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April | Test Drive Meme
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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 the Eastern Kingdom of 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 in collaboration with the neighboring Western Kingdom, 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 they find the means of resuming the flow of time back in your home world, the refugees will just have to make due with this one. But not to worry, because Nippon is fully committed to taking care of everyone!
A Place to Call Home Tokyo, Kanto
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 Kingdoms 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! Thankfully, 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 as they please. While this TDM and its prompts are focused on the Eastern Kingdom, you are welcome to have your character arrive in the Western Kingdom instead.
For those bound for Nihonbashi, be careful not to board the train too late at night. Because on Friday nights, the Loop Line's final train of the night is a party train! Every train car is set up with its own theme and decor, with this week featuring the return of the ever popular sexy maid cafe in the rear of the car! Dress up in a surprisingly demure maid outfit (this is 1921) and take customer orders, or have a seat and peruse the menu. Aside from a small bar, there's no actual food service or exchange of currency going on here, so it's all in good fun! The train will loop endlessly past the same station until sunrise, so hopefully they weren't planning on an early night's sleep.
In Little Edo, a Great Nippon Salamander has been spotted wandering the streets in search of clean water. While this may not seem like a big deal, these creatures range in size from that of a large dog to that of a large house. To subdue the creature, the local hunting clan, the Hanzaki, are searching for volunteers to help coax the salamander back out into the swamplands of the Tokyo Outskirts. While the safest method is to lead it using a hose or another source of water, those looking to get the job done quickly may instead choose to fight the creature, causing it to flee in whichever direction they point it in. Careful, they move faster than you think!
Over in Yoshiwara, the Tokyo branch of the refugee-owned nightclub, Club Hexxx, has finally opened its doors! Enjoy a dark and spooky atmosphere while listening to the latest jazz hits. And best of all, refugees will be offered a free glass of Club Hexxx's signature drink: Kinklist, a coffee-flavored drink that turns white after one sip, and causing the drinker's deepest sexual desire to appear written on their cheek in black ink. The text will remain until they finish the rest of the drink.
NRL Time Refugee Support Network
Once they've received their housing assignment, all refugees will be given small handheld devices called magi-tech communicators, 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. Now available with limited sepia-tone color, and video cameras! 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.
Springtime Flowers
With the changing of the seasons, the cherry blossoms have finally bloomed, painting the landscape with dashes of pink and white on nearly every corner. Not even the busy citizens of Tokyo can resist stopping to smell the flowers, or even enjoying picnics underneath them!
And those looking for the best place to view the flowers need look no further than Little Edo, a suburb in south Tokyo that borders the vast wetlands that separate Tokyo from Yokohama. And between the lush parks, interesting shrines, and mysterious ruins, there's no shortage of things for those settling in to explore!
A Very Special Festival Kanayama Shrine, Tokyo Outskirts
While most residents are celebrating the spring season under the cherry blossoms, a different sort of celebration is taking place at the Kanayama Shrine, located just south of Tokyo on a tall, narrow hilltop that juts out of the flooded landscape. Once more, it's time for the annual Kanamara Matsuri, and all refugees will find themselves invited to the little island to see the festivities. And what sort of festival is it, you may ask?
Why, it's the Festival of the Steel Phallus! According to legend, there was once a plague of a type of ayakashi that was known to live in the genitals of humans, whose vicious bite caused the birthrate of a certain city to drop down to zero. To combat this, an afflicted young woman asked a blacksmith to forge a steel phallus in order to break the ayakashi's teeth, freeing her of the curse. It's said the original phallus remains enshrined in the innermost chambers-- and in honor of this most venerated dildo, a festival is held every spring to celebrate sexuality and fertility, all leading up to a procession in which a giant steel phallus is paraded around the island.
(And no, I didn't make this one up.)
