(Mod Journal) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
watertrade) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
memewara2019-01-30 05:56 pm
watertrade) wrote in memewara2019-01-30 05:56 pm
Entry tags:
「 TDM 01 」
i. Arrival
There isn't any strange feeling or sudden blackout to warn someone of what's to come; it simply happens. One moment they're in their own world attending to their own business, and the next they're underwater. Specifically, the dark, cold waters of the Sumida River. With air temperatures in the high 40s it's not a pleasant experience and the sudden shock leaves new arrivals at risk of drowning.
Luckily, they aren't alone. The crews that constantly patrol the river are quick to fish the newcomers out, dry them off, warm them up, and explain the situation. Maybe the names mean something to said newcomers, and maybe they don't. No matter the case, they're the same for everyone: you're in Yoshiwara, near the city of Tokyo in the country of Japan, and you're here to stay.
New arrivals that feel up to the task are encouraged to help with retrieving other newcomers. Those that don't welcome to huddle under blankets until the boats return to docks. Once there everyone is given directions to their faction headquarters, where they can receive their housing and job assignments - and maybe a change of clothes. Those that still feel overwhelmed are permitted to mingle on the docks. There's not much to do but sit around and shiver, but at least there are friendly locals that are willing to answer any questions for them.
ii. Loose Change
It's easy to drop things in crowded areas and hard to retrieve them. Luckily that doesn't seem to be the case this time. The sound of a coin hitting the ground is quite clear and the coin itself is easy to locate. Considering that single coin likely represents a distressingly high percentage of any given newcomer's wealth, picking it up is highly advised. The supernaturally inclined might sense the faint magical buzz around the coin, but nothing significant.
Maybe two people reach for the same coin at the same time. Maybe one of them realizes it's not theirs and turns it over. Whatever the case, the second they're both touching the coin they find themselves stuck to it. No amount of tugging or prying can get it to detach, even though there's no sign of any sort of adhesive holding them in place.
Upon closer examination the coin isn't a real one and is instead inscribed with the words 'Pinky Swear', along with an image of the act in question. And that's the only clue to the method of escape: the two parties must link pinkies and make a solemn oath to one another before they can let go of the coin. Fortunately is seems any oath will do, even one as simple as 'I solemnly swear to give you a high five'. They shouldn't take their newfound freedom for granted, however. Breaking the oath or leaving without trying to fulfill it will result in the two being stuck together again and a new oath will be required to escape a second time.
iii. Hot Chocolate
Despite their reputation the people in Yoshiwara can be generous. Anyone who looks appropriately cold, bored, or just plain unoccupied will find themselves approached by attractive young men and women bearing sample cups of hot chocolate. The beverage is rich, warm, and expertly crafted, and even comes in dark, milk, and white varieties. If someone wants more, they're in luck: the cafe Lazy is running a special promotion in which all newcomers can receive a full serving for free.
Anyone who accepts will find themselves whisked into the cafe, seated at one of several kotatsu (which are all partitioned off with thick curtains), and presented with a tall mug of the hot chocolate of their choice. They won't be alone, either. Everyone is seated with at least one partner and encouraged to make idle chatter while they drink. The socially awkward might find the small book labeled 'conversations starters' helpful, and if that doesn't work there's also a small box of goodies on each table. It sure is a friendly atmosphere.
Perhaps too friendly. It turns out that the hot chocolate is laced with aphro, a variety that causes both arousal and mild giddiness. The thick, nearly soundproof curtains might make more sense now: they're clearly meant to muffle the sounds of lovemaking from other patrons. Visitors don't have to mingle so extensively, of course. But the 'conversation starters' book goes from fairly innocent subjects to ones likes 'describe your ideal sexual partner' in a hurry, and the box's goodies consist of lubricant, sexual position guides, and bullet vibrators. Sex is clearly the intent here.
