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Expiation Mods ([personal profile] expiationmods) wrote in [community profile] expiationlogs2024-06-10 07:58 am

TEST DRIVE MEME #9

Test Drive Meme #9
Welcome to Expiation, a pan-fandom adventure game with elements of fantasy, science fiction, and some subtle horror.

TDM top-levels are 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! You can also put your top-level in the TDM DIRECTORY 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.

June's's TDM is forward-dated to June 20th.

You can view our CALENDAR to keep important dates in mind. RESERVES open on June 20 and APPLICATIONS will open on June 23 After this, applications will next open in August 2024.

NEW FOR APRIL 2024: there is now a top level for everyone to post their TDM top levels into! This is for new characters only. Thank you!

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Arrival

You remember a room of blinding white light—so bright that you couldn't make out any details. You heard voices, speaking in muffled tones. It sounded an awful lot like they were talking about you. You were just on the verge of figuring out what they’re saying, you were so close...but what happened after that?

Ah–that's right. You fell into blackness.

However you awaken, the next time you’re able to stand still and take in your surroundings, you’re approached by a small mechanical creature, which reveals a handheld tablet with a rolled-up parchment within it. Booting up the tablet for the first time brings you the following message:
WELCOME, CHOSEN.
WE ARE SO GLAD YOU ARE HERE.

So…now what?
Summer Solstice (June 20th)
The summer solstice, also known as the longest day of the year. Aldrip may have received a big upgrade in size recently, but this special day still calls for celebration amongst the locals, who have a long tradition of celebrating various celestial phenomena. For this occasion, the entire city will be throwing a Midsummer celebration! The festival itself takes place from June 20-24, with the solstice happening the evening of June 20. There will be celebrations before, during, and after the festival as well!

On the shortest day of the year in December, the Chosen were told to stay indoors until sunrise. The opposite holds true for the summer solstice: all are encouraged to remain outside from dusk until dawn, and locals throw a festival to keep everyone entertained through the wee hours of the morning!

The streets of the commercial district are lined with sun-painted lanterns, lit as dusk starts to fall and kept glowing until sunrise the next day. Those lanterns illuminate a lively street bazaar featuring exotic food and drink, curious wares, and lawn/party games of all kinds. The Chosen are encouraged to either participate, or occasionally wager bets on other people who may be competing against one another. May the odds be ever in your favor?

As the sun begins to set, locals light large bonfires. There will be music and dancing—Chosen are encouraged to participate in whatever way they’d like, whether they want to perform or lead a line dance. If they’re not inclined to join in, the fires and music still provide a perfect backdrop for a little relaxing conversation and meeting new friends.

After dark, a large fireworks show begins. All in attendance are encouraged to bring (or find!) blankets to lay out so they can watch the show. Clinking glasses with good friends at the height of the show is considered good luck, so it’s not uncommon to see some folks having a drink during this time. As Aldrip is so close to the ocean, some locals even offer discounted boat rides to get a different view of these fireworks.

At dawn, the locals finally tuck in for a few hours of rest. But don’t worry—the Midsummer festival continues even after the solstice is done!
Midsummer Festival (june 20-june 24)
Locals begin prepping for the festival days in advance, and while they won’t drag others in to help the same way they have in the past, they still won’t turn down an extra set of hands. You’ll even get paid for your troubles, either in money or in favors (free meal vouchers, rent at the inn, etc). There’s no shortage of work to be done, from dragging tables around to stringing lanterns or even collecting sticks for bonfires. Just be careful, locals tell of strange whispers coming from Pessiria Forest at odd times of day and night…

The festival itself has different activities and happenings depending on what area you visit. Most of these activities can be done on any day of the festival. Most of the games and contests outlined here are examples—you’re free to make up others if you feel so inclined!

BEACH EPISODE!!
The beach is a prime location in the month of June, and locals really go all out for this particular occasion, setting up a large beach party with food, drink, and brightly-colored umbrellas to provide some shade.

There are various sporting activities such as beach volleyball, windboarding, surfing, and a large, built-up dune for sand surfing. Most of these are just for fun, but if locals see some really good contenders, they might urge a competition between them.

For those less sporting, there are all sorts of activities and challenges. Kite flying, sandcastle building, and scavenger hunts are particularly popular with the locals. Maybe they’ll ask you to bring back a certain number of round seashells, or to make friends with someone sitting under a pink umbrella…the possibilities are endless, really. There will also be official competitions for kite flying and sandcastle building, so put your best foot (or shovel) forward!

