TEST DRIVE MEME #13

[expiationmods]

Test Drive Meme #13

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

THE STORY SO FAR (click to expand!)

-Characters have arrived in Expiation, a seemingly idyllic fantasy world where they have been told they will be judged and sentenced for crimes they were charged with upon arrival.

-Every two months, several characters are chosen for sentencing, where they’re brought to the Courthouse (formerly City Hall) and told to perform a task related to their assigned crime. Their only contact at the Courthouse is a mysterious and long-suffering man called Jerry.

-Over time, characters have begun to realize that not all is as it seems in Expiation: as it turns out, the entire world is a simulation that seems to be run by an artificial intelligence. This AI claims that its purpose, and thus the purpose of Expiation, is rehabilitating the Chosen after their crimes.

-In September 2024, that AI needed to be reset as a consequence of some catastrophic systems failures. So far, there has been no downside to this reset–but the AI has also been strangely absent since then.

-In November 2024, a strange event overtook Aldrip and turned it into a week-long eternal night where technology ceased to work. During this time, the simulation that generates Expiation seemed to malfunction, causing a strange crack to appear in the surroundings. Through this crack, characters were able to see some sort of metal enclosure. They could reach a hand in, but little more than that. This crack has disappeared, for now, but what it means for Aldrip's future remains to be seen.

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. Current players may use TDM threads as part of their AC proofs. Applications for February are closed to current players only, as we're at player cap. But we are still allowing for new players to hop on the TDM!

You can view our CALENDAR to keep important dates in mind. RESERVES open for current players on February 18th and APPLICATIONS will open on February 21st.. After this, applications will next open in April.

Full Navigation

THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE AIR TONIGHT

Aldrip's Day of Devotion celebration has become tradition among the locals. This year, to celebrate the occasion, the events center will open its doors to both locals and chosen for a special party. Strangely, not a lot of the locals seem to be attending...well, at least it's not crowded. The party takes place in-game on February 17.

The party is a little lackluster, if we're being honest. Corny cut-paper decorations, low-budget food, sappy music. The staff seem to be dedicated to making this event a roaring success, though! They'll be obsessively pairing up any single folks they see, even if that just means grabbing the closest random stranger. Altogether, the event coordinators are doing their very best to make sure every Chosen in attendance gets in on the fun, even going so far as to pull people off the street if they look like they might be trying not to attend! They’ll try to insist on characters playing their games, but they’re only human, after all–they might miss a few people.

Within the events center, Chosen will find a bar with some specialty themed cocktails, as well as a dance floor and a lounge area. They’ll also find some games and activities. Some of these are normal: cards, dice, even charades. Some…well, some seem to be taking the theme of devotion rather seriously.

A (SPEED) DATE WITH DESTINY

You find yourself seated at a table. On the table is a five-minute timer and a list of increasingly personal questions. Seated across from you: another Chosen. Maybe you signed up willingly. Maybe the event coordinator shoved you over here. Maybe some well-meaning friend has bullied you into it. Whatever the case, here you are, on a series of speed dates that the event coordinators are hoping will end in amour!

(But we all know it’s not that easy.)

The idea is simple: you each read a question for the other to answer until the five-minute timer is up. Then, either you and your new beloved leave the table together, or you change tables for a different match. Simple! Thing is, sometimes the timers don’t really work the way they should; you may find yourself feeling like this five minutes is a very long five minutes. And the questions are sometimes romantic in nature (what quality do you look for in a partner?), but sometimes they get a little…conceptual. (is humankind inherently good or evil? as an example.) Some of these questions may also assume a level of familiarity that some Chosen don’t have. Better just to roll with it.

We’ve included some sample questions here, but please do feel free to come up with your own!

CLICK HERE FOR QUESTIONS

Romantic:
-What do you admire most about me?
-What’s the hardest thing about being in love?
-Would you ever be the first to confess your feelings?
-What's really working for you in this relationship?
-What's the best kiss you've ever had?
-What makes a kiss enjoyable?
-What color underwear do you want me to wear?
-Do you prefer sexy or smart?
-When did you know you were in love with me?
-Which part of my body do you find attractive?
-If your body was a plant, how many times a day would I have to water it?

Less…romantic:
-How do we know we're doing the right thing?
-Why do you think we're here?
-Do you have a right to be happy or should you earn it?
-What is a person? Is it the mind or body?
-Is it more important to love or be loved?
-If you died today, would you be satisfied with the life you've lived?
-How do you know you're not dreaming right now?
-Do you feel happier in summer or winter?
-What color do you feel like best describes yourself?
-If you could be an animal, what would you be?
-What is your most secret wish?
-Describe your perfect day.
-What is a “soul?”