On the way out customers will be told that the whole process is an advertisement for the cafe's 'couples service', thanked for their participation, and sent on their way with a smile. Maybe it's a good idea to accept Yoshiwara's generosity with caution from now on.
iv. Later That Night
No one would call Yoshiwara safe, but the dangers are predictable. An actor might end up with a stalker, a prostitute might have to deal with a violent client, and a business owner might have to deal with a criminal extorting protection money. There aren't really surprises when it comes to the sort of threats one can expect to face. The rigid control exerted by the four factions ensures that.
But there's money to be made in Yoshiwara, especially when it comes to visitors from off world. For some groups the reward outweighs the risk. Newcomers in particular tend to be disoriented and there's rarely anyone to miss them, which makes them ideal targets. Any new arrivals alone on the streets after dark run the risk of being kidnapped by a group of shady individuals prowling the town. Their methods range from snatch and grab tactics to luring targets into dark alleys, but once caught everyone is given the same treatment: gagged, hands bound, and left in a dimly lit room to wait until they can be removed from Yoshiwara and sold to a third party.
But the kidnappers are hasty and prone to mistakes. Victims may get a chance to shout before they're subdued. Their bindings are often loose. The rooms they're left in often have one or more other occupants. Escape is quite possible, especially with a little teamwork. The police are on the case, as well, and they're not picky about the help they'll accept. Newcomers can assist the cops in tracking down and freeing people as well, and help from already escaped victims is especially valuable.
But not everyone is opposed to this operation. Sufficiently motivated newcomers may also be recruited to assist the kidnappers. It's dangerous work, but the profits are high and the connections one makes in the process are invaluable.
Between the police and the assistance from newcomers most victims will be freed shortly after they're kidnapped. For those that aren't, the kidnappers will be stopped as they try to leave town and any remaining victims will be rescued at that time.
OOC
Hello, and welcome to the very first TDM for Yoshiwara Nights! Use this post to voice test characters, decide who you want to app, and get a feel for the game and your fellow potential players.
Events of the TDM may be kept as game canon. Once you're accepted you can submit a five comment thread of your character pulling people out of the river (Arrival), assisting the kidnapping victims (Later That Night), or assisting the kidnappers (Later That Night) to gain bonus reputation with your starting faction, the police, or an unknown third faction, respectively.
Reserves will open on February 3rd! Our schedule for the next few weeks can be found here. If you haven't already please make yourself familiar with our information pages.
If you have any questions about the TDM prompts please direct them here. You can also follow us on Plurk at
Deidara | Naruto | OTA
[ Seems like they've fished out a wet pool of cloth at first but it's when that puddle of waterlogged black-cloak-with-red-cloud-pattern-and-mussed-up-blond-hair coughs to life that they realize they've fished up someone alive. He's coughing water out of his lungs, left a sopping puddle when he's dropped onto the riverbank.
Another cough and a sharp inhale.
His hair's undone, soaked and sticking to his cheeks and his shoulders and face, practically covering the left side of his face. How undignified. And definitely uncool. He looks like a wet chick, if anything. The retrieval crews give him a moment to straighten up, offering him a towel which he immediately uses on his face while someone explains the situation. ]
Yoshiwara? Never heard of it.
[ He gives a skeptical look when he's told he has to stay though but he raises a finger to silence the man. ]
I suggest you stand back.
[ And the fingers of that hand uncurl to reveal a sputtering mouth in his palm. It coughs before starting to hack. After a moment, it sputters and hocks out water... which promptly results in a minor explosion on the ground. Nothing big or impressive. Just a small bang. There's a small frown on the blond's face. ]
Well that's not right. That was barely an explosion!
[ He reaches beneath his sopping wet robes into a utility pouch by his side... and pushes his robes aside completely to peer into the pouch. ]
Even my clay's sopping wet!
[ Immediately, he's on his feet, grabbing the poor sod that had been trying to explain the situation to him. He might be a small thing at 5'4" but he's got a grip. His target's struggling. ]
WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY ART?!
