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𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2024-07-12 11:07 pm

DOWNTIME MINGLE #3

DOWNTIME MINGLE #3


CONTENT WARNINGS: natural disaster, forced scenarios.

▶ 001. A JOB WELL DONE.

As Outsiders head back from Okinawa (or, perhaps they are already back, characters were able to leave Okinawa through the dataportal whenever) with plenty of coconut crab and mutated fish, Outsiders can expect to have the cafeteria filled with crab and fish food for the next.. well, undetermined amount of time. The power outages have been restored on the LILITH base, and while Outsiders have been enjoying their change of pace in Okinawa, there has been some celebratory news across the Outsider's ocular implants. It looks like it is a message from the big guy himself! Whoever that is. Wasn't his name.. Eiji something? Elijah?


"I'm not going to waste my time with introductions, because we have more important matters to discuss. First of all, good work. Second, while we have been met with several successes, don't let it get to your head. Third, continue following the lead of Yamakawa. ... This is why I don't do celebratory speeches. CODENAMES MONEYBAGS, DUELWIELD, BUSTERMOVE, CHAINSAW MAN and CURSE... great work. You'll see the rewards of your hard work momentarily. Report to me for a payout."

The announcement won't leave an Outsider's implant until it has been read, but just as the voice said, Outsiders will find a Sampo themed pachinko machine installed by the cafeteria near the vending machines. It looks like it's ready to be played! Why not give it a go? Because who wouldn't want to see this charm willingly.

A lot of toy companies are also wanting their skin in this game and have introduced the set of several actions figures based off Yzak and Dearka's gundams, which can be seen distributed on base. The caveat, however, is that you will need to build them piece-by-piece. Alongside this, there will also be Denji-themed plushies, even if it looks like a cross between a dog and human.

Thanks to Choso, hair care on the base has also gotten a lot better. Due to sponsorships, Outsiders are readily able to access more shampoo and conditioner options. Though, maybe thanks to the pictures on the bottle— buns are now trending.

Maybe give the pachinko machine a spin? Or try Choso's brand of shampoo your team's wing communal shower?


▶ 002. TRADITIONAL TANABATA.

The sun is hot but summer is traditionally festival season in Neo Tokyo; these old traditions have managed to hold up in this gritty society in attempts to keep a positive morale, so some citizens and organizers try to keep the tradition going and lift spirits by celebrating local festivals. Many districts and neighborhoods have their own festivals as well. One day, you might stumble onto a shopping district’s wind chime festival and the next day, you might find flyers for a neighborhood’s morning glory festival.

The largest festival of the month is the Tanabata festival. Since the holiday falls in an odd weekday this year, the main celebration is held the next weekend. Civilians and Outsiders can find various shrines, shopping centers, and community buildings with bamboo branches on display with holographic slips of paper that alternate colors. Characters that pass by may submit their wishes on their implants; a new way to keep the old tradition.

On the weekend, some stalls have been set up for people to celebrate. Attendance is low because of the heat and due to a food shortage, the options are lacking. However, there are plenty of games such as a toy shooting range with laser guns and kaiju targets. There are also goldfish catching games where people can catch a cheap goldfish drone that can “swim” in the air and water and shoot bubbles. As a bonus, LILITH will provide Outsiders with an outfit upgrade to help lift spirits. The outfit consists of a traditional summer yukata or jinbei.

Fireworks have gone out of style due to attracting kaiju attention. However, at the festival’s end, there is a drone light show. Hundreds of customized hummingbird drones take to the sky and create elaborate illuminations and shapes in the sky while music plays.


▶ 003. DR. RATIO'S RENOVATIONS.

Festival season means LILITH also has to get in on the action, and while a certain Outsider named Dr. Ratio has raised concerns over the stated of the LILITH base Library, LILITH has actually listened to his desperate plea to renovate the library. What a perfect opportunity for LILITH to use the festival as a way of raising funds so they don't have to dip into their kaiju payout funds (and pizza party fund.) It's time for LILITH's annual SUMMER FESTA. Every year, LILITH comes together with local organizations like fire stations, police stations, clinics, and nonprofits to promote public safety and awareness. It's a one day festival where people can get information about what to do to stay safe not only during kaiju attacks but in their daily lives. The funds raised at the festival will go to training, supplies, research, and maintaining services.

