TEAM BUILDING EVENT #3

[synfluxmods]

TEAM BUILDING EVENT #3

CONTENT WARNINGS: medical content

▶ 001. WELL DESERVED REST.

With no sign of upcoming city-level threats, LILITH has made the decision to provide Outsiders with a well-deserved break: there will be no official missions for the month of December. Outsiders are free to roam the city, continue their usual civilian jobs or take a holiday to any of the locations available via data portal. During this period, LILITH leadership will also be taking time off and any attempts to contact them will be met with an ‘out of office’ return email unless it is an emergency. (Dr. Spim is still around, but … he is a cat and doesn’t answer anyway... unless he feels like it.)

That isn’t to say it’s going to be a completely quiet month, of course. Our players have kindly prepared several player plots that anyone is welcome to join. Please refer to the top level here for links to the relevant plots. An updated quest has also been listed here.

Additionally, the Outsiders Program has successfully finished its first year! LILITH will be giving all Outsiders old and new a thank you bonus of 500,000 KRYPTOS (approximately 3230 USD) to spend freely on their holiday. Try not to spend it all on pachinko!

▶ 002. LET IT SNOW.

Starting December 1st, the temperature in Neo Tokyo will take a dive as the country enters into winter. The first signs of snowfall will occur on December 1st, and as it continues, the city will be transformed into a winter wonderland. The shops and restaurants of Neo Tokyo are capitalizing on the approaching festivities, putting up Christmas lights, Christmas trees and decorations. Many stores are having sales on warm clothing and popular gifts. Isn’t it the perfect time to find some nice gifts for your friends?

While only a suggestion, it is encouraged to support the integration of the orphans from Transylvania by taking them out on a winter adventure.

Winter activities found in Neo Tokyo include:

- Christmas Winter Illuminations. Certain parts of the city will be lit up in Christmas lights and holographic, winter-themed illuminations. Stop by at the right time and there might even be a drone show to watch.
- Ice sculpture building. Artists have gathered in Yoyogi Park to showcase their latest ice sculpture creations. Outsiders may view the attraction or join in on the ice sculpture contest. Winners will get prize money.
- Ice-skating. The Yokohama Red Brick Ice Rink is open again and characters are free to go skating with their friends. As a part of its latest attraction, the ice has been fitted with microscopic nanobots that light up when touched, causing the ice to glow or showcase striking colors as people skate across it.
- Playing in the snow. Even under threat of kaiju, the people of Neo Tokyo take the time to have fun when they can. Through the streets, there are people making snow angels or pelting each other with snowballs.

Characters may visit Las Vegas, Kyoto or Okinawa using the data portals. Kyoto and Okinawa continue to be uninhabited, but they can camp there if they wish. They are free to book a hotel and enjoy their holiday in Las Vegas too, where the city will have its own brand of winter activities (winter illuminations, Christmas shows, ice-skating and holiday-themed Vegas shows). While the weather is still cold, it will be snowing in Kyoto but not in Okinawa or Las Vegas.

▶ 003. SNUGGLE UP.

All the lights and festivities happening in the city are putting some strain on the power grid, and this leads to occasional bouts of power failure during the month of December. These seem to be happening in the base and throughout the city of Neo Tokyo, and they last for a few hours each time. With hospital equipment running on back-up generators, it isn’t a huge cause for concern, but it certainly is an annoyance; especially with the weather so cold.

LILITH robots will be offering Outsiders on the base extra blankets (traditional and emergency foil blankets) along with heat packs to get through the cold. Starting a fire within the base will not be allowed since it is a hazard, so those who still need the extra warmth will need to find other creative ways to obtain it. A snuggle never hurt anyone, right? There is one operational fireplace in the Library, and Outsiders may notice an influx of small tables throughout the base with self-serve hot beverages on battery operated kettles, such as tea, hot cocoa & artificial coffee. As Outsiders congregate around the base, snuggled up in their new festive blankets, perhaps now would be a good time for some classic party games such as Never Have I Ever and Two Truths and a Lie.

▶ 004. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE.

