expiationmeme | TEST DRIVE MEME #1

Entry tags:

!tdm

TEST DRIVE MEME #1

TEST DRIVE MEME #1

Welcome to the TDM for Expiation, a pan-fandom adventure game with fantasy, science fiction, and sometimes subtle 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. 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.

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

info | world

A WARM WELCOME

The journey here has not been a particularly convenient one. The last thing you can recall is the room of blinding white and the incomprehensible voices that were speaking about you. Then came the dropping of the floor beneath you and suddenly you were falling into black. As you come to and regain a more clear vision of the world about you, you find that you are surrounded by pleasant greenery.

Deciduous trees are sprinkled here and there in some miscellaneous fashion. There are plants and flowers all about, the chirping of birds. Above you rests a fairly clear sky with a dotting or two of clouds. The sun is pleasant. Overall, it’s comfortable. Perhaps too comfortable.

MEADOWLANDS ARRIVAL

Within eyesight, though you can’t possibly know the footing distance, there appear to be fields. A portion of them dedicated to long stalk vegetables and the rest a neatly organised collection of leafy greens. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find that some of these look ready to be picked right away. Not much further past the fields are other buildings. Simple in style and not at all grand in structure or make. There’s people, too. It looks lively. The locals will tell you that you’ve set foot in Aldrip.

Not far from you, in fact relatively close if not in hand already, is a rolled parchment bound by a rather nondescript twine. If you unfurl it, you’ll find a generic welcoming message addressed specifically to you.
Welcome to Expiation. We, who have found you so worthy and deserving, have declared you to be one of the Chosen.
The cryptic written greeting is followed by a collection of recorded statistics—physical and mental attributes, along with other observations about your person that clearly weren’t made by you (but may not necessarily be inaccurate).

Nearing the bottom is a peculiar line—
You have been charged with ▬▬ and in accordance with the doctrine of this world, you have ▬▬ until you will face your sentencing. Prepare your defence adequately or face the repercussions.
In spite of that strange little addition at the bottom, which may or may not make sense to you, you’re not the only one arriving in the meadowlands. You have some options. Maybe check with a nearby fellow otherworlder, scour the fields, meet the locals. First impressions, after all, can sometimes last a lifetime.

WILD COMPANIONS

The collective of newly-arrived aren’t the only ones exploring the meadowlands. Curious about the various sounds created by those not native to the world, there are animals living in and near the surrounding areas drawn to the attention. Different types and sizes of birds and beasts or other creatures that may resemble ones from your home world begin to close in on your location. Do they mean to do you harm or are they only simply wary about who you might be and what you’re doing?

Some of them are incredibly friendly, especially if you’re inclined to provide them with food, or if they’re younger and they simply don’t know better. But be aware, for every young animal, there is likely to be a parent not far behind, and less inclined to be understanding of your strange fate in this new predicament. As such, no matter how cute something may be, reconsider taking it with you, else you may simply stir the ire of their families.

If you find yourself in a position where you’ve inadvertently stepped into a territory not meant for you, you’ll need to find either a strategic escape or resort to force and self-defence. Fortunately, some of these larger, more aggressive beasts, are much the same ones that the locals in Aldrip have been seeking to cull for the safety of the citizens. Maybe you can make some fast friends with the Expiation natives by bringing them something you’ve had to put down.

THOSE WHO WERE THERE

Those Who Were There are what the locals refer to their gods as, considering them responsible for their continued growth in the world, the abundance of their crops and sea life, the greenery that surrounds them, native wildlife, and some of the strangely advanced luxury items that make their livelihoods a touch more convenient.

You’ve arrived at an opportune time. Although the peoples of the continent freely show their appreciation for their higher beings, every once in a while, they celebrate by way of joyful festivals, grand songs, and more expressive means of their devotion.

FESTIVITIES

Aldrip seems to be a bit busier than usual, with a little more foot traffic than what may be considered a normal day in the life. There’s music in the air provided by lutes, panpipes, and the dulcet tones of men and women alike, expressing songs and tall tales of those they have come to revere as celestial beings. They believe that honouring their betters can be done with song and dance as much as it can be with offerings and prayer.

The town is bustling, a plethora of additional street stalls selling all kinds of local cuisine, jewellery, weapons, and accessories branded with insignias that represent the same wave motif as can be found on the charms every newly-arrived will receive. There’s raucous laughter, a plethora of drinks (alcoholic and non) that are passed along merrily to those wandering through if one doesn’t have a drink already. It’s the perfect way to integrate yourself with the people whilst taking in the celebration.

