memewara | 「 TDM 01 」

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* tdm

「 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

yoshiwara for further updates.

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Their hand shifts, combing through their hair and gliding around one of those curled horns, setting their locks in a neater pattern. Those sharp eyes settle on Mammon once more, still managing to lock onto their eyes despite the dim light of the hood in the way.

"Exactly how I'm not human? By simply not being born one." That's not what they were asking, and Fran knows it, but they're still going to give a misinterpreted response to tease the stranger. The playful curl of their lips at least makes it fairly clear they know what Mammon meant.

The curse part DOES raise an eyebrow though, the nymh leeeeaning closer and scanning them. Curses are normally a fey thing, not a human thing. For a moment their eyes seem to glow, increasing in intensity before fading away. "Is that so? What was the nature of this curse, then?"

What a little shit. Then again, just the kind of person that they would like, if their taste in coworkers is apparently any indication. Maybe one of these days they'll go back to working solo. For now, they'll just enjoy themself, and they lean right into Fran's own.

"The nature of the curse," they drawl, "is that it was a pain in my ass." And they smile right back.

Considering how those eyes glowed, it had to mean something. An ability to pick up on anything out of the ordinary, perhaps? If that's the case, then Mammon doesn't suppose their dining companion would find anything. The person responsible for such a mess had said he'd amended it, and, if he'd lied, well. Being suddenly pulled from the river seemed to wash the rest of it away.

Which is a relief, frankly. Mammon suspects they'd have an even harder time around here, if they were still stuck in the body of a mere 5 year old.

Coulda just asked for clarification, but they didn't, so the dork of a nymph gets away with it this time. Alas, they don't catch anything of interest, really. No lingering magic or faint auras, the kind of things that one might expect from magic or something else.

Oh- One hand raises, covering their lips as they let out a soft giggle in return. "If it wasn't, it wouldn't have been much of a curse, would it?" Honestly, who'd ever been cursed and enjoyed it? The hand pulled away, drifting to their hot chocolate and taking a few more sips with a satisfied hum. It seems the fey is doing just fine despite the flush growing across their cheeks.

There is, in fact, a lingering sensation that has Fran in a different mood, but they can address that later, once this fun little game winds down. "Perhaps a couple more 'secrets', if you'd like... Would you let me see what you look like? Properly, not just pulling the hood up~" Most would call that 'fair', given Fran was already rather exposed... but this would likely cost them a secret of their own.

"Now now, but doesn't that word have a lot of meaning?" Their head lolls so the side, one cheek resting more prominently in their hands than the other. "Properly. That kind of word is up to so much interpretation, isn't it?"

Their smile becomes more self satisfied. "For me, this is completely and utterly proper. This is what I look like, down to the core."

They let out a light huff of warm air, putting on a mock pout once more and leaning forward just a bit more. "And you'd know all about the different ways to interpret things, wouldn't you?" A nod towards the other's ability to worm out of a lot of questions.

Still, it gives the nymph room to prod and enquire. "What do you think I consider proper, then? I'd like to know that almost as much~" The questioning has become quite one-sided, for now.

Playfully, they blow the other a kiss. "It's what I live for." Literally. It's practically in their job description. But the question is a good one, so they observe their partner for a moment.

A mysterious horned figure, clearly used to silly games like this... Or perhaps more the idea behind such games. If they were a regular person, Mammon could make a pretty solid guess just based on what they've experienced throughout their life. However, this takes a little more thought.

"If I had to guess," they say slowly, "it's that you'd want to see me unveiled, so to speak. Nothing physically hidden."

That earns a sly wink in return, a corner of the nymph's lips curling up for a moment at the exchange. For a while, they just linger there, staying still as if posing for an artist to let Mammon get a good view of them.

"Perhaps you should have been a fey, in some other life~" They teased, perking a brow up at the response they got. One finger tapped against their bottom lip, humming out in amusement. "Oh? Well... You're not entirely wrong." Hinting that there was more beneath the statement. The after-effects of the hot chocolate were building, Fran certainly couldn't deny that they would like to see the other 'unveiled'.

