DOWNTIME MINGLE #3

[synfluxmods]

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.

code

Comments

no worries! 💖💖💖

[zauneyete]

[ Poor Zagreus, honestly he's so friendly, and then there's this guy stinking up the place with his bad attitude. ]

Hm, well. I'm sure most people would. [ That's at least a minor concession. Call it having matching eyes syndrome, though Zagreus looks more... comfortable with his, where Silco... well. It's easy to see that the guy didn't get this one fishing.

Zagreus, though, is trying so hard. ]

I shot a target to rip off a local. [ He says, and that comes with a slight smirk. ] That's amusing enough, I suppose. I am not one for games.

[ A beat, because now it's his turn. To awkwardly think of something. They are both in this together. 🤝 ]

Why do you want to know people's wishes? To use them?

[blastedass]

[If Godzilla is still doing his job to keep them in line and prevent that crap, that just means the other Titans can and will devolve into that squabbling if the big guy ends up gone. Nyeh. Counter that. But Bakugo's not about to defend people from another species when it comes to pointing out their flaws. Denying the obvious is stupid. Contrarily though, he expects the same in return, with the other species looking at the pros as well as the cons. After all, this one one guest out of four hours of generally nice people without problems. So take that into consideration, Ruler of Titans.]

Sounds like you read it out of a book. [Which would still be wisdom worth sharing. Bakugo lets Godzilla handle the grilling and snaps on some gloves to get back to mixing the dough and filling in a large metal bowl. It's easier with his hands rather than trying to use a spatula. He scoffs at the comment.] That's why some stores also state a right to refuse service.

[But even that can be taken to negatives when the refusal starts to come from personal bias rather than customer action.]

Some people are just fucking greedy no matter how much they make or get.

[gorb]

She's magnificent.

( In that awed, unhinged way of his, at once both adoring and disgusted. A curse like that was wasted upon Okkotsu. )

I take it they never called for his execution then? ( Maybe his part in Geto's end won him some poitns. )

[blastedass]

[Shut up. Mario definitely exists in his world and he likes Yuji enough to want to give him the satisfaction of winning something for him rather than denying the guy the chance. So good ol bob-bomb's the compromise. Hmph. Katsuki pumps the gun, even though it does little but put air into the stock to ready for firing.]

Give 'em hell.

[They're a team now, so the high score's gonna share between them. If Katsuki wants to get the solo high score, he'll have to do that later. But working with Yuji to get it's arguably more fun. Cause it's Yuji. He aims the gun, then glances at his friend to note his stance and hold.]

It's not archery.

[Just in case Yuji did that during school. He reaches over and uses two fingers atop Yuji's knuckles to guide his hand to a better grip on the gun, providing more stability and better aim.]

There.

[eyescar]

She's - sure.

[ Dude... Are you good?

Blinking, Yuji tilts his head up. ]

He was going to be executed too?

[stonehearts]

Hmm?

( He should have known Ratio would easily realize what Aventurine's been up to, and he flashes the man another smile. Not, notably, one he's been using to pull in customers, but one that reaches his eyes. It's... well, Ratio has been able to make him do that far more often these days than not, which is something Aventurine hasn't really dug into much, beyond the warmth of the other man's presence. )

Perhaps my luck is simply that abysmal when it comes to children, doc.

( It isn't. They both know that. )

[kubricks]

Yes, though I mostly just supervise these days. Usually I only work in the field if things are particularly bad.

[Sort of a last resort, though Makima doesn't frame it that way.]

Here obviously, that isn't the case. I think I've seen more combat here than I have in quite some time back home.

[zauneyete]

[ No, Geto, you're right. ]

Which still begs the question why Lilith chose me in this state.

[ After all, Silco wasn't going to be useful in a fight, particularly if these Kaiju are rather large. He doesn't even have shimmer and grunts to do the work for him, no powers his last world granted him...

He's starting from scratch, again. ]

Well, at least it will be a challenge. I would start to get bored if it was just fight monsters, and that was it, after all.

[ He doesn't care about the pay, not really. He'll find a way to survive even if she didn't. Silco wasn't above surviving off the streets. ]

[blastedass]

Who the fuck's worried?

[He's not worried! He wants to ensure they don't waste their time and energy on something not worth it! Bakugo takes off again with a harsh "boom!" sending him into the air. Crossing the building to the other street is an easy task and he lands on the pavement after a small explosion 'pops' him up just before the ground.

