expiationmeme | TEST DRIVE MEME #3

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TEST DRIVE MEME #3

TEST DRIVE MEME #3

Welcome to the TDM for Expiation, a pan-fandom adventure game with fantasy, science fiction, and some horror elements. We ask that top-level comments are reserved for new characters and players looking to experience a taste of the world and overarching storyline. Characters already in the game, however, are free to use TDM prompts in their own catch-alls and logs. Feel free to submit any TDM / prompt-related questions to the corresponding comment below.

New players / characters looking to app are free to use TDM threads as samples in their application. Preexisting players / characters may use TDM threads as part of their AC proofs (with the stated limitations).

You may find the below links helpful in getting to know themes of the world, locations, the people, and so on.

info | world

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN...

BRAVE NEW WORLD (ARRIVALS)

After receiving the paper with your sentence, the whole world quickly becomes dark and you find yourself falling through what seems to be an infinite void. You lose track of time after a while, but as soon as your focus seems to waver, your vision clears and you find yourself resting rather unceremoniously in a pile of seeds used for chicken feed.

Once you make your way out of the grain silo (and we of the moderator team wish you good luck in finding a fun way out of it), you may find that several other people have been dropped into the world just like you have. Some are disoriented, others are panicked, and others yet are simply angry about being brought somewhere against their will. Amidst the chaos of new arrivals to the world of Expiation, the newcomers will find that there are some people in the crowd who seem a little more familiar with what’s going on.

These people will tell you that you find yourself in a strange new world, and that it’s best to make your way to a nearby town called Aldrip to get settled down there. It’s a few hours by foot away from this area, but it’s the only place in the nearby area that can accommodate newcomers like you.

WE LIKE TO PARTY (WE LIKE, WE LIKE TO PARTY)

Recently, many Chosen have emerged victorious from a hard-fought battle, taking out a gargantuan creature that threatened to suck the energy from the whole area surrounding Aldrip if it had not been stopped. Such efforts do not go unrecognised, and in the aftermath, the locals all decided to band together to celebrate their saviours’ heroics. Nothing less than a village-wide party and parade would be fitting for such an occasion.

This is an undertaking that will likely take a significant amount of effort. While the locals wanted to make this into a surprise, many of them lack skills to put the thing together properly. Chosen who want to get involved in the preparation process can put their organisation and culinary skills to the test to create fixtures and food for the event. Better yet, your efforts over the past months have improved supply routes into Aldrip, meaning that the food shortage has passed, and you’ll have just about anything your heart desires for the occasion.

Alternatively, you can choose to enjoy the spoils of your efforts! Once the day of the party arrives, Aldrip will erupt into a full-scale celebration, and all Chosen are encouraged to party as hard as possible. Good food, good drinks and good times will be in no short supply for the occasion. Additionally, those who took to the front lines in the previous event will be revered as heroes and likely spoiled rotten.

THIS IS HOW YOU GET ANTS

PLEASE PARTY RESPONSIBLY

It’s no understatement to say that some of the Chosen like to party hard- and that’s quite alright! A few days ago, the people of Aldrip had already set aside a few rooms in the inn to act as an infirmary for those who had been injured during the battle with the Branded. It took little effort for them to expand this project into a full medical wing for those who would undoubtedly be acting irresponsibly during the festivities.

It’s up to you to decide what circumstances brought you here. Perhaps you were injured in the previous battle, and have been stuck in bed as you recover from your wounds. Maybe you had just a little too much to drink, and you decided to come by while you collect yourself. Regardless of what your reason for being there may be, the people of Aldrip have guaranteed that you will receive the best of care.

With that said, the place is terminally understaffed. Aldrip’s locals will certainly appreciate any assistance they can get- even if your character might not have the best training or bedside manner. Medicine can’t be that hard- what’s the worst that can happen?

MR. MAGNIFI'S MAGNIFICENT MIXTURES

Once word of the upcoming celebration spread, several individuals from outside town came in to offer their services or goods in Aldrip. One such individual came into town riding on a rickety cart with the words “Miraculous Magnifi’s Medicine! Guaranteed to heal what ails ye!” emblazoned in gold on its side. The thing smells a bit off, with a strong chemical scent coming from the back, but the moustachioed man who emerges from the back assures you that all of his “mixes are made with meticulous ministrations!”

Those who buy and consume the potion might find themselves feeling strange over the next few days as symptoms emerge. Some people wake up to find that their hair has taken on a rainbow of colours during the night, that rats cuddle up to them for no reason, or that their irises have been replaced with strange spiral shapes. Feel free to come up with inventive but harmless side effects for the miracle elixir- it’s meant for some good fun.

They’re strange symptoms for sure, and certainly not the advertised cure-all. However, Magnifi is already gone by the next dawn, meaning that no one can get a refund. Thankfully, the symptoms will go away after a few days, but the chaos that ensues in the meanwhile will certainly make for some fun stories.

