synflux | PRE-FIGHT EVENT #1

PRE-FIGHT EVENT #1

PRE-FIGHT EVENT #1

CONTENT WARNINGS: natural disaster, PTSD, mind-control, psychological trauma, violence, delirium from heat, temporary blindness, hallucinations, dead bodies.

▶ 001. STORM CHASERS.

After weeks of searching for clues on the kaiju and missing people, the desert landscape begins to blend together. Didn’t you pass that cactus earlier today? That rock formation looks exactly like the one you passed the other day. It’s natural to loop back around when conducting a search but doesn’t it feel like everyone has been going in circles more frequently?

The heat isn’t helping either. Temperatures start to rise and continue to rise to all time highs. The sun is unrelenting and the only reliable shelter they have are their campers. Prolonged exposure outside will result in heat exhaustion, dehydration, and delirium.

Warnings will be sent to the Outsiders via their implants to keep them up to date with the weather as well as providing health tips such as reminders to stay hydrated or seek shelter during the hottest parts of the day. They will also receive warnings for sand storms and tornadoes called dust devils. The storms start of short and relatively weak but gradually begin to last longer and become more powerful. Pretty soon, Outsiders will not be able to see ahead from the dense sand and wind.

Outsiders will be told to chase after the storms and if they progress far enough, they will begin to find traces of people. They will find random belongings, articles of clothing, and occasionally, human remains in varying states of decomposition. Eventually, however, they will start to find survivors suffering from extreme fatigue and dehydration. They speak incoherently to themselves and as soon as they regain their strength, they try to run into storms while calling out to things that people can’t see.

Outsiders can wait for emergency caravans to arrive from Vegas to take survivors back to the city or they can take back the survivors themselves and use the opportunity to restock on supplies.

▶ 002. THE STORM CALLS.

The sandstorms increase and grow stronger until eventually, they last entire days. The sands shift, the grounds shake, and something thunderous can be heard in the dust. It becomes harder to see out in the desert and it’s almost like the storms are trying to hide something. At the edge of a storm, sharp eyed Outsiders may catch sight of a great shadowy serpent in the heart of the storm. Messages to their implants will urge them to get closer and investigate but be careful.

The storm grows stronger as they approach and the camper vans may slow down or get stuck in the shifting sands forcing some of them to proceed on foot to make visuals. Eventually, they will get close enough to finally establish clear visuals on their target: A giant sand worm. It’s size is not immediately clear due to the poor visibility and it being partially underground. However, the worm also sees them and when it does, it glows. The light catches on and reflects against the sand particles and that’s when it hits some of the Outsiders: A sudden splitting headache followed by an inability to look away.

Some outsiders may suddenly find themselves entranced by the worm; hypnotized. They will begin to see mirages and hear voices calling out to them in the storm. Captivated Outsiders will find themselves wanting to run into the storm to chase after the phantoms, some of them images and figures of people from their past and present back home. If anyone attempts to stop them, they will become irrational, violent, and turn on their friends and allies. Some Outsiders may begin to view their allies as enemies and attack, turning on one another in a gruesome frenzy. Some of the hypnotic beams will effect those still in their campers, turning on their friends and other Outsiders.

Outsiders will have to restrain each other to keep them from running into the desert or harming each other. In the chaos, the worm disappears into the storm. The psychic effects of the monster will weaken after the worm disappears and the storm dies down but it may leave some characters feeling overwhelmed and confused in the aftermath. Some will remain in an erratic state for several days, occasionally acting normal. In the insanity of all of this, Outsiders may have picked up another Outsider into their camper van for their protection or camper parties remain shuffled. It's up to the ones unaffected by the psychic attacks to watch over the others while retreating from the desert.

▶ 003. CITY OF DREAMS.