Dr. Spim takes regular cat naps anyway, so he doesn’t see the need to take a holiday. As a result, he has continued to work tirelessly on finetuning the cure for the vampiric disease. Throughout the month, he will make several requests for volunteers (those with and without the vampiric disease) to participate in the ongoing clinical trials.

The serum he is testing will not cause harm to the body, but it might result in any of the following side effects:

- Dizziness, fatigue and difficulty coordinating movement.
- Fever, chills and a desperate need for warmth.
- Mood changes, which can present as euphoric or depressed or both.
- Hallucinations or delusions.
- Increased hunger, thirst or other physical needs (interpret as you wish.)
- A ravenous need for blood (for vampires.)

Certain volunteers may encounter no side effects at all, while some may experience all of them. Luck of the draw, really. The side effects are not permanent and last for a few hours. As always, Dr. Spim will explain the possible side effects and get consent before administering the medicine.

By the end of the month, a stable cure will be finalized and LILITH robots will deliver it to all those affected by the vampiric disease (if your character was already a vampire, don't worry about it). It is highly encouraged to take the medicine! Dr. Spim has no time to chase down the people refusing to take their medicine, so he might pay some of their friends to do it for him. He is a cat. He has better things to do (such as knock this beaker off the table….)

As an OOC note, please do not let your character remain a vampire unless they are already a vampiric character. The vampire event in Transylvania was meant to only have temporary effect.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our third team building event! All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards December AC.

We have a lot of player plots this month, and are using this log to encourage players to participate in the player plots since the event itself is light. As a reminder, the mod team will be taking a break during the month of December and will not be answering any questions at this time.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. WELL DESERVED REST: Outsiders enjoy a quiet month with no kaiju attacks, but are provided plenty of things to do (via player plots) and they are welcome to use the data portal to travel to Okinawa and Las Vegas at this time.

2. LET IT SNOW: Heavy snowfall turns Neo Tokyo into a winter wonderland with many snow related activities to participate in such as ice skating, ice sculpture making, etc. LILITH encourages the Outsiders to allow the misplaced orphans to participate in some of these activities.

3. SNUGGLE UP: The power outages strike again, this time from too many festive lights that overheat the generators. LILITH provides Outsiders with emergency blankets and hot beverages during times of outages.

4. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE: Dr. Spim trial runs an antidote for the vampiric disease that struck Outsiders during their mission in Brasov. He takes volunteers who are both vampires and not. Finally, a cure is made, and all Outsiders are asked to take it (please do not let your character remain a vampire unless they are already a vampiric character.)

code

Comments

vash the stampede ( trigun: stampede / ota )

[photosympathies]

001. let it snow i.

( There is a vast difference between reading about something in a book and experiencing it first hand. So far, Vash has been fairly good at keeping his reaction to surprising things on a normal, even-keel. But then he wakes up from an impromptu nap - read: a no other choice loss of consciousness from running about too much - and the entire world outside has been covered in white. Which means now he's under an awning nearby, not quite out in the open yet, the red of his coat a splash of colour. Each movement is a little slow, a spooked Toma feel, as he lifts his flesh hand to pull the glove from it by his teeth, extending it out from under his shelter palm up to catch a few of the flakes.

The first contact makes him flinch, but then he laughs, loud and bright, breath gusting in steam. It takes him barely any time after that to push himself out into the open, arms spread wide as he spins, kicking up the lain snowfall as he does. Snow, he's finally seeing snow. It catches in his hair, along his shoulders, drips down his glasses. And Vash clearly loves it, if the way he's still laughing is anything to go by, crouching down to run the very same set of fingers through the inches at his feet. )

Oh, it's crunchy.

( He'd thought it would be soft. Like fluff. )

oo2. let it snow ii.

( The next thing to surprise him is the Christmas Tree. It's off to one side in the middle of a busy shopping street, and Vash is absolutely causing an obstruction standing right in the middle of all the busy shoppers to peer up at it with barely concealed awe. )

You know -. ( To whomever is (un)lucky enough to be right beside him. ) - Rem told us about a winter holiday once. She said people put up lights, and they sing songs, and it's a time for family. Only everyone else was in Cryosleep and Nai didn't like parties so we never got to. ( He huffs out a breath, amusement tinged with melancholy. ) It's a shame, I think it's pretty. Maybe he would have liked it if he'd have seen all of the warmth.

oo3. snuggle up.

