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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)!
southernchere: (っ °Д °;)っ (Untitled design - 2024-05-25T004152)

[personal profile] southernchere 2024-06-16 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ her muscles relax as he speaks, and her emeralds holds to his blues so he could continue to keep focus and his breathing. despite how things ended with them and her decision, rogue is not the kind to leave anyone who needs her — especially magneto. she still cares deeply about the man, after all, and witnessing him sacrificing himself pained her just as much as remy's. the woman shakes her head, a wordless response that no, not everyone died that night. people did live through the genocide, even though... those were in small numbers. ]

A fancy paradise called Aldrip. But I declare the spit and shine of this place is all smoke and mirrors.

[ cautiously, she removes one of her gloves and extends out her hand to him — giving him the choice whether he is ready for any physical contact or not. ]

Lemme help ya up, Sugah. I ain't got the full land of the world, but I know where we can simmer down and sit for a spell.
Edited 2024-06-16 01:20 (UTC)
keineangst: credit: <user name="turntsnaco"> (pic#17231332)

[personal profile] keineangst 2024-06-16 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, that is what they told me. [ Whoever "they" really were. Whatever they wanted. Who were they to hold him accountable for crimes he had been forgiven for in his world? For a crime of failure to protect an entire nation of his people which they had not experienced? Suddenly, the bile of bitterness left acid in his throat, but he kept it down. His briefly furrowed brows loosened as his gaze returned to hers. Such a warm, grounding emerald they were, and in no way serving as an uninvited reflection of his own.

He took her hand, not because he needed it, but because it didn't hurt to have someone trusted steady you, and mostly, because he found touch to be centering, and the most comforting sense of all. Once he was standing poised as usual, he did not voluntarily let go. His instincts began to return, which included the desire to make sure she was well.

Taking care of his own well-being was more survival than a priority. Having someone else to focus on helped. Having anything he knew to feel protective towards rather than blindly paranoid was much needed. ]
I will follow wherever you lead. Please, do not let me stop you from whatever frivolous revelry the rest seem so entertained by. I do not wish to hold you back, or prevent you from enjoying yourself.
southernchere: ヽ(✿゚▽゚)ノ; (っ °Д °;)っ (⨂ 𝟙𝟞)

[personal profile] southernchere 2024-06-16 02:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ the tingling spark once they made contact sends a familiar chill down her spine, but she does her best to not show the sensation of it overwhelming her. some other time, not now. except there is a small sigh escaping her lips, and holds onto his hand a bit longer before finally letting go.

his suggestion, however, she hums a chuckle in her throat, as if she can even think about dancing or partying at a time like this. again, rogue shakes her head and flashes him a reassuring smile. ]


I ain't in the mood for doin' any hoedown. And I'm not dressed for it, either.

[ her gaze shifts over to the locals, gesturing to some who are dolled up in some way with fine wear and make-up. rogue takes flight with ease, but by an inch or two. ]

Can ya fly or ya wanna hoof it?

[ she is fine with either option, to her, it's whatever is easiest for his body and mind. ]
keineangst: credit: <user name="turntsnaco"> (pic#17232949)

[personal profile] keineangst 2024-06-16 02:54 am (UTC)(link)
[ The spark, he feels it too, but he will not mention or pursue it without her go-ahead. She had made her decision clear - even if Remy isn't here, he is respectful, if nothing else. Should that change, even under temporary circumstance, as it were, he meant it when he said he would always engage her requests. Being overly attached and romantically committed to someone was not something he felt there was room for in his life or psyche anyways. Maybe that was part of what made her so alluring in the first place, something they had in common, for perhaps differing reasons. But now was not the time to ponder that.

He manages his own smile, not quote a grimace, as if to say 'I am ok, thank you'. Her response comforts him, not for reasons of any personal agenda, but because he does truly need to spend time around someone he knows and trusts, and if he isn't currently a burden, it makes this much easier. He would be lying if he said her method of prioritizing things did not appeal to him. She seemed to be a balance between his ever vigilant, practical world, and the one that wasn't afraid to find the joy in life and engage in good times when they could that came so easily to many of their kind - a lifestyle that eluded him entirely.

His chin lifted at her question, not because it challenged him, but because fortunately, his powers remained intact here, and that was one of few things he was certain of. ]
I can fly, my dear. Walking is for humans.

[ He levitates as much as she had to demonstrate, and beckons onward in no particular direction with theatrical motion of encouragement. ] Shall we?
southernchere: (•_•) (⨂ 𝟛𝟘)

i need to learn how to proofread....

