synfluxmods: (Default)
πš‚πš’πš—πšπš•πšžπš‘ π™Όπš˜πšπšœ ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-04-01 10:56 pm

TRAVEL LOG #5

TRAVEL LOG #5


CONTENT WARNINGS: death, nightmares, gun violence, survival scenario

β–Ά 001. EYES WIDE OPEN.

"Angels of Lilith, report for duty in the DISPATCH."

The day starts off with alarms blaring and oculars shining bright lights in the Outsiders' heads, waking them up early for an emergency dispatch. Although the current Rift at Mt. Fuji needs to be explored and examined, the Rifts continue to appear in different parts of the world, and this Rift is no different. Captain Yamakawa continues,

"We have received a distress call from EGYPT. Much of the region fell during the first kaiju crisis. Now it is a desolate land that survives with the help of a generator called an ESSENCE which is currently malfunctioning. We assume the cause is Rift energy—according to our radar, there is a heavy amount of Rift energy coming from that area. We will move out immediately. Pack all the things you may need, but each Outsider will be supplied with a care package of their own containing essentials."


Even though it is 4:00 AM Tokyo time, LILITH hopes you all have slept well. It could be the very last good sleep in awhile. While the dataportal to Egypt is operational on Japan's end, because of the malfunctioning generator, Outsiders are unable to come out on the other side. The old method of using the flying cruiser will be used once again.

There will not be assigned seating for this other than by teams. Everlights will sit with Everlights, Brimstones with Brimstones, and so on. The Outsiders will be encouraged to rest on the flight, and a few hours before landing, an in-flight meal will be provided. The meal is surprisingly delicious and consists of chicken or pork katsu cutlet, but with the warning that all Outsiders will know about: it contains high amount of cyber caffeine. This sort of newly innovative caffeine can keep Outsiders awake for several days, but sometimes it may cause restlessness or hyperactivity, causing characters to have a jittery amount of energy but razor sharp focus. Other times, it simply keeps characters awake and they feel no different. The cutlet will be served with KAIJUβ„’ Energy Drink. Any Outsiders that require a different diet will be provided with what they need, and the cyber caffeine will be added to it if they would like.

Yamakawa gives instructions again:

"We have received more information about the kaiju. Civilians have died in their sleep from horrible nightmares, and we are encouraging Outsiders to sleep together in pairs or groups, or disregard sleeping at all until we obtain more information. We are still receiving facts about this monster, but this meal will help with keeping everyone awake as a safety measure."

Those who do not want to have the highly caffeinated meal can have everyone's favorite: a ration bar that isn't spiked with any energy, but it doesn't taste good at all. Outsiders may be more likely to fall asleep and be in danger by choosing this meal. The balance of a dystopian society.

β–Ά 002. ARRIVAL IN EGYPT.

When they finally arrive, the air is temperate and dry in Alexandria. The Outsiders might have to check their clocks once more to make sure everything is right; everyone is expected to land in the late afternoon and every clock says it should be close to evening, but the city is already growing dark with the sun setting quite early. Because of the ESSENCE disruption, Alexandria is running on back up energy, which makes for spotty lighting and loss of basic power.

LILITH will be greeted by a small group of researchers at the airport and they will help take the Outsiders to their base: the Alexandria Institute which was once the University of Alexandria. They will give the Outsiders a quick run down of the situation and some background.
1. LILITH does not have a strong defense branch in the region any more. Instead, the branch here seems more focused on research, especially on the origin of kaiju and rifts.
2. This region is extremely prone to spontaneous Rifts. Many of them are small and pass quickly but this most recent one is unprecedented.
3. One evening, in the final week of March, the Alexandria Institute received a corrupt file from their fellow researchers in Greece. It shut down much of their research facility (including their warp portal) and all they have been able to recover so far are the words, "Do Not Go To Sleep."
4. The next morning, they awoke to find the sun rising later and setting earlier. It feels like the days are getting significantly shorter.
5. Many locals developed a fear of the dark and going to sleep. They would then die in their sleep within the next few days.
6. The autopsy of these victims have shown no cause of death, puzzling coroners.
Progress has been slow because the corrupt file shut down many of their facilities. They have not been able to track the source of the Rift or identify the kaiju responsible for it. They believe the answers may be within the corrupt file and will be happy to receive any help they can get from the Outsiders.

When they arrive at the Institute, Outsiders will be set up in the old student dormitories. Each room has 2-4 beds depending on the room, with a common shared area on each floor. Given the current threat, there is also a supply of energy drinks and bars boosted with cyber caffeine. Outsiders have two options:
1. OPTION ONE: Stay in Alexandria and help the researchers with the generators, while keeping themselves and teammates awake during the night by playing games.
2. OPTION TWO: Go out into the Egyptian desert on camel-back, spending time getting to know their camel before heading out.

OOC NOTE: While players may write prompts for both options, we ask that you submit for a clue only once per player (not per character, as we have a lot of characters in game now!)

