TEST DRIVE MEME #15

[expiationmods]

Test Drive Meme #15

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.

-A piece of the AI approached Fandaniel in April to bring a piece of itself to the island across from the Rumpitur town. He did it, inserting it and therefore restoring that piece back into itself. After a month and a half of a map update, new people have landed to Aldrip to investigate the Chosen there... coincidence? I think not.

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 June 20th and APPLICATIONS will open on June 23rd. After this, applications will next open in August.

FOR PLAYERS/APPLICANTS: The modteam has agreed to revise AC as of July, we will be posting the details in the SOTG.

Full Navigation

ARRIVALS

New arrivals will wake up in the middle of an inventors event, in the middle of any prompt below. They may wake up with pieces of materials surrounding them with the expectation to make something, or appear where those NPCs are trying out their experiments! Either way, they'll be dragging the newbies into their nonsense right off the bat, as if people appearing is no big deal at all. More inventors and experiment test subjects for them!

Newbies can also appear while the Red Chocobo that's been brought into Aldrip is running amok, speeding through the streets of the city and just generally causing chaos and riling up the other animals within the city walls.

HAPPY PROGRESS DAY

As announced by the Briorsea visitors earlier into the month, they are holding an innovation fair at the event center! Anyone and everyone's invited, whether it's as a participant or a casual audience member. The guests seem thrilled to be able to share their latest ideas and contraptions with the good people of Aldrip, and they can even come across as a little patronizing with all their bragging about their advanced technology. Well, that's the cue for the Chosen to step in! All you creative types are welcome to enter your own inventions to compete with others, and if you manage to impress the people of Briorsea, you might win exclusive prizes that would change the lives of the people on the continent forever! (Or so they say.) Whether your creation is mechanical or chemical, a fully-working prototype of just a bunch of lunatic notes and scribbles, the judges will hear you out. There's no new innovation without experimentation, and they want to see how the melting pot of various worlds can push Aldrip forward.

If your character would like to participate in the contest, people respond to the mod comment below and we will RNG the winners!

TEST SUBJECTS WANTED

Of course, theory can only get you so far; every inventor knows putting it into practice is the real challenge. With so many brilliant minds back in Briorsea, it can be pretty difficult to find reliable help without risking becoming the target of some industrial espionage, but here in Aldrip they finally don't have to worry about it. In fact, they're quite sure they can find lots of willing test sub─ er, assistants! So don't be surprised if you're just looking around the festival when you suddenly get pulled out of the crowd and in front of the stall ─ or worse yet, onto the stage ─ and ushered to try out one of the amazing new tech developed by the guests.

Springy Boots: it's like normal boots, but with springs attached! Thanks to these, walking will soon become a thing of the past, and those pesky stairs will pose a threat no longer. Just put those bad boys on and leap to wherever you wanna go! Just, uh, try not to end up on the roof. Mastering the correct jump might take some time!

GrubClub Deliveries: sometimes you crave restaurant-style food, prepared by the finest chefs… but you also don't want to leave the coziness of your room. Who you gonna call then? Why, the GrubClub, of course! A new, innovative way of delivering high quality cuisine straight to your home is taking the world by the storm (or will, as soon as they work out the kinks). The system is pretty simple: the freshly prepared meals are loaded into a catapult and launched to the coordinates of the delivery address! Fast and simple. The accuracy still leaves something to be desired, if you happen to be in the vicinity, watch out for flying rations above your head!

Opposite Day: don't think Briorsea innovators are limited to engineer only, oh no! Some of the chemists have been studying the flora around Aldrip, and with juuust the right mix of ingredients, they've managed to crack the formula for a refreshing tonic that recharges a person like a brand-new set of batteries. The only downside is, it also causes some aspect of your personality to switch: if you're usually a grumpy jerk, you might find yourself in an unusually good mood. If you're a goody two-shoes, you might feel the compulsion to act a little naughty. If you're a liar, you might find yourself speaking truth for the first time in your life… you get the idea. Don't worry, the effects are temporary and won't last longer than a couple of hours! So that's not such a bad trade-off, huh?