As usual, LILITH is raising money for disaster relief supplies and renovation projects across Neo Tokyo. Per request, LILITH has agreed to set aside some funds to help renovate the facilities on base, including the library. However, they will task the Outsiders with raising the money.

It's a festival so how they raise the money is both up up to them or they may take the suggestions according to their team placement below. Either way, Outsiders are required to work with other people on their same team but they're encouraged to make it fun. Set up game stalls, sell food, do performances, and ask for donations to raise as much money as possible for their projects. The team that raises the most money is promised a prize while the losers will be punished. Here are the team suggestions below and some of them may have some new, modern twists:

Everlight: Kingyo-sukui, which is goldfish catching with a paper scoop. Managing the takoyaki stands.
Revelation: Yoyo-tsuri, fishing for water-filled balloons with a “fishing pole” with a paper string. Managing the mask stands.
Brimstone: Shateki, shooting at targets for prizes. Managing the sparklers stands.. sparklers shouldn't catch kaiju attention, right?
Redemption: Wanage, ring toss. Managing the onigiri stands.

Outsiders will be given a week to prepare for the festival and they only have a single day to raise funds. In the evening, the winning team is announced: Revelation. All team members will receive can badges and a pizza party. A special donation will also be made to the library on their behalf: A stack full of self help books, yes, REAL books and not holograms or digital books, such as "Overcoming Your Depression for Dummies" and "How to Make Friends 101." Thank you for your effort, Team Revelation!

As for the losers, they will be given options: Sign up or the final fundraising event of the night or help clean up at the end of the festival. The final fundraiser is a punishment game where volunteers from each organization are dunked in tubs of water or pied in the face. It seems like a certain person (Seok Dang) was supposed to be LILITH’s tribute but he is nowhere to be found… maybe one of the other losers will step up and take his place to be dunked in water or pied in the face? Characters may also sign up a loser character without their consent. Come on, be a good sport!

▶ 004. MONSOON SEASON.

Despite the celebrations and attempts to raise morale, the heatwave persists in Neo Tokyo and with it, the problems from the beginning of the month. Food continues to go bad quickly and while fundraising attempts have provided some relief, the city is huge and shelf stable supplies begin to run low again. The energy crisis improves slightly with blackouts occurring less frequently as emergency personnel attempt to intervene. Though the weather is dreary, the renovations must press on! Fortunately, most of the things to do around the Library consist of staying inside. Dr. Ratio has given the following orders which Outsiders may help with in the Library:
- Install better lighting.
- Organize and add more books.
- Set up and secure tables and chairs.
- Add couches to once section of the library to convert it into a lounging area.

Characters may work together to help, or maybe they prefer to laze around and give the newly renovated Library a test run!

After a few days, finally, the rain meteorologists have promised arrives. The skies darken and heavy rain falls on the city which brings much cooler temperatures. People stay inside more often as it becomes too inconvenient to go out when the rain and wind are so strong. The rainstorms grow stronger and eventually become fully fledged storms. The ground shakes from thunder and lightning strikes light up the sky.

Everyone’s ocular implants will frequently give warnings about the weather. LILITH will task Outsiders with assisting across the city. Help evacuate citizens to higher ground during flash floods. After the storms subside, help clear the streets of debris and trees. Some neighborhoods will lose power because of lightning strikes and need their generators restored. However, every time they finish their tasks, a new storm will occur a few days later and they’ll have to repeat.