SECRET DELIVERY

It’s not an errand, it’s a scavenger hunt! …or so it’s billed by the event staff. They promise they’re not pawning their work off on you. Each Chosen is given a small box–about the size of their tablets, actually–at the door, and they’re tasked with finding the person this small box belongs to. There’s one for every event attendee, but none of them have names on them. That would be too easy! Instead, the tags have simple directions: Give this box to someone with brown hair or give this box to someone who looks sad. The descriptions vary from box to box, and can even include activities (for example, give this box to someone who was dancing!). As per the rules, if someone already has a box, they’re not allowed to accept another.

So. What’s inside?

Opening the box, Chosen will find a small trinket nestled delicately within layers of tissue paper. It’s a pin, or a hair clip, or a pendant on a chain–something Chosen will be inclined to wear. Strangely, even though the box wasn’t addressed to them by name, each Chosen will notice that the subject of the trinket somehow speaks to their experience or their past. Perhaps a butterfly means something personal to them, or a dagger, or a dog. All are asked to put on these trinkets in the spirit of the event; the event coordinators won’t punish anyone who refuses, but they will offer to help put them on, and they’ll gush over how beautiful they look.

These trinkets have a strange effect, though: they compel the wearer to speak their true feelings. These feelings can be romantic in nature, but need not be; they simply feel compelled to tell the truth about how they feel on any particular subject.

SECRET TUNNEL! SECRET TUNNEL!

The banner over this tunnel, inexplicably located on what you really thought was an exterior wall of the building, reads “Tunnel of Love and Treasure.” Doesn’t that sound nice! But entering this tunnel isn’t without complication: as the attendant will tell you, everyone who enters must be paired with another person–and it’s that attendant’s job to do the pairing! You might get paired with someone you know, with a partner or a friend…or you may be paired with a total stranger. It’s subject to the whims of this attendant, who is enthusiastic but seemingly a little clueless about whatever bonds might currently exist between people.

The second rule: explorers must hold hands the entire time they’re in the tunnel! There’s no better way to grow the feelings between you than touch, as everyone knows. Once Chosen enter the tunnel, they’ll find they actually can’t let go–their hands are stuck fast. Welp. This is fine. Right?

The tunnel is strangely…realistic inside, looking like a cave rather than the inside of an event hall. How odd. There are all sorts of nooks and crannies in which a treasure might be hidden, but examining them leaves no trace of anything that might be considered a treasure. But not to worry! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, eventually–in quite a literal sense. It opens into a large cavern, where another event attendant sits, strumming a small guitar. Go ahead, ask him where the treasure is. He’ll tell you, “the treasure was the bond you made along the way!” Or maybe he’ll sing it to you, if you’re lucky. (Unlucky?) And…well, that may sound like a crock, but you’ll find your hands unstuck and your way back out of the tunnel clear and easy.

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

Zekarion Altius | OC | current character

[chimericalclaw]

⬬ it's not hard to go the distance | wildcard

[Don't mind if midway through the day you happen to get passed by a few locals carrying what appears to be higher-quality catering from various places, directed by a tall, dark man in a light grey suit jacket and slacks. It's dressed up enough to imply a special occasion and casual enough for a relaxed date (no tie today!), but... he seems to be all business in attitude right now.

Maybe he's no good with decorations or music, but he came here to have a good time, damn it. He's not going to suffer the insult of cheap snacks.

Over time, he can also be found at the bar or playing card games. One might almost think he's taking the time to relax!

ooc: or, plot with me! I'm at lumieresdedragon and here, and you can find more information on Zekarion here!]

⬬ it's amazing what you'll find face to face | speed dating

[Well! With that initial problem tackled—Altius signs himself up for speed dating, and soon enough finds himself sitting across from another Chosen. After smiling at the person across from him in greeting, he lets himself sit back a bit, shuffling through the question cards with an increasingly confused raise of his brow.]

"If you were a plant, how many times a day would I have to water you?"

[He's not actually asking; his rising tone makes it clear how baffled he is at the presence of this question. He goes to the next card, which dims his expression slightly with something serious, and the next one...

He sets the cards down with... slightly more force than he needs to. Ahem. When he leans forward, resting his chin on the back of his hand, he's smiling pleasantly again.]

How about this: what's your favorite thing to do on a date?

⬬ it's my pride that made me distant | tunnel

[Looking over his shoulder back at the entrance of the tunnel, Altius is starting to have slight regrets. Should he really have let his guard down...?

