「 TDM 02 」

[watertrade]

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. While it's not freezing outside it's still 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 words and 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. If your surroundings aren't familiar, that's to be expected; this world isn't the one you know.

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 a nearby dormitory, where they can find temporary housing - and maybe a change of clothes - before their faction assignments are finalized. 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.

Those that wander the city will find it a touch disorganized. Between the visible police patrols and half-repaired storefronts it's clear that something just went down. Asking around will net newcomers brief explanations about a recent epidemic caused by a strange drug with withdrawal symptoms that drove users berserk. They'll be immediately reassured that there's nothing to worry about, though. The police apprehended the dealers, so those that have just arrived should go and enjoy the parties happening throughout town.

ii. Hanami

After all, a little bit (or a lot) of chaos isn't enough to deter the residents from doing what they do best: charming their way into visitors' wallets. Hanami is the perfect excuse to celebrate, and this year's exceptionally beautiful and fragrant blossoms have drawn a larger crowd than usual. Picnics and parties can be found in all of Yoshiwara's parks, and while many of them are private a fair number are open to all comers. A few groups will be generous about sharing their food and drinks (though either may be spiked with apho, alcohol, or both), and there's always the option of simply playing games and making conversation with other partygoers.

But while the newcomers are encouraged to take it easy and enjoy themselves, there's limits to how much they can do for free. Luckily, someone has already taken that into account. Newcomers that want more food, drink, or excuses to socialize are encouraged to pair up with both established workers and other newcomers in order to put on a show for Yoshiwara's guests.

The shows don't have to be lewd, however. As a general rule, the guests are most interested in the new beginnings and blooming romances associated with early spring, so they're largely content watching Yoshiwara's workers play ice breaker games. 'Would you rather', 'two truths and a lie', and 'corrupt-a-wish' are all popular options and many workers can satisfy guests simply by indefinitely chatting with their partners.

Guests are free to make requests, however, and if two workers have good chemistry they may be encouraged to ramp up the flirtatious behavior. If it feels a bit demeaning that's because it is, but it has the potential to pay well. In addition to free food and drink, workers that put on good shows can expect to receive tips (and more than a few phone numbers) from their happy customers.

iii. Kiss Kiss Fall In Love

Of course, hanami itself is still a celebration, and newcomers and old arrivals alike are encouraged to take a break from work to relax and enjoy the flowers - but the longer someone sticks around, the more likely they are to experience some unexpected side effects.

At first, the scent of the sakura will simply lull someone into a pleasant, fuzzy sort of relaxed contentment. Eventually, the 'fuzzy' element of that relaxation can be identified as mild arousal underscored by directionless affection. It's the desire to touch and be touched, and it seems like the only way to rid yourself of that pesky warmth is to cuddle up to someone else. That's not always enough, however, and sometimes cuddling up will only intensify the arousal and affectionate feelings.

This effect is most likely to take hold from dusk to dawn, with the bright light of day chasing away the worst of the trees' aphrodesiac. The feeling will linger, regardless of contact, for up to an hour after leaving the area of the trees, leaving ample time for anyone to find a partner and make their escape to a more private location.

iv. Portentous Moments

Sex may sell, but that's not the only industry in Yoshiwara. Stores and stalls hawking a tremendous variety of goods and services can be found all over the city, and rather esoteric goods are no exception to this. Anyone wandering around the central district may stumble across a fortune teller, swaddled in a heavy cloak, sitting at a small table situated at the end of an alleyway. She calls any passersby over in a calm, soothing voice, inviting them to have their fortunes told for the low low price of free - no strings attached!

Anyone who approaches and accepts the offer will be handed a deck of tarot cards and told to shuffle, after which the fortune teller will take the deck back and ask her customer to draw a single card. But no matter when a character arrives, where they draw the card from, or how thoroughly they shuffle the deck, they'll only ever draw one of three cards - the Lovers, Death, or the Three of Cups. The fortune teller will offer no explanation as to what each card means, only promising that good things are to come before shooing her customer away. The fortune teller will vanish the second her customer departs, leaving said customer to figure out the effects on their own. That won't be hard, though. The effects aren't subtle.

The Lovers creates instant chemistry between strangers. Not just in a romantic or sexual sense, but in a platonic one as well. Hateful misanthropes will find themselves draw to and intrigued by other people, who will in turn find said misanthrope charming. Those afflicted by the the Lovers card may be aware of how strange this reaction is, but realizing that isn't enough to shake the attraction they feel for their new friend, crush, or lover. This effect can last for several hours before it wears off over the course of a few seconds. It may not wear off both parties simultaneously, however, leaving one party to wonder what they've done to make the other act so cold.

