TRAVEL LOG #7

[synfluxmods]

TRAVEL LOG #7

CONTENT WARNINGS: memory manipulation, nausea, headaches, references to hunting

▶ 001. IT’S (NOT) LONDON, BABY.

As the last dregs of summer fade into the beginning of true Fall in Neo Tokyo, Outsiders wake up to the sound of sirens blaring, the call coming through their implants - there's no time for relaxation, not when the world still needs to be saved. As soon as everyone has gathered for the debriefing, Yamakawa explains their next destination: a request for aid has been sent by a civilian militia group in Windsor, England, and it's a desperate plea for support for an ongoing kaiju crisis.

While LILITH doesn't have a branch in the area, they're able to work with their contact to ensure that a data portal is set up for the easy transportation of Outsiders from the main base. Travelling feels a little bit easier compared to before, but the common side effects still remain - a little nausea, some headaches, dizziness and some minor glitching. It seems as if caffeine is a solution, and upon arrival, Outsiders are offered a cup of tea to get them settled.

Weirdly, unlike previous teleportation, physical touch seems to make the symptoms worse, rather than better. Anyone attempting the usual form of intimacy will find that being close to people, especially those they’re most comfortable with, will feel strangely awkward, leaving them with an uneasy sensation and the urge to take a step back.

As this is another warp rather than air travel, Outsiders will be asked to bring only what they deem necessary on this journey. Yamakawa reminds the Outsiders that, once they arrive, further supplies will be sent; both those that the outsiders request, and additional medical supplies for the militia in England to support them in their ongoing quest.

Everyone will be given the standard 24 hours to pack and prepare for departure. Once the time is up, Outsiders are transported to the arrival point... In Windsor Castle.

▶ 002. AN OUTSIDER WALKS INTO A CASTLE.

Upon arriving in the bailey of the castle, a beautiful woman who introduces herself as Gwen approaches. She welcomes the Outsiders to her base of operations, promising to provide beds and food for everyone. She’s quick to give an overview of why they’ve been summoned to the castle and what the problem is: they’re a militia group who are fighting against a large kaiju that is threatening the remains of the civilian population of the United Kingdom. They need help from the Outsiders to put the kaiju (and the rebels that are supporting it) down so that peace can continue. With how few people they have capable of fighting, they turned to LILITH in desperation.

As the Outsiders are directed to one of the wings of the castle to settle in, some might notice something… Off. While all the Outsiders who had agreed to go to the mission are present and accounted for, some members of their group are acting a little odd. When spoken to, they behave the same in terms of personality, but some of the things they’re saying are strange, or don’t sound right…

Some Outsiders have come to believe that they have always lived in Neo Tokyo, and don’t remember any other life. They’re convinced that this is the truth, and any attempt to dissuade them is met with resistance, both of the Outsiders feeling nauseated, with the risk of migraines developing. It doesn’t seem as if anything works to break this strange sickness, no matter what is attempted.

That might be a problem to deal with later.

Once bunks have been agreed on (and they will need to share rooms), Outsiders are given free rein to explore Windsor Castle. Gwen - and her generals, a group of women who can often be found around her, peering over maps, reports and other paperwork, giving advice and arguing about the best course of action - tell Outsiders that it would be best to stay within the castle walls, due to the threats of smaller kaiju outside the base. They do ask that, if they have spare time, that they help the people around the castle as much as they can, as there’s a lot of upkeep to do, and they’re running low on people thanks to their failed missions.

The castle is large, and beautifully decorated with medieval tapestries that have clung to their existence despite the impact of time. There are various locations of interest that the Outsiders are welcome to nose their way around: a library, filled with hundreds of books; the stable, where various horses of different kinds can be found (and ridden!); the outskirts around the bailey, with various small dogs; the feasting hall, where meals are served (mostly farm grown foods, and very limited meats) and, finally, the garrison (which, at the moment, only the non-afflicted Outsiders are permitted into, for ‘the safety of the others), with medieval weaponry on the walls.

▶ 003. IT HAS A GREAT KNIGHT-LIFE.

