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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)!
darkdisgrace: (pic#14636760)

[personal profile] darkdisgrace 2024-06-11 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah... what a waste of perfectly good fruit.

(As if it wouldn't have been wasted ground into Dazai's face?)

He pretends he's done nothing when he local shopkeeper comes back, smiling pleasantly and offering an excuse that gets.... a really weird smile as the guy looks over at Dazai. He's not sure he likes it.

Still, it gets him out of finishing the job, and he can make his way over without causing a scene.]


Funny, because you've been staring at me for a couple of minutes now.

[Why is he not surprised that Dazai is here? Because of course he is. His luck is garbage, and fate likes to play pranks on him at the worst times.] You got yanked here too, eh?
nullificates: (68)

[personal profile] nullificates 2024-06-12 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, I wasn't sure, so small in the horizon?! So it was straining my eyes a little bit, but I had to stare to be sure! So hard to see...

(his slender fingers tap his cheeks, palms cupping his cheeks as he smiles, proudly - it was a great jab, look at him, just got here and already full of zingers!

but, well. that's a little less important in the face of everything else.)


Yeahp! Chuuya, what do you remember? Last thing you do, come on! Tell me everything.
darkdisgrace: (through stale air)

[personal profile] darkdisgrace 2024-06-13 01:14 am (UTC)(link)
That joke is so old I would think you've been going blind if I didn't know you better, bastard.

[It was not a great jab, try something that isn't height jokes damn it!

He reaches Dazai, crossing his arms with a scowl. But he can understand the 'why' of that question, for sure.]
Last thing I remember? Finding out that anemic bastard didn't die like planned.

[And boy, doesn't that get on his nerves.] I can't believe there's actually someone out there more roach-like than you who is almost as annoying.
Edited 2024-06-13 01:15 (UTC)
nullificates: (75)

[personal profile] nullificates 2024-06-15 12:33 am (UTC)(link)
Of course you know better, I have no doubt you have been noticing yourself shrinking?

(not at all, but you know, there's no truth in any of he says with these things, at the end of the day. not important after chuuya confirms it - they both know they are fucked beyond belief.

fyodor might as well have won. this might be a part of it. there's nothing he can predict that easily onwards, with the little information they now have. bleak, bleak, bleak, it seems.)


Pfft! Yes, that is exactly the last thing I can recall, truly, what are the odds-- ah, it seems like I've been here before too, so there are many mysteries to unfold! Thoughts in that simplistic brain of yours?
darkdisgrace: (and they say the rain)

[personal profile] darkdisgrace 2024-06-15 12:50 am (UTC)(link)
I am not shrinking.

[It's said with a snarl, but at least Chuuya seems more keen on information than bickering with Dazai. Because what follows is surprise.

they're on the same page as to what happened, but what are the odds that--]


You too?! People keep calling me by name and asking me to help them with stuff, it's downright bizarre.
nullificates: (Default)

[personal profile] nullificates 2024-06-15 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, so they're using you as a offer?! They are currently asking me to spend the night! Ah, then nothing has changed here either. You still get none!

(bitch please there are MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO.)

I'll pretend that I remember, by the way! We don't know what happened here, what have done, so I think this is safest! Who might be hiding in the shadows, after all...! I'm sure I can spin it to 'No Longer Human' secrets.
darkdisgrace: (through stale air)

[personal profile] darkdisgrace 2024-06-15 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
You.... [seriously?

Of course. Of course he would. Chuuya's expression sours.]


Why am I not surprised you'd take the opportunity of being stuck in a new world to fuck around. Isn't screwing your way through Yokohama's hook up bars enough for you? And I've got better taste than anyone who'd be into your twig ass. I should be amazed you haven't been run out of town already.

[Ugh, just arrived and already Dazai is being insufferable. But he's got a point about pretending. He wonders....] That ain't gonna work for me, though. I can guess a lot from how people act but my ability ain't gonna fly for pretendin'.
nullificates: (Default)

[personal profile] nullificates 2024-06-18 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, to be small and jealous, I can't hear you from up here (they are sitting) but with that strong feeling, I'm surely feeling a vibe! And, woah, no, I'm being worshipped!

(worshipped is a strong word, but he definitely isn't complaining about the attention, he has a little list of people he'll visit once he finishes getting settled.)

And you lack my naturally flamboyant way of being, it's bamboozling as much as it is distracting and very convincing! So, don't ruin it! Did you know the CLOWN is here?!
darkdisgrace: (pic#14636758)

[personal profile] darkdisgrace 2024-06-23 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[And since they are sitting, Chuuya has no hesitation in reaching over....

and flicking Dazai in the nose like a 5 year old for the digs.]
quit it with the worn out jokes already and don't get yourself knifed by an ex or some shit until we get home.

[Ugh, this part of Dazai has never changed. It's annoying. They've got things to do damn it.] ...The clown? The decay of angels clown? What the hell is he doing here? Did they just sweep the prison for folks to pick up? Almost glad the anemic bastard escaped, if that's the case.

[He's not. He's not glad at all, but also.]
Edited 2024-06-24 02:19 (UTC)
nullificates: (38)

[personal profile] nullificates 2024-07-01 10:13 am (UTC)(link)
(ouch, ouch, the face he makes! a big pout as he massages his nose.)

I'll do both now, purely out of spite for that flick, what are you, ten!?

(STILL, OUCH, and he sighs as his hand drops.)

That clown, we don't know any other! I don't know if he escaped. I'm still in information gathering mode! Speaking of, you can ask things more directly, so I'll be using you to not blow up my cover, thank you very much!
darkdisgrace: (48 - 1XX3Kce)

[personal profile] darkdisgrace 2024-07-01 11:54 am (UTC)(link)
Ugh. I am not going to patch you up if you get stabbed because you've got the impulse control of a ten year old.

[He actually will and they both know he will. Chuuya's just protesting for the sake of it.]

I don't think it's a matter of escaping or not when it comes to that guy, to be honest. But if he's here, that could complicate things for us.

[Mainly: They know Fyodor is still alive. But does he? And how would he react if he found out?

He rolls his eyes at Dazai's declaration, because he's not surprised really. It's strategically sound, but also--]
So basically I'll be the one asking questions, you'll be playing a bit and we'll share information between us.
nullificates: (13)

cw suicide ideation

[personal profile] nullificates 2024-07-05 11:29 pm (UTC)(link)
You will, though! What if I die!? I'd be happy, but then, you'll eventually die too! Isn't that too ironic? You must die first, so I can die peacefully and it's not a double.

(because dying with chuuya, or followed by, or after, it's all really off the table. he would never allow it.)

Yes, exactly! Won't that be fun?!