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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.
speak of the Renan and he shall appear
[While he had not responded to her mention of his name a few moments earlier, Dohalim does speak up from somewhere behind her as she reacts to the stamp on her arm. Should she look over her shoulder, he'll be standing there as though he's been there for ages, eyes closed, fingers curled against his chin in thought as though these happenings are, in fact, utterly normal.]
I have seen many wearing that same mark throughout the town. There is something to be said for partaking of local customs. It may ingratiate us to the natives. The variety of offerings being left is quite curious, as well... I have never seen a practice quite like it.
Is that relief?
[She's not panicking. Nope. You can't prove that. And while Dohalim's presence is a bit of a relief, his words are not. Although, she's not sure that she would have turned to her fellow Renan for any sort comfort, this isn't something that anyone would be enough to comfort her.
Especially since she already has a mark upon her.]
I... I noticed that too. Some of them look like they've been here for a while. It's why I thought you'd be interested in it, considering your love of Dahnan ruins and artifacts.
[Of course, Dohalim wasn't the only Renan Lord with that, considering the collection of items in Ganabelt's castle and the location of Almeidrea's 'secret' laboratory.]
depends on who you ask!
[Despite her startled response, he seems entirely unbothered, calm and collected as he so often is. It takes a great deal to cause Dohalim to lose his composure, and when he does, it means nothing good for anyone in the immediate area— or so past experiences would imply.]
Those who wear it seem to be greeted with even greater generosity. You may even be able to gather more information than we've been able to previously.
[His love of artifacts does have him curious about the items being left and the custom itself, but he'll focus long enough to try and help Shionne find a practical application for this situation of hers.]
Well, Doha is a good person to have around, normally.
[Shionne looks down at the symbol, tracing it with her finger for a minute as she tries to figure out what it could mean. Her skin is still smooth, even with the mark, and there is no smudge, like that of ink. For all intents and purposes, it could be something that people would assume she was born with, if it didn't seem like half of the other people around them also carried the same mark.]
Do you really think that would work? I'm not... exactly the easiest to get information out of others.
[She usually leaves that to Alphen and Rinwell, since they actually can talk to people without issues or being hated for obviously being different.]
I'd think you'd be a better choice than me.
no subject
[He certainly understands where she's coming from; he is a diplomat by nature, even if he has an incredibly complicated relationship with the position he had held in Elde Menancia. He knows how to inspire others to be forthcoming, to make the right sorts of friends, but he believes her to be selling herself rather short, as well.]
However, I think you give yourself too little credit, Shionne.
[Nobody knows her here. Nobody knows any of them.]
What reason would any of these people have to treat you any differently than they would the rest of us? In our present situation, we are all of us equal.
no subject
She looks over at Dohalim and then down at the mark on her wrist. She's never tried either. Maybe he's right.
There's a moment of panic that rushes through her and she wonders if she'll screw it up and ruin everything that they might do going forward. What if she's bad at this and then everyone with her is caught up in her trouble? Her breathing gets quicker and she feels like she's getting lightheaded when the rest of his words seem to break through her swirl of self-loathing.]
Equal. [This isn't Dahna. No one will hate her for the fact that she's not from this world. The mark on her wrist is proof of that.
It's that thought that makes her nod and look around.]
I guess that asking some questions from the locals might be beneficial.
[She takes a few steps away before she quietly speaks again:]
Thank you.
no subject
He gestures towards the path that leads back towards the town proper.]
There is no thanks necessary. Would you like me to accompany you? I am interested to see what we might find together.
[He'll be glad to see her make the effort, to try, but that doesn't mean he's going to leave her to do it all alone. He has to wonder if this is how some of the others felt, seeing him take steps to do things that seemed to come so naturally to the rest of them.
Probably not. Being able to dress oneself and being confident enough to engage in diplomacy were two very different things.]
no subject
The incredible weight lifted off of her small shoulders just for the fact that she won't be judged at all feels so good that she feels a bit lightheaded. And while she able to stay on her feet, she does appreciate that Dohalim is with her. He's the least likely to tease her about any mistakes she might make, and he might think of something to ask that would escape her.]
Two heads are better than one. Besides, it's not like they leave us alone much.
[In fact, she's not sure she's had a conversation with Dohalim that didn't include Alphen or Kisara before, if she's being honest.
She looks over at him.]
Did you want to leave something as well? They might actually answer us both if we have the mark.
[And maybe, just maybe, they will give her free food again.]
no subject
He considers her suggestion for a moment, raising a hand in front of him to examine his many rings.]
I suppose I should. If we wish to build a relationship with the locals, it would certainly benefit me to do so, and it is not as though I cannot part with anything.
[He gives her a reserved smile before pulling a ring from the middle finger of his right hand, stepping towards the altar and leaning forward to gracefully set it among the other trinkets that have been brought forth.]
There— I believe that should be sufficient.
no subject
I don't think it's a matter of if we can afford to it or not. I'm not sure it matters what we give them, but the fact that we do it.
[She looks back over at the old woman who encouraged her to give and gets a nod and an almost gentle smile in return as she glances back to see Dohalim place the ring. She waits until he has the mark on his own arm and then looks around the whole area.]
Maybe we should start with the area that has the food stalls. We might be able to meet more people there.
no subject
[His ring has no particular feeling attached to it, not the way that some pieces of jewelry might for others— it had not been gifted to him by anyone important, and had no significant meaning, but his attachment remains all the same. Some things become dear simply because of a person's becoming accustomed to having them, he supposes.
Once he's done, he turns his forearm so that the inside of it is facing upwards, showing the mark that has been bestowed upon him.]
... I thought I might feel something when it appeared, but it as if it has simply always been there.
[Curious. He inclines his head towards her at her suggestion, a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.]
Are you certain you are not just hungry?
[She usually is, he's noticed.]
no subject
Well, I'm not a big fan of branding, so I probably won't be doing this again. It's not too unpleasant though.
[She looks at him a little offended but it's completely ruined when her stomach growls, loudly.]
....maybe.
we can probably fade this out but dang this is a cute moment!
At her admission, he laughs warmly, shaking his head and gesturing towards the path that leads back to the town proper.]
Shall we, then? I could do with something to eat, myself. We cannot be proper ambassadors on empty stomachs.