jikan_rpg | April | Event: Skybound Travelers

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April | Event: Skybound Travelers

Skybound Travelers↲ OOC Plotting

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As everyone settles into a routine in Nippon, newer refugees may find that visiting the Western Kingdom is something of an undertaking. Although considerably faster than traveling by airship or on foot, the underground train that connects Tokyo and Kyoto still takes at least five hours. And not everyone enjoys the roller coaster-like experience of the Sunday-only time surge that shortens that ride into ten minutes. But lucky for them, the NRL are finally ready to release a special new travel system!

Developed in part thanks to the refugees for gathering the necessary etherblossoms back in March, refugees will now find teleportation terminals available at the NRL in Tokyo and MRU in Kyoto. These terminals only connect to each other, with plans to expand to other cities in the future.

Or at least, that's what they're supposed to do.

Nippon Traveler

With the announcement of fast travel between kingdoms quickly spreading among the refugees, many of them are clamoring to be the first to take advantage. After all, the train is rather inconvenient for those with friends and family in both kingdoms, and even more so for those who wish to work in one while living in the other.

Thankfully, the NRL took this into consideration, and made sure to add additional platforms and a timed queueing system to make things run smoothly, essentially creating a small station on the top floor of the NRL's main building. And with exclusive elevator access on the outside just for traveling refugees, it's certainly built for convenience.

Ready, Aim... Kyoto, Western Kingdom
Despite the fact that the NRL has been using these teleporters just fine for transferring between Tokyo and Kyoto for the past few weeks, the sudden inundation of users is causing the system to overload ever so slightly. As a result, the teleporter hasn't been sending people where it should, occasionally redirecting them to random areas throughout Kyoto.

On the one hand, magic is so commonplace in the West that no one really thinks anything about the Refugees popping in and out of existence, with most natives just assuming they're teleporting using the local magic. But on the other hand, this assumption means the natives will think it's intentional, resulting in a large number of refugees finding themselves in both literal and metaphorical hot water after teleporting straight into a public bath, fully-clothed. Hopefully it's a mixed bath, or they might find themselves being carried away by the patrolling samurai guards for questioning.

In addition to becoming a public nuisance for the natives, some may find themselves teleporting into the homes of fellow refugees instead. They may wind up as an uninvited dinner guest, or perhaps they'll appear during a private or intimate moment between lovers. Some may even end up appearing in a closet, giving them ample opportunity to hide until they can make their escape!

Thankfully, this bug is discovered quickly enough that it only creates a few days of chaos -- so don't let that put you off the technology forever!

Here Comes a Thought Higashiyama, Kyoto
But of all the locations the teleporters are sending people to, perhaps the most common one is Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto's Higashiyama neighborhood. As one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, its already a popular tourist destination, with beautiful gardens, a veranda overlooking all of Kyoto, and is home to a magic school that specializes in the Mizu Element.

Those who are lucky may simply find themselves suddenly standing in front of a very tall pagoda, or overlooking the view of Kyoto. But most refugees will instead find themselves standing before the Tainai Meguri, a dark underground passageway beneath one of the many shrines in Kiyomizu-dera. Naturally, it'll be assumed they want to go in, and they may find themselves ushered down by a shrine maiden or two who don't want them holding up the line.

Blanketed in an inky darkness, the Tainai Meguri is composed of a single hallway and a rope along the wall to help guide visitors down to the lowest part of the passageway, where a mysterious stone can be found. Glowing with a mysterious power, the stone is the only source of light in the tunnel. And those who touch the stone with a clear mind will see the carving in the center change, showing which magic element they have an aptitude for: Tsuchi, Mizu, Hi, or Kaze.

However, those who touch the stone without a clear mind will witness something different. Because the stone in question is a Memory Stone, an ancient magical artifact capable to creating illusions of a person's memories. Once the stone is touched, the light of the stone will jump out into the darkness, projecting illusions of their past on the walls around them. Whether these illusions appear as text, an exact replica of one's memories, or something more abstract, varies by the person.