"But- let me guess... To get what I want I'd need to pay the 'cost', no? I'm curious how you'd value that."

"I'll take that as a compliment." To be a fey would be an interesting experience... and is it a life any different than that of an illusionist as it is? Mammon would have to look deeper into this for the similarities and discrepancies...

Later. Even if later is only in a few minutes, depending on how this conversation goes.

"Without money? It's a good question." One they haven't had to worry about in a very long time. Once, they'd done things for favors, or food, anything that would have been valuable at that time. But what's on the offer for right now? Nothing too much.

Granted, there's a heat stirring in the pit of their stomach which has some ideas, but Mammon likes to think they're a little more savvy than to do that. Well. Only that.

"I'll take trade. How attached are you to any of your clothes?"

Fran's head gives a light nod. It's a compliment, from their eyes at least. Not that they're biased in that opinion, nope.

The lack of money might be an issue to some, the nymph never had any real need of it... but they had a suspicion that was going to change if they were forced to stay here. Strange how these things are only needed if you can't escape them. For a moment they get lost in musing on that.

Oh- One eyebrow raises. "I like them... But, they'd be a fair price, I think." They muse back, letting their eyes slowly explore over the other's mostly hidden features. "Name the specifics, and we'll see, won't we?" As it stands, the two might just end up matching each other for this trade.

"I won't ask for every single thing off your body, so you won't have to worry about that." For starters, while things are very clearly relaxed about sexual matters here, well, they probably don't want to deal with someone being completely naked out in public. Not until they properly plan for it, with purpose.

Instead, they take in the other's clothing, gauging best what might fit and what might pose a problem. When it comes to this sort of thing and their own size, it's probably for the best to go with... "Any objections to your top?"

One lip curls up, snickering softly at the words. "Indeed, that deal might have been a little too expensive even for me." They return, at least amused that the other wanted to clarify that for them.

The top is not a bad choice. It's probably the easiest garment to work with, a loose, comfortable top with colorful but not overly elaborate decoration around the collar and sleeves, cutting off just at the bottom of the ribs to leave their midriff exposed. Definitely designed for cooler months.

"My top? That'd be quite reasonable... You'd probably look quite good in it. Shall we consider the deal done?" They're already getting ready to slip out of it, moving this complex trade along.

"Done." Complex it may be, but sometimes that's fun in its own right. Or is that just the brain of an illusionist being biased? Either way, as their conversation partner begins to strip, Mammon straightens up to work on their own coat. It's meant for warmth and durability over looking particularly form fitting... and that's actually something that can be said for the plain black shirt beneath it. Loose clothing helps for a more dramatic flair, Mammon has found. Another thing illusionists tend to favor.

With their hood pushed back to accompany the action, their face is in full view, now. There's nothing hiding the way the markings end just slightly beneath silver eyes. Nothing fancy can be said about their hair, besides that its color matches that of their markings, and falls just slightly past their neck.

What's probably more interesting is the frog that wiggles out from underneath their shirt, hopping onto the tabletop shamelessly while Mammon shimmies out of their long coat properly and folds it to the side. Fantasma is practically an extension of themself, made from their own life force, their flames, and she's not really a frog, either. Still croaks like one, however.

The nymph nods, keeping a keen eye on the other as they pulled down their hood, scanning over their face with an approving glint. A corner of their lips pulls up just slightly, gosh, they're perhaps as androgynous as Fran!

Fran's hands work along the shirt, undoing a few key ribbons and slipping the top off of their arms. Seems the shirt is designed to unfasten instead of being pulled over their head. Makes sense when you consider how easy it would be to catch on their horns. Their shoulders gently slope off to either side, toned but not particularly muscled, there's a smoothness to their skin and shape that blurs the line of masculine and feminine depending on the angle one looks, seemingly changing each time they move. The same can be true for the rest of their chest, no strong pectoral definition to mark their breasts as masculine, but small enough to be a cups at best, fitting their more slender body.

