April | Event: Journey to the West

[jikan_mod]

Journey to the West↲ OOC Plotting

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Starting on the 10th, the entire city begins to buzz with the latest news. The long-delayed high speed, underground train connecting the Eastern Kingdom and Western Kingdom has finally been completed, and an inaugural train from the West was due to arrive any day.

But when that day comes, and a train pulls into the station, the people of Tokyo are shocked to find a very special passenger has made the trip personally: the new emperor of the Western Kingdom, Katsuragi no Mikoto. A young Kitsune Yokai with sharp eyes and a bright smile, it seems he's come with a very special message he thought would be best relayed in person, his booming voice audible through every magi-comm and speaker throughout the city.

"Salutations, refugees from another world! I, Katsuragi no Mikoto, have come to welcome you to ours! Already, word of your accomplishments and wonder have reached the ears of my people. We would be most honored if we could have you come to our capital in the West, and learn the cultures of all our people! It seems there is still so much to our world that you have yet to learn..."

It's not an offer to be taken lightly. Refusing a direct request from the emperor, even the young and inexperienced emperor of another kingdom, was simply not an option. But then, it's hardly a bad offer either, with many of the scientists at the NRL giddy upon receiving formal invitations of their own. Over the next few days, preparations are made, bags are packed, and soon-- Kyoto is now just a few short hours away.

Culture Shock

Upon arriving in Kyoto, it will immediately become obvious just how different things are in the West. Everything from lights to vehicles are powered by magic, rather than just magi-tech, with only basic plumbing utilizing steam-based energy. And the population is almost entirely Yokai, and while many are mostly human-like in appearance, many more look strikingly different. But of all types, Kitsune appear to be the most common in Kyoto, coming in all shades and colors, and some bearing multiple tails.

Their first stop in Kyoto is the Uji District, where they'll be provided free accommodation by the monks of Byodoin Temple. They'll be afforded the time to explore the city at their leisure, before being gathered for a special announcement in a few days time.

Color Quest Uji, Kyoto
Until further accommodations are arranged, most refugees (i.e. all player characters) will be offered the opportunity to experience temple life at an actual monastery! Everyone will be offered a futon in a large room, the beds separated only by folding shoji screens for privacy. Better hope the person next to you doesn't snore!

While everyone is free to go about their day, those who choose to spend their time at the monastery will have to adhere to their daily schedule. Meals are provided only at set times, and are entirely vegetarian. They'll find themselves being drafted into helping with daily chores, such as cleaning the floors, maintaining the garden outside the temple, offering ritual sacrifice to the resident Phoenix deity...

Sorry, did you miss that last one? It's a very important ritual that Byodoin happens to be famous for. Located on the edge of a large pond is the Phoenix Hall, where a beautiful rainbow-colored bird can be found roaming an intricately designed building. However, these patterns aren't natural, nor is this the bird's original color. In order to maintain the blessings of the resident ayakashi, an offering of color derived from one's own body must be placed on the altar in the main hall. These offerings can be anything, so long as the color is natural. Those blessed with hair of an unusual color may offer a lock or two, those with colorful talons or skin color can offer clippings or scrapings, and... well, there's a reason the temple is mostly red, given that blood is a very common offering as well. The less said about yellow the better.

Just be sure to come prepared, as anyone who approaches the altar without an offering will have all color drained from their body for a period of about five hours. Their skin will bleach, their hair will whiten, and the iris of their eye will blend in with the sclera, giving a rather frightful appearance. Even their blood will come out white! While there are no lasting effects of this, chances are the monks will be struggling not to laugh.

A Lovely Market Higashiyama, Kyoto
Unlike the sprawling industrial metropolitan of Tokyo, Kyoto is a vast but rather quaint city, with older wooden buildings and various pagoda and temples visible along the city's skyline. And those looking for a street to explore will find no shortage of covered streets and shopping arcades, mostly populated by local craftsmen.

One such street, nestled down a road covered with a colorful glass ceiling, is the Nishiki Market. Here, hundreds of stalls selling items from local farmers and merchants are located, making it the most convenient area for grocery shopping in Kyoto. One such stall appears to be selling sticks of fue grass filled with honey, a popular treat among children, as the fue grass can be played like a whistle after the honey has been squeezed out. The honey comes in a variety of flavors, and the vendors are happy to provide free samples.

However, it seems one in every ten of this particular batch is contaminated by sweet-love bee honey, a mild aphrodisiac. Naturally, as soon as this is learned, the entire batch is rebranded as a sort of boner roulette-- what, you didn't think they'd throw it out, did you? Curiously, this only seems to make them even more popular, with couples and groups of friends alike buying them by the handful. At least those who wind up with one by mistake won't be alone in the awkward boner corner, though the native populace doesn't seem to think of it as something awkward at all.

Magical Mysteries

Unlike in Tokyo, magic is far more widespread in Kyoto. Just walking down the street, one can find Yokai performing simple spells to aid in their day to day lives, from floating a heavy load of groceries, to grilling skewers of meat at a food cart without the use of a grill. And a few days after their arrival, the refugees are offered a rare opportunity to sit in on a magic class if they so please.