While the Lovers card draws people together, Death drives them apart. Those that draw Death will find themselves both regarding others and being regarded by others as a mortal enemy. It's just that the vehemence of those feelings doesn't always match the 'crime', and something like cutting in line at the grocery store may be treated with the same severity as burning someone's village to the ground. Arguments over the most minor of infractions are breaking out all over town and things are starting to look ugly, but no one will get hurt. As soon as the arguments escalate to the point of either personal insults or physical violence, both parties will suddenly snap out of their rage. Neither party will have any idea of why they got so angry, though whether they apologize for losing their cool or simply continue the fight is up to them.

The Three of Cups works a bit differently from the other two. Anyone who pulls it will be inflicted with 'wrong luck'; that is, incredibly good fortune that doesn't benefit them at all. Vending machines will dispense two cans of their least favorite drink. They'll win a free meal at an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet despite their deadly fish allergy. The cops decide to let them off easy after harassing them for crimes they didn't commit. The Three of Cups may also get stuck to either the Loves and Death cards, and thus the two effects can combine. That said, the Three of Cups' effect lasts until the character gets a solid night's rest, even if the paired effect wears off well before then.

While the Lovers and Death can't be drawn at the same time, they can interact. Should someone afflicted by the Lovers encounter someone afflicted by Death both effects may kick in for both people, leaving them with intense and complicated feelings for one another. Alternately, each person may only experience one of the effects, which won't necessarily be the same effect for both of them.

v. Rainfall

cw: mild gore, mentions of death
Did you know that underneath every cherry blossom tree a corpse is buried? The roots tangle themselves around the body and feed off its nutrients, and by absorbing its blood their pure white blossoms are dyed a soft pink color.

... That's the story, at least, but it's an easy one to forget in Yoshiwara. Even when the town's bright facade cracks and the seedier dark side shows through, such grim urban legends rarely take center stage. Newcomers that aren't already familiar with the story are unlikely to hear it before they depart the docks and start familiarizing themselves with the city.

Which is unfortunate, since knowledge of the story might spare them some trauma. As they go look at the town's various trees, some of them may be overtaken with a strange compulsion. It's as if the trees is calling to them, filling them with the urge to stretch out beneath the branches and take a nap. Of course, if they do make themselves comfortable they'll find it increasingly more difficult to wake up; even the sensation of being slowly but steadily buried under falling blossoms may not be enough to rouse them. If they can't work up the willpower needed to wake up and walk (or at least crawl) away they'd better hope that a helpful stranger stops by.

As for those that don't feel compelled to lay down, they may find that it's suddenly raining despite the clear skies. It only takes a brief look around to realize that rather than falling from the sky, the rain is falling from the cherry blossoms - and that instead of water, it's blood. The droplets well up from the center of each blossom, staining the petals red before finally falling to splatter against clothing, hair, and skin. The 'rain' is limited to the immediate area surrounding whoever happens to be watching, and it stops the moment they leave. While the rain can only be witnessed by the person being rained on, the blood does not conveniently vanish. Hopefully the observers weren't wearing anything nice, though there's no helping the alarmed looks they'll receive for their blood-splattered state.

vi. Wildcard

Hanami may be in full swing, but there's plenty of other things to do. Perhaps some newcomers will want to poke around the town's various locations, check out its assorted businesses, or even visit a legitimately haunted house. There's plenty of things to see and very few limitations to exploration, so there's no reason someone has to stay in the parks if they don't want to.

OOC

Hello, and welcome to the second 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've been accepted you can submit a thread of your character pulling people out of the river (Arrival) to gain bonus reputation with your starting faction. You can only submit one thread, and it must have five comments from you to qualify.

Reserves will open on April 3rd! Our monthly schedule 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.

Comments

Mythra - Xenoblade 2 - F/F for any actual lewds

[mythrass]

[Arrival]

[ Talk about a sinking feeling, Mythra thought to herself while sitting at the side of the water and scowling as if looks really could kill. Which they couldn't. Especially not water. Dammit. Impotent rage was Mythra's specialty and it was already good for nothing! ]

This is the worst... what do I do now?

[ It wasn't a rhetorical question either; she'd turned her attention to the closest, probably unluckiest person for advice... and it better be good. ]

Well? Spill it. How do I get literally anywhere else?



[Hanami Ice Breakers]

[ Mythra's cooking talents, despite her arguing strongly in their favour, were not needed or even remotely wanted. No helping prepare party food or anything, which sucked the big one. Unlucky for a socially lacking simpleton but lucky for practically everyone else.

So there she was in a situation she never saw coming; waiting for someone to put on a show with her. That game she saw a few folks doing seemed fun; corrupt a wish? She could totally win a game like that.

