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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)!
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (This is killing us all)

OMG english im sorry.

[personal profile] opheliac 2024-06-15 07:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[ normally, jinx would tell him his little hypothetical scenario of the gem exploding and killing others had already been prophesied, but the incident between rumpitur and ketsora needs to stay quiet until.... possibly forever.

her partner, ragna, is taking the fall for that, and the plan has to stay intact, or a riot might form. especially if they learn what caused it in the first place. despite the girl being here for a year and knows her fellow neighbors well enough, it doesn't mean necessarily they won't turn on her and hunt for the stone. maybe they will care, maybe they won't, but she isn't going to risk that chance.

propping the board down by her feet again, she flicks her attention back to the boy before her; her smile mix with a hotshot yet puckish flare. ]


I was planning to do whatever with it. Blow up a tree, make a hole in the ground, make pretty fireworks by throwing it at innocent people, 'cause I love it when they scream and beg. The typical girl things, you wouldn't get it.

[ she steps onto his/her hoverboard as it sputters to power up (it needs maintenance pretty bad), and she balances herself carefully by extending out both of her arms.]

Okay, so! — I got to keep going. I'll shoot you later when my schedule isn't soooooo booked!! I'd cancel, but I really promised the gang we'd rob some old fart's furniture shop.
Edited 2024-06-15 19:52 (UTC)
howyouseit: (044)

[personal profile] howyouseit 2024-06-15 08:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Guess not. Maybe I'm just used to spending my time more productively trying to help people instead. You should try it sometime.

[That kind of response doesn't do Jinx any favors causing him to sigh in frustration with a purse of his lips questioningly. He knew she'd gone off the deep end after aligning herself with Silco but thought maybe just maybe things might have changed with their newfound scenery. Perhaps he was hoping for too much since he wished deep down she and him could have remained friends given his fondness for her in their youth. Unfortunately things change and not all dreams come true, knowing that all too well first hand after meeting disappointment on multiple occasions himself.

Shaking his head solemnly Ekko watches as his counterpart struggles to mount his hoverboard giving a cock of his brow, quickly noting how it seemed to struggle to even start on top of getting her balance. It pained him to see one of his most prized possessions being treated with such disregard for its well being.]


Sounds like 'your' ride needs a tune up. Should probably get someone to take a look at it soon before it blows up in your face and makes that hole in the ground you were hoping for with you in it.

[A brief pause as his expression changes to a bit of concern maybe or maybe not for her exactly since his next sentiment could be taken either way.]

Just be careful with that thing and don't completely break it.
opheliac: ヽ(✿゚▽゚)ノ (I know I can be so cold)

[personal profile] opheliac 2024-06-15 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ jinx mistakes his concern for his attachment over the board, which somehow strikes an idea in her head. while she hates to admit the boy savior being right about anything, he did make one good point.

the hoverboard is in grave danger of being a complete useless mess if she doesn't do something about it, and what will she do then if she can't reach high places? jinx should have tinkered with the thing so many months ago, but life happens, and her scattered brain often leads her to so many projects that she forgets about the others. as the board dies down, jinx spins around to her counterpart — her pinks glisten wildly and smiling from ear to ear. ]


Wanna make a deal?
Edited 2024-06-15 20:46 (UTC)
howyouseit: (116)

[personal profile] howyouseit 2024-06-15 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[He anticipates Jinx to just flip him the bird and jet off on his board after giving her the business but was pleasantly surprised when she turns to face him again. Tilting his head with a curious look Ekko takes a cautious step forward with his arms crossed filled with intrigue at the unexpected opportunity.]

What kind of deal we talking about?

[Was she willing to give it back to him if he somehow was able to make another one here or something equivalent in nature? That would take a bit of time but with the right tools and materials at his disposal it could certainly be done. As far as he was concerned this place was just as technologically advanced if not more so than Zaun especially given his limited amount of resources in the Undercity. Or maybe she just wanted to use his expertise and then screw him over entirely you never know with her.]
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (screaming my name)

[personal profile] opheliac 2024-06-16 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
Wwwwweeeelllll, if you're going to survive here, Bug, you're going to need a place to stay and moolah.