Following the disaster of the first sighting, LILITH will order characters to return to Vegas so they can assess what happened. En route to Vegas, some Outsiders may notice some side effects from the prolonged exposure to the sandstorm. They may experience shortness of breath and coughing as a result of breathing in so much dust. Furthermore, they may experience a splitting headache or pain behind their eyes. Their implants may lag, glitch, or go completely offline which will render them temporarily blind in one or both eyes. It seems that the fine sand and dust combined with whatever psychic damage the worm did may have messed with their implants and crossed some sensors which is all the more reason to return to Vegas for treatment.

Outsiders may become lethargic and experience vivid daydreams while they are awake or regular dreams while sleeping. In these dreams, they may relive memories. Some of these memories may be pleasant but others may be traumatic or things characters would rather keep secret. Unfortunately, being in close proximity to someone suffering from these effects will force a link through a glitch in their implants and drag other characters into the dream.

These links will function similarly to how simulation training works. The dreams they visit appear to be very realistic and characters can experience pain and be hurt within the memory. They will be able to interact with the memories. While in these memories, they can try to wake up the memory holder to bring them back to reality. Who knows, maybe helping each other understand what is real and a dream may even make them more resilient to the worm’s attacks the next time they go into the desert...

▶ 004. REST & RECOVERY

As characters recover from the psychic effects and implant glitches, LILITH will try to assess everyone’s biometrics to understand what happened. Characters who need therapy or counseling after reliving some horrible memories of theirs will be provided sessions via their implants. They now understand that the worm has some sort of psychic mind control power that it can use on victims. It is currently too dangerous to go back into the desert until they can come up with a proper defense against it.

Outsiders will be ordered to stay in Vegas and focus on recovery, given two queen side bed hotel rooms again OR if they would prefer to stay in the camper vans, that is also fine, with their same room mates or new ones. They are confident that they can fix the implants with the right upgrade but they aren’t sure what to do to stop people from following the call of the desert and making them act erratically. What is important is that LILITH sticks together.

In the meantime, those who have recovered, and even those who are experiencing these issues are ordered to remain close to one another; a buddy system of sorts. Each Outsider will be given designated groups to keep tight watch over one another while in Vegas. They will be responsible for physically checking on those in their groups and making sure one another’s whereabouts are properly tracked in order to avoid losing anyone to the desert.

LILITH encourages Outsiders to hang tight and wait for instructions before adventuring back out into the desert.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

In light of the results of the scheduling poll, here is our first event with a preview of the kaiju. All side effects from either the sandstorms or the worm kaiju can last for as short or as long as players would like.

For the daydreams/memory share, players can decide how they would like characters to experience the memories, whether it plays out in front of them like a movie or if they're reliving it by acting out the scene all over again or a mix of both. We encourage you guys to have fun with it and use whatever format feels most comfortable.

As always, feel free to leave questions under the QUESTIONS thread. All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards June AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. STORM CHASERS: Outsiders, still in the now expanded Mojave Desert, face problems with heat and sandstorms, resulting in dehydration and delirium. Still, LILITH encourages them to press onward in their camper vans and desert approved attire. Many dead bodies are found, but those that survive, Outsiders can keep an eye on survivors until emergency care can come pick them up.

2. STORM CALLS: A glimpse of the creature causing the problems is seen beneath the sands surface: a giant sandworm. It attacks LILITH recruits with psychological damage, causing Outsiders to hallucinate memories of their past, act erratic and violent and turn on LILITH crew. Outsiders are tasked to wrangle in one another and retreat back to Las Vegas to recover.

3. CITY OF DREAMS: Seeking refuge back in Las Vegas, character's implants go haywire from the psychic attacks, causing a memory share between characters that are close enough to one another.

4. REST & RECOVERY: Outsiders are placed in hotels again, or if they prefer to stay in the camper vans. They are tasked to keep an eye out on one another and sit tight for further instructions while LILITH assesses their data and next move to wrangle in the sandworm. Outsiders are to wait until given instructions.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It might be a little bit like that. Sorry, my history is bad.