There were winners in these games, right? Well if there weren't then this place was about to crown it's first corrupt a wish, two truths and a lie, or would you rather champion. ]

Bring me my partner. I'm gonna trounce them.

[ Man, she could already feel the weight of the prize money in her hands. An expectation as simple and empty as her empty, simpleton head. ]

[flamebringer]

[what the fuck.

or, in less coarse language, a simple what will suffice. it's easy to spot her in the distance and Mòrag quickly strides over without hesitation, absentmindedly brushing aside that NPC who was apparently gonna be Mythra's partner. begone.]

Mythra. [the NPC grumbles something and walks away. whatever. Mòrag didn't even glance at the guy.]

—Is Brighid with you?

[the first thing she asks.......!!!!]

[mythrass]

[ Hey that was gonna be her ticket to the championships that don't exist and-- oh what is this? What the heck is Mòrag doing here? Mythra, though unlikely to actually say so, swells with relief. The others are here too? That's--

Annnnd Mòrag went and asked about Big Blue. So... they're not all there then? They're not all there and Mythra got totally swept aside in favour of Brighid? Like, sure, that's understandable but come on; she's the Aegis! Having her around is way better. Fine. Two can play at that game. ]

Is Pyra with you?

[ Oh, right, she has no Pyra??? ]

Haven't seen Brighid, but I'm fine, thanks for asking.

[flamebringer]

[whoops, did she hit a nerve?? she runs a hand over her face and takes a deep breath. that was a bad start. let her try again.]

I'm sorry, I— it's good to see you, Mythra. Truly. [really. it really really is...! and if Mythra is observant enough to notice, she's not even wearing her usual uniform. a boring button-up shirt, slacks, and a dark newsboy cap. what gives?]

You arrived alone, then?

[tfw no Brighid :'(]

[mythrass]

[ Mythra's attitude might not inspire much confidence but even she can pick out important differences between Mòrag's outfit now and what she normally swans about in.

Which means she's been here for longer? Huh... Mythra can ask about that later, she guesses. ]

Yeah, just me. No Pyra, no driver, nothing. Let's just hope I'm the only Aegis that wound up here.

[ Because honestly? She can't be dealing with 'partner' this and 'sister' that. Or the fighting, that either. ]

And I'm sorry that Brighid isn't here. Wherever here is. If I'd known I was gonna wind up here then I would've grabbed her leash for you.

[flamebringer]

Hm. [RUDE get your facts straight, Brighid is the one who holds the leash in their relationship ok? ok.] That attitude of yours is a welcome familiarity, nonetheless. I was beginning to think I would never come across a single person from Alrest here.

[she was... lonely. don't tell anyone. she'd also been conscripted into working for the local yakuza too. don't tell anyone that either... except that's not really much of a secret among her acquaintances here.]

It seems you've been adjusting fairly quickly, however. [already getting into the spirit of things with these dumb games, huh??]

[mythrass]

Of course! As expected of the mighty Aegis, yeah?

[ Mythra throws out a bit of a flex, totally not letting even a hint of a smidgen of praise get to her. It's great because she can totally ignore the slight insult about her attitude.

Because. She didn't notice until.... now. ]

And what's wrong with my attitude?

[flamebringer]

[ha ha ha] Nothing. Never change, Mythra.

[which is the total opposite of what Brighid would say, but she's not here now is she?? Mòrag may not have much patience for idiots, but going on a shounen adventure with Mythra helped teach her... uh... how to tolerate fools better, or something.

something, something, power of friendship. look, she's even smiling a little.]

Did you want to play a game, then?

[mythrass]

Ugh, fine.

[ Someone is butthurt over Mòrag getting to her so easily. Doubly so 'cause she probably didn't even mean to annoy her. Man it's a good thing Brighid isn't here or she'd totally be at a disadvantage. Two versus one. Brighid and Mòrag can take down a super boss together, forget about an Aegis. ]

No point in asking if you'd rather Brighid was here, huh? So would you rather be stuck here with me or with Pyra?

[ Simple enough, right? They've gotta be second place, surely!! ]

[flamebringer]

[no holding back punches right off the bat, huh?] Ah...

[hold on. she needs to figure out how to word this without offending Mythra. also, it legitimately is a tough question, because she likes both Pyra and Mythra about equally. honest!]

There's no denying your power is greater than Pyra's. However, Pyra is more... sensitive, and well-versed in practical skills such as cooking... whereas your blunt approach to things certainly has its merits as well...

[hmmmmMMMM.]

You're here, not Pyra. I'm perfectly fine with that.

[that doesn't count as a cop-out answer, shut up.]

[mythrass]

[ Mòrag.......!!! ]

Oh...!? I'll have you know; Brighid loved my cooking in the past! It was called 'authentic cuisine' and well loved by all!