As the Outsiders settle in, the influence of the strange memory manipulation becomes stronger. Outsiders who are convinced they’ve been in this world their entire lives may grow more determined about it, and find strength in talking about their strange new memories. Anyone attempting to convince them otherwise will likely find themselves ostracised and left to the generous mercy of the civilians around the castle. Either way, both sets of Outsiders are generally welcomed around the castle.

The accommodation is good, but there are a few minor issues. Some of the dishes the Outsiders are served taste a little off (perhaps the lack of spice?) and locals urge their guests to stay away from some areas of the castle. If they do decide to go there despite the warnings, there doesn’t seem to be anything amiss. Maybe it’s a British thing?

There are a huge amount of things that need doing around the castle, and the native population are more than happy to encourage the Outsiders to take part and help them with what little resources they have remaining. If Outsiders volunteer to help, they’re informed about the many odd jobs that need doing around the castle and how they can support the locals:

OPERATION: CAN WE FIX IT?

Outsiders are tasked with helping to repair and, in some cases, reinforce the wall surrounding the castle and the bailey.

It’s clearly been damaged from kaiju attacks, and some areas are more damaged than others.

There are limited amounts of brick, so there may be a need to go out on a reconnaissance mission to gather more supplies.

Outsiders will be rewarded with carved items from the civilians - dogs, horses, dragons, and lions.

OPERATION: WE’RE GOING ON A KAIJU HUNT.

Outsiders are asked to go out in small groups to deal with the small, minor kaiju that have been threatening the castle.

The threat is a mixture of various wild kaiju, including vicious wild deer, boar, foxes and badgers. Some are more dangerous than others, and most attack on sight.

Outsiders will be rewarded with small gifts from the civilians - gloves with sheep wool interiors, large cotton blankets and, if they bring back their kills, fresh kaiju meat meals.

OPERATION: CLAYSON’S FARM.

Outsiders are asked to help the castle farmers for the upcoming months, both the livestock and the crops themselves.

The calves will need to be weaned (which might include chasing them around a field), wool from ewes clipped and harvesting the winter wheat, potato and sugar beet before planting the new crop.

Outsiders will be rewarded with small gifts from the farmers - bouquets of dried flowers, their first choice of the harvested crops, bottles of homemade cider, and even naming some of the livestock after the most helpful.

OPERATION: THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT (AU’D CHARACTERS ONLY).

Outsiders are asked to tend to a graveyard deep in the back area of the castle, surrounded by forests.

They will need to clean the graves, tidy up anything that has been left behind, check the records are accurate and pay their respects.

Outsiders will be rewarded with a broach in a strange horse shape from Gwen herself, who says it will permit them into some of the closed off areas of the castle. This includes the ‘spa’ (where the water is always cold); the ballroom (where the curtains are too heavy to move, so it’s always dark) and a special dining hall (which none of the cooking staff seem to know exists).

OPERATION: A PROPER GANDER (NON-AU’D CHARACTERS ONLY).

Outsiders are asked to deal with the rebel propaganda that’s popped up around the castle.

They will need to clean the graffiti, remove posters, try and track down where they’re getting in and ensure none remains.

Outsiders will be rewarded with Turkish Delight candies (hand-delivered by Gwen, as it’s her own personal recipe), nightly offers of hot chocolate and their choice of art supplies so they can add their own murals to the castle (once approved by the generals, of course).

There are dozens of other odd jobs that need done, too, and Outsiders can find themselves tasked with almost any minor task that they can imagine - from novice carpentry, to cleaning, to taking care of the corgi population to even exercising the horses. There are no limits to how helpful the Outsiders can be to their temporary home.

Throughout this time, Gwen and her generals are preparing for the upcoming mission and sharing briefs with the Outsiders as they gear up: there’s been a trace of the beast somewhere near Egham, ironically called the “Enchanted Forest”. If the Outsiders attempt to probe Gwen or question her for specifics, she’ll shrug them off, for now; there simply isn’t enough time to answer everyone personally, and she’s incredibly busy.

▶ 004. HASTY PREPARATION.

