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expiationmeme2023-01-23 02:02 am
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.
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.
Hermes | Final Fantasy XIV
[ Hermes has read much research documentation in his time at Elpis, and the missive addressed to him stands out as more observational than welcoming. Therein lies the problem - whoever has been assigned to monitor him has taken some rather unflattering (but nevertheless true) notes about his demeanor. Depression, distrust, secrecy, and a number of other personal failings are listed among his characteristics. He cannot fault its accuracy until he reaches the last line - a sentence for crime he’s committed despite his apparent worthiness to be here.
Disturbing the peace, it says.
Hermes shivers with dread. They know.
Far too often his thoughts of late have been disharmonious, questioning the foundations their world was built upon and hiding his woeful musings to himself. The Meteion project kept him busy enough, but the Kairos incident but that dream to an end. Hermes put on a brave face afterwards as he focused on other work but if this document is to be believed - it was not enough. He may be missing his memories but he knows himself. That cannot be allowed to continue, not after his most recent failure.
Filled with dread, he rolls up the message and tries to catch the attention of someone he hopes can help him. ]
Pardon me - do you know who is responsible for this document?
Approach With Care
[ Making his way to the nearest populated area is a chance to experience the natural flora and fauna of this new world. Hermes takes the time to stop and observe plants that catch his interest, particularly the ones that look edible. Will this be something he has to eat here? When he crosses some vegetation that looks promising, he picks up a sample and splits it in half to see what the inside is like. There’s a small rustle nearby and when Hermes looks up, he sees a small creature eyeing what he took. ]
Are you hungry?
[ He breaks off a piece and feeds it out of his hand. No sudden movements to startle the creature of course, but it allows him an opportunity to get a better look at it.
It seems pleased enough that its sibling approaches for a share. Another follows suit, and another. Hermes grabs another vegetable and looks back at the scene, only to realize the creature’s very angry parent has arrived. It growls, rearing up for a charge.
Best to be careful about this. He holds up his hands. ]
Oh dear…
Those Who Were There
[ As a steward of the star, Hermes is unaccustomed to the worship of deities. It’s not entirely unheard of, but his field of study never allowed him an opportunity to see it for himself. He’s fascinated by the festival and all the wonders on display, observing as much as he can without any means to take notes. ]
My apologies. I’ve just recently arrived and I don’t have anything on my person. Is there something else I can do?
[ He doesn’t know the words to any songs and can’t particularly dance, but it seems disrespectful not to try. ]
Wildcard
[ If you have any ideas let me know here or through PM! I can go with just about anything. ]
Welcome
Someone I'd like to bloody well get my hands on, that's who. Does yours mention a crime?
[ Hers isn't necessarily a literal crime. Hurting someone more than they ever thought you could isn't illegal. Just awful, and she hates that someone or something (or multiple someone or somethings) knows about it. ]
no subject
It does, but it is both very specific and vague all at once. Some further insight would be helpful.
B[ ut the woman before him seems frustrated - openly so. Perhaps there's more to this that he doesn't understand. So he asks. ]
Is yours not accurate?
no subject
No. That's the problem. And I don't understand how someone or something knows this about me. It's personal. And it's a fake 'crime' anyway. Unless the laws in this place are harsher than any place I've ever been to.
[ Glancing over at him, she tries to let some of the tension in her shoulders go. ]
It's unnerving. The universe is huge, and yet this piece of paper knows something about me no one else does.
[ Well, the Doctor does, but this isn't him. ]
no subject
A fake crime? [ He glances at the roll of paper in his hand. ] I don't know that mine is fabricated, but I don't know that I'm not guilty of what I've been charged with. However, it also cannot be proven that I am guilty - at least to a criminal extent. But indeed, mine is also quite personal.
[ His grip tightens slightly on the paper. Hermes should probably leave well enough alone, but her mention of the universe reminds him that this is not Etheirys. Though his hosts seem quite strict, perhaps that isn't the case of others that have been chosen. A vast universe should contain a variety of perspectives, and he had once dreamed of listening to as many as he could come across. Perhaps he should properly start. ]
Is disturbing the peace a crime where you are from? Such is my charge.
[ He rubs a hand against the back of his head, a little embarrassed. It sounds much less serious saying it aloud. ]
no subject
Nodding in confirmation, she looks out at the water, biting at the inside of her cheek. ]
Yeah. The punishment ranges based on how bad it was. Did you hurt anyone or break anything?
[ She asks with no judgement in her her voice, just curiosity. Maybe it has to do with feelings or hurting others in a very broad sense of the word. ]
no subject
Nothing so egregious, as far as I'm aware. There was an incident recently where an experimental display backfired and caused the memories of two esteemed visitors to my facility to be erased - but I was with them at the time. [ He looks down at the ground. ] My memories of that time were erased as well, so I can only guess at what I'd done then.
[ As was Meteion, but the horrors he put her through didn't quite fit the crime. ]
Other than that... I tend to think a bit differently from my peers, but am in the habit of preserving harmony.
[ At this, he has to steady himself. Everyone he knows, many of whom serve under him as Chief Overseer, thinks he's a bit odd. He's gotten used to playing it off amongst his people but his arrival here has left him feeling exposed. He's not sure what to say that will make her more comfortable around him - if that's even possible right now. ]
no subject
I've been basically living with a weirdo for a while, and when we weren't living together, we traveled together. He's my best mate.
[ Clara offers a small smile that manages to reach her eyes briefly. ]
I think you're alright. We probably both are. My parchment's about being a complete and utter arse for an extended period of time. To my best friend.