[ Please stop him before he explodes again. ]
---
[ ii. immolation - vow ]
[ Far be it for him to pass up a gift horse in the mouth. While not one for the material, a little coin never hurt anyone... especially when you had to reestablish yourself. It's been a long day... his art's been de-fanged, his clay is wet and won't be useable until it dries (and even then he might need to re-formulate the stuff) and he just woke up from apparently, a very long swim.
So he's reaching over the moment he catches sight of that coin.
He might have someone reaching for the same coin as he is... and if he was, they would be met with a small smirk... and what feels to be something wet and slimy brushing against their fingers.
Was that a tongue? Sure was.
Assert your dominance by licking the competition! Literally! ]
---
[ iii. ignite - chocolate - sfw (possible nsfw down the line) ]
[ A kotatsu. He's... never been under a kotatsu before. It's strangely comforting and really really warm. Talk about a change from the entire chill the day's been. That and the chocolate's nice, too. He's already had one mug and has his second on the table in front of him but he's just so damn relaxed right now. A strange thing when you're high strung 85% of the time.
Deidara has his cheek on the surface of the table, one arm curled around his nearly empty mug. One hand is upright... and it looks like even that hand seems relaxed. The mouth on his palm is open, "lips" smacking and the tongue rolled right out of it. But his eyes catch someone walking by. ]
You there. I'm not really in the mood to get up right now... go get me a refill.
[ Or hey, the place is pretty packed. Maybe you need a seat. There happens to be one right there. There's plenty of space in that kotatsu... or maybe he's just so relaxed he isn't going to notice if someone joins him. ]
2
Anubis is from a time far more ancient than the concept of 'lickers, keepers,' so the slimy wet slick of something brushing along his fingers is very, very weird. And not just because it didn't seem to come from the stranger's still smirking face. Anubis scowls, now more confused than offended.
"Did you just lick me."
no subject
"Call it an unorthodox way of saying 'hello'. Hm." he replies but he moves to pull that offending hand away. It's when he realizes that he can't pull back that the self-satisfied smirk disappears from his lips.
"...well this certainly is more unorthodox than I thought it would be."
no subject
He quite plainly sees the very moment that the stranger fully grasps the situation they're in, and when Deidara's smug smirk disappears, it only transfers right onto the Demon General's face. Not that he's any more happy to be here, stuck to this man, but at least now he has something to gloat over.
"Hah!" Anubis scoffs, for no really good reason other than it's somehow such satisfying schadenfreude to see someone fall into the exact same stupid trap you fell into seconds ago. "I see you've caught on. Hello, then."
no subject
There's a scoff right back. His free hand goes on his hip and he's locking eyes right with Anubis. There's no way he's backing down now, especially when he thinks his companion now has one over him for realizing their situation sooner.
"Then again, you'd be a larger fool for falling for the same trap twice." he continues, tilting his head slightly. It's... pure gumption that prompts him to say this. That and the fact he's noticed Anubis doesn't seem as surprised by it.
no subject
Nope. None of that 'should have known better' nonsense. Let the bickering commence.
"If it doesn't bother you," Anubis huffs in the beginnings of a clear challenge, giving their joined hands a tug, "then you won't mind coming along with me while I continue my day, now will you?"
no subject
There's a small sound of discomfort as he's being tugged. While Deidara might talk big, he's a svelte thing; small and not very heavy so he's easily pulled around. Though he does give a low growl of frustration himself.
"It just so happens I didn't have anything planned!" Which... was true. He just got here, after all and was just wandering around to get his bearings. "Being pulled around with you might actually be to my benefit."
no subject
Two cups of cocoa were pushed over to each of them and the curtain was drawn, giving them muffled privacy.]
Seems they want me to keep you company... Not sure why. I'm not great company.
no subject
Lucky for you, I'm feeling rather generous with both my time and attention. Hm.
[ God what was in this coco? He normally wasn't so... accommodating. ]
They obviously want us to get acquainted for who knows what reason. So.
[ He rests his hand on his cheek and leaves his finger trailing over the rim of his fresh cup of coco. ]
Let's start with the most basic of details. Your name, for one.
no subject
They probably want to use one of us in some fashion. I can guess which very quickly. [Hint: It wasn't her.]
