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.

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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

Fandaniel | current character | OTA

[endcaller]

i. There's Something In The Air Tonight

[Fandaniel arrives at the party the moment he knows it is happening, figuring an event like this could use his style and flare. When people start pairing up, however, he grimaces and withdraws to the refreshment table. He isn't interested in a partner or a lover but he needs someone to properly set the mood. Why hasn't anyone picked him yet?

Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he whirls in place, locks eyes on the first person he sees, and crows]

Could it be? Are you here at last? Are you...my Valentine!?

ii. Speed Dating

[Fandaniel sits back in his seat and fans himself with the list of questions.]

You should know they claim these little meetings last only a couple minutes but I would swear they are much longer. Well! Nothing to do about it, I suppose...

I'll start us out...

Ahem.

[He smooths the list out and starts reading.]

ii.a "When did you know you were in love with me?" [He glances up and bats his eyelashes.]
ii.b "What is a person? Is it the mind or body?" [Here he snorts and stares at the paper a moment longer.] 'Tis the mind, of course. Imagine being foolish enough to think otherwise.
ii.c "What is your favorite geological period of the Paleozoic Era?" [A slow blink.] Huh?
ii.d "If you could be an animal, what would you be?" [He looks up, considers the question a moment, then...] I'd be a stingray.
ii.e "Why do you think we're here?" [A sharp giggle.] Ahahaha! Because we were abducted by a foolish machine! ...You don't suppose they were seeking a more spiritual answer, do you?

iii. Tunnel of Love

[Fandaniel doesn't care much who he is paired with. When the attendant picks his partner he smiles a gleaming smile and holds out his hand.]

Care to brave the romantic unknown with me?

i

[followyourstar]

[The silence between them stretches for a long moment, punctuated only by the ticking of Dante's clock.

That ends with a decisive tock.]

< Nope. >

[They immediately turn to leave, futile though their attempt may be.]

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel prances ahead of Dante, twirls and walks backward to address them with a flirtatious wink.]

Come now, surely you do not mean that!

I'll write you a sonnet for every new Chosen who walks through yonder doors. Allow me to wax poetic about the lovely color of your....ah

[He blinks.]

...Minute hand?

[followyourstar]

< You... really don't have to. >

[He's going to do it anyway.]

< Shouldn't Hyperetes be helping you out? I thought you were... you know. >

[endcaller]

[Another blink, followed by a bewildered head tilt.]

I don't know, in fact! Do continue, I am deathly curious how you intended to finish that sentence.

[followyourstar]

[Dante slows to a stop, the tilt of their head matching Fandaniel's own.]

< Your sight. You mentioned something before, about this place messing with it. >

[endcaller]

Oh that!

Ahahaha...

[Fandaniel exhales a sharp giggle and waves a dismissive hand through the air.]

Here I thought you were about to say I was involved in some manner of romantic entanglement with my dear little automachina!

Aye. I was blind. The light had left my eyes entirely 'ere we fell into the dreaming.

'Tis restored now. I could not claim why. Mayhap the Council felt I'd suffered enough.

[He folds his hands behind the small of his back and leans forward into Dante's personal space.]

Thank you for remembering. You truly are my Valentine.

[followyourstar]

[A romantic entanglement with--?

No wait, nevermind that!]

< Wait, it's been restored already? But I--! >

[They'd been working on a deal!

He'd threatened them over it!]

[endcaller]

Indeed. 'Tis surprising to me as well.

[He sways in place.]

I say, is something wrong?

[followyourstar]

[Don't encourage him, they remind themselves. Don't encourage him.

Just play it cool and don't react. No matter how much extra ticking and tocking they're doing.]

< Just... surprised is all. Glad something like that isn't permanent. >

[endcaller]

Your concern is dearly appreciated but are you certain that is all?

[A frown, he leans in further, peers up at Dante with wide, curious eyes.]

You seem to be ticking rather frantically.

[followyourstar]

[They lean away, nearly having to take a step back to keep their balance.]

< No, I'm fine. Just, uh, my clock ticking away as usual. >

[It sure is.

Mostly because Dante's a terrible liar.]

[endcaller]

You know...

[He lilts playfully and bobs back upright again.]

The mainspring of a clock is not a terribly complex mechanism. Dare I say 'tis even primitive by my standards?

I could crack you open to make certain no gears are malfunctioning.

ii.b

[sinningtree]

[By now, Kurama's met quite a few people on these little 'dates' and Fandaniel is right that they don't necessarily feel like a firm five minutes. While the fox has seen him around here and there, they hadn't actually met before now, but he doesn't bother to protest - or speak at all - as the list is smoothed out for a question. The response to said question gets a reaction, though, head tilting slightly before he speaks.]

That seems presumptuous to assume.

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel's eyes widen and he blinks owlishly at Kurama.]

Do you disagree? Are you your body and naught more?

[sinningtree]

[Oh, so dryly.]

Obviously not. We are cumulative of our respective parts, mind as the question puts it, soul, spirit... body. They are not mutually exclusive, but combine to make us who we are.

[endcaller]

Well, yes, you as you are now are composed of many parts both spiritual and physical.

However...

[Here he leans forward on his elbows, then laces his fingers together beneath his chin.]

Suppose, one day, you found yourself suddenly bereft of a body. Would you still be you?

[sinningtree]

[He quirks an eyebrow as Fandaniel leans forward.]

Of course. However, who I was previously is hardly the same as who I am now.

[endcaller]

Naturally! We are all in a state of constant flux. Even the cells that compose our bodies die and are born again anew.

[He taps a finger against the table.]

Through it all exists one unbroken chain of consciousness, yes? The mind, or soul, who experiences the lives we live. Separate from body. Separate, even, from memory. That is what we are.

[sinningtree]

[He leans back, crossing one leg over the other.]

Perhaps we should agree to disagree and move on to another question.

[endcaller]

Ha...

Imagine disagreeing on a simple fact.

[He opens his mouth, nearly ready to point out that he, himself, is immortal aether. That the flesh he wears now is someone else's corpse and no more a part of him than clothing would be. That he carries the memories of another man, thanks to his elevation to the Seat of Fandaniel.

Explaining Ascian existence seems exhausting, so he waves the thought away with a sly grin.]

Very well. Disagree if you must!

'Tis your turn to ask a question.

[sinningtree]

Maybe in your reality. My experiences say otherwise.

[He might agree riding around in someone else's corpse is another matter, there's a distinct difference between possessing someone else and having multiple forms that are his own.

Kurama glances at the list and back up at Fandaniel as if debating whether or not to even bother.]

What would you like to change if you could travel to the past?

[endcaller]

My, what a question.

[He reaches up and rubs his chin thoughtfully.]

I'd invest in the merchant guilds of Ul'dah sooner.

[Said with a lazy grin, then he adds...]

Though if I am permitted to travel far into the past, well... I have it on good authority that a man named Hermes once lived. I would like to kill him. Violently if necessary.

What about you?

[sinningtree]

[his response is completely deadpan]

I would find whatever brought us here and stop it.

[His head tips, waving a hand as if that's beside the point.]

However, I believe you're supposed to be asking me a different question.

[If they ignore the rules does this drag out longer?]

[endcaller]

Am I?

Well, then...

[Silver eyes dart down to the paper.]

Ahem....

"What action in your past do you feel the most guilt about?"