jikan_rpg | January | Event: Castle in the Snow

January | Event: Castle in the Snow

Castle in the Snow↲ OOC Plotting

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As winter rolls through Tokyo, some may find themselves longing for a little snowfall. While it certainly gets cold, there's very little snow in Tokyo proper, with the storm of last year having been something of a fluke.

But as it turns out, those looking for a little snow will get their wish, as the NRL announces an opportunity for refugees interested in traveling to visit the northern region of Hokkaido for a weeklong getaway.

A City Encased in Ice

Visiting Hokkaido is something of an undertaking. Well beyond the stretch of Kanto's flooded valleys and city ruins, the only realistic way to visit Hokkaido is by train. And once there, navigating it makes the train something of a requirement. This is because Hokkaido is home to a unique phenomenon known as the Everfrost, a frigid storm that perpetually blankets the region in snow and ice, no matter the season.

Following a lengthy train ride, the train enters a tunnel that sends it underground, before finally emerging into a station seemingly carved out of dark blue ice crystals. And yet the refugees won't feel a chill, as the unique properties of ice formed by the Everfrost prevents it from melting, even with the heat on. From there, it'll just be quick transfer, and they'll arrive in the Minami Ward of the city of Sapporo.

Earn Your Keep Minami, Sapporo
The refugees will be staying in Sapporo's famous Ice Princess Hotel, a luxury resort made entirely of Everfrost ice and located in the shadows of a massive castle. Ordinarily, the rooms here would be too expensive for even the wealthiest refugee. But seeing as this is the off-season (no one wants to visit a perpetual winter wonderland in the winter, obviously), they've arranged special accommodations that even the NRL can afford! The rooms are nothing grand, arranged in a suite style with multiple bedrooms connecting to a shared living area. And of course, while the rooms are still rather warm, the walls themselves are made of thick Everfrost, which is just as cold to the touch as ice ought to be. Make sure not to lean against it after a shower.

Unfortunately, these accommodations require each guest to work a minimum of one work shift at the resort. While it's not impossible to argue one's way out of working, seeing as they were not informed of this part of the deal, those willing to grin and bear it will find that the work available really isn't that bad. There's ordinary jobs, such as cleaning, managing the front desk, or helping out in the bar or kitchen. But most of them will be given opportunities to learn more about Hokkaido's Everfrost up close.

Those who can handle the cold will be invited to a workshop behind the resort where the Everfrost is processed into workable materials. Harvested from the eye of the storm in the center of Sapporo, these icy blocks are carved into shapes and then polished until they shine a brilliant blue. Walls, frames for furniture and decor, glasses and even plates used for cold desserts are all common uses for Everfrost. The ice is plentiful and can easily be frozen back together again, so there's no need to worry if your carving skills aren't up to par.

Those who assist here will also be given an item made of Everfrost of their choice, ranging from gemstones to be inlaid into jewelry, to an icy blade that never melts. Just remember, it is very cold, so try not to wear it anywhere it touches the skin.

Gourmet Tourism Ainosato, Sapporo
Due to the sheer cold of Sapporo's climate, the only way to travel through the city is by underground train, with only the locals brave enough to navigate the streets on foot. But the refugees are certainly welcome to try, and will even be offered snowshoes to make the trip easier.

Heading north to the Ainosato Ward, refugees will find a Beer Museum dedicated to all the brews made throughout Nippon, and including some rare international brands. Naturally, there's free samples, but do try not to get drunk until you reach the bar at the end of the guided tour. This is also the only bar in the East with a permit for selling imported Uki beer, which is almost cloyingly sweet and sure to be an acquired taste, even for those who normally enjoy Uki.

For those seeking Sapporo's signature snack as a souvenir to take back to Tokyo, they'll be sure to find no shortage of shops selling Snow White Lovers, which are said to invoke strong feelings of pure and innocent love when gifted to someone else. Which is very literal, because the gift boxes they arrive in are enchanted with a temporary love spell. At least the cookies are fine??

Nippon's Snow Level

While exploring the city is all fine and good, the real draw of Hokkaido is the sheer amount of outdoor activities visitors can do out in the snow! Naturally, winters in Hokkaido are even harsher than usual, so all refugees interested in exploring will be encouraged to take with them a special haori that can be worn over their clothes, imbued with a magi-tech heating element to keep the wearer nice and toasty.