At first, it seems like the typical summer storm season but meteorologists become concerned when more storms begin to happen without following clear weather patterns and even the locals remark the season seems very active this year… could it be another kaiju? The last time Neo Tokyo had floods, it was sea water, but this is caused by heavy rain. Like clockwork, LILITH's investigating team is on the lookout for energy from a rift or any leads to what could be causing all of the heavy rain. Outsiders are instructed to keep an eye out for any emergency messages.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our third downtime mingle! While we would typically have a texting prompt, we instead have player plots for this event! Thank you Abbel and Eski for the Tanabata and festival player prompt and Sky for the Library renovations plot! We appreciate Eski for spending 500 bonus points to provide everyone with something to wear for Tanabata. For the character-run stalls as part of the renovation prompt, players are not limited to the suggestions given by the mods and are free to come up with their own stall ideas. Additionally, for characters signing up other characters for the dunk tank, please make sure you get OOC permission from their players first.

Please note also we have added new rewards: the Poison Dagger, Cat Ear Visor, and the Elemental Swords now come in the models Ice and Lightning. Please see the REWARDS page for more information.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points.


EVENT BREAKDOWN (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. A JOB WELL DONE: The kaiju heavy hitters get recognition with.. a pachinko machine and shampoo sponsorship? Outsiders can react to their fellow colleagues about this development, or maybe even talk to the winners themselves around the base.

2. TRADITIONAL TANABATA: It's Tanabata season, even in a post-apocalyptic world! Put on some old, traditional attire with your friends and enjoy a drone show.

3. DR. RATIO'S RENOVATIONS: LILITH has teamed up with the local safety personnel to get in on the festival season. Characters are encouraged to fundraise for renovations at the LILITH base Library. Teams may also visit other teams events and stands to donate, partake in, and.. maybe deliver some competitive harassment.

4. MONSOON SEASON: With the weather being hot and renovations needing done, LILITH works together to improve the Library. A few days later, the weather gets suspiciously intense and Outsiders are instructed to help civilians with power outages, flash flooding, debris from heavy wind and rain.
uncourteous: (pic#16033143)

summer festa, a

[personal profile] uncourteous 2024-07-15 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[ who would have expected the crown prince of the eorka empire to be manning a simple booth. in spite of how much of a divide it is to his norm, it doesn't rub him the wrong way. it was easier than being on the battlefield at least. which may have been an extreme comparison, but it's one he briefly considers.

that is until, he hears the latter half of ishmael's words. he was mostly just sitting against the booth, idly preparing the guns for shooting, before his eyes turn back towards her.
] ... The lady is really putting me to work, it appears.

[ but, he seems to give an easy shrug. he holds the gun up, before he just sort of waves it around. ] At least there is no danger considering they're not real bullets. [ are you really trusting him to do this, ishmael... ]
assassinsgreed: (( 13. ))

002;

[personal profile] assassinsgreed 2024-07-15 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Wow, long time no see. It’s been a minute since he’s seen Izou. In fact, some of those memories from Las Vegas still remain fresh in his mind. The way the sounded, tasted.. the benefit of heightened senses is Toji could commit so much more to memory. It was fine for him to think about that every now and then because he wasn’t a taken man back then, but he knows there might be a weird shift in their friendship because of all of that— and what developed between them and their partners after the fact.

Toji is a little curious to know where they stand, but instead of just asking like a normal person, he scoffs as he sees Izou relaxing on the couch. ]


Get up.

[ as if Toji hasn’t been doing basically the same thing. ]
bemist: (But I knew all along)

[personal profile] bemist 2024-07-15 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Believe me, I wasn't thrilled about it either.

[ It's okay, the incline is ending! And it brings them up on a grassier knoll, overlooking the shrine and its grounds. ]
bemist: (No opiates to send me into outer space)

[personal profile] bemist 2024-07-15 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ What's so awkward about this, last time they had to side shimmy?? She straightens, hoisting him up again, and they're off! ]

Or just partner up with someone if you have to head out again.

