expiationlogs | TEST DRIVE MEME #13

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TEST DRIVE MEME #13

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)!

♡

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I guess I should go back in hunting down that Golden King then. He has quite a sunny personality, after all.

[ Yet for some reason, Hakuno kept on missing him. It was like the world wouldn't allow them to meet.

Well, of course.

~~The mun can't roleplay with herself.~~ ]

Do you have an idea who I'm talking about?

A 'golden king'?

[Thinking, thinking.... ]

No, sorry. The only golden king that comes to mind is Midas, and I haven't heard of anybody like him being here - so far.

Really? I was sure that he would have popped here naked because he was bored.

[ Did Hakuno miscalcuate? She was sure that the stupid king was here. ]

Did I get ahead of myself?

Naked... ? [His expression falls. Somehow. Despite the mask.] Oh, him.

I reckon that he must have gotten arrested by the local police by now.

[ THUD!!!

Hakuno slammed her head against the table as she groaned. ]

That stupid goldie!!! He really doesn't have a care in the world!

So he's a friend of yours?

[He is tempted to reach out and pat her head in condolence, but touching strangers so randomly would be rude.]

He's quite reckless, isn't he? Back when we first met he even kept hinting that he knew my ...true identity ...or a name? Something like that.

Friend?

[ The brunette raised her head and looked at Douman. She couldn't see his expression but hers showed that she had just heard something ridiculous. ]

That King won't take a friend.

[ Hakuno Kishinami said confidently before sitting back up straight. ]

As for your True Name, you probably dropped enough hints for Gilgamesh to guess. He is a Heroic Spirit.

Does it really matter what he calls it when the rest is right?

[If that is what their relationship is like. But that 'king' seems to polarize people pretty strongly, so her thinking to look for him should be a good hint for how they stand to each other. It's almost a bit like with Akira-kun and Makoto-kun.

The thought has him smile as he reaches up and moves his mask to the side. This is shaping up to be something that he wants to see properly. So he'll show her the good half of his face.]

What is a heroic spirit? Are 'true names' something important to them?

[ Hakuno wasn't going to try to explain it. She knows what she is to the King, and friend is something that he would ever call her. She was the same way. Gilgamesh was absolutely no friend of hers. ]

A Heroic Spirit is a Legendary Soul. They're basically familiars in contact with a Magus from history.

[ The person in front of her looks Japanese, so maybe she should use a Japanese figure. ]

For example, Tamamo no Mae is one that could be summoned and her class would be Caster.

Pffffft- Hahahahaha! And he thinks that I am something like that too?! That's hilarious in its absurdity!

[His laugher has a nasty edge, but it's also the real deal. The thought that he could be anybody's shikigami - or a figure anybody'd consider 'legendary' is hilarious! The only thing he's ever remembered for is being Seimei's rival or opponent.]

Those fox youkai are good at magic, but they are also notoriously fickle. I'd pity anybody who gets stuck with Tamomo-dono as their familiar. And I'd question her going senile for agreeing to becoming anybody's shikigami.

. . .

[ While Douman was laughing, Hakuno didn't say anything. She blinked and stared at the Youkai in front of her. She could sense that he wasn't human, but he wasn't on the same level as the Servants she had met. Well, she wasn't here to put words in Gilgamesh's mouth. If Douman wants to confront Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes will answer him. ]

I summoned Tamamo no Mae as my Servant.

[His laughter dies down quick at that tidbit. Not because he doesn't believe her or cares about that fox woman, but simply because using a youkai like a shikigami leaves a terribly bad taste in his mouth.]

Really? Then godspeed to you both. You'll need it.

[His voice sounds almost hostile.]

[ Well, somebody was cranky. ]

I don't need it nor do I believe you should say something you don't mean.

It's still better than being rude, isn't it?

My apologies, but I'm just biased about certain things. Like supernatural foxes and humans who force supernatural beings to do their dirty work for them. ....not that I know you remotely well enough to assume that that's what you are doing.

It's just previous bad experiences speaking.

[ Please look at her from top to bottom. Do you think this NPC looking girl would be able to control Tamamo no Mae and Gilgamesh? She was a normal person. You have working eyes! Use them! ]

Mmm, I can see how you can think that but Heroic Spirits, especially Anti-Heroes like Tamamo aren't weak. If anything, one wrong move from the summoner and they would get their head rolling.

