's the catch? Well, the Wilds are called that for a reason. These areas are considered cursed, having once been the dominion of ancient gods who lost their lives on mortal soil. While not nearly as dangerous as the Northern region, the Southern Wilds are home to many a type of monstrous creature or ayakashi.
In addition to nearly every sort of ayakashi one can imagine, these forests are also home to a creature known as the Gatagami, the rattling god. Taking the form of a larger-than-life skeleton, this creature will chase after those exploring the forests, its body contorting to fit through gaps between trees. Thankfully, the Gatagami isn't very powerful, and all it can really do is attempt to shove people off cliffs and scare the living daylights out of them. Instead, what makes it so dangerous is how persistent it can be, known to follow after exorcists and hunters alike until they collapse from exhaustion. And no matter how much damage you cause this bony god, given a few minutes, it will quickly put itself back together again.
If you don't have the stamina to match against a god, you'd better hope you're really good at hide and seek if you want to claim that million yen prize.
OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's March 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, in both Kyoto and Tokyo. 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.
• Destroying the wasurebana flower can also remove the effects of the amnesia more quickly! Likewise, putting it in a glass of water to prevent wilting will prolong the effects.
• You are welcome to have your character cursed by the Uramibana without being given a charm, should they be able to see it. Just keep in mind that death is permanent in Jikan, so they will need to seek a cure! Character who have never killed someone cannot see the flowers, and cannot be cursed by them.
• Although they do call their children Kittens and retain some notable cat-like mannerisms, such as curling up to nap just about anywhere, calling a Bakeneko a Cat will offend them!
Please leave any questions about the TDM prompts in the thread below! General game questions can be directed to the FAQ!
Apps are always open!
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no subject
"I think they suit me. Don't you think so? My name is Xie Lian, by the way. And you are?"
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"Chang Wufei," he replied smoothly. "They suit you well, though if it's the earth you're cultivating, white seems an... imprudent choice," and he didn't know a whole lot of farmers that could afford to have others deal with their laundry. "Or is it strength you cultivate instead?"
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"It's very nice to have met you, Chang-gongzi. But..." He shook his head this time, a correction of his words. "You misunderstand. This form of cultivation is very different." And it was strange to find someone who didn't understand that, though he was finding that happened more and more since arriving in Nippon. "In sort, cultivation is a practice in which a person may attain immortality through the study of martial and mystic arts. Meditation and the cultivation of their qi. There are many paths of cultivation and actions one should take. Is there no such thing in the world where you belong?"
no subject
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The 800 year old banished God looked very amused by this youth's judgment. But he said nothing. Xie Lian had no ego to speak of, it had been beaten out of him hundreds of years ago. He had nothing to boast about at all.
"I'm just a humble scrap collector." He replied in that gentle way of his, until Chang-gongzi mentioned he was a warrior. And then a new light appeared in Xie Lian's eyes and he found himself leaning forward eagerly. "You are a martial artist? What do you specialise in?"
no subject
Then Xie Lian leaned in with excitement, and Wufei couldn't help letting out a small laugh. "Among other things," he agreed with a nod. "I'm from the Long Clan; We have our own specialized form."
no subject
"This 'Long Clan' sounds impressive. A warrior clan, is it?" That indeed was impressive. But Xie Lian knew he should probably explain himself just a little more here. And in doing so, he looked a little embarrassed. Though only a little. Shame was also something that had been beaten out of him long ago. "My Kingdom fell many hundreds of years ago. In my world, the path to immortality is something one can attain. I ascended the first time at the age of 17. My current body is immortal." And technically he could call himself a God, he had ascended for a third time after all. But could he really be a god if he had no followers?
no subject
He listened to the description, both brows lifting at the claim of not just being hundreds of years old, but also immortal. "You don't find immortality... lonely?" If his kingdom had fallen, that implied Xie Lian was alone. Wufei had been alone for just two years and that was painful enough. He couldn't imagine enduring it for hundreds of years.
no subject
"Maybe at first." His smile had returned then. "But it's amazing the things you can get used to when you have to. I've spent most of my years alone and it's... easier that way." Safer. It was safer. With his bad luck he was constantly on the move. Settling down in one place for more than six months was a level of luck Xie Lian just didn't possess.
"Tell me more about your world? And you? Do you use a sword at all? What kind? Or do you use your fists? Magic? No, you said a warrior clan so hunting ghosts is probably not something you would do, am I right? Have you fought in many great battles?"
no subject
"I know a thing or two about developing a tolerance," he agreed with a chuckle that was a little on the bitter side. He didn't expect to live long enough to really regret his solitude, but he was smart enough not to say it aloud. Not to someone who seemed so... earnest.
"I do use a sword, a sabre," he replied with a nod. "These days my primary weapons are my fists or a gun, but during the war I had Nataku," and here he practically beams with fondness and pride. "She was massive, and powerful, and righteous," and he said it like he was in love with her. "A mobile suit crafted from Gundanium and imbued with the spirit of my wife. She's been laid to rest for nearly a year now, but she was magnificent."
no subject
"I'd be interested to see how skilled you are with a sabre." Xie Lian spoke with eagerness. "Does your sabre have a name at all?" He stopped asking those questions, he knew he had an addiction. Had been warned about it time and time again. But could he be blamed? There was such elegance and skill needed to wield a sword, any kind of bladed weapon really.