Refugees visiting the shrine will find no shortage of phallic-shaped foods and merchandise. Outside of the wide array of oddly shaped dildos to choose from, in terms of food, there are stalls selling lollipops, popsicles, sausages, grilled squid, octopus balls, cream-filled dick waffles-- but there's more at work here than a simple theme. Those who choose the popsicles will find themselves with a temporary oral fixation, causing an urge to have something between their lips at all times. Now, is this a naughty trick, or merely a marketing ploy to sell more popsicles? It's hard to say.
But the real treat is inside the shrine itself, where a single dildo stands tall among gilded offerings and flowers. The inner chamber is only ever put on display once a year, and for good reason. Anyone whose eyes fall upon the majestic phallus will become overwhelmed with a desire to fill or be filled - which might just be why viewings are done in groups of two or more, with the outer doors of the shrine closed behind them for privacy. There's a nice pile of pillows and no shortage of lubricating oils available, so why not get into the spirit of the season with a friend or two?
Flowers of Evil Little Edo, Tokyo
Festivals aside, many people are coming out to Little Edo to enjoy the array of cherry blossom trees for Hanami, or flower watching parties. Of these, the refugees will find themselves invited to a special gathering, taking place under the shade of a massive cherry blossom tree that was planted in their honor the year before. And yet despite it's young age, it's the largest tree around, continually growing since the initial growth spurt when it was planted. Although most understand that it was likely Kizuna that caused its sudden growth, locals have begun treating it as something sacred, leaving offerings and making prayers beneath its branches.
And should the refugees decide to take part as well, they may be surprised to find that whatever they wish for comes true. These wishes are rather limited, and some may only exist for a few minutes. But for those wishing to meet someone from home, the may be surprised to find that the person in question will appear beside them in Nippon... (See notes below for details!)
But while everyone else is enjoying the cherry blossoms, a certain park in Little Edo is drawing crowds for a different reason. After last year's outbreak of jubokko ayakashi, the cherry blossom trees in this area were permanently stained by the jubokko's red pollen, causing the pink petals to develop distinct red veins.
However, unlike the jubokko's pollen, these petals carry a very different effect. Anyone who stands under the shade of these trees will feel an irresistible urge to confess something. This can be something minor, like a strange food combination they are particularly fond of, or something major, such as the name of the last person they had sex with. This urge will linger even after leaving the flowers, until they've either confessed enough to appease the tree, or until the trees go bare when the blossoms fall.
Underwater Mysteries Tokyo Outskirts, Kanto
Those who are familiar with some version of Nippon may find the changed landscape to be rather confusing. Due to a massive time surge many decades ago, the entire region of Kanto was flooded, leaving many cities underwater or transformed into swamplands. As nature took over, the flooded region surrounding Tokyo came to be known the Tokyo Outskirts.
Ordinarily, exploring this area can be rather dangerous, given both the presence of dangerous Ayakashi and the unstable landscape that's peppered with the ruins of drowned cities. But this week, those looking for a little adventure can take part in special boat tours exploring the ruins and viewing the cherry trees from a unique vantage point.
Up to four people can fit in a single steamboat, which is preprogrammed to follow a path that will take passengers past the top of a large hill that's almost completely covered in cherry blossom trees, with the ruins of a few old buildings just barely visible beneath the overgrowth. But beauty aside, the real marvel is within the water itself, which is clear enough that one can look down and see roads, trees, and even entire buildings still mostly intact beneath the surface. You'd think the water just appeared one day, given that nothing seems to have been destroyed when the flood occurred.
But not every trip will go as smoothly as planned. Hidden beneath the pink petals that pepper the surface of the water, unlucky refugees may spot the long, long body of an Ikuchi, the sea serpent ayakashi. Thought to be the longest Ayakashi to exist in Nippon, these thick, snake-like creatures may take entire minutes just to pass under a boat. Spotting the body is simply distressing, and thankfully not of much concern. But should someone make eye contact with the third eye on top of its head, the Ikuchi will climb over the side of the boat and coil around it, attempting to drag it beneath the surface. And for the one who initially made eye contact, they'll find themselves affixed with a curse that temporarily makes it impossible to float in the water.
