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expiationlogs2023-12-10 07:04 pm
- !tdm,
- arcane: caitlyn kiramman,
- arcane: jinx,
- arcane: silco,
- arcane: violet / vi,
- atla: toph beifong,
- fh2 termina: levi,
- persona 3 portable: kotone shiomi,
- persona 3 portable: shinjiro aragaki,
- persona 4 au: ken amada,
- persona 4: yu narukami,
- persona 5 royal: goro akechi,
- reiwa no dara-san: dara,
- x-men movieverse: scott summers
TEST DRIVE MEME #6
Welcome to Expiation, a pan-fandom adventure game with elements of fantasy, science fiction, and some subtle horror. As of December 2023, we’re making a couple of structural changes to the way our bimonthly test drive works.
TDM top-levels are now open to all, whether you are already in-game or not. New characters, please put TDM in your subject header so we’ll know you’re trying things out! There will be a directory of newbie top-levels at the bottom of the post. New folks are welcome and encouraged to use TDM threads as samples in their application. Current players may use TDM threads as part of their AC proofs.
The December TDM is going to be forward-dated to December 18.
Our CALENDAR has also changed a bit. That means RESERVES will now be opening on December 19 and APPLICATIONS will open on December 22. After this, applications will next open in February 2024.Full Navigation
You awaken in a room of blinding white light–so bright that you can’t make out any details. You hear voices around you, speaking in muffled tones. It sounds an awful lot like they’re talking about you. You’re on the verge of figuring out what they’re saying, you’re so close...but then the floor drops out from under you. You fall into blackness.
ARRIVALS
i. EVERY WHO DOWN IN WHOVILLE
The last thing new Chosen remember is that black void. And really, in retrospect, it was rather peaceful, wasn’t it? Quiet. Calm.
Quite unlike the chaos they find when they open their eyes. Whatever pulls new Chosen into the world of Expiation seems to be having a…moment, right now, and is summoning people into a variety of different places, all seemingly random, some compromising or even dangerous. Some people may find themselves appearing in the middle of the road, in front of a speeding horse and wagon. Still others, one step away from falling into a ditch or a lake. Some may arrive directly into someone’s kitchen, or shower, or the back room of a store. The point is, these locations are practically unlimited, and are entirely up to you, the player.
Better hope the person who owns this house wasn’t walking around naked at the time. Yikes!
THE WINTER SOLSTICE
The mood in Aldrip is a little less hostile, at least, after November’s harrowing turn. The locals have found slivers of sympathy and respect for the Chosen, not only because they lost people as well, but also because those who returned brought them peace and closure about their missing loved ones. So, in spite of some of the absurd places new Chosen show up, the locals do their best to be welcoming. Some remain a little wary, but many will try to show them a little warmth during this cold season.
At the moment, they seem to be gearing up for some sort of feast, putting out tables and chairs, bringing out warming stoves. But there’s no food cooking and no festivities to be had this particular day, and on 12/21, the Chosen find out why.
ii. THE DARKEST NIGHT
As it happens, Aldrip has a curious custom on the darkest night of the year. It's said that all should lock their doors and darken their lights, as gifts given on this night can be particularly wicked and play tricks on the receiver. True enough, most Chosen will find a mysterious box appearing on their doorstep (or, if they don't have a doorstep, mysteriously on or near their person). Some of these boxes may contain harmless treats or trinkets such as charming talismans to hang, clothing accessories like mittens and socks, or tins of cookies. Some others mysteriously contain nothing.
The next morning, when Chosen with empty boxes awake, they find prankster-like tricks have been played on them during the night. We leave the extent of these tricks in your hands: these effects can be anything you like, from the ability to float to their skin turning purple. Just bear in mind that these should be minor effects, additions, or inconveniences, rather than major powers. These effects will last for at least 24 hours, but could take a few days to wear off completely, at your discretion.
Unfortunately for those unlucky Chosen, the other part of the Solstice tradition is a giant feast the day after that long, dark winter night. The locals seem to go all out for this occasion, bringing out ovens and warmers to keep food piping hot, serving elaborate drinks and sides, and plenty of desserts. Festivities go well into the night. They encourage the Chosen to get involved by bringing their own dishes, but not all of the locals will partake in them–some still seem to feel a bit wary of their otherworldly neighbors. But it’s the Solstice, so they will share their meals, even if some do so begrudgingly.
If they want to try any of the food, the Chosen have to show their face around town…with all the spots, cat ears, or whatever other effects they’ve been afflicted with. No to-go plates here!
iii. ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS...