[ Even though there is a contract between them, there is no need to follow it through. ]

Besides, Tamamo has to answer my call first. They don't have to.

[ At least, from what Servants told her about summoning. They could easily ignore it if they think it's not worth it. But who knows what the real truth is. ]

[It's exactly because she looks so negligible that Douman doesn't trust her appearance one bit. Idiots would dress up to flaunt their power. Skilled fighters and the like have a special air, a way they move, about them. But those who are truly outrageous? They look just like everybody else. That's the nasty part about them.]

The gods aren't weak either.

[And yet Seimei had subdued not one but four of them all in one go. Douman leans back and offers Hakuno a small smile.]

Forming a contract isn't about physical powers. I heard that there isn't really a choice on the supernatural one's end. Once you hear the call, you either answer or fight and get rid of them. I know I'd pick the latter.

[The Abe no Seimei that had been here had tried to put a leash on him. Douman had changed the magic circle so that they had been locked in together and shown the cocksure Onmyoji just how badly he had overestimated himself.]

Would you believe me if Tamamo no Mae came crashing down and declared me her husband because my Soul just so happens to be handsome? I don't know how true your words can be when that was my experience.

[ True story. Well, Hakuno didn't force anybody. It was more like she was pitied because she was near death's door and didn't want to accept the end so easily. ]

Well, it's not all so bad. I'm alive because of it.

You'd trust the judgment of somebody who'd kick down a door just so that she can shout about your soul being a good-looking guy?

[That's not quite what Hakuno just said, but if you combine the time Tamamo no Mae lived with her calling Hakuno's soul 'handsome' rather than 'pretty' or 'beautiful'... ]

I'll admit that my source is usually less than reliable. But that's exactly why I chose to believe him about this one thing.

Did somebody or -thing try to kill you?

Oh, just the world.

[ Hakuno was going to leave it at that. It would be hard to explain that the Holy Grail War of the Moon was a tournament style War and the way to cull out 999 participants was for them to break out of the brainwashing and prove their worth by summoning a Servant. ]

I was already on my way to the underworld if Tamamo didn't show up.

Oh. So just the usual.

[He pulls out a back of cigarettes and taps one out.]

Do you mind? [he won't smoke if it bothers her]

I currently have two gods working more or less for me, but they generally prove to be way more annoying than actually good for something. Maybe I should ask you for your taming tricks?

Go ahead.

[ Hakuno was used to being around chain smokers. Plus, she doesn't think that smoke would have an effect on her digital body. ]

Taming tricks? Eh....I know a few demi-gods.

[ No, in the first place. ]

There are no tricks. How can I, a human, be above them? [ The undeniable truth. ] I will die easily by their hands, no matter how fond they are of me. But I guess hmm...they like spunky and reckless humans.

Thanks. [he nods at her while lighting up]

Usually I try not to do anything that might harm humans, but your abilities should nullify a little nicotine. [if not her own magic, then at least that of her spirits]

There are more of Gilgamesh's kind?

[Several golden kings like that. What a scary thought.

Douman takes a moment to consider her answer while he exhales a lazy trail of smoke and watches it slowly rise and disperse.]

That would explain why one chose me. I was quite the number in my younger times, although nobody would have ever described me with something as nice as "spunky". ...Ebisu seems to be the opposite, though.

I think the world would blow up if there was more than one Gilgamesh.

[ Understatement? Nah. Probably the truth at this point. ]

Is spunky nice? Sometimes I feel like it gives me more trouble than its worth.

That's the understatement of the century.

[He shivers demonstratively before shrugging his shoulders.]

I don't know. But it certainly has a nicer ring to it than "uncivilized country bumpkin who pursues his goals as stubborn as a mule."

HA!

[ Laughter escaped Hakuno. Oh, it was certainly true. She couldn't deny that. ]

Well, let me tell you. The Gods that I met so far, none of them would allow me to live, so if anything, if I was going to die, I might as well give them a piece of my mind.

(no subject)

nuraridouman - 2025-03-29 01:26 (UTC) - Expand

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