How those wolves are going to bring back sand would be odd, if they're going for it. Maybe he should've sent them for debris. Whatever. The bay is nearby if they need to bag some sand. Bakugo inspects the building, noting the collapsed walls and bared structures like a skeleton struck half off.

They should stick to the heavy things, like concrete slab.]

If you need help carrying a piece, tell me.

[eyescar]

I've never used a bow before. Sensei always gave me swords before, and most of the time my fists are enough. I didn't have a technique that needed anything else.

[ Yuji sometimes finds using a weapon a little frustrated, because it feels far more natural to use his hands. He's not someone like Nanamin or Maki-senpai, who are accustomed to using weapons, or even Okkotsu-senpai, who was good with a katana. He just... Punches good.

His hand moves, adjusts as Katsuki shows him, and he breathes out softly. ]

You think this'll do it?

[ He looks down the sights again. ]

Did you use these at home?

[blastedass]

I see.

[There really hadn't been reason for Yuji to use a long-range weapon with that kind of strength. Katsuki understands the frustration of needing to use something you're not familiar with. He'd have similar issue, used to his hands being free for his Quirk and relying on his external gear for any arsenal functions. Still...]

When you get some time, I want to see if you can use a technique All Might taught De- Izuku.

[Mentioning his childhood friend comes with a similar weight to when Yuji talks about Nanami. People important to them who are now gone. Katsuki focuses on the targets in front of them. Even if Yuji's not familiar with guns, the hero has ample trust in the sorcerer's aiming prowess.]

Yeah. Take a few practice shots, then we'll do it for real.

[First time shooter. That said, Katsuki and Yuji had been to the arcades before, laser tag and all.]

I didn't. One of U.A.'s teachers, Snipe, used guns with his Quirk.

[eyescar]

All Might's techniques, huh...

[ Yuji hums. He meet Deku, before, when he was around, and had learned a little bit about Katsuki from him, but it's not as if they'd become close with one another or anything. Instead, he'd used the bare scraps he'd learned to get closer to the boy beside him, and that had been enough for him.

If he can learn more techniques here too, then that would be great, even if they don't go home with him.

Adjusting his weight, he aims and shoots off a few practice rounds - he's close to the bullseye, and getting closer each time. ]

You guys really have anything and everything, huh?

[ Lowering his gun, he hums. ]

I'll bet there's curses that have similar stuff, and sorcerers, too. The crossover is cool.

[blastedass]

He didn't use it as often as Izuku did.

[All Might gave Izuku more the lesson and principles behind it while Izuku made it into his own move. Likely due to their difference in physical size, resulting in Izuku being more willing and able to use long-range techniques where All Might could get in close and pulverize the opponent.

Despite the slight bittersweet, Katsuki finds the idea of sharing something from All Might and Izuku with his best friend here... brings a warm feeling to his chest. A reminder that the people from home he cares about are still with him in a way. Helping Katsuki and his friends.

He takes aim as well and fires off a few times, striking the background in relatively the same area with each shot. No point in shooting the target just yet in practice. Yuji's success quirks the corner of Katsuki's mouth upward. Proud of him.]

A lot. You had to, bringing up the next generation of heroes. [He pumps the gun again.] Yeah, it is. We should compare curse techniques and Quirks, see what might match up.

[Oops. His inner nerd's peeking out again.]

[likemybooks]

Don't worry, I have gloves. That's a nice thing about this world, they have all sorts of protective equipment.

[Now he doesn't have to go full mad scientist and concoct weird chemicals without proper attire.]

Let's see... [He wanders over to his nightstand and pulls out a digital writing pad.] I have the formula written here...

[bemist]

Smoking isn't going to be a problem near you, right?

[ As a priest? ]

[uncourteous]

[ to be honest, he's still not entirely used to the attire here. while it may be out of place with his clothes, he is still wearing a pair of gloves, which he uses to accept the food. he looks at the steam rising off of them, and watches her as she blows on them and taking a bite.

he mimics her, giving it a quick blow of his breath, before popping the entire thing in his mouth. it's incredibly hot as one could expect, but he's too prideful to show discomfort as he had with spice in the past, and so he chews on it nonchalantly. ]

Is that what's in the center? It's quite ... chewy.

[ ... ] Does burning your tongue not affect the flavor?