The Ice Princess Hotel is connected to a large ski resort, and is a short distance from numerous hiking trails. But take note: the cold isn't the only threat out in the wilderness, and those without the ability to protect themselves may be joined a local Hunter Samurai just in case they get lost or encounter something dangerous.

Regardless, whether one is interested in renting some skis, sleds, or snowshoes, the ski resort is still sure to be a pleasant experience!

Crystal Tears Minami, Sapporo
Although Hokkaido is stuck in a perpetual winter, that doesn't mean nothing grows here. In fact, Hokkaido is the only place where crystalflowers can be found. As the name suggests, they're flowers with a crystal-like appearance, with jagged petals and a clear stem. And despite growing like flowers, attempting to handle the fragile petals will cause them to melt like ice.

These flowers can be found all across Hokkaido no matter the time of year, but the best place for viewing them is at the summit of the Ice Princess Ski Resort, where an elaborate garden showcasing different varieties can be found. Some grow on spiky vines like roses, while others grow straight from the ground like poppies.

But beautiful as they are, being surrounded by so many has an odd side effect. For those with an affinity for water or ice magic of any kind, be it local or from home, they may find themselves starting to cry when standing amongst the flowers. While they won't be able to understand why, they'll feel a certain sense of melancholy when looking upon them, as if reminded of someone dear they've lost in the past.

Thankfully, this effect will wear off after getting some distance from the flowers.

Remnants of a Goddess ???, Sapporo
But not everywhere in Sapporo is safe to explore. Those with a penchant for getting into danger may find themselves wandering into the eye of the storm at the very heart of Sapporo. The Everfrost is not a natural occurrence, and is in fact the result of a powerful Goddess who is said to have met her untimely demise at the hands of the people who once worshipped her. While the true history has been lost to time, there's no denying that the source of the storm pours out from a single region in Sapporo.

Although there are many signs warning visitors to keep their distance, should anyone press through the snow, they may hear the sound of someone screaming into the wind. Following it will lead them to a large chasm, with a single bridge of ice leading to a large crystal-like structure. The bridge is slippery, and the only way into the structure is to follow the winding staircase of ice that circles around the outside to an entrance at the top. The chasm is too dark to see the bottom of, so hikers best be careful not to slip and fall.

But once they reach the inside, they'll find no person waiting for them. Instead, they'll find the entire inside of the structure is carpeted with crystalflowers, and at the very center sits an absolutely massive flower, which begins to stir as if it were alive.

If the elaborate set up wasn't obvious enough: this is a boss fight.

The flower is capable of summoning icy phantoms, who take the form of beautiful young women. These phantoms will surround their opponents with cyclones of icy wind, causing a death by a thousand cuts if they aren't shattered. Only by shattering the first phantom will the flower once more return to dormancy. Attacking the flower directly is also an option, though it is far more dangerous, as the entire structure is filled with the flower's roots, capable of wrapping around opponents and stabbing them with icy thorns, sapping the heat from their bodies.

Defeating the flower will calm the storm down long enough for them to safely return to the city proper. But should they stay long enough to explore the inside of the structure, they'll find numerous riches and expensive offerings that no one is going to stop them from taking. Just don't take too long stuffing your pockets, or you'll have to fight the damn thing twice just to get out.

Icy Reflections

Just behind the Ice Princess Hotel sits a tall and imposing building within the castle complex. Believed to have once been the keep where an ancient goddess ruled over her subjects, this area isn't part of the main hotel. Instead, guests are welcome to explore the maze-like corridors on their own.

Unlike the hotel, the castle isn't heated, and the structure isn't entirely made with Everfrost. Instead, it appears as though the Everfrost simply blanketed every inch of the original wooden castle, with everyday objects and decor sometimes visible beneath the unpolished ice stone, forever frozen in time.

But for those who dare explore the highest levels of the keep comes an ominous warning: should you meet a phantom of ice, shatter it immediately, lest it assume your identity and replace you.

Mirror, Mirror Minami, Sapporo
Throughout the castle's keep, there's only one thing that hasn't been covered by the Everfrost. On each floor sits a large mirror, seemingly enshrined into the center of each room. And looking into these mirrors reveals a distorted image of oneself.

As they ascend to the higher floors, the images will become clearer, revealing the reflections to be glimpses of alternate timelines from their home worlds. Each floor will reveal more of a specific timeline, their altered reflection growing more and more detailed. And upon reaching the highest floor, looking into the mirror will cause them to trade places with this alternate version of themself.