( One thing that Vash did not consider with the snow, nor with all the traipsing about out in it, is the cold. Already a creature prone to running a little chilly, he hasn't exactly anticipated just how badly the change in season would affect him. In the desert this had been a godsend, but here not so much. Which means that during one of the power outages, Mr. The Stampede is experiencing his first chill-related full-bodied shiver.

His teeth are chattering. It is not a fun time. )

O-ow. ( Hands shoved under his armpits, Vash shuffles along to the row of flasks, peering down at the miserably. Is it normal to feel clumsy? He hopes so. His hands are shaking a little as he picks up a little Styrofoam cup. ) I wish there was o-one big enough for me to put my whole body in.

( Oh no, wait. Tank related trauma. ) Actually, n-nevermind.

oo4. wildcard.

( Anything goes! Make him build snowmen. Come help him look after the orphans. Give him food. If you want specifics find me at sadgaydna on discord or qingya! Also just a heads up he has a toy drive post if anyone's interested. )

002

[intertwinedfates]

[Tis the season for holiday shopping and so Yato is out doing his when he spots a certain bold red coat out in the middle of the thoroughfare, drawing him in in time to hear Vash recount his childhood tale. He's silent while the blond speaks, eyes also fixed on the beautifully illuminated tree, at least until Vash finishes. Then he's turning his gaze towards the other, warm smile still present.]

It is a shame, I think. He probably would've enjoyed all the holiday has to offer. There's all sorts of traditions that go with it, depending on the country. There's feasts and parties and revelry, songs and games... Some leave stockings up by fireplaces, others leave their shoes out, all wishing for gifts for being good. It's a holiday of hope.

[Patting Vash on the back, he grins a bit.]

What about you? What would you wish for this Christmas?

[photosympathies]

He hated our birthday party.

( It comes with a little laugh, the tilting of his head to one side so he can regard Yato a little better. ) So I don't think a Christmas one would be any better. Especially if there was even more food at one of those. Nai didn't need to eat, so he didn't see the point in just enjoying it either.

( But at least his nostalgia isn't so sadly tinged today, so he lifts a hand in a little cheerful wave. ) Hi Yato. You doing some shopping?

[intertwinedfates]

What?! Really? Who hates birthday parties?

[He seems utterly baffled by this news, as if unable to grasp how such a thing is possible.] That's... kind of sad, really. There's so much to enjoy with celebrations and food, even if you don't need it. I've always found food to be one of humanity's greatest achievements.

[Although his confusion fades somewhat, he still wears a slightly sad smile.] Yeah! You give gifts during Christmas, so I'm starting early to make sure I get everything I need before it gets too late in the month.

[photosympathies]

Eating's what humans do. I guess even then he didn't want anything to do with them, so cake absolutely became a problem. He let me finish off his piece though. ( A laugh, fond for all the weight of sadness he carries about Nai. His brother was sweet when he was small, his prickly edges weren't quite as sharp. But it isn't quite as important now, and he turns fully to Yato, puffing himself up a little like a man on a mission. ) You need any help? I can carry the bags for you. Or provide my valuable assistance by saying just do it when you're debating something.

( A grin, turned sheepish. )

And I wanted to talk to you anyway. I did mean to ask you if you wanted to come for a drink. But shopping's okay too?

[intertwinedfates]

Huh. I guess there's some things you just can't teach people. That was sweet of him to let you have his, though. [At least Nai seems to have cared for Vash when they were younger? That's something, anyway, even if their relationship soured somewhere along the line. Despite the sadness he feels on behalf of Vash, he manages to smile all the same as he becomes insistent on helping.] Sure! A load is always lighter with more hands.

[Nodding, he offers out one of the bags he's been carrying. It's nice and light, being full of yarn.]

Yeah? Well, I can take a break from shopping, it's no big deal. We can grab a drink and get a bite to eat. My treat! What'd you wanna talk about? Something in particular?

