synflux | TRAVEL LOG #2

TRAVEL LOG #2

TRAVEL LOG #2

CONTENT WARNINGS: natural disaster, acid rain, vehicle crash.

▶ 001. WINGING IT.

In the early morning hours of the 1st, Outsiders will receive a rude awakening blaring through their implants. No matter what they do, the alarm will not stop sounding until they are forced to get up. A message will flash through their vision:

ALL OUTSIDERS ARE TO REPORT TO THE HANGAR IMMEDIATELY FOR DEPARTURE

Get up, get dressed in your plugsuit, and it’s time to go! Once they report at the hangar, they will be met with a huge spacecraft, large enough to fit at least 80 people. This will be their mode of transport to their next location.

"My Angels of Lilith. You are needed once again. We have received distress signals from the neighbouring country of South Korea. Unfortunately, since we have not established data portals in that country, we require you to embark via air. Your aircraft is ready for you and your seats have been assigned. I bid you a safe journey."

True enough, there are more than enough seats on the LILITH SKY CRUISER to accommodate every Outsider, and to get everyone organized quickly for departure, all Outsiders will receive a seat number. Like any plane, seats are rather cramped and there isn’t much leg room. Once the seatbelt sign is off, Outsiders are free to stand up and move around the cruiser, but they might have to climb over other people or make the whole row stand up to give them room. The aircraft is serviced by robotic stewards serving light snacks of nuts and crackers, and coconut crab kimbap and seaweed soup at meal time. Any characters who use a cloaking device will be instructed to use it during the flight to accommodate the aircraft. Also, any characters who rely on a weapon or anything else (such as a Gundam), it will be loaded onto the cargo of the aircraft.

The flight will take about 2-3 hours. Outsiders may take a nap, chat or try the inflight entertainment available. This inflight entertainment is delivered through a virtual reality headset. Outsiders may pick a selection of AI movies of questionable quality, along with several virtual reality games. There are single player or multiplayer options available for every game.

Available games include:

The Sims 30: One player gets to become the ‘god’ of a world and build houses or dictate the lives of other players and NPCs within the game as they see fit.
Farm Crossing: A farming simulator game where players get to build and manage their own farms. Harvest your crops and tend to your animals! Impress the friendly villagers in the town with your beautiful ranch!
Tales of Heroes: A fantasy game where players are reborn into a world of monsters and magic and have to level up by fighting monsters and slaying demons.
And many more … (Feel free to design your own VR games.)

Eventually, the sky cruiser will touch down on Incheon Airport. There’s no need to be stuck waiting in line at immigration... it appears as if the Incheon Airport has not been used in decades and seems completely abandoned with the exception of the Outsiders. The old scanning machines and luggage belts are simply collecting dust. Outsiders will be ushered immediately to the nearest train station, where they will continue their journey by train.

▶ 002. WELCOME TO SEOUL.

Once descended from the train ride, they will have arrived in the city of Seoul, South Korea. Similar to Neo Tokyo, a lot of the people on the outskirts moved to this area in order to receive shelter and the benefits of being amongst civilization, rather than fending for themselves. As such, there is a certain hustle and bustle, but considering the state of their dilapidated airports and most of the other cities falling to ruin, there definitely is a more somber vibe to the city. Despite that, the residents carry on and there is no shortage of shopping, food stalls (mostly with foods that are not easy to perish), cafes, pojangmacha to have a late night food or drink at, and many more smaller businesses. The people are resilient and have every single desire to continue making a living. As such the prices here are competitive and Outsiders will find if they look hard enough, there are some fairly good deals to be made. Currency exchange is no issue, as KRYPTOS is the universal currency.

Since a lot of efforts were made to keep Seoul intact, there are still some important sights that were kept up and can be visited if desired. While LILITH urges people to keep their eyes peeled out for any clues to the next kaiju’s whereabouts, Seok Dang may or may not have sent each Outsider a map of the best sightseeing amongst many other not-so-innocent suggestions. He calls it the difference of experiences and “doesn’t want anyone missing out!” If people check back on the message a day later, they will find it was almost as if it didn’t exist at all. On the list, however, includes sights like the Gyeongbokgung Palace, COEX mall and aquarium, Seoul Sky, and many others. However, some of them may or may not exist anymore. How long was he out of the country for? For an extra “freebie” he throws in, Outsiders will find an odd message on their style upgrade saying there is a new outfit available, when opened, it will download a hanbok that they can wear at any time.