[ So it's the cooking thing she took poorly. Blunt approach and being insensitive and only technically being preferred because of reality?? She can deal with that just fine. ]

Gimme a question already. Hurry it up.

[flamebringer]

[]

If you say so. ['authentic cuisine' yeah right. but ok, she needs to think of a better question than the one Mythra just dished out. she's in it to win it. does this game even have a winner? well, whatever.]

Would you rather have your arms or legs cut off?

[she... tried...???]

[mythrass]

What... kind of messed up question is that? I mean, come on. Without my arms I couldn't fight but without my legs I wouldn't look half as gorgeous as I do.

[ Like. Tights. ]

Watch and learn. Would you rather kiss a buttcheek or lick one?

[ Much better. ]

[flamebringer]

I am not going to entertain such vulgarity. Ask something else.

[mythra. come on. come on.]

[mythrass]

So this is what it feels like to defeat the Special Inquisitor? Pretty good feeling, actually.

[ Look how smug she smells. ]

[flamebringer]

Can you call it a victory, when you didn't even answer my question properly?

[pot meet kettle.]

[mythrass]

Sure I can. Legs. Done.

[ Easy! ]

Your turn.

[flamebringer]

[her pride says walk away, but her ego says stay. it's such a stupid game, but it's not like she can just let Mythra win, you know. okay. whatever. the city's worse when it comes to vulgarity, anyway. she just has to think of... the question.

who would she even-- Brighid.]

Kiss, of course. [no tongue involved, though. Brighid probably wouldn't like that.]

[mythrass]

Well look at you, trying your best!

[ It seems she's already taking this as a win. ]

Come on, ask your next dumb question while I'm all fired up.

[flamebringer]

Would you rather be burned alive or eaten alive?

[she’s terrible at this.]

[mythrass]

I can't think of a single flame strong enough to burn me, so eaten alive it is.

[ Subtle dig at the Brig???? ]

Which buttcheek would you pick?

Hanami Ice Breakers

[noveltyvalue]

[Truthfully, the party's almost nice, despite everything. The views were wonderful, the mood was upbeat and light, and everyone seemed to be having a genuinely good time. It was enough for Rumiko to want to relax in the shade of a tree and looseleaf some poems, even if she's never been that good at poems.

... But, well, she has work to do, and not the kind of work she tends to enjoy. She sighs across at her younger partner, does her best to keep her Mom Smile on even through the other woman's overconfidence, brushing out her skirt as she sits down.]

I think they're expecting us to have a friendly back and forth. [Not a slugfest of epic proportions, though trying to figure how someone actually, permanently wins two truths and a lie would be interesting. She supposes you could just have an uneven number of rounds.]

Incidentally, your hair is gorgeous, dear. Does it ever get in the way? It's so long. [-- She might be playing things up a bit, she's well-aware of that, but maybe her partner is the type of girl that's weak to this treatment. It'd certainly make her job easier. And it is gorgeous, she isn't blowing smoke here.]

[mythrass]

[ Friendly back and forth, huh? That's fine by Mythra; she can be friendly while she wins, no sweat at all. Doesn't matter to her whether or not she makes friends with anyone, especially when they're a total stranger and--

-- false alarm, compliment detected. Rumiko just shot up in Mythra's opinion and all it took was a little flattery. She smiles brightly and runs a hand through her hair. ]

It never really gets in the way. I suppose I'm just used to having it this length. It can be a total pain to wash and dry though, but beauty doesn't come easy.

[ She is. Absolutely the type of girl that's weak to this treatment. ]

[noveltyvalue]

Oh, I know just what you mean, dear. I wore my hair a lot longer when I was younger, but between work and my kids, I just didn't have time to keep up with it.

[Young girls like this are easy, in a way - certainly, Rumiko would have killed for an older woman to treat her like this, when she was what she imagines Mythra's age to be. Late teens, early twenties. Technically an adult, or so close as to make no difference, but still unsure of herself. Compliments are a dime a dozen, but genuine advice and admiration are hard to come by at that age.]

It really is beautiful, though. Is that your natural color? You're so lucky. Is it alright if I touch?

[... She's really laying it on thick, but she wants this game to go smoothly. And it is wonderful hair.]

Sorry for the delay.

[mythrass]

Kids, huh? I can't stand the thought.

[ Mythra shrugs off her distaste for the idea; her lovely hair being used as something to pull on by tiny people or, worse still, not having the time to take care of it. It would be hell, or damn close to it.

As for Rumiko's splattery of flattery? Mythra is someone who could always handle more, more, more attention. ]

It's all natural, so go ahead and touch it. Shouldn't be any knots in it anyway so don't worry about that.

Any thoughts of competition she had must have been shoved onto the backburner. Flattery always comes first.[ ]