expiationlogs | TEST DRIVE MEME #14

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TEST DRIVE MEME #14

Test Drive Meme #14

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 are open to all this cycle!

You can view our CALENDAR to keep important dates in mind. RESERVES open on April 20th and APPLICATIONS will open on April 23rd. After this, applications will next open in June.

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A TRANQUIL BEACH VACATION... ?

Hmmm… the sun is shining, there’s the sound of waves–

Wait, the sound of waves?

This new batch of Chosen find themselves waking up in what looks like a fishing village. Some of them wake up outside, some of them wake up with their faces in the sand. Others wake up in what seems like an inn? They might not be the only ones in the bed with them, though. There’s not that many spaces! They may find themselves waking up next to another Chosen – or one of the locals, the Naga. They seem like there’s nothing wrong with this though, and even welcome them into their home. Do they want anything to eat? Drink? They can leave the bed even, if they’d like to continue to rest. Whatever the Chosen ask, they’ll give it to them without hesitation. See? Isn’t it so great here? You don’t even want to go to Aldrip right now! Those guys are awful. See what they did to those poor little welcome bots? Some of those Chosen had tried to dismantle or beat them! They’d run to Rumpitur and the Naga – who aren’t amazing with technology, but had been able to patch them up. But they’re very much still just second-rate patched. They can still see where they’ve been taken apart, and some wheels might even be lopsided as they roll around and give out the parchments and tablets.

Those poor, poor, bots.

But! Spring means rebirth, and that means that the Naga are celebrating. They've even been inviting Chosen from Aldrip to come visit! Those merchants they sent over there were inviting them while trying to sell their wares. Watch out though - they may get dragged into helping set up for the party, or help cook and run errands for the festivities to come.

XOXO GOSSIP GIRL

While the appearance of the Chosen in Rumpitur was not expected, the locals seem to take it in stride - and welcome the new arrivals warmly. The small town may not have much to spare, but they will happily share what they have: a bed at the inn, a meal at the restaurant, a couple of fish from the recent haul. The snake people are more than willing to engage in conversation, too, though don't count on them to answer all your questions - they can't tell you what they don't know, after all. Instead, they're likely to steer the conversation in the direction of the other Chosen. They shudder as they speak of them, sighing dramatically as they recount all the reasons why they're not so keen on the newcomers' Aldrip counterparts.

"Have you heard? They've blown up their own city hall three times! How barbaric!"

"I don't understand how the people there put up with them… they have no respect for anything! They even erected statues of themselves without asking for permission!"

"Now I'm not saying they're all like this, but when my neighbor's friend went over to visit, she swore up and down they were sleeping in coffins!"

"I know this might sound crazy, but my mother has seen them wear socks with sandals!"

"Apparently some of them go missing on a regular basis. I'm not saying they're responsible, but one has to wonder what happens to them…"

… And so on and so forth. The Rumpitur residents are eager to share all the gossip, no matter how ridiculous or improbable, and will continue to do so even after the aforementioned Chosen from Aldrip arrive at their town. They advise the newcomers should stay on guard around them, and don't believe what they say easily. The question is, do you believe them?

Oh, and there is one more topic that seems prevalent among the rumors - the villagers whisper about the visitors from faraway lands finally deciding to end their isolation and reestablish friendly relations with the mainland. What could that be about…?

OOC:
Is there any specific gossip you'd like the people of Rumpitur to spread, real or fake? Feel free to comment here, so the players can use it in their threads if they want! If you'd like to submit a gossip about another character, please make sure the player is okay with it first!

AREN'T YOU EGG-STATIC?

It’s Spring time! It’s time to celebrate the new budding leaves in the trees, many with their blossoms on full display. There are birds singing in the trees, an energy in the little animals that inhabited around and in this fair city.

The merchants of Rumpitur are also here to not only sell their resources for a steep price, but as a show of good faith and to attempt to build bonds, they have offered to celebrate the annual tradition of egg hunting within and around the village! There are eggs that are very particular with chromic shells scattered around town, and they are meant to start off the Spring hope of a good year for commerce, friendship, and prosperity.

Never mind that pesky stereotype that snakes eat eggs. These are traditional and celebratory events only!

Everyone is encouraged to celebrate this fun and light-hearted tradition of find and seek! When the event kicks off, the Rumpitur merchants explain that the eggs are meant to be cracked open to reveal a prize inside! Their chromic shells can be cracked and then peeled or they can be smashed (you heathens) to reveal their contents. The chromic egg shell colours do not correspond to a particular prize either, so it’s all fun and games until someone turns into a snake. What? No, nevermind.