Not long into the Outsiders’ stay at the castle, a scouting report comes back with alarming news: the kaiju is on the move and seems to have more humans under its control, preparing to launch a counterattack on the castle and the people within. The generals, Gwen leading the charge, are quick to gather their weapons and supplies and start to consider a way of fighting back before the worst happens: the castle is laid siege.

Everyone in the castle is suddenly part of a whirlwind of motion, all trying to plan the counterattack and how to deal with the kaiju before it’s too late. Gwen is more than willing to listen to what the Outsiders have to say as spokespeople for LILITH, and due to their experience in dealing with kaiju in the past; she’s keen to know what they’ve tried, what worked, and what didn’t work.

The next few days have the castle in preparation mode. Weapons are checked, books on tactics and histories are revised to see for any weaknesses that might have been missed, and Outsiders are encouraged to do whatever they can to help, just as they have been before.

It’s as hard to get Gwen and her generals alone as it was before, but there’s a general feeling of finality around the keep; this could be it. She does make an announcement a day before the march:

"My men and I have discovered what may be causing the strange... Affliction your friends are suffering from, dear soldiers of LILITH. The kaiju seems to have the power to influence emotion, and memory along with it. A previous attack left a relic in the beast, which has healing properties: it is this that will cure your friends. We must defeat the monster and bring this relic home, with all swiftness."

Killing this kaiju might be the only way to free the Outsiders from its influence.

This might be the final push to get rid of the kaiju forever.

▶ AFTERWORD.

This Travel Log #7!

Due to the nature of the final prompt, the Kaiju RNG will be posted in a few days to allow for time for Outsiders to gather clues and plan a counterattack against the kaiju.

The clues Outsiders receive (both AU and non-AU options) will be vital for charting a course for tackling this kaiju, so please add your suggestions (and ICly +1 other people's) before the 10th at the latest. We strongly encourage players to coordinate their clues together ICly to come up with solutions!

The planned attack will be based on character suggestions using this comment.

All comments in this event count for 2 points towards October AC. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them below.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. IT’S (NOT) LONDON, BABY: Outsiders are awoken to the siren alerting them to a mission and are transported to England to help a militia group with a kaiju problem.

2. AN OUTSIDER WALKS INTO A CASTLE: Outsiders meet the leader of the group, Gwen, who urges them to get settled in. Some Outsiders begin to have strange issues with their memories, and side effects when challenged.

3. IT HAS A GREAT KNIGHT-LIFE: While they settle in, Outsiders are tasked with helping the organization out with various tasks with various rewards for their hard work.

4. HASTY PREPARATION: Gwen and her men prepare for a final counterattack against the kaiju with LILITH's support, and ask the Outsiders to suggest ways to track down and kill the threat to their people. They must retrieve a relic embedded in the kaiju to free their friends.

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Comments

geto suguru ( jujutsu kaisen / brimstone. )

[gorb]

oo1.an outsider walks into a castle.

( In the library there is a version of Geto Suguru most of the Outsiders will have never seen. There is a lightness to the way he rests against the edge of a table, a stack of books by his hip and another in his hand, nails painted a shimmery light green this time. He's dressed casually - sweats, a tank top, sliders, hair up in a half-bun. Every time he turns a page he hums a little, reaching for another half open book to compare notes.

That's probably when he catches on that someone else is with him, and he raises a singular black eyebrow before he laughs. )

What? You thought I couldn't read, right? ( Because he looks like a fuckboy, probably. ) I should have changed before I came in here.

( He is largely not about that life, though. This is his usual attire. )

I just wanted to check if there were any discrepancies between what we know about the kaiju and what they do. Maybe there's something we can cross-examine? Get answers that way.

oo2. it has a great knight life.

( Draped in a chair in the dining hall, Geto is picking at the beige concoction before him with only the mildest of displeased faces. He is doing his best. He is a polite and respectful boy and only sometimes a bastard, and he does not want to disappoint their hosts. He will not disappoint his parents by acting out in a new place.

He does turn to whomever is beside him with a desperate whisper at some point though, so even he has his breaking points. ) Tell me they serve alcohol. It might help.

oo3. clayson farm.