[personal profile] southernchere 2024-06-16 03:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ she grins over his remark, happy to see he is coming around from his trauma moments prior. and luckily for them too, the fireworks have ceased, and they can take flight without getting sparked up by accident. rogue takes the lead, her speed not going too hastily so erik can soak in their circumstances more clearly now it's just him, her, and the sky.

down below, he will be able to see the strange layout of aldrip, how one way things look similar to their time — modernized and not quite like new york, but the shops and apartment buildings are constructed like any other city in america. but then as they push further on, the format changes, and it's like they entered some sort of medieval town that are often described in history books. it's pretty jarring from one style to the next, especially the clothing of the citizens who are mixed in between. ]


[ in time, she dives, and lands gracefully on the concrete in front of tavern inn. the noise is drastically different from the other side of town, it's still and tranquil, even with the people entering and leaving the tavern with cups in their hands. ]

They have free rooms here for the new folks. It's where I've been crashin' for a while.
Edited 2024-06-16 03:15 (UTC)
keineangst: credit: <user name="turntsnaco"> (pic#17236414)

tbh, as a mobile main tagger, i also suffer this problem

[personal profile] keineangst 2024-06-16 03:36 am (UTC)(link)
[ He is quiet as they fly wherever she is leading him. Following anyone without knowing where he is going and what to anticipate there is uncomfortable and largely foreign to him, but instead of worrying excessively about what is waiting for them, wherever they are going, he focuses on trust, and remaining aware and on-guard, just in case.

The shift from modern city to something medieval is jarring, yet somehow, he prefers this quieter, simpler space. Perhaps this tavern is old-fashioned enough to have mead as well as room and board. That would certainly be delightful. While inebriating his defenses is unwise, it may be the needed remedy. If nothing else, if all hell breaks loose, his sensibilities will be lowered enough to defend the area with reckless abandon and less trauma-centered brain, and that is certainly appealing.

Having ignored all direction and instruction and reason for days, a room with lodging is more desirable than he wants to admit. As he lands with his own sort of grace in front of the tavern beside her, he turns to Rogue, expression a mix of emotions, but discernible among them is his sincerity. ]
Thank you, Rogue. We...

[ He considers his words before continuing. ] ...We do not need to have any serious discussion about what we remember or how we came to be here tonight - though I would like to - eventually. Meanwhile, I wonder - will you stay for a drink?

[ It seems for moments that he is struggling with speaking honestly, before he seems to give in. What is there to lose, after all? ] I would enjoy it if you stayed with me, for awhile, at least.

[ He could cringe later, for expressing anything that resembled a need or dependence on others. For now, they were presumably safe, and the tavern had not run dry of its supply, clearly, by the full cups of those around them and wandering in and out. Erik would enjoy loosening up over a cup or five. Rogue was trusted company. ]
southernchere: (•_•) (pic#17198981)

[personal profile] southernchere 2024-06-16 04:19 am (UTC)(link)
[ in truth, she is grateful for his temporary pass on timeline discussion. she had that conversation with kurt and morph already, and honestly, her mind is still trying to process how kurt is younger than them, yet his world has better technology, and apparently scott is around too, but he's from the eighties. it's too much to wrap her head around for a day, and that's not counting for all the events that happened back home. ]

'Course, Sugah. I can go for some firewater right about now. And...

[ she pauses for a moment, chewing her lower lip as if what she is about to say is some sort... betrayal of some kind. ]

And I'll stay with ya. You can... stay in my room. The bed's big enough for the two of us.

[ whether this is right or wrong, magnus, being in this current state, needs to be under supervision. especially with his powers still being intact. and who better to keep an eye on him than someone he feels comfortable with and trusted? she'll be able to keep his mind at ease if nothing else. with another promising smile and a light touch of his forearm, she guides them inside the inn.

inside, it's half empty with faint music playing in the air. there are people at the bar or at tables with drinks or meals and conversing so softly that it's hard to pick up without straining an ear. she makes it to the bar table and takes a seat on the stool — slipping back on her glove before she forgets. whenever erik decides to sit, the barkeep comes their way and skates them a flimsy sheet with a list of finger food and drinks. ]
Edited 2024-06-16 04:22 (UTC)
keineangst: credit: <user name="turntsnaco"> (pic#17233086)

[personal profile] keineangst 2024-06-16 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ He appreciates her comforting, even if that is all it is. Even if he should feel compelled to urge her away - whatever her reasoning for rejecting him was, there was truth behind it. As there was behind her selfless attempt to ensure he was not about to go nuclear.