"Well, well. Unfortunately, whatever fun could have been planned will need to be halted just a mere two and a half days to get settled. Once again, a message will be produced on everyone’s oculars suggesting an emergency is on the horizon. Guess we better get to that instead of showing you my home country!"

And Seok Dang wonders why he is the Commander's least favorite.

Beep! An alert pops up on the Outsiders' ocular devices. According to the information LILITH just received, there is not just one large kaiju occupying this region, but two. In order to chase both of these leads, Outsiders are split into two groups in order to chase these two kaiju. They have described these kaiju as being very agile and fast, but resembling a serpent from the few sightings that have been spotted. As for the rift that it originated from, there is no sign of a rift in South Korea. Did it migrate here from somewhere else? More details will pour into the Outsider's devices as soon as possible, but for now, Outsiders are called to pursue the hunt.

▶ 003. TEAM SEOUL.
_EVERLIGHT_&_REDEMPTION

Within the next hour, rain will begin to fall upon the city, but this is far from the average summer shower. The precipitation doesn’t seem weather-related as much as it does seem to be a proponent of the kaiju’s abilities. They find this when studying the rain itself, which is acidic to the touch. While the buildings and other structures will remain sound, the people will need to evacuate quickly in order to avoid any lingering effects to the skin. Skin contact with the acid rain will cause both minor and severe burning, depending on how quickly it is rinsed off with normal water. At the first discovery of the acid rain's danger, Outsiders will be commanded to press a button on their plugsuit on the left shoulder, activating an invisible helmet to keep their heads and faces safe.

The Outsiders’ plug suits prevent them from receiving any damages from the rain, but that’s certainly not the case for everyone else. The first team, made up of the members of Everlight and Redemption are to prioritize the initial evacuation of the people, especially those who live slightly outside of the city limits of Seoul. They are the most vulnerable during crises like these and will need to be pulled from their homes, and those who live in the basement shelters will need to be pulled to one higher ground in case of potential flooding with the acid rain. Individuals who have skills in healing will also be called forth in order to tend to the injuries of those who are saved.

Between evacuation, there will also be tidbits of information provided to those on the team that remains in Seoul to check out specific locations in order to figure out more about this kaiju. The first location listed is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Outsiders that remain in Seoul will be utilizing that as their base. They are set to look at any remains the kaiju may have left behind. Any findings are commanded to be surrendered to LILITH. Emergency response of South Korea will use this palace as a safe haven, providing cots for sleeping overnight and other emergency supplies.

▶ 004. TEAM BUSAN.
_BRIMSTONE_&_REVELATION

The second team will depart via train on a journey to the city of Busan. The journey is expected to take 2 hours, and while there are comfortable seats available on the train, any luxuries beyond that are minimal. At least LILITH has brought along a few VR headsets for whoever wants to kill time with games or bad movies? Anyone can sit where they'd like for this ride.

An hour into the trip, a loud crash is suddenly heard, with the entire train rocking and falling to its side. This causes a complete blackout throughout the train and it stops functioning completely, leaving Outsiders stranded within the pitch black tunnel. The train system is completely inoperable in this condition. Outsiders will need to make their own journey to the city, following the rails by foot and helping any Outsiders who happened to be injured in the crash. It’ll be dark within the tunnel, but light will soon emerge once they exit it, and they will find themselves at the foot of Mount Geumjeong.

From then on, they’ll need to put their trekking skills to the test and cross the mountainous, forested region, where they will encounter various local fauna such as snakes, deer and black bears. They will also spot many destroyed villages and temples on their way to Busan. However, evidence of the Kaiju can be found in both the subway tunnel and throughout the mountain trek, suggesting that the kaiju has moved through here. This encourages LILITH to keep Outsiders in this area. The Outsiders will need to make a campsite in one of the destroyed villages, though emergency response will also pay them a visit several days later with sleeping cots and emergency supplies. In the meantime, hopefully they brought enough food with them or know how to forage and hunt for food in the wilderness. Some of those berries out there are poisonous....

The team here will be encouraged to explore the area to find further traces of the kaiju and help any villagers who are still alive.

▶ 005. STATUS REPORT.

Promptly, at the same time, all Outsiders will receive a text message and be put in an encrypted chat-room: OPERATION: RED/BLUE
CODENAME:
LOCATION:
STATUS:
FINDINGS:
Outsiders are instructed to fill out this information and send it into the chat to communicate with one another.

▶ 006. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our second travel log!

Characters do have ASSIGNED SEATS for the duration of their flight to Incheon airport, though there are just enough empty seats that some characters can move around if they really don't like their seat buddies. Teams BRIMSTONE and REVELATION will be traveling to Busan, while teams EVERLIGHT and REDEMPTION will be staying in Seoul.

