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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
I see. Well, I'm used to much more harmful spirits chomping on me, so this is a decent break from everything—wait, what do you mean they might not stop??
[ Oh kami, he's only got the clothes on his back! And whatever he's stored in the Domain, but he hasn't been able to call to it since arriving in Nippon. Kaito begins to make a concerted effort to get up and away from the saiwaka, but they're persistent in their desire to Eat™.
In the end, he sighs—and his entire body, clothes and all, melts into luminous water before vanishing. Moments later, he reappears next to the stranger, seated in the same way. As the crumbs were left behind, the deer opt to graze instead of chase him. ]
Thanks for the warning. Are you a local, or also one of these 'Refugee' types?
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Surprising as heck. She does not panic, but her eyes do widen a little as her breath hitches. Her hands ball into fists from where they are on her lap.
When the man reappears, answers are not given to the questions she has in her mind. Things are still very confusing, but she finds it a relief that this man is not a threat. ]
It would be best to get up. [ Haha, but she offers him a smile and no sign of standing up just yet. The ayakashi don't seem to be a bother, just surrounding them now in peace. ] And I am a refugee, as the researchers here have put it.
My name is Kamisato Ayaka.
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Surprisingly, her reaction prompts a smile. An apologetic smile, but a smile nonetheless. ]
Sorry. I forgot for a moment that magic might startle some people. When you find yourself in a world surrounded by it, the usual caution becomes a touch more lax...
[ He's also in no hurry to stand, though the arukibake continue to retreat. ] Nagano Kaito. It's a pleasure to meet you, Kamisato. Have you been here long? I admittedly just arrived in Jap—Nippon—a day ago...
[ That's going to take some getting used to. ]
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[ At least he's polite enough to apologise! All is forgiven, not that it was a big deal, anyway. People in Teyvat who possess Visions can be capable of something similar. Ayaka herself can coat herself in an icy fog, disappearing from a person's sight and reappearing at will. ]
I have been in Nippon for over a month, now.
I imagine it must be very confusing for you.
[ At least, she remembers her own arrival in this place. Even now, there are still questions left unanswered, but she's gotten used to this world. She quite likes it here, happy to have made friends that she would never want to forget. ]
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Heck, even the names used here are similar or the same as where I come from. It's all quite jarring.
[ Without giving it much thought, Kaito holds his hand out. An arukibake toddles over to his hand and touches his fingers with it's forehead. On cue, he gives the ghost a few pets.
As if satisfied, the spirit waddles away—and its brethren follow en masse, leaving the pair alone with the saiwaka. ]
Admittedly, spirits like those little guys don't exist in my world. At least, I haven't met them yet. I wonder if they're drawn to emotions...
[ He glances over and tilts his head Ayaka's way. ]
What do you think? I imagine it's quite the shock to be ripped away from everything familiar to you. Has a month been enough to acclimate, or do you still feel confused about everything?
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[ Such as tonight? With the meteor shower and all? She'll be watching with a friend! Were she in Teyvat, in Inazuma, she would have told herself to stay put in her home. ]
There are many unknowns, but I have been able to have a happy life here, so far.
no subject
[ Kaito tugs at his gloves, then his scarf. Nervous tics, perhaps? In the end, he simply nods. ]
I suppose life here is going to be what you make of it. Glad to hear that you've been having a good time.
[ The sound of splashing water heralds a liquid hand spawning in front of them. Kaito grabs it with his right, and it pulls him to his feet. Turning, he leans down and offers his left forearm out to Ayaka. ]
You did say get up, so would you like an arm? I was thinking of exploring this city a bit more before sundown. You're welcome to come along if you'd like.
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Shaking her head, she pushes herself up, dusting off her skirt and making sure her dress isn't crinkled. ]
I'm fine, thank you. [ His courtesy is well appreciated! But she is capable of getting up by herself. With the two of them both standing, the height difference is incredibly obvious. Still, she's not fazed by it. There are quite a lot of people she knows who are much taller than her. One such person happens to be her brother! No big deal. ]
I do intend to explore the city today, as well. Do you have an idea where you would like to go first?
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Regardless, he cracks a smile and then... shrugs! ]
No clue. In my world, we also have a city called Nara... but it looks nothing like this one. Far less fantastical. I want to see the top of the forest, but that can wait. Maybe we can check out some food stalls? I wonder how the cuisine here differs or is similar to what I'm used to...
no subject
[ Her eyes brighten when he talks about food, remembering that there's some kind of dessert craze going on right now. She had a watermelon parfait last night, but she wouldn't mind trying something else today. ]
Have you tried a "parfait" before? [ She slows down when she says "parfait", obviously a word that's foreign to her still. ] It seems to be very popular right now.
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...I wonder just what else is shared between home and here...
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[ It'll just be like a game! ]
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[ His stomach rumbles. This game is going to leave him famished. Kaito hasn't had more than a few cups of water and some instant curry since arriving in Nippon... ]
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You may buy those here. They're also dishes local to Inazuma, so they are very familiar to me.
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[ Kaito pauses, lifting a finger. With a few swipes, he conjures water in the shape of the kanji: 稲妻.
...After a second, he flips the drawn characters around so they're not backwards for Ayaka. ]
Back home, that's probably how we'd write it with one of our alphabets. But I don't think I've ever heard of a place called Inazuma in history or geography texts. I wonder if our worlds are separate, then...
no subject
[ But it truly is intriguing how various worlds have similar things, too! It's always do exciting to learn new things. ]
That is how one would write "Inazuma" where I am from, as well.
