(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
no subject
Yes, she was born under a different name, but it didn’t seem right to go back to that now. For better or worse, she wasn’t that girl anymore.]
Um, ahaha... I guess it’s Laughing Beauty now. [She says it in such a thoughtful manner that it’s obvious that even she’s not completely sure of what to go by either, considering that this was the first person to ask her name since she started to pull herself out of her psychosis. Feeling embarrassed about having trouble over a simple question, she’s quick to add:] And what do I call you?
no subject
[ 'Laughing Beauty' — it's more of an apt description rather than a name. Perhaps that was why she seemed so flustered about replying? He'd thought he asked an inappropriate question at first, but she eventually came through with a response. It does bring up another question that's been in the corner of his mind, however. ]
If I may ask, is your name a reference to your... laughter?
[ "Is it normal?" is the underlying question beneath his words. He thought it was nervous laughter, but he's never seen it last this long before. And if it is nervous laughter, he wonders if he's truly making her that uncomfortable. ]
no subject
[Because she figured the laughing thing was probably making him uneasy enough, so the least she could do was match the formality. His question, though, gives her a momentary frown. It was a pretty touchy subject for her, even if she was well aware of how much that aspect of her must stand out in a crowd. However, it’s not long before she covers it up with a forced smile.]
I’d assume so, just as the Beauty part likely references that I’m attractive to most, haha! [Though that laugh was a bit more genuine, LB quickly catches it, covering her mouth to try to quell it. Looking more concerned about it, LB continues in a cautious tone.] Why? Does it make you uncomfortable?
[The laughter was unfortunately a thing that never seemed to go away, as much as she really wished it would. It’d actually be worse if she felt like she was in any sort of danger, even if the situation in coming to a new place was pretty overwhelming in general.]
no subject
Ky's expression visibly brightens at her light-hearted response. He regrets being so forward with his question — especially after seeing her cover her laughter in such a self-conscious way — but he truly wanted to know if it was something to be concerned about. ]
I inquired because I didn't know what to make of it. If it isn't something that causes harm to you, then I won't question you about it any further.
[ She's but a lady, after all. He'd be rude to demand anything more as an answer. ]
How are you feeling now?
no subject
It wasn’t like he could do anything about that, and she especially didn’t want to talk about it. So, after a couple of moments pass, she forces herself to smile (to try to avoid further questioning), attempting to appear as casual as possible about it.]
It’s — haha — it’s fine. Don’t worry about it, really. Just a more annoying nervous habit than most, I suppose.
[She raises her shoulders in a shrug, humming a little in thought as she assesses how she felt, at the moment.] A little better, I think? It’s... it’s going to take a while to get used to this place, though.
no subject
I understand how you feel.
[ As if punctuating his point, he glances around at their surroundings. The tall buildings in the distance, the Japanese writing he can suddenly comprehend, the lights and glimpses of technology around them. It's what one would read about in a history book. Nothing he's used to seeing. ]
I still don't know what to make of this area. [ Especially considering what happened before he arrived here. His expression momentarily falls at the reminder before he forces his thoughts to move past them. ] But I suppose we have no choice but to accept these circumstances. I only hope the individuals we owe will be merciful with their requests.
[ But even Ky has some doubts whether that will actually be true. ]
no subject
I suppose it’d be a lot for most people. [She turns her glance back to him, forming a faint smile in the process.] I’m guessing that you’re not from anywhere near here originally either. But what can we do? It— heehee, it seems like we’re at their mercy.
no subject
[ Ky brings a hand up to curl it at his chest, expression pensive. Her words more accurate than she might've realized. Not only is his kingdom nowhere near here, but this place also seems to be from another time. Ky is so out of his element that he can hardly comprehend it.
His words don't entirely reflect his uncertainty, though his tone of voice betrays his feelings somewhat. ]
But we shouldn't lose hope so soon. Once we better familiarize ourselves with our situation, I'm certain we will be able to improve it.
[ The least he can do is hope. Hope to find his footing in this city and hope to find answers — to know if he's here because he was too late to save his own life. ]
no subject
Regardless, by watching the turmoil in Ky’s expression, she wasn’t so sure if it would be as much of a possible reprieve for him. So, to try to make some sort of distraction for him, she tries to fall back on an area she’s more confident in, to lighten the mood.] I’m very good at familiarizing, heeheehee! So it shouldn’t be long, right?
no subject
[ He gives Beauty a small smile, trying to join her in lifting the mood. It's only partially helping, and he's terrible at attempting to hide his feelings like this, but he's trying. He can't give her a reason to worry about her own situation if he's so worried about his. He can drown in his thoughts later. ]
You might prove to be better at it than I.
[ Which is admittedly easy to do, but that says more about him than anyone else. ]
no subject
[She’d also likely be consumed by her own thoughts later, but she really didn’t like appearing weak in front of others either. Even if she often failed at that aspect. But at the same time, she didn’t want him to question his own merits when he was being pretty nice to her — or at least seemingly so.]
Maybe I’ll wind up helping you, eventually.
no subject
I would appreciate that, [ he responds earnestly. ] Until then...
[ He offers his arm to Beauty. ] ...may I guide you?
no subject
Feeling a little more at peace with it, she tries to cover up her dubiousness with a forced, awkward smile before gingerly taking the arm offered to her.] Ahahaha... ah, um. Of course! Lead the way.