Thankfully, this ayakashi isn't interested in attacking those who fall overboard, and there's plenty of spots where the water is far more shallow. But those who fall in will have to wait until another tour comes by to ferry them back to shore.
OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's April 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!
• For this month only, please include in your top-level if you are a new player without an invite! Those seeking an invite can do so here!!
• 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.
• Despite everything, Kanamaru Matsuri is considered an all-ages event!
• Wishes can be anything, from food items to items from home. All characters in the game will be allowed to redeem one item, magical or otherwise, from home using this prompt! However, for new character apping into the game, you have the option to have your character join the game by being wished into the setting. The wish can be anything from a direct plea to see a certain castmate again, or even just a wish for more friends that goes awry. These characters will still remember a time loop, but will not remember seeing a door, instead appearing in Tokyo after hearing the wishing-character's voice call to them. These characters will then be encouraged to visit the NRL for orientation, and will be offered an explanation that Kizuna saved them from the timeloop directly.
• While characters may attempt to fight the Ikuchi, it will not fight back, and cutting its body will cause it to grow another head and become another separate Ikuchi. This new head is also capable of cursing people, so it's probably best to leave it alone.
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 don't suppose you'd get on one knee and propose to me properly first. [ Yes, he must be joking. Bricks simmers his own laughing with a hum. ] Seriously though, I can offer you my services in other ways. [ He splays his hands, wiggling his fingers for emphasis, inarguably the most valuable and talented part of him. Also the most overworked, not that he'd ever claim to mind. ] I'm quite the expert tinkerer, more than capable of fixing anything of yours that might be broken or in need of improvement.
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...Will you do me the honor...of having sex with me?
... [ahem. Koro gets up on his feet again.] Sorry, couldn't resist. Anyway, you say you can fix things?
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That's right; tools, armor, weaponry—ehm, i-ideally for defensive purposes—vehicles, navigational equipment, communications, household and medical appliances... [ He could go on. ] all manners of sundry technologies.
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But even for an incubus that could be too aggressive. Or perhaps it's something he's tried before and it only resulted in misfortune for him.
Ahem.]
That's impressive. Technology is building and forming here all the time. Your skills could land you a job pretty quickly. Unfortunately for me, I haven't yet found a place for my skills, but I'm considering opening my own business instead.
[Koro ponders for a moment.]
Does massage require marriage, too? [Koro is being really mean today, it seems.]
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Whatever words were going to come out sputter in the air as he's flustered again. More teasing! ]
Massage? [ It takes him just a moment to put it into context. Was that the nature of his business that he was implying? Well, actually... ]
W-well, no, of course not—not contingent on that. Quite common to pay for a private masseuse back home... for whomever could afford it. [ He could! He was rich! He hasn't really thought about the fact he won't be able to throw money so freely at things here in Nippon, his coin now limited to what he has in his pocket—to say nothing of what it'd be worth in Yen, if anything. It's never been a worry for him before. ]
Is that what your skills are, Koro? Other than animal handling?
no subject
[Koro let's out a soft laugh. Nothing crazy, but it's genuine at least.]
Yeah, it's my passion. Looked around for a position when I arrived here, but everywhere I looked was either filled, wanted women, or thought I was too terrifying. Can't blame them, of course. Who wants to be rubbed down by a tall handsome hunk with a pokerface?
[Okay, maybe he's a little bitter.]
no subject
Terrifying? [ He scoffs with a hand on his hip. ] Maybe to other salamanders, but... what should height have to do with how skilled you are with your hands? Should that not speak for itself?