Ordinarily, it takes years of training for non-Yokai to unlock magic potential. But as the refugees are quick to discover, thanks to Gojira's blessing received last month, all refugees, new and old, have been gifted one of the four base elements, affording them the same innate control over that element as Yokai.

Of course, they'll still need to learn how to cast a spell in order to use it. But they're in the right place, as Kyoto has no shortage of magic schools, eager to take in these intriguing new students!

For more information on magic, please read this page!

Here Comes a Thought Higashiyama, Kyoto
Those seeking to learn which element they've been gifted are encouraged to visit the Kiyomizu School of Mindfulness, located at Kiyomizu-dera at the highest point in Kyoto. In addition to being one of the most beautiful temples in Nippon, the school is famous as both a tourist destination, and as the highest regarded place of magical study in Nippon. Even among Yokai, it's not uncommon for individuals to possess an aptitude for one element over all others. And while some schools choose a broad approach, Kiyomizu specializes in Mizu, the water element.

All refugees will be encouraged to visit the Tainai Meguri, a dark and seemingly foreboding wooden tunnel beneath one of the shrine buildings. Paired off in groups of two, refugees will descend a steep staircase into a corridor of absolute darkness, with only a braided rope handrail to lead the way. Even those who ordinarily can see in the dark will struggle to see anything in the darkness. Once they reach the center of the tunnel, they'll be met with a curious glowing stone, the only source of light in the room. Should they touch the stone with a clear mind, the carving in the center will change, showing which element they have an aptitude for: Tsuchi, Mizu, Hi, or Kaze.

However, those who touch the stone without a clear mind will face a different trial. Because the stone in question is a Memory Stone, an ancient magical artifact capable to projecting illusions of the past. If someone's heart is filled with worry or dread over something from their past, the light of the stone will jump out into the darkness, projecting those same worries and thoughts 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.

And it's for this reason that descents are done in pairs, as witnessing these illusions will cause the one experiencing them to be completely overwhelmed by the feelings associated with them. They'll need their partners help to calm back down, either through acknowledging and shouldering their pain, forgiving them for things they've yet to forgive themself for, or even just giving them the comfort they didn't know they needed. It's only then that the light will return to the stone, revealing the element as intended.

Spell Casting for Dummies Uji, Kyoto
While those who were gifted the element of Mizu may stay at Kiyomizu for some water manipulation demonstrations, those specializing in the other elements may instead choose recommendations for other schools around Kyoto. While small or private schools specializing in a single elements are common, those seeking something more general will be better suited to going directly to Maryouku University in Uji, also known as MRU.

Here, the scientists of the NRL have been invited as a sort of cultural exchange, though to what end is still unclear. But what is clear is that the Yokai professors of MRU are just as eager to assist the refugees as the scientists were. And for good reason, as magical power left unchecked could be accidentally activated to dangerous results. Thus, the first lesson all refugees will be taught is various means of casting spells. One kitsune recites a chant from memory, allowing them to transform into a small fox. Another sings an eerily beautiful song that causes everyone in the room to start laughing uncontrollably. And yet another wields a mysterious scepter that transforms them into a white-haired beauty in an intricate garb, allowing them to produce brilliant light shows with a mere flick of the wrist.

But as interesting as it is to watch, doing is far more fun. Refugees will be given a simple spell to perform based on their element: levitating a stone for Tsuchi, creating ripples in a bowl of water for Mizu, lighting a candle for Hi, or blowing a pile of leaves off a table with Kaze. Then, they'll be given the option of which method of casting they'd like to try. Will they memorize the spell and chant it? Sing it? Perform an interpretive dance? Play a little ditty on the flute? While some characters will find themselves mysteriously drawn to one method over the others, some may find their skills leave something to be desired...

Trying to light the wick of the candle may set the whole candle on fire, or even the entire table. An attempt at a light breeze may become a small tornado, leaving the room in total disarray. The bowl of water may splash outward, or endlessly begin to overflow until the room is flooded. And that rock might just refuse to move at all. But that's the whole reason they're here to learn, right? At the very least, the professors are very, very patient.

The Night is Short, Walk on

Kyoto is more than just a beautiful city. It's also known for its active night life scene, as tourists and locals alike come to enjoy a thrilling night out amidst the gorgeous backdrop of the Western Capital. Magic lanterns lining the streets come alive as the sun sets, as Yokai dressed in fine clothes come out to enjoy the streets and shops that only open sheet dark.

Unlike the East, laws in the West are a little different. Refugees will find that there are no laws limiting the sale of alcohol to minors, and those that do exist seem fairly lax. While the NRL scientists who came along for the journey will insist on personal responsibility, ultimately, all refugees who haven't been assigned specific guardians upon arrival are legally considered adults, regardless of their age. So those who want to join their friends in the bar or enjoy a nice drink are more than welcome to do so.