A portion of the town has had the land cleared, set up with a minimalistic coliseum ring for archery competition and one-on-one combat. Winners of these exchanges don’t get anything grand, but are presented with plenty of free food and drink, and some may even be awarded with some modest badge accessories from the local shops for providing the people with some sport.

Out by the fields, closer to the shoreline of the Talion Sea, there’s a grand pillar of fire that’ll burn all through the day and into the dark of the night where more music follows and accompanies spirited dancing.

SENTIMENTAL OFFERINGS

If you’re searching for a momentary reprieve from the bustle of the festival, there’s a modest walkway of cobblestone that will lead you from the main streets of stalls, drinks, and making merry. Following the way it winds and curves will eventually take you to an elaborate display of dried flowers, jewellery, fanciful cloths, and other items. Some of these hang from nearby trees. Some are draped over an altar fashioned of dark wood.

A local who spies you there kindly explains that it’s a place to leave items of offering for Those Who Were There, as gratitude for all they have granted their loyal people. They also explain that the more sentimental attachment you hold for the item you give up, the more pleased the gods will be with you. What does that mean, exactly? It’s difficult to say, but it seems that it might endear you to the locals at the very least.

Those who leave an item will receive a noticeable wave-like mark on the interior of their dominant hand wrist, almost as if it’s a brand of some kind. This is temporary mark and will only last the length of the festival, but if locals see it, they will be more inclined to give information on the land, the people, and perhaps even extra drinks, food, or shop wares.

Even if you don’t leave an item, as you’ve only just arrived and you may not have much on your person, the locals won’t punish you or think ill of you. It’ll give you a chance to gather yourself before you go back to the festival proper. If you choose to go back at all. The relative quiet is so welcoming, after all.

THE GLITCH EFFECT

NO SIGNAL

If you’ve arrived in this world with a mobile device or something akin to (notebook, laptop, and so on), you’ll find that whilst there are no electrical outlets, there are slender and flat platforms available to keep items of this nature with a charge. You cannot connect to a network and there’s no signal for a connection to grapple onto. That said, programmes that don’t require a connection to be of use (note taking applications, calculators, games), are still operable.

You may find, however, in the use of these programmes that perhaps images are not displaying properly. The colouration may be inverted. There may be unexplainable lines drawn across graphics. Text may not accurately be presented, instead a jumble and tangle of letters, forming what looks more like a mass of verbal tendrils across your screen.

Bizarre and strange sounds may emerge from your device, sometimes a low hum that may be indiscernible to others. Sometimes a high frequency that lingers in the air. It may be just a flash of sound. It may be several seconds long.

Furthermore, it is possible that you may find strange imagery imprinted on the screen temporarily, even where there should be no graphic at all. It’s there for a moment or two before it fades away, almost as if it’s subliminal messaging. The strange imagery is difficult to make out—a highly detailed eye, or perhaps what appears to be an angular face. No two images will be the same, though some may hold some eerily similar depictions.

This strange happenstance will occur periodically until the festival reaches its conclusion.

STATIC BUZZING

Don’t think if you didn’t arrive with a mobile device or related that you’re free from some of the strange electronic phenomena. Devices that are native to Expiation will experience similar errors. The difference is that the devices as a collective (personal computers, printers, cameras, the platforms for charging devices, and more) will emit a fluctuating and repeating frequency of sound cycling from high to low. Some will be able to hear it, some will not, but for those who do, it will come accompanied with a static buzzing sound, as if a connection somewhere is on its last proverbial legs.

There isn’t a means to stop the sound from emerging without depowering the device in question and even the locals don’t seem to know what to do. There are several devices strewn about Aldrip, however, so even if you should unplug one, there will be others expressing the same assault on the ears. Aldrip’s people don’t seem particularly alarmed, however, explaining to those who ask that this sort of thing simply happens every so often, and should they but have faith, Those Who Were There will handle all things ‘in good time.’

Unlike the personal devices brought in by newly-arrived, the electronic devices of Expiation will not display incorrect / jumbled graphics, text, or bizarre flashing images, which may be considered a blessing in disguise, despite having to experience the potentially annoying hum. This strange occurrence, too, will mysteriously end once the festivities have drawn to a close.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'd posit a third option— that they're laced with something nefarious— but at this point, I almost don't care.

[He sounds rather near the end of his rope, and he huffs softly as he lowers his glass to case a glance at the young woman who had taken the time to encourage him. Something about her strikes him as vaguely familiar, but only for a moment— it passes, and he gives her a tight, wry smile in response.]

