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𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7


CONTENT WARNINGS: suggestive topics

▶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE.

Although the base has been destroyed, not all hope is lost. Many still view the defeat of the recent kaiju as a significant win, especially knowing how much more powerful it became. Considering the ominous timing of the rift as well, it seems like LILITH predicts everyone is a bit on edge, and as a result, when they come into the main hall that day they will see that it is actually decorated quite nicely. While it’s not a professional venue by any means, it certainly does have its own charms. It’s a step up from the usual pizza party, at least.


There will be plenty of fresh food prepared for everyone, and not a single questionable meat in sight. It’s either they’ve upped their lab meat game, or they’ve managed some success in their endeavors on duplicating some of the food processes from Transylvania. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the bulletin board in which they’ve posted—
GOOD JOB:
MACARONS (K.O.)
GOJIRA (K.O.)
RUBBER DUCKY & QUEENOFKUR (600)
POKER & BAD DADDY (678)

While no one can say where these trends and rumors begin, maybe it’s only natural that people’s eyes are drawn to those they consider strong. Or is it that everyone else is YOWAI weak in comparison? Whatever the catchphrases are, it seems the new thing on the streets of Neo Tokyo is the emerging trend of people either wearing sunglasses or blindfolds.

It seems to be some sort of fashion statement, but it may be doing more harm than good. The blindfolds are often tech visors that citizens wear to amplify the screens they see directly from their retinas, but it doesn’t mean that’s always the case. Some people even consider it a personal form of training for them to live and breathe with blindfolds on. Unsurprisingly, hoverboard accidents have increased by 24% and the city is looking for ways to address this new craze.

There’s a yearly event that’s rolled back into town and somehow they have their new mascot, MISTER ZILLA. It’s in the form of a certified cute and extra cuddly looking kaiju that is strikingly similar to one that people may see on base day-to-day. But that has to be a coincidence, right? Maybe it’s just one more thing that’s been released by a particularly loose-lipped researcher who's been pulling one too many all-nighters.

Maybe people in attendance will end up seeing him a lot more. He’s also given out in the form of a keychain to all attendees. Perhaps he will give GIBUBU a run for their money?

Speaking of kaiju and research, a very popular brand called CHALK-MATE has hit the shelves. Supposedly it’s a food shaped like a stick of chalk that once eaten increases one's overall ability to concentrate; it even claims to make people read a little faster. … Is that a myth? There’s only one way to find out what this little treat actually does.

The only thing is that it definitely tastes a bit like chalk, too. Oddly enough, the flavors come in just “DOCTOR” and “PHD.”

CHALK-MATE, however, seems like it’s especially popular amongst avid readers. Particularly of the romance genre, also known as NOVELTOK. The fans on these platforms have been especially into a new series based on a Goddess of Death who is in constant search of love, only to be met with horrible romanceable options that leaves every reader both salivating and scratching their head. Supposedly, it’s not a book appropriate for children…

A new alcoholic drink, GLITTER, has gotten popular in Neo Tokyo’s nightlife scene. The drink’s iridescent shades of purple, blue, and green have made it a hit despite its high price tag and the condition that needs to be met in order to request one: customers must first play a game of dice with the bartender. Should the customer roll a higher number than the bartender, they will take the order and make the drink; if they roll less than the bartender, they must forfeit the cost of the drink and pay the next seven rounds of drinks, even for people who aren’t in their party. High risks begets high rewards, as they say.


▶ 002. BASE-LESS EXPECTATIONS.

Fortunately, with the success of the last battle with the Imugi and Gigakame, many companies have come forth in support of a few rebuild projects. They state they are very interested in providing funding, granted, it’s not without placing their names down as part of the construction efforts. They’re especially interested in getting some sway down in Kyoto, as that would be a new place for them to not only pitch their businesses and potentially attract those pockets of civilization out there that they haven’t been able to connect with, but it’s a good cause as any in theory, right? We don’t talk about all that free real estate, either.