[ He pauses to look Koro up and down fully. To be completely fair, if he hadn't just saved his life Bricks would also be intimidated by him on first impression, but he thinks not for long; too many of his dark features remind him of Hunter, and perhaps there's something else alluring about him, almost an unidentifiable comforting familiarity. For as stoic as Koro is coming off, he can also hear that lingering bitterness. Bricks wants to help him, somehow. He clenches his fists together, determination welling up in him on Koro's behalf, whether he asked for it or not. ]
I think you should pursue it! Open up your own parlor!
no subject
Ah ah ah, not now, Koro. Don't ruin the moment with your sexual fantasies.]
Heh. [Koro reaches over to pat Brick's head.]
You're sweet. But I was way ahead of you for a while now. The sun room included with my home will soon become The Midnight Rose.
Also it's not just the height. The face kind of adds to it.
no subject
You mustn't be so hard on yourself, your face is quite wonderful. [ There's a brief moment where his expression looks bitter sweet, a flinch of his hand that stops just short above his clavicle as if he was about to gesture to his own face and the glaring scar that cuts across it, but he doesn't finish the motion. Instead he smoothly turns the gesture back into confidence in Koro, splaying his fingers across his chest as he stands up straight. ]
Then I shall be among your first customers to The Midnight Rose in vehement support. [A beat, he purses his lips a little awkwardly. ] That... feels like paltry compensation for what you've just done for me, but, yes.
[ He can always make it up to Koro later, he's certain. ] Where is it located? May I at least see what progress you've started on it?
no subject
[Even with his flat voice, the air felt more light than smug around him, like he's simply jesting.]
It's located in Yoshiwara. A bit a ways from here, but this is an opportune time to show you the tr-
[Rumble rumble rumble...]
...You hungry?
no subject
When Koro mentions something else but gets cut off from the low rumbles of a hungry belly Bricks flinches. ]
...After all that excitement I wouldn't say no to a meal. Have you any recommendations?
no subject
[RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE]
Oh, sweetheart- Alright alright, there's a place nearby we can-
[RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE]
...I'm starting to think that's not your stomach.
no subject
I think you're right which does little for my personal reassurance.
[ Naturally he moves behind Koro for cover, placing his hands gently on his lower back as he tries to not cower too much. What if it's another scary monster again? ]
W-what is that...?!
no subject
Ah.
[Koro slowly turns around and does his best not to startle the Main Event of this day.
The Great Nippon Salamander.
Oh you thought the horse-sized one that chased Brick was the problem creature? That's just a small fry.]
Hey. Don't freak out but...start walking towards me and don't look behind you.
[Aaaaaand Koro is slowly walking backwards.]
no subject
He had already been cowering by Koro's side so there's little distance for him to close. Now he really wrests his fingers in Koro's shirt for nervous security and holds tight. While Koro walks backwards Bricks walks forward in tandem with him. He even tugs gently at the larger man's hips to try and guide him down the street, for however far this gentle escape tactic might get them.
He can practically hear the behemoth behind them breathing as it rumbles more. ]
Can... can you just tell it to go away? [ He whispers. ] L-like the other one?
no subject
[Gulping, Koro gently covers Bricks' ears to protect them as he inhales.]
GO HOME!
[SKREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
And the salamander stands! It's working! By God it's working the salamander is up! The salamander is RUNNING TOWARDS THEM OH NO]
no subject
Bricks gives up all pretense of composure and screams. He runs in a tight little circle and comes back only because he wants to make sure Koro is running with him as he desperately grabs and tugs on Koro's shirt. ]
I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THESE BLOODY THINGS FOR ONE EVENING, LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!
no subject
[Koro almost stumbles back with how hard Bricks tugs him, and follows suit, running after him. Hoo boy this tiny man can sprint, Koro is barely catching up!]
Turn right! There's a samurai watch post not far from here, we'll lead it there!
no subject
Capital idea, Korollan...! Mayhaps the Hanzaki hunters will hear of all this commotion and take care of things from there!
[ Darting through narrow winding streets is also markedly familiar activity for him and he turns right. He thinks he can see the watch post when Koro points it out, now a straight run ahead down the more open main street.