Given that the locals are drinking them quite freely, as well, I don't believe that's a concern, but I'm still a touch wary of anything given away for free.

[Most people aren't that generous. It strikes him as odd.]

I guess that's a distinct possibility. Not sure what they'd gain out of that.

[No, really. What would be the benefit? It's not impossible. Lots of bodies to do... what. Menial labour, maybe? She's having a hard time buying that. Not that she's exactly gotten much information about of the townsfolk, but they seem like the sorts who like doing... whatever they're doing.

But looks can be deceiving, can't they.]

You could just trade for drinks or something. Maybe ask them what you can do to help out? That way you're not feeling like you're getting something for free.

The fact that you can't think of anything off the bat certainly speaks to your character, at least. Lovely though the scenery is, this is nothing short of a kidnapping.

[A pretty one, with decent drinks, but a kidnapping no less— whatever greater game may be at play here. He doesn't know nearly enough to theorize properly, but he does intend to find out.

Her suggestion, however...

He shakes his head, his eyes closing momentarily as he clucks his tongue.]

As for the rest, it is hardly that I feel guilty about accepting such things, but they aren't necessarily to be trusted. I'm not inclined to barter by offering my services. The drinks are agreeable enough, but I prefer actual payment— gil, preferably, though that doesn't seem worth much here.

[She almost considers telling him that to put it in such a way is a bit harsh, but it occurs to her that just because the circumstances are better for her doesn't mean it's the same for other people. There are probably others here who feel the same way and that's valid.

And... possibly true. She can't really recall how she came to be here. Some bits and pieces of what she experienced to get to this moment, but other than that, it's all a bit fuzzy.]

Did you ask if they'd pay you... in actual... pay?

[Although she's filing away what information she is learning. Gil. She's familiar with it. It's what they use back home, though he looks way too nicely dressed to be anyone from the slums. Maybe a Shinra executive or someone living on the plate? Maybe better not to start barking up that tree.]

I guess it might be hard to get information out of them right now. I tried asking for some earlier, but they're real excited about this festival.

I've not broached the subject at all, in fact.

[He's not the sort who goes around offering help when he doesn't believe there's going to be something in it for him, or so he likes to claim. The truth is not quite so clear-cut, but as for this place, he's been far too busy trying to gather information as he finds his feet to see about earning any good will.]

Questions, on the other hand— I've had plenty of those. You're right about one thing. They don't have much to say that isn't about the current festivities. Event of the season, one must assume.

[He only sounds mildly sarcastic, at that.]

Their devotion is... quite something.

[Ah, the same, then. Aerith wouldn't call them unhelpful. Maybe a little caught up, which isn't really a fault, especially if it's a traditional sort of to-do. She gets the feeling that others brought here might not share the same open-minded perspective.

She offers a sympathetic look because she really does get it.]

I don't think it seems too excessive. It just seems like to me they have a certain way of doing things. I can think of a few people back home who might benefit from showing that level of commitment.

[Well, in something more than self-serving interests, that is.]

I guess it's a little strange, though. I'm happy for them, though. They seem pretty happy. I feel like if a bunch of us showed up when yet we having a bad time, we might not be as comfy.

They do seem happy.

[He’ll concede that much, echoing her, though his own experiences with people showing such care and attention for higher powers have been middling at best. He can’t deny what’s before their very eyes, even if he does find himself on edge, wary. That’s really just the standard these days, isn’t it? He hasn’t gotten to where he is now by offering his trust freely.]

I’ve seen similar gatherings before. I can’t quite pin what strikes me as so odd about this one, but given the current situation, it would be far more strange if it didn’t, I suppose.

[This is hardly an everyday occurrence for any of them.]

None of those I’ve spoken to have seemed terribly bothered or even surprised by the appearance of so many strangers claiming to be from elsewhere.

I noticed that, too. That they've been so welcoming might indicate that maybe we're not the first people who've come here? Or they're just used to this kind of thing, which... is sort of the same thing as the first thing I said.

[Either way, it's valid.

She's still looking around as she considers what her experience has been like so far. Maybe a little more easy-going than she's expected. She keeps thinking it's better than what she was dealing with before, but she doesn't know that for certain.]

Maybe they'll be a little more willing to tell us more after all of this has passed. It's not like they're going to be throwing a party for days.

[...Right?]

If they're accustomed to it, I'd say that's reason for concern, wouldn't you?

