TEST DRIVE MEME #9

[expiationmods]

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)!

♡

Comments

Aether | Genshin Impact | tdm

[startraveler]

☆ Bonfire

[Aether is no stranger to ending up in weird places, so he's quick to adjust. Exploring is the most important part and a festival sounds like an amazing opportunity to meet all kinds of people and hopefully gather some information. Sadly, Aether's little guide Paimon is absent and the silence soon starts bothering the traveler, especially when he passes by all the stands with food. Usually Paimon would be the first to rush to them, exclaiming how much she wants to try everything.

At some point, Aether ends up by the bonfire, enjoying the music and the festive atmosphere. He then takes a seat next to someone else and smiles at them.]

Hi there. I'm new around. Would you mind chatting with me a little?

[After all, isn't this a perfect moment for a relaxing chat?]

☆ Sandcastles

[The traveler is always up for any challenge and building a sandcastle is something he has not tried to do before. Building a snowman? Yes. Sandcastles? Well, now we'll find out how it will go! It can't be that much more difficult from building a snowman though... can it?

Aether is pouring all his creativity into it, before standing up and giving his "art" a critical look. It... does not resemble a sandcastle. Not yet, at least. The taller part of the structure crumbles after a moment, making Aether's creation look more like a taller mountain than a building of any kind.]

Hmm...

[Aether turns around, before waving to someone.]

Hey, have you ever built a sandcastle? I think I could use some pointers.

[This is what he gets for starting a challenge without a tutorial.]

☆ Wildcard

[Choose your own scenario or contact me at spiritualwhisper and let's plot!]

Sandcastles

[thenicerone]

[Building sandcastles was something new. Back home, she didn't even get a chance to make a snowman as such enjoys was lacking in her hometown. Even when she left and entered the human world, it was still a strange concept to her. That was why when she tried to make one, it seemed like a mess. Not only was the structure all wrong but it didn't hold up at all.

With a sigh, it seemed that she was about to give up when she heard a voice nearby.]

I could try but I don't really know how to make one myself.

[As she looked down at her disaster of a sandcastle.]

[startraveler]

Oh.

[Aether looks at her sandcastle and pauses for a moment to think. Then he smiles.]

We can figure something out together, then. As they say, the more the merrier.

[He is positive that if they join forces they at least will have more fun no matter how their sandcastles will turn out.]

[thenicerone]

Yes, you're right! That is a better way to think about how to make a sandcastle!

[Now, she can't deny the positive energy he was giving off! As she gave a smile, she looked at her creation before looking back at his.]

Now...I suppose we would need a good base? From how I've seen buildings are made in the human world, there needs to be something strong to hold everything.

[startraveler]

I think the sand should be okay for the base... Maybe it needs to be reinforced somehow.

[He looks at her then.]

You said that it's what they do in the human world, so... does that mean you're some sort of supernatural being?

[Like the yokai?]

[thenicerone]

Yes, that's correct, I'm an ice maiden.

[That said, there was a pause or two.]

...I hope that doesn't bother you.

[startraveler]

I'm not quite sure what an "ice maiden" is, but don't worry. It doesn't bother me at all.

[He gives her a reassuring smile.]

I have friends among yokai, dragons and all other different creatures.

[thenicerone]

Ice maidens are demons who can use ice to ward off enemies. However, I lack some combat experience to fight...

[Although, she knew that she probably could manipulate some kind of fire if she really tried but that's for another time! For now...!]

But I'm glad. I was worried you might be scared to know that I am a demon.

[startraveler]

That's very interesting.

[He is completely unbothered by anything she says.]

Though I admit, this is the first time I meet a demon. You don't look scary and you seem like a nice person so there's no need for me to be afraid.

[thenicerone]

A lot of people have said the same thing about me. Luckily, I'm not as cold or mean as the others.

[While she didn't realize that her words had some meaning behind it, it was true. She liked to think she wasn't as cold as the others in her village. However...!]

Oh right, I forgot. My name is Yukina, it's very nice to meet you.

[She said before giving a small bow. That is how humans greet each other, right?]

[startraveler]

[He can definitely hear that she isn't like the others she knows. It's curious, but at the same time Aether isn't too concerned about it. The girl seems kind and friendly and that's what matters the most.]

I'm Aether. It's nice to meet you.

[He gives a small nod of a head as a response to her bow.]