These alternate versions are the result of a kouribake, the ice phantom ayakashi, and appear just as real as the ones they replace. They retain all memories of the original's life in Nippon, as well as any memories from the alternate timeline. However, they have a significantly lower body temperature, and their bodies will crack and shatter when injured.

But what do they want, exactly? It's hard to say. Some of the more peaceful ones will even admit to being reflections of alternate timelines, given solid form thanks to the ayakashi. But others will retain some shades of malice, intent on taking over the life of the original, and silencing anyone who finds out the truth.

Shatter Me Minami, Sapporo
Now some may be wondering why something so dangerous is open to the public. But that's just the thing: ordinarily, these ayakashi aren't dangerous at all, and their phantoms simply melt away after about an hour, freeing the original from the mirror. But things have changed. And the ice phantoms will exist indefinitely unless destroyed.

Is it Kizuna? For some reason, the locals and even the NRL don't believe that to be the case. But regardless, these phantoms need to be dealt with.

Thankfully, many phantoms can be convinced to leave peacefully. These phantoms may simply have a short list of things they want to experience or share, and will leave willingly once satisfied. It could be sharing their alternate past, finally confessing their feelings for someone they met in Nippon, indulging in sex or a specific kink, or just eating their favorite meal from home. Upon being satisfied, they will fade away until all that remains is a crystalflower.

But others will be more stubborn, and may need to be shattered entirely. Naturally, this is easier said than done when the phantoms share the face of someone you care about. These phantoms may have powerful new abilities from their respective timelines, or even ice-themed versions of their original's powers. While their bodies are constructs of ice and magic, wounds that would otherwise be fatal will still be fatal for the phantoms.

Of course, the fastest method is to simply destroy the ayakashi responsible for creating the phantoms. But by the week's end, any remaining phantoms will turn into crystalflowers, with the kouribake responsible nowhere to be found.

And perhaps the most troubling thing about all of this is that the original may receive memories of the phantom's time spent in Nippon, as well as vague memories of life in this alternate timeline. Was the alternate timeline real after all? Or was it just all an illusion conjured up by the ayakashi? Perhaps some things are better left unknown.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's January event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• Characters who won a trip in the TDM's ice skating contest will be upgraded to private, luxury rooms as per the contest's rewards. As there was no need to sign up for this, players who want their characters to have a fancier stay without needing to work for a day can just say they won a prize!

• As the Hi element concerns both high and low temperatures, characters who have mastered either Hi or Mizu can also be affected by the crystalflowers.

• The giant flower cannot be fully destroyed, nor will the structure melt if subjected to fire. That said, the crystalflowers can still melt, and will cause the chamber to fill with icy water if too much heat is applied.

• The treasure will not include modern day currency, but instead will include jewelry, gemstones, very old gold and silver coins, and ancient artifacts like vases, cutlery, and weapons. These can be sold in Sapporo to collectors for a high price (upwards of 500 thousand yen), or sold in Yokohama's Port Market for an extremely high price (upwards of 10 million yen). Only the weapons will not sell, as upon explaining where they were found, most collectors will presume the weapons to be cursed and will suggest they enshrine them instead.

• Ice Phantom AUs must be possible deviations from canon, but otherwise, can be as wild as you'd like. For example, you can't do an AU where Naruto is a Pokemon trainer, because Pokemon don't exist in Naruto's canon. But you can do an AU where Naruto is adopted by a canon villain and grows up evil, drastically altering his personality and past.

• AUs will still retain memories of their original's time in Nippon. Whether these memories are skewed to suit their new personality/backstory is up to you!

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[Though he won't call attention to it, even once Itto is standing, Aether doesn't let go of his hand. If anything, his grip grows firmer, as if wanting to be sure they aren't separated. But on the plus side, this means the Hi spell keeping Aether warm will flow into Itto as well, making it easier to ignore the snowstorm around them.]

They should hopefully have a healer back at the hotel, but if they don't, I can always patch you up back in my room? At least, until you can see a proper one. Since there's no point in powering through the pain when healing magic exists.

[And even if there is a healer, he's planning to stick by Itto's side for a good while. Sorting out matters of identity theft can wait a few more hours at least.]