1, need more vash

[wwtd]

[ more than a splash of color, that red coat is the most festive of them all. perhaps because of that, hiyori is drawn to glance over. or it's the unchecked sound of real joy.

seeing it's vash, having the best time of HIS LIFE??? makes it all the better. makes her grin, widely and call out, ]

Hey!

[ just coming out into the chilly weather herself, it's not long before her cheeks and nose grow red from the cold. the rest of her is more cozy, wrapped up in a scarf to match her earmuffs. ]

You look like you're having fun! Is this your first time seeing snow?

[ WHAT WITH TEETH LIZARDS and SHAVED ICE ]

yaaaaaay hiyori!!! is her cast off yet

[photosympathies]

Hiyori!

( The snow is momentarily abandoned in favour of Vash throwing his arms around her to give her the very gentlest hug he can offer. Maybe it's the holiday spirit, maybe it's infectious. ) Look at your ear things!

( They're fuzzy when he touches them, a fact that clearly delights him. But he does let go fairly quick, not wanting to overstep, hopping back a little so his boots can go crunch-crunch-crunch along the snow. ) And yep. I've read about it. Seen a few video clips of the snows back on Earth, too. But I've never got to touch it before. It's cool. Both figuratively and literally!

( He really can't stop focusing on the sound of it, digging the toe of his boot deeper. )

But hi! How are you?

yes!!! hiyori is a free elf

[wwtd]

[ seeing vash come bounding towards her, she opens her arms up to accept that hug. it's gentle, but she gives his body a small squeeze "I like hugs" before slipping away.

then she reaches up to touch her EAR THINGS. ]

Hehe! They're ear muffs! [ she puffs, her laugh breathless but visible in the cold when he touches them.

snow probably wasn't a thing in no man's land. she looks down at the crunch, rocking back on her toes to make a similar sound. figuratively and literally! pfff- ]

Cold. [ she grins, obviously not minding it. for now. not until the POWER goes out. ] But I can't really complain about it. I love the snow. I love Christmas.

Have you seen all the decorations? The Christmas trees and the lights?

\o/

[photosympathies]

( Ear muffs! They're very cute. )

I saw them putting some stuff up yesterday, but I haven't seen it lit yet. I kind of crashed when I got back. ( Not that he's running himself too ragged, but there is absolutely some over-extending going on. Which means when he took what he thought was a tiny catnap it ended up being one of those soul-rearranging slumbers. He just hadn't expected the snow. ) I absolutely want to see the trees though. Where were you headed? Maybe I can walk with you a bit.

( Bouncing on his heels a little, before something occurs to him. ) Your cast! It's gone. How are you feeling?

[wwtd]

[ and pink!!!

for the comment about crashing, she throws him a mildly concerned look. after that conversation they had, she figured he would bury himself in work. or the orphanage. or anything he could.

after all, she did the same. tried to immerse herself in her normal, human life instead of chase after yato. live and forget, she chose that.

before changing her mind, anyway. ]

Yeah!! Walk with me! [ she takes it upon herself to hook her arm through his, with her UNCASTED arm, and she directs them towards the big christmas tree she was on her way to go look at after seeing it on some ad video. ]

Relieved. [ that it's gone. that she can do things with a (relatively) normal arm again. ] I can itch my arm as much as I like again. It's great.

[ ????????? ]

003

[cranekin]

(Likewise, Tsurumaru can be found enjoying the warm drinks, though, he's learning more towards the hot tea than anything else. He's bundled up in layers and layers of robes which makes him look particularly fluffy compared to how thin he usually is. He almost looks warm? At least, for now, he seems to be okay.)

Eh? Vash-kun? (He looks over,) Careful, careful, you'll wear down your teeth!

(And he'll come over and offer a hand to Vash. His hand is warm..... probably because of the pocket heat pack he's holding.)

Here.

[photosympathies]

T-t-t-surumaru! You look like a cloud.

( All the robes. It's certainly a look, but Vash thinks it makes his friend look very cute. That proffered hand gets clasped - whether or not that was his intention - but at least only by the flesh one. No too cold metal here. ) Oh, warm!

( Plants are not made for frost, who knew? )

H-hi. I'll be fine in a minute. I was outside. How are you? Are you ok-kay?

[cranekin]

(He clasps is other hand against Vash's and begins to rub, trying to get that blood circulating.)