And then Wufei started to wax poetic about a Nataku and Xie Lian couldn't help being taken by it. The way he spoke was beautiful. Whatever this mobile suit was it sounded impressive. And to be a spiritual weapon as well? "She sounds wonderful. Every warrior is deserving of an impressive spiritual weapon."
no subject
"It does not," he admitted with a faint smile, "but I would be happy to spar with you, if you wish. I've not had a decent challenge in quite some time, if you can keep me on my toes I might even consider sparring with you regularly." Assuming he was stuck here and not about to die of alcohol poisoning in a fancy hotel bathroom right now.
He grinned as Nataku was praised, and nodded in agreement. "She was a warrior in her own right, I owe many of my accomplishments to her strength and ferocity. Letting her go was bittersweet, but her rest is well-earned."
no subject
He had a feeling that he would keep this young man on his toes.
"She sounds like a brave and indomitable woman. I am sure wherever she rests she is at peace."
no subject
"Then perhaps you will show me?" he offered, but stayed where he was -- he doesn't want to come across as too eager, after all. "What better way to measure yourself than against a fellow warrior?"
no subject
And then he glanced upwards and a smile blossomed upon his lips. "If you would like to enjoy a little fun, though, I could break us off a branch or two and we can test our skills more evenly that way?" Playing with wooden swords was childish, he knew. But he wasn't ashamed to do it.
no subject
He got to his feet eagerly, glancing around for a suitable battlefield. "Here, there shouldn't be too many obstacles if we go there," he gestured to a wide alley between two buildings that was empty. Wide enough for them to move relatively freely, without being interrupted and a nice flat surface to fight on.
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With a light tap of his foot, Xie Lian jumped up high enough to reach a strong branch to land upon. From there he picked out two long branches and broke them off before he dropped nimbly back to the ground. Carefully he began to strip the branches of their twigs and leaves to make a couple of makeshift swords for them to use.
He was smiling as he handed the longer of the two over to Wufei.
"Good enough?"
no subject
He waited until Xie Lian was in position and offered him a deep bow before lifting the twig like a blade. And the second they were both ready, he launched himself at the man.
no subject
With a little laugh Xie Lian whipped his 'sword' up and down in an arc, making it whistle through the air, testing it's weight and swing. All while walking with Wufei toward the area he had pointed out that was safe for them to do this without disrupting the festivities of the others.
Once there, he smiled and was amused by the bow, though offered one of his own, his hands joined together in a respectful salute. Then, after shaking out his sleeves, he lifted his own branch to intercept the attack. He remained on the defensive, watching the way Wufei moved, the way he held his body, the movement of his feet and hips. The force and accuracy of his swings. It was clear that Wufei wasn't born into a life of the sword but he had embraced it regardless. He had skill and there was more than enough room to improve.
And so, without quite meaning to, Xie Lian had begun teaching. Offering little corrections as they went. He wasn't, he hoped, rude or criticizing in the least. In fact he sounded happy, like he was having a lot of fun!
no subject
He could feel himself stretching, could see and feel the changes in his fighting style, and how effective they were. He was unused to being challenged, but rather than finding it irritating, he embraced it with the vigor of a scholar devouring a new book. Even as his strength began to wane, he was reluctant to stop or even slow, pushing himself to continue for as long as possible. This was an opportunity not to be squandered.
no subject
Until he felt the subtle change in that flow that told him that Wufei was nearing the end of his stamina. He saw the determination in the boys eyes and allowed it to go on for a short while longer before he disarmed him and deftly caught the other stick in his hand.
Xie Lian's smile was bright, excited. Annoyingly he looked like he wasn't even out of breath, barely a hair out of place. "You do have talent." He praised. "You're very good. And I daresay even better if you had a true, balanced blade in your hands. But for now this ends here. And thank you." And here he bowed.
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"Thank you," he replied, bowing deeply. That Xie Lian was hardly bothered by the fight was more motivating than annoying; A bar set far above Wufei's skill level that he could train against? The perfect Christmas gift. Not that it was Christmas here, but it had been where he came from, and he still had carols stuck in his head. "I hope to do this again soon, it's rare to find someone capable of challenging me, let alone outclassing me with such ease." He was impressed, and delighted, and already formulating a plan for next time.
He really, really hoped there would be a next time.
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"Thank you for this. It was the perfect distraction." And something he had needed without realising it was something he had needed. Since arriving at Nippon he had felt out of sorts. This somehow made him feel like he was back on the right track.
no subject
It was exhilarating to have a challenge, to find someone capable of pushing him. To feel his body singing with the gentle ache of having pushed himself into growth. If this was what this world had in store for him, maybe being 'rescued' wasn't so bad after all.