[ Someone heavier. ]
undrowned: (pic#17246137)

003, library;

[personal profile] undrowned 2024-07-15 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ rover is reading thru the book titles - actual books - in her hands. she can't say they're a genre that she's going to seek out on a regular basis. but hopefully someone finds "how to make friends as an adult or die trying" relatively useful, and without the dying part. she sets it aside in its proper shelf.

she watches him put back the book with a scowl, and she asks, lightly, ]


Too easy? Or too complicated?
uncourteous: (pic#16033208)

[personal profile] uncourteous 2024-07-15 10:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he gives a wry smile at her words, as if imagining gebura waving them around with the same expression she wears every time she sees him. it was a bit a comical, but that aside, he holds his arm out towards her, almost instinctively, as if accustomed to the idea of escorting...

except, as soon as he does it, he realizes she is the least likely individual to take to it, and yet he holds it out expectantly, anyway.
] Then shall we? Since you appear to have more experience with them, I am sure you don't mind sharing your knowledge with me.

[ it's just sparklers, my dude. ]
undrowned: (pic#17221818)

job / showers / b

[personal profile] undrowned 2024-07-15 10:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ she's also glancing at the stock of hair products. she examines one of the bottles, and takes a cursory sniff - and immediately puts it back on the shelf with a mildly perturbed expression. ]

... that one has a rather strong smell. I don't recommend it.
bemist: (No attorneys to plead my case)

[personal profile] bemist 2024-07-15 11:03 pm (UTC)(link)
I told you, I haven't actually used them.

[ And oh he is trying, but no, she is not taking his arm. I'm sorry, Your Highness. Me, personally. I'm very sorry. However-- ]

So I can't offer any kind of knowledge. If you're fine with that, sure, I'll try them out.
siffriend: (066)

[personal profile] siffriend 2024-07-15 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That was then! This is now! There was a mission, and now there is not!

(And you-- you--

you have the same problem you always do. It doesn't mean anything and it doesn't need to, it's just getting from one place to another safely, but stars you want to be touched.) ]


Mm. I've met more people I can ask. Like Taryon. I think he's heavier than me.
siffriend: (068)

[personal profile] siffriend 2024-07-15 11:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ ... This probably looks amazing for those who remember color. The gradients remind him of flowers, fields of them, with ants miling about. Siffrin stands at the top, breeze offering little relief from the heat, and carefully takes a seat. ]

And that's where you were with your colleagues?
bemist: (I'm lyin' here on the floor)

[personal profile] bemist 2024-07-15 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That's not a name she knows, but-- ]

Good. It sounds like he'll be able to help.

[ Good company, she does not say, though she thinks it, because Gebura has never really entertained the thought that she is. Just like she hasn't really entertained the thought that she hasn't had contact that lasted beyond a few brief seconds in a long time.

Her own choice; contact like that usually means trust. ]
bemist: (I'm crying here)

[personal profile] bemist 2024-07-15 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah. Two different locations. Our roles changed up a little, too.

[ But either way... she exhales, returning to her cotton candy. ]

This is probably the closest thing to freedom we've had in years.
bowtography: (Better learn the sense through song)

[personal profile] bowtography 2024-07-15 11:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Me? Maybe like half a plate, honestly. Though I've got a second stomach for sweets.

[ Onigiri, though? Probably not. She's not that powerful. ]
siffriend: (054)

[personal profile] siffriend 2024-07-15 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[ (You wish the walk was longer.) ]

He Crafts like me, kind of, except not really the same. I let him have a crane I made. He's supposed to make me a dagger that can fight on its own.

[ (You wish something might happen, to lengthen it.

You're such a bad person.) ]
hitokiller: (pic#16873891)

[personal profile] hitokiller 2024-07-15 11:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Both the cleaning and makin' us degrade each other are stupid, which is why I'm doin' neither.

( outsiders put on display for civilians, and for what. the chance of punishment was likely to entice them into working harder, but izou's not in the mood for any of it. )

That said, I got to let off a little steam thanks to you. You're pretty good at this.
Edited 2024-07-15 23:32 (UTC)
penaltypoints: (02)

004

[personal profile] penaltypoints 2024-07-15 11:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Yesod has been returning to the library without fail throughout the renovation efforts to contribute to each objective's completion, welcoming the addition of more that can be done here to achieve lasting improvements. Cleaning and tidying it are merely routine tasks, after all, but Dr. Ratio has successfully coordinated organization on a much larger scale once again. The fact that he was able to secure LILITH's support is also significant.