Those whose memories are being projected may find themselves completely overwhelmed by the emotions they felt at the time of that memory. For this reason, no one is allowed into the Tainai Meguri alone, so those affected better hope that their partner in the darkness is prepared to drag them out of it.

Into the Unknown

As the technology powering these terminals is still quite new to the scientists at the NRL, actually releasing these to the public is still a way off. Although there's zero risk of harm coming as a result of using the terminal, they have noticed that occasionally the terminal registers another point of travel, as if another terminal exists. A reverse transfer always brings them back just fine, but little is known about where these objects are ending up.

To that end, the NRL is asking brave enough refugees interested in exploring to take the teleporter to these unknown locations and report what they find. But don't worry, they're not asking they do this for free! All participants will receive a moderate sum of money, as well as a week-long stay at the Ōwakudani Hot Spring Resort in Hakone, to be redeemed whenever they like.

Cold Cuddles Sapporo, Hokkaido
For the first mysterious location, volunteers will be bundled up in warm clothes, as objects that come back always arrive very cold. And indeed -- upon teleporting, they'll find themselves in the midst of a snowstorm, an ancient version of the same terminal below their feet, and strange ruins all around them. And stranger still, the walls of the ruins appear to be covered in dark blue ice that won't melt no matter how much heat is applied.

It seems this teleporter is somehow connected to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Nippon. Due to an ancient curse, the land is perpetually snowy and plagued by unmelting ice called everfrost. And while those who visited the region prior may recognize their surroundings enough to know they're actually very close to the city of Sapporo, others may not be so lucky, nor willing to take the risk of missing their return window.

Worse still, they're just far enough away from the city that their magi-comms won't work! With no way of activating the terminal from their side, and two hours before the NRL reactivates it on their end to bring them back, it looks like they'll need to huddle together for warmth to ensure they don't freeze.

Thankfully, the terminal is located in a covered area, and the remains of an old campsite nearby even has some blankets and supplies. And upon their return, they'll be given hot drinks and no shortage of apologies for not considering the risk of giving them such a long window to explore.

Party in the Dark Jigoku, Shitaya
The second mysterious location is by far the most intriguing, as it's clearly somewhere that people have access to, and yet no one has tried coming back through the terminals. Instead, empty cans and half-finished drinks sometimes end up on the terminal, with no explanation as to who was drinking them prior. And as this phenomenon only occurs late at night, that's when the volunteers will be sent.

Upon arriving, at first they'll find themselves blanketed in a perpetual darkness, surrounded by some sort of stone tunnel, with the sound of music echoing from further in. They'll still be able to contact the NRL, leading the scientists to suggest that they may be in Jigoku, the catacombs of an abandoned subway system below Tokyo.

Should they be brave enough to follow the source of the music, they'll stumble upon what appears to be a secret speakeasy in the dark, run by the Hanyo who live in the neighborhood of Shitaya. As many Hanyo still possess the Yokai ability to see more clearly in the dark than Humans, the lack of lighting is more a feature than a gimmick.

Still, for having made it all the way down here, they'll be offered free drinks and a playful atmosphere -- so long as they promise to keep their illegal supply of Uki-based drinks and snacks a secret from the authorities. A popular recreational drug in the West made from the naturally sweet Uki Weed, Uki is highly regulated in the East, and causes lowered inhibitions, feelings of calm or euphoria, and even functions as a mild aphrodisiac.

Which might just be why many patrons are taking advantage of the dark and inviting atmosphere for romantic trysts in the dark, with futons set up in nearby tunnels for all your sensory deprivation needs. The Refugees can contact the NRL to return at any time, so why not let loose and join the fun?

Castle in the Sky

After a week of using the teleporters, Refugees will discover a new warp point is now listed alongside Kyoto and Tokyo: Tengoku, the nation of Tengu, comprised of dozens of airborne cities that float high above Nippon. According to the NRL, the technology used for these teleporters was developed thanks to the Tengu of Skytower, as a much belated thank you for the refugee's help back in March 1921.