RNG below to discover what your character will find in both Seoul and Busan respectively. For the STATUS REPORT Prompt, treat it as an open chat room for all Outsiders and respond to the HEADER COMMENT. Feel free to threadjack and discuss among yourselves. You may also include this as a text prompt in your top level if you would like for people just to reply to you instead of using the header comment.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards August AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. WINGING IT: Characters are told to head to the hangar for DISPATCH to SOUTH KOREA where reports of a kaiju have been seen. Characters sit in their assigned seats for a short air travel ride.

2. WELCOME TO SEOUL: We arrive in Seoul and are given orders to split into two teams: Everlight & Redemption in Seoul, Brimstone & Revelation in Busan. Seok Dang has tried to sneak in some sight seeing in between mission briefs, but it looks like there won't be much time for that, as two kaiju have been found in South Korea.

3. TEAM SEOUL: Everlight & Redemption deal with acid rain in Seoul, ushering civilians to refuge, tending to acidic burns and using Gyeongbokgung Palace as a makeshift base. Investigation hints at the kaiju being somewhere in this area as Outsiders find claws, teeth, droppings and other things that belong to a dragon-like creature.

4. TEAM BUSAN: Brimstone & Revelation board a train to Busan which has an outage, trapping them to travel along the tunnel in the dark. They arrive at the end of the tunnel at the foot of Mount Geumjeong and create a makeshift base in the village there. Investigation hints at the kaiju being somewhere in this area as Outsiders find claws, teeth, droppings and other things that belong to a dragon-like creature.

5. STATUS REPORT: Outsiders are encouraged to share their findings and speculations on the kaiju in an encrypted chat room.

code

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ anywhoooo ]

"Play Farm Crossing for a peaceful, stress-free environment where players can escape the pressures of daily life. The game's soothing music, gentle visuals, and slow-paced gameplay create a calming experience that allows players of all ages to unwind. With endless opportunity for creativity and self-expression, there's something for everyone that will keep them engaged over the long term."

[ a beat. ]

The unwinding part. That's what made me think it'd be suitable! No?

No. I just don't want to talk with you. What's cryptic about that.

[#BLUNT LIKE A HAMMER]

[Another sigh - he's practically made of sighs - as he listens passively to Elysium's explanation.]

Sounds like a whole lot of explanation for nothing at all. What's even the "stress-free environment"? Farms aren't lacking in stress.

You said "especially you," earlier. That sounded way too personal not to have a rationale behind it, my friend! No matter. Whatever you've seen or heard of me, we'll amend your evaluation yet.

[ Acknowledging it and still going on anyway. As it goes. ]

… "Players can engage with the game at their own pace, without fear of losing or making mistakes. In Farm Crossing, players can visit each other's farms, trade items, and interact with a charming cast of animal villagers, each with their own distinct personalities. The game is filled with positive, family-friendly content. The interactions with characters, the gentle humour, and the focus on community and nature all contribute to the game's wholesome appeal."

[ this probably isn't helping… Elysium smiles a little awkwardly and coughs lightly into his hand. ]

I am curious about the number of "simulators" available to us. Truck Simulator, Rock Simulator, Cultist Simulator, Goat Simulator. [ hm. ] Isn't Farm Crossing rather inane by comparison? It supposedly includes fishing and mining, amongst other activities. And there is only one way to find out if it lives up to its product description.

[He opens his mouth.]

[He closes his mouth. He was meaning to say that "YES, IT *IS* PERSONAL" but decided against it. This is the type of man that feels too nosy for comfort. And he hardly wants to get into his deal with Malkuth here and now, on a flying death machine.]

........ [A long pause, before he gives the man a little sneer.]

Then go ahead. Play it. Find out if it does.

[ okay but if the theoretical flying death machine turns out to be an actual flying death machine when will he get the chance to get it out otherwise?

Nonetheless, throughout the long pause Elysium will continue staring (and smiling!) at him blithely. So much so, the initial request times out. Following Vergilius's words, Elysium will opt for a brief pause himself. Instead of replying verbally

he sends another invitation. ]

...

[He gives him a withering stare. Glowing eyes and all.]

Do you really need me to play.

[ sorry bud, there's no fear response left in this guy. ]

Well, yeah. How else am I going to subvert whatever prejudice you have against me?

I have no prejudice against you. I just...don't like you via association, if I have to say it.

[SO THERE.]

… Isn't that rather petty of you?

