DOWNTIME MINGLE #7

[synfluxmods]

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.

code

Comments

[copy]

she can think and act independently from me.

your curses can't?

[gorb]

Some stronger can when I need quick thinking in battle, but ultimately I still have control.

Not many of them have a personality though.

[copy]

but some do? they don't lose it when you take them?

[gorb]

I'll show you sometime :)

( Threat? Maybe. He could introduce Yuta to Kuchisake-Onna. How would Rika react to her eternal question? Could be funny. )

Are you settling in?

[copy]

sure, i'd like to see.

[ If it is a threat, then his own response can be taken as a "I'd like to see you try" and if not, then it's simple genuine interest. He's curious either way. ]

i guess so.
this place takes a little getting used to, but it probably helps i've traveled overseas before.
if anything, it's less of a culture shock here at least.

[gorb]

It's the people more than anything. A significant collection

What team did they assign you? Let me guess, Everlight?

( Wrong, but maybe he'll figure out the remaining two teams thematic differences via Okkotsu's allocation. )

[copy]

they've certainly made some interesting choices there.

[ Throwing some polite shade there, mayhaps. ]

no, i'm in revelation.
what made you think i would be in everlight?

[gorb]

Most of the hero types are.

( And that's what he sees Yuta as. )

[copy]

[ Yuta sure doesn't view himself as such, but he knows what he's done. ]

in that case, revelation would make more sense for me.
although i'm not sure what they're basing their team assignments on.

[gorb]

Well, Everlight are the idealistic heroes. Yuji-kun's type. Brimstone are all the same manner too. ( Terrible people who do terrible things and have anger issues. He doesn't quite know why Gojo is there with him, but it's ... whatever, he's glad they share a wall now. He can bang aggressively on it any time he wants just to annoy his stupid best friend. ) Redemption I imagine is what it says in the name. Revelation, though.

If they were going for religious themes only three out of four fit. So it's something else. I don't know many people from the other teams.

( He keeps to himself, for the most part. )

[copy]

[ Color him intrigued. Yuta's already been snooping around the data profiles, but he'll have to comb over them again with team assignments in mind and see if he can find the commonalities. ]

interesting.
that does make it seem like personality plays a role.
and rather than a religious theme, maybe it's more about decisions we've made in life or our mindsets?

abilities might play a part as well.
at least that's what would make the most sense to prioritize when it comes to team compositions.

[ Spoken like the little strategist he's become. ]

[gorb]

( ...

Decisions? Fuck off. That's worse. That's so much worse. Geto would like to speak to the manager. )

They do like to tell on us. ( Is what he settles on instead of showing that he's now enraged ruminating. What does it mean? ) You won't have secrets for long in a place like this. Memories, thoughts, desires. LILITH likes to utilise it. For someone that might do better with team coherency they enjoy igniting fires a little too often.

If it were abilities, Yuji and I would be in the same team. You too. We all have our similarities.

[copy]

[ Yuta would consider his decision theory quite sound if it weren't for the fact that he thinks he should be in Brimstone with Gojo if that's the case. There's gotta be another component to it... ]

between the data file they made and the thoughts their tech decided to transcribe and send out randomly to people, i'm definitely noticing that... [ And he's very displeased about it all. ]
i think i get what they're trying to do.
if we understand each other and there are no secrets between us, it could be beneficial to working together.
but the way they're going about this is all wrong.

not necessarily. the way we utilize our techniques is different enough that it could warrant differing placements.
or it could be that the similarities are exactly why they've assigned us all differently to balance out the teams.
it's hard to say. i'll have to look at what everyone else can do.

[gorb]

( Oh, that reminds him to check out Yuta's syndata. He'll do that while he transcribes his other messages. )

I think believing they're a cohesive force is your first mistake. They allowed their own world to fall into this mess in the first place, that's why they need us to clean up.

You're personable, I'm sure you'll get to know people better than I do. If you figure it out though, let me know.

[copy]

[ Welp enjoy the tidbit of information that Yuta had been skirting around earlier, it will put his declarations of love in better context. Also all his techniques are listed for everyone to see, much to his chagrin when so much of his fighting style relies on the element of surprise. ]

i'd like to think they're just really struggling and doing their best to deal with their situation.
but then they did decide to bring sukuna over...

[ Fuck that guy. It's hard for Yuta to remain generous with his thinking when they've gone and done that.

And does he want to keep Geto in the loop? Not particularly, but he's actually been surprisingly helpful so far so it's only fair. ]

alright, it might take a while but i'll let you know if i discover anything more definitive.

[gorb]

( He's filing it all away for later, it might be useful. )

He's been reined in as much as we have, at least that is something.

( Not that Geto isn't sorely tempted to try and kill the thing with his own bare hands on the regular, but that's fine. He's always had complicated feelings about certain things. )

We're all in this together, Okkotsu-san.
(◡‿◡)

( Soothes his soul by being somewhat of a shithead. )

At least your thoughts were not quite embarassing.

[copy]

still, he isn't worth the risk he poses and LILITH should know that.
the second he finds a way to free himself, he'll just kill everyone here.

[ Yet another thing to lose sleep over as he tries to plan how to best neutralize that particular threat for good (yet again).

And ughh just gonna ignore that. ]

embarrassing or not, i'd rather keep my thoughts to myself.

[ He'd like to pine for his friends in peace, thanks. ]

[gorb]

Then I suppose the answer is to figure it out first.

( Break free, kill Sukuna while he's weak. A tall order. )

[copy]

yes.
it's a work in progress.

[ Should he be admitting that? Maybe not, but even Geto should understand the gravity of the situation. ]

[gorb]

( Ah, that's interesting. )

I know what Sukuna did. I'm not about to let that happen again, Okkotsu-san. I'll do whatever I need to do. I'll do what I should have done in the first place.

[copy]

[ Oh, he knows? Yuta has to consider what to do with what Geto presents to him with his statements because he sees an opportunity there... but taking it will mean going against Yuji's wishes. Hm.

Stalling for time a bit when he asks: ]

what you should have done?

[gorb]

I wanted to keep my people safe. I chose a path. I'm not saying it was the wrong one, very likely I would choose it again. But I'm not going to leave the ones I care about behind again. I'll be there, this time.

( He should never have drawn the line in the sand that he did. )

[copy]

[ The quickest way to Yuta's heart is to offer a sincere sentiment, especially one he can get behind. He finds that here in this answer. He might not agree with the path itself, but the driving force behind it? It's pretty much his own. There's enough regret there to tug on his heartstrings just a bit, too. ]

i'm glad to hear it.
then our motivations are the same.

i know itadori-kun would rather you don't get involved at all.
but that's unlikely, isn't it?

[ Whether Yuta likes it or not, they're alike and he can't imagine standing back when such a huge threat to his loved ones is around. ]

wait pretend geto privated this at the very start ty ty ty

[gorb]

Sukuna killed Satoru.

( An easy answer. Even his affection for Yuji would do very little in the face of it. If Geto could end him now he'd have done so, and relished in the violence. )

I owe him that in kind.

OH i figured the texts went straight to inboxes rather than the network anyway

[copy]

[ Well, that makes this very simple, doesn't it? ]

in that case i could use your help.
i can't allow sukuna to hurt them again and although i could probably do this on my own, i know the chances of success are higher with more perspectives involved.

[ What he wouldn't give to have even just Hakari and Angel to conspire with again. But he can make do with Geto. ]