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

[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?"

[sinningtree]

[He glances to the side with that question, thinking. There were quite a few things for him to feel responsible for, but every single major event more or less eventually worked out in a way that resolved lingering thoughts of guilt.

Except one.

Kurama looks up to meet Fandaniel's gaze once more before answering, completely matter-of-fact.]

Leaving a friend to die.

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel emits a scandalized gasp and lifts the sheet of questions to coyly cover his mouth.]

Goodness! How horrid!

What happened?

[sinningtree]

[If anything, the dramatic response just illicits an even more bored expression from the fox. Really, that's about the extent of what happened. Though if he's looking for the gorey details-]

He was impaled by bamboo, though I fail to see what difference that makes.

[endcaller]

[He tips the sheet aside to reveal his smirk.]

It makes all the difference.

One does not simply become impaled by bamboo. It sounds to me like there is quite a story there.

Tell me all about it!

[A giggle, then he places the sheet back on the table and shifts in his seat as if settling in for a good story.]

[sinningtree]

[His gaze lowers to the paper as Fandaniel sets it down again before lifting once more.]

Perhaps you are merely attempting to avoid the next question.

[endcaller]

Me? Avoid questions? Perish the thought.

[He drums his fingers on the tabletop.]

I believe it is your turn to ask the next question anyway. Could it be you are the one being avoidant?

[sinningtree]

You seemed quite taken with the list, I simply did not wish to interrupt.

[A little hard to read with it pressed to someone else's mouth.]

I suppose I could ask my own question, if you're so inclined to share personal information.

[endcaller]

Did I?

[Silver eyes dart from Kurama to the paper, then back again. Maybe he had been playing with it. He likes having something to do with his hands.]

A man of the theater is allowed to appreciate a good prop, yes?

...Ask your question.

[sinningtree]

[An eyebrow quirks at the man of the theater comment, but he doesn't ask about it.]

Going back to an earlier point you made, the 'simple fact' that a body is separate from our identity. As if it is merely a vessel that carries our true selves - mind, soul, whatever you wish to call it. That body is not truly yours, is it?

[He could word that better, but he's more interested in how the question will be taken than clarifying.]

[endcaller]

Ahahaha!

[Fandaniel rattles out a dark giggle.]

My, my, what a question. Of course this body is truly my own.

[A hand flutters to his chest.]

My heart, my breath, my hands...

I suppose the question you are trying to ask is... has it always been?

[sinningtree]

[The laughter really shouldn't be a surprise, but green eyes narrow at the rest of that response.]

I am aware that it has not.

[He'd deduced that much at least, so Fandaniel's return question only confirms it as far as he's concerned.]

Rather, what I'm curious about is why you carry no personal scent or cast any shadow.

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel continues to smile as he laces his fingers under his chin. Most people do not notice his lack of a shadow. Not consciously, at least. They notice something is off about him, something they can't place. As if he's never fully there.]

Wellll~

[He lilts.]

To have a scent and shadow of my own I would have to be a person. And I am not.

[sinningtree]

[Kurama's tendency is to pick up on things gradually without even realizing or all at once without warning. Noticing the lack of scent caught his attention first, that combined with watching Fandaniel's movements led to the realization of something else being off- all hints that he's been putting together throughout the conversation.]

What, exactly, makes one 'not a person'?

[Playing along with the speed dating theme may have just been thrown entirely out the window.]

[endcaller]

What makes one a person?

[Fandaniel lifts a shoulder and his smile widens. Speed dating is all but forgotten.]

Consciousness, humanity, individuality, moral reasoning, autonomy? I may possess a few of these characteristics. I am most certainly an individual, and one with consciousness and autonomy. Humanity, however, I lack. As well as moral reasoning. Or any reasoning for that matter. I've no reason nor creed behind what I do.

[One hand twirls in the air.]

If my former compatriots are to be believed, I am not even alive, ontologically speaking. I am but a broken piece of a life.

So....

No scent. No shadow.

[Here he leans forward again, rests his elbow against the table and catches his chin in one hand.]

Why all the interest?