[ She looks away again, and resists the urge to open her crumpled parchment and read it again. ]
Maybe there's no such thing as 'too insignificant' here.
no subject
[ He's unfamiliar with the term, but the context is fond. Best to clarify before he makes an incorrect assumption.
If it is a dear friend she speaks of, well... Hermes can understand that well enough. Meteion was very dear to him and as he feared, ended up pushing her beyond her limits beyond what she could take. That, he thought, was more grave than the crime he was charged with - but didn't fit into it as far as he could tell.
But that's a lot to put on a stranger he's just met. He smiles sheepishly as if to accept the compliment, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. ]
Perhaps there isn't. Their observational records are quite thorough even if the logic in their conclusions is unclear.
A worried welcome
No, sorry. I got here not too long ago, and I honestly have more questions than answers.
[She tries not to show her annoyance in the matter. Instead, trying to crack a smile through the whole situation. It was particularly hard to smile though, with so many things about this place being... Off. Still, there isn't any reason she should be unfriendly toward him.]
I'm guessing your paper doesn't have any truth to it? The people I've run into aren't particularly happy with their 'charges', so...
no subject
[ His frown deepens. While he can't say that his is true, Hermes can't comfortably dismiss it as false. He really wishes he could, but the fact that he can't unsettles him. ]
While I can't account for its truthfulness, I believe mine may be deliberately vague. Further context would be helpful, but I can find no one to provide it.
[ He thinks further a moment. If they can use obfuscation to charge him with crime, how far would they be willing to go? ]
You say your charges are false?
no subject
[There's a hand that reaches out for his shoulder. Her fingertips gently patting it in silent solidarity, even if his charges were true, or not. It wasn't her place to give judgment. Unlike this place.]
Yeah, I got hit with a high treason charge. Not entirely sure why but I'm sure I'll figure it out the longer I'm here.
[The corner of her lips curves into a friendly smile, not wanting him to feel alone in his endeavors.]
C'mon. There's a village not too far from here. Maybe we can find something there.
Approach with Care
[The man in question appears old and tired, his posture slouched from the weight of millennia. Judging by the hard line of his brow and the cold gleam in his yellow eyes, he is perhaps not the sort of "hero" Hermes would otherwise wish to be rescued by. But although he may not look like the Emet-Selch he knows, his voice, at least, is unmistakable.]
For someone who has caused me a great deal of trouble, trouble certainly has a way of finding you, Hermes.
[Rising, the creature paws the ground as its head swings in Emet-Selch's direction. It proceeds to growl another, harsher warning.]
Might I suggest that you back away? Slowly.
no subject
What he turns to see is anathema. That voice - and the immense aetheric skill accompanying it - belongs to none other than the most Eminent Emet-Selch. Though Kairos stole their memories of Emet-Selch's initial visit to Elpis, Hermes could never forget the lecture that followed. What greets him isn't a pillar of their society clad in black robe and red mask, but something Hermes can hardly describe. It's so... garish. His silver hair has been changed in a way that suits his current demeanor but doesn't fit his understanding of the man at all.
He stumbles backward, just managing to keep an eye on the creatures before them out of force of habit. He's been on the bad side of all sorts of creations before, but at the moment he's not sure which of the current lot is the bigger threat to him. ]
Are... Are you quite alright?
[ As jarring as Emet-Selch's arrival has been, they are still of the same world. Hermes doesn't know what changed Emet-Selch, but he can at least try to help. ]
no subject
[The unexpected line of questioning has Emet-Selch arching one dark eyebrow - humorless, but openly perplexed. (--Oh! Ohhhh... That.) Yes, well of course Hermes would notice... At the moment, however, Emet-Selch lacks the patience to address the matter of his appearance. That, and he doubts the creature has a mind to wait for them to have a leisurely conversation about how he came to look this way.]
I've certainly been worse. Now, if you are finished gawking, I would have a word with you. Preferably somewhere we are less likely to be disturbed.
[As predicted, the beast refuses to back down when its offspring are so clearly in danger. With another roar, it lunges towards Emet-Selch, only this time it will find itself bouncing off of a magical barrier - one which flickers from the impact, shivering with sparks, but ultimately holds.]
I suspect this lot would find that to be more agreeable as well.
no subject
Go home, little one.
[ It returns to its kin, which growls another warning. He steps back slowly, retreating closer to Emet-Selch. The barrier keeps them safe, but Hermes yet hopes to deescalate things further. Emet-Selch is right, however - they're better off elsewhere. He shakes his head, truly sorry for bringing such danger to those creatures. ]
Let us quit this place.
[ He knows not where they will go. This place is so new to him, but his woodland adventures are finished for the time being. While he still has so many questions about this place, he has many more about whatever allowed Emet-Selch to change like this. It does not bode well. ]
no subject
[Emet-Selch sees no reason to argue the matter - especially given that Hermes is cooperating with him and even appears to be in agreement. He glances about them carefully until he spies what he suspects to be a vacant stretch of earth some yalms away within a nearby field and raises an arm aloft.]
[A snap of his fingers sees them both vanishing, and a portal opens to deposit them a safe distance away. Few places are completely absent of creatures, yet any hidden amongst the rushes - be they insects or lizards, or perhaps the occasional small mammal - seem unlikely to cause another headache.]
[What will, he knows, is deciding what should be done from here. There is much to discuss, yet he does not know how much of it will bring about a positive result, nor a positive reaction. He does his best to quash down the current of anger which yet seeks to rise out of him.]
You seem surprised by my appearance.
[Perhaps he should simply start there; conversational.]
Up until very recently I have been working with Lahabrea and Elidibus on a rather sensitive mission. This body allows me to better fit in amongst the native people we have been tasked with...observing.