Oh- How cute. A frog? "My, you didn't introduce me to your friend here... Were you holding them out for another secret?" They can't help but lean forward, whispering something in some ancient language. Seems they're speaking to the frog, those warm eyes shining a little more. If it is actually a frog, they're clearly expecting it to talk back. That's just how nature spirits work...

Still, their gaze strays back up to the illusionist, taking a moment to memorize their face, letting a few things run through their mind and doing an admirable job of ignoring the churning warmth under their skin. Their tone shifts to something a bit more playful, setting their top on the table for the time. "Would you like some help? Four hands would be much faster than two." It's hard to tell if they're joking.

"It's rude to interrupt a lady's sleep." Or, rather, they'd definitely been holding out on that one... But it's fine. Fantasma has a lot more secrets than merely her existence. One might become apparent to Fran as the tiny little frog plops her way into turning around, looking up at Fran with those carefully surveying red eyes. She's in fact not a real frog, able to transform into a salamander, and certainly not a nature spirit. Made out of Mammon's own life force, it's debatable if she's even a real animal...

But she's certainly intelligent enough as she makes a small ribbit that almost sounds like she agrees with her owner.

In the meanwhile, Mammon pauses, allowing a smirk onto their face. "Oh? Are you a hands on type of person, if you're saying something like that?"

It earns another soft laugh, at least. The surprise is more than welcome. It doesn't take long for the nymph, who very much IS a nature spirit, to make some conclusions. The most important one being that 'this is not a frog' indeed they're not even sure if it's an animal.

"Ohoh? Well, I do apologize~" They returned, even offering a formal bow to the strange creature.

Then their eyes return to Mammon, meeting their grin with a soft wink of their own. "Perhaps I am." Always dancing between half-answers, these two. One hand waves, as if it doesn't matter to them."The offer is there... If you're interested." Testing the waters.

Anyone who gives Fantasma her due respect is either a weirdo or trying to impress, and Mammon has to say that they don't mind either right now. It's what she deserves. Besides, as much as she is their most important tool and companion, she's not the focus right now. Instead, they tilt their head to the side consideringly.

"Are you sure you'd be interested in what you'd find?" they say teasingly, just as testing beneath it all. It's been a long time since they've gotten involved with another person like this. They're fairly certain this one would be fine with anything... but it never hurts to ask.

Fran likely falls firmly into the prior category. They're hardly human, after all, so there's plenty of eccentricities to work out along the way. Even if it was just a Frog, Fran'd respect them! That's another part of nature~

One brow perked up, shifting to one side as if already starting to move. "Hmm? I could ask you the same thing, you know... I wonder what you're expecting..." They muse, shuffling along until they're only a foot or two away, head tilted back to smile up at the illusionist.

"I'll enjoy myself either way~" They hummed.

So that's how it is... Well, that's just fine for Mammon. Beneath their clothing, they use their Mist flames to mold and sculpt their body as they please. It's nothing that will cause any trouble with their preferred clothing, obscuring as it tends to be even with the outmost layer removed: a flat chest with the faintest definition of muscle that they refuse to actually work for, a vagina that should keep anything from being messy in this public place. It should do, at least for this kind of setting.

They don't want to get fined for it or anything. Who has that kind of cash?

In the meanwhile, they laugh. "Fair enough point," they respond, although it's not something that's really pressing on their mind. Shifting a little bit, they draw one leg up onto their seat, allowing them to face Fran a little better. Give better access as well. "Then, shall we find out?"

Fran's magic doesn't quite work the same way, at least as far as body appearance goes. Gender flows and changes with mood, sometimes landing on nothing or swaying one way to another, depending on what the nymph wants. Curious eyes drift down the illusionist's body, perhaps seeing it for an illusion, perhaps just rolling with it and not trying to see through it.