Ah, well. It's too late now; he'll figure it out. Whether the person paired with him entered willingly or was all but shoved towards him by one of the staff (or a friend bullying them), he'll let out a mild sigh, shrug and turn an exasperated smile to them in the dark.]

You don't have to hold on the entire time if you don't want to. I won't tell anyone.

[except...]

speed dating

[traumaticus]

[Unfortunately it seems like Zekarion just happens stuck with one of the most series person that can be found from Aldrip (allegedly) for this first round of speed dating. And Richard, just like most of times, really has no idea what's the point of the whole thing. Or rather, it's not like he doesn't know what is the purpose of the game or how to play it. More like that he personally just doesn't see the appeal of it. Though, he supposes that his brothers' and their peers would have loved something like this.

The first question just has him confused, missing completely the lewd double meaning behind it. He's no gardener nor a farmer, how would he know how often one needs to water their plants? The second question his companion asks is more familiar to him, for sure, but not really any easier than the previous.]

I would not know. [Says the man who has been married for ten years or so...]

[chimericalclaw]

[Sir this a party—

Altius remains undaunted by the grim nature of the one sitting across from him. He's rubbed elbows with all sorts of personalities, and some of them certainly considered themselves royalty...

So, he continues with little hesitation, his apparent mood unchanged:]

Not even a thought of how you might like to spend time with a loved one?

[traumaticus]

[With a deep sigh Richard eases his back against the chair and crosses one leg over the other as he considered the follow-up question. How did he prefer to spend time with a loved one? By scheming and plotting the downfall of their enemies, spinning tales so rich and brilliant that they would fool even God's eyes, turning lies into the truth. Committing the sin. That kind of stuff.

But it's not like he could admit any of it out loud. So, instead he just leaned onto his usual excuse: his wife.]

Pardon me. It has been so long since I saw my wife that I have grown rusty at the topic of romance. Anne and I would go outside riding in the woods. And during the winter she would invite me to ice skating. Although, I suppose that the activity was never the important part. Just her presence. [It's not technically a lie. That's exactly what they had been doing with Anne during their youth. Back then when he was still naive and foolish enough to fall for the convenient lies of romance]

[chimericalclaw]

[Wife. So—this is just going to be a conversation. Ah well, perhaps he'll get something useful out of it. He withholds a sigh and responds like nothing's occurred to him at all.]

That sounds lovely. [He means that, mostly? Ice skating less so because he detests the cold, but the idea of it is romantic enough.] I've always enjoyed the outdoors, away from the busier cities, but it's been hard to find time for that sort of thing.

[And now he's being given way too much time, even with how much he's trying to fill it. His amber gaze turns to Richard, away from his own thoughts.]

Care to take a turn?

speed dating;

[runeing]

[ meanwhile, viktor certainly did not sign up for this — but it turns out octavian finds this whole "ask people weird questions" shtick fun, and while he's standing to the side and enjoying the sight of octavian enjoying himself, one of the people arranging the whole thing is pulling him in and pushing him towards a table and, hm, so here he is.

and the initial question is... well, it sure is, so it's just as well zekarion moves on to a different one. at that, viktor raises his brows and says, flatly, ] Drinks and intelligent conversation.

[ but hold on. the man looks different, older... but he is surely the same one from that dream. ] Wait. You're...

[chimericalclaw]

[I could think of worse ways to pass the time, would have been his reply, had the answerer been anyone else. Instead, his mouth remains half open for a moment before he regains himself.

The smile he offers Viktor is undoubtedly marred by the reminder of their shared experience, a little of his discomfort showing through the expression though his posture stays apparently relaxed.]

Hello, again.

[After ten years, Altius is undoubtedly a little sharper around the edges, his appearance more meticulously maintained in comparison with not a hair out of place, but there's no mistaking him for anybody else. Wryly, he pushes past the memory with a sighed agreement:]

I could certainly do with a drink, myself.

[runeing]

[ so he remembers, too — he'd wondered, afterwards, if the man had been so far gone, suffering from too much blood loss to recall the conversation they'd had, then... but no, here he is, and from that twist of discomfort on his face, he hasn't forgotten it any more than viktor has.

so he nods his head, and because he is, hm, like this, he says, ] You look better than the last time I saw you.

[ it is wryly said, not quite a joke as he means it, too — it's a hello and so you are better, now and i haven't forgotten you nearly bleeding out all at once. ]

It's too bad those aren't included. [ ha, ha... ]

[chimericalclaw]

[He keeps himself from pinching the bridge of his nose, but for a moment the way he tilts his head down and moves his hand implies he's almost going for it. Instead, he sits back and settles his arm on the table, eyes settling somewhere over the table behind and to the left of Viktor.]

