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šš‚šš¢šš—šššš•ššžšš” š™¼šš˜ššššœ ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7


CONTENT WARNINGS: suggestive topics

ā–¶ 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 ā€œDOCTORā€ and ā€œPHD.ā€

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.


ā–¶ 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 ā€œcity hallā€ 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. )


ā–¶ 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. )


ā–¶ 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.)


ā–¶ 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.

golmi: 081 (081)

[personal profile] golmi 2025-03-15 06:04 pm (UTC)(link)
The part about tender ranches.
hachikai: (see first of all)

[personal profile] hachikai 2025-03-15 06:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh.

Like I said, I keep hearing it.


[ An earworm, if you will. ]
nutkick: @feasts (pic#17740470)

[personal profile] nutkick 2025-03-15 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ the "devil" devil? could be? well, humans fear the concept of a 'devil, ', don't they? it makes sense to have a manifestation of such terror. bleh, he could be wrong. ]

okay.
well, i still think you should watch some movies. you might find a genre that you might enjoy.
blastedass: by bokunoicons @ tumblr (šŸ’„ Get to the damn point already.)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-03-15 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[he's not gonna have to delay it for long. hopefully, for denji.]

what'd you have in mind?
or is that a secret.


[guess who's gonna be in the battle this time, blasting away at that bastard.]
nutkick: (4 - eOglB9n)

[personal profile] nutkick 2025-03-15 06:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ blast their heads off, babe. ]

it's a secret šŸ˜Ž
one part you won't like. the other you will enjoy.


[ at least he's honest. ]

but i'm excited.
it's been a while since i felt this excited ...
blastedass: by blastedass @ dreamwidth (šŸ’„ Chew with your mouth shut.)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-03-15 06:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[he's got two months of pent up rage in here.]

haa?! why the hell am i not gonna like it?

[having a very honest boyfriend can... be troublesome.]

how long have you been planning this...
golmi: 020 (020)

[personal profile] golmi 2025-03-15 06:43 pm (UTC)(link)
It reads like what a hawker says.
No rhyme or rhythm at all.
egraegis: (171)

4 kinda

[personal profile] egraegis 2025-03-15 06:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[As he's climbing up the front of Z'Gok, the eyes of the mobile suit's head suddenly light up, accompanied by Athrun's voice.]

What do you think you're doing?

[Do you MIND, he is trying to work in here...]
hachikai: (deeper sigh)

[personal profile] hachikai 2025-03-15 06:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Listen to the song for yourself then.
golmi: 048 (048)

1/

[personal profile] golmi 2025-03-15 06:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Surely it’s not that terrib
golmi: 076 (076)

[personal profile] golmi 2025-03-15 06:57 pm (UTC)(link)
golmi: damn (005)

[personal profile] golmi 2025-03-15 06:58 pm (UTC)(link)
golmi: 051 (051)

/done

[personal profile] golmi 2025-03-15 06:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Well THAT’S a minute of my life I’ll never get back.
nutkick: (pic#16029131)

[personal profile] nutkick 2025-03-15 07:01 pm (UTC)(link)
because that’s who you are.
while i don’t want you to dislike one part of your celebration, but its necessary.


[ that’s all the hints you will get, sir. ]

since you gave me the ring.
blastedass: by bokunoicons @ tumblr (šŸ’„ This is his version of decent.)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-03-15 07:04 pm (UTC)(link)
ugh. fine.
i'll pay you back on your birthday then.


[what goes around comes around. september's coming up.]

damn. better be good then.
kubricks: (more discipline than you might imagine)

Makima | Chainsaw Man | Brimstone

[personal profile] kubricks 2025-03-15 07:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[002]

[Like with the passport paperwork so long ago, Makima’s more than willing to lend a hand with this new round of bureaucracy. That means helping fill out the forms, checking finished ones to reduce the chances of being sent back for missing a signature or a stamp, and she’s even doing some of the running back and forth for people when she can.]

Not the skill I thought I’d use most here, but if it helps…

[She says with some chagrin while taking a break from papers. Though if someone else is taking a break, she does have a question for them.]

Did you see the application for running for office? Do you think any of us will?

[She’s curious, not that she has any intentions of doing so herself. In her experience, it’s easier to work with whoever does instead. And she has other reasons too, of course, but that’s the main one.]

[003]

[This is her first convention, but Makima’s not as unfamiliar with trade shows, so she’s approaching it that way. Though she doesn’t normally speak at those or help out at booths, so those are new experiences.

Also a new experience is being asked for her autograph. She’s not used to that one, not that she minds signing them or taking the occasional photo with someone. Nobody back home tends to ask for her autograph, that’s something she associates more with a flashy private sector Devil Hunter. Of course, she isn’t disused to people fawning over her, that’s pretty familiar.