Given the... nature of the establishment, messiness is probably less of an issue than anything else. Though their drycleaning bills might be particularly expensive... Fran smiles, a mixture of amusement and hunger lingering in those eyes as they slip lightly between Mammon's legs. "I suppose it would be fair~" They mused, tone rolling as if they had conceded some victory to them. A few light tugs untied the cord about the nymphs' baggy harem-pants, loosening the waistband and giving a few tugs to pull the fabric down over their hips and rear. Deft fingers worked, slipping down pants and underwear both along their slender legs and otherwise androgynous form, standing back up to reveal the slightly effeminate hips that curved down to a smooth vagina as well. Seems mammon had made a good choice.

Their grin widened. "Now, does that sate your curiosity?" They spoke, leaning in to close the distance between them and gazing into the other's eyes. Tucked now between their legs, the flirtatious intent was pretty clear.

Why rush with an immediate answer? Mammon takes their time, gaze lazily following the curve of their companion's hips and the dips there at the front. Enjoying savoring the moment, they reach out to brush a trail with their fingertips down the front of his thigh. That's when they grin up at Fran.

"It's never sated... but this is certainly a good start."

Those soft lips curl up, waiting for the illusionist to drink in the view before settling down before them, one leg pressing into the trailing fingers to encourage more touching. They've crawled onto one knee, propping themselves up to lean over towards Mammon's figure, using that extra height to make up for their own lack of it.

"I'm curious, how long has it been since you've done something like this?" They hummed out, dipping their head forward until their nose brushed against the other's with half-lidded eyes. The fire in their stomach, lingering beneath the skin thanks to that hot chocolate had flared up, a constant reminder of how much needs sating right now. Warm breath spills between them, the faint scent of pine and crisp nature still lingers on the nymph's skin.

When it comes to the short, any bit of extra height is more than enough. They'll give their partner this much, one leg drawing up to press against the back of the seat. That should give them more than enough room. Even as their faces draw close together, the scent of chocolate mingling into their nose along with those warm natural smells. How long have the two of them been indulging?

"If I'm honest, quite a few years," they purr, trailing a finger along the side of the other's neck and towards that gray hair. That's an understatement, but... "At least, in the direct act. I've had more... supportive roles otherwise." If illusions can be defined as such.

The response earns a curious glance, brief as it was, as the nymph's body tipped forwards, one arm reaching out to the seat behind Mammon for support, while the other curled about the illusionists' waist, palm settling on their lower back to pull their lower body in. They've both been indulging for some time, it seems. Fran especially with their insatiable sweet tooth.

"Well... Lets break that streak, then." They whispered, closing the distance between their lips to embrace to the person they had only met perhaps an hour ago. Soft, thin lips part, grooving against Mammon's to find enough friction to lightly tug at the other's lips without biting. The first kiss was gentle and passionate, pulling back with a sly smile to judge the reaction of the parting contact.

Well, this is certainly not a streak they'll weep any tears over being broken. Their lips curl into a smirk shortly before they meet Fran's kiss. While it's been a while, some things are hard to forget, and kissing is one of them. One day they'll get a lot more of the finesse... But this should be good enough for the moment as their own soft lips slide against Fran's. By the time both of them pull apart, their hands have gone upwards to press up against one of their horns, fingers curling around experimentally.

Leave the finesse to Fran and 'just enjoy yourself' is the advice the nymph would have given in a more instructive situation. The two knew what they were doing at least, so it wasn't quite as awkward as some of the more inexperienced partners they might have found around the city.

They can't help but smirk as a few fingers curl about the horns, bumpy but smooth keratin that offers unique leverage to Fran's head. Perhaps encouraged by the contact, their head dips inwards, reigniting the gentle kiss and shifting to set about enjoying themselves. First thing's first, this ungainly half-leaning position just won't do. A bit of pressure, a guiding tug from the hand along Mammon's back, and a light turn of their head attempts to guide the illusionist's back down onto the seat.

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「 TDM 01 」

I'm just happy to get replies~

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