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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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He peered through the crowded tavern, studying the people and how things worked in this world. It seemed simple enough. "I think there's a table over there, darling." And it seemed to have a nice view. Priorities. "Shall we claim it?"
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Still pressed to his side, Lioriley followed his gaze to the empty table. Recently vacated, most likely, and even at this relatively late hour the place seemed quite lively, so they had better take it while they could. "I think we shall." She said, only then removing herself so she could take his hand instead, gently guiding him through the oni and humans alike toward the seats they meant to take, only spared a few glances along the way.
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Hoping to show he was, in fact, a gentlman, he pulled the chair out for her when they reached the table, and spared a quick glance towards the busy bar. "What do you think, darling? Shall we see how the wine is here? Or do you prefer ale?"
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She smiled and nodded her thanks as she took her seat, peering over at the bar as well with a thoughtful hum. "I prefer wine, I think." She did not drink much, but if she had a choice... "I trust your judgement, Astarion." why tho.
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With a parting bow, he swept off through the crowded bar and had a conversation with the person tending bar, and returned a short time later with a glass of deep burgundy wine in each hand. "Here you are, my dear," he drawled, setting one glass in front of her and settling himself in the chair across from her, all but draping himself across it because why wouldn't he sit like a total slut. He sipped the wine--it was passable, at the very least not vinegar masquarading as wine--and flung his free arm over the back rung of the chair. "Now, let's see...the thrilling and terrible tale of how a poor magister like my good self found himself swept away from the city of Baldur's Gate. Tell me, darling, are you familiar with the Illithid? Sometimes better known as mind flayers?"
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Lioriley propped her elbows on the table, laced her fingers together, and rested her cheek atop them; watching Astarion as he made small talk and gathered their drinks. Such a handsome man he was - gentlemanly, too, and exceptionally charming. She was glad that he had decided to come with her.
"Thank you." She said, taking a sip from her glass. To his question, she shook her head. "Alas, I am not. I am sorry I must make you explain nearly everything to me." She did like hearing him talk though.
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"And you were pulled onto their ship." She said, letting her hand drop to the table again. "Then what?how did you manage to escape?" Because obviously he had. Eventually.
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"Ah, well, you see, the Illithid have a hated enemy. The Githyanki, or the Star Children, as the mind flayers call them. A people of the astral plane, that ride great red dragons into battle. Several of these dragons attacked the ship...in desperation, the mind flayers transported the vessel to Avernus--one of the hells. A poor move on their part, as the denizens of Avernus did not take kindly to the invasion. Now they were forced to contend with a dragon, Githyanki, cambion, incubus, imps, and hellhounds. Some of the pods broke open during the conflict...one of them contained a person that would soon become a travelling companion of mine, a half-elven ranger that roamed the wilds outside of the city. And she, along with a Githyanki warrior and a cleric of Shar they found along the way, managed to gain control of the ship and shift it back to the prime material."
He paused to wet his throat with a sip of wine, humming slightly over the taste. "Alas, that didn't keep it from crashing. I survived, thankfully, because I was still secure in my prison. It was damaged enough that I freed myself, and made the acquaintance of my fellow survivors."
He pursed his lips thoughtfully and held his glass up to the light. "I may have, mm, overreacted a bit on our first meeting, but could one really blame me? All I saw was the three of them running about the ship, free as birds, while I was locked in a pod. I assumed they were conspirators." What, dramatic? Him? Yes, always.
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For now she just listened, still making the appropriate faces of shock or awe or disgust when needed, and never once thinking to interrupt. Astarion really did have a beautiful voice to match the rest of his beauty - and a delightful way of telling stories.
"I do not think many would be inclined to trust others in such a situation. At least not initially." She probably would, but that wasn't the point. "But you befriended them, yes? And you traveled together afterwards?"
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"Mm, befriended may be a strong word," Astarion remarked, tipping his glass this way and that and sending her a charming little smirk across the table. "They aren't quite so likable as you are, darling. The gith in particular has no use for friendship, and barely any use for allies. Truth be told I'm waiting for the day she tries to kill us all in our sleep. We're more a party of convenience. Myself, the cleric I mentioned, Shadowheart. The gith, Lae'zel. A wizard named Gale. Wyll, a warlock that fancies himself a hero of the people. And our defacto leader, the ranger Tavriel. We've a druid and a bard that travel with us, though they prefer to stay behind at camp."
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"Many parties are. That does not mean you will not all learn to get along, hopefully." Again, not every group that randomly gathered for adventures became best friends, unless they were with Lioriley in said party, apparently. "That sounds like quite the unique group. Where were you headed before you arrived here - back to Baldur's Gate?"
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And why was he picturing her mixed amid his little traveling party? Odd. He shook himself a little and refocused on her question. "Hmm, you know, I imagine Baldur's Gate will be the ultimate goal for most of us. But for now, we've a...situation that must be addressed. There's something strange going on with the mind flayers...and some strange cult, worshipping a god that none of us have heard of before. The Absolute. Quite a title, hm? Anyway. The druid, Halsin, he believes answers can be found in some old tower protected by a cursed forest. Too dangerous to risk traveling through. And if traversing the overworld is too dangerous, well, where else does one go but under the world? Which is quite dangerous in itself, but according to the druid, the safer option. But then, well. You know how we all found ourselves here."
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"As safe as one can be in such a dangerous situation." She said, sounding like a woman who had been in plenty of similar positions herself. "It must be strange, being here now without your companions. I wonder why none came with you." Time shenanigans.
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She took another sip of her wine, set it down on the table and stared at the contents for a few seconds. "Alone in the sense that I was not traveling with any of my former companions, I suppose. But not technically alone. I was in a large castle, doing my duties for the new king, and when I wandered into the library I had set foot in a thousand times before...I did so eight more times. Until I arrived here through the door."
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"Strange," he observed, a slight crease forming between his brows. "Such an...average and unremarkable day to repeat. It makes one wonder why, does it not? Then again, perhaps it was very much a remarkable day for someone else. Or perhaps there's no why at all. I fear my knowledge and understanding of magic is a bit limited, in spite of my people's inherent talent for it."
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"Such a vast array of skills you have." She said, propping her cheek in her palm again, admiring him rather openly. "I am a mage myself - water and healing, named as Alchemy and Mending where I am from. I can form water, freeze it, manipulate it in as many ways as you might imagine. And I can heal wounds." Mending was...pretty self explanatory. "I could not fathom how to disarm a trap. You must have very dexterous fingers."
Why...why did she say that?
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"Why yes, I do. You should be aware, darling: flattery will get you everywhere with me."
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"I — " she flustered, scrambling to try and get her drink back into reach after his mage hand had pulled it away. "I did not mean to suggest anything untoward, of course."
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"Oh, of course. I was being sincere when I suggested your fingers would be dexterous. Handling traps and such is quite a skill. Might I ask how you learned that particular trade?"
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