[uncourteous]

[ while he does continue to stare, he does seem to appear to forgive the not!transgressions easily enough. ignoring whatever implications there may have been. instead, he faces this "takoyaki" head-on. little does he knows this wouldn't be his last experience with it. ]

Huh. [ fascinating...

he does use the wooden toothpick to spear into one of the balls. immediately, the steam begins to rise from it. while he does deliberate if this temperature was safe to consume immediately, he instead comes up with a much better plan. he lifts the ball up and holds it out towards zagreus. ]

I shall honor you with the first bite. [ is this really an honor, or is he just using zagreus as his guinea pig. ]

[uncourteous]

[ her statement surprises him. perhaps, she was looking at him more than he initially suspected? (no) he may have reveled in the idea if it wasn't for the fact that he was focused on their present line of conversation. instead, her believing in his sincerity seems to ... make him feel a bit lighter, somehow. ]

Perhaps, one day I will feel the same. Until then, I suppose I will have to figure what to do with these terribly bitter feelings of vengeance. [ since it's not like anything here could really bring the same satisfaction.

... why was he here? or so his expression seems to wonder. ] Whether it is worth mentioning or not, I hope to hear tales of it one day.

[gundemn]

You should also get a pair of goggles! Our plugsuits are designed to be protective as well. You'd think safety would be a concern in any world.

[ What was he even doing before? Living life dangerously it sounds like. Elan's not about that life. Maybe his first task as assistant will actually be to foolproof the workshop... ]

[bemist]

Good luck with that. [ She prefers not to talk about it unless she has to or she's in the unfortunate situation of having someone witness her memories. Which has thankfully only happened only once since she'd been brought here. But...

Her sparkler finally dies out, and Gebura just takes in the darkening space around them. ]

If you're unwilling to let those feelings go and you can't point them at who you need to, focus on sharpening them in the meantime. Figure out how you'll wield that vengeance in the future. Just make sure you don't cut yourself.

[coordination]

[ Yzak, being both a nerd and a guy who gets too easily riled up because of his ego, is both intrigued and suddenly ... a touch competitive when Tezcat explains his abilities. Can he, a genetically enhanced human stand a chance against a god? Hell fucking no. (though anime can be ridiculous) Does Yzak feel that spark of inferiority and want to prove himself anyway? You bet your ass he does. ]

Well, I look forward to it, then. This show of you can't put into words. [ There's a touch of CHALLENGE to his tone. Tezcatlipoca is probably SOOOO INTIMIDATED by this absolute cool guy.

Who then goes straight into nerd mode with his next question. ]

A god ... what is your name? [ Asked with a clear interest because, he's into this stuff. ]

[coordination]

[ Unfortunately Yzak is too honest, even with his best friend's ominous chuckle. So he gives up the address easily, but he does add: ]

I would never do something like that!

... on purpose. [ Emphasis on purpose, in a tone of warning. ] But as it happens, a smart remark or even an unexpected laugh can be all the difference when you've got cats running around your feet.

[ He stares pointedly at Elan. This is A Warning. ]

[yuwon]

[ within the tower, it was a lot easier to consider his hard objectives there. rather, there was little to no other choice but to dogmatically pursue the goals he's basically returned to the past for. yet, here... it's been a lot more difficult to determine his next steps.

but, is a desire of wanting to defeat gods that invaded the tower ... a hope and dream? something tells him they were different. hence, he seems to fall silent, before he shakes his head. ] I'm not afraid. I already told you my dream. [ he places a hand to elan's back, giving it a light pat as if to gesture him to simply follow along in silence (lol). but, he does get the vibe elan tended not to speak much of himself, and so he does end up relenting a bit. ]

I would rather not consider my goals as "dreams." That just makes them sound impossible. [ which, you know what, in all fairness it did feel that hopeless at times, but yuwon considered himself pretty tenacious. ]

[yuwon]

You don't really strike me as a dad, though?

[ said plainly and matter-of-factly. if he had thrown something at him, yuwon probably would have smiled and taken it in stride. in contrast to his usual apathy, it's probably all the more clear, he's deriving some semblance entertainment from aki's reactions. ]

Yeah, yeah. [ he says, obviously not taking the threat to heart. ] We should head out now before they start demanding more things out of us. [ though, it's not implicitly said, he seems to be saying "have fun." ]

[wheft]

Mm. I could use something cool to eat in this weather...

[ it's so HOT ]