Parsee, though I don't know why you would care about the name of someone like me. I'm not that important.
no subject
[ He stays still, reaching for his drink and taking a sip. Part of him was still feeling cold, anyway. That and these drinks were fairly pleasant. It made conversation easier... not that he had any difficulties with it in the first place. ]
And are you part of this place, Parsee? I'd be lying if I said this place looked anything like any village I've been to.
no subject
[She chuckled, her ears perking up, listening to muffled sounds. How many of them were cheating on spouses right now with each other? How many were the source of a jealous rage because the person who wanted them wasn't behind the curtain? It was like being in a brothel... and it had been a long time since she'd been inside one of those. That never ended well.
A sip and she looked at him over the lip of her cup.] I'm just a drowned rat they fished out of the river. Not going to tell me your name, are we? I see how it is.
no subject
[ He pauses to take a sip of his cocoa, his head tilting slightly as he caught wind of the sounds in the air. Soft moans, the ruffle of clothes and the slap of skin against skin... there was no denying where they were... or what they were probably expected to do.
But there's something that interests him about his companion... or rather what she said ]
"A human city", you say? Implying that you're anything but human to begin with. So tell me... what exactly are you, Parsee? There's got to be something we have in common for us both to have been fished out of the river.
no subject
In common? I don't know what someone beautiful would have in common with me. But, to answer your question, I am a Hashihime, a bridge princess. It's a kind of youkai. A monster, basically.
no subject
A monster...
[ He mulls it over as if the very word was a mouthful of wine. ]
You could have fooled anyone, really. You look less like a monster than anyone would think a monster to be like. Hm.
no subject
Well, I'm definitely not human, though I'll admit that the tricks that make me a monster are a lot less obvious than some. I don't have flashy powers like a few out there.
[No, she just had a natural gift for making people jealous and miserable, just like her, even when they had no business being like that.]
no subject
[ Color him amused even further. ]
A monster without flashy powers... so what exactly makes you a monster, pray tell? Is it the ears> I doubt that's something most would call monstrous right off the bat.
no subject
I'm a Hashihime, a bridge princess. We're spirits of jealousy who guard bridges. As for my powers, I prefer not to just tell people. It should be obvious soon enough if I get in a mood though.
[Funny. Some sounds of hushed arguments came from one of the alcoves nearby, and boy the ones in the other alcove were going at it something fierce. Jealousy took many forms.]
i
It was made obvious as to why when Deidara turned to face the woman who had stepped in, and more importantly, by the nine damp fox tails fanning out behind her. ]
no subject
How dare yo--
His protest slowly dies in his throat while he grips the offending hand holding on to him. ]
A jinchuriki...! [ A beat when he realizes this isn't the usual biju cloak that's manifesting. ] No... an actual kyuubi. And I thought your kind was nothing more than mere legend.
no subject
Most humans believe the same as you. Strangely, that does not seem to be entirely the case in this strange place we've washed up on.
no subject
Color him surprised.
And he seems to be relieved at least when he's set down. With that, he dusts his soggy cloak off. ]
And what is this place? You seem more familiar with it than I am.
no subject
This is Yoshiwara, a ward within the city of Tokyo. It is apparently a yuukaku, a red light district.
iii
Yep, he sits right on the opposite side. His cup of chocolate is full and steaming- he could make a show of savoring the drink just to be a little shit but something else catches his attention first-- ]
What's that?
[ Caster pokes at last joint of the middle finger- just to indicate that he is talking about the guy's hand. Or rather the open mouth on the palm of said hand. had seen some weird shit, but this is certainly new ]
no subject
[ He's way too relaxed to get up after all... but eh, he'll just tug on the yukata of any server who passes him next. It's been such a long day. He just wants to settle here, somewhere warm, the company totally optiona--
And he feels that finger prodding his palm. That's enough to get him to look up at Caster. ]
I'd thank you to show a little respect. That's what I use to make my art, after all.