Have you been here long?

[thenicerone]

I recently arrived here so I'm afraid there is little I know about this place.

[Then there was a pause or two.]

...Outside of us being in a prison and we committed a crime.

[startraveler]

[Aether nods to these words, deep in thought.]

...This definitely is an interesting "prison".

[He's say that as if the Fortress of Meropide wasn't already a different kind of prison.]

Well, don't worry. We're going to figure this out sooner or later.

[thenicerone]

I certainly hope so.

[That said, as she kneels down and starts freezing bits of sand from her sandcastle, she hoped that it would be a good foundation to start them off with.]

...Because I wasn't aware that I committed a crime.

[startraveler]

[He kneels down along with her, watching her freeze the sand.]

I wasn't aware of that either.

[He has done a lot of things in his life, some of them not exactly nice or honourable, but he didn't think he would end up in a prison world for that.]

How are you doing here so far? Do you have any friends here?

[thenicerone]

Not that I know of. There are a lot of things I don't understand and I'm trying to figure what this world is...

[She said with a sigh as the sand slowly starts freezing from the bottom to the top.]

...Although, I'm glad to know some of my powers still work here. What about yourself?

[startraveler]

[He nods to her words.]

Well, befriending people here can be a good start. Especially people who have been here longer.

[He smiles. Having more connections always helps.

As for his powers...]

I think it's the same for me.

[Except some of his powers were sealed away in Teyvat already.]

[thenicerone]

Yes, I could but I have to admit...

[She said before mumbling the last few words. Looking down at the castle, she gave a small sigh.]

I'm not even sure who I can talk to. If there are criminals around, I wonder just who I can trust.

[startraveler]

[Aether thinks about it for a moment.]

...Are there really criminals? Do you think I'm one as well?

Bonfire

[idollizing]

[The day had been exhausting. She had been running around trying to find out more about this place, but everything she'd heard made her progressively more upset. The trip to the beach was an attempt to keep her mind off of things, to calm down a little, and it has been working for now.

She still looked a bit down, really wanting to go back to Inaba. But with others here-- her thoughts get interrupted and she tears her gaze from the fire to look at the person.]

Oh! Sure! I'm new here too, so I don't know if I'll be of much help to you if that's what you're looking for...

[Yeah, the helplessness. This place really drills that feeling in.]

[startraveler]

[Aether shakes his head, a friendly smile still on his face.]

Don't worry about that. Since we're both new that just means we could work together to figure things out.

[It definitely makes things easier than trying to face everything alone.]

But for now we could just chat about anything.

[Finding yourself suddenly in such an unfamiliar place can take a great toll on you and Aether understands that. The confusion, the uncertainty, the helplessness. Which is why it's important to relax when you can. Just as it's important to meet other people that could aid you on your path onwards.]

I'm Aether. A traveler.

[idollizing]

[Now that is a cool name! It's too late to change her name into something more badass sounding as everyone already knows her as Risette, but she can admire it!

She nods, offering a very cheerful smile in return,]

I'm Rise Kujikawa. Rise is just fine!

[She pauses, tilting her head,] A traveler? [Can someone's job be a traveler? That would be the easiest job ever! And you'd get to see lots of places.]

[startraveler]

It's nice to meet you, Rise.

[He gives her a warm smile, then lightly laughs when she seems confused by his "profession".]

That's correct. I have been travelling for as long as I can remember. I never stay in one place for too long.

[It's been a long, long journey.]

[idollizing]

That's pretty cool! Is it expensive? Do you plan to eventually stop traveling?

[She has a lot of questions about it! When she eventually goes back home and dedicates herself more to her own career, maybe she'll get to travel a lot too! Outside of Japan as well.]

It's nice to have a place to be like an anchor. You know, like for security reasons.

[startraveler]

[He blinks, then considers it for a moment.]

It can be expensive, especially that my companion tends to eat a lot. But I take odd jobs everywhere I go, so it's fine. There are also commissions from the Adventurers' Guild and, of course, if we find any treasure it's for us to take.

[He talks about it as if that was the most normal thing in the world. To him it is, but he's unsure how common any of these things are for other people who got snatched by this place.]

An anchor... [A "home". It would be nice to have one.] Perhaps one day. For now I have a couple of reasons for my travels. [He pauses for a moment.] And one involves finding my sister.