And while Skytower itself remains off-limits, the Tengu Capital of Miyazaki has decided to open its doors to outsiders for the first time in centuries.

Fly High Miyazaki, Tengoku
The Tengu cities are unlike anywhere else on Nippon, comprised of a single, massive amount of land that towers upward, and numerous smaller islands that float up and around the main part of the city. Mysterious magic-powered technology can be found all around the city, though the appearance is quite different from the more modern magi-tech.

But perhaps the most notable thing is that these cities are not designed to be very accessible to those who can't fly. Very few actual pathways lead upward into the city proper, and the entrance to most buildings are located on the top floor, with only a small balcony in front to land on. But thankfully, there's a means around it!

Upon arrival to the capital of Miyazaki, all Refugees will be offered a small backpack with a tiny pair of wings attached to it. Upon putting it on and jumping, the wings will grow larger, acting like a part of their body and allowing them to fly! These backpacks will only function in Tengoku, but they're welcome to keep them should they decide to visit again.

Of course, just because they have the power to do so doesn't mean they'll actually be good at it. Refugees may struggle to become airborne at all, or may find it difficult to control themselves in mid-air, flying into walls, other refugees, or accidentally hurling themselves over the edge of the city. Thankfully, there's patrolling Tengu who are always prepared to catch those who fall, but considering it always comes with a lecture, it's really not the best experience.

But those who persevere will be able to fly up to the very top of the city, where they'll find a beautiful garden overlooking the clouds. The flora here is far more alien than anything commonly found in Nippon, with plentiful etherblossoms, crystal-like mahougi trees, and-- is that a nuruname bloom? Maybe stay away from that one...

Liquid Happiness Miyazaki, Tengoku
Being so high up in the sky, completely isolated, meant that the Tengu cities were designed to be completely self-sustaining. Although they do conduct trade with the mainland below, almost everything they need is either grown or produced by the land itself. Which might just beg the question: where is the water coming from? Because nearly every level of the city is accented by canals and waterfalls.

But those who visit on a rainy day will get their answer. As high as they are, the Tengu cities are close enough that they can draw from the magic properties of the ring that circles the planet of Gaia, which is only visible at night. Thus, the rain that falls in Miyazaki has magical properties: in audition to a rainbow color, it can be infinitely multiplied, instantly heal wounds and certain illnesses, and seems to cause feelings of euphoria similar to Kizuna when one stands in it. For this reason, the rain that falls in Miyazaki is referred to as liquid happiness.

But for Refugees, these effects are even more extreme. Those who visit Miyazaki during a particularly rainy week at the tail end of April will begin to manifest severe Kizuna side-effects, especially the supernatural variety. While ordinarily these effects are only possible when feelings of love are present, the power of the rain will allow Refugees to share their thoughts and feelings with the people around them, whether they want to or not.

So strong are the effects of the rain that these effects will linger well after they leave, and may even become contagious to those they meet later on the surface. In the end, the NRL issues a warning for Refugees to avoid lingering in Miyazaki in rainy days until a more conclusive study on this "liquid happiness" can be conducted.

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

• Characters will not be allowed into the Tainai Meguri alone, and must descend in pairs.

• Sapporo is roughly a twenty minute walk away, and characters who are familiar with their surroundings will be able to go to the city proper. Magi-comms will also begin to work again. More information on Sapporo can be found on the Setting page!

• You are welcome to assume there is Uki-based incense in the underground party if your character would need an extra nudge to participate.

• Given their isolated status, the Tengu cities only contain Tengu Yokai, who range from entirely human-like with wings, anthropomorphic birds, and the traditional long-nosed variety! Although Refugees may be treated as a novelty by the people there, only elderly Tengu will treat them rudely for being outsiders.