[ Shaking his head, he flexes his fingers, drawing on his cursed energy and hoping that Raidou can pick up on it. The feeling of it is familiar to him, but it might not work in this strange, odd little world they've found themselves in.

It's easier, to distract himself with something nice rather than something horrifying. ]

I'll be able to take care of myself. See?

[Thanks to dream logic, Raidou is able to see it, and his eyes light up. He's a little more expressive at this age, though just a bit. What Yuji was using resembled mag, but is clearly different. His little world is blown open.

He sits down now, hugging his knees to his chest, peering at Yuji from over his arms.]

I've never seen that before. Where did you learn it?

[ Yuji can't help the way he grins, brightening a little as he flexes his fingers. ]

I learned from my teacher, Gojo-sensei. He made me practice until I could do it.

[ Letting the energy disappear, he leans forward. ]

I'm really strong, too.

I can tell.

[He's very good at picking up on other's people's magic use, and this is no exception right now. There's a pause from him, silent as he tucks himself a little tighter together. Not getting to speak much without those outside his clan is one thing, but even rarer is meeting someone who's something like him. He shouldn't waste this.]

I'm going to become a summoner. My clan says I'm going to be strong, too. I am out here to find my first demon on my own.

Yeah? I look that good?

[ Still grinning, he wiggles a little closer, excited, unable to give into the urge to be closer. This isn't his Raidou, his Johei, but he's still familiar, and still cute. ]

What'll happen when you find it?

I have to convince it. To be my ally. I'll probably have to fight it first. There are many out here. But I guess they left you alone because you're strong.

[As Yuji wiggles closer, Raidou does tense up a bit, now just his eyes peeking out at him over his arms.]

I can't go home until I find one.

Do you think so? Maybe they're afraid I'll beat them and convince them to be my ally.

[ Yuji leans forward, resting his head on his chin. ]

... I'm kind of a demon. Do you want to try and make me your ally?

Most of the demons around here are weak ones. They'd still be dangerous to normal people. But I don't want to go home with a weak one.

[Raidou's eyebrows go up, then furrow in thought. Was this person really a demon after all? That would explain why he didn't recognize what sort of magic he was using. He could be some kind of demon he hasn't heard about yet.]

Are you a sorcerer, or a demon?

[Should he be picking his sword back up?]

No, you want to prove how great you are, right?

[ Yuji shakes his head, still smiling. He can't blame him for being a little concerned, a little worried, considering, but... ]

I'm a sorcerer, and a cursed object... And I'm Yuji. Why don't you try it and see?

[Well now he's considering it. The Kuzunoha elders sure wouldn't be expecting whoever this was. A Sendai sorcerer demon?

He finally uncurls a little to draw something out from his sleeve - a slender, silver metal tube. If this guy isn't a summoner, he might not know what this entails.]

You would go in here. You'd have to completely trust me. Or we'd have to fight until you got weak enough.

[It sounds like he's saying this all more as a warning than an offer.]

I've -

[ Heard of them. He knows what they are. For a moment, Yuji hesitates, but... He'd already promised to make a pact with Johei in the future, when they're together... Can he make this memory a good one by doing it now?

Would it carry over, or would it just be this?

Leaning back, Yuji hums. ]

Well, I trust you. Will you let me out again after?

[It would be a few more days he'd be out here by himself, sleeping out under the elements and eating meager rations until he found a demon he was satisfied with. To the point where his clan was ready to go look for him. Sure, he could have found a weaker one and taken the easy way out. But that's not how he does things.

He looks at Yuji, chewing his lip in thought, wondering if this was a trick. It certainly would be a demon thing to do. Demons aren't your friends, he'd always been warned. Allies, yes, but that is not the same.

Still, there was something about this person that made Raidou feel like Yuji was telling the truth.]

...Once I got to the village I could let you out. But I need a demon who would be willing to stay with me. Work with me. To train. Understand?

[As in, this is a long term thing. Not a catch-and-release situation.]

I understand. I want to stay with you.