[If others have been put in this same situation before them, where are they? Did they, too, come to Aldrip? If they were to ask the locals about them, would they find out anything useful or be told another tale about Those Who Were There? Not that Balthier is inclined to believe everything he hears. In fact, he believes very little until it has been put to proof.

He raises a brow at her optimism, skeptical.]

I've not been to many short festivals in my time, I'll admit. It well could go on for days, especially with the way they're all carrying on.

Well, yes. [Balthier, please stop using logic.] I wasn't saying it's not a cause for concern. Only that we don't really know why things have happened the way that they have or why everyone from here is taking it so well.

[Sure, they could ask, but Aerith feels like right now, they're not going to get anywhere. But that's largely because she hasn't gotten anywhere.

When he makes mention that the festival could go on for some days, her eyebrows lift.]

Really? Days? I don't... think I've ever been to a festival before. [She wishes she sounded more sure of that, but as she's thinking about it, this doesn't feel completely unfamiliar to her? Maybe she's thinking about her little adventure through Wall Market. It felt kind of like a festival. There's even the arena.] Days seems like a long time to celebrate something. Imagine if we celebrated birthdays for days.

[He gestures broadly to their surroundings; there's no sight in particular he wishes to indicate, but the general mood of the place is the same no matter where they might look.]

Festivals are often an excuse to drink to excess, eat— not to mention a splendid business opportunity for those selling their wares. As much as these people seem inclined to give things away to those of us who've none of the local currency, I've no doubt many of them depend on events like these to make up for a good part of their livelihood. Besides, regardless of where you are, people do like to have fun.

[Festivals with their roots in religion, he's noticed, tend to go on quite awhile in certain parts of Ivalice.]

I'd say that celebrating birthdays for days sounds out of line, but if someone has enough gil to spend, anything is possible. I can think of a few people I've met in my lifetime who are certainly vain enough and rich enough that they would set apart an entire week to celebrate themselves if they could.

[~~Al-Cid Margrace~~.]

That's true. I guess if the drinks are still being served and so's the food, that's reason enough to keep a party going. It's not like they have an infinite amount of that, though.

[She assumes. What kind of place has a never-ending supply of food? Well, probably a happy one, honestly. Which could explain a bit to their cheerful demeanour. Even that feels a bit like a long shot, though. That's probably not what's going on here.

Aerith shifts her weight from side to side, still with hands folded together.]

I guess that's true, though. If you have a lot of gil, you can afford just about anything. [Including making others around one's self miserable. She can just imagine how much money Shinra's pouring into this, that, and the other thing.] I feel like I'd get tired after a while, though. One day to celebrate a birthday is enough for me.

Then you have more modesty than most.

[His remark rings genuine, like a compliment rather than a dismissal, even if his clothing and jewelry might mark him as someone who prefers excess. Everything has its time and place, even indulgence— perhaps especially that.]

I feel quite the same. If these festivities do last for days, at least it will be a reasonably pleasant wait until things return to whatever passes for normal around here— one assumes.

[He sighs, settling his hands on his hips.]

Given the nature of our arrival, I'm not inclined to trust much, however.

[She can wager a guess that she has more modesty than him.

For several long moments, she squints as she surveys around them. She's not sure she knows what 'normal' might even look like for them. When she realises she just can't piece any of that together, her attention returns to her newly-found companion.]

That's becoming a pretty common thing I keep hearing. I can understand the hesitance, but I'm firm on this idea that maybe it's not the worst thing ever to just play along for the time being. Make friends, not enemies, all of that. A smile goes a long way, you know. And it takes less effort to smile than it does to frown.

[She gestures up to him with a grin.]

Even someone who's a professional at frowning.

Play along.

[He echoes her as though he doesn't understand her meaning, but the way his gaze narrows says otherwise, of course. His attitude isn't necessarily unpleasant or hostile, but there's a certain weariness to it, and he clearly feels quite put-upon by all of this.

He shakes his head, letting out a chuckle at her assessment of him, and it is enough to earn a crooked half-smile in return.]

Playing along, I've found, can be quite dangerous. Gets you involved in all sorts of nasty things.

[Rebellions and the like, you know.]

But I wouldn't call myself an professional when it comes to frowning. Consider that you merely may have caught me on what is, admittedly, not my best day.

Not saying we've got to play along forever. Just make nice, so we can figure out what we need to. I don't think there's a lot of harm in that.

[How is it that this is not the first time she's had this conversation? Unsurprisingly, he's not taking well to it either. Is she one of the few who's actually trying to approach this with some kind of optimism? Even Cloud was at least a little willing to play along.

