January | Event: Trials and Trains

[jikan_mod]

Trials and Trains
↲ OOC Plotting
As the refugees settle in, they might begin to notice strange things happened around them. Even now, receiving a fortune from a temple or shrine will cause whatever is written to come true. Time surges grow more frequent, and soon, other supernatural effects start to appear. A young refugee couple walking down the street at night may start to radiate light from their chests when they hold hands. A male refugee begins to sparkle after being offered a free helping of extra meat from the cute waitress at his favorite restaurant. And the elderly refugee couple next door who bicker all the time find themselves plagued by mysterious horns growing out from the sides of their heads.

None of these effects seem to last very long, but they're distressing enough that soon, reports begin flooding in asking the NRL scientists for help. It seems they may not have fully explained just what circumstances the refugees have found themselves in.

What is Kizuna?

In response to the reports, the scientists at NRL put out a message over the network about a special emergency meeting all refugees must attend on the 15th. Once everyone is gathered in the auditorium, they proceed to explain the cause of these happenings: Kizuna, an experimental type of magic that was responsible both for saving Nippon, and for allowing everyone from other worlds to stay here.

"From what we've gathered, Kizuna is a type of bonding magic. It can create bonds between anything, and has been used by the Yokai for thousands of years in things like marriage ceremonies. Of course, it's never been used on this scale before. You see, the only reason you're all able to exist in this world and communicate with all of us... is because we created a bond between you and the country of Nippon itself."

It seems what they know about Kizuna is rather limited. It's not as though it was chosen by choice; there were no other options. As such, they'll be willing to answer any questions the refugees might have, offering as much information as they're able to give. They earnestly wish for the refugees to trust them, with many apologizing once more for any negative effects the Kizuna may have on them.

The scientists will be answering questions in Q&A format. All characters who attend will hear the questions and answers given. These questions will be asked and answered ICly, so please leave any OOC questions about the event itself to the OOC question thread.


For Science!!

With the explanations out of the way, characters will be given the choice to simply go about their day, or volunteer to stay behind for some testing. Now, the scientists have no desire to turn the refugees into their guinea pigs. Rather, they simply want to verify that Kizuna is the cause of all of this, and reassure everyone that it's entirely safe. And for that, they have a few experiments they wish to perform.

Characters are welcome to participate only in the tests they feel comfortable with. While most characters are unlikely to notice anything while bonds are being made, others may feel a tingle, a warmth in their chest, or simply a sense of being more at ease once a bond is made. The extent of these feelings is completely up to you!

Cuddle Science Nanjikan Research Lab, Tokyo
The first is the simplest, but arguably the funniest. Kizuna is theorized to grow stronger with physical contact. Likewise, multiple Kizuna bonds being located in a single place is thought to cause an overall increase in kizuna output. And to test this, characters will have to form cuddle piles in both an attempt to foster Kizuna growth, and increase its output. It's all very scientific -- characters will have small devices pinned to their sleeves to monitor Kizuna levels, as they flop around in piles of soft, warm pillows together! But just because it's for science doesn't mean it's not awkward. Go on. Give your neighbor a snuggle.

Next is a test for bondability, or rather, how easy it is for bonds to be created. Characters will hold speed-dating style introductions with one another, as well as with control-subjects who haven't created any Kizuna bonds. Without making physical contact, characters must introduce themselves, and then proceed to exchange compliments with one another back and forth. They will be encouraged to try and find a commonality between each other in the hopes of fostering a small bond. Of course, should they decide to fling insults instead, no bonds will be created... er, unless they're into that.

The last test is a bit more vague. Characters will be told the test is related to magic resistance, a theoretical property of Kizuna. They will be given two cookies to eat. One cookie is completely normal, while the second cookie contains a minor spell that will cause the character's hair to temporarily change color. However, in reality -- they're both completely ordinary cookies. The real test is for something far more dangerous: the theory that Kizuna can manipulate reality. Will your character fall for it? Unless they truly believe the cookie is magic, nothing will happen. But if they do, and their hair changes color, the scientists will look grave before explaining the actual test, and then excusing themselves to go compile the data.

Anyone who participates in all three experiments will be rewarded with a small amount of money that they're free to spend on whatever they'd like, and will also be offered the opportunity to come back once a week for continued testing. All subsequent experiments will be paid. It's not enough to make a living, but for those who just want some extra spending money, you can't go wrong.

Party Train

Before anyone can leave, the scientists have one more gift: an unlimited rail pass. Trains and trolleys are the most common forms of automotive transportation in Nippon, and while they can see the appeal in having most refugees stay in Tokyo, they want to be sure everyone knows they're free to travel as they please. For all that it may be temporary, Nippon was their new home. And besides, surely it would be best for them to enjoy their time here as much as possible! The less time spent agonizing over the fate of their worlds, the better.