[ she props her hands on her hips, full of cocky confidence and sheer delight. ] — The Inn is free, but I think after a bit, they want you to pay. And as much as I would enjoy watching you sweat and squirm, I wanna be the cause of it. Not this place.

So here's the deal, Ekki! I'll pay you coins if you fix this board for me. And I'll even be nice of enough to give you a little info where you can find scrap around here.
howyouseit: (062)

[personal profile] howyouseit 2024-06-16 03:08 am (UTC)(link)
[At first he thought Jinx was about to offer him a place to live which probably would not have boded well given their differences but was quickly followed up the real offer at large. So she wanted Ekko to fix his hoverboard and in exchange she would not only pay him but tell him where to find the materials necessary to make a new one? It wasn't the worst case scenario perhaps but that didn't mean he necessarily agreed to the terms either. Contemplating his options the leader of the Firelights saw no way to get back what rightfully belonged to him given how unfamiliar he was to this place and was alone by comparison to herself with some sort of gang backing her as well. Seeing no other choice in the matter, he decides to agree to fixing the board but had his own set of counter conditions to even the playing field.]

And how do I know I can even trust you after everything we've been through, huh? We haven't exactly seen eye to eye for a long time.

[Especially after she had almost killed him with that grenade of hers back home none too recently. Taking another step closer to leave not but a few feet between them Ekko's gaze holds her own pensively as he puts forth his own proposal in turn.]

I don't want your money. But...If you get me the parts I need to make my own board along with the ones to fix yours we have a deal. That's my offer take it or leave it.

[The fact he was even willingly to work with her on such an endeavor in the first place was saying something so if she wanted this project to pan out it was the only way this would be remotely an even trade in his eyes. She'd already stolen what was his so the least she could do was help him to remake that which was taken.]
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (Baby go ahead)

cw: jinx is being weird

[personal profile] opheliac 2024-06-16 03:55 am (UTC)(link)
[ just to have him size her up with that look in his eye is enough to send goosebumps trailing through her pale skin. when was the last time someone negotiated with her like this? normally, she would offer something and people either blindly agree or reluctantly agree to her demands. but just as expected from the leader of the firelight to fight back or adjust things to make things fair and square. ]

Because we're Zaunites, remember? And we always keep our word when it comes to trades. People who don't, usually get what's coming to them. It's the Zaun way.

[ biting her lower lip out of sheer habit, jinx wiggles an eyebrow his way before elaborating further: ]

Besssiiiiides, the Council is our common enemy. [ realizing quickly what she just said, she correct herself: ] — Oh, not the Council from home. There's another here. And the one who's ruling this joint and got us stuck here. But I'll take the offer, Sport! Wanna spit on our hands and shake on it?
Edited 2024-06-16 03:56 (UTC)
howyouseit: (096)

[personal profile] howyouseit 2024-06-16 05:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[She wasn't wrong about that; Zaunites weren't necessarily known to screw over their own when it came to trade dealings with one another and if they did they usually found themselves at the wrong end of someone's blade if they didn't keep their end of the bargain. Vander had instilled that unspoken rule throughout the Lanes during his tenure and made sure it was adhered to with an iron grip which was commendable. Ekko wasn't exactly expecting Jinx to agree to his terms but was pleasantly surprised, blinking wide a bit in mild disbelief before ushering forth a firm nod of his head in return.]

That's probably the most believable thing you've said in awhile. Save your spit...You got a deal then.

[Teasing her a bit as a flash of an amused grin graces the tip of his lips, cocky attitude shining through as per the norm. The unprovoked information garnered about this 'Council' causes the boy savior's brows to furrow puzzlingly, curiosity getting the best of him now given how much he'd been wondering about just who was to blame for bringing him here in the first place.]

'The Council'...What a coincidence. So they're the ones held responsible for everything that goes on around here?