What's it going to take with this guy?]

They say if you smile, the world smiles with you. [And truth be told, she's been able to spread some smiles around in her own way. But she does relent just a little for his sake.] I get it, though. It's not an ideal situation for any of us. I just don't think it's a good idea for any of us to start any trouble so soon. The locals aren't really having a fit over us being here. They're being helpful. It might be for their own ends, but it couldn't hurt completely to take advantage of it while we try to establish a foothold or something.

[Optimism does not come quite so easily to some— Balthier finds it much easier to manage when he's had time to assess a situation and calculate how to proceed forward with some degree of success, and even then, his optimism is decidedly measured.]

Well, I hardly mean to start trouble.

[That's... probably true.]

It has a way of finding me all on its own, but that's another issue entirely. I know how to keep from making waves— and it will be all the easier to continue doing so with another of these drinks, but I cannot help but remain skeptical. That's enough like playing along in its own way, I suppose.

[She lifts an eyebrow.

"Well, I hardly mean to start trouble."

Somehow she highly doubts that, but okay. If that's the way he wants to play it off. She'll let it go for now. And then the moment he does start trouble, she'll be right there with a I told you so.]

Sceptical is fine. Smart, even. As long as it doesn't keep you from living. We're all in this together, even if some of us don't want to think so. Even if some of us don't believe that. So maybe try to think about it like that? You aren't alone. That has to mean something.

[Or maybe it doesn't.]

[Oh, he just bets she will be. She seems the sort. He can tell a great deal from that raised eyebrow of hers, he's certain.

A skeptic in her own right, at least about him.]

Of course it means something.

[He'll agree with her on that much, though it's obvious he's about to bring his own cynical edge to it.]

I can't say it offers much comfort, but if my distrust is proven wrong, I will gladly accept it. It would be a pleasant surprise, to be certain.

[Shaking her head, she sighs at him. He's so troublesome!]

Well, try to look at it from this perspective. I'm here, right? You are obviously not on your own. I'm not a local. I'm pretty trustworthy, I think!

[Probably. Mostly. Definitely. Sweeping a hand over herself, she's all grins.]

You're obviously taller than me and stronger than me, so there's no benefit to me not being straight with you. But maybe you need a couple more drinks to be a bit more personable! I'm thinking if I were to leave, you might say something rude and get slapped by someone.

[He'd probably deserve it, too.]

[Ah, yes— people who declare themselves trustworthy almost always are, except when they aren't. In this particular case, at least, the woman in question seems to have no guile, but her declaration still gets an amused little snort out of him, along with a lopsided smile.]

You have provided plenty of evidence to support such a theory, I suppose.

[She has no reason to be duplicitous, but the amused note in his voice makes it plain enough that he'd never considered her to be so in the first place.]

As for a couple more drinks, I certainly won't say no— they're near required at this point, if you ask me, though I assure you, I'm often quite personable without.

[Not today, he concedes. He's self-aware enough for that.]

So you're to protect me, then?

To be fairrrrr... [Aerith begins with an impish smile.] It's kind of some extenuating circumstances, right? I'm sure days like today aren't a regularity for you. They definitely aren't for me and I've seen some pretty interesting things. When your drinks get low, I'll get you another one. Just as sort of a peace offering.

[Pretty charitable of her, right? Not that she knows what she's really going to pay with. Today? Probably just a smile and a wave of her hand. At his question, she starts laughing and playfully flexes for him.]

Oh, yes! I'm very tough and scary!

[...Very. Very tough and scary.]

[Hmm. Charitable, indeed. He chuckles softly, propping a hand against his hip as he gives a shake of his head.

Honestly.]

Yes, quite fierce. No doubt any troublesome sorts will turn tail and run the moment they lay eyes on you.

[She's quite ferocious.]

You don't have something else you'd rather be doing? You seem like you might actually enjoy yourself in this place, after all, Miss...?

[He's playing along. He might not believe her and she knows very well she's not outwardly intimidating at all, but he's humouring her and that, coupled with his quiet amusement, is a taste of victory. She looks very pleased with his reaction. Gently clasping her hands together, she is all smiles, tilting her head.]

My name's Aerith! It's nice to meet you. What kind of name does a slightly grumpy guy like you have?

Balthier.

[He's just going to gloss over that descriptor, thank you, though there's a brief scrunch of his nose in response. Must she?]

A pleasure, circumstances aside.

[That, at least, sounds genuine, and he does follow up with a bow— it's near second-nature to him at this point.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject