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.)

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Comments

sorry for the delay. gonna be slow all month cuz of work ;_;

[the_fourteenth]

[And here they had such a pleasant few weeks, working hard and achieving goals! Yet again, competition rears its ugly head. Though Raidou is blissfully unaware until he hears that growling, sneering voice of his friend. Ah yes. He expected this.

Raidou's out on the ice at the new rink, more spacious but also with more patrons. He's skating backwards, going faster than almost everyone else who's going forward. Katskui calling him out gets everyone's attention, not just Raidou's. He slides up around to where Katsuki stands, hands folded behind his back, easy smile on his face.]

Ah. That so? Don't tell me you've been stewing all these months.

no problem! gotta work to eat and live. rl first, rp second.

[blastedass]

[Competition is Katsuki's nature, and he never takes losing to anyone well. Of course this has been eating at him since last winter! Did Raidou really think he was going to get away without the explosive teen wanting another go? He threatened as much as the ice broke up last March.

... oh good, he didn't forget.

Katsuki slams his fist into his palm, head lifted and everything limbered up and ready for their long-overdue rematch. Even during his warm up, he was fired up to see Raidou hadn't lost his edge over the months. Fluidly skating in reverse, outpacing everyone else on the ice, a perfect figure radiating more grace than his usual steel persona gives.

And ever the proper soldier, hands behind and chest straight. Hmph. He leers right back into his friend's easy smile.]

I'm gonna bury you in the ice.

[He has in fact been stewing all these months.]

[the_fourteenth]

You're free to try. But have you had any practice since last year?

[He hasn't either, but it all comes back to Raidou pretty fast once he's back on the ice. He turns to face the other way, with the crowd, and stretches out his arms and shoulders above his head, limbering up himself.]

Three times around. Run into anyone or knock them over, and you're automatically out. What do you think?

[blastedass]

Oh? I started the second the damn ponds froze. Like you've been able to get more than me!

[Grinding his teeth together under a very petty grin. Don't tell him you've been sneaking practices in some secret ice cave you didn't tell him about, Shashou! That's fucking cheating! Luckily he also has a quick return memory and moves to Raidou's side, lacing his fingers and inverting them before pushing his arms out in front of his body to stretch his shoulders. Good. Bakugo narrows his eyes on the rink, mapping out the course.]

You're gonna get slaughtered.

[That's what he thinks.]

Loser buys our next meal together.

[the_fourteenth]

[Poor folks out there minding their own business out on the ice. They have no idea what they're in for in a minute.]

Ah. Good thing a cop makes more than a student, then. I won't feel as bad handing you the check.

[This kind of shit-talking is reserved only for friends, said in an easy tone despite how seriously Raidou knows Katsuki will take this race.

He takes position next to Katsuki, bending at the knees, getting ready for take-off.]

On three.

[And he'll count down properly - no darting off a second early. Katsuki would never let him hear the end of it, and Raidou wants a fair race anyway. He's off like a shot. Now he's more practiced thanks to his hours out on the ice last year, when he had more free time to spend on this hobby. He's not as much worried about having to dodge the other patrons out on the ice than he is Katsuki himself, though.]

[blastedass]

[There should be a button on the wall to press and warn the rink a race is starting. Did competition never cross the builders' minds when creating this thing?]

Urusei! I'll eat your wallet empty!

[Shit talking right back, though Raidou's sure to hear the grin in Katsuki's voice despite the angry drive. Body tense, legs ready, arms and shoulders positioned, he takes his place at the start. A year went into this rematch. A year here, a year alongside Raidou, a year both of them survived and once again get ready to race. Side by side. Heh.

Ice spurts up behind him as he fires off the starting line, legs push, sliding, stepping, pushing, for speed and power. Raidou streaks forward as a bullet; Katsuki blasts akin to a rocket. He tries to gain a lead over his friend and keep it, exploding power out on the initial start before backing off to conserve strength for later. Between his work as a cop, caring for his friends after October, dealing with vampire shit in November, other hobbies as well, he hasn't as much time to spend on the ice. But this is important to him, so he made time anyways and practiced. Raidou deserved his best.]

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou's torn. He doesn't actually care about winning, but it's not as if he doesn't have any pride, either. Maybe winning doesn't matter, but him taking the contest seriously matters to his friend. No point in doing it if he doesn't give it his best.

Raidou is fast, but he's also careful. Obviously, they've gotten a lot of attention suddenly springing off around the ice like this, to the combined annoyance and delight of various other skaters. Going fast is easy, steering is harder. Not exactly a case of slow and steady winning the race, but he focuses on artfully dodging around the other patrons, hoping his precise movements will keep him in the lead.