[Vision narrowing as a look of pure determination washed over his features next. He had some questions for these punks who thought they could just pluck him from their home and bring him here to use as their play things. Ekko didn't have time for their foolish games when shit was hitting the fan between Zaun and Piltover.]

I'd sure like to meet them. Where exactly is this Council holed up, Jinx.
opheliac: ✖ opheliac (stupid boy think that i need him)

[personal profile] opheliac 2024-06-19 11:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ woohoo, they have a deal! but just because the deal's been made doesn't mean she'll fork over the board just yet. she needs to make sure the boy savior actually sticks around in aldrip for a little while longer first.

newbies do tend to disappear as quickly as they appear for whatever reason or another. it's like the council are going through a list of people to see who would fit perfectly in this whacko world/simulation they're in. when her other half asks for the whereabouts of the committee, she giggle-snorts like an obnoxious pig and grins ear to ear. ]


Has anyone told you, you look so adorable when you're an idiot? I could just pinch and scratch those stupid cheeks of yours.

If I knew where they were, cog for brains, don't you think I would have taken care of them by now? Yyyyessh, talk about air between the ears.
howyouseit: (073)

[personal profile] howyouseit 2024-06-20 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
[Ekko hardly expected her to give him the board right then and there, in fact he thought she might keep that one for herself given the modifications made not to mention her particular choice of branding with her name plastered atop it now. Making his own would give him something to bide his time with over the course of his stay here, a wanton distraction to stop him from worrying so much about the people back home who needed him. There was nothing he could do now but try and find a way to meet with this Council and speak with them personally, perhaps reasoning with them to see the error of their ways and send him back to Runeterra where he belonged.

Until that time he would just have to deal with Jinx's foolhardy attitude, causing the boy savior to roll his eyes with a cross of his arms as he shifts the weight onto his left leg staring at her judgmentally.]


I'm good. Besides, I think you've already handed me enough scrapes and broken bones for one life time recently.

[It was a miracle they both had survive her little stunt on the bridge after he'd nearly beaten her to death, arming that grenade that would render him immobile. Who knows what happened to her but it seems she at least survived the blast as well, though he could not be certain given he'd not yet seen anyone after the encounter there for that matter. He was just lucky that Heimerdinger of all people or should he say Yordles came to his aid in such a dire time of need.]

So no one knows how to find them? Guess that's where I come in.

[His usual cocky attitude shining through as he looks to take on the job himself and succeed where others have failed. After all Ekko was used to trying to overcome unparalleled adversity with his noble goals back home as well.]
Edited 2024-06-20 01:26 (UTC)
opheliac: (●'◡'●) (i'll be the villain you can blame)

cw: i dont know what this is, possessive behavior i think????????

[personal profile] opheliac 2024-06-20 02:19 am (UTC)(link)
[ she blows raspberries over his confidence, and is doing all that she can to not bark out in laughter like a hyena. jinx could very easily crush ekko's dreams of succeeding him that task, but at the same time, it would be entertaining to watch him work so tirelessly to the point of exhaustion.

and maybe then she can pounce down and nip at his wings and antenna in one big peck. it'd be not only an easy win for her, but it'd be amusing to observe how he does things — especially without his swarm to back him up. with a droll hum in her throat, the girl marches forward with her pinks shining eagerly to his browns. ]


Hm, yeah, you go do that. But remember, Boy Savior...

[ once she enters his personal bubble, she stands on her toes and grabs on his face in a tight clasp. her pointed fingernails poke at his honey-coated skin as she draws him close enough so their noses bump together. ]

... If you get really hurt out here, I won't be too happy. Only I get to leave marks on you. Okay? — I saw you first, so I get to keep you.
howyouseit: (095)

[personal profile] howyouseit 2024-06-22 02:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[That mocking burst of laughter causes Ekko to grit his teeth in mild frustration as she toys with him like this, watching on intently as Jinx moves to close the gap between the pair of them. A tilt of his head curiously is ushered forth but before he could say anything in rebuttal he finds the girl invading his personal space pressing her face against his own. A bewildered look of shock crosses his face standing motionlessly in place as both confusion and unease courses through him, a faint shade of red filling over his cheeks in embarrassment at the close proximity unable to pry himself immediately away from her intense grasp completely stun locked.