β–Ά 003. LEARN & EXPLORE. (ALEXANDRIA RESEARCH.)

Times are hard in Alexandria right now with their generators malfunctioning and efforts being split. The researchers are trying to get the generators back up and uncorrupt the data they received from Greece. LILITH will instruct the Outsiders to help with the research but also warn that they cannot afford to just sit around and wait to crack codes. The researchers also agree. Sometimes the best way to get research data is to go out into the field, but they haven't been able to do it due to not having much protection. The desert is vast, and there have been sightings of other small kaiju lurking beneath the sand and in some smaller cities.

Outsiders can decide to stay in the city of Alexandria to help crack the codes, or they can opt to go out into the field. For the latter, they can choose to stay close to home and investigate within Alexandria.

Those who wish to help with the ESSENCE generators and researchers will stay in Alexandria, using any downtime when not investigating to try and stay awake, slumber-party style. Two Truths and a Lie? Maybe Spin The Bottle? Perhaps some games can keep Outsiders enticed so they don't doze off.

β–Ά 004. FEELING SANDY (DESERT EXPLORATION.)

For those who wish to explore the desert and smaller cities, Alexandria Institute will supply what they need, such as water, food, essential tools for digging, sleeping bags (no sleeping, but maybe for resting!) and anything else. To conserve energy, the researchers supply camels for the Outsiders to use. The camels are mostly tame, but have their own distinct personalities, so they may need a little more handling and can be coaxed to behave with treats like artificial carrots and bananas. Outsiders can spend time getting to know their camel if they are going to explore the desert or cities. A camel can seat two people on its back comfortably, but also carry any essentials that travelers need to bring along.

In the distant small cities and across the desert, Outsiders will come across Sand Crocodiles, one of the smaller kaiju that have been inhabiting the desert. These monsters are basically crocodiles but with a twist: they can spit fire if angered and they can camouflage in the sand. They hide strategically, and one wrong step will cause them to push their jaws out of the ground, harming a person or camel. The stubby quills along their backs or rounds of their horns aren't entirely covered while hiding, so watch carefully. Fortunately, Outsiders will be supplied with a shotgun. Aiming between the eyes or in the mouth will kill it, but also beating it with the back of the shotgun will also do the trick. And yes, they also taste like crocodile too, if anyone is hungry.

After exploring, Outsiders are requested to report their findings back in Alexandria.

β–Ά 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our fourth travel log!

Welcome to the new and improved Travel Log! Below, you will see the link to the MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET post that has information about the kaiju below along with RIFT EFFECTS. Fill out the form for RNG Attacks and whether you would like to receive a RIFT EFFECT. This should give characters some ideas for the status of their character in the next log, which will have more action and monsters in it. Outsiders may use the CHAT to report and discuss any findings.

We thank you in advance for your patience as we try out this new format!

All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards April AC.


EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. EYES WIDE OPEN: Outsiders travel to Egypt after receiving reports of their power generator, ESSENCE, being unstable and malfunctioning, leaving citizens in peril. They are instructed to "stay awake." They are supplied cyberpunk caffeine and told to try not to sleep or stay in pairs to be watchful of any danger.

2. ARRIVING IN EGYPT: Arriving in Alexandria, the Outsiders are confirmed that citizens have been dying in their sleep, with coroners unable to determine the cause. The days are mysteriously getting shorter and people are unable to stay awake.

3. LEARN & EXPLORE: Outsiders are given options to stay in Alexandria to help with the generator or find clues to assist the research team. Between researching, they are asked to continue to stay awake by any means possible. Those who will be exploring the desert and smaller cities for clues are given a camel for transportation. Outsiders are encouraged to get to know their camel before traveling.

4. FEELING SANDY: While looking for any clues out in the desert, Outsiders encounter smaller kaiju known as Sand Crocodiles. They hide in the sand and attack at the opportune time, snapping jaws and spitting fire. Shooting them between the eyes or in the mouth will K.O. them.

zauneyete: (pic#17631989)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-04-02 01:35 am (UTC)(link)
And how effective are those in this heat? I haven't noticed any difference.

So clearly it's ineffective advice.
gyve: WHATEVER I GET (pic#17526001)

1/2

[personal profile] gyve 2025-04-02 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
Okay
gyve: THESE MIST-COVERED MOUNTAINS (pic#17526011)

2/2

[personal profile] gyve 2025-04-02 01:48 am (UTC)(link)
So are you going to go stand in direct sunlight the whole trip to prove a point or
zauneyete: (pic#17756792)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-04-02 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
Of course not, I'm not an idiot.