( There is a figure crouched in the dirt, wearing a sweater and with a semi-frazzled air. Maybe the cause is obvious when the rest of his charge come into view. It could be the latent parental vibe he still wears, or perhaps even the calves are mesmerised by him, but he has several held at bay and a bottle aloft above his head. )

One at a time, kids.

( That doesn't stop one head butting him, but as he is built like a brick shithouse there is very little give to his stance. ) You know bullies don't get special treatment, mm? I tell that to my students all the time, so it's not going to be any different here. Be good, be patient. There's enough to go around.

( Just a little less than they'd like, because of the weaning. )

oo4. wildcard

( Anything goes, you can find me at qingya or sadgaydna on discord if you want to plot, but you can also just clothesline me with a prompt, I don't mind )

oo2.

[eyescar]

I don't think I'm meant to help with that kind of thing.

[ Yuji frowns, darting his eyes between Geto and the other people around them a little anxiously, as if he might get into trouble. He drank at the gala before, sure, but that was basically spiked, so... ]

We're going to leave soon anyway.

[gorb]

( The effect is immediate, Geto's expression brightens and he reaches out with ease to sling an arm around Yuji's shoulders, affectionate. )

You're too old to help sneak me some now, mm? ( An easy laugh, untroubled. Then he sniffs, dramatic to a fault. ) Kids these days. Yuji-chan, you used to listen to me. But fine, fine. I'll behave.

[eyescar]

I still listen to you! Really!

[ Don't make that disappointed sniffing sound, it's too close to traumatic for him...!! ]

I'm not old enough is the problem.

[gorb]

I wasn't going to let you drink it.

( What kind of father do you think he is? )

I was going to, and then my good dutiful son was going to tell me how his day has been. ( The other hand coming up to pinch his cheek. ) Who's been teaching you bad habits? I'll have to beat them.

oo2

[zauneyete]

Good news.

[ Says his NOT!EVIL!bestie from the side, who's... well, "enjoying" is probably not the right word, but he's eating something and he doesn't look... happy about it, but he's also being polite enough to not say much. ]

It all goes down a little easier with... [ He slips his flask out from his vest. ] A little liquid encouragement, hm?

silco pls the chip ( ??? i think ??? ) sandwich is elite.

[gorb]

ooc: also tell me if you don't want me making shit up i can edit accordingly.

( His very best weird and scrungly acquaintance that he met in a gay bar! What good luck. )

If you share that with me I'll forgive you for that one time you interrupted my moment. ( He had been attempting to seduce someone. He doesn't even remember who now. But Silco had knocked a drink into the man and Geto remains slighted. It does not stop them from being friends, it just means he brings it up from time to time. Silco is a backstabber.

( Probably he was saving Geto from his own terrible choices, but who knows. ) )

Give it here. What the fuck are you eating?

IT IS and lbr silco has bad taste

[zauneyete]

[[ no do it, make up whatever you want ]]

Oh, interrupted your moment, was it?

[ He shakes it one more time. ] You still don't believe me that it was in your best interests, now do you? You'll never forgive me, even if I give you my whiskey.

[ But fine. He hands it over. ]

This is called a butty? What a ridiculous name.

i want one now.

[gorb]

Butty.

( Just two judgemental bitches in any universe. But he steals a healthy slug from Silco's flask, hands it back with a faux frown. )

He had nice hands. ( A sniff. ) And paid for the drinks.

01.

[voidbound]

I didn’t think that.

[ sorry, geto, your joke flew way over his head! but it seems that Daybit had the same idea as him, as he’s already looking through some of the spines of the books for titles that might be relevant. ]

Sure. [ he nods. ] I have a feeling there’s something off here, so it’ll be better to work together than individually.

[gorb]

( Dang, not even a smile.

Still, he rallies. )

Off how? Surely everywhere has rooms we can't go into and staff with memory loss.

( He's kidding. His voice is dry enough to set the whole library alight. )

[voidbound]

[ in an act that would send Tezca into a coma, Daybit…

chuckles. ]

Just like you said, it seems like the issues with memory might be spreading. Though it could be a one off, I’d like to err on the side of caution.

[gorb]

( Ah, yes.

The memory issue.