There's a smile on his face as he goes, easy and free, matching how he feels out here on the ice. It's been quite a long time since one like this has snuck its way onto Raidou's face.]

[blastedass]

[Raidou's right. Katsuki would be even more pissed winning against someone who didn't try than losing to someone who gave him his best. Ironic, huh. This is the boy who had to be chained and muzzled to a post on the first-place podium so he didn't murder the second-place competitor on national television for half-assing his finals fight.

It's not the adults who they have to watch out for; it's the shitty kids who don't have a damn idea what's burning around the perimeter of the rink! Parents who catch on quickly snatch their children from the path, but others who aren't paying attention or don't give a shit force the two racers to dodge, swerve, and otherwise fuck up their path to avoid a collision!

Katsuki gives more than a few mouth-offs to brats who try to get themselves run over! This is why there should be a race function on the wall or something! But he keeps in pace with Raidou as the perimeter starts to clear out as those on the rink begin getting the picture and moving inward. They're going to have an audience at this rate.

Raidou's smile is precious. Free and easy, with a spark of teenage challenge in the mix. Katsuki... alternates between the serious focus of a man on a mission and the face-splitting slasher grin of a murderer ready to rampage. Go figure.

Once the rink's on board, they can really cut loose!]

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou's not above a little showing off, dodging around a couple of kids by briefly turning and skating backwards, only to jump forward again without losing too much momentum. Even he looks pleasantly surprised that he pulled it off. There are a few scattered claps from the audience that he doesn't quite register, too focused on his path.

Whoever wins doesn't matter to Raidou, just the race itself is enough for him. But, this is definitely a good venue for his skills as he deftly makes his way around the rink. Both boys can expect to be approached by the other kids and teens out on the ice with excited comments and questions once this race is over.

He occasionally spares a few glances Katsuki's way to see where he's at in the race, but ether he's ahead or behind, Raidou's expression of enjoyment stays the same.

[blastedass]

[Smarmy brat. Who said Raidou's allowed to show off and look cool while doing it?! Katsuki isn't willing to replicate skating in reverse as he focuses on dodging when needed and pumping more speed into his momentum. Arms swing by his sides in a pendulum balance to help distribute the weight as he takes the round, tilting almost to one hand skimming the ice with his fingertips.

Righting as soon as he comes back into the straight, Katsuki shoves forward once more. Speed, chill, heat, power, a worthy opponent forcing him to push himself and use everything he learned over the year and practiced for the past two weeks. Poor future fans. They'll find Raidou to be the far superior and amiable skater. Even the summoner knows the hero's mostly shit with kids. Might be better with teens, but...

Only once. Only one fucking time did Katsuki ever get ahead of his friend. A quit jet of elation-- he surpassed Raidou!! --and then the summoner pulls right back into his peripheral and takes to his shoulder again. Someone's at the finish line, a flag raised over the rink, phones aimed and ready from the spectators.

It's going to be amazingly close... but Raidou's keeping his crown.]

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou slides into the end zone, turning to see Katsuki just a second behind him. A photo finish for sure, but don't worry, a couple of kids near the end of the race covered that. There's a smattering of applause from the others on the ice who weren't too annoyed by these two kids getting in there way. Raidou's face isn't just red from the cold and the exertion. He never knows what to do about this sort of attention, and gives them some sheepish thanks.

What's more important to him is extending a hand for a shake to his friend, in thanks for a good, challenging race as he catches his breath.]

Thought you had me there.

[blastedass]

[Raidou, the picture of composed cool and a soft pink from cold-laced effort, even a little shy despite the flush of victory coursing through his veins. Only a second. That's all the win was by.

Katsuki...] DAMMIT!! I PRACTICED THE SECOND IT FROZE!! WHY ARE YOU SO FUCKING SLOW?! [Angrily shouting at his own legs like they're the one at fault for not pushing him past Raidou's speed. He spent all damn year planning on this rematch! He got started training even earlier than he should have (see putting his skate through the ice once) to get the jump on Raidou. He practiced on the rink and ponds to bring himself up to speed.

SO WHY THE FUCK DID HE LOSE?! FUCK!!] I want a rematch in two days! You're not getting away with this, Raidou!

[At least he's consistent? But Katsuki still clasps the other boy's hand in a firm grip. He's always been a horribly sore loser. Even with his friends. It says a lot he's willing to shake Raidou's hang while demanding rematches later.]