Bricks can sprint in a pinch, but doesn't have the stamina for a marathon. Koro has longer strides to boot and Bricks has to exert twice the energy to keep that kind of pace. They both put some good distance ahead of the salamander, but it's not too long before Bricks' shoes start to drag more on the cobblestone streets and he starts to lag behind, breathing heavier through his mouth. His lungs and legs start to burn, his posture soon an obvious struggle to keep up.
The salamander gets back on all fours and starts to gain some lost ground on the main street.
Come on, keep going. Just a little further! ]
no subject
Hey, we're not out of the woods yet.
[Koro quickly runs around in a circle much like Bricks did earlier, but instead of tugging at his shirt, Koro scoops him up into his arms with no effort whatsoever, even going as far to toss him in the air a few inches before getting him comfortably in his hold.
Even holding Bricks like a bride isn't enough to slow him down as he sprints over to the post. Luckily for the poor citizens, this turn took them to outside of the town where it can no longer cause any more damage.]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKbU8B-QVZk
[ He yelps as he's scooped up effortlessly, jostled once in the air before landing curled up snug and secure across Koro's chest. Instinctively Bricks grabs on, wrapping one arm over Koro's neck and shoulder, the other pressed too tightly against his body to be of any real use. ]
I can't believe you've done this...!
[ Except he can! This isn't even the first (or last time) he's been manhandled, scruffed, or scooped up like this. The man towered over him and his comparatively little legs weren't going to last much longer, now bouncing with every bound Koro makes.
He feels so dainty it's embarrassing but he also has no room to complain—not at the moment while he takes the opportunity to catch his breath, safe in Koro's arms. ]
You're getting away from it...!
no subject
ZWING—!
The salamander is hit with an arrow and stops in its tracks, before collapsing onto the ground and causing the ground to shake. Yet it still breathes? Then again, it's a tiny arrow, not something that can fell such a giant beast. Perhaps the arrow was most likely coated with a natural tranquilizer.]
Quite a big one! Think this is the Troublemaker? [One samurai shouts.]
Most likely. You've done a good job leading it here. Could have been more ideal to drag it around the town rather than through it, though.
[Ignoring the remark, Koro let's out a big sigh of relief.]
Coast is clear. [And yet...Koro still holds Bricks in his arms, no sign of putting him down.]
no subject
[ With a similar kind of excited awe in his voice to how Koro stopped the first Salamander, ] That must be a considerably potent dosage of an anesthesia agent or— or even a neuromuscular-toxin. Oh, I'll have to ask them about it later...
[ Breathe! At once a complete catch up of his breath and a sigh of relief. He smiles at Koro. ] Thanks to you, yet again. I owe you twice over, dear Korollan.
[ He unhooks his arm from Koro's neck and figures that should be enough of a gentle signal he's okay with being put down. Even as he does that it reminds him how Koro is holding him so easily. What incredible strength and vigor... somehow it's embarrassing to think of now and he flushes faintly. ]
I'm... um, I'm alright. By the way.
no subject
What an adorable little human this one is.
Koro slowly puts Bricks down, albeit reluctantly.]
Are you sure? You seemed to have gotten really tired back there. I thought you were going to collapse.
no subject
[ He rubs his arm a little shyly, not particularly proud to admit it—especially not when physical weakness results in moments of fraught desperation or places the burden on someone else to ensure his saftey—but he's already had years to resign to that fact... and, frankly, he's spoiled. He's a spoiled rich kid used to getting away with far more derring-do than he should. Still, he's not unaware enough to not be all the more appreciative he ran into someone as capable as Koro.
The hand on his arm goes to rest a little more petulantly on his hip. ]
If I arrived here with any of my equipment in the first place this may have gone a bit differently, but... [ He sighs. Maybe it wouldn't have... his curiosity is still the most dangerous part of him. ] regardless, I can see myself home safely. I think I've had enough excitement for one evening.
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