[he doesn't seem to mind, and Itto's hand tightens a little too as they begin to walk. Because of the shared heat, of course, and no other reason]

Ahh, I don't need to bother a healer about this, but I wouldn't say no to you helping me patch myself up. [it's in part because he's stubborn, but it's also being so used to handling things himself that it just seems weird, to have other options. Sometimes being a prideful oni doesn't work in his favor]

Well, then we can just head straight to my room. I always keep a first aid kit around, and it should be more than enough.

[He won't argue, for now. That might change depending on how severe Itto's wounds are -- though if he's up and walking around like this, it's probably not too bad. Hopefully. He'll drag him to a healer if he has to.]

[Now let's just ignore the fact that this likely means Itto coming up to Aether's room and stripping because those ice shards probably cut him all over--]

[It doesn't take too long to get back now that they know the way, and once they're back in the hotel, Aether starts leading Itto up to his room. He hasn't been back here in a week now, technically -- Paimon likely staying with someone else given Aether would have just been acting weird to her. But it won't take long to find his first aid kit.]

So, where all are you injured? I can see there's cuts under your shirt at least from the blood.

I appreciate it. [note to self: get his own first aid kit for next time. Because he knows there'll be a next time, it's just a matter of when that'll be. And really, he should be prepared.

Technically this will be the second time he's stripped in front of Aether, even if last time was only to sleep. Once they're settled into Aether's room he removes his coat, then starts on the rest of the layers]

Uh, kind of all over? [he winces a little at how that sounds] There were a lot of sharp things flying around. The worst of it is probably on my arms.

[He nods, pulling out a cloth and some disinfectant first -- sorry buddy, this is gonna sting.]

There's definitely a lot, from the looks of it. You'll probably want to take it easy for a little while. Even if the wounds aren't that bad, with this many, you probably still lost a lot of blood.

[He's gonna have to wrap Itto like a mummy to cover them all?? At least the shallow ones have already stopped bleeding.]

[shirt and coat and straps set aside, he works on his gloves and arm guards next, wincing as he slides them off] I guess I got hit more than I thought.

[there are probably a lot more shallow ones than there are deeper cuts, but those are like he said, mostly on his arms or his stomach. He can't help but poke at one of them, hissing at the sting] Ow<. I'll take it easy. It's been a while, but it's not the first time I've gotten this banged up. I know better than to mess around.

[he pokes one of the shallow ones, nose wrinkling. Maybe he should clean up first before submitting to disinfectant torture??]

Your clothes might need fixing too, honestly. But I'm not too good at sewing, so you'd be better off asking someone else.

[Unless Itto wants to look like a misshapen patchwork quilt.]

[Once the top layers are off, he pats a spot on the bed for Itto to sit so he can look his injuries over -- starting with the ones on his arms.]

This might sting a little...

[A little is an understatement, this shit is enchanted -- and while it has healing properties to stop bleeding, it also burns upon initial application. RIP in fuck, Itto.]

Heh, I can do it. Who do you think usually fixes them up?

[he heads over to join Aether on the bed and holds out his arms obediently - and then tries not to jerk away when the burning starts] Geez, that's more than a little!

[he's a big tough oni he can take it...........]

[Somehow that explains a thing or two about his fashion choices....]

[But alas, poor Itto, there is no sympathy as Aether just laughs at his reaction.]

I told you it would sting! But this is a lot more potent than just using alcohol... look, some of the smaller cuts are already gone.

[At least the pain only lasts a few seconds?? And while it can't heal any of the more serious cuts, it does manage to close them up enough that he won't even need bandages for very long.]

I friend of mine I like to spar with isn't the type to take it easy when he's injured-- so I try and keep plenty of this around, just in case.

[wow don't laugh at his suffering]

I-It's not that bad, it's just - I wasn't expecting it! [he pauses to look at his arms, though, giving a low whistle of surprise as the sting fades and the cuts heal]

Whoaa . . . that's some pretty handy stuff. What is it, just stronger than normal alcohol?

[Itto bringing out Aether's inner dom.]

[He nods, setting the cloth aside as he pulls out some bandages for the wounds it wasn't strong enough to heal.]

Something like that. This is actually enchanted with Tsuchi and Mizu elements, giving it healing properties. It can help heal small wounds, and if you pour a whole bottle over a major wound, it'll seal it enough to stop the bleeding.

Of course, actual healing magic would be more effective, but I haven't started studying those ones yet.