Besides, who was he to tell a woman what she should do at any given time? Their lives were such that someone you cherished could be standing in front of you one day and gone the next. Frankly, he appreciated it, especially since he was still confident in his ability to detach and respect her wishes, however changing they were. He did need comfort and supervision, even if he was loathe to admit it. ]
I am sure they would allow me my own room, but your offer is more inviting.

[ That acceptance sounded too knowing and eager to him, so he added: ] ...For however long it suits you.

[ He quickly dismisses the query of what he would like to order. Hopefully he wouldn't regret this blind faith in their order. ] Whatever the lady wants, I accept.

[ Which is when he faces her more seriously. ] Rogue... Are you alright? We need not discuss anything now, but - I want to be here for you. However you need.
southernchere: (•_•) (Untitled design - 2024-05-29T014655)

[personal profile] southernchere 2024-06-16 05:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ when the bartender glance her way for an answer, she orders them something that is strong enough to loosen any tension, but not quite strong enough for them to forget. unless they have another round, which is disgustingly appealing. rogue also orders them a basket of onion rings despite not really having an appetite.

but she is smart enough to know that drinking on an empty stomach isn't good for the mind, and can lead to a disaster of a mess. and they don't need more of that. once the bartender disappears to make their drinks and to also take the next order, the mutant focuses her eyes solely on the menu in her hands while working her tongue to find the right words for her complex emotions. ]


I feel like a busted mater, but I'm breathin'. I... haven't been quite right since... Remy died. I went slam bonkers, and went to the military base. Demanded answers for Gyrich and Trask.

[ she sets the paper down on the surface and scoots it away from her. ]

I'm still... tryin' to get used to the idea of that swamp rat not comin' around, and steady goin' on 'cause he never got tired of listenin' to himself.
keineangst: credit: <user name="turntsnaco"> (pic#17236414)

/yeets typos

[personal profile] keineangst 2024-06-16 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
[ Erik motions the bartender to request spicy mustard with the onion rings - and considers this adequate. It would take multiple rounds to wreck him; one or two is just going to take his edge off and make him sociable. Which could be weird for literally anyone but Rogue.

Most X-Men were not accustomed to casually socializing with him, despite the months he had served as their leader in Charles' place. And no, he is not aware that the man is still alive yet, and that he abandoned them for an alien bird queen. Maybe not the best time to mention that. Unless she wants to, of course.

He listens attentively, entirely relating to her choice coping mechanism. If he is supposed to be comforting in a way that discourages her past behavior, he certainly isn't the right man for the job. If he had been free for a single moment after what happened to Genosha, he has no doubt he would have somehow declared war on the whole of Earth.

Still, his tone is measured and sympathetic. Despite himself, he means what he says: ]
I hope he does, Rogue. Gambit is a hero. What he did for us... It stays in my mind. I cannot forget it. He downplayed himself to seem lesser than, but in truth, he was the best of us.

[ He is also unaware of Gambit's funeral, or the fact that Rogue was not in attendance. ] I am sorry I could not make his funeral. I hope you will forgive me for that. It was not neglected by choice.

[ His fist clenches around his drink, intentionally avoiding asking questions about those responsible for the attack on Genosha, at any level. ] If only everyone had his courage, and selflessness.

[ Erik glances self consciously at Rogue. ] Apologies, I will refrain from talking about that night, if you wish.
Edited (le sighx500) 2024-06-16 06:14 (UTC)
southernchere: (っ °Д °;)っ (⨂ 𝟜𝟟)

lelelel

[personal profile] southernchere 2024-06-16 06:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ when the drinks and the rings come their way, rogue stares down at her poison as she listens to his kind words. it's comforting to hear, really, even though the two men didn't see eye to eye and had this almost unspoken quarrel between them. the white-redhead shakes her head at the apology, then smiles weakly before finally taking a hold of her drink. ]

I didn't go to his funeral, either. I... I didn't want to see it. If I did, it'd make it real, ya know?

[ the sudden impulse to just forget everything (and maybe almost everyone) swells behind her rib cage, and rogue chugs the drink down — not stopping until it's completely empty. so much for pacing and not getting wasted.

she is supposed to be keeping a close eye on him, and for any signs of him spiraling. not the other way around. but having the liquor sting to her forehead is somewhat alluring, and she hopes the stuff will work its magic soon. rogue sets the cup down and breathes out a sigh, eyes shut to help her gear the conversation elsewhere. somehow. ]


I haven't spoken with the folks much. They don't seem too frighten by our powers. That's right good, innit?

[ or rather so far, so good, at least. ]