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June | 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, with express routes connecting the two kingdoms. Additionally, teleportation terminals exclusively for Refugees can be found at the NRL and MRU, allowing instant travel between Tokyo and Kyoto. While this TDM and its prompts are focused on the Western Kingdom, you are welcome to have your character arrive in the Eastern Kingdom instead.
In Higashiyama, a new shop has opened selling enchanted candles, said to utilize a unique method of spell-casting by using thin wooden talismans as wicks. Only while the candle is lit will the spell function. And for refugees, they've developed a special variety that's designed to nullify the effects of passive magic -- essentially, an anti-kizuna candle. Although the area of effect is rather small, it does appear to work in temporarily nullifying all kizuna side effects while lit. But for those hoping for something more exciting, other scents include: a scent that alters a person's personality randomly, a scent that makes people intoxicated, and even a scent that can bring people to orgasm. Light all three at once for a wild time!
In Gion, the local Geiko of the Hanamikoji Okiya dorm are holding a special workshop for those interested in traditional culture. While the workshop itself is certainly worth watching, what they really need is volunteers to be dressed up on stage, dressed as traditional Geisha, or as the more risqué Oiran. But the best part comes after, in which all volunteers will be taken out on the town to bar hop through Gion's most exclusive district. Those dressed up will even be allowed to drink for free, in exchange for singing or dancing for other patrons.
In Uji, those who visit MRU's campus will be surprised to find a high number of Oni visiting from Kyushu. Although it's not uncommon to see Oni in Kyoto, these Oni are distinctly pure-blooded, their skin a vibrant shade of blue, which they show off by wearing sleeveless kimono, or simply going shirtless. It seems they've come to assist with Kizuna research, and as such, can be found curiously watching refugees, or asking to "bond" with them. For science, of course. Sure, it might be a little intimidating to have a seven-foot-tall blue muscle man asking if he can hold your hand, but they're perfectly friendly. Oddly enough, despite being natives, Kizuna side effects will always manifest when bonding with one, and they may even linger for longer than usual.
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.
Above The Trees
Sitting south of Kyoto, the city of Nara is a popular destination for refugees, given the city's almost magical appearance. Located around a forest of massive trees, most of the city proper extends up into them, vast canopies stretching from tree to tree with buildings and infrastructure built into them. With little light able to reach the forest floor, the streets of the lowest district are lit up with naturally occurring bio-luminescent flowers and mushrooms in place of streetlights.
After all the excitement last month, why not take some time to relax in one of Nippon's most peaceful regions?
Wildlife Strife Narashi, Nara
Although the West is well-known for living in harmony with the ayakashi, no where is that more true than Nara, where ayakashi are treated with the utmost reverence.
One of the more common ayakashi found is the Arukibake, the ghost-walker ayakashi. Utterly harmless, these little leggy ghosts can be found strutting around the city at every corner, ranging from the size of an apple to waist-height. However, they're known to be attracted to people who have recently experienced bouts of depression or loneliness. The exact reason for this is unknown, but anyone seen with a small procession of these fellas marching silently behind them is certain to get more than a few concerned passer-bys offering them a warm meal, a hug, or even a shoulder to cry on if they need it. Even for the Western Kingdom, it seems the people of Nara are especially compassionate.
But among all the ayakashi in Nara, the most well-known is the Saiwaika, the good-fortune deer. Growing no more than two feet high, these miniature deer can be found in parks throughout Nara, where they've become so docile and used to the presence of Yokai that they'll walk right up and cutely beg for food. Those who look upon their tiny, dainty forms will find themselves strongly compelled to be generous and kind to every living creature they meet. Originally a defense mechanism against predators, the saiwaika instead offer this power as a blessing to the people of Nara, which is said to have the lowest crime rate of any city in the Western Kingdom.
Thankfully, vendors selling special crackers for the saiwaika can be found everywhere. And while they've learned not to steal them off the stall tables, once the wrapping comes off, it's a free-for-all. The tiny deer have been known to swarm, nibbling at the clothes of those bearing the treats. Some even attempt to jump and steal them, with the saiwaika being well-known for its ability to leap nearly ten feet into the air. Yes, this looks as silly as you can imagine.