[ A pause. She's a little conflicted how to ask this, because she doesn't want to be rude, so apologises before speaking. ]
Please forgive me, but... how are you able to do that? [ The whole water thing... ] Is it magic?
no subject
[ Aha. There's some curiosity. Kaito runs his fingers gently through the waterborne kanji and they dissolve into motes.
And suddenly, the Consequences of Ayaka's Actions are put into play: Lecture Mode Kaito. ]
No need to apologize. In a broad sense, this is magic. At least, magic from my world. To be more specific, it's an application of my aura. Aura is a normally intangible manifestation of our soul or spirit. All living things exude it. With proper training, one's aura can be wielded in the form of various magic-like abilities.
In my case, I have a strong affinity with the element of water, so I can manifest my aura into liquid or pure energy forms. [ He demonstrates with both hands. The right creates a sphere of clear liquid while the left sparks forth a ghastly blue flame not unlike spirit fire. ]
You can touch either of them. They're both quite cold and won't harm you. I can also regulate the temperature of the water so that it doesn't instantly evaporate on contact with fire or freeze when spawned in sub-zero temperatures...
[ He laughs, perhaps a touch nervously? ] Sorry if I rambled. I've had to study this subject quite thoroughly for my own survival.
no subject
She opts not to touch, admittedly a little scared still, and she wouldn't want to react in such a way that goes against how the Shirasagi Himegimi should act in public. Instead, her gaze goes back up to this man whom she's meeting for the first time, still fascinated, only reserved. ]
I don't mind it at all! Thank you for explaining it to me.
There's nothing quite like this for humans in Teyvat, but other beings may have similar abilities.
no subject
[ Kaito's lips then curl in a thoughtful frown as he mulls over Ayaka's words. ]
A life without magic... I couldn't really imagine that, if I'm being honest. I've only been wielding it for... maybe half of my life, but still. I wouldn't know what I'd do if it was taken away from me.
[ His empathy doesn't count. That's less magic and more of an innate quality. ]
You said 'other beings ' might have similar abilities... Are there supernatural creatures in Teyvat as well? Is it like here in Nippon where they're seemingly everywhere?
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[ Maybe one day, she'll know more! ]
In Teyvat, there are people who receive Visions, a gift, a sign that they are recognised by the gods.
[ Upon saying this, she removes the Vision she wields from the back of her dress. A small round ornament with a sky blue hue, with the emblem of what looks like a snowflake at the very centre. Kaito may look at it if he likes, as Ayaka holds it out to him in both palms. ]
We do not know yet what the reasoning is behind these Visions, but for humans like us, these Visions give us abilities related to certain elements.
The Archons in Teyvat are beings of worship. In Inazuma, the Electro Archon is our ruler, and the very one I serve. She does not need a Vision in order to control thunder and lightning. The element bends to her will on its own.
no subject
[ No, he will not elaborate on that. As they move on, Kaito pays rapt attention to the girl's explanation. Visions, magic, the gods, this 'Archon'...
It sounds like the premise for a fantasy world's magic system, all things told. Yet it's so very fascinating, and as a result he finds himself leaning in as if that would allow him to pay better attention to Ayaka's explanation. Well, it certainly allows him to scrutinize her 'Vision'. ]
...Wow. I won't lie, that sounds like something I could have read in a novel. It's quite interesting. So you would normally be incapable of magic, but because of that Vision you possess, you can access some semblance of it centered around a core element...
[ Nod, nod. ] I wonder how our innate talents would interact with Gaia's magics, then. Would I have an easier time working with water because I already have a mastery of it from my world? Wouldn't it be ironic if the two of us end up being proficient in fire magic instead? Hmm...
no subject
I suppose we will find out later on.
[ To the last thing he mused! ]
It may also be possible to have proficiency in more than one element.
no subject
[ His speech and movements slow to a crawl—and the reason becomes quite apparent in a few seconds. Some yokai kids are crowded around a food stand creating massive takoyaki balls. They look to be the size of Kaito's chest on average.
And the vendor's just doling them onto big platters before handing them out to the children.
Eyes wide as saucers, the empath lifts a gloved hand to point. Mouth still agape, he whispers: ]
...We should go there.
no subject
That is... [ A little too much, for her tastes. But she did say she will accompany him, so she doesn't have much of a choice, does she? ] Ah- please. If you'd like to take a look, I will accompany you.
[ She does have quite a good amount of Yen on her, so if Kaito needs someone to spot him? Ayaka's got it! ]
no subject
Sure enough, the operation within the stall is absolutely maddening. What looks to be a giant metal barrel is filled with dozens of gallons of oil. Mountains of octopus meat and dough sit behind it. A pair of portly old inu yokai dressed in festival haori seem work together to create each takoyaki in a whirlwind of motion before dunking the whole thing in the barrel.
Honestly, the performance is nothing short of magical—and indeed, fire magic appears to be controlling the temperature of the oil while water magic causes it to churn and flow to regularly rotate the Giant Balls. ]
Wow... I wonder if I could make massive ramen bowls if I had the right tools and magic...
[ He's so caught in his wonder that he nearly forgets he's staring into the
Rootabyss. With a startle, Kaito turns back to Ayaka and flashes an apologetic smile. ]Sorry about that. I'm a chef back home, so when I see crazy-looking food I can't help but check it out. Don't think I've got the appetite to down one of those right now, though...
Would you like to move on?
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