Run free and have fun, Chosen! Share your eggs or horde them for yourself!

Edible Effects:(click to expand!)

Milk Chocolate Egg - Nothing! It’s just delicious! Or is it…?

White Chocolate Egg - Characters will manifest angelic qualities such as wings or a halo or white clothing. They are compelled to help others in need and to avoid causing crime! They will even go so far as to stop a crime from happening at all costs… even self sacrifice! These effects will last 24 hours; this effect can be prolonged with repeatedly consuming this type of egg.

Dark Chocolate Egg - Characters will manifest demonic qualities such as horns, barbed tail, red skin, sharp teeth and even leathery wings. They are compelled to encourage and entice other characters to commit crime (do the Chosen really need help with this? No.). These effects will last 24 hours; this effect can have a prolonged duration with repeatedly consuming this type of egg.

Chocolate Peanut Butter-filled Egg - Characters will suddenly be attached to the first person that they see. They are tethered to within 3 feet from this other person. Your new partner for the next 8 hours? Yeah, they can walk away from you, and you have to follow or be dragged along. And yes, if multiple Chosen eat one of these, there can be multiple teethers. What a great bonding experience!

Chocolate and Caramel Egg - Characters can only tell the truth; alternatively, characters can only tell lies. This is not a compulsion so much as their words will change and warp as they leave their mouths depending on the effect they are under. They can resist, but to no avail. Give in and speak your truth/untruths! This effect will last 6 hours.

White Chocolate with Strawberry-filling Egg - Characters under this effect face an escalating compulsion to share a secret, a crime, or a regret about their lives. The longer they hold out, the more painful the experience becomes. They must tell another Chosen; talking to the trees or the Rumpitur natives doesn’t count. This compulsion lasts for 4 hours or dissipates after the compulsion has been fulfilled.

Chocolate with Lemon-filling Egg - Characters experience aphrodisiac effects. They are overcome with the urge to cuddle anyone around them or… you know. On this effect, characters can either be charming or sassy, so they are ready and able to lay down some smooth moves or encourage a little rough play. This effect lasts 12 hours and can be prolonged with repeated consumption.

Chocolate Nougat Egg - Characters are suddenly very drunk or high or hyper-active. They will probably make a nuisance of themselves or at least need help to find somewhere safe. Let all your drunk/high/hyper dreams come true and try not to puke in someone’s flower pots, okay? This effect will last for 8 hours; it can have its effects prolonged or stacked with repeated consumption.

Rotten egg - Seems like you got pranked. Not only does it taste bad but it seems like it will plague a character who eats it with the worst luck possible.

Non-Edible Effects:(click to expand!)

Small useful item - Use is all in the eye of the beholder of course, but these items are something that can find a place. Examples: mini-binoculars, compass, swiss-army knife, engagement ring (looking at you Vi/Cait & Scott/Kotone), etc. Player discretion encouraged.

Small useless item - This is a small item like a toy, a part, or something that may be fun but have little to no use. Examples are glitter, a mini-puzzle, toy car, magic 8-ball, chinese finger-trap, etc. Player discretion encouraged.

Pet - It can be any kind of animal and not just ones born out of eggs. It can only grow to the size of a medium-sized dog, so no horses or elephants unless they are very miniature. Mystical or animals from a Chosen’s home are fine.

Fuzzy hand-cuffs - Do you need more explanation? The fur can be any colour or pattern that a player wishes. These make great gifts for people you like or don’t.

Magical Bullshit McGuffin - Effects unknown. Only one egg has this ominously glowing orb. Leave a comment if your character wants this and it will be RNG, with the results in the next SOTG. No world-ending skybeams will be included.

IS THAT A SIDEQUEST?

The Naga will also offer quests in exchange for food, and favors. Veteran Chosen may find that if they complete them, the attitudes towards them will soften. New Chosen will find the same thing, that the attitudes seem to cool down towards the old ones the more they’re completed.

There’s a snake in a tree!

A baby Naga is stuck in a tree… somehow? It isn’t sure how to get down though, and is screaming and crying. The parents are at the base of it, pleading for the child to come down, and unable to go up there themselves. Help?

Time to fish!

There’s a fish caught in a net off the docks that the Naga just can’t seem to pull up and onto it. This will require a small group of two or more characters to pull it up and onto the dock. But watch out! The more they tug, the more the fish thrashes. While it won’t hurt Chosen that fall into the water, it might be very likely that they get pulled in.