Clearing his throat after a minute or two of silence, the boy bites the inside of his cheek to suppress a breathy gasp before he finally snaps out of it. The jolt of consternation quickly being replaced by one of amusement, a wry grin followed in short by a yank of his head back from the others hold on him finally.]


A little obsessive don't you think, Jinx?

[Taking a few steps back as he collects himself after the odd sensation that settled over his figure, crossing arms over his chest to put a guard up around himself sighing solemnly.]

Just make sure you keep your end of the bargain and get the materials I'll need to fix the board along with creating a new one. Got it?

[A beat as he points a finger towards the board she claimed as her own now.]

I'll need to take a look at it soon enough to see what exactly is wrong. Until then...Try not to wreck it any further.
Edited (fixed some grammatical things that bugged me looking back) 2024-06-22 23:07 (UTC)
opheliac: ✖ malagraphic (sway me more)

wrapping up!!

[personal profile] opheliac 2024-06-23 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
Takes one to know one, loser!

[ and to show her immaturity beyond just her statement, she sticks out her tongue and pulls down her lower eyelid in a kid-like taunt. but now, with her enemy backing away, she readjusts the board on her shoulders and spins her back to him — waving nonchalantly while he's still in mid-speaking.

how rude, but jinx doesn't need to hear his whole speech about responsibility, holding her part, and to be careful. in fact, she is strolling off instead of hopping back on the board. it shows how much she's listening!! ]


Yeahyeahyeah, blah, blah, blah. I got it, I got it! Listen, I'll call or write to you later when my schedule's all cleared.

[ and what does she mean about calling and writing him? that, he will have to figure out later by someone else (possibly from levi about cellphones!). but before she is entirely out of earshot, she yells out: ]

By the way, Happy late Birthday...!! — Don't let being nineteen get to your head!
howyouseit: (111)

🎀

[personal profile] howyouseit 2024-06-23 02:25 am (UTC)(link)
[A confused glare initially strikes over his features at the mentioning of calling or writing to him when she was ready, but just how exactly did she mean to reach him? Was there some sort of tube system like in Zaun where they could communicate with one another? No one had really explained to him the nature of the tablets and their capabilities yet so he was at a loss.]

Yeah sure you just give me a 'call' whenever you're done getting into trouble...Which is likely never.

[Some things never change, still that mocking girl he grew fond of all those years ago teasing him without remorse, Ekko rolling his eyes as an exasperated sigh leaves his parted lips. Shaking his head idly to himself when Jinx turns on the heel of her boot to depart he thought she would leave things at that with her last taunt but was caught off guard at the sentimental send off. After all this time she had remembered something so trivial in the grand scheme of things such as his birthday? But how? It had been over half a decade or so since they last celebrated their time of births and thought she would have forgotten by now all things considered that have changed between them. Sure he remembered hers as well but he was just a tad more adjusted by comparison but maybe deep down she really did still care for him if only just a little.]

Can't believe she actually remembers that...Powder.

[Muttering the words quietly under his breath using her real name instead of the self appointed one she had taken up in the wake of Vander's demise on top of everything else that happened on that fateful night she had been abducted by the tyrant 'father' that now ruled over Zaun unjustly. Brows furrowed in anguish as he watched her walk away from him rather than jetting off on the hoverboard. At least it seemed like she was taking his heed of caution seriously, all in all Ekko thankful for that much.

He didn't try to stop her this time around as their business had been concluded, but he definitely felt as though Jinx was not the same person he'd last met back home. She still held that patented over eccentric attitude the majority of the time but there were glimpses of that reasonable little girl he'd known all those years ago. Here's hoping she can be trusted after all and doesn't leave him in the dust, laughing at his misfortunes whilst she gallivanted on blissfully.]