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synflux2025-09-29 05:51 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-09-29 05:51 pm
Entry tags:
TRAVEL LOG #7
TRAVEL LOG #7
▶ 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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
no subject
[ He walks up with his hands in his pockets, but his posture is clearly aggressive. Agitated. There’s something that he’s more than upset about—He’s angry, and it’s directed at Daybit.
Though it isn’t, not really. With everyone else, Tezcatlipoca feels a little less. Daybit, though.
…He tries not to think of him being a special case. ]
You’re a smart guy. You have to have noticed things are fucked. And I tried, but turns out I can’t just sit by and watch it.
[ Coming to Daybit wasn’t solely because of his biases though. Of anyone… Tezcatlipoca does believe that if this a shock, he can handle it. ]
Lemme ask. How’d we meet, Daybit?
no subject
Enough. [ curt. calm. ] You're asking me because you believe that I've been compromised by the kaiju.
[ a beat. he had promised not to ostracize them, but now he finds himself in a situation where someone who is clearly affected is doing the same to him. this could pose to be a risk, but Daybit believes he can handle it. ]
We are coworkers here, working for LILITH. There's so many people working here that I haven't had the chance to meet all of you.
[ but there is that hole in his memory, isn't there? well, he's always had a crappy memory, so, just to check... ]
How'd we meet, Tezcatlipoca?
no subject
It ain’t believe. I know.
[ He steps closer and grabs Daybit’s wrist. It’s the one with the burn/tattoo, obviously, and he holds it up slightly. ]
Me met ‘cuz of this. It ain’t a burn.
[ His hand squeezes a little tighter. ]
You summoned me. You asked me to come help you. I’m a god, Daybit. You even realize how significant that is?
no subject
A god. [ if he had a better sense of humor, like Tasuke, he would laugh. but he doesn't. ] LILITH has the power to do many things, but "summoning gods" is a little farfetched.
[ he clicks his tongue, and jerks his arm out of Tezcatlipoca's grasp, taking a step back. ]
Sorry, but I don't buy it. Tezcatlipoca, the one who's affected is you.
“like tasuke” ill kick your ass daybit
[ He lets Daybit pull away, but he steps closer. The lack of space is sharp, but his expression is only getting sharper. ]
But you fuckin’ serious? You think I’m the one with a problem?
[ That also annoys him, but in a different way. This kaiju is one he’s going to have to skin himself. ]
I came because you needed me. And that’s why I’m lookin’ out for you here.
😇🫶
[ him summoning a god is ridiculous. he knows that he's a strange person, that's why Silco had to take him in to ensure that he didn't become a glorified lab rat but to this extent? that's stupid.
but with this guy closing in the space between them, Daybit is having to consider his options on how to subdue this guy. ]
Your reality might seem very real to you, but I'm certain that it's not. Maybe we met and I don't remember. It happens often.
no subject
[ Tezcatlipoca huffs, but before Daybit can withdraw, he grabs his tie to stop it. ]
I know why. It has to do with those passengers I was talkin’ about. You even know what I mean about that?
[ His trigger finger is itching. He knows where this going to go, but if Daybit can break through just a little bit, then it won’t be necessary. ]
What do you remember about yesterday, huh? Really think about it.
no subject
[ once again, Tezcatlipoca is free to grab at Daybit, but from the way that he snarls that, it's clear that this will have consequences if he doesn't let go soon.
and well, if it isn't clear enough, then surely the gun that is now at his side will surely spell the message out. ]
I don't know what the hell you're talking about. That kaiju is messing with you, so get a grip on yourself!
no subject
It’s messing with you, man. You’re gonna be pissed, but you’ll be happier I did in the end. I just need to know what’s up with you.
[ Daybit already has his gun, and Tezcatlipoca isn’t one to hesitate. That’s the kind of people they both are. So.
Tezcatlipoca lets go of his tie, but it’s truly only to have the space he needs. ]
You ain’t gonna like this. Sorry.
[ And with that. Tezcatlipoca does let go of the tie, but it’s only so he has the distance he needs to pull the trigger of his gun. Where it hits? Who knows. But it’s enough to shock those extra passengers, and that’s what he wants to prove. ]
1/2
very slowly
for Daybit.
the bullet hits him square in the abdomen before he can fire his own, and the force of the impact sends him stumbling back in shock. breathing is… tough. in the distance he hears the sound of something clattering, and his hand feels light. did he drop his gun? that old gun that’s an antique, the one that Silco gave him—
—Silco? when the hell has—
of course, Silco. the man that took him after his father had passed in that tragic in…ci………dent? ]
2/2
where Daybit was—
where Daybit was—
where Daybit was— ]
Kh—! AGH!!