Not a high bar to meet, but thank you. I feel better.

[Also: not a high bar. Hey speaking of bars—Altius looks in the direction of where they're serving cocktails and the like.]

Thankfully we won't have to go far. I can treat you to something when the session is over. [He drags his gaze back to the other man.] You're... Viktor, aren't you?

speed dating-ish

[manifestering]

[Octavian came to this crappy party for two reasons: to see if his new robot can handle crowd navigation, and to be irritating. He doesn't actually sit down to talk to Altius, no, he just happens to be passing by during a lull in the regular activity rotation and stops to peer at the questions from over his shoulder.

Hi. He is holding a heart-shaped sugar cookie. It isn't one of the superior snacks.]

I think you should ask the one about the plant. It is the most creative option.

[chimericalclaw]

[That's coward's talk—but no, it's probably best that Zekarion doesn't have to sit across the dating table with the ghost who his memory-dream self tried to destroy... He looks up at Octavian, his posture as casual as it's ever been.]

I suppose it could have a place, [he concedes, but his tone is skeptical.] It's not exactly the kind of mood I'm going for.

[He glances down at that cookie. This man and his acquisitions.]

Gathering another set of "prizes", are we?

[manifestering]

[Live a little, buddy. Ha ha. Ha. Octavian also glances down at the cookie, as if he's forgotten he's carrying it around. Oh, yes,]

I might actually eat it eventually. I am curious about novelty food items.

[Holiday-themed and apparently low quality, what a fascinating genre of food.]

What mood are you attempting to cultivate exactly? "Fun and casual"? [He raises an eyebrow, like, the plant question is fun and casual.]

[chimericalclaw]

Casual, [he partly agrees with an ambivalent hum,] but something a little less absurd, I was hoping. I can only handle so much of that.

[His life is already a huge joke so he has to be so serious to compensate, you know,]

I'll be surprised if you get anything out of that other than sugar and air.

Altius's Entourage

[followyourstar]

[Dante had guessed the point of this holiday fairly quickly upon arriving to check it out, and though the theme already had them hesitant, the lackluster decoration and lack of enthusiasm by even the programmed populace was ready to send them packing.

And, in fact, they're just about to leave when Altius arrives, crew in tow, and Dante can't help but stop and stare.]

< You... brought your own catering? >

[chimericalclaw]

[Look who it is, his favorite manager. Cheerfully, he greets them:]

Dante.

[Oh, but the thing they said. He shrugs with a gesture towards the sad snack tables and their pathetic spread.]

Have you seen the sad state of what the locals set out? I might as well try to help make it slightly more appealing.

[What's the point of his businesses if he can't pull a stunt like this every now and then!]

[followyourstar]

[Wow, he's getting straight to the point about it today, isn't he? He really must have been offended.]

< I guess. It does kinda seem like their hearts weren't in it for this one, huh? >

[A pause]

< Pun... not intended. >

speed dating.

[southernchere]

[ her eyebrows fling high over how... interesting the first subject he reads aloud. but when he changes to a new one, rogue grins playfully and mimics the stranger's movements — also slanting forward with her elbow prop onto the table with her cheek resting on her palm. ]

Aw, c'mon now, Sugah. What if I wanna answer how much you gotta water me? How else are ya gonna take care of a gal if ya don't know the basics?

[chimericalclaw]

[Altius may be a stranger to her, but he's paid enough attention to the network to know at least "the basics" of who he's speaking with: a woman with a particular way of speaking, a generous kitchen, and an impressive set of abilities.

None of that recognition comes through in his expression; instead, his eyebrows momentarily rise at her protestations before he tilts his head and grins slyly.]

Who am I to argue? [He doesn't break eye contact as he continues:] Alright then. Why don't you tell me how to take care of you, hm?

[southernchere]

[ the mutant shifts in her seat just a touch, only to cross her legs underneath the table in an attempt to make herself appear more... alluring, so to speak. she really shouldn't, given that she has an interest in someone. but this is one of rogue's many flaws, the endless flirting with men that will only conclude with her having boy troubles. but she can't seem to contain herself, especially when she's "on the market" (technically). ]

You've gotta water this gal three times a day, just like you gotta eat three square meals. But I do fancy coffee and walkin' on the beach. It's the closest to mud boggin' all I ever get.