• Characters will find that inns and hotels are both plentiful and cheap in Tengu cities, as the cities are very far apart from one another, and it's very common for Tengu to travel far from home. Miyazaki, for instance, floats above Kyushu near the Westernmost point of Nippon!

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I hope they fix the teleporters soon.

[ Maglor says worriedly ]

I am sure we are not the only ones to have experienced this glitch, and it cannot be healthy. I am almost wondering if we should search for others.

[ Although he's reluctant to leave Duo ]

[Duo rubbed his hands together before lifting them to his lips and blowing on them and then covered his cold cheeks with his warmed palms.]

You think there are other poor schmuck's out here? ... Suppose there could be.

[He dropped his hands and took a deep breath of icy air and sighed before he nodded.]

Yeah. Screw it. We should check out the area. Make sure no one's trapped in the snow.

I don't know. [ He turns worried eyes out to the storm ] The snow is too thick to be able to see much, although we can hope the light of the fire will draw attention, if there is.

[ He chews on his lower lip ]

I worry about leaving the fire unattended, too.

[ It's not exactly LARGE and he'd rather not have to pull the same trick to light another if this one goes out ]

[Duo huffed another sigh before he pushed himself up to his feet.]

You stick close to the fire, maintain it and keep it going. I'll do a quick sweep and see if there's anyone in the immediate area.

[He flashed a wide grin down at Maglor.]

If I find anyone I'll call so keep your ears open.

[ Maglor visibly twitches, about to refuse... but he also has more chance of keeping the fire lit than Duo ]

Alright. [ But he reaches over to brush Duo's hand ]

Stay in sight of the fire. [ He says worriedly ] Call, if you need me. Don't take too long.

[Duo looked down at his hand in surprise, then back at Maglor... And he laughed. He couldn't help it. It was kind of weird having someone actually be worried about him. And, oddly, it made him want to do something to help...

So he leaned down and grabbed a small stick from the fire, the end of it was burning merrily.]

How's this? You'll see me wherever I go, okay?

[And he'd keep the fire in range. Duo didn't plan on going far. Just check out the surrounding area to make sure no one was trapped and then he'd be right back to warm his balls by the fire again.]

Don't be too long.

[ Maglor murmurs worriedly and nods, reluctant but accepting ]

I'll keep the fire burning.

[ Even if he has to burn himself out to do so ]

I'll be quick as a flash.

[Duo made his promise with a grin before he turned and headed back out into the cold.

Honestly, he didn't want to. The cold sucked. He immediately began shivering. But Duo was a stubborn bastard and he trudged through the snow to make a circuit of the area looking for any other poor idiots who had been caught in the same transporter mishap.

Thankfully he found no one. He headed back just as his little fire on a stick was blown out. Duo cursed and glared at it through near frozen bangs. But he was on his way back to Maglor so it didn't matter.

As soon as he was back he dropped down right beside the other man, tossed the stick back into the fire and stretched his hands out to warm them. He was covered in white snow, his lashes iced, his lips a little on the blue side.]

N-next time I have a bright idea like that... Shoot m-me.

[ Maglor immediately drags Duo close, chafing at his fingers again, humming the warming charms ]

I am glad you found no one and are back safe - but I think we will not do that again. [ He agrees ]

The woodpile is worryingly small, although it should last us at least a few hours, if we are careful. Hopefully, they fix the problem and return us by then.

[ If not.... he can, perhaps, try to use the kin-bond to find his father, or maybe even Elrond, but can Duo make it, through this weather, when he has no way of knowing how far away they are? ]

Hey! [He laughed when he was dragged closer but he let Maglor do his thing since it made him feel better. Duo didn't pull his hands back even though he could have, should have, it was fine. Maglors hands were really warm and it did feel good. Warm. Maybe he'd actually keep his fingers and they wouldn't fall off from frostbite?]

Didn't it say there's an automatic recall after a few hours? If it comes to it... We'll just have yo start walking an hope we find somewhere to crash for the night. Gotta be houses around here somewhere.