Fetch!

Could you help some of the cooks around the town? They’re kind of busy cooking for all of these newcomers, so they’re going to ask some groups of Chosen to go gather food from the forest. Be careful though, because there’s monsters out there.

Hey, you!

A Naga might try to get the attention of the Chosen and wave them over, saying that they need help building their new home. They’ll teach Chosen how to use the tools, and hopefully you get someone else with the building. Some of this stuff’s heavy.

OOC:
For old and new players (pending acceptance into the game), there will be a reward for helping out these guys in the SOTG. Quests are not limited to these four, and some may be made up by you if you wish! Just remember that they’re supposed to be positive in spirit, and contribute to Rumpitur in some way. Also, feel free to assume that the player submissions on the bestiary portion do show up in the game as we start to overhaul that page again!

ALL GOOD (?) THINGS COME TO AN END

After about a week, it seems like all the festivities are winding down. The older Chosen are starting to get shooed out of the village, and while they won’t completely kick out the newer ones… they’re going to heavily imply that they don’t have enough space for them all to live with them. Some can stay if they really want to, but they may be told they’re going to end up in Aldrip eventually. They all do, at one time or another, end up in the “home city” of the cycle.

Whatever that means!

But that’s just fine though, it’s not like they haven’t been subject to hearing gossip for a week straight. Just fine.

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)!

♡

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Kurt does feel some relief wash over him as Scott explains, because it really doesn't feel nearly as bad as what he got stuck with. But he also feels confused at the same time, because if it's not so bad, what's keeping Scott from talking about it like this?]

Oh. Well, that doesn't sound so bad. It's just talking, right? [He offers a shrug of his shoulders. He is also reminded of Kotone's recent post on the network about a similar subject.]

I mean, we can knock it out right now and get it over with! We can really talk it up, bro-style!

Y-yeah, it's just talking. Nothing else.

[If he repeats that to himself several times, it will definitely boost his confidence. That's how that works. Okay, not really, but at least talking to Kurt is something he's normally very comfortable with and that helps. Maybe he doesn't tell every little detail to his best friend, but he's definitely someone that he confides in more than others.

It's just getting that first hurdle. Trying not to imagine Kurt hating him after he gets this stuff off his chest. Because it would hurt, a lot. Technically, he doesn't have to talk about his actual 'crime' itself, but...

Maybe he shouldn't keep it from him anyway. He can trust Kurt, he knows that.]

Thanks man. [He almost smiles.] Just uh, do me a solid and promise not to freak out, okay?

[Kurt looks on, supportive. He doesn't really get why Scott feels the need to ask this. He knows him and trusts him. He can't imagine any version of him doing anything freak-out worthy! His eyebrow raises slightly, and he smiles as he assures Scott.]

Of course! I don't get what the big dealio is, but you've got my word. What's up?

[Okay... guess he really has no excuse now, right? Just say it out loud. He can do it. It'll be super easy. Yeah. There's still a moment when he pauses, breathes in again, and starts over, but after a large exhale, he finally gets those words forming at the base of his throat and--]

On my parchment it says I killed Charles Xavier.

[He almost says it in a rush, words sticking together, but probably clear enough to decipher. Scott just stands there awkwardly for a moment, maybe a little nervous, anxious and waiting, as he forces himself to look at Kurt.]

[Kurt braced himself for whatever Scott was building up to saying. But when he hears him declare his crime, he feels shocked - and largely baffled. It's a concept he can't even conceive.]

What?! You- but- why? There's no way that's true. Talk about a made-up crime!

[Kurt seems convinced, quickly nodding.]

Maybe it's a typo. Like it's supposed to say that you're really killing it with the Professor!

[That surely sounds much more likely.]

[Kurt's in disbelief. It makes sense. Scott knows that he probably should feel glad that his friend is having difficulty believing in something like this, like he'd trust him no matter what. It just also makes explaining all this really awkward. No, that would probably be the same regardless, huh? Just really awkward and rough no matter what.

He almost wants to smile at Kurt's joke, but it doesn't quite reach Scott this time.]

...Of course I haven't hurt the Professor back home. He's okay. [He wants to make that clear at least, that he actually hasn't done that crime back home. But that doesn't mean it never happened. In a universe. Quentin's world, apparently. Scott lets out a breath, trying to gather his words again.]

But. I think I did-- another version of me did.

[Even though Kurt wasn't about to believe those apparent charges, he still feels relief when Scott confirms that it wasn't him who took out the Professor. Things may be dramatically different in Scott's timeline, but he's sure that Scott and Professor's relationship is still similar. In fact, he feels like it's probably a constant across all universes.

So the rest of what Scott has to say throws him off.]

What, for real? What makes you think that? Maybe it's like an evil version of you from some super bizarre universe... [He ponders.]

Yeah.

[Not that Scott fully slumps in front of Kurt, but he's definitely become quieter. Less confident, his hands placed back in his pockets as he continues to sort through all his feelings about this. Initially angry, defensive, not believing he could ever do such a thing. And he still doesn't think he will.

But it doesn't feel great to see that crime on his parchment. For over a year now. Jerry doesn't think the crime is wrong, but it has to be, right? It's not some omen for the future. It was all just one big mix up...]

...Quentin said that the Scott in his universe did kill the Professor.

[His eyes go wide as Scott reveals that and pulls the rug out from under his rationalization.]

Wait, what? He... he did? ...It didn't sound like he was from an... evil mirror world...

[Despite Quentin's Quentin-ness, he doesn't see any reason to doubt him.]

I just can't believe a you would do that.

[Quentin being from an evil mirror world would explain a lot of things-- okay no, the other mutant wasn't that bad. Far from it. Scott still misses him; he was the first mutant he met in this world.]

Apparently the Phoenix Force was involved, so I think that other Scott wasn't entirely in his right mind anyway.

[But what was it that Quentin said? That Phoenix can't completely force its host to do something that they would never do. She just amplifies everything to an extreme. He briefly 'glitched' into that Scott, but honestly, all of the stuff that happened around that time is just a big confusing mess. It's overwhelming to think about-- let alone something he doesn't want to think about to begin with, because Kotone...

He shakes his head.]

But... he still did it. [Can he blame the other Scott? Maybe.]

[At least there's some kind of explanation. This Phoenix Force concept has been a bit of a confusing one to wrap his head around, but he gets the gist of it.]

So the Phoenix messed with you- him. I guess that kinda makes it make more sense.

[He looks at Scott somewhat hopefully.]

But it's not the same if the Phoenix made you do it! You wouldn't do it while in your right mind, and that's what really matters.

Y-yeah, right. I wouldn't do something like that... and I think the other Scott would say the same. Just a lot of bad things happened at once.

[He might be trying to convince himself. Just a little. But it's not like he really wants to hurt the Professor at all, that much is true. If he keeps on telling himself that, then it should be okay. Yeah, no bad feelings for Phoenix or whatever to latch onto. He's not even sure if she exists in his universe anyway.

Yeah, maybe that would be for the best too. He'll just ignore the minor flare of heat in his chest, as if the small fragment of the fiery bird is insulted by his feelings.]

But y-yeah, that's the whole thing. [He tries for a somewhat encouraging smile.] Jerry wanted me to talk about that-- well, mostly, is it okay to hurt someone for the greater good.

[It's basically what Kurt wanted to hear, but he wishes Scott would say it with more conviction. As it is, some of the discomfort lingers with Kurt. He feels like he can't dismiss the thought entirely - but at least now they can move onto a different potentially uncomfortable subject!]

Right! Yeah. That. [He tries to perk up.]

So, uh, let's rap about that. I feel like it would depend on, like, how much hurt we're talking here. I mean, we end up hurting our enemies all the time for the sake of goodness! [It's easier to approach in the most black and white terms.]

He didn't specify on how much the 'hurt' is, although... he did mention it being people that I cared about. Like I guess I already technically hurt Apocalypse to stop him from taking over the world, but I don't think that's what he was talking about.

[And Jean is the one that really finished him off, something that he still thinks about to this day. She's the one that should have Phoenix, really, not him or any other Scott, but wishing that on her doesn't seem fair either. Unless she's... really okay handling such a powerful force. He doesn't want her to go through all that pain either.

But he focuses his thoughts on the present.]

Oh right... People you care about. That makes it more specific. And more difficult.

[His shoulders slump as he considers the idea.]

...It would really depend in that case. I don't know about causing any serious injuries. And I think there's some lines that shouldn't be crossed. After all, in a lot of those cases, there's another way.

[He offers a small smile at Kurt's answer. That's what he believes too-- what he wants to believe, at least. There's just a line you can't cross. Even... even if you're helping a lot more people.

....]

Y-yeah, there's always another way, right? We shouldn't have to hurt those close to us to get something done. That just means I haven't thought of the right solution yet.

Right! Exactly. [He quickly nods along.] We're the X-Men, after all. We're all about finding the best solutions!

[Right, they're the X-Men... they can always find a solution as long as they work together.]

That's kind of our job, right? Being a team, fighting off the bad guys. [...] You and the others back in your world managed all this time without crossing any lines, right?

[Dang, should he ask Kurt's Scott for advice? Not that he's here.]

[His smile does fade as the question is turned on him. Mostly, he finds himself thinking of the Mystique situation, how Rogue pushed her to her doom instead of trying to save her.]

...Pretty much. ...Except for... sometimes things got complicated.

[He rubs at his head uncertainly. He also thinks of the time when he saved Magneto's life, despite Logan trying to get him to cut him to cut him off from his lifeline.]

[Oh... that doesn't sound great, especially coming from Kurt. It almost deflates some of the spirit that Scott's been trying to hold, but he does his best to remain steady while prodding his friend a little more about these details. It's best if he learns, right? So he can be prepared on his end. Maybe avoid the same mistakes.]

What happened, Kurt?

[He lets out a sad sigh and looks down. He was hoping not to make things heavy, but there's no denying it.]

Well, the main thing I'm thinking of is- well- you kinda know about it. Or hot it ended. With... Mystique.

[He pauses a moment to let that settle in.]

The person who did that to her was another X-Man. Someone who had been wronged by Mystique, who had every reason to want nothing to do with her. We argued over over what to do with her, and ultimately it turned out that other person was the key to saving her. At first, I thought that person was going to go along with it, but at the last second...

[He gestures away sadly, thinking back to Mystique's fall.]

...what you saw happened instead.

[It's definitely not surprising to hear about this, but it doesn't make it any easier. Maybe it's worse now, since Raven is his instructor now. Of course, it's still far worse for his friend, no matter how much time has passed. Or that they've talked about it before. But Scott doesn't interrupt him, the mutant staying quiet with a more downed look.

So... it was another X-Man that killed her. When Mystique was already frozen, unable to act. That seems rather cold, cruel? He remembers their time in that tower, when the both of them 'saved' her from crashing down from that cliff, but it's clear that didn't actually happen in Kurt's timeline. And Kurt had to watch her die.

He gets how painful that is.

Swallowing hard, he lifts a hand, before placing it on Kurt's shoulder.]

...I'm sorry man. [They killed her. Kurt's mom.] They shouldn't have done that-- like she couldn't even defend herself. That's beyond crossing lines if you ask me.

[The memory still haunts him. Scott has helped him in some ways - that dream version where they saved her, plus hearing about and seeing his version of Mystique - it's helped him to feel hopeful and soften the blow a bit. But nothing can completely erase the impact it's had on him.

He offers a weak smile to Scott as he assures him.]

Th-thanks, Scott. It's... it's fine, really. It was hard, really hard, to come to grips with it. And who did it.

[He had shunned Rogue for a while afterwards. But ultimately, he felt he couldn't disown his sister over it. She was the one who was still here, who needed help and needed family who wouldn't leave her.]

...But I did. This person was someone I couldn't just condemn, even if those lines were crossed. I guess that, that's another tough part of being an X-Man. We should stand by each other no matter what! Even when... lines were crossed...?

[He has been trying to avoid mentioning Rogue's identity explicitly, because he doesn't want this to reflect on the Rogue here in this world. Although with what he remembers about the dream world, this Rogue doesn't feel too differently about Mystique and how to handle her...]

[Scott shakes his head, a more stern frown forming. Not that he wants Kurt to hold a grudge against that other mutant forever, but... this can't be 'okay' either.]

It's not fine, Kurt. This is your mom we're talking about, even if she did do a lot of bad things in your timeline.

[And maybe it would be a little different if she was about to kill one of Kurt's friends. This, however? She was already down and out, pretty much. Frozen and really unable to hurt anyone. It just feels excessive.]

We'll stand together as X-Men, but this can't be brushed aside either. They attacked someone that couldn't defend themselves at all. [...] Who hurt Raven anyway?

It- it's not like I brushed it aside! It took me a long time to come to terms with it, and to- to accept it.

[He looks down, balling up his fists as he remembers those emotions, and his attempts to distance himself from Rogue.]

But I couldn't hold this against her forever. She's my sister!

[He admits with an exhale, as he meekly looks up at Scott. There's no point hiding it anymore... and he trusts Scott anyway.]

It was Rogue. My... my Rogue. She was raised by Mystique. And used by her. And- and - it's just a lot, okay?

TEST DRIVE MEME #14

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