memewara | 「 TDM 01 」

Entry tags:

* 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It's with a curious, light step that the nature spirit finds themselves directed to a booth, a bit hesitant around so many people, but much more comfortable once they're inside. Nice, it looked cozy! Sound dampening curtains, a neat little table, a hot mug of this 'cocoa' drink they had tried. Though there's also a detail that stands out the most. Another person, mostly obscured by clothes and sitting on the other side.

Thanks to the spaciousness of each booth, the noise dampening curtains, and some idle music playing overhead (wow, what a marvel!) The sounds of sex have been drowned out, or at least limited to barely noticeable. Though if one tried to hear it...

"Oh? Why hello... Sorry, I didn't expect to be seated with anyone." Between the two of them, there's a lot to take in visually. Their eyebrow perks up at the second question, vertical pupuls narrowing to a slit in the light. Are their eyes shining a little, or is that just a reflection? Who knows.

"Fetish? My... You humans sure are a curious bunch. I haven't had too many chances to explore like that... but getting the teeth involved for a bit of biting is always fun, no?" They're speaking Japanese, sure, but the accent is very off. It's softer and a bit more slurred, with an ancient musical tone. "And what about you?"

Done answering questions, the fey can finally start to take a few more sips at their hot chocolate, unable to stop a smile from curling onto their lips whenever they set it down. It's sweet and earthy at the same time, how lovely.

Well, what an interesting answer that they hadn't been expecting... at least, if he's telling the truth and not merely the type to also yank people around by the chain. Once upon a time, Mammon would have dismissed the statement as something that simply been understood yet, but whose speaker was still understandably human. However, they've... seen a lot of things in the time they've been alive, and a great deal of things they've seen in the last couple of years have really had them reconsider some things.

So they merely take a pause, absorbing not only the statement but also the particular tilt of the man's Japanese, before inclining their head.

"Oh, a few things," they say, and leave it at that. It's not a big secret or anything, although they're greatly apathetic to most things despite being perfectly able to do them or find pleasure in them. Money is a good motivator. "If you find such things curious, you'll be interested to know it was simply a... recommended icebreaker." Their fingers tap along their book, in a row and just once. "They leave rather interesting books here."

A few things. One arm shifts up, resting their elbow on the table and fixing their gaze on the stranger, a mock, playful pout on their lips. "That's hardly an answer, you know." Nothing makes them more curious than information deliberately withheld. The return question was merely to be polite, but now Fran genuinely wanted to know.

Those unnatural (For a human, at least) eyes blinked over to the book, considering it for a moment before simply ignoring it. They enjoyed books, but people were a much more interesting thing to study, and they had found a rather curious one right here. Even the slowly building buzz of warmth through their body from the drink wasn't enough to distract them yet.

"Perhaps I'll give them a read later. For now... I'd like to know more about you. Such as who you are~" There's a soft trill to their tone, the room around them seems to go still. Perhaps a bit of 'convincing' would help loosen their lips and calm them down. Some very light fey magic to leave their soul feeling more relaxed. It's subtle magic, meant to draw the gaze in, to make Fran look friendlier and more welcoming to those that are hesitant, maintained mostly through eye contact if they can maintain it. "Why not... open up a little?"

Go on, play this game with them.

"Hardly an answer is still, technically, an answer," Mammon quips back, letting the book rest along the ground while propping their chin up on interlaced fingers. Honestly, it's not that big a deal, because they're certainly not shy. If they were, then they wouldn't be asking strangers about their fetishes. Sometimes, however... Sometimes it's simply fun to play hard to get.

So they smirk at him, ignoring the lazy warmth that was in their own body as well, and ponder how much of the truth to tell. 'Who they are' is such a complicated question, after so long with so many different names that have passed through their life.

"That's hardly any fun for me," they say, raising up one finger from its position to press up against their lips. "I get paid for secrets, after all. I don't suppose you have anything of value to trade for the privilege...?" Yes, this might just be them being difficult... but why not? Maybe their mood will get better and they'll offer it for free. Or maybe they'll get lucky and actually get something in return. There's no harm in trying.

A brief, playful smile appears on the nymph's lips, conceding that they were right. If they're playing hard sell, then Fran will play along, they have time. The mug is lifted, taking a few slow sips as if deliberately delaying the other's question.

"That depends, what do you consider valuable? Secrets are normally my thing." Hmmm, their magic doesn't appear to be having much effect. How odd. Is it even working in this new world? It should be... "Humans like to trade for coin, yes? I'm afraid I only have a little of that on me. But I wasn't expecting to find myself in a river, either. I'm not sure what else I could offer."

Fran had been trying to get a read on the other's gender, in the meantime, scanning over their figure and facial features with little luck. It seemed neither of them were very obvious.

Alright, that earns a faint huff of laughter. "Coin is a very useful thing," they agree, "although I guess we've made it that way." But now that people are so far into using it, well, there's hardly any reason to go back. It works for them just fine, too. Money is much easier to hoard than anything else. Which is why it's so annoying that they'll have to work themselves up once again...