[the_fourteenth]

[Katsuki's yelling gets some looks from the others around, mostly amused. They also wait with bated breath for an answer from Raidou on the rematch. For his part, he stands there with his arm extended and a calm smile, waiting for that handshake. He knows anything he says won't make Katsuki feel better, so he just waits for him to get it all out first.

When he finally does shake Raidou's hand, he grins a little wider, and nods.]

Sure. Best three out of five?

[blastedass]

[Bristling! Irritated! Grrr! Raidou's shaking hands with a grouchy bomb, but said bomb is still gripping good and firm. Despite the glare on his face, it only takes a few seconds of holding Raidou's hand before a flicker of pride and affection push across Katsuki's eyes. Damn, he can't stay mad at this guy for too long. Well... depending on what he does. Raidou can piss him off when he gets down on himself, but then again, Katsuki's always willing to pick him back up.

The grin's answered with a challenging smirk, fire all flared up again.]

Now that I'm warmed up, I'll leave you in my dust!

[the_fourteenth]

Mm. Two days wait may be good. I don't think they'll put up with too much more of us tonight.

[The others would like to get back to skating too, thank you very much. Raidou seems okay with rejoining them at a casual pace for now, anyway. Another race is definitely welcome. It was invigorating, and... freeing. It makes him nostalgic for the big, open frozen ponds he had almost to himself as a kid.

He skates off slowly, turning backwards so he can still talk to Katsuki.]

Can't afford to have us get kicked out. I'll never forgive you if that happens.

[blastedass]

Bastards. Call ahead next time and make them set up the rink for a race.

[Why the hell are people still standing around?! Neither Outsider is racing. (Probably worried they'll start racing again. Legit concern.) Katsuki pulls his arm across his chest and stretches his shoulder. But when Raidou moves off to join the lazy swirl around the rink, the blonde pushes against the ice and moves shoulder to shoulder with him.]

Or we can find one of the lakes and set it up there.

[They can either wrangle Yuji and/or Denji to be referee, or steal one LILITH's drones to do the honors. But it would give them time to find a pond and space to skate/race without having to deal with other people and their stupid speed bumps. Also called "kids" but his word still works.]

Che! I'm not gonna do that! [Though after a beat...] Yuji never told you we got kicked out of the gym?

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou perks up at the idea of finding a lake in the mountains. Getting to go on a nice winter hike AND ice skate once they get there? Sounds perfect to him.]

We might need to wait another month until they're totally frozen. But count me in.

[Bring Yuji and Denji, for sure. Raidou will race you all! Though they'll probably all lose to Yuji.

His eyebrows raise just a bit under that hat brim.]

He didn't. What did you two do this time?

[blastedass]

[Katsuki's not surprised to see interest flicker across Raidou's visage. He wouldn't turn down a hike either (mountain climbing is a hobby of his) but doing one out in the fucking freezing winter?! ... Maybe if it's short. But he'll be griping at the start, and Denji's going to be whining about why they have to go out in the cold in the first place. Yuji'll be fine.]

There's the one by the shrine you work at. [He and Raidou raced there the first time. It's an option. Raidou's right about giving the cold another month to really settle in.

He'll challenge Yuji just as readily as he'll challenge Raidou! Though odds are the two will end up going Quirk versus Cursed Energy at some point, cause they're morons... Wanna referee that one, Raidou?]

A spar got out of hand and we blew up a mat. [One of those big floor-wide ones for martial arts practice. Oops.]

[the_fourteenth]

True. Sometimes it has other people on it, and it's a little small. But it'll do in a pinch. I'll see if I can find another out there.

[Guess who's been sneaking off for bodies of water in the forests lately anyway? It's this kid, who's been doing purification prayers lately under the one lone, cold waterfall he could find, because of... everything. Things haven't been great. Got to cope somehow. Who needs therapy when you have rituals? He hasn't told anyone about it, yet.

Referee, or wrangler? Got to keep those two from destroying everything around them accidentally. Raidou only smiles, though.]

Somehow I'm not surprised. Though there probably aren't too many mats out there that could withstand the two of you. Might be best to keep sparring to the sim.

[blastedass]

Aa. I'll look for something around the outskirts. Denji'll bitch at me if it's too long a hike.

[Don't give yourself pneumonia, Raidou. Katsuki'll chew him out if he discovers him being a dumbass. He hasn't been out in the forests doing any kind of rituals, but he has been exploring on a few of those excursions in November looking for the remains of fall's herbs and plants. Between the two of them, they can find something fun and have a proper race.

So long as the rule's set to no superpowers, it should be fine. Katsuki's far too competitive to reign himself in.]

We didn't want to use the sim that time. [He frowns as the memory plays in his mind.] We had enough fucking kaiju and pretend crap.