Some enterprising locals have also set up boat tours to take locals and Chosen through the nearby waves. In some places, the light makes it seem almost like you can see something in the distance…but it’s not on the map, right? Maybe it’s just your imagination. Hmm.

HAVE A FIELD DAY
The rolling hills outside of the city make a perfect place for various races and games. Bring your competitive spirit, because there will be medals awarded for winning races! Some common games include: bag races, “wife” carrying (gender, spousehood, and pre-existing relationship not required, of course!), three-legged races, relays, baton passes, and foot races.

It’s not all sporty competitions, though! Some older locals will lead more relaxing activities, such as stretching, meditation, and recreational group dances. These are volunteer-led groups, of course, so if those volunteers have to sit down or step away for a bit…well, they’ll have to ask someone to take over for them.

Those with good animal handling stats are not forgotten either, of course! There will be animal races, as well, on horses or even chocobos. There may or may not even be a petting zoo, pony rides, or other fun, relaxing activities with animals. Sometimes you just need to sit in a pen full of bunnies, okay.

Please do be careful, though: increased activity could make some of the monsters roaming outside the city a little bit curious about what’s going on this close to town…

WHEN YOU’RE DOWNTOWN
The green spaces of Aldrip have been decked out in their very finest, and floral season is in full bloom. Some enterprising gardeners will be unveiling new garden designs in honor of the festival: hedge mazes, giant sculpted topiaries, and elaborate fountains.

While it doesn’t hold a candle to the Ketsoran diplomatic masquerade, the event center will also be hosting several nights of dining and dancing during the festival. It may be a little less lavish, but it’ll nonetheless be quite glamorous—and the food will probably be good, too.

The bazaar from the day of the solstice continues throughout the festival. Additionally, various shops and businesses may choose to provide specials, discounts, and other offers to entice new and current Chosen alike.

THE SPIRE
One of the taller buildings in town has installed a large spire near one of the garden squares. They claim that, as the sun rises to its midday point, light passing through the spire will create an incredible light show. They’re right, as a matter of fact: the light reflects and refracts, scattering rainbows across the square. It’s a dazzling display. When the sun passes its midday point, however, the beautiful color show suddenly turns into white light. Anyone looking at this light will find that they are no longer able to keep track of how long they’re watching it. Your mind may begin to go blank, almost as if it refuses to accept something, some deep truth that the world is trying to tell you…



No, that must be your imagination. The light vanishes shortly thereafter—or was it ever there to begin with? The unsettling feeling may remain, but it’ll be harder and harder to be certain of what caused it.

This is fine and also normal.
Wildcard Make your own fun! Just because it’s not in the prompts doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Have at it! Go crazy! Try not to break anything (too much)!
cartridgerefill: (how we ended)

[personal profile] cartridgerefill 2024-06-11 04:19 am (UTC)(link)
[The theatrical smile does not seem to bother Bondrewd much. Instead, he's quite content to find a fellow inquisitive mind.]

I am, much more than most from my world.

Now then. [A long, armored prehensile tail whips around from under Bondrewd's coat.] This will be enough to begin. A curious little thing, isn't it?

[The tail quickly stabs into the robot's side, twisting slightly to begin forcing it open.]
endcaller: (Out of the wasteland comes a redeemer)

[personal profile] endcaller 2024-06-11 04:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[Fandaniel reflexively flinches when the tail lashes out.]

My!

[Beneath his boot the robot whirrs in distress as the tail lances into its side. Fandaniel steps back, content that the creature is unlikely to go anywhere after taking such a blow.

He turns his attention to the stranger.]


I say, that is quite the appendage. Is it of your own design?
cartridgerefill: (in the eye of jupiter)

[personal profile] cartridgerefill 2024-06-11 05:41 pm (UTC)(link)
I can only take credit for augmenting its design, I'm afraid. It was originally made to replace an arm or a leg, but I made adjustments to it. It's a fascinating relic.

[Calmly, he speaks to the little drone.] Forgive my brutish method. Were I to have my usual tools at my disposal, this would be a series of clean cuts. Unfortunately, there's not much I can do about that right now.

[After kneeling down, Bondrewd proceeds to pry open the robot with both the strength of his tail and his hands. Eventually, he succeeds in exposing its insides for both himself and Fandaniel to examine.