But for all that the Ayakashi in Nara are peaceful, there are still more than a few troublemakers. One in particular to look out for is the Gurakurage, the glass-jelly ayakashi. Appearing in an array of beautiful colors, these ayakashi are attracted by greed and feelings of lust. It's not uncommon to see them tethered by a string in shops, where their increased activity serves as a warning to look out for shoplifters. But when encountered in the wild, these strange jellyfish will latch onto the bodies of people experiencing sexual frustration. A minor annoyance to be sure, as they can simply be peeled off, but just don't break the glass dome atop their head. Doing so will greatly anger the ayakashi, causing them to grow in size before... well. I think we all know where the prompt with the tentacle creature is going.
Sweets in the Sky Narashi, Nara
In the highest levels of Nara's main district, Narashi, a new sweets shop has been drawing in customers from all over the west. Very few businesses are allowed in the highest level, which is usually reserved for shrines or particularly wealthy homeowners, as it's the only area that breaches the top of the forest. With outdoor seating, guests will be be able the see the rarest view in all of Nara -- a sea of green stretched out as far as the eye can see, with the city of Kyoto visible in the distance. Probably not ideal for anyone with a fear of heights.
In addition to some of the cutest parfaits this side of Nippon, their biggest claim to fame is their enchanted candy, each variety possessing one of a number of special effects. Children in particular are quite fond of the goofier ones, such as chewing gum that alters a person's voice, lemon hard candies that cause people to shrink in size, and little sugar stars that create illusions of fireworks over the consumer's shoulders.
They even have special varieties for adult customers, which include: lollipops flavored with uki, ice cream filled mochi flavored with uki, uki taffy, uki hard candies, uki ice cream... you get the idea. As with all sweets filled with uki, those who consume them will feel a mild and pleasant high, lowering inhibitions and reducing stress, and occasionally functioning as a mild aphrodisiac.
That said, please don't fuck in their bathrooms (looking at you, Kazuha). There are plenty of reasonably priced hotels in the lower streets of Nara.
Starry Night Narashi, Nara
Those who visited Nara last October may recall the serene waters of Sarusawa Pond, built into an artificial park within the trees, and one of the best places to view the stars in Nara. Visitors can climb up to the highest balconies of a nearby five-story pagoda, or watch the stars as they're reflected in the near mirror-like surface of the water. And thankfully, this month, it's entirely safe to do so (we don't talk about October).
A special meteor shower is taking place during the second week of the month, and as such, many locals have taken the opportunity to hold a small festival within the park around the pond. Throughout the day, stalls selling food and little trinkets line the edges of the park. But once night comes, all lights are turned off, as a spectacular view of shooting stars can be seen in the starry sky overhead. And better yet -- the ring that exists around the planet Gaia causes some of these meteors to grow rainbow tails as they shoot across the sky.
Among the crowd, some refugees may hear whispers of locals suggesting that one should make a wish when they see a meteor with a rainbow tail. And while this is just a local superstition, for the refugees, it'll be so much more than that.
Those present in the park will find that their wishes may very well come true. Material goods will suddenly appear in their hands, any aches or ailments will immediately be healed, and those who wish for the company of a good friend will find them seated next to them (provided they are in Nippon, or are an incoming castmate or auxiliary NPC, see the notes for details).
Unlike usual kizuna-powered wishes, these ones will 100% stick around! How nice! Even the locals, though perhaps a little jealous, will see this miracle as a sign that their world has accepted them, the gods wishing to reward them for any hardship they have faced.
OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's June 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.
• Uki-flavored treats are available for customers 15 and older, as the age of majority in the West varies based on race.
• All players are welcome to wish any item from home, magical or otherwise, using the meteor shower wishes. Keep in mind, the item must be something they can reasonably carry home with them.
• Players bringing a new character into the setting may have them wished into the setting using the meteor shower wishes. They will still recall a timeloop, but instead of a door, they will hear the voice of the character wishing them into the setting calling their name, and will appear in Nippon when they turn to look for that voice. These characters must visit either the NRL or MRU within the next few days to receive a proper bond with Nippon to ensure they don't disappear. Additionally, players may bring in Auxiliary NPCs using this mechanic as well. Keep in mind, these characters will remain in the setting, but you are not required to actively play them, nor add them to the auxiliary NPC page unless you wish to do so.
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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lapis de fiore | original
I. Gion
II. Arukibake
III. Sweets in the Sky
IV. Wildcard
gion bc death lady meeting anubis can only be a good idea
Well, he's glad the host agreed to let him watch before he makes a decision. It gives him a better idea of what to expect from the duties, and they're really not greatly different from that of any servant... perhaps with more dancing and singing, but at least one of those is of no concern to him.
