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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.

zauneyete: (pic#17674622)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-17 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ Of all the things to say...

Silco's lips twitch. It's hard to tell if it's displeasure of not, but he looks the man interjecting up and down with a little appraisal, weighing the look of him, and deciding that this isn't as pointed as it is to Silco, who knows what it is to receive the Devil's calling card, and have it in hand.

He knows the price of that, too.
]

And is there something wrong with another tool in the kit? The key, of course, is to know how and when to call it — and to never do it in desperation. To know the cost, and manipulate it.

Outsmart the devil too, if you must.

[ Had he actually done that? No, but circumstances had led him to getting out of his own deal with a devil once.

Silco feels... truly too immortal for his own good.
]

The type of power necessary for change — real power — it's ripe for the taking. One must, however, learn to take it when the time is right. Not before, and not after.

[ He doesn't touch the people, but weaves through the crowd smoothly. They part for him — thankfully, and luckily for them — but he tipped his head when he looked up at the man as he nears. ]

Or do you fear the devil as much as the kaiju?
rebelsamurai: (Self-confident Dog)

[personal profile] rebelsamurai 2025-03-17 01:06 am (UTC)(link)
[As Johnny looks at the speaker in charge of this little gathering, a smirk appears on his lips. Unlike earlier, Johnny decided to forgo the sunglasses for now in favor of looking "Bad Daddy" in the eyes. Yes, he knew that's him thanks to the stupid little celebration earlier. However, Johnny is in no hurry to introduce himself. He likes playing the role of the enigmatic stranger.]

When the Reaper arrived for me, I spit directly in his eye. Not once, but twice.

[The irony of his remarks does not escape Johnny, especially since he's aware that isn't entirely true. However, Johnny doesn't fear the Reaper. No, he encourages the son of bitch to give it his best try put him in the dirt again.]

How far up your own ass do you have to be to believe you can outwit everything and everyone?

[He almost laughs at his own crude little joke.]
Edited 2025-03-17 01:07 (UTC)
zauneyete: (pic#17629492)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-18 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ His lips curl into a little smile. It's knowing, sharp, and just a touch mean. ]

I don't need to. I just need to have the experience of having done so over and over again. [ He brushed off his shoulder, shrugging slightly. ]

I also have the experience of dodging death one too many times to not understand that it is an old acquaintance that always tries to take me with them, but I never quite seem to leave.

Ah, but perhaps I've only not met a reaper worth its salt yet, hm?
rebelsamurai: (You're really pitiful)

[personal profile] rebelsamurai 2025-03-18 01:12 pm (UTC)(link)
It sounds like you've been through the wringer one too many times.

[He says this with a tinge of amusement. Yeah, he detects the sneer in this guy's smirk and responds in kind.]

A stroke of bad luck, or perhaps you kept cashing checks that your ass couldn't cash?

[A snicker escapes the musician as he observes this charismatic goon. It tickles him so much that 'Bad Daddy' doesn't recognize him. Then again, why would he? It's not like they met in before until now.]

Maybe or maybe the Reaper is just playing the long game with you. The same could be said for myself since I keep dodging the bastard left and right.
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?
rebelsamurai: (A bit of confusion)

[personal profile] rebelsamurai 2025-03-24 06:26 pm (UTC)(link)
And what exactly are you trying to change?

[He asks as he searches his pockets. Don't worry, it isn't a gun. He's only hunting for his pack of cigarettes. While he tried hard not to smoke at the convention, he couldn't stop himself.]

The tide itself or just everything around it?

[When he discovers the cigarettes, he pulls one out of the pack and lights it. He takes a long drag, evidently enjoying the taste of nicotine after going so many hours without it.]
zauneyete: (pic#17680403)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-25 05:33 am (UTC)(link)
[ His lips curled slightly. ]

Everything we can get our hands on, obviously. Look around you, my friend. Is this what we should be doing? Being paraded out like prized poros to be displayed for their amusement? To do tricks and spread our wisdom to our fans?