These are examples of what you might find at the fair, but we encourage the players to come up with their own inventions as well, whether created by the characters or NPCs! Go wild!

WILD CHOCOBO CHASE

As stated on the quest board, some of the visiting scientists wish to study the local population of chocobos. Well, thanks to the goodwill and support from one of the Chosen (endcaller), they received not just a feather or two, but a whole living specimen! A red one, to be specific. Sadly, Fandaniel didn't leave them any manual or tips for handling the hellish bird, and it did not take kindly to its new owners. In fact, it didn't take long for it to break free and start rampaging around the event area! If this keeps up, the fair will turn into a disaster, with all the amazing inventions on display getting trampled by the enraged fowl.

This might be a good chance to show the visitors what the Chosen of Aldrip are capable of, and maybe even get them indebted to you! Or you can just sit back and enjoy the mayhem. It's up to you.

A MEMORIAL

As per Scott’s and Kotone’s announcement over the network, they are hosting a Remembrance Event over at Richard’s Inn, the man graciously letting the place be used. It’s big and the place where a lot of Chosen started off at, so it’s fitting in a lot of ways. Walking in, the inn isn’t overly decorated with banners or anything too colorful, given the nature of the occasion, but there’s more liveliness to it, if only because people have started to gather around here.

Looking around… (and please, newbies are more than welcome to come)

Please bring actual food

Letting two teenagers that share one single brain cell bring over food? Unfortunately, Scott and Kotone (mostly Kotone), only made baked goods for the remembrance. There’s cookies, cupcakes, and chocolate truffles lining the kitchen table, and while they all look rather tasty, there’s a notable lack of actual food. Hopefully you brought something that isn’t just sweets to share with everyone. You might be the savior of the day.

Otherwise, well, at least the pastries are good.

Remembrance Book

Off to the side of the main lobby of the inn, there’s a hefty book resting on a table titled ‘Memories.’ Thumbing through it, you’ll notice that most of the pages are blank, but there might be a couple of names, along with brief descriptions, written there that might be familiar to some Chosen. Just of people that have long ‘disappeared’ from this place, or even just recently. Next to the book is a pen, along with a set of instructions that should make everything clear:

‘Write down names of Chosen that went home. A description too. Or a good memory. Just don’t make it too stupid.’

Instant camera

On another table are a couple of instant cameras, the kind where you take a picture and a polaroid comes out after a few seconds. Cute, right? A chance to take a picture with friends, or maybe you even just want to pull a random stranger over so that you can take a picture with them. As if to encourage the photo taking, there’s also some random objects on the table there too, like silly glasses and a few random hats to put on.

Like the other station, there’s a note there:

‘Don’t forget to make new memories too.’

Gift Exchange

Writing things is good, but you know what everyone likes? Presents. Whether it's something full of meaning or just something bought on a whim, a tangible reminder of those who may be missing one day in the future might be nice to have. While of course there are things to be purchased around town, Kotone's utilized her Sewing Club to put together a small area of the inn with most of the fabric, yarn, and other assorted craft materials she's been hoarding over the past two years, in case someone wants to make something with a more personal touch. Surely someone will be willing to teach you how to use the sewing machine?

Another helpful note suggests:

'Make something for someone you like! Or make a new friend by giving them something!'

Toast

Near the end of the celebration, everyone will be given a glass of alcohol (or water if the person is a little too young or just doesn’t want it), because now is the time for the toast. It’s encouraged that anyone speaks up now, whether it be talking about past Chosen or looking towards the future with new friends and goals. Maybe both! If one really wants to, they can even talk about what they plan to do to solve what’s going on.

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)! The quests linked in the Chocobo prompt are available for the TDM for newbies as well as current players outside of this event. Have fun!

♡

Comments

QUESTIONS / COMMENTS / CONCERNS

[expiationmods]

[chimericalclaw]

So. I know there are monsters in Lorentia Cave. But is there actually also a dragon down there.

CONTEST WINNERS

[expiationmods]

[endcaller]

Fandaniel is ABSOLUTELY taking part in the contest. Showing off Speaking Stones (magical science crystals that let people talk without the network....in theory). Probably also Hyperetes.

TDM DIRECTORY

[expiationmods]

vash . trigun stampede

[ecad]

aqui!

Tsunayoshi Sawada | Kateyou Hitman Reborn | Current

[theskyaccepts]

Test Subject

[He should have avoided the festival. Really he should have. He should have known better. Tsuna has been a marked as a guinea pig from the moment that he met Reborn and it hasn't stopped there. Reborn, Giannini, Spanner, all of them seeing something in Tsuna that makes him a viable test subject. Because he's certainly not willing. He just has a hard time saying no to someone in need, especially someone he considers a friend.

It's not a good thing.

So today, you might find Tsuna in a variety of places. You might find him falling at you from the sky with a cry of "LOOK OUT!" with a pair of odd shoes on his fight. He might be cleaning the side of his house of something that might at one point have be a Salisbury steak. Or he might just be smouldering in a crumpled heap somewhere while some inventors discuss earnestly what went wrong.

He's having a day, but at least he helped someone out.

He thinks.]

Memorial

[It's a slightly more sombre mood at the Memorial. As he looks around, Tsuna is suddenly struck by just how many people have come and gone. People he's known and talked to, and even just recognized in passing. It's so weird, the randomness that guides this. Did they complete their sentencing? Did something else happen? What let them go home and not him?

It's so weird.

But he does what he can, writing out names and descriptions and memories and even bringing some food. Not much, but what he could get which amounts to a few bags of chips. No one would want his cooking.

Of course, it's as he's laying it out on the table that he realizes that it is just chips. Did he forget to bring dip? Or something else?]

Marriage

HEI! I have to what---?

[Marriage is something of a mystery to Tsuna. He's only 16, really, so the prospect usually just features as some part of a daydream or fantasy as he thinks about Kyoko. Nothing serious since he hasn't even managed to successfully ask her out on a date. (Or maybe it becomes a bit nebulous...with Haru or someone else. He hasn't been willing admit anything beyond that).

But now he's being asked to reenact a marriage ceremony. He doesn't even know how that goes. There's suits and dresses and a ring and a...a...kiss? But then there's other traditions right? Like kimonos and sake and so much to think about!]

Wildcard

[Open to any and all other quests and other happenings. Feel free to plot at urbaninja

test subject

[entreats]

[ It's a good thing Ange has good reflexes, or this would have ended pretty badly.

.. granted, it can still end up pretty badly for Tsuna, depending on how exactly he's landing over here, but at least the girl manages to step out of the way before he can do so - which means it won't be a pile of the two of them.

She glances up, trying to also see how he's landing - with just a touch of a grimace on her face. Look, it just doesn't seem like this will be pretty. ]

What are you doing?!

memorial

[chimericalclaw]

[Altius is at one of the inn's tables when Tsuna comes by to drop off his chips. The idea of these young people coming here essentially to mourn would have been unpleasant enough. But memorializing the presence of others in this false place where they were meant to suffer for the sake of some machine's idea of redemption... it's absurd.

He smiles in his usual friendly way at the young man, regardless.]

Not much of a cook either, hm?

mawige

[individualized]

[This probably isn't the weirdest thing Echo has ever been asked to do. It's quite possibly the strangest one she thinks she can say "no" to, and yet for some reason, she finds herself being handed a white dress and getting shoved into a changing room. Why would a wedding dress come in a size that fit a 16-year-old? Once she accepts the fact that this enthusiastic person isn't going to let her leave until she's wearing the darn thing, she begrudgingly puts on the ensemble.

To say she hates it might be an understatement. The skirt is far too long for her liking, as she prefers easy movement. The fanciness is just plain uncomfortable, and worst of all is the sheer amount of attention she's getting from everyone. For a variety of reasons, Echo has never once imagined what a wedding for her might be like. She's only been to one wedding before, and that was in the previous world she awoke in. She has heard plenty about how they're supposed to work in her original land, and that just makes her all the more confused, honestly.

She's prodded toward the next area they want her in. That's when Echo sees her "groom". One of her coworkers at the post office. Did this person just go there and grab the first male and female they saw?

Echo can't hide her utter disdain even though she doesn't really care either way about who's there with her.]

Mr. Tsuna.

Zekarion Altius | OC | current character

[chimericalclaw]

⬬ a desperate lover left his mark | closed to Scott

[embarrassing gushing on both sides goes here.]

[Zekarion has decided he's not risking what comes with pretending to be helpless anymore. With a crystalline creation made for his own protection hidden on his person, he sets out to purchase a physical blade. It will be less convenient than his magical one, but it should come with fewer opportunities for people to ask where that came from.

On the way to the forge is when he comes across a familiar young man, looking through the window of a jewelry shop. He hasn't been noticed, so he could simply keep walking, but for whatever reason...]

Interested in a new accessory?

⬬ next day they're gone | remembrance

[At the remembrance gathering, Altius can mostly be found sitting around with a small glass of something or other, watching rather than actively doing anything other than making conversation—though he did at least bring deviled eggs for the occasion. With how easily he smiles at anybody who approaches, it's easy to write off his behavior as participating in his own way, rather than attending largely for the sake of appearances...]

⬬ one day he crossed some line | cave diving

[It's a more dangerous endeavor, but certainly nothing he can't handle—even if his "mild businessman" facade might imply otherwise. There's a sword strapped to his side and he's otherwise dressed for physical work and carrying back the requested minerals, even if he doesn't have any armor to speak of. Easy to miss in the shadow of the mountain, a black, crystalline creature suddenly darts into the cave ahead. Altius doesn't seem to notice it.

Really, this is an excuse to explore the caves. The fact that he might earn the gratitude of some of those engineers is a bonus, of course.

Whether someone met him along the way and traveled with him, or are just encountering him now as he inspects his blade before entering, they'll at least find themselves with a levelheaded partner.]

Rumors of a dragon, hm...

⬬ everything can change | quests & wildcard

[On days where it's particularly stormy, or even with tornadoes or choco meteors coming through, the post office and its basement are offered as a shelter, with Altius checking in with a warm drink or a cushion for anyone who might have decided to take up that offer.

He can also be roped into other quests, or rescuing the hapless victims of the experiments on display or particularly rowdy birds. He can also be found at the farm practicing his horse riding, so he may offer to aid with feather collection or even suggest that they go the extra mile to take a few notes on the resident chocobos. The ones here are friendly and not likely to cause a ruckus, at least...

Anything else? Hit me up at my PWM or lumieresdedragon!]

the prompt for me uwu

[laserguy]

[It's clear that Scott wasn't paying any attention to his surroundings (and probably not the best decision given this place), because his body immediately startles like he's been shocked, muscles tensing before the teen spins in a half circle to face the person that interrupted his very important thoughts. Who does he have to tell off? ...Oh, it's Altius. Well, hm. Maybe he'll give him a pass this time.

Because it's definitely good to see him up and about and looking far better compared to the time in the hospital. And honestly before that. Yeah he'll take him being sneaky like this over him recovering in a bed.]

Dude, don't sneak up on me.

[He didn't??? But Scott's just going to continue on like that's what actually happened.] And yeah, I guess you can say that.

[Because how else is he going to explain why he's been intently staring at a shop that he normally doesn't visit? Jewelry? For Scott? Not his style. Of course, it then makes it really obvious why he's here.]

Dragon

[followyourstar]

< Think it's real? >

[Their gaze keeps traveling to the sword strapped to his back as they adjust the backpack strapped to their own. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Zekarion's been learning some new skills during his time here just like they have, but they still can't help but be surprised by the weapon's presence every time they catch sight of it on him.]

< Could just be some way to talk around whatever security system is around there. >

[Hiding what, they don't know.]

Scott Summers | XMCU | Current

[laserguy]

grubclub delivery;
[Sometimes you're just taking a walk around Aldrip, just minding your own business and feeling kind of okay for once. Sucks that so many people have disappeared, but also, there's still many friends that he cares about in this world and so of course he has to keep continuing on for them. He's looking up at the bright side of things--

And also at the food that's being catapulted right at him.]

Holy shit!

[Scott just barely dodges in time, jumping to the side as the meal splatters right in the spot he was just standing. RIP to that food, but at least not RIP to his head?? He stares at the mess of spaghetti and meatballs on the ground for a moment (and he can't help but look up at the sky again to make sure nothing else is sent his way), before just Frowning. Like what the fuck??]

instant camera;
[Scott's holding one of the polaroid cameras in hand and while he's not wearing any of the more ridiculous set pieces that are offered, he's still looking to take a picture with a friend here. Or hey, maybe even someone he hasn't really met before, because it's all about establishing new bonds too, right? Can't just focus on those that are gone.

That's what Kotone would say. And he believes it too.

He's sitting on the table (someone should really tell him to get off) and if anyone walks by that seems to at least be having a little bit of fun, he'll speak up.]

Hey, let's take a picture.

gift exchange;
[Looking at the table with the sewing machine and the various assorted materials to potentially craft something for someone? Well, if anyone needs a little push, or is unsure about making something, a certain mutant teen will slide over with a small smirk on his face. This can only mean something good, right...]

So, going to make something for me, right?

[Who is this asshole?? Unless you're already friends with said asshole. But hey, if you are planning to make something for someone else, Scott will at least be encouraging still. This is his girlfriend's idea after all.]

wildcard;
[Got something else in mind? Plot with me at currykirby. Scott can also be seen eating food at the memorial, writing in the book, and just in general hanging out there.]

Grubclub

[followyourstar]

[Dante's just as baffled as Scott is, though instead of looking up at the sky, they're much too distracted by the mess splattered on the ground.]

< I heard some people talking about this. Some kind of... food delivery service? >

[They sound just as dubious about the whole affair as the service probably deserves.]

< I didn't think they were actually going to do anything with it... >

gift exchange

[grappler]

[Vi rolls her eyes, and looks over at Scott...]

More like trying to figure out what that machine is.

[she's gesturing towards the sewing machine with one hand, a bottle of beer in it.

as if recognizing it again, she sighs.]

And don't even start on the beer. Okay?

gift exchange but like, later

[orphne]

[Scott's really put his all into making this little gathering a success, hasn't he? Throughout their time here in the inn, Kotone's been putting the finishing touches on something with her embroidery -- though every time Scott comes over, she's quick to hide it, sticking her tongue out at him with obvious fondness while telling him to,] Be patient!

[As things start winding down, though, she finally finishes what she's been working on for -- well, a while before this, actually, but today was the added impetus to finish it! She takes the time to put it in a bag before finding Scott wherever he's set himself up to offer it to him with both hands.]

Here! I made you something.

Morph | X-Men '97 | Current player

[mightymorphin]

A. Test Subject
[Morph had just shown up to this inventor's event out of curiosity, and to see just what the newcomers were like, but it's soon obvious that this isn't exactly their kind of scene. Their knowledge was limited to a better-than-average competency with computers from the 90s, but that didn't include the innards. Still, they're not having a bad time just wandering around and seeing what the visitors were so excited to put together... even if most of it seemed more whimsical than useful.

They didn't run into trouble until one of the inventors pulled them towards a stall, going on about needing test subjects to drink something. All of a sudden, Morph's pleasant mood evaporated.]

Uh-uh, no way. I'm not here for any of your creepy experiments!

[When the guy doesn't let go, Morph outright shoves him away. It might be a good time for an intervention, as the Briorsean isn't looking very happy now, either.]


B. Wild Chocobo Chase
[When the chaos broke out, Morph's first instinct was to run towards it while everyone else was running away from the scene. Once they elbowed their way through and took in the sight, though, they're visibly dumbfounded. A number of booths were either smashed or set on fire somehow, but the only possible perpetrator was... a red chocobo?]

Seriously?! It's just a bird!

[Those might be famous last words. The chocobo rears up with a loud 'WARK!', and as though conjured out of thin air, a volley of flaming meteors fall from the sky.]

Look out!

[Morph leaps into action to tackle a hapless bystander out of the way - which might just be you.]


C. A Memorial
[After hearing that the kids needed help with the catering, Morph brought along a broccoli and cheese casserole to add to the selection of baked goods. It's a simple dish, but at the very least it's a good alternative for anyone who doesn't have a sweet tooth.

Otherwise, Morph keeps to themself. They did write a little something about Nurarihyon in the remembrance book, but after that they ordered a beer and sat at a table in the corner, staying out of the way. Though they wanted to support Kotone and Scott in setting up the whole thing, getting involved in the activities felt a little too awkward.]


D. Wildcard
[You can grab me at evilbo or just throw anything my way! Morph will gladly help out with quests as well.]

memorial;

[laserguy]

[Overall, the event ended up being a rather quiet thing, which was probably pretty expected given the nature of the event. Not everyone wants to sit around and grieve the people gone, right? That's what Jinx basically told him. Scott's still glad for the people that did show up, the mutant managing a small smile as he moves to sit at the corner table that Morph had secluded themselves to.

Did they want alone time? Oops. Too late.]

Hey, thanks for the casserole. Guess Kotone and I forgot to make actual food when preparing everything.

a

[grappler]

[this invention stuff isn't her scene at all, but she's here anyway. she's kind of nosy about the newcomers, people that she hasn't seen before in the year and a half she's been here.

and of course, looking out for instances like this. of course there's going to be one of them trying to force someone into an experiment.]

They said let go.

[ominous crossing of the arms...]

Or do I need to get forceful?

Mad scientist does mad scientist things

[endcaller]

A: HAPPY PROGRESS DAY

[Fandaniel descends upon the Progress Day festival with the enthusiasm of a child at a carnival. He is all smiles as he presents a prototype communication device. Or at least that is what he says it is. To anyone else, it may seem like a lump of quartz.]

I present to you a speaking stone! The very early design of one.

[He tosses the quartz and deftly catches it one hand.]

A crystal that will allow the resonance of two souls so that they may communicate across distances. All I need is a spirit, or mind if you prefer, to implant within the stone.

[Here he looks out at the crowd, makes eye contact with a Chosen, and winks.]

You, would you like to help me craft a whole new method of communication? I promise it will be mostly painless!

A-2: TRUTH BOMBS

[Fandaniel roams around the event center, picking over the inventions from Briorsea and tutting to himself. When a tonic is offered to him, he accepts. These inventors are much less skilled than he is, so what, he thinks, is the worst that could happen?

A lot, it turns out.

Minutes after drinking the tonic, he realizes he cannot lie. People may find him standing in the corner, staring at the wall as he tries to decide if he should leave and wait out the effects or stay and watch more scientific displays.]

B: HUNT FOR RED CHOCTOBER

[Well, one way to distract everyone from his truth telling, and lure more potential experimental subjects out into the open, is a red chocobo. He does nothing to help control the rampaging beast. Instead, he sits on the floor and watches as it squawks and calls fireballs from the air.

When someone looks his way, he smiles and pats the floor beside him, inviting them to sit and watch the chaos with him.]

a

[grappler]

[. . .]

Why do I always find you doing weird as shit things? Do you ever do anything normal?

[she's eyeing the stone, putting her hands on her hips as she regards it and then looks back at Fandaniel.]

And no, you're not getting my brain.

A-2

[cactusy]

Have you been drugged?

[Shaw says without preamble, coming up and taking Fandaniel by the shoulder, attempting to spin him around so that she can get a better look at his face. It is, in her defense, not that wild of assumption considering the context of the festival at large.]

vash . trigun stampede . tdm

[ecad]

i-a, arrival;

( it isn't exactly commonplace for vash to wake up somewhere he doesn't recognize, not only because he doesn't sleep as much as he should, or as much as he used to when he was much younger — but the song remains the same in the fact that he is somewhere he doesn't recognize, not to mention surrounded by little bits and baubles and other things that he's not entirely sure he has names for.

> please wait.
> vash.exe is rebooting.
> system restart in 3, 2, 1 …

now, let's see what we're dealing with, shall we?

he's not as good at dealing with engineering and engineering accessories as brad is, but when it came to lost tech by the time it began to be referred to as such, he'd done his fair share of tinkering; he might not know precisely what he's dealing with here, but it's pretty clear he's expected to make something out of … something else, and he's never been anything if not innovative when the need calls for it.

read as: he's been known to pull a proverbial rabbit out of his ass when he needs to, and don't worry about the hows or whys, mind ya business.

anyone is more than welcome to happen upon his tinkering, because he's going to be here for a while! )

i-b, somebody say test subjects?;

( well. if you're looking for someone to test something out for you, look no further!

he doesn't exactly need the springy boots, but if we're being perfectly honest here? they look like the most fun; the question of who doesn't want to be able to space-jump everywhere they go could be asked here, to which the only acceptable answer is no one, and vash is a part of the presumed overwhelming ( ™ ) majority on that front. the unfortunate thing about that is …

his trajectory may or may not lead him in the direction he'd originally intended. so. uh.

please behold one ( 1 ) blond idiot bouncing around in any given direction at any given time, maybe give him a hand? make him be still for a handful of seconds? he's going to need to catch his breath every now and again. )

i-c, this would be a wild goose thingy chase if there were actual geese involved;

( what in god's name have you done, funny daniel.

there will be perhaps a handful of moments between vash first noticing the bright red bird and the inevitable chase in which he fumbles over whether or not the thing is a tomas, because. bird? check. large enough to ride? check, check. seemingly temperamental? check, check, check.

but it doesn't look like any tomas he's ever seen before, and he's seen plenty in all of his years. whether or not he should does not mean by any stretch of the imagination that he will not end up chasing the thing around, and if you think you hear the yakety sax music in the background while this is happening, no you don't.

anyone wanna lend a hand? he sure could use one —

and no, we did not make that joke on purpose. a-hyuck. )

ii, wildcard;

( obligatory bring-your-own-adventure option! hit me with whatever you'd like, or if you'd prefer to hash something out beforehand, please feel free to yell at me on plurk ( creaturito ) or discord ( destr0id ). also happy to match prose or smalltext. )

i-b

[chimericalclaw]

[The event hasn't exactly been... peaceful, thus far, but there is something unique about watching a man bouncing into the air, arms flailing like it might not entirely be of his own volition. He watches for a few seconds, then anticipates where he might be heading next, and with a few hurrried steps...

Vash might be surprised when a tall man in a light suit manages to grab hold of his non-prosthetic arm just as he lands, grip firm enough to keep him from rocketing off again but not so tight as to be painful.

He hasn't seen this one in some time, has he? With the way he's been keeping up with all the Chosen... hm. Altius's expression settles into somewhere between friendly exasperation and concern.]

You may have gotten in over your head with these.