It doesn't escape them how keenly they're being investigated in the meanwhile, which isn't a particularly abnormal reaction. They can remember it happening a lot, back when they were younger and more independent, not tied down to the Varia. Still, that's something they can use in this little game, isn't it? Reaching up, they take a bit of their hood inbetween two fingers and lightly tug on it.

"How about secrets for secrets? I'm interested in the kind you know." The details probably won't be relevant in such a new place... but it can be a good foundation for other things in the future, possibly.

A few light nods and, as their hood is tugged further down, the nymph just smiles even wider. They hadn't made any show of hiding their intentions so far, after all. They had coins on them, too, just probably not the kind the stranger was interested in. What use were relics of some ancient world, after all?

"A trade of secrets? I suppose that can work well." There's a soft humm, as if they're deliberating over whether they think it's a worthwhile trade. Eventually bobbing in acceptance. "That will have to do. You already know something about me, so it's only fair you start~"

The real trick is how either of them will confirm the other is telling the truth. They could both sit here all day telling false secrets to each other with no real progress... But it would be a fun game. For now, their lips end up hidden behind the mug, sipping away at the delicious treat.

"I guess it would be hypocritical of me to deny that, wouldn't it?" They roll one shoulder up in a shrug, conceding the point. Now the only question is what kind of secret would be good enough to trade, both in qualification and what they're willing to give up? That's probably the real fun in the game: finding out the right thing to trade.

They have plenty of secrets they could onto the table, from things that are only secret because they're unlikely to come up to that which they'd sooner murder someone over. What to choose... Reaching over, they trace their finger around the rim of their cup.

Well, starting small is never a bad thing, not in games. If there's a problem, they're sure they'll hear it. If they don't, then it's clearly not enough of a problem. "Then, a secret of my own would have to be that... I'm much older than I look." A minor little thing, one that they don't particularly care about and which could mean a couple of different things. For some reason, they suspect their drinking partner won't particularly mind.

"Just a little~" The nymph teased, quite enjoying this little social game. Something about interacting with humans always made them smile, figuring out their odd quirks. This one, in particular, was rather fun, they could have been a fey for all they enjoyed dodging questions and lingering in the unknown.

Fran's mug lifted, taking another slow drink to help cover their grin when the first answer is given. So that was their starting point, then? Very well, Fran could work with that.

The mug is set down once more, it's hard to tell if the aphro is making their smile widen or it's just normally like that. "Oh? That's good to hear, I was worried I was toying with a child for a moment." Their teasing continued. As if they'd never done that before, sometimes kids wandered into the woods, letting them play games like hider and seeker.

"Well then, I can at least tell you that I'm also much older than I look, as well." Though, the way the corner of their lip curled up after speaking made it clear that there was more to it than just that. "What else?"

As if that's not the first sort of joke they've heard, and Mammon's lips puff out in a faint pout as if they didn't bring it on themselves. "So something in common to share," they say, returning to their own drink at last. It's warm and sweet enough, matching the feeling in the air. Certainly it might add something amusing to this game, although they take care for only minor sips. While it's clearly not spiked with anything dangerous from what they've been able to perceive, it's best not to indulge too heavily.

"When you say it like that, I get curious," they say lazily. That's a mystery they'll get to in time. For now, they idly search for another little thing to put out like a metaphorical stack of coins to a poker game. It's not so much a gamble, but the feeling seems similar to it in ways.

"Would it surprise you to hear that I've had more than one name?" Here, it's nothing that's relevant. Not detached from the world they know.

There's a brief soft giggle, hidden behind one of their hands in an effort to stay polite for now. There's something fun about seeing that little pout, even if it was put on for show. The conversations pace was a bit slow for them, however. These were hardly secrets, just facts that neither were particularly aware of.

"That's mostly the point, is it not?" Their head shifts back onto one of those hands, propping their chin up in a picture of lazy beauty. "That's hardly unusual, though. Many people have more than one name. Some cultures consider it bad to give away your real name to strangers, so they have a 'true' name and a nickname~"

Perhaps if they raise the bet a bit, they might actually get something interesting from the secretive creature across from them. "Though I suppose appearances give it away... I'm not, nor was I ever a human." Exactly what they are is less important, there was no gaurentee it would even translate to their world.

"Where I'm from, it's actually pretty rare." They smile a little bit more. "And even then, it's usually the last name only, for those who wed on another, or stage names that otherwise mean nothing. Changing names as I do is apparently quite annoying." To which Mammon says such people can suck it up and deal. This is the highly questionable life they've chosen to lead, not theirs.

Fran is right, however, that raising the stakes definitely gets Mammon's interest. They stir a little bit, definitely intrigued... for a couple of different reasons. It says something that Fran had been the first to 'blink', so to say, in this little game. Impatience? But besides that- "I suppose if I asked exactly how, you wouldn't tell me just yet, would you?" Amused, they tap their lips. The game is still ongoing, after all. They're curious but willing to wait for their reward in this game.

Well, it's only fair to offer something in return, or they really both might get bored. "It's not as obvious with me in contrast, since it's not that I'm inhuman so much as I was cursed."

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.

「 TDM 01 」

D - Two can play at that game.

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word games: the new foreplay

these nerds

sorry it took forever, feel free to not reply

I'm just happy to get replies~

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