[ Thankfully, this bunch doesn't look all that insulted, as if they are the exception to the rule. ]

Or should we be out there? Leaving a mark. I, for one, do not intend to let myself be another casualty against the kaiju.

And I am one old man among many. [ Arms spread. Look at these old faces with him, after all. ]

Do you not think if I can change this, can't the rest of us?
rebelsamurai: (Maybe I'll reconsidered)

[personal profile] rebelsamurai 2025-03-25 08:12 am (UTC)(link)
[Theactrics aside, this guy is kind of spittin'. After exploring every inch of this stupid con, Johnny is starting to wonder how he got roped into this shit. He has his own problems to worry about and while he's grateful for the new body, he still doesn't know what the fuck happened to V. Until Johnny understands what happened to his closest friend, he won't be able to rest.]

Nah, we got better shit to do than this. [He grumbles with a hint of disdain in his voice.] We got a war to win and most of us have people we wanna save.

We don't have time for this kind of bullshit.

[Time is of the importance here. Johnny has no idea how many hours have passed since he last saw V, but it feels like it's been more than a week, which scares him. He wouldn't be so upset if his friend was present. He would undoubtedly be irritable, but not angry like this.]

Man, fuck all this shit. The faster we switch the pace here, the better.
zauneyete: (pic#17756810)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-28 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
[ Silco, in contrast, has everything he wants here. Oh, there is Zaun, of course. He wants to see that independent and vibrant, but if he was honest? His daughter is here, it takes the fire out of him to go back. He knows he will always, always choose her. (The fact that he has come to this realization independent of his future is something he doesn't even know is deeply ironic. No matter the circumstances, Silco will always come to the same conclusion.)

He did, however, lift an eyebrow at the man, curiosity flickered across his face.
]

And how, exactly, do you intend to do that?

What are you doing to change it?
rebelsamurai: (Meeting at Embers)

[personal profile] rebelsamurai 2025-03-28 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
I don’t know, maybe start by burning this fucking con to the ground.

[That is a joke, by the way. A very sarcastic joke that brings a rather twisted smile to Johnny’s lips.]

Metaphorically speaking. The people here could use a wake-up call from their hedonistic fantasies.

[He uses his organic hand to scratch his chin while thinking about this absurd little plan.]

Thankfully, I have the right ignition. That ignition being music.
zauneyete: (pic#17631914)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-29 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ his lips twitch slightly, a little twist of them. He's used to such morbid jokes. Even finds them funny. ]

And music will wake them up from their fantasies?

[ He asks. He could think of a few things, but music wouldn't be one of them. ]

Please, do share how.
rebelsamurai: (sunglasses - gotta use your head)

[personal profile] rebelsamurai 2025-03-29 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Hell yeah.

[His tone exudes the confidence that only a world-famous rockstar could muster. It is arrogant, flamboyant, and extremely ostentatious. Johnny wholeheartedly believes in the power of music. Why? Well, he will explain shortly.]

Ever heard a song that makes you want to get up and dance? [He asks, smirking, as he focuses on the little old man. Silco is a skinny thing, isn’t he? So full of charisma but so thin, almost sickly. But the old guy doesn’t seem to be at death’s door at least.]

Or perhaps a simple tune that makes you hum every time you hear it?

[Every single person on this planet enjoys music. Even farm animals are known to enjoy music on occasion.]

That right there is power, a power that even the Church wields whenever they start singing their hymns about the Lord. Now, what if you use this power to inspire the masses to rise up and fight their oppressors? You’ll build a fucking army overnight.
Edited 2025-03-29 20:06 (UTC)
zauneyete: (pic#17756769)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-29 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Through music.

[ He says, his tone deadpan. Oh, music is fine. Silco has his own songs that are so intertwined with memory that he hides their tracks away. He, too, has a record player. He listens to it. He wouldn't say he particularly goes out of his way to enjoy it. It's what it is. Music is... yet another thing to use.

Then again, Silco doesn't seem the type that likes much of anything.
]

I've never seen music build an army, you know. You'll have to convince me. Or, better yet — show me.

[ It's a challenge but hey, at least he's not saying that he thinks he's full of shit. (He does.) ]