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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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no subject
[Yes, so. Definitely not earth at all.]
It's a pleasure to meet you, Lucy. I simply wish it was due to better circumstances.
[Oh. Oh, she did not. Mean to do this, but somehow it's like her body is acting on its own because of the mysterious tug pulling at her (that's arousal, Edelgard). Her hand rests on Lucy's as if to offer some friendly reassurance.]
no subject
She's not usually the touchy-feely type of person herself, but driven by the same thing that's pulling at Edelgard, she turns her hand over so their palms are touching.]
So do I.
[Oh no, she's not sure what to say next. Need to think of something before an awkward silence settles in.]
The cold water was nice, but I don't think it really worked for me. You?
[She still feels uncomfortably warm.]
Maybe we should get some ice cream or shaved ice.
[Of course Lucy knows there's another way to help with the arousal, but they'd only just met. It'd be much too awkward to suggest such a thing. Plus Lucy prefers to have some time to warm up to someone first (though not in the literal sense like it is now with the aphrodisiac).]
no subject
[Without letting go of Lucy's hand, Edelgard will stand. If Lucy makes any move to join her, she will also assist. Honestly the emperor isn't at all known for touching (quite the opposite, really) yet she doesn't seem to want to let Lucy go. After all, why would she? It's a bit of a thrill that eases some other urges that wish to rear their ugly heads.]
Do you know of a spot?
no subject
[Lucy stands, still holding onto Edelgard's hand, even after she's been helped up. Handholding is something she's done before and it's something she actually enjoys, so long as she's comfortable with the other person. Evidently, she's comfortable with Edelgard, albeit still a little embarrassed over the state they're both in.]
Just make sure you tell them that you don't want anything with uki, or else you'll be feeling even more troubled.
[By more troubled, Lucy of course means the arousal will only be added onto if uki is thrown into the mix. She assumes every food and beverage joint sells uki after too many accidental ingestions of it. This has left her with two options: 1) Ask them upfront not to add it. 2) Or if it's a celebration of some kind, be prepared to feel the effects. Uki has proven to be one of those things she just can't avoid in Nippon no matter how cautious she is.]
no subject
[Unknowingly drugged, how awful. Hubert would scold her for not being more careful. Edelgard sighs before nodding in understanding. She'll then take the lead to walk them up the treescape. At least they're both close in height so it's not too awkward.]
no subject
[Her tone isn't mocking, but sympathetic.]
Uki is impossible to avoid here, since they put that stuff into nearly everything. They've gotten me a few times, especially at parties.
[She rubs at the back of her neck with her free hand.]
Still, I don't think the uki weed is as bad as the Gurakurage's effects.
[Unless you ingest a lot of uki? Lucy's not sure, since she tends to stop eating what's confirmed to be laced with uki once she knows.]
no subject
[As they ascend Edelgard sighs.]
So much of this place is worlds away from what I am used to. I suppose I still may be feeling shock from it.
no subject
[Thanks to the arousal, she can't help but look Edelgard up and down from the corner of her eye before looking straight again. The dress does look nice on her, very regal.]
I can't help but think of the Queen of Hearts when I look at you. [Only much better looking. Oh - right. Edelgard likely doesn't know who that is.] She's a character from a fictional book called Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
no subject
[From the decorative plates on her hips to the heart shaped keyhole opening on her back... it's pretty obvious. She will squeeze Lucy's hand, though.]
I hope that's not a negative, though.
[If it is she might need to... go shopping sooner than originally expected.]
no subject
[She squeezes Edelgard's hand back. A wardress, though? Was Edelgard's world currently experiencing a war? Lucy would have to ask about that, but first the topic at hand.]
It's not to me, but I guess it would depend on who you ask. When people familiar with the story think about the Queen of Hearts, they tend to think of her catch-phrase, "Off with their heads!"
[Despite using a mock shrill voice, she still manages to sound rather monotone at the same time. Lucy could have a hard time expressing emotions.]
I honestly thought of it as more funny and ridiculous, because she'd order executions over the dumbest things. Not that there's any gruesome details of the executions. Ironically, the story is pretty whimsical and has many other moments that don't make sense.
no subject
It sounds... odd. Though I suppose no more odd than finding a book that implies a very distance ancestor once had an affair with the current reigning archbishop.
no subject
But how would that be possible? If it was a distant ancestor, then shouldn't the current archbishop be dead?
no subject
[Well, technically an alien dragon from another planet. But she's in the dark on that little tidbit.]
no subject
[But now she's curious.]
You got something against dragons, or the church? Or both?
[She's not giving Edelgard any dirty looks or using a defensive tone. Lucy herself doesn't have anything against dragons. Then as far as religion goes, she's not religious herself, so she's mostly indifferent when it comes to that. Although... It may be selfish, but when she decided to give up her life to save Kouta, she hoped that reincarnation was a real thing. She could be a good girl next time.]
no subject
[And that doesn't even touch the caste system and the harm created from that.]
Thread wrap-up~
We had things like that in my world too, though they're mostly a thing of the past. Sometimes they were religious groups, other times it was the government.
[They've reached the entrance of the sweet shop now. She gives Edelgard's hand another squeeze just because she wanted to.]
You'll have to tell me more over some sweets, not just about the church, but your world in general.
[Lucy didn't get to explore much in her short life, so it's fascinating to hear about other people's worlds.]
And while I'm no historian, I could tell you what I know of my world. Though I must admit, most of what I know came from books that I read.
[She won't be going into the horrible details of the research lab she was kept in (yet), since she's only just met Edelgard, but she'd be willing to disclose vague details of the prejudice she faced because of her horns - the fear, the hostility, the stares...]