Did it? I must confess, I was not exactly paying that much attention, as most of the description is far beyond what I understand. But let's hope so - I think we can keep the fire going until then.

[ And he can definitely spare enough power to keep the warming charms up that long ]

Pretty sure? [If not, then they were screwed and it would be his fault, so nothing new there.] Either way, sure if we don't show up someone'll come looking for us... Just gotta keep warm till then.

[And with that in mind, Duo scooted his ass on over and pressed himself up beside Maglor.]

Hope ya don't mind?

That's true.

[ If nothing else, Elrond would get worried, if Maglor does not show. He startles and then smiles, wrapping an arm around Duo ]

Absolutely not. Two will keep warmer easier than one!

[Okay, the arm around him was a bit of a surprise too, but he let it slide. They needed to keep warm after all, Maglor wasn't wrong about that. So he didn't quite cuddle up to the mans side, but it was damn near close.]

Hah, should do the trick. You warm enough?

[ Maglor laughs softly ]

Ah well. I am... cheating slightly in that regard. My folk are not as overtly troubled by the weather as humans are, not for a good deal worse conditions than this one.

[ Although depending how long this goes... he could run into trouble eventually ]

And above and beyond that, my family have always had... mm, more fire in our spirits than most. I am far more worried about you!

Huh... If that's the case, don't mind if I do.

[Duo threw his arms around Maglor's middle and just damn well cuddled up as close to his side as he could, soaking up the man's heat as well as the heat from the fire. Because while Maglor was more tolerant of the cold... Duo really hated it.]

Shoulda said that in the first place!

[ Maglor chuckles, pulling Duo in close ]

Sorry! But I'm saying it now, at least? Hopefully it won't be long until we get recalled. Are you not used to the cold?

Yeah yeah.

[He wasn't mad, amused if anything. Maybe a little jealous. He kind of wished he had that same immunity to the cold.]

Nah, grew up on the streets. Cold is a killer. Hated it since then.

[ Maglor makes a face - he's not unfamiliar with the CONCEPT of orphans, but that it's so prevalent amongst Men rubs him the wrong way. It happens in war, to be sure, even amongst Elves - with Maglor himself having created more than a few, but it's vanishingly rare because of how precious children are. ]

I can understand that. Well, I'll do my best to keep you warm then, hm?

[To be fair, now the war is over, Duo suspects there will be far less orphans. It was one of the reasons that had kept Duo fighting. The idea that he could save even one kid from growing up the way he had.]

You've not got a choice, buddy! [Duo grinned while the hand of the arm wrapped around Maglor fisted into the guys jacket, taking a good hold of him.] You're stuck with me.

[ Maglor laughs softly, torn from his dismal thoughts to smile at Duo ]

Am I now? [ He teases ] And will I have to feed and care for you then?

[Duo had to laugh just before he shivered, the cold was nipping at him, even with the fire and the added warmth of Maglor at his side. He raised a gloved hand to rub at the tip of his nose, covering it for a moment to try and warm it up.]

You make me sound like a dog.

Reminds me though, I gotta pay you back. [He tipped his head, looking up with his hand still covering his nose.] For lookin after me back then.

[It was somewhat embarrassing, if he was honest. That Maglor had seen him that way. But he'd been kind and had looked after him and it was about damn time they took notice of that elephant in the room.]

Woof.

[ Maglor teases, and then laughs, shaking his head ]

I wondered if you remembered. There is no need for repayment, Duo. And you were no trouble, truly.

[Duo gave a short little laugh of his own, surprised by the touch of humour.]

Yeah, I remembered. Didn't wanna, but I remembered. Not my finest moments...

Surprised you didn't chase me away though, guess that's why I wanna thank you. You helped me.

I like children. [ He teases fondly ]

And to one as old and decrepit as me, even a young man like you is still a child, eh? I was hardly about to turn you away! Besides, I had younger brothers, too - you were hardly more a menace than them!

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