As such, Outsiders are being encouraged to submit their proposals on how to build up on the city of Kyoto and what attractions would lure the citizens to take on the city. While safety protocols are naturally being put into place, as with any new build, they are also open to any additional ideas to secure the perimeter, as well as to make this a more colorful and unique place amongst the wreckage that sweeps the abandoned areas outside the immediate cities.

The only thing is… bureaucracy strikes again. The forms must be filled out in a specific fashion, and Outsiders will be expected to go through a similar trial like when gaining clearance to travel. They will be required to sign documents, and even rushed to the temporary “city hall” in order to drop it off on the dot. They may even expect some people to warp back to Tokyo just to submit a page or two of a signed waiver.

With city plans still emerging, there are positions open for Outsiders to apply and run as local government. While the government of Neo Tokyo have already designated a mayor for the city, there are positions open for people to be in charge of other areas such as healthcare, food, energy, culture, justice, treasury, and infrastructure. LILITH is placing no restrictions on Outsiders who want to contribute their time and expertise to the new city as long as they continue to carry out their missions to defeat the kaiju. Those who wish to apply are free to do so at city hall, but they will need to rally votes and support from civilians and other Outsiders alike to be elected.

Speaking of trouble and real estate, while a lot of vacant land is available, Outsiders have been summoned to confirm all the plots of lands are free of kaiju before any real scoping can be done. Outsiders will be tasked to go out and survey the areas and stave off any large or mutated creatures that may exist in the expanse of wilderness that borders the area around Kyoto. For anyone interested in assisting with the scoping efforts, they will be encouraged to travel in pairs. The permanent rift that’s opened in Tokyo has been making many strange waves all across the country. Kaiju have been acting far more erratically, almost as if they can feel the pulses from this rift, regardless of the distance. Or perhaps, it’s all connected somehow? LILITH researchers think it’s better to remain on-guard because of this, especially when traveling through uncharted territory.

Outsiders are also welcome to explore the region. They will find several old temples that may appear dilapidated, but very much recognizable all the same. Such as the Todai-ji Daibutsuden in the neighboring Nara, or even closer sights like the string of tori that line the Fushimi Inari Shrine. There is even a setting in the oculars in which a general tour guide audio can be heard. However, Synthia is still on the fritz and there is no telling what she says is completely accurate. She also can’t control her language functions, volumes, or the fact that she may also be linking random people’s calls and text messages to one another.

There’s no way that negatively impacts any travel plans, right?

(Note: Please fill out the thread below and submit ideas for buildings and businesses in Kyoto! If players wish to have their characters take a role in managing the city, you are free to coordinate this with other players with the same goals for their characters (or handwave it if your character will be taking a smaller role). Mods will not be choosing any characters officially. )


▶ 003. KAIJUCON.

This is the yearly event everyone has been looking forward to— KAIJUCON is here. This event not only acts as a large research symposium for those who work in kaiju-related research fields, it’s also a place where the most enthusiastic members of the kaiju community come together to share their mutual fascination with the creatures. The event makes it clear that this is in no way meant in any support of the kaiju or the devastation that’s hit humanity, but of coming to be a better understanding of them. Or that was its original purpose.

Now it’s become a larger, more commercialized event where vendors from all over come to pitch their safety gear, offer classes in case of a city-wide emergency, and even have several large and popular exhibitions for kaiju. As much as people may fear kaiju, it seems that kaiju themselves as a concept have been popular for decades before even the first rift opened.

As a result, there are sections of KAIJUCON for the most… zealous kaiju researchers in which they can enter virtual reality scapes and pretend to be kaiju. This form of live action roleplaying has become wildly popular in the city, and has become a hobby to relieve stress for some.

On the flip side, it seems this also has opened up a whole group of people who come up with their own KAIJUSONAS and who attend the event dressed up as their idealized version of kaiju. Fortunately, as LILITH does have its fair share of research and information to trade, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab additional funds to fix up the areas of the base … and of course, how could they not ask the Outsiders to join in?

Instead of the usual team building exercises, they will be expected to help at various booths at KAIJUCON. Whether these are panels in which they teach and share all the intimate details of kaiju anatomy, or where they join in the highly coveted title of BEST KAIJUSONA.