The morning after doors close for Solstice, strange plants begin to appear around town. Yep, you guessed it, there are different varieties of mistletoe sprouting all over Aldrip, in doorways, hanging from trees, and strung over the town’s streets in a variety of places. Those lucky (or unlucky) enough to chance by the sprigs will find that as soon as they come within range of the mistletoe, they find themselves pelted with small pieces of paper courtesy of tiny Missile Toads living within the sprigs. These papers are different depending on what color berries the mistletoe sports.
White berries: ”Now kiss!” The traditional variety of mistletoe, which demands a kiss. Whether a kiss on the cheek, hand, forehead, etc. will do the trick is up to you.
Red berries: ”Now fight!” One of the two (or more?) Chosen stuck here will have to throw at least one punch for the Missile Toads to be satisfied.
Purple berries: ”Now talk!” Time to open up. The festive amphibians will continue to bother the hapless Chosen stuck here until at least one of them tells a personal secret.
The extent of the Missile Toad interference is up to the players. Some of these little creatures can be easily evaded and will give up on their chase. Some others will simply follow the Chosen until they finally give in. A sub-breed of these pesky creatures will launch a sticky substance beneath the sprigs of mistletoe, trapping people until their conditions are fulfilled.
WALKIN' IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
The wagons that were previously offered to take the Chosen to Rumpitur seem to be stabled. Locals will discourage travel down that way, after everything the Rumpiturians did. While plans are still in the works to figure out what to do about them, as well as how to deal with the source of their recent misfortunes, things between the two towns seem to have fallen into a chilly armistice. For now.
iv. A CRYSTALLINE CALL
The chilly weather brings with it a phenomenon that the locals say happens every year around the Lorentia Caves. Along with an aurora borealis-like phenomenon in the sky above it, there seems to be some sounds like a mournful wailing, or like harsh wind blowing through the caves. Sometimes, though, the sound gets a little strange: mechanical, distorted, even a little tinny. Locals insist that it’s nothing unusual, but no one stops the Chosen from investigating. For now, they don’t find a whole lot: there are no wailing humans or sad robots hidden in the caves at this time, unfortunately!
What the Chosen can do is explore the caves, a strangely peaceful experience despite the rumor of a dragon hidden within their depths. The caves are a little warmer than the cool outside temperatures, and while there are some small nocturnal ratlike creatures that could easily give them some trouble, most of them are more than happy to steer clear of lanterns or light sources, should the Chosen not be in a monster-fighting mood. The caves are almost like a series of tunneled mazes, winding in different directions. When one progresses far enough, they begin to feel a heavy sensation and a sense of foreboding that demands they turn back. This feeling becomes harder to resist the longer they press on, and eventually, they must give in and turn around.
Within the caves, one will occasionally find old weapons in various states of disrepair: swords, shields, bows, things like that. They’re more than welcome to keep these. So, too, are they welcome to take the strange, palm-sized rocks that seem to glow when handled. They don’t seem to do much, for now, although they make a nice reading light. Occasionally they seem to vibrate a bit with energy, but…that’s fine, right? Normal? Maybe??
v. THE WOODS ARE LOVELY, DARK AND DEEP
The wailing sound in the woods has come and gone with the fall, and now the woods seem…quiet. Peaceful. Almost too peaceful, in places. Travel deep enough into the woods and the Chosen will find silent clearings that seem comfortable enough to sleep in. A deep, deep sleep, one they are not easily roused from, and one that they are in danger of not waking from at all, if they’re left alone for too long.
Passers-by will find that touch is what seems to wake the hapless sleepers, in the end: the warmth of body heat, the electric charge of ions that naturally transfers from one body to another. It’s hard to say exactly why this works, only that it does–which is good, because it’s getting cold outside–cold enough that most people won’t want to stay sleeping in the elements, especially if it begins to snow. Those that stumble upon their friends are also susceptible to these effects, of course. The sense of touch is what seems to keep this drowsiness at bay, and the effects wear off entirely once they leave the woods.
You know the drill–this is the wildcard one. Just because it’s not listed in the prompts above does not mean it’s unavailable as an option. We encourage you to do whatever you’d like to utilize the setting to its full potential. If you have any questions about what is and is not possible, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Click to view:
| CANON | CHARACTER/TOP LEVEL |
| Code Geass | Lelouch vi Britannia |
| Code Geass | Rolo Lamperouge |
| Final Fantasy VII Compilation | Sephiroth |
| Final Fantasy VII: R | Aerith Gainsborough |
| Final Fantasy VII: R | Cloud Strife |
| Jujutsu Kaisen | Satoru Gojo |
| LoZ: Breath of the Wild | Link (CRAU) |
| My Hero Academia | Bakugou Katsuki |
| Original | Marie |
| Original | Eve |
| Original | Avalon |
| Persona 3 | Minato Arisato |
| Persona 5 Royal | Makoto Nijima |
| Persona 5 Royal | Haru Okumura |
| Project Sekai | Rui Kamishiro |
| Tiger and Bunny | Kotetsu T. Kaburagi |
| Tiger and Bunny | Barnaby Brooks Jr. |
| Trigun Stampede | Vash |
| Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting | Tooru Kirishima |
feast b, but with mistletoe
But-- the thing is, as soon as he's close enough to help, the missile toads launch their attack, and now both of them are stuck to the floor.]
