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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
[ Save for the prerequisites Edelgard set from the get go, the choices for Cloud to choose from are bountiful! Keeping the lead, he's drawn to one particularly popular fried food across Nippon, known for their cute fishy appearance whilst housing a rich filling. Folding his arms, he tilts to one side to see around the family in line before them. He's only tried it once before, but, ]
It's called Taiyaki.
no subject
[How convenient! She loves pastries! Though she's not quite sure of what to make of the filling. It's not like anything she has seen before. Is it sweet? Savory? Edelgard, in her excitement, forgets herself for a moment to stand on her tiptoes to try and see better.]
no subject
[ They were the easiest, and arguably one of the least messy Nippon street foods one could pick up! Cloud didn't partake very often, needing to learn how to cook something beyond barely a pot of rice while he saves money. In his peripheral view, he spots the
tinyshorter Emperor moving to her tippies to get a peruse of the various options. Mustn't point out cute tiny Emperor mustn't point out cute tiny Emperor mustn't point out cute tiny Emperor—"Welcome, travelers!"
Oh! It's their turn. Considering their outfits, it only made sense they didn't exactly fit in like your regular denizens.
Stepping up with Edelgard, Cloud takes the lead at first. ]
Hi. She's never tried Taiyaki before. Got any recommendations?
[ "Ah! Yes, yes. You won't find better Taiyaki on any other branch. Our most popular is Red Bean paste, of course! That's a staple." they gesture to the list on the front of the stand. "Chocolate and custard are popular here too. But if you're looking for something a little more savory, we can work with gyoza and sausage fillings!" The jovial man taps his hands upon the counter with a proud nod and smile.
"So! What'll it be, young lady?" ]
no subject
I would like both the bean paste and chocolate, please.
[Something sweet and familiar to save her. Just in case.]
no subject
Red bean and cheese.
[ "Yes, right away!" Luckily for them, with how busy and fast the line moves at this time of year, the vendor has already prepped the popular picks in advance! It's only a good couple of minutes before their orders are ready and the two are treated to two little cute fish pastries each, wrapped at the base in paper for easier carrying. The man hands Edelgard her two, pointing out which one is which before offering the two for Cloud.
They're not too expensive! He's still got enough to work with before he has to go looking for a yukata as he pays up for their food. Stepping to the side with the Emperor, he has a quick lookaround, most spaces nearby preoccupied before he sees a couple wearing their own yukatas get up from a bench. ]
There.
[ They can walk and eat if they want, too. But for right now, Cloud's gonna lead on and attempt to secure that bench. ]
no subject
Even if it may have looked a little silly with her short legs!]
I suppose now we may rest our feat.
no subject
That's better! ]
It's a long way getting up here.
[ So taking a load off wouldn't hurt! Before Cloud brings his attention to one of the fish-shaped pastries he purchased, he suddenly realizes something. Though he doesn't say anything outloud, he peers around his feet and between them.
His Arukibake are gone. ]
no subject
Oh... goodbye, I suppose.
[To the little critter, obviously, not Cloud himself. Now that they're all gone she kind of misses them, but this is for the best. She'll take a moment to bite into her taiyaki, and — oh, the fried nature of it is delightful.]
no subject
...save for the little glob on the corner of his lip. Whoops. ]
You figure out where you're staying yet?
no subject
[Oh dear. That bit by his mouth is going to bother her. Edelgard pulls a small cloth from her pocket and reaches to clean it for him.]
no subject
Huh?
[ Cloud doesn't fully pull away, too late by the time she dabs his lip and cleans the little cheese glob that was there. As she does so, his cheeks grow warm as his eyes look into hers. A soft violet hue... Isn't this a little too close? Okay, it's all about context but. Should he feel embarrassed? The moment she's finished, he lifts a gloved hand up to feel over the spot she wiped. ]
Sorry. [ A beat. ] I mean thanks.
no subject
No need for thanks. It would be rude of me to see such a thing and not assist in some way.
[She probably could have just told him, in hindsight. Edelgard bites into her red bean taiyaki to dismiss the thought.]
no subject
Got my own cheese wiper.
[ No, he does not plan on letting that happen again, joke aside. Cloud takes another bite of his cheese taiyaki, more intent on finishing it off and making sure he doesn't repeat the last mistake. ]
no subject
If you'd prefer I could refrain next time you make a mess of yourself.
no subject
[ Come on, his jokes are killer! Just ask Barret about stairs. ]
no subject
[Edelgard actually isn't great with interacting with people in general. With class separation compounding on spending her formative years in a dungeon? It's a miracle she can be even a little normal.]
no subject
It's fine.
[ Nippon's been a place of many changes for him, and while it's not his place to pry? He's not about to question the compulsion he felt to help her and treat her to a snack the way he did, either. While holding his almost-eaten cheese taiyaki and red bean taiyaki in his hands, they rest in his lap for now. ]
I'm over in Tokyo. [ A beat. ] But I'm thinking of getting a place in Kyoto, too.
no subject
[He must make plenty in order to be confident enough to have two!]
no subject
I don't. Right now I'm just in a little apartment. I need to find more work that's not odd jobs.
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[Edelgard finishes off her red bean treat and moves to the one with chocolate.]
I suppose I should also look into steady work. However I am not sure I'm suited for much else than physical labor.
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Didn't sit still even as an Emperor, huh? [ No matter her fight, he can respect that! ...that and he's the last person to judge what someone can do based on their appearance. One of his best friends could demolish jagged concrete with a single punch or kick. ] I'm sure there's plenty of opportunities out there for you.
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[Standard noble hobbies such as music or arts were encouraged to be left behind in favor of studying war and battle tactics. She was brought up to be nothing more than a weapon after the age of nine.]
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Cloud means well and is honest. ]
Then you do it better than the rest. Sounds like you're no stranger to working hard, so if you give it your all, you'll be fine.
no subject
[She looks a little shocked, but she's actually pulling his leg a little here.]
no subject
Then again...maybe you'll learn something else about yourself here. Without your land or people, you might as well get a fresh start.
(no subject)