And ain't nothin' wrong with good ol' fashion tender, love, and care. Gimme a lil' sunlight, so I come out right.

Speed Dating

[erschlagen]

Three times a day, perhaps a little bit more on weekends.

[Rosen jokes as he sits down at the table. He remembers you, Altius. He remembers you well. While it's been a while since the two last met, it appears that Altius' final date for the night is this smart-mouthed arkana with a taste for fashion. Rosen is dressed in a bright red suit, which matches his equally fiery attitude.

Of course, he is wearing this suit without a proper top, as hiding these beautiful abs would be a crime of its own itself.]

You're looking well, Altius; I can tell Aldrip has been rather kind towards you.

[He mentions before answering the question.]

My favorite thing to do is...Hm. [He takes a moment to ponder.] Maybe dancing? Dancing and drinking.

[chimericalclaw]

[Altius's brow comes together for a moment in not-entirely-pleasant surprise. Somehow he feels he should have expected this, despite (or because of?) how long it's been. This one is the only person in Aldrip who's been given an inkling that he's more than a simple businessman, after all. (That he knows of.)

But then, he's got cards to play because of their last encounter, if necessary.

The look slides off his face to be replaced by a smile that's almost sly. He allows himself a look downwards where Rosenkrantz obviously wants people looking, not too obvious, not too subtle, then returns his gaze to the other's face.]

As kind as it can be to any of us, [he says, tilting his head just slightly where it rests against his hand. Thanks for falling for his well-kempt facade! It makes him feel powerful. In return, he patiently awaits Rosen's answer before replying.]

That doesn't surprise me. You're certainly a physical man. [Arkana. Whatever.]

[erschlagen]

I'm just a man (arkana) who knows how to enjoy such carnal pleasures.

[And he isn't just talking about "dancing" either. Rosen gives Altius a pointed look when he says that, clearly wondering if his date feels the same.]

I assume you're more of an analytical kind, correct? One who enjoys using their vast intellect to amaze others.

[Which means they couldn't be any more polar opposites, especially since Rosen is the "act-first, think-later" kind of guy. However, Rosen can't help but wonder if there's more than what meets the eyes.]

If that's the case, what exactly do you want in a partner?

Speed dating

[mysophobic]

[ The questions really are something. Shigeru isn't sure if they even tried or not with them but he does sit with a smile because the question is kinda cute?? But, you know, Shigeru will opt to answer the other one instead. ]

I. I've never been on a date so... [ He is somehow embarrassed to admit this because??? He really did not have time for it back home but also hating yourself sure does put a damper on that sort of thing! But also people hating you back and shunning you for being mute was a thing as well. He gives a shrug and a sheepish smile before he continues. ]

I-I guess doing something with the person to get to know them better, maybe?? Do people do that kind of stuff? I'm not really...good at this, sorry.

[chimericalclaw]

[Altius does not mean to further Shigeru's embarrassment, but even he can't help the way his expression seizes somewhere between confusion, concern and an attempt to stay friendly-to-flirting. He really did not expect to be somebody's first ever date today. Does this have to do with the curse thing? He's apparently only become a god recently so that can't be why, right? And hadn't Shigeru put emphasis about being important to some singular person in that shared dream...?

He blinks after only a second of internal struggle and lets out a chuckle that's a little helpless, his smile mostly returned. Not that he's never been somebody's first date, but...]

Well, that's precisely what we're doing right now, so I think you're doing fine.

[He speaks smoothly, at least, as if nothing strange has been said at all.]

Practice makes perfect, as they say. Getting to know each other is the point of most dates, whether it's over a meal or some shared activity.

[He feels like he's a teacher in this situation and Shigeru is his student... where did he go so wrong?]

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru is SO SORRY Altius and he kinda gets the impression he has made things awkward right from the start?! Hjkdjs he's so bad at this stuff! Shigeru flusters a little and looks away, so awkward, rubbing at his arm before he straightens in his seat. ] S-Sorry. I-I'm making this awkward, right?! I-I can...go, if you want?

[ Even if he says that Shigeru feels so bad!! ] It's a lot of pressure to put on someone!! And this is supposed to be easy... [ which being someone's first is definitely not. But at least Shigeru seems pretty lax about it if nothing else. ]

But over a meal...sounds nice, I do like to cook. But you normally go out to restaurants and things for dates, right? I-I'm not really good at eating at restaurants. [ Does not elaborate on that. ]

A home-cooked meal sounds nicer, but maybe that's moving too fast?! [ He is also overthinking hypothetical dates now, smh. ] Would that put someone off you think??