[ having fallen on his knees at one point, Daybit doubles over, as panic, lightheadedness and nausea take over him at once. his breathing is labored as he struggles with the noise in his head, buzzing loudly like the crt television that he and his dad used to watch movies on. the noise invades him with such swift speed that he doesn’t even have time to think about how he knows such a thing, or anything else for that matter.
because if there’s anything that the kaiju has done, is compromise the mental barriers set up by Daybit. which means that this opportunity is more than ideal for them to show up.
with another snarl, as if struggling with himself, Daybit’s body stiffens. his shadow wavers. grows.
and from it, a tentacle lashes out to smash into Tezcatlipoca. ]
no subject
There’s a moment where Tezcatlipoca mutters a curse under his breath, and he steps after Daybit as he stumbles. His eye lights up as he quickly starts to write a text. Jessica, Raidou, Yugamu— He’s also thinking of every damn healer and medic that he knows, because he’s not wanting to find out if his decree of his Master not being able to die outside of battle is true. ]
Woah, Daybit!
[ He shouts his name as he collapses, and Tezcatlipoca is just about to kneel next to him, when—
There it is.
He knows exactly what whats coming when Daybit’s shadow wavers, and it would be smarter to withdraw. He knows he’s not going to have a chance to fight it, since that’s the point. They can kick anything’s ass, his included. He knows that, and yet. He’s not going to leave him.
Granted, he doesn’t just linger so it can turn him into pulp. He leaps back, but it’s just not fast enough. That tentacle crashes into him and crushes him into the ground. His leg is pinned, and the pressure is painful enough for him to shout, but he turns his gun in his hand so he can swing the axe head at the tentacle. Will it help? Fuck if he knows, but he’ll try. ]
Would appreciate you wakin’ up now!
no subject
[ there's a shout from Daybit, desperate like a man trying to surface over the water. it's difficult, hearing that grating noise of static filling his head that might as well be their jubilee over being set free for slaughter.
and why wouldn't they celebrate? anything that threatens their terminal is an enemy and any enemy of their terminal is their enemy and any enemy of theirs deserved to be torn to bits and slaughtered slaughtered slaughtered slaughtered slaughtered until nothing but its sub-atomical components remain!!
the tentacle that pinned Tezcatlipoca to the ground releases the god in order to dodge from the swinging axe, but even that is momentary as it slams the full brunt of its weight back down on the leg. it will maim it will kill it will erase it will delete the entire human race and what better way to start than with one of its gods. can you hear it laugh, Tezcatlipoca? it has no mouth visible, but it laughs and laughs and laughs-- ]
TEZCATLIPOCA!
[ the tentacle freezes as Daybit roars in anger, lifting his head as he views the scene in front of him as if seeing the world for the first time in a long time. violet eyes bright and lucid despite—or perhaps because of—the situation, as he does his best to claw back control of himself. even if it's just for a moment, just for a mere second, he knows he needs to give Tezcatlipoca an opening to attack. ]
no subject
And, yet. This is almost nostalgic. So much so that Tezcatlipoca laughs madly with his raw throat, even though it wouldn’t seem to fit the severity of the moment.
This is just how it is for gods. Their mythology is something real and concrete even in its impossible strokes. They’re tied to stories as if they were something physical, and this is one of Tezcatlipoca’s most well known. He used his leg as bait to draw out the great sea beast Cipactli. Self-sacrifice, all that shit. It’s a story beat that’s inscribed into his soul, which is why it’s ironic and funny even in this moment where he’s facing the serious threat of being killed.
There’s the other part of the story, though. Tezcatlipoca gave his leg as bait, but he wasn’t alone. It was a partnership. He much prefers this matchup, though, since Daybit is way more reliable than Quetzalcoatl.
So, there’s no hesitation. There’s not even surprise that Daybit breaks through the hold (of course he would). In fact, there’s barely a syllable of his name shouted when Tezcatlipoca swings again and embeds the blade of the axe as deep as it’ll go and withdraws it brutally to cut through as much of the ethereal flesh as he can. It’s a brutal, merciless gesture that’s only made to kill.
…Well, if these things can even be killed. Just getting it to dissipate is plenty in this case. ]