[ He's already gotten sunburnt. ]

However it does not "cool" anything.
gyve: AND AM MADE OF (pic#17494182)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-04-02 02:01 am (UTC)(link)
No you're not an idiot
For preferring to stand in the shade
Where it's scientifically cooler
zauneyete: (pic#17756825)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-04-02 02:03 am (UTC)(link)
"Scientifically" cooler does little compared to what we are experiencing.
gyve: AND THE MOON'S RIDING HIGH (pic#17649424)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-04-02 02:11 am (UTC)(link)
Reread the last lines of my message
Your petty review of yet another of my suggestions is my lowest priority

Just know that there's a high probability you'll die if you fall asleep
Then take one or two of these recommendations to heart
I'd rather you walk away with a superficially wounded pride than perish from weaponized night terrors
zauneyete: (pic#17681081)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-04-02 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
Oh I am well aware.

The good news is, I don't really make it a habit to sleep, so I'll be fine. In fact, I'll share a tip with you: smoke something rancid. The coughing will keep you up for hours.
gyve: AND ALWAYS WILL BE (pic#17617737)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-04-02 08:01 am (UTC)(link)
Smoking rancid substances isn't safe which was pretty well the only prerequisite for adding a suggestion to my list

Why don't you make it a habit to sleep
Is it insomnia from poor health or something else
zauneyete: (pic#17674622)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-04-03 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
You can get them at any little mini market. How is that bad? The rancidity will keep you up.

[ silco, it's because you smoke nasty shit ]

I understand you're used to treating patients, but I am not one of them. Don't fret about me.
gyve: AND WAVES GOT ROUGH (pic#17494054)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-04-03 02:27 pm (UTC)(link)
The rancidity may keep you up for a bit but you're damaging and reducing your lung capacity
You won't be able to take as deep a breath which is going to fatigue you

I'm not fretting for no reason
You may be used to it but you're still human
Even I'm in trouble here and I can invigorate myself with Stormlight
zauneyete: (pic#17504536)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-04-05 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Then consider: my lungs can't possibly get worse.

[ you know. from the mines. ]

And how effective is that compared to the drinks they are serving?

I'll offer you advice, for free, Kaladin.

You may want to conserve your power, and try to stay awake like the rest of us humans.
gyve: AND ALWAYS WILL BE (pic#17617737)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-04-08 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Very
It doesn't feel the same as caffeine
It's more of a drive to move and be free with none of the lag

You're right though as much as I hate to admit it
I'm human too
Eventually the spheres will run out and I'll be run down like everyone else
At that time I'll consider the caffeine
Thanks

It is from the fissure gases
The lung issues
zauneyete: (pic#17674607)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-04-09 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
It would be unlucky to run out of said spheres right in the moment that the kaiju attacks. Let's hope that isn't the case, hm?

[ Silco being a dick...putting doubt in his mind... what's new? ]

Yes. What else would they be from? No man can smoke that much, even me.
gyve: HOW CAN I TAKE THE STAND? (pic#17513246)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-04-13 02:08 pm (UTC)(link)
If that happens I'll have plenty of other jobs to do
Search and rescue and emergency care are vital to a successful war operation


( willpower over 9000

He could tell Silco he sometimes freezes in battle and is therefore not the most menacing opponent for a kaiju. But the old man wouldn't care, or he'd take the opportunity to mock him. Sharing is decided against. )


Just curious though
When lungs quit the rest of the body tends to follow
I've been getting supplemental oxygen therapy at the medibay since the air on this planet is thinner than it is on mine
Feels like I'm suffocating sometimes

They're injections so it's in and out no big wait times
You should look into it
It could really help
zauneyete: (pic#17756775)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-04-13 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Kaladin KEEPS TRYING TO HELP HIM????? ]

I somewhat doubt they can repair the damage already done.

It's nothing, regardless. I'll weather what I have just fine.


[ I -- It's not like he's going to look into it, baka! ]
gyve: BUT IT'S WRITTEN (pic#17649427)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-04-13 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
( father............. )

I doubt they could too
Just as I doubt you're inclined to quit smoking your cigars
No it's a way to ameliorate symptoms without solving the issue
Oxygenating the blood
Quicker thinking better sleep
So uh
Maybe after this missionπŸ˜‘

If I stopped taking the shots I think I'd just want to lie in bed all day
The fatigue is intense
zauneyete: (pic#17629488)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-04-14 06:14 am (UTC)(link)
I don't have any problems with fatigue, thankfully.

[ No, just chronic lung issues and a misery that's probably a side-effect of not getting enough air.

Imagine what Silco would be like healed and in good condition. looks at s2ep7
]

Do you really think I should be thinking quicker, Kaladin? That might be dangerous for you all.
gyve: NOW THE SUN'S GONE TO HELL (pic#17649423)

[personal profile] gyve 2025-04-18 01:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Come on Silco
You can't act like a villain every waking moment

Health is important
For Brimstone too
zauneyete: (pic#17629489)

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-04-27 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
No? Don't tempt me, I could always make it a little more obvious.

[ Silco doesn't think he's acting like a villain!! But if everyone else does, he's going to lean into it. ]

Besides, I'm healthy enough. I'm sure if things were particularly bad, LILITH wouldhave an implant for it. I do not think it will get to that state.