IT'S NOT OVER

♪♫ LET IT GROW ♫♪ ► (FUTURE EVENT TIE-IN)

The party celebrating the dread beast’s defeat can be heard from miles outside of Aldrip, but the situation is not quite yet resolved. Much of the once-lush forest outside of Aldrip had its life force absorbed from it, leaving little more than profaned ground and an overwhelming scent of rot. Worse yet, there are reports that some of the beast’s severed golden tendrils have taken on a life of their own, creating snake-monsters that threaten the local wildlife.

However, the monsters are not the only new arrivals in Pessiria Forest. Those who go to investigate the area will find that fairy-like creatures have gathered in the profaned land and are trying their best to help bring the area back to its former glory. At first, they seem to keep their distance or ignore you entirely, but after determining that you mean well, they inform you that they can temporarily bless the Chosen with the power to make full-sized plants burst forth from the seeds they plant into the ground.

It’s still going to be hard work. Even with the power to bring plants to life, planting seeds in the miles of dead forest will likely take a very long time. Still, these strange fairies could use the help, and tough jobs can be better if you bring a little help from your own friends. (Or enemies. No one’s going to judge you for who you bring.)

WHAT'S THAT MYSTERIOUS LAUGHING SOUND?

The process of regrowing the devastated part of Pessiria forest is well underway, but the process does not go entirely smoothly. Partway through the process, locals start to report that they can hear a strange girl laughing in the forest in the middle of the night, but no one seems able to track down its source. Curious Chosen can patrol around the forest at night to try and figure out the mystery.

Those who are particularly sharp-eyed might see a faint spectre of a little girl wearing a straw hat dancing about, but she never seems to stay in sight for more than a few seconds. One blink is all it takes for her to vanish.

You probably won’t be able to catch this strange spectre, but it’s become something of a game among the villagers to go looking for her anyways. Some say that seeing her is a sign of good luck, and wave to her before she disappears. Others say that if you see her while holding hands, it will bless you with a lifetime of good love. Almost all of these assertions are probably nonsense- but what will you do about it?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ What a pleasing sequence of events that was. It gives Gogol the time to saunter over to stand in front of the fallen Sigma with a wide grin. He crosses his legs at the ankles and leans on his walking stick. Come to think of it he had that the last time when Sigma had had a fall too.

Quick to change his mind he uses it to poke harmlessly at a chicken that's snooping in felled man's coat. The chicken doesn't seem to think it's very harmless, though. It squawks and scurries indignantly. ]

Kind of you to ask! But isn't it obvious? The answer, I mean. I'm here to watch you make friends with the locals.

No, it isn't obvious. What are you doing here.

[ Shoving a chicken off him for a moment to make a wide gesture at, well, here. The farmland.

What are either of them doing here, really? His and Gogol's presence somewhere new could easily be explained by that cape across the other man's shoulders, but there's far too many people (lacking any kind of prison uniform, he has to notice) just as confused as he is for that to be the case. ]

I see! So you are still none the wiser... and since you've asked me I will set this stage!

[ Oh good, Gogol gets to be the person that sees the faces Sigma will pull as this is explained to him. That delights Nikolai, and he sounds it. Although when he scans the scenery it's with a smile that doesn't offer very much mirth. ]

Welcome to the charming outer boundaries of a rustic town known as Aldrip. You've never heard of it before have you? That's because it likely wouldn't have existed where we're from. Wow! What a sordid twist of fate?! ...Although,

[ Sigma is actually pretty quick at taking in information. Which is probably why Nikolai decides to break the news like this. He keeps a hand neatly folded behind his back. ]

I imagine finding yourself a prisoner in a place you're unfamiliar with actually is something you are familiar with.

[ A town name he doesn't recognize doesn't mean much, and the word choice of 'where we're from' is frustratingly vague. Gogol's next words are much easier to parse, however, especially with that mirthless smile he catches the clown making at their surroundings.

Taking the small window of time he has free from chickens on him to stand and brush himself off, ] So we're both here against our wishes, I take it.

That's almost exactly correct?!

[ No further elaboration is granted for the moment because Gogol is shifting that hand-staff from his one hand to the distinctly more bandaged one that was folded behind him. Two fingers stick out stubbornly and do not bend. With what can be considered his good hand, now, he twirls his pointer finger into a point at Sigma. ]

You should have a oh so mysterious parchment on you! Aren't you curious about it?

[ His eyes zero in on the bandaged hand when it comes into view, brows furrowing in concern before he's distracted back to the matter at--well, at hand.

He'd nearly forgotten about the strange paper with the whole business of escaping a grain silo and being accosted by a gang of hungry chickens. (Which are, for the record, still hanging around and fighting each other for the larger chunks of feed that fell out during Sigma's tumble.) Patting himself down to find where it ended up, he fishes the surprisingly still intact parchment out of his coat and makes quick work of undoing the twine. ]

Thought I must've lost this thing back in the silo...

[ Well of course if Sigma is going to just pull that out like that he's going to snoop. Unabashedly really. Respectfully Gogol does try to tip toe around the flock of chickens but they are chickens after all so they make a fuss. Regardless the point is to move to stand next to the ex-executive so he when leans he might catch a glimpse of what it says.

If caught sneaking over he'll wiggle an eyebrow and redirect the attention to the paper with another point. ]

You're in luck! Needle in a haystack is not a entertaining game for long.