...
Looks like nothing is safe from them.
no subject
That seems to be the case. I swear I have never been so inclined to cause an extinction of a species before-- hey!
[After greeting Yu the cat turns its attention back to Akechi, this time standing up on its hind legs and pawing at his pant leg. Help him Yu.]
no subject
His eyebrows lift at this display of indignation as he reaches for said feline. Picking up the cat, he gives it a quick little head-scritch before putting it back down on the ground. Tail in the air, satisfied temporarily by causing Akechi a little annoyance, it struts away.]
They won't hurt you.
[You know what does hurt, though? Being pelted by one of the missile toad papers. Which both of them are, simultaneously, one the cat is gone.]
no subject
Ah. Thank you. I, admittedly, am not too used to animals and don't really know how to act around them. [Morgana wasn't a real cat, after all. Well anyway! When one of the toads launches the paper note at them, Akechi actually does grabs it to read it rather than let it drop on the ground.
And what does the paper say? Now Kiss, of course. Akechi groans and turns the note it to Yu.]
Seems like someone is playing a prank. What does yours say?
no subject
[... in his experience, at least. He never had pets growing up, but feeding the stray that lived by the Dojima house had been a learning experience; here, even moreso.
But cats aside-- his expression remains mild as he reads the note, and he shows Akechi his in turn. Now kiss.]
Looks like we match.
[He sounds resigned and, perhaps, slightly apologetic. He doesn't mind so much at this point, but he has this imagining of Akechi being...hm, a little more reserved about it, maybe.]
no subject
Akechi sighs deeply when he reads the message on the note, shoulders slumping forward. Of course it has to be the most irritating option. Because whenever has the Fate been kind to Goro Akechi? Never, that's when. Well, at least Yu isn't being obnoxious about it. Akechi appreciates his down to earth and almost apologetic reaction. Maybe this will be ok.]
It seems like we do. Well. [Better not to beat around the bush, he supposes.] How do you want to approach this? And before we start I would like to know if you have any qualms or limitations that make you uncomfortable.
[...This is still just about kissing, I swear.]
no subject
Akechi seems to be approaching this almost like some sort of business contract... He can't decide if that's really mature or just weird. Either way, at least they can talk about it, right?]
I don't. [See, he says that because he doesn't know the extent of Akechi's Issues. If he did, he'd probably want to specify something like "no murder," but who murders someone during a kiss anyway--]
It might be best if we just do it. I haven't had any luck with hand or cheek kisses yet.
[He's watching Akechi's expression as he says this, trying to gauge how comfortable --or not-- he is.]
no subject
I see. [He hums thoughtfully, briefly stroking his chin as he thinks the situation through. He's.. not really all to comfortable with the whole set-up, that is true. Considering that he doesn't like to be touched by others on a good day, let alone to get intimate with them (Akira doesn't count). But approaching this with almost clinical mindset does help a quite bit.]
Yes, that would be too easy, wouldn't it. But since we both know what we are getting into here, and understand the circumstances I do think you are right. Now, if you'll excuse me, Narukami-san. [Aaand with that Akechi leans forward, wraps his arm around Yu's waist to dip him slightly backwards. He's taller than Akechi so this will have to do. Without any further explanation he just goes there, pressing his lips on Yu's.]
1/2
no subject
It-- I mean-- hey, it's a new experience, right??
Not a bad one, though. He lingers there, caught up in the moment enough that at first, he doesn't realize his feet are unstuck. When he does, he gently breaks the kiss and finds his way upright again, letting go of Akechi's neck.
And since there's a risk of this becoming awkward and weird, he has to come up with some dumb thing to say, so--] I didn't realize you were such a charmer.
[Nailed that one for sure.]
1/2
no subject
He stays there until Yu moves, eventually breaking the kiss. Now with his feet freed from the sticky goo, he takes a step back, giving Yu more room to gather his bearings and straighten his back.
...It honestly would be all good if it wasn't for that comment.]
Well, yes. Charm is essential part for any public figure. [so dry.. maybe some humor would help with the tension??] Although, I never quite mastered the art of stealing hearts.
no subject
He can't help lingering on the last part, though. It feels-- hmm, significant?]