[ This might not be real, but the sentiment is. Yuji does want to stay with Raidou, to be at his side, for as long as he can.

Whatever shape or form that takes, whatever Raidou wants from him, he can do it. Even if this is just his memory, can’t Yuji try and make it a nice one? He’s not sure how it works, and he doesn’t know if it’ll mean anything, but…

Maybe he can do this little bit. Then they can work out how to get out of here. ]

Go ahead.

[Something about that statement stops him, hitting him in a way he doesn't quite understand. He blinks, his little brow furrowed as he tries to figure out this very foreign feeling, but he can't parse it.

Whatever was going on here, he knows that he trusts this person. This demon. Whatever he might happen to be.

He stands up now, and holds his free hand out. He's never seen this done without seeing a fight first, or a negotiation or some kind at the very least, so he's not sure what to do. We'll have to try this.

He holds up the tube in the other hand, and the top slides open, a green light emanating from inside.]

Okay. Together, then.

[A faint smile alights his face.]

You sure are going to surprise my clan.

They were probably expecting something a little more like a curse or a monster, right?

[ This is fine.

Yuji isn’t afraid, not really. He thinks that he can trust Raidou with this, because Choso had done something similar - and hadn’t he offered? They could make some kind of pact, since he was more a cursed object than a person these days, especially with all the things he’d eaten.

A side effect of being a vessel.

Leaning forward, he smiles. ]

I’ve never done this before. Do you want me to just reach in?

[The little guy looks pretty enthused - surely the clan elders will be pleased with him, bringing home something so unique and powerful.]

Just hold still.

[There's a bright flash of green light that takes up Yuji's entire field of vision, and when he comes to, he's now standing in the Kuzunoha hall, strange and dark and cold. However, Yuji is only here to watch now, not participate. Young Johei, looking a little more bedraggled than he was a few moments ago, is standing in front of several adults. Behind him is a demon, an Azumi, and the elders look pretty pleased. They were concerned with how long he was gone, but he's come home with quite a powerful demon after all. They seem very pleased, and so does he, even if it looks like he's trying not to show it. He returns the demon to its kuda, and they lead him off. Time to get him cleaned up and fed.

As it's Raidou's memory, he doesn't know what it's actually like to be in a kuda, and Yuji isn't a demon, even if he comes close. But as Yuji watches this scene progress, current Raidou is there now beside him, dressed in full uniform and cloak. There's a faint, fond smile on him.]

... I was out there for four days alone until I fond a demon I was satisfied with. I refused to go home with anything I thought seemed weak.

[ He disappears, and then he comes back.

Watching the young Raidou show off his demon makes him smile, even if it isn't him - he didn't think that it was something that would actually work, considering this is definitely some kind of dream or memory, but that doesn't stop his effusive warmth. Seeing the person he likes succeed like this... It makes his smile widen all the more, not able to help himself.

He almost doesn't notice the boy beside him until he speaks, and he jumps a little, glancing beside him. Oh...

Yuji's expression softens, fond, warm. Impossible to hide. ]

You had to be the best, really, didn't you?

[ Crossing his arms, he shakes his head. ]

I'm almost disappointed it wasn't me.

I didn't want to waste my time on doing anything that wasn't my best.

[Raidou looks around at the hall, and it feels so real, like he's truly back home. He looks at Yuji though, slightly confused.]

I'm not sure how you got here, or why you're seeing this. But if there was anything you were going to see, it's nice that this is what it was. Growing up, I didn't get to meet many people outside the clan. I can see why I was excited to do so, even if I knew I could potentially get in trouble for it.

There's something going on with the implants, I think. People have seen some of my memories as well.

[ Things could be a lot worse as far as he's concerned. Reaching out absently, he takes Raidou's hand. ]

Did you have to fight that one? The demon?

I see. A simulation glitch, something like that, is what I thought.

[Funny, as he was about to do the same, to lead Yuji with him to the exit.]

