synflux | DOWNTIME MINGLE #3

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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.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No, I'm fine down here.

[ (You keep in mind it's an option, but you don't think you'll take it.)

Omamori stand... Siffrin can't help but think of the ever mysterious Ka Bue and its Expressions. This might be a good way to learn about something similar. ]

It's nice following someone who can see in front of them.

[ Is he fine down there??? Wouldn't know what that's like… But this is what prompts Elysium to stop and look over, and maybe Siffrin to crash into him if they aren't paying attention. ]

You don't want to see things for yourself?

[ it's nbd. he piggybacks adult dwarves. he doesn't know how old siffrin is exactly, but age shouldn't stop anyone from dreaming of being taller…!! ]

[ No, unfortunately they seem Quite aware of the distance between them and any possible stops, pausing promptly as Elysium does. ]

... Am I bothering you?

No, but it seems like being shoved around everywhere is quite a bother for you.

[ …

…

places hand on Siffrin's head. like that'll keep them in place. ]

Got somewhere you want to be? I'm just checking things out, personally.

[ Congrats to Elysium for being the first person here who gets to experience Siffrin full body flinching away from the touch, though they don't seem in any pain or aware of the sudden movement. It's reflexive, apparently. ]

No, not really. [ To either. ] I'd like to see the games. But I can do that walking behind you.

[ He sure has gotten a lot of those congratulations in their two threads…! Just blinking at his hand briefly wondering what's up with that—given Siffrin's expression, it really doesn't seem like it's anything worth thinking too deeply over.

… Alright! Back to his pocket his hand goes. Notably, he isn't in a yukata or jinbei, looking the perfect part of tourist. ]

Oh. Let's play one, then. [ He can always go back for the omamori later. A hum, as he lifts his gaze to look in a certain direction, towards where the Brimstone booths are. ] How do you feel about a little competition?

[ No... ]

What about your... charm things?

[ The things he was looking at. ]

I can go back for them later. I'd rather get you to where you want to be, first.

[ Maybe he's a little embarrassed he'd been caught staring… ]

[ Hmm. It's not that Siffrin's particularly interested in the games, but they're something he'll try later. Bonnie's the competitive one of their family members. ]

What are they?

[ … that kind of answers it, doesn't it? His laugh is a little defeated, but he concedes to their curiosity and starts walking with his original destination in mind. ]

They're supposedly called omamori. They're said to provide good luck and protect you from harm if you keep them on your person. Apt considering what we do, yeah?

How do they do that? A protective shield?

[ (Like Mira's...

... Oh, it kind of reminds you of something in Ka Bue. But you didn't stay there long, just a little. This place really does remind you of it.)

But Siffrin is following him, yes. To see the little charms. In all their gradients. ]

Er… Take what I say with a grain of salt since I can't claim to be an expert, [ he's!! a gaijin!! fantasy spain man!! ] but it's apparently more symbolic than that. They contain their creator's prayers to a divine spirit, and that's where their power comes from.

[ He likes reading up on cultures and learning more about them, but there's only so much you can learn from surface-level research… There's a bit of a faraway look in his eyes as he goes on. ]

For me, it's enough that the people who weave the charms put their prayers and well wishes into them. Though I don't particularly believe in any gods, I can get behind sentiment. What about you?

[ Fantasy Spain man....... meet Fantasy French-ish enby.

It definitely sounds Ka Buan though, and Siffrin keeps their single eye on Elysium. ]

... I don't really believe in them, but my family members do. Isa, Bonnie, and Mira all follow the Change God, and Odile follows Expressions, which the gods here remind me of. The Universe lays its path out, and we must follow it. That's all.

[ (That's all. Something no one knows now, no one remembers.) ]

I think I'd like one of the charms, though. They're cute.

[ Oh, world-specific vernacular… Elysium looks thoughtful as he turns some of the terms in his head, but ultimately doesn't try that hard to make sense of them when what matters is context. 'That's all.' Sounds a little complicated, much like his own relationship with it—so he's happy to move on to. ]

Right? I'd like to buy a few as souvenirs. They're a lot easier to carry around than, say, masks, and I think what you end up picking for someone can say a lot.

[ Talking practicality when they're dealing with sentiments, it be like that. At any rate, considering the stall hadn't been terribly far from their initial position, they reach it in due time. ]

What kind of charm were you thinking of? [ picks out and holds one out that just says 'luck' in vibrant golds and reds. ] Something like this?

[ (You think of reds and golds, shades given name. The way it's a little lighter in the sun, the way there's silver to match. This red isn't the same, and the gold is a lot brighter.