And today, too, though the renovations are finished, Dr. Ratio appears to be no less busy, surrounded by his work.

Ordinarily, Yesod would consider the scene something not to interrupt, but he thinks of things not to overlook, noting some visible signs of fatigue. As irritating as it can be to have one's concentration broken, he approaches the other man. ]


Could I speak with you? I'll keep it brief.
hitokiller: id: 69907082 (pic#16857751)

[personal profile] hitokiller 2024-07-15 11:38 pm (UTC)(link)
( there sure as HELL is gonna be a weird shift, because here is izou trying to maintain his cool, chin raised as he attempts to stop the color threatening to rush up the back of his neck.

it really has been a long time since they interacted, and so much has changed since then. so much. all izou knows at the moment, is that he's being contested somehow, and that he better stand his ground. or stand his couch. he's the one using it. )


Oh, yeah? And what're you gonna do if I don't?

( can they just say hi or something... christ!!! these two. )
bemist: (You can't take me for a ride)

[personal profile] bemist 2024-07-15 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks, I think.

[ Is that a compliment? Gratitude? Haaaa. ]

I would've been more for it if it had been fighting, but this was all pretty one-sided.
siffriend: (048)

[personal profile] siffriend 2024-07-15 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Freedom, huh. The takoyaki balls are "colorful" too, now that you compare the sights. Three down, five to go.

(You've almost forgotten what that was like, too. Freedom) ]


I'm glad you have the chance to stretch your legs then. As a traveler I get to a lot, but... I haven't been able to as much lately. End of the world and all.

[ He doesn't remember if he's said anything about it. ]
uncourteous: (pic#16085811)

1/2

[personal profile] uncourteous 2024-07-15 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ the rejections keep him modest. except, they really don't. while he does stare incredulously for a moment as she moves past his arm, he also doesn't seem to hold it against her, either. more just mildly peeved. ] My lady...
uncourteous: (pic#16033018)

[personal profile] uncourteous 2024-07-15 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ for once, he doesn't delve into accusations of meanness of what is standard. he moves alongside of her. ] It is still more than I can say. [ people have purchased them from the booth, but he hasn't tried his hand at them yet...

while he doesn't personally see the appeal, maybe this was his chance to find out.
] Then let us find an appropriate venue.
bemist: (I'm lyin' here on the floor)

[personal profile] bemist 2024-07-15 11:53 pm (UTC)(link)
That'll be useful. You'll have to spar with me sometime.

[ Which is not any kind of adorable hangout, but it's? Something? She'd seen Siffrin react in a moment of panic; those reflexes hadn't been a fluke. Facing them herself would be the fastest way to see how they did in actual combat. ]
bemist: (You can't take me for a ride)

[personal profile] bemist 2024-07-15 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She... doesn't think so? ]

End of the world?

[ Yeah. That doesn't sound familiar. ]
bemist: (You better run and hide)

[personal profile] bemist 2024-07-16 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ He's really doing his best despite Gebura just being highly disrespectful to royalty and genteel manners. And because he miraculously refrains from commenting on what a heathen she is in the most roundabout way, Gebura can focus on walking to find a clear spot. ]

"Appropriate" probably means somewhere where there isn't anything flammable lying around.
uncourteous: (pic#16032982)

[personal profile] uncourteous 2024-07-16 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, I suppose razing the entire area in flames would be frowned upon.

[ especially when they were... doing this for charity.

though, something in his voice does sound rather amused. but, thankfully, as they walk away from the booths, it does seem to enter several clearings. especially, closer to areas where they connect to pathways to shrine and areas that funnel to outside streets.
]

What of this place? [ it is a bit close to some trees, but it is fairly empty all things considered. ]