In between work and apparently being a lesser guest of honor, she’ll be browsing around, usually with a cup of coffee in hand. She’s interested in seeing what’s for sale, though probably not buying much if anything. She’s also frequenting those emergency and safety panels because she figures it’s always good to see what’s out there, not that she expects much to apply to her.]


[004]

I don’t want to step on him.


So many people asking to be my dog today.


Those keychains are cute.


I expected the Q&A to go worse.


where to find cheap food near kaijucon



[Wildcard]
[As always open to anything else here! I’m over at [plurk.com profile] opticblast for plotting!]
Edited 2025-03-15 19:06 (UTC)
nutkick: (33)

[personal profile] nutkick 2025-03-15 07:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ speaking of his birthday- ]

by the way
will you still date me when i’m an adult and you’re a teen?
blastedass: by blastedass @ dreamwidth (šŸ’„ Shades.)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-03-15 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[can he headbutt him across the connection?]

i'm gonna be 18 in april, idiot.
nutkick: (006)

[personal profile] nutkick 2025-03-15 07:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ HEAR HIM OUT. ]

… still a teen.
i’ll be 20 ):
blastedass: by cytes @ dw (gift ~ Don't Take) (šŸ’„ Look at you & your stupid idea.)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-03-15 07:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[HEADBUTT]

regular ol geezer. fucking ancient.
nutkick: @maerad ;dnt (79)

[personal profile] nutkick 2025-03-15 07:28 pm (UTC)(link)
katsuki!!
blastedass: by bokunoicons @ tumblr (šŸ’„ Nar har har har lame!)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-03-15 07:33 pm (UTC)(link)
you're the one who brought it up!
30storieshigh: (lizard.exe is loading)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-03-15 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Thank Mothra, a normal question. Not one Goji was expecting to be sure, he thought this whole thing was about how to handle the Kaiju or the efforts of the Outsiders in fighting them. But hey, he'll take it.

Certainly an odd human that's posing the question! Not the appearance, Godzilla's pretty used to prosthetics of all appearances by this point, no it's the way he speaks, how he demands the attention of the room. Those are qualities of a leader, how curious. ]


Ah. An inquiry that bares the deceptiveness of simplicity. A moment.

[ The big guy taps a claw against his chin, a thoughtful grumble burbling in his throat. ]

Most of your kind's efforts within the musical artistry I find pleasing to the ear. The works of those long past I quite enjoy, the Man of the Piano from the Extended Isles-- [ Long Island, Goji... ] --as an example, the compositions of Verdi, Debussy's works are quite relaxing. I confess a fondness for the Cult of the Indigo Mollusk as well.

[ He... probably means Blue Ɩyster Cult...? ]
30storieshigh: (yo how's the weather down there)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-03-15 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Godzilla's already decent mood is lifted further by this! Fujino struck him as a... troubled young human, or at least extremely out of her depth. She looks much more lively now, she must be settling in well. ]

Ah. Quite well, Young Fujino. However...

[ The big guy leans down, voice lowering so anyone not nearby will have it lost to the sound of the crowd, though his tone remains gentle as usual. ]

It is "Gojira" in this capacity. Have care with naming one another, it is of import we maintain the coverings LILITH has asked of us, yes?

[ He straightens, head tilting to the side as he considers something. ]

Yet... in my circumstances perhaps not as of import as others when I am of this appearance. Many civil denizens have drawn the comparison of myself to the Godzilla of legend in this world on their own. [ A shrug. ] So long as my own civil denizen identity does not become linked, one would suppose it matters little.
30storieshigh: (My God(zilla) what have I done)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-03-15 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Lucy's post has been curious, it's as if she seeks to place herself between the crowd yet not have their attention. Maybe it was for an exact reason as this, Godzilla thinks as she takes control of the situation. ]

Yes. Indeed. As a matter there are hatchlings present as well, one would do best to keep things appropriate to all ears, yes?

[ More conversation from the crowd and nods of agreement. As things settle down Godzilla nods his head towards Lucy. ]

My gratitude, Kijyo-hime. Your sensibility is an assistance one always is of gratitude to have.

[ THAT really gets the crowd whispering. "Kijyo-hime?"
"She's a princess? No way..."

As for the next question-- ]


"Um... d-did dinosaurs have feathers?"

[ Silence.
Godzilla blinks. The inquiry asker blinks.

Internally Godzilla's a little offended! He's not THAT old?! But he humors the question with sage nod. ]


Indeed, many of those that roamed the planet before your kind possessed such features. The ones of armored plate were a usual exception to this, yet most that hunted the land or grazed the fields were befeathered.

[ He only knows this because he's read, damn it! Anyone could've read about this... ]