He's just about to go find the host of the evening, who he's been told has stepped out for a moment, when he runs into one of the performers taking a break. )
Good evening. ( There's a polite bow of his head as greeting, before he follows it up with; ) May I say, you did an admirable job with your dance.
only good things can happen
Thank you very much. I'm hoping this is something I can keep doing during my stay here. [ What better way to integrate herself with the locals, after all. Then she's quiet for a moment, head tilting in silent question before she speaks again. ]
Will you be taking part as well?
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I had considered doing so, yes. I've less experience in this particular art of servitude. It would be interesting to experience it.
( Even though his butler days are long behind him. )
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Thank you, that's very kind of you to say.
[ Though his wording is enough to make her cant her head again, mulling over it even as she speaks. ]
And I can say I would like to see you on stage. [ There's a certain elegance to him that would for sure draw eyes to him. ]
But... you've done something similar to this before?
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I was the head butler of House Ramses for many years. ( But introducing that simple fact is much easier. Though he supposes the name may just be meaningless to many here. )
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House Ramses... [ She dwells on it a moment longer, before then shaking her head as her expression softens. ]
Sorry, the name doesn't ring a bell. Would you be able to tell me about them?
Arukibake
[which, for Vael's part, makes it feel a little odd that he only has one or two following him. That's unimportant though, in the long run. He shakes his head then, shoulders lifting in an easy shrug.]
Perhaps a little company will help?
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Then after a few swinging legs in protest, she draws them close to her chest with a sigh - nodding her head at Vael's offer. ]
I won't say no to company, as long as you don't randomly offer a shoulder to cry on.
[ It's... it's a joke, she's joking, though the only hint is the faint, musical lilt to her tone. ]
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[he's also joking, at least. Vael's used to people who aren't great at expressing themselves, himself sometimes included.
he's also not nearly so proactive with the arukibake, just letting the few that have decided to follow him stay as such.]
You get used to the insanity after a few months, truthfully. I take it you're pretty new?
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But she nods at his question, the wall around her seeming to come down a little now. ]
That's right, I've only been here a few days. I assume things like this are pretty common, then.
[ Random leggy ghosts appearing, strange foods with magical effects and so on. ]
no subject
[She may be a little odd, but people are people. They react to all kinds of things differently - and for all he knows, she could just be thankful for the little guys.]
A lot of it's all in the name of making people horny, so look forward to that, I guess.
[He's not that averse, but it's still... weird.]
no subject
But it sounds harmless enough... Until he brings up that next point. Lapis blinking for a few moments, owlish in her surprise, before seeming to clam up a little. ]
Making people... Right. I see.
[ Well, as an awkward virgin with some self-esteem issues this is going to suck. She's already repressed enough as it is! ]
And there's no way to avoid that, I suppose.
no subject
[That might be a small understatement, but to him it's true. It's just that his life is... not like most, honestly.]
It doesn't seem malicious, either.
no subject
But still. ]
Not malicious, but still uncomfortable. [ The little ghost in her arms kicks its little legs, seeming to share her annoyance. ]
I'll just be grateful I haven't experienced anything like that so far.
no subject
Vael has never been one to wallow in his loneliness, after all. Other things... eh, maybe.]
I'd advise you be careful what you eat or drink, and of hot springs and anywhere they require a second person to be with you. Outside of that, it's anyone's guess.
wildcardin sweets and arukibake
[ Not terribly far from the sweet shops another figure scrabbles behind the line of Arukibake following Lapis around; a young blonde man with an eyepatch, barely larger than a mouse. ] Miss! I beg you pardon! [ He calls out to her politely but firmly, hoping his tiny voice will carry. ]
I do hate to be a bother but I'm a bit of a desperate situation. Could I trouble you for some help?
