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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.
no subject
We should probably figure out how the lodgings work. I didn't even ask yet if we're bunking with others or not. I guess even if it's a single room, some people don't like being alone.
[She can imagine choosing to stay in a room with Tifa before wanting to take a room to herself. If the option was available, that is. Her room back home in the slums is small and yet comfortable. It could be considerably worse. She imagines she won't be finding the same comforts here.
Rin's question breaks into her thoughts and Aerith leans onto an arm thoughtfully.]
I don't know if I would say it like that. The place that I live in can be a little tricky to get around, so it's important to be able to handle yourself, I guess. I wouldn't say I'm real great at it, but I'm pretty good at talking myself out of a bad situation.
no subject
[In her travels, she would share a single room with a group of friends she'd be traveling with, as well as her husband. She didn't get a lot of privacy, but maybe she'll be happy with being alone for once. ... Unlikely.]
Well, you survived for this long, haven't you? You must have a knack for it!
[She laughs at that last bit. It's something that she... Couldn't relate to. If only because she was horrible at talking her way out of a bad situation herself.]
You'll be a good ally. I'm... Not particularly good at talking my way out of things. In fact, I tend to charge head first into a situation without thinking half the time, and I'm always blinded by rage if I see my friends in trouble.
no subject
Surely, he'll warm up over time, right? But this is also Cloud she's thinking of and that might not happen at all.]
I knew someone back home who was kind of like that. His heart's always in the right place, but people are human, right? Sometimes we get caught up in our feelings. [Barrett's meant well, but there's no denying that he's probably gotten the others in trouble more than once.] I could say it's important to keep a clear head and that's truth, but I know it's not that easy. We don't want to see those we care about hurt.
no subject
[A solemn sigh escapes her, missing her crew from back home. But with their luck, one of them might appear here, someday. And who knows how long she'll be here for. She'll just have to keep one foot forward, and take each day at a time.]
A clear head is something I severely lack... Maybe being here will teach me not to go head first. Or let my emotions cloud my judgment.
[She can only wait and see. But for now, she finally stands from her position at the bar.]
Now, let's go find that shelter before the festival dies down and the town starts to crowd into the inns.
no subject
Many a person is interested in causing some kind of trouble here. And not for any random reason, but rather for the sake of one's individual freedom.]
Just time, patience, and circumstance! [Aerith chimes in, feeling considerably more sure about Rin's potential growth in the face of adversity. Using her hands to help herself get up, she's back to smiles and offers her near companion a nod.] A good idea. I'm sure as things quiet down, more people will be trying to get a place to stay. I hope they have accommodations for everyone...!
no subject
... As much as I hate to say it, I don't think it's our problem. They brought us here for a reason, right? So they better have enough beds for everyone they brought here.
[Rin is worried for the commonfolk, and those who just got here. It was in her nature and all, but she is worried about their survival first and foremost, as hard as it is for her. Though, Aerith can tell by the look on her face that she regrets saying that -- her mouth twisted with discontent.]
I think... The inn is somewhere around here.
[Her eyes dart around a bit more, before landing on one of the nearby buildings that had what they were looking for. Quickly moving toward the door and opening it for Aerith to go through.]
Go ahead.
no subject
[Aerith has thought about it a little here and there. It's a possibility, of course, but if they're just people, that would be a tall order to expect of them. If not them, then who? Maybe their gods? But that's worthy of scepticism, too. She doesn't really know how to explain the situation.]
It might be worth considering other theories, too, though I don't really have any made myself just yet.
[Better to keep an open mind than the alternative.
All the same, she's quick to take Rin's invitation and she wanders right on in. It's a surprisingly cosy and comfortable setup. Simple, which doesn't really surprise her. In many ways it seems like the town is save their strange advancements here and there. She waits for Rin to join her before she goes too far and she gestures toward the counter and the person behind it.]
This is probably it. I have a friend from home here, so I'm gonna ask if he already got us a room.
no subject
[At this point, Rin does want to point her finger at the gods. It would be fitting for them to bring them here, but, given that there's a whole festival celebrating their gods going on right now, she has somewhat of the mind to not say anything bad right now.]
But you are right. I'll start... Looking in the morning, I think. When things have died down. Although, some of the townspeople might be hung over in the morning, so who knows what kind of information I'll get.
[She can't help but weakly laugh at the thought, but she would still need to try at least. Although, that was a problem for tomorrow Rin, and not tonight. Tonight, she would need to rest after all that's happened. Glad that the inn seems peaceful, and simple enough. Just like some of the inns back at home, which was a comforting thought to her.]
What? You actually got lucky and had someone back home come here?
[Rin motions herself beside Aerith so that she can speak to the receptionist at the counter. Happily asking for a single room in between their conversation. The person behind the counter quickly getting Rin her room key, which she takes, happily.]
Well, I guess that gives me something to look forward to.
no subject
Before she's inclined to answer, however, she feels just a touch relieved to see that Rin will at least have a room.
She gives a small little nod, willing to pursue it further once she's had a chance to check with the clerk. Her request is rather simple and that's just to see what kind of room Cloud reserved, verifying that he did, in fact, reserve one. And when it's confirmed, she looks over to Rin with a smile, not forgetting Cloud's request.]
He's my bodyguard. It really does seem like it was a stroke of luck.
[Because honestly, he shouldn't be here. But that quite possibly means he was en route to Shinra's headquarters... What of the others?]
I'll make sure you'll get a chance to meet him eventually. He's not really a talkative sort, so don't take that personally.
no subject
And he's your bodyguard? Lucky girl... I was hoping that I could be your bodyguard, hehe.
[It's said playfully, of course. Rin winking at Aerith, before a softer smile appears on her lips. Her expectation earlier not what she expected at all. Still, opposites tended to attract, and she can't help but laugh again.]
I won't. I know a lot of people like that in our little underground organization... Not really talkative, and most of the time put up a tough front so that they won't be bothered. They like to work alone, and become hassled once you bug them. Sound about right?
no subject
He doesn't seem to hate it, she thinks, being her companion, though she'd like to think that he knows she's not completely defenceless.]
Sounds pretty right on. [She agrees, still tinted by amusement.] I push him a little, but I try not to push more than I think he's willing to handle. And sometimes, I think he doesn't mind smiling a little when we're together. On the rare occasion, though. He isn't hard to miss. Taller than me. Blond hair. It's a little all over the place. And he has really pretty eyes.
no subject
[She giggles to herself, and clasps her hands together. Quietly listening to her description of him, before curving her lips into a gentle smile. The way that she describes him... Was definitely very cute. She doesn't say that, though, and simply laughs.]
I'll keep an eye out for him, cutie, and let him know that his position as bodyguard might be taken soon, hehe. But in the mean time... You should get some rest, and we can meet up tomorrow morning for some fun in the town.
no subject
Oh, I'll be sure to tell him. But that sounds like a fantastic idea. Let's both get some rest. Tomorrow's a new day and there's plenty more to look at and get to know. Maybe I'll get Cloud to pop by and say hello to you as well. It'd be nice if we could all have lunch together.
[Which might as well be a plan made on her part. She's sure she can talk Cloud into it. Probably.]
🎀
[The corner of her lips curve into a wide grin, and she clutches the key in her hand, ready for this long day to be over.]
I'll be here if you want to come to my room and gossip at any point in time.
[With that, Rin takes her leave as she waves to Aerith. If she was going to start her new life here, then she'd have to make herself rest, and get real comfortable.]