[ HOW OLD ARE YOU!!!!! ]

[VERY DRYLY:]

I'm the pettiest person you'll ever know.

[ A cursory glance at the bright red hair seated in front of them, before he's back to arching a brow at his neighbour. ]

Let me guess—Miss Gebura wiped the floor with you. Is there really any shame in that? She'd do the same to 99% of us.

....Huh? No.

[Now he's looking incredulously over to her. This man knows her? He would think Gebura would have turned him into a pretzel by now.]

It has nothing to do with her. I don't want to explain, okay?

Your denial's only making you look more suspicious, you know.

[ It isn't; he looks and sounds like he's telling the truth. But Elysium can't help driving it. ]

But, alright. [ An irreverent wave of his hand. ] You have something against one of my friends, [ Gebura is apparently included in this, yes, ] yadda yadda. I get it. Regardless! What we have right now is just between the two of us—I won't take it personal, promise.

[ that wasn't the issue here but ok ]

Look. I went ahead and made you. [ help. ] All you have to do is accept the invitation! They, uh, didn't have the option for red eyes. Or a better option for hair. But the expression's pretty on point, isn't it?

I don't have anything against any of your friends. Shut up.

[SHUT THE!!! SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

[and wow there]

[he sort of kind of is with this expression. help him. He's doing his old man squint.]

If I do this will you leave me alone.

[ Seeing as the line of conversation likely isn't going to go anywhere, he's more than happy to drop it. Shut up. As far as his choice of associations go, anyhow. ]

For the time being, sure.

[ He really just went ahead and said the worst thing to keep Elysium away, but ok. That's the best he's getting. ]

Yeah, yeah.

[And with all the reluctance of an introverted emo kid being brought out to recess, he is clicking the invite.]

What do we do, now.

[ Wonder what it feels like for them to control a miniature body? That'll be what they'll be contending with in Farm Crossing, and as they load in—they'll be treated to its standard fare: blocky graphics, bright colours, idyllic music. It's his first time playing too, so they'll just have to figure out what exactly there is to do together.

Elysium doesn't say as much, but he is about to open his mouth to presumably say something! That is, until… an eight-legged crawler comes running up to Vergilius's avatar instead right on load in, and Elysium's rendered rather speechless.

huh.

As Vergilius's avatar does the little spin: ]

… I think the game felt your vibes.

[What a nice idyllic world. A beautiful sunshine place, meant for rest, and relaxation, and

he is going right down. He's not yelling timber. It's disorienting already, and now he has to deal with the dizziness. His very cute avatar is absolutely raging mad as it recovers, though, as he growls:]

Where's a weapon. I want to kill this thing.

[NOT THAT KIND OF GAME]

[ remember what i'd said about him having no fear response

that's a lie. Elysium's avatar takes half a step back. ]

Uh. One sec.

[ ?? he's pretty sure that isn't possible but he's pulling up the guidebook for him nonetheless… scrolling through… ]

… In your inventory there should be a net? This thing. [ Elysium's manifests his out of seemingly nowhere and waves it around. ] You can catch them.

[ NOT THE ANSWER HE WAS LOOKING FOR ]

...A net.

[What kind of fucking weapon is that. His avatar pauses, before it settles into a thinking pose as he tries to figure out now to....bring out the menu. Hold on. Okay, there.]

[Yeah, there is a net, here. He selects it. His avatar has a net, now.]

This is not going to help me kill it, Elysium.

… No… but you can put it in a box and shake it around really hard? Won't that be as therapeutic?

[SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHS]

This is one of those nonviolence games, huh.

You really weren't listening to what I was saying, were you.

[ Elysium's avatar is doing a consolatory pat gesture from its veritable distance away. ]

Does your definition of wholesome include violence?

No, but I expect you'd be able to defend against yourself. Why even have spiders if they can't be defeated?

[like. come ON]

That's… what the net is for, no? Catching them before they catch you?

[ SWEATING ]

Anyway, it doesn't look like you're hurt, [ …aside from maybe his ego… ] so all's well end's well. How about we check out what else the game has to offer? And if our friend shows up again—I've got your back.

▶ 001. WINGING IT.

▶ 002. WELCOME TO SEOUL.

▶ 003. TEAM SEOUL.EVERLIGHT & REDEMPTION

▶ 004. TEAM BUSAN.BRIMSTONE & REVELATION

▶ 005. STATUS REPORT.

▶ 006. AFTERWORD.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

▶ 003. TEAM SEOUL.
_EVERLIGHT_&_REDEMPTION

▶ 004. TEAM BUSAN.
_BRIMSTONE_&_REVELATION