Stealing hearts? That's quite a hobby. Sounds like delicate work.
no subject
Ah. It's just the last case I worked on as a Detective Prince. [He shrugs nonchalantly, though then an afterthought hits him. His lips curl up into a sly smile. He turns to face Yu properly, reaching out to take his chin between his gloved fingers. Totally normal behavior, what are you talking about?]
Although, if you are interested in hearing more of it I don't mind exchanging information with you. I have been quite curious about how you handled---, ah hey! [As it happens he's interrupted by yet another cat. This time it is a black tortoiseshell-patterned cat, suddenly walking between them and meowing loudly.]
no subject
There's something about Akechi's expression, about the analytical look and smile, that seems like it should be a little worrying. Like Akechi is trying to catch him in the act of doing something wrong, or trying to figure out how to get some use out of him... Whatever the case, it makes him nervous, but not enough to disengage from the conversation. Yu would like to know more about him, too, after all.]
It must have been an interesting case. [Unique, too. Yu doesn't seem put off by what Akechi is suggesting, either, even though he gets cut off by the sudden feline. He sort of smiles and leans down, putting a hand out for the cat to sniff.]
Looks like there are a lot of them out today.
no subject
[Cats are known to hunt birds and small rodents, so who knows? Maybe they're trying their luck with missile toads? (It definitely doesn't have anything to do with certain individual disappearing, shhh...).
With a soft purr the cat butts her head against Yu's fingers and turns around to do the same with Akechi's ankles -- only to be prevented as her target decides to side step out of her affection's way. Poor kitty. :c]
no subject
Maybe this world started bringing them in, the same way it brought us.
[Bless his heart, he doesn't know the horrors of Saito... Anyway, there's a bit of amusement in his expression as the cat tries to win over Akechi. She doesn't seem to realize what a difficult battle she's gone for. Yu puts his hand down again to give her a little pet, before she goes back to trying to be Akechi's new best friend.]
I think you have a fan.
no subject
Though that comment earns a quiet snort. Akechi brings his hand to cover his mouth to cover his laughter.] What would they be charged with? Pushing off table decorations, caterwauling and fighting other cats in middle of the night?
[Hilarious, even. The kitty meows at Akechi, before turning her attention to Yu. Seems like she's found her servant for time being.] I don't know about that. Cats are known for their fickle natures.
no subject
Sounds plausible. [Pawsible. ...okay no.] I wonder what they'd have to do to make up for those horrible crimes?
[As much as the sentencing element of this place makes him feel some kind of way, it's kind of amusing to think about, right? As if cats would ever do anything to repent. They'd all probably end up with some sort of punishment.
He hums quietly, a little amused, at Akechi's scathing take on the fuzzy creature.] You don't sound overly fond of them.
no subject
Maybe they are in the charge of controlling the pest population? Though, knowing them they'd rather work as agents of chaos. [Seeing that the cats are notorious for not doing anything they don't want to.] Heh, maybe we are brought here because the Council failed with the cats.
[But that slight amusement in Yu's expression doesn't go pass Akechi. Pursing his lips together, he crouches down on the ground just to prove a point. Testing the waters, he extends his hand towards the kitty for her to sniff.] I do think they're cute. I just don't know how to be around them.
no subject
[That sure is a sentence he just said. This is a very strange day.
Yu watches Akechi with the cat; they're curious creatures, but he's right that they can be fickle. He crouches down as well, observing, cupping his chin with one hand as he does so.]
You have to let them come to you. Or... [... the boy deadass pulls a cat treat out of his coat pocket, holding it out for Akechi.] ...most of them can be bribed with food, too.
no subject
[Cat people and all that.
The cat immediately whips her head to Yu's hand when it goes into pocket, clearly anticipating what he's about to take out and--! Aha! It is a treat. She meows, following the hand with the treat on it.
Akechi, in meanwhile, only raises a curios brow when Yu pulls out a cat treat out of all things out of his pocket. Chuckling lightly, he takes the treat and extends his hand out to cat's direction.]
I did a few photoshoots with cats. But they were all trained unlike this one.
no subject
[Wow. The two of them having a normal and even sort of silly conversation. Having seen the way Akechi reacts to stressors, and seeing how composed he is otherwise, it seems almost...strange, in a way he can't quite put a word to. But it's not bad. Whether Yu really doesn't notice the curious look or just chooses to ignore it, he doesn't acknowledge it. He is how he is.]
Photoshoots with cats? [A chuckle.] I guess when you put two popular subjects together, it creates quite a sensation.
[Too bad the internet wasn't in its final form in 2012, otherwise he'd be imagining dozens of cat-and-akechi memes.]