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It would be no trouble at all. [ While her expression seems cold, her words are at least genuine. She never finds it any trouble to assist others. ]
What do you need?
no subject
[ He gestures to himself, a grand example of using himself as his own scientific experiment and grand testament to either recklessness or nativity. ]
Unfortunately my messenger bag didn't change state with me and I suspect it's hanging by one of the branches just below. [ He leans forward with one hand in front of his mouth, like this is a great secret to be kept—if from anything in earshot such as her Arukibake procession. ]
There's some very important paraphernalia in that bag. [ It's uki. He bought so much uki for later. ]
I'll reward you, of course—whatever you want, if- if it's within my means.
no subject
She even shifts closer when he leans forward as well, canting her head down to pick up on this secret - even motioning the little leggy ghosts in her arms a bit further away, as if this is something not to be heard by innocent ears. Which, technically, it shouldn't be considering what she's assuming was the contents of his bag.
And now with all the details of this request, she simply nods, shifting back on her heels now. ]
It's okay, I don't need a reward. [ There's nothing she really wants, anyway. So she turns her eyes to the tree, glancing over it for a moment as she hums quietly - seeming to mull over something. ]
It will be quicker if my friend goes to look. Give me a moment... [ There's a shimmer in the air around her, and depending on how well he can perceive spirits he will see either the faint distortion of air around her - a slight warping, but nothing clear. Or a faint, ethereal figure - a young woman whose face is covered in a veil, draping herself along Lapis' shoulders before nodding and drifting towards the tree.
Either way, her ghostly companion has been dispatched and now it's time to wait. ]
... They shouldn't be too long.
no subject
Is that ghost? Did you just summon a ghost to do your bidding?
[ Whatever cowering he may have instinctively done is quickly replaced with confusion as he spares a glance to all the Arukibake around, idly wondering if she just as intentionally summoned them too (strange choice that, if so) but then his tone and posture ebbs into cautious mirth. He almost laughs, his face settling in an awkward crook of a smirk. ]
...Are you a whisper?
no subject
So in the face of his caution, she remains as unflinching as ever; maybe showing him there's nothing to fear from her companions will help? She's never exactly been good at soothing peoples worries when it came to ghosts, but she'll certainly try! ]
I'm not sure what a "whisper" is. But if it's someone who can communicate with ghosts then yes, I am. [ Pause. ] And the spirits with me are harmless.
[ Unless they have work to do. But hopefully it won't come to that here. ]
no subject
Oh good. Not exactly one myself but I know one! I'm aware spooks and spirits come in all sorts... some more um, lucid and personable than others.
[ When she explains the spirits with her are harmless he pivots on his heel and looks at her little leggy procession. ] Oh! I was wondering about that. Usually the Arukibake are attracted to people who have some recent profound sadness about them. [ He laughs, a brief little chirp of a chuckle. If they're with her, then she's probably alright. Not actually sad. Definitely an elective choice she's making, clearly, as a whisper. ] Awful nice of you to keep their company.
no subject
But oh no he thinks these littles ones are hers... Something awkward tinges her expression, as she adjusts the little Arukibake in her arms. She had been made aware of what they meant, but broaching the subject is far more difficult than simply ignoring it like she had been doing. ]
Oh, well... I didn't summon them or anything like that. They just started following me. [ And she doesn't. Exactly want to go into the profound sadness thing. Let's just try to slide past that... ] I do have some sort of affinity for them, I suppose. I can sense they only mean well.
[ So totally fine. Absolutely fine. ]
The spirits with me are like Sylvia - [ Punctuated with a nod of her head towards where the ghost had drifted off to. ] - and they're friendly enough. Though they can be mischievous sometimes.
no subject
[ An awkward clipped little oh. Okay so maybe some profound sadness there. That's fine! Who- who doesn't from time to time, right? Bricks shifts and clears his throat, not wanting to linger on something Lapis doesn't seem comfortable lingering on. Naturally he's curious as she's managed to attract no small amount of Arukibake, but they've just met and he's already imposing on her for help. ]
So it seems. There are plenty of strange and fascinating creatures here in Nippon. Many harmless... others maybe not so much. Giant, ah, Salamanders for example. [ He waggles a finger. ] Avoid those if you see them. Brutish.
[ Sylvia startled him but the Arukibake he was already a little familiar with, and Lapis' expert assessment does further reassure him. When she mentions them again he pivots on his heel and gestures to them with a splay of his arm. ] These chaps are quite alright.
[ One of the leggy ghosts kicks the ground bashfully. ]
Sylvia too. I'd like to thank her when she comes back, if I can.
Oh—rude of me, I don't think I've even introduced myself! [ He holds his hand out, remembering his manners and forgetting his current diminutive size. ]
Brickston Bartholomew Penderyn.
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