Geto is not affected at all,. ) If it's just a side effect of travelling it should end quickly. Is it actually spreading?

001

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou's also in the library, walking past with an armful of books. He's excited to have so many physical books at their disposal, he doesn't know where to start first. Though, the majority are on history, or farming and gardening.

There's definitely something different about Geto, and Raidou almost doesn't hear what's said to him as he gives Geto an appraising look. Pretty sure he's not himself, from the looks of things. It'll be evident soon enough if they talk, he figures.]

--Ah. Sorry. Um. Yes, a good idea. What do we know, though? Gwen isn't very forthcoming with the details.

[gorb]

People in positions of power rarely are. Imagine, telling people things. That wouldn't ne very sensible.

( The sarcasm drips, but he abandons his post to move closer To Raidou. There's less wariness in his gaze, a friendliness that Geto rarely shows. He seems ... almost fond. )

Don't work too hard, all right? We'll figure it out.

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou's not sure how to proceed with people under this effect. How are they going to act? What's different that he doesn't know? How do they perceive him?

Geto seems friendly, at least. So Raidou gives him an assuring nod.]

Just going to do some research on the history here. It's nice to have some real books for a change. Have you found out anything interesting yet?

hehehe

[gorb]

No, but I did receive a particularly frosty reception by our current taskmaster. I don't look that much of a troublemaker, do I?

( In his dudebro gym-adjacent clothes. The grannies back home probably think he looks a little like a player, but then he's also sweet and kind and respectful, so. Playing the system. Either way he lifts a hand, points at Raidou, something mischievous in his expression. )

Please remember, Raidou-kun, that I'm the one you have to ask in order to get Yuji-chan's hand. Another ten or so years might not be enough time to win me back over.

003

[mace_pray_love]

[Semi-frazzled or not, this is the happiest Jessica's seen Geto look. Maybe what he's needed this whole time was baby cows.]

Do you need a hand?

[Either to hold another bottle or to restrain the bully-calf until it's its turn.]

[gorb]

Several.

( There are a lot of cows. )

But another two will do in a pinch. I have another bottle over here, if you think you're up to the task.

[mace_pray_love]

[It's baby animals, how hard can it be?]

Sure. We'll make sure everybody gets fed.

[She fetches the bottle, and immediately, calves begin crowding her as well, bumping into her legs and mooing hungrily. She doesn't have the dad-vibes like Geto to placate them.]

[gorb]

( There's laughter from his side, though not quite mean-spirited. )

Ah, they're bullies. It's not fair that they have four legs and are quite stout, mm? Do you want me to try and wrangle the big one back behind it's gate?

04.

[misclassed]

[ Emerging from a room with his oculars aglow, the telltale sign of a network conversation, the smith boy collides almost headlong with geto — his body containing all the stalwart firmness of an anvil waiting for use.

or just some punk with a ton of augmentation, almost too much to be a good idea. ]

Mn— [ the oculars' light disappears, as the boy scratches at his unruly mop of hair and he blinks up at geto, trying to decide if he's speaking to a customer, or to yuji's father.

he settles for the latter. ]

Hi. You seen Yuji around?

[gorb]

Not recently.

( Had he lifted a hand to stop Muramasa from falling? Maybe. Every time he sees this kid he's always running around. One day he's going to collide with something less ... bouncy. )

He's probably exploring, you know how he is. I should have been a little more stern as he grew, but too late now. Why? Did you need him for something?

[misclassed]

[ With his standard LILITH-issued tracksuit (instead of those usual colorful sukajan) and delinquent slouch, the best friend of Geto's star pupil and Yuji's classmate is unassuming. ]

He said there were some weird swords. Wanted to show 'em to me.

[ A beat and the boy brightens, like there wasn't a moment where he looked at geto and saw what was no longer there, weighing down his heart and karma. ]

You teach sword stuff, right?

[gorb]

( Weird swords and he didn't tell his dad? Rude. )

I do, though usually only with the students that have been around a long time. Most people lack the proper determination to get that far. ( He has students that surpass his expectations, but they're special cases. ) You know it's not too late to start coming to my classes. I know you prefer to spend your time tinkering, but you might have fun. I have slots.