Loop Line Lag Nihonbashi, Tokyo
For those wanting to travel around Tokyo itself, it might take a little practice to figure out where the different lines intersect and transfer. But by far, the line they're sure to ride the most is the Loop Line that circles Tokyo. Once on this line, you'll be connected to every district of the city -- forever, unless you tranfer off of it. As the name implies, the Loop Line is a single circular track, not connected to any other lines. While plans have been made to connect it outward, with the flow of time only now starting to move, it's no wonder that plans for new infrastructre have suffered the most.

But for those who are unfortunate enough to board the last train on friday night unknowingly, they'll find that the train never arrives at a destination. Looking outside, they'll see the same cityscape looped every time they pass through a tunnel, the outside world trapped in an endless dusk. While the world may have been freed, small time loops such as this still pop up every now and again. But it seems commuters are used to this. While many people in Nippon are understandably wary of the lingering time loops, some have chosen to embrace them. Friday Night Loop Lines become wild parties that last well into the night, with free food, drinks, and nonstop music. With individual groups responsible for the quick set-up of each car, there's a wide variety of unique themes to choose from. One car is a masquerade, with masks provided upon entrance and a wide selection of ridiculous costumes. Another, themed around a new type of music gaining popularity at home and abroad. Another appears to just be a cat cafe-- how did they sneak these on the train?? New themes pop up every week, so go wild!

It won't be until the trains begins running again at 6 am that the train seems to catch up with the present time. After going through one more tunnel, it will abruptly become day and stop at the next station, and the party goers pack up to leave before the rush of weekend commuters.

Pleasure Ride Nihonbashi, Tokyo
But not everyone is here just to party. In the back two cars of the train, things seem to be quieter. It would be easy to assume this is where actual commuters who simply missed the previous train go to rest for the night, but no. The moment the door to the train car is opened, characters will be struck by the powerful aroma of incense. All around the car, the lights have been covered by colorful shades, flooding the entire car with a dim, amber-colored glow. Sitting by the door is an older woman in an elaborate kimono, her obi tied in the front, with a voice that's almost intoxicatingly sweet: "Won't you stay awhile?"

This isn't any ordinary incense. It's aphrodisial incense brought in from Yoshiwara, and was specifically crafted to draw in customers from the street and entice them to stay. While the first train seems to be rather tame, full of passengers lounging and openly flirting with staff and fellow passengers alike, the second train is far more risque. The lights are almost completely turned off, and between the darkness outside and the rumbling sound of the train running along the tracks, there's an illusion of privacy, with the atmosphere growing hotter and heavier as the night goes on-- even with everyone staying more or less fully clothed. Those looking for a little heavy petting or more need look no further. After all, what happens on the Loop Line stays on the Loop Line.

Welcome to Yokohama

Outside of the Loop Lines, refugees will now be able to easily travel to the nearby city of Yokohama. On their way there, they might notice the landscape is fairly dramatic. As the train leaves the city limits, looking out into the horizon reveals that much of Kanto seems to be fairly barren outside the cities, with large and unfamiliar bodies of water making it seem as if the train is passing over the ocean itself at times. But things seem to even out once they reach the city. And there's far more things of interest to be found in Yokohama proper!

Sightseeing Slights Kannai, Yokohama
Once the trains come to a stop, passengers will disembark at Kannai Station, located in the heart of Yokohama. With word of the refugees spreading throughout Nippon, those who chose to head straight to Yokohama will be met with a small welcoming committee, who offer them tours and maps to introduce them to the city properly.

One of these tours is a tandem steam-cycle tour. Refugees will be paired up in groups of two and rented out a two-seated steam-cycle. Unlike a traditional tandem bike, both passengers must work together to pilot it! And "pilot" is the right term to use here. Upon reaching a certain speed and pulling a few levers, a pair of wings will extend from the wheels as the bottom release a large amount of steam, causing the steam-cycle to become airborne. Thankfully, there's a particular street lined with trees to help guide them through the sky safely! Or at least, it'd be safer if it wasn't winter, and the trees hadn't become large spiky obstacles. At least they won't be responsible for damages if they crash.

Yokai Watch Zhongguo Town, Yokohama
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Yokohama, Zhongguo Town is named for the neighboring country of Zhongguo, and is home to the largest number of human foreigners living in Nippon. While there are a number of streets representing cultures from other nations, by far the largest representation comes from Zhongguo itself, reflected in the district's unique architecture.