As Outsiders within LILITH, all characters will be approached to speak at panels. Characters previously deemed as HEAVY HITTERS or characters who have dealt a K.O. to a kaiju will be particularly popular at the convention, with fans flocking to them with requests for pictures and autographs. While at panels, a Q&A session will often be held, and Outsiders may have to deal with questions ranging from sensible to ... uncomfortable.

Once their shift is over, they’re more than welcome to take a look around!

(Note: You are all free to presume everything you’d expect at a convention to be there! Including, but not limited to, merchandise, snack carts, panels, and more! Outsiders with inhuman forms do not need to wear their cloaking devices. As a note, Outsiders are public figures known by their alter egos/usernames. However, the fact that they are from a different dimension remains classified information to the public. )


▶ 004. CROSSED WIRES.

While rebuilding of both the Tokyo Base and Kyoto are coming along, certain other departments seem to be struggling. SYNTHIA in particular is still broken, and try as the LILITH engineers might, repairs are slow going.

While SYNTHIA is down, there are all sorts of communication errors:
- Messages being sent to the wrong recipient, or to the base at large
- Thoughts transcribing themselves as texts and being sent without approval
- Text messages glitching during the sending process and sending as illegible symbols and strings of letters
- Text messages never sending, or sending dozens of times repeatedly
- SYNTHIA generating inaccurate information about Outsiders and sending them during the numerous reboot processes (think Google AI summaries)
- Blocked users suddenly becoming unblocked, and best of friends suddenly blocking each other

If asked, researchers will apologize for the errors and suggest that Outsiders meet in person to discuss any important topics. There's no better way to grow relationships than to spend time in person after all, right? Towards the end of the month, the errors will slow until they are finally fixed.

(Note: Feel free to use this as a general text glitch event in either your top levels for this event or in inboxes and individual player logs! We've listed out some suggestions of what characters might experience but feel free to come up with your own fun ideas as long as they aren't gamebreaking.)


▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our fourth downtime mingle!

As stated in the prompt itself, players are welcome to suggest buildings and business to be found in Kyoto by replying to the header below. Please submit all suggestions by March 31.

The texting glitches will last to the end of the month, at which point SYNTHIA will be repaired and all systems will go back to normal.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points.


EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The heavy hitters/KO winners of the last kaiju fight receive their sponsorships, including cute plushies, stylish sunglasses and blindfolds, and edible chalk enhancements among other things.

2. BASE-LESS ACCUSATIONS: ICly, Outsiders are tasked with assisting in rebuilding projects across Kyoto, which include scoping out land, suggesting what new businesses and buildings to construct, and general exploration. OOCly, players are welcome to suggest new businesses and buildings to add to the Kyoto area.

3. KAIJUCON: The annual convention centered around kaiju-related research and inventions. Outsiders can find all sorts of kaiju-related merchandise and gear for sale, as well dress up and meet other kaiju enthusiasts.

4. CROSSED WIRES: With SYNTHIA still broken, communications within LILITH are breaking down. Outsiders will experience a string of troubles when trying to message others. This will be fixed by the end of the month.

kubricks: (A Space Odyssey)

[personal profile] kubricks 2025-03-22 01:51 am (UTC)(link)
I just thought it was nicer than an outright no.

[She would if the person asking was someone she thought fit the role, but the people at the Q&A did not.]
zauneyete: (pic#17674616)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-22 03:00 am (UTC)(link)
[ He does appreciate it, because it implies both that Ratio's time is valuable, and that he values his as well. There's no meandering, no lateness, no banter. Silco is a man who can, and will if he must, but business is business, and he greatly enjoys that Ratio is prompt and terse.

It's not offputting, it's in fact, better.

He took another long pull of the cigar, before he stamped it out, blowing a plume of it into the air.
]

I do.

[ He says, and gestures at the wall. He didn't start it, but it's clear that he's been working on it. Paper is hard to come by, but Silco seems to find the time to do so. Placing names, locations, deals, all of it together. ]

Have you heard of the Sapphire Room? It's a powerful gang here. Their dealings reach fairly far.
Edited (repetition...) 2025-03-22 03:00 (UTC)
cosmarchy: (pic#17634415)

the clonking he deserves

[personal profile] cosmarchy 2025-03-22 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ Maybe it is time for someone's thoughts to filter through the messed-up wires, even if they're mostly scrambled.

Jinwoo doesn't know what name would suit him. The idea of being a hero — an actual hero — sits heavy on his chest. Not because he doubts his strength, but because he knows what he's willing to do for the people he loves. How ready he was to go against the world if it meant keeping his family safe. He remembers how little he cared for anything else in the process, until it steadily became more obvious how much more destruction would happen if he never shouldered those burdens. ]


I don't know what name I'd pick.

[ It's easier to sidestep it. He leans back, staring at the messages through his Ocular before responding again. ]

Back then, I was called the Weakest Hunter of Mankind.

[ He thinks about those days. About how small he used to feel standing in front of something stronger than him. ]

Kind of funny, right?
zauneyete: (pic#17629509)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-22 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ Given that he's small and slight, one would think he would have been able to slip out. He'd even tried, but unfortunately, the kinds of people that flocked to him were also used to that sort of behavior, and had found him out near-immediately. Silco had been cornered, asking what his secret was, as there had to be something. Mister Fissure was a popular person to locate, given that he had no powers to speak of, and was a mostly-elderly man.

But it probably wouldn't be surprising to Harumasa to know that he was a behind the scenes guy. Hell, his participation had been behind the scenes! What had he done? Doled out some shimmer, maybe something else here or there, but he hadn't even been on the front lines.

It doesn't seem to matter though, now does it?

He follows, his voice pitching lower as he says:
]

Please tell me this is a ruse.

[ Please be fake, please be fake. For once, and only this once, he is relying on the kindness of an outsider to get him the fuck out of here. ]
blastedass: by bokunoicons @ tumblr (💥 Tch-!)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-03-22 03:23 am (UTC)(link)
[Being a hero doesn't mean giving up on yourself or going against the world. Even if a hero must be ready to sacrifice his or her life, to do the utmost they can to save, Bakugo feels a true hero would never reach such a state in the first place. There's always another way without going to that frightening utmost. There have been times he'd wondered if this was it... but each moment, he shoved past it, refusing to think further. People counted on him, his life was still flowing, and he had choices to make.

A noble feeling, being willing to do whatever for people you love. But on the other side, the people you love may not want you to do that whatever for them... It's a tricky balance.]


Why the hell were you called that? You're one of the strongest Outsiders we've got.
zauneyete: (pic#17631993)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-22 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
You think I have delusions of immortality, do you? Because I do not fear death?

[ He asks, with a roll of his eyes. For all he knows, this is just yet another heckler. He's been scouring the profiles, but for convenience's sake they take time as he makes the connections, and annotates what he wants here and there, and he hasn't seen Johnny's yet. He shrugged, as if it was yet another thing he could see people assuming from him. ]

No, I know it will come for me. I am no fool.

[ His smile now, is sharp. ] It's a fact I've known my entire life. Experienced, even.

[ His arms gesticulate while he speaks, half for him, and half for these people here. ]

That's the key. Once you accept it will happen, a fact that you cannot dodge, it becomes less something you have to fear, and only something to work around. After all, if we're all going to die eventually, why not do something with the time you have? Change something?
busternaut: (Fanart 005)

cw: suggestive language

[personal profile] busternaut 2025-03-22 03:54 am (UTC)(link)
[Dearka just grins and shrugs super casually, then sits back in his chair once more, arms behind his head.]

Whatever you say, boss! It's your call.

[This isn't the end of the matter, though. Yzak gets an Ocular message next. Ping!]

You're so cute when you get all prickly like this, tho. Makes me want to go exercise my right to put my mouth on parts of you that no one else can.
sanguivorous: (Worried -Around the world all day)

[personal profile] sanguivorous 2025-03-22 04:52 am (UTC)(link)
001. Kaijucon
[Astarion comes to the convention, but much like the whole of the new world he has found himself in, it's too overwhelming. He only comes because he was told to, and stays long enough LILITH acknowledges it and he can stealth his way out.

One of the days, however, he passes through the artist alley and a young human approaches him excitedly, shows him the art she's drawn of him, gives him some, asks for an autograph, gushing, "Oh, I'm so happy to see you up close, I was giving you green eyes!" etc etc.

Turns out, he has a small band of admirers, despite how little he is in public. How cute. He wanders through the alley, searching for more illustrations, both a collection of egotism but also something much deeper than that for a man that hasn't seen his own face in centuries.

Any prints or merch that the artists don't give him he gives himself a 5 finger discount....perhaps you spot him doing such a terrible crime to fans.]




002. Crossed Wires
What are these scores? Is us risking our lives for problems we didn't create supposed to be a fun little game for us? Pathetic.
Woof. Goddess of Death? More like Goddess of Doldrums. Goddess of Bored to Death? Goddess of Dry Fanny--ugh, you're hardly turning a phrase better than this drivel.
Did a dozen buckets of sweat just come out of the lizard's ankle??
kubricks: (Eyes Wide Shut)

[personal profile] kubricks 2025-03-22 05:01 am (UTC)(link)
I can understand that sentiment. I felt that way about my old bosses from time to time.

[She'll start going through the paperwork while she talks. There's no particular weight to her words, it is what it is. Her bosses were powerful people, important people, but that doesn't mean there weren't times where Makima felt she knew better or that they were being stupid about things.]

Here's hoping they make at least some of these a reality. I'm sure they're better than what's going on now.

[Not that she's read anything in detail yet as she's looking through, but she doesn't think he's the type to propose something for the worse.]
sanktawithashotgun: (LOADING....)

summoned honorary babygirl....

[personal profile] sanktawithashotgun 2025-03-22 05:01 am (UTC)(link)
Yes.

[Federico is not embarrassed, nor does he know why he should be. However this is his first indication that his thoughts have gone public...]

Your codename is rather mysterious to me and requires further thought. How did you know my thoughts were currently on this topic, Honorary Babygirl?
sanktawithashotgun: (Focused)

Kaijucon (Stop! This is the-. Executor.)

[personal profile] sanktawithashotgun 2025-03-22 05:39 am (UTC)(link)
[Federico is not an Executor here. This convention has its own security, its own rules and regulations. He is not needed to enforce any of it. The Law does not exist in this world. However. He is quite sure that taking wares without paying is a breach of those regulations....and the local security did not see it.

But he did.

So. Whenever Astarion turns or looks over his shoulder, he will be met with a very stern-faced sankta standing behind him, sky-blue eyes locked on the stolen sparkly phone-charm made in Astarion's likeness.
]

Return the merchandise, or I will inform the building's security of your theft immediately.

[...sorry he's a narc. At least he's not drawing his gun. Um. Yet.]
norwegianblade: (Sigrun_Confused)

[personal profile] norwegianblade 2025-03-22 05:46 am (UTC)(link)

Welp, glad it's gone.
.... What do you usually do to get rid of the smudging??

norwegianblade: (Sigrun_oh)

[personal profile] norwegianblade 2025-03-22 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
"Nope, not really. I-"

[Sigrun nearly jumps seeing the big lizard vanish. She finds herself whirling around, instincts reaching for something or defense. Not every day a lizard giant like Godzilla is in your presence.

It's luckily not hard to find a 10 ft tall lizard, so she doesn't have to scan the room very long. She finds herself tensing up a tad, eyes focused on him. She gives a small laugh.]


"You certainly are big, probably could contest with some of the biggest giants I've seen. It's just last time I checked we fight creatures like you. Any explanation for that one?"

[She'd be more on the defensive if Godzilla couldn't talk to her. It's the one bonus.]
lunarchivist: (Thoughtful chat)

owch! what a shocking reply! /j (1/?)

[personal profile] lunarchivist 2025-03-22 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
[It would be well within his rights to not say anything! These glitches suck! And strike without warning....like now....