Edited (wao too much paper for one sentence) 2023-05-30 18:24 (UTC)

[ Honestly the biggest thing making Sigma want to keep the parchment's contents to himself is Gogol's attempted snooping. He can't keep shooting disapproving looks if he actually wants to read it, though, so there's plenty of time to catch some key words while he's busying himself with quietly mumble-reading aloud.

Welcome...Chosen......charged with counterfeiting.........

Of course his eyes steadily widen as he gets further down, and once the parchment moves on to personal numbers he decides that's the time to quickly roll it back up and get some confirmation on other important details. ]

"Sentencing?" We really are just in another prison?

Mmhhm~~ I guess the responsible answer to give is that from a totally normal perspective it's not a prison at all. There are nooo security measures to keep you on your best behavior and the locals are sooo friendly.

[ But. But. The but goes unsaid. Sigma you at least understand Gogol's perspective somewhat don't you? We live in a society... But it's not the time and place to go on about his own personal philosophy. Instead he takes his thumb and pantomimes slitting his own throat to accompany this next part. ]

Plus they haven't gotten around to that yet. Not that I've seen at least! I'll tell you, I think that's very interesting.

[ He knows enough to catch the meaning. And even with no one checking in to keep you on your best behavior sounding like a Grand Ol' Gogol Time, it is indeed very interesting, all things considered. ]

And how long have you been here to not see it?

Oh, you know.

[ Here's a knowing smile. It's entertaining to watch someone try to figure things out. The wacky passage of time here is a favorite of his. ]

Several months.

Several months.

[ Don't you "oh you know" him with that! He'd been following along well enough up until now, but...! ]

I...I saw you not a half hour ago!?

[ Perfect segue! His eyes flare open and his smile grows sharp. ]

Oh, yes, about that. I so dearly wish to know! What were you up to last before your untimely relocation?

[ Whiplash, nothing new but he still needs a moment to shift his train of thought. What was he up to? Hadn't Gogol been keeping a close watch on all of them...? ]

I was narrowly avoiding drowning, last I remember.

[ Not the whole truth, but. ]

What a shame. That's not anything I haven't already heard.

[ Look at how disappointed he is!!! Where's the triumphant tales of murder, huh? Gogol slumps a little.
But not for long. 4/4 participants almost drowning in HIS game IS impressive. ]

Now, do tell. How would you rate your near drowning experience?

Oh, I'm terribly sorry my latest brush with death wasn't exciting enough for you. I'll be sure the entire building is on fire next time, how does that sound?

Zero. [ Out of what? Doesn't matter. ]

Woah~ that makes it sound so terrible! That means my scheme was almost perfect. More fire, you said? I'll take that suggestion of yours to heart.

[ There. He even places a hand flat over where his heart should be beating in his chest. ]

Oh well, you're here now. So shall I make it up to you?

[ Logically he knows it should be in there, but. He's feeling petty at the moment, let him be petty and think mean thoughts.

Complete with crossing his arms and giving Gogol the most suspicious look. ]

That all depends on what your idea of "making it up to me" is.

[ Not knowing about all those very mean and hurtful thoughts he smiles... Not exactly beating the allegations that he's being suspicious af. Since Sigma hasn't offered up the answer to the Fyodor ability question he can safely assume he doesn't know. Which means Gogol still has active need for him if... if the opportunity ever presented itself again.

...and really that's a not so weak negotiation piece in Sigma's favor if he were to ever piece that together, he's thinking. ]

For starters I could take you into town. Would that please you?

[ Gogol is suspicious even on his best days, and frankly with the knowledge that he's been here longer than Sigma has and undoubtedly knows things he doesn't in regards to this place they've found themselves in isn't doing any favors.

They're just being kept in an oversized pen like cattle with documented crimes and nothing's happened? At all? Yeah, he's not buying it.

He shoots a pointed look at Gogol's bandaged hand. ]

For starters, yes.

[ Whether it was by design or not Gogol has his face turned in the direction they need to travel while Sigma is scrutinizing that injury. His shoulders are uncharacteristically tense when he gestures for Sigma to follow. ]

Well come along then! Let's go sightseeing. Of course, if you fall too far behind I'd really hate to have to step in. So? Don't do that!

[ Why yes this is a leisurely walk with Gogol despite The Overcoat use threat there. Wouldn't that make anyone's skin crawl? At least it shouldn't be too long until they arrive. ]

[ Sigma's quick to follow along even before the threat, but that just cements the need to keep more of an eye on where Gogol is, thanks. A leisurely walk with someone familiar is a little better than trudging along on his own, even if the someone familiar isn't who he'd consider the best company. ]

Are all arrivals this messy, or was I part of a lucky batch?

[ That's a good Sigma. ]

I have no clue! I suppose I have more pressing things to attend to than paying attention to every time it happens. Now if you meant my experience specifically you should just ask.

[ In the flattest tone possible, ] Goodness. What was it like when you got here, Gogol?

[ Smiiiile. Hehe, he says, audibly. ]

It was very nice! Full of clear skies and meadow land fields with no chickens whatsoever.

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