I did. It was my first time trying alone. The important thing is to remain level-headed, to not give in to any fear or anger, and treat them like the individual they are. Sometimes that means defeating them, but it doesn't, and shouldn't always be that way.

[He smiles a little to himself.] A demon like that - a water deity - wasn't too please to be bested by someone so young. But I think it also recognized what I was capable of.

I don't know how I'd be here otherwise, as nice as it is.

[ A start, striking relief, letting Raidou tug him this way and then the other. ]

You end up getting a lot more too, don't you? I'm glad, that you had so many allies to help you in your fights.

I've lost count. I carry eight in my bandoliers, and one more as a back up. The rest Dr. Victor holds for me.

[Speaking of the backup. Instead of taking a tube from the bandoliers on his chest, he kneels down and rolls up his pants leg, revealing the one last tube hidden in his sock.]

I don't know how long we have here, so before we go... let me introduce you to one.

[He may never get to do this again, and he'd hate to lose the chance. The takes the tube in his hand, and the top pops open.]

Come on out, Moh Shuvuu.

[The green light of mag energy flashes, and appearing in front of them, hovering in the air, is probably not what Yuji is expecting. This demon is a girl of about thirteen, hovering in the air with hair that resembles wings, and dressed in heavy winter clothing.]

Summoner! Is it time to play? Oh, training time then?

[She looks around, seeing they're in the training hall, but then notices someone else is there.]

You have a visitor! Are we fighting him?

No. this is a friend of mine. I wanted you to meet him. His name is Yuji.

Edited (i sure know how to HTML) 2024-06-04 01:53 (UTC)

[ Yuji watches, curious, leaning down and letting himself see Raidou move. He's never seen him do anything like this before - he's seen Ren summon, but it wasn't like this - and his curiosity is obvious. ]

It usually ends once the memory does, so...

[ But, oh!

A cute, girllike figure appears, and Yuji steps closer to take a better look at her. Time to play, she says, and he can't help the way his expression brightens a little, twitching as he covers it.

It's cute... Is Raidou used to being teased by his summons? ]

Just a friend? Ouch...

[ But he offers her a bow all the same! ]

It's nice to meet you!

[Raidou looks towards the front door of the training hall, where the Kuzunohas had just lead his younger self through; the other way down the hall turns dark not much further from where they stand. Looks like this memory ends once they leave, so he starts slowly leading them that way.]

Are you another summoner? I'm Moh Shuvuu! Raidou says I'm his best hunter.

[She swoops merrily in the air. Funny, how his favorite seems to be the energetic one with the pink hair.

She blinks at Yuji at the "ouch" comment, though, and then her head flicks back and forth a few times between them. Raidou speaks up, shyly tucking his hat brim down.]

Ah, I just thought it might be too much to explain in a me--

[She's not letting him finish that thought, and floats after him, sitting on his shoulder to peer at his face. She's such a bully. Though seeing how red he's turning is all the confirmation she needs.]

Oh? Ooooh??! Is he not just a friend? Summoner, don't be so shy, huh? He so powerful, he's a good choice!

[She turns to Yuji with a grin from her shoulder perch as they approach the door.]

Take good care of him, okay? I don't want my summoner to end up like me!

Edited (what is formatting) 2024-06-04 18:37 (UTC)

Not a summoner, nope! I'm nowhere near as cool as this guy.

[ Funny how that works...

His own grin is wide, excited, arm reaching to wrap around Raidou, to draw him close and let himself have it. The joy of a good memory, a happy one, after all the awkward tension, and pain, and reliving a life he didn't want anyone else to have to suffer.

That blush is enough to have him leaning in, kissing his cheek gently. ]

I'll take care of him. Don't worry about that.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

PRE-FIGHT EVENT #1

▶ 001. STORM CHASERS.

▶ 002. THE STORM CALLS.

▶ 003. CITY OF DREAMS.

▶ 004. REST & RECOVERY

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

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