Oya, you're so cold. Come closer.

(Spoken like a true old soul. He sounds almost like a granny right now.)

This isn't my first winter and it isn't my coldest, either. And you, Vash-kun? Did you have fun outside?

(He assumes he was out playing in the snow.)

[photosympathies]

I did! I was making a snowman, and then I had a snowball fight with all the kids, and then there was a lady inside a shop who needed me to scrape off the path outside for her. ( And he's not used to cold, so unfortunately his compression shirt and coat are not doing it for him. Tsurumaru is warm though, and Vash is pleased to see him, which helps tremendously. ) It gets c-colder than this though? How do you survive?

( He should buy mittens. But he only needs the one. There's no point in that. )

Wait, do you have Christmas where you're from? What's your favourite part?

[cranekin]

How nice.

(Tt sounds like Vash was having fun despite the cold.)

It can get much colder, though. Back home, we would all get under a kotatsu together and even sleep under it...

(Oh, but as for Christmas? He laughs,)

I've heard of Christmas but we didn't have it back at the citadel. For us, New Year was the festival we all prepared for.

001: Let it Snow

[norwegianblade]

[ The snow is a nice reminder of home, when everyone was relaxing during the winter from hunts. Sigrun is outside to enjoy it, a smile over her face. She's not one for slowing down, but sometimes... well. This will last for a second of peace. She catches a splash of red and sees someone acting... odd. She tilts her head in confusion as she sees Vash examine the snow. ]

Hey! You looking for a snowball fight with yourself or something? Would make for a lame one to say the least.

[photosympathies]

( He stops digging his boot into the snow, glances up and over at the sound of an approaching voice, face still awash with childish delight but with a little furrow of confusion between his brows now. )

Whu -? What do you mean, why would I fight the snow?

( Seems a little useless, if you ask him. It's not even really doing anything. )

[norwegianblade]

[ Sigrun raises an eyebrow and walks over, closer this time.]

Snowball fights? You know....?

[ She picks up a bit of snow and molds it into a ball]

It's a game kids play in the snow when they are little. Good to learn how to practice hitting moving targets!

[ She says it with a grin. Military brat is a military brat.]

[photosympathies]

( Oh.

Oh.

Vash watches her make the snowball with barely concealed curiosity, reaching down to grab a fistful with his prosthetic, squishing it up into a ball just like Sigrun did. Once it's solid and compact he starts to toss it one handed, face creasing into even more delight. ) Oh, fun! I didn't know that. I've only read about snow in books, and mostly just about how it's formed. I didn't know you could do fun stuff with it!

( Not that he needs any practice hitting moving targets, but you know, whatever. )

[norwegianblade]

[ Sigrun puts a hand on her hip and watches him with the snowball in hand. She cracks a smile and sighs.]

I think you're the first person I've ever met that's never seen this. There's other stuff to do with snow than snowball fight.... Other than shoveling it away that is.

1.

[raynos]

It's still cold and wet.

[Jamie has seen snow before - Zi isn't entirely desert, just mostly desert - and he's not a fan. Doesn't like winter in general, all told. He is distinctly less enthused about this magical experience than Vash.]

If you mess around in it too much, you're gonna get a chill.

[photosympathies]

I'll be all right, I'm hardy.

( Famous last words of a man who's used to the desert chill and not the cold, pervasive damp of snow. He's much more interested in the still crunching sound of it, though Jamie absolutely gets hit with Vash's open delight and curiosity, eyes wide behind his glasses as he glances over. )

You don't like it?

[raynos]

[Uuugghhhh that face...it's like watching Doc lay eyes on a new Zoid or something. Well, Vash is a grown man (he...guesses??), he can make his own mistakes.

At the query, Jamie shrugs.]

Not really. It turns slushy and soaks through everything. Just another hassle when everything's already cold and miserable.

[...yep, someone's missing his Christmas spirit.]

[photosympathies]

Hm.

( A hum, thoughtful, and then he's brightening up even further. )

You know what helps me with that? Hot chocolate! I'm just about to go grab some, you can join me if you want. My treat.

( Does it matter that they don't know each other? No. )