But it does remind you of someone anyway, so your hand closes around it.)

Luck's fine. Better than something like, romance or studies. ]

I'm a pretty lucky person already, so I don't think I need it... but I like the colors.

[ Elysium says souvenirs, but there isn't actually anyone here that he'd want to give one to… Still, he holds onto one for 'happiness' regardless, whereas his expression stiffens just the tiniest bit when it comes across the characters for 'good health.'

It flickers, then he's back to form. ]

Oh? Find anything interesting since arriving here? [ Recalling what Siffrin had told him about what luck was to them … ] Unless, of course, you consider running into me a stroke of good luck. Heheh. You don't have to answer that.

[ Back to what they're here for: ]

Success, happiness, warding off ill fortune, and good health… I think that's all for the most common ones. If you'd like to take a look at the ones that are more specific, I think they're over there?

[ If Siffrin notes the pause at one, he doesn't say anything. But his eye lingers a moment before moving back down to the charm in hand.

No need to answer? Say less. ]

I think I'm okay.

[ (You don't need anything specific, after all.)

Maybe... the good health charm, and the success charm too. They sound important to have. And their shades are nice. ]

These are fine. Are you getting any?

Just this one.

[ There's no light to hold it up to, but he extends the charm above his head nonetheless, as if inspecting it from a lower angle. His smile might be the slightest bit melancholic, but for the most part, it's just what comes with the territory of nostalgia. ]

There's someone's happiness that I've personally been rooting for. If we weren't assured that life was going on as usual back where we came from, I'd probably be less at ease.

[ Then——he's closing it in his fist, holding it next to his chest. With a sidelong glance, his attention's back on Siffrin. ]

Any reasons behind your choices?

Nice to have souvenirs.

[ So no, apparently no reason in particular. ]

I don't have as many pockets as I used to. So this is enough.

Kaaay.

[ It's a small transaction for his: a quick transfer and then he's done, holding out the his baggie like some claimed prize. Whenever Siffrin's ready, they have games to play? ]

Even with more pockets, it's always a pain having to carry around more than you have to. Now that we don't have to be so careful about what we talk about, what kind of travelling did you like to do?

[ Games...

(You'll have to be careful with some of them, probably. Depending.)

But talk of travel is welcome, two birds of a feather in a way, and Siffrin's smile slightens. ]

Just your normal sort. I've crossed the ocean a few times. Forests. Mountains. Hitching a ride on wagons if they're going my way... That's all.

[ would this be one of the more genuine smiles Siffrin has shown him, however slight it is? important q. ]

You say 'that's all,' but it's still more than what others have experienced. More so that we've come from different worlds quite literally, what's normal to you wouldn't be normal to me, I'm sure.

[ It's been… a little over four years since Elysium's been able to do any 'real' travelling. Siffrin mentions hitching and something along the lines of nostalgia settles over his features. There's a difference between the mindless wandering he'd done in his youth with no set destinations in mind and having to complete missions as part of his role with Rhodes Island——and, there's no denying that he misses it. ]

You must've met a lot of different people then, huh? If hitching isn't something you shy away from. [ … a sound of amusement. because in a way, hadn't siffrin hitched a ride off his shadow? ] That'd always been one of my favourite things about travelling: sharing stories and hearing stories in kind. What about yours?

[ correct ur right on the money it is

Their favorite things about it...

...

Hmmm. It'd been nice to see new places, and to meet people. To hear stories and tell them in kind -- especially once he'd met Mira and the others, but...

(Your favorite thing about traveling...) ]

... I don't think I have one. I traveled because I had nowhere else to go.

[ But it isn't said sadly, simply plainly. It's a fact! ]

I'd like to hear a story of yours, though.

[ 📝✍️ ]

… Yeah? I travelled because I had nowhere I wanted to be.

[ It's a little different now, maybe, said in the same blasé manner. But at the root of it, it is a similar answer, even if it doesn't come across that way. Years of living in an oppressive environment couldn't really be called 'living' or somewhere to go. ]

But what kind of story would you want to hear? One full of action? Tension?

[ It's different, but it's similar. Born from a lack of a home, chosen or taken from them. Does Elysium remember his? Does he want to? It doesn't sound like it, but--

(You know you're jealous anyway.

That he might be able to at least remember it, even if it sounds as if he wouldn't call it a place to return.) ]

Action. I like adventures.

DOWNTIME MINGLE #3

▶ 001. A JOB WELL DONE.

▶ 002. TRADITIONAL TANABATA.

▶ 003. DR. RATIO'S RENOVATIONS.

▶ 004. MONSOON SEASON.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

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