...because otherwise Dan Heng is too polite to pry.
]

Fair enough. It can be difficult sometimes to tell if something is meant to be posted or not. However, in your case, it's pretty obvious.
[There's a short pause and an odd...pop with the messages. And then.]

....hm. He didn't mention that last part. Did my question not send? ...Perhaps it's sensitive. It could be the anniversary of a death perhaps. It could be a celebrated day he entered partnership with Denji? ...but he seemed keen on not acknowledging the day, so it must have bad connotations...It's not my business. But as his friend I should make sure he's not alone that day just in case...
lunarchivist: (Eep)

(2/3)

[personal profile] lunarchivist 2025-03-22 05:54 am (UTC)(link)
[.....backreading......]

I. Did not mean to send that last one. Delete. Delete please? Delete.

Ugh.
lunarchivist: (Brooding 3)

(3/3) Glitches suck I say, as I use them to make my guy actually talk

[personal profile] lunarchivist 2025-03-22 05:58 am (UTC)(link)
I know you can handle yourself. Even with your injuries. Just...sorry. I guess it's hard not to worry.

[Which tends to piss Bakugo off. Dan Heng knows that. Still doesn't make this any easier. Not to mention, the natural curiosity of an archivist is hard to just. Shut off. Oops.]
zauneyete: (pic#17504602)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-22 06:16 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ah, but she admits something here. Silco ignores the insults and all the rest of it. ]

And how long were you like that, I wonder? Before you became this...

Thing that you are now?


[ He would very much like to see the Ereshkigal that once existed. ]
egraegis: (94)

[personal profile] egraegis 2025-03-22 06:39 am (UTC)(link)
[Athrun is pretty darn quick on his feet (perks of Coordinator genetics and whatnot) so once it starts to slow he gets ahead of the board and stops it with a foot, before bending to lift it upright. Phew.]

Do you usually just jump in without thinking?
egraegis: (168)

[personal profile] egraegis 2025-03-22 06:50 am (UTC)(link)
I can't argue with that logic. If you can make something better, you might as well.
gyve: BY ALL I'VE DONE IN THIS WORLD (pic#17525998)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-03-22 11:16 am (UTC)(link)
( Blushing, Kaladin turns his face away. )

Oh, I'm... I'm sorry. I hadn't realized. ( A name is intimate enough to deserve a slap? Has what he's been doing all this time—and with several of the base's Japanese occupants—comparable to seeing or touching a woman's safehand?

He feels terribly awkward, having to clear a tight throat to continue. )


Geto.

I still have a lot to learn. If I ever gave you the impression I didn't respect you, you should know that's wrong. We've had our differences in opinion, but I wouldn't willingly call you something that made you uncomfortable.
gyve: WHATEVER I GET (pic#17526001)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-03-22 11:18 am (UTC)(link)
Why do I somehow find this difficult to believe

Still you're really going to help me
For free
gyve: I WITNESSED YOUR SUFFERING (pic#17631706)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-03-22 11:23 am (UTC)(link)
As a man currently under your purview I do feel spoiled
It's a sinister feeling
Like I'm a prize hog being pampered before slaughter


( immediately dunks on them both simultaneously

imagines himself on a slow rotisserie over tezcatlipoca's campfire )


You don't need to go to all that trouble
I've never celebrated it so it's not necessary
Still knowing you you'll do it anyway
I'd call it the turn of the new year and be done without study
lifeprice: (pic#16920276)

[personal profile] lifeprice 2025-03-22 11:47 am (UTC)(link)
It's a welcome change.

[ He's so happy to see her again... And now concerned. ]
lifeprice: (pic#16451997)

[personal profile] lifeprice 2025-03-22 11:47 am (UTC)(link)
I can't say I've spent a long time looking at penguins to decide something like that.
lifeprice: (pic#16452003)

[personal profile] lifeprice 2025-03-22 11:48 am (UTC)(link)
No, but I went home and didn't have any memories of this place. I don't know if my physical body left or not, but I don't recall remembering things.