Because of this, it's not uncommon to see a wide variety of Yokai living in and around Zhongguo Town as well. For many refugees, this may be their first time seeing them, as they very rarely venture as far as Tokyo! Unlike humans, Yokai are a very diverse group of people, ranging from the those who appear more beast-like to those who are seemingly indistinguishable from humans. They walk on two legs, speak the language of Nippon, and pay taxes just like everyone else!

But for the refugees, they might notice something odd. Whenever they pass by a Yokai, they'll suddenly find themselves stared at, and potentially even questioned as to who they are and where they came from. While most of these questions are asked with polite curiosity (and perhaps a bit of confusion when they explain their status as offworlders), Oni Yokai will become very aggressive and may even attack refugees in small groups. While they won't explain this aggression, piecing together the insults they fling seems to imply they think the refugee has insulted their culture somehow.

If there isn't a friend nearby strong enough to help, calling out will eventually alert one of the many Samurai guards who patrol the city, causing the Oni to flee.

Scammed Port Market, Yokohama
By far, the one place tourists just can't skip when visiting Yokohama is the Port Market. A large shopping arcade stretched across multiple blocks and streets lining the port area, the Port Market is well-known for its delicious food, as well as its rare and unusual merchandise. Although the country is currently isolated due to dangerous time surges in the ocean, that wasn't always the case, so many of the wares that can be bought here are clearly not from Nippon. They range from exotic snacks to fairly dangerous-looking weapons. Are some of these even legal? But most notably, Yokohama is the only city where shops regularly sell coffee, due to the limited supply imported prior to the appearance if time surges! Better stock up before heading back to Tokyo.

Unfortunately, the Port Market is also known for something else: pickpockets. Even if one manages to catch the thief in the act, so long as they can run faster, they can pawn off their stolen goods seemingly in an instant. After which, the pawn shop will only offer it back for a price. It's so obviously a scam, but given that all security in the market is run by the very same organization backing up the scammers, there isn't too much that can be done.

But don't worry! The Market is very forgiving. They'll happily forget the payment in exchange for a few hours of work. It could be working one of the shops, spending an evening playing host to some rich old ladies, or even playing the role of the one who mugged them in the first place. Just make sure not to get on their bad side. Because the Port Market is both the name of the location, and the name of the shady organization that runs it. And they happen to be among one of the largest criminal empires in Nippon. Violence will be met with violence, and only forgiven with increasingly horrible or even illegal work. Some folks may feel right at home here, while others would be better off staying away after dark.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's first event! Please direct any questions to the Question thread in the OOC plotting post! Any questions involving Kizuna can be included there as well, and I'll try to incorporate any clarifications into the Kizuna page and/or FAQ as needed!

• Please be sure to read the page on Kizuna as well as the Kizuna section on the FAQ! As a reminder, you're free to utilize Kizuna effects whenever you want, all month long!

• As this event is intended to introduce both a key concept and a key setting, it might feel a little disjointed. Future events will be more cohesive!

• Remember kids: Murder is a crime. If your characters chooses to kill the Oni in the Yokohama prompt, they better have the means of destroying the evidence. The Oni themselves will not be looking to kill anyone, just rough them up.

• Characters may also choose to work with the Port Market of their own volition, if they'd like to enter the criminal world of Nippon. Like all jobs, you do not need to sign up, and are free to get creative with what they do while employed.

Comments

[thesettingsun]

Thank you, miss!

[Feels much better already! He stretches his arms out over his head - not even a little sore.]

You must get a lot of people coming to you for help.

[fisherwife]

[SHe laughs suddenly, looking sheepish and shaking her head] Oh-- No, not so much here. But I haven't really advertized my ability too much... So I'm sure once word gets out I might have more people showing up at my door.

Unfortunately, I cannot treat illnesses or anything like that... Only physical injuries. [Which, speaking of...] Where did you get those wounds from in the first place?

[thesettingsun]

Oh - someone pickpocketed me and was very determined not to give my things back when I caught up to them.

[An understatement.]

They look worse than I do, I promise.

[fisherwife]

Oh my, how awful! I'm afraid I have an advantage against pickpockets... [No pockets!!] But there must be something that can be done about them...

Still, I'm glad you weren't terribly hurt. [And then, belatedly, she thinks to ask:] Why were you asking for an inkwell?

[thesettingsun]

I can drink ink to heal myself... but I'd rather not if I don't have to. It tastes awful.

[fisherwife]

[OPENS MOUTH.

CLOSES MOUTH.]

Drinking... the ink will heal you? Any kind of ink?

[thesettingsun]

Any kind. I usually just pick whatever's cheapest.

[have you seen how much printer ink costs these days]