Huh. I heard you could learn magic and all, but I didn't know there was stuff enchanted with it like that. [he holds out his arms again, holding still now that the terrible burning is on pause]

Is it worth it? Learning that kind of stuff?

All the more reason I should take you to see the West sometime. Almost everything over there runs on magic in one way or another.

[With most of the small cuts healed, there isn't too much to wrap, thankfully. Which is good, because his bandage supply is not endless.]

And I'd say it's worth it. It's more difficult than using Teyvat's elements, since the scope of what each element can do is a lot more broad. Tsuchi, for example-- you can heal wounds and broken bones with it, or manipulate rock and metal. But it can also control gravity, so you can use it to make things feel lighter or much, much heavier -- or even just propel them halfway across town.

I have a few spells I can use just by snapping my fingers, but some require chanting a poem or even singing... but I'm not very good at those ones.

I keep meaning to go. The more I hear about it over there, the more I want to.

[oni and stuff running on magic and all the other things he's heard. At this point he should just move into the dorms over that way]

All that from one kind of magic? Wow . . . it sounds really useful. It kind of sounds like Geo, a little, but way more versatile.

I dunno about reciting stuff . . . [could he remember a poem - singing would be easy, ofc] It'd be a lot different from just pulling Ushi out, that's for sure.

Then maybe we should set a date for it?

[Did he choose this wording intentionally? You decide!!]

[But more importantly: while he does have some memories of his double, some aren't quite as strong as others, while most are likely beginning to fade. And so--]

Wait, who's Ushi?

A date sounds good! [whoosh goes any intentional wording, right over the oni's head] I've got plenty of free time.

[oh, right, Aether wouldn't know who Ushi is, would he. Itto grunts as he shifts to lean over the edge of the bed - ] I don't think you met him properly back home, either.

[is it rude to summon geo constructs indoors, who knows, but now there is a tiny bull on the floor]

[...]

[Where was he keeping that, though???]

[But okay, he's adorable?? And he can't help but laugh a little, really. There's just a bull in here now. As he finishes up on one of Itto's arms, he takes a minute to lean over the bed and look at him.]

Well, hello little guy!

Can he talk? Or just-- moo?

[it is a fushigi mystery.

Ushi bounces in place, mooing right at Aether as though answering his question. Itto laughs, sitting back up straight]

Hah, it'd be really cool if he could talk, but he just moos. But! He'll hang around for a while, as long as he doen't bump into anything too much.

[Well, seeing as Aether does meow at cats... he's gotta moo at the cow.]

[And when he gets a moo in response, he brings a hand to his chin and nods, as if understanding the intricacies of geo cow language.]

Hmm... maybe he just doesn't have much to say? I have a friend in Mondstadt who can summon a talking raven named Oz with her vision, so I thought he might be something similar.

[that is . . . really cute, wow. If only he actually understood what Ushi was saying - not that it's stopped him from talking to the little guy regardless]

Whoa. He talks on his own and everything? [he scratches at his cheek] I don't think I've met anyone else who can make things like Ushi.

He talks on his own and even has a distinct personality! But I imagine it must still be pretty rare. The only other one I can think of is a certain Hydro user who can summon a whale made entirely of water.

[Which he also throws at people because Childe has no chill.]

[But okay, cooing at Ushi aside, he does need to finish up here. And as they chat, he finishes up the other arm and starts on the wounds around his torso.... ignore the little blush as he moves the cloth over his muscles.]

A whale? [his first thoughts are how cool that is but also, geez just how big is it?] That's - huh! That uh, must be something to see. [understatement] The little tanuki ninja who runs around the city has something, but it's pretty unique, too.

[he holds up his arms to make bandaging a little easier, completely oblivious to to the blushing. For now]

It is! He can make it really big, too! Though... every time I've seen it, it's been thrown at me-- he's the sparring partner I mentioned before.

[Casually talking about getting whales thrown at him nbd.]

[The blushing continues as he moves lower, finishing up the last of the wounds around his sides. These ones need more bandages, but hopefully they won't bother him too much.]

Ah, that should be the last of these ones at least... did you get any on your legs? It really does look like you got cut all over.

He throws it . . . man, I feel a less bad about throwing Ushi at people when there's a guy throwing whales around!

[Ushi gives a little moo of agreement, maybe.

He glances down at his pants, and while they aren't as cut up as his coat or shirt, there's a few slices in the material that speak to more than just little papercuts]

A couple? They sting a little, but not as bad as the others did.

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