Bonding with the Locals Gion, Kyoto
Those looking for a fancy night on the town look no further than the Gion district. One of the most beautiful districts in Kyoto, Gion is known both as a popular tourist destination, and the home of the Geiko, the local Geisha who work in many of the teahouses and bars throughout Gion. One teahouse in particular seems rather tickled by the refugees, finding them so very unique and interesting, that any who enter will be immediately ushered to the back to be dolled up in traditional Geisha clothing. Those who don't immediately refuse will be then escorted on a private midnight boat tour along the illuminated Shirakawa river, where cherry blossom petals fall like snowflakes, creating a beautiful and romantic setting.

Of course, the romance might be a little marred by the fact that you must be dressed as a Geisha to attend the tour, regardless of size or gender. But seeing as Yokai come in all shapes and sizes, they'll have plenty of properly fitting kimono for everyone! And better yet, after the tour is over, they'll even be allowed to keep the kimono they've been given!

Those who stick with the tour to the very end will also learn something rather interesting. It seems the reason the Geiko feel so attached to the refugees is because they too practice in an ancient form of kizuna bonding, in which they bond themselves with the city of Kyoto itself, a practice unique to the Geiko of Tokyo. Because of this bond, refugees will find themselves capable of bonding with the Geiko as well, instilling them with an odd feeling of warmth and love for the city of Kyoto that will linger long after going home for the night.

Wacky Weed Gion, Kyoto
While conventional bars certainly exist in the West, given Yokai aren't as affected by alcohol, they aren't nearly as popular as Uki bars. Uki, a native plant with spiral leaves, is a popular recreational drug in the West, with roots that stretch back to traditional religious ceremonies in many Yokai cultures. Nowadays, it's enjoyed by those looking for a way to kick back and relax. And unlike more dangerous alternatives, Uki is non-addictive and produces a pleasant, sweet scent.

Most bars are centered around smoking it, with large glass pipes settled at the center of a table, connected by multiple smoking tubes and allowing large groups to partake in a single batch, either directly or from simply breathing in the ambient air from the top of the pipe. Naturally, Uki is rather potent, and simply walking into a smoking bar will often induce a sort of second-hand high. For this reason, smoking bars have an age limit of 15.

But there are other types as well, with another popular form of Uki coming as a powder then can be cooked into food. Ukimochi is one of the most popular Uki snacks, containing a sweet filling flavored mostly by the Uki itself, wrapped in mochi. While these are best enjoyed in Uki bars, they can purchased premade in shops throughout the West as well.

But all that said: what kind of effect does Uki have? For the most part, it merely relaxes the person taking it, while others may enter a sort of dreamy state, lowering their inhibitions while keeping their spirits high. And others still may find themselves feeling more amorous than usual, as Uki is sometimes considered to be a very mild aphrodisiac. With all these factors combined, it's not uncommon for Uki bars to have private rooms for guests to use for sensual cuddling, or even full-blown orgies.

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

• While characters have the option of staying behind in Tokyo, they will be unable to participate in the event. Characters who choose to go to Kyoto will be required to stay until the May TDM at the earliest.

• Please read the Magic page carefully! While learning native magic is completely optional, all characters will still have one element that they have been gifted by Gojira. This applies to all characters new and old, including any apped in the future! Please place any questions specifically regarding magic in the FAQ.

• As a reminder: characters can eventually learn all types of magic! The magic gifted by Gojira is simply the one that will come easiest for the, allowing them to use very powerful single-element spells right away. Other elements may require additional training, meditation, etc.

• Characters who cannot be soothed after touching the Memory Stone will have to be physically carried out into the light, which may prove difficult if the one with them can't do so while following the braided handrail leading out of the darkness.

• While Uki bars are age restricted, Uki itself is not, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Products that contain Uki will always be heavily labelled to prevent accidental ingestion.

• Yes, you can fuck the emperor. Characters who flirt with him on the train will be invited to a party at one of his villas, which tend to turn into orgies when the uki comes out. These will be handwaved.

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Comments

[mobileforces]

[Probably for the best that he's not just flopping in the wind.]

How're you doing that, anyway? Like, casting it-- I haven't figure out which one works best for me yet, so every time I try, I just get wind in my face.

[thesettingsun]

Using an item as a focus works for me? It's not all that different from what I do to bring out my scythe.

[Except in this case his book isn't turning into the thing.]

[mobileforces]

If you already have experience with it, then that's cheating.

[SHE JELLY THO]

One of the teachers suggested something similar. I guess guns aren't really common enough on this side of the country to find a magic one ready to use, but-- I might be able to use the sword I got from Goro-kun.

[Which she has at her hip, for all that she hasn't really used it.]

[thesettingsun]

I haven't cast spells before! Just turned my soul into a weapon, it's different.

[just... take his word for it...]

You should definitely try a sword, that'd be so cool.

[mobileforces]

[HOW IS THAT DIFFERENT..........]

...it would be really cool, huh.

[She's already decided on the Coolness Factor™ of being a hot chick with a sword tbh.]

But I'd still have to learn how to use it. Otherwise it'd just be like... dancing with a sword as a prop. And that just sounds embarrassing.

[thesettingsun]

[She's so valid.]

I've never used a sword myself, but if you ever want to spar, just say the word.