The kicking of the legs slow to a stop.]
endcaller: (It'll be ultraviolet clearance hot fun.)

[personal profile] endcaller 2024-06-11 09:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[Fandaniel crouches down beside Bondrewd and pokes a finger around the wires inside the robot.]

Not quite as advanced as I'd hoped, but, still...

I see the potential for improvements.

[A weapon or a servant perhaps, or a way to spy on others?

His fevered mind whirls with possibilities.]


Do you make a habit of speaking to machines? I assure you they find no meaning in your solace.
cartridgerefill: (no nothing)

[personal profile] cartridgerefill 2024-06-12 05:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Indeed. Simple circuitry and chips, but it's certainly more than what was available not but a few minutes ago.

[Quietly, he observes that the interior is like the last robot he pried open. They all seem to be programmed more or less the same. No unique personalities, and yet... well, it branches into his answer to Fandaniel.]

Perhaps not. Yet, they emulate distress convincingly, don't they? It's probably just a programmed response to dissuade others from vandalizing, but even so, I respect the job it does.

Although admittedly that perception of mine could be skewed. The last machine I encountered was extremely convincing in how alive he could be. I was very impressed with his craftsmanship.
endcaller: (Nobody reads these)

[personal profile] endcaller 2024-06-12 11:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[Fandaniel tilts his hooded head, considering the stranger's words.]

Hm. If their makers wished to dissuade vandalism then they could have built their robots to dispense electric shocks. It would have been simple and far more effective. Why go through the effort of emulating emotion?

[He waves a dismissive hand.]

Bah, no matter.

You have aroused my curiosity. Do tell me about this "living" machine you witnessed.
cartridgerefill: (circling through the reactor)

[personal profile] cartridgerefill 2024-06-16 04:32 am (UTC)(link)
I am certain there must be a reason. So I would like to study at least one or two more of these. There is much room for study in these adorable robots.

[Bondrewd's arms fold, a thoughtful position even if it may be difficult to tell what he's thinking.]

Ah yes. That "boy-type" machine... I regret not finding out more about how he functions, but quite a fascinating doll. One that appears to genuinely hold emotions, to feel hunger, to eat, to feel pain. He even had some form of excrement. I didn't have the chance to properly dissect him, as hardy as his body is.

An impressive fighter as well. Battling him was immensely exhilarating.
endcaller: (thou must live die and know)

[personal profile] endcaller 2024-06-17 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[Fandaniel gently sifts through the innards of the robot, turning over wires and quietly tutting at how primitive the technology is.

He never looks over at Bondrewd, but he's listening closely.]


I can't say I have ever encountered a machine that felt pain, hunger, and a need to defecate.

Are you quite certain he was entirely a robot? Perhaps he was a mortal being who had been enhanced?
cartridgerefill: (in the eye of jupiter)

[personal profile] cartridgerefill 2024-06-17 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, I am completely certain. Even if you have a valid suggestion, I can reassure you this was a robot. He could "eat his fill" via pure electricity if the opportunity presents itself as well. So it seems food is an alternative energy source where he can actually taste it.

I merely regret not being able to examine him further. An interesting relic indeed.

As for our little drone here... significantly less complicated, but perhaps useful?
endcaller: (Size doesn't matter. Velocity does.)

[personal profile] endcaller 2024-06-17 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
I do think so.

[Fandaniel pulls a wire loose and holds it up for inspection.]

It is an antiquated and rather facile design but that simply makes it easier to modify. I could see it being a convenient way of spying on people or carrying mmm...secret messages, especially if the locals and other residents see these machines as benign.

[He gasps and touches a gloved hand to his lips.]

Oh! Not that I would ever deign to use this technology for nefarious purposes! I am merely "thinking out loud" as they say.
cartridgerefill: (circling through the reactor)

[personal profile] cartridgerefill 2024-06-18 03:40 am (UTC)(link)
A fine idea. Though we've been provided a public network, presumably anyone can read it. Surely, it's monitored. So, to have a more... discreet method would be wise.

[He coyly adds:]

In theory, of course. A good musing.
endcaller: (The Heirophant is Disguised and Confused)

[personal profile] endcaller 2024-06-22 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
A public network, you say?

[Spoken like a man who smashed a robot before he could be properly offered a tablet.

He thinks he knows what Bondrewd is describing but just to be sure...]


Pray tell me more about this "network".