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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
"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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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?
no subject
[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.]
no subject
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...?
no subject
My name's Aerith! It's nice to meet you. What kind of name does a slightly grumpy guy like you have?
no subject
[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
Balthier.
[For some moments, she pauses. Even perhaps, looks a touch distant. It's not the first time she's felt that way. When she saw the blue of the sky, she had a similar feeling. As if she's trying to reach for something she can't quite touch. But it's only a breath or two before she moves on, trying his name on again for size.]
Balthier. Hm! I'm going to call you 'Balthie.'
no subject
He does nothing at all to disprove her accusation of his being grumpy; in fact, he does exactly the opposite as he manages to look utterly aghast.]
You most certainly will not.
[He cannot remember the last time he heard himself sound so incredulous.]
no subject
[And she looks pretty pleased about it, which likely means that regardless of his feelings on the matter, Aerith is going to do as she is inclined to do. Nothing less and nothing more. What a pain she is.]
I don't see anything about you that's going to stop me, after all. You wouldn't want to pick on a cute girl like me, would you?
[Aerith gives him her sweetest smile. It's terribly endearing. Won't you fall for her charms, Mister Grumpy?]
no subject
I imagine the more I protest, the more firmly you'll set your mind to it.
[He doesn't sound terribly thrilled about that, nor is he quite ready to allow himself to become resigned, but it seems there's little to be done about it.
He has a feeling she would get along swimmingly with some of his friends, all of whom seem to enjoy seeing how put-upon they can make him feel in one way or another.]
And what if I choose not to answer to it?
[He'll manage a smile for her in return, though it's absolutely the challenging sort.]
no subject
[Not that she's expected anything else. There is just something nice about getting under his skin. Sometimes the people who have these reactions are the most interesting ones of all.
At his proposed theory, she sways from side to side, hands carefully clasped together in thought. Is he the type to just not answer? Yes, she thinks, though that wouldn't really bother her either.]
Hm...! Then I guess I would say it a lot, no matter where we were. If enough people heard me saying it, then they would start doing it too, and eventually it'd wear you down.
[Just imagine the entire population of Aldrip calling him that. He'd break.]
no subject
[Something he's usually quite proud of, though the current admission is a bit tongue-in-cheek. Her answer is, he supposes, about what he'd expected.
Well. There's nothing for it, then, is there?]
You are a cruel mistress, Miss Aerith. How do I know you won't do that just for fun, hm?
[Hells, he would truly hate for that to catch on. He'd have to change his name all over again.]
no subject
[She probably would, actually. That sounds exactly like something Aerith would do, in fact. She is just that kind of person, and it seems that Balthier is beginning to pick up on that rather quickly. As he's said himself just moments before.]
So if you don't want me to make a habit of that, how about you just let me have my way? I can be pretty convincing.
[Whether that's intimidation, charm, or perhaps even a touch of both, Aerith has been known to get her way. She's a persuasive woman. And a cunning one, at that.]
no subject
'Just let you have your way?'
[There's an incredulous note in his voice as he echoes her, sharp enough that it almost borders on laughter.
Really.]
I wonder, does that argument often work for you?
[His instinct tells him that she's persistent enough that it very likely does.]
no subject
[He may not be coming out and saying that he's giving in, but Aerith gets the distinct impression that she is wearing him down. (All according to keikaku.)]
I think that's answer enough already, but if you really need to hear it, yes. I'm pretty good at just getting my way. I'm just good at talking with people!
no subject
[ ... touché.
He closes his eyes for a brief moment as resignation settles over him. That is, indeed, so.
He sighs heavily, smiling wryly as he turns his gaze on her once more.]
That's a skill well worth having, in my experience. Quite useful in all sorts of situations, though I doubt I have to tell you that— you seem well-practiced at it, already.
no subject
Some kind of resignation along with a cross of I can't believe this.]
I don't know about that. I just know my audience and that's important. Not all skills work on all people or in all situations. So you just have to know what you're dealing with and adapt.
[That said, she can only imagine that it was a guess that's gotten her to where she is with him.]
no subject
[He knows that full well from his own experiences, and it takes a clever sort to recognize such, he feels. If nothing else, she is certainly that.]
Well, perhaps I'll learn a thing or two about how to interact with the locals from you, then, hm?
[He hardly needs such lessons, but she seems certain that she has the right of it.]
Keep me from scowling at the wrong person, or some such?
no subject
[He might be in a poor mood right now, but it seems like Balthier, while not a people person, probably also knows how to handle himself. He's obviously got a lot more social grace than someone like her. He seems pretty smart, too, which means he probably knows when not to say something. But knowing that and being able to put it into action are two very different things.
Not even the most cunning individual can be freed forever from an emotional situation.]
But if that's just an excuse to spend more time with me, I'm willing to accept! We're definitely going to have to work on that scowling thing of yours, though. Haven't you heard the whole attracting flies with honey thing?
[What she's saying is Balthier is clearly vinegar.]
no subject
[He certainly knows how to work an angle and use charm to get what he wants, as well, even if he hasn't made much use of it since his arrival— given the situation, it's felt far more appropriate to wear how he feels on his well-tailored sleeve, displaced as he is.]
I maintain another drink will help with the scowling bit, at any rate. [Thankfully, they're just giving them out.] If you're interested, there are plenty to go around, as you pointed out.
no subject
[What is a 'normal' Balthier like? She can't help but wonder. Maybe a little more personable, though she doesn't find herself at all turned away by his prickly demeanour on this occasion. Maybe she just has a thing for that sort of person. After all, Cloud's a bit prickly too, in his own way, isn't he?]
I think I did agree to get you some drinks, right? I better make good on that. Doesn't seem like we're going anywhere else, after all. At least not immediately.
pointing this one towards a wrap!
[This one certainly counts, though he has to admit, her approach to things does somehow inspire some of his own tension to ease. It's hard to remain irate when someone is so determined to put a better spin on a given situation, though naturally, his suspicions remain. He may even have to come to appreciate her more exasperating efforts— that bit about the name may have wound up being a welcome distraction, in the end.]
You're quite right, however— and as long as we're not going anywhere, I suppose I can see some merit to making the best of the moment. That said, I'll not be letting any favors go without being returned. A gentleman would never.
[Never mind that the locals really are just giving things away.]
🎀
[Not that she has much of a choice, even if she's going to pretend that she does. That's just the way she seems inclined to handle it, however. The truth of the matter is that neither of them have much power or control in this situation as a whole. It would make sense that they might be inclined to cling to whatever control they can get their hands on. And denial can run deep, even subconsciously.]
Well, I guess you can repay me if you want, but I wasn't going to ask for anything! Flowers are a good start, though. I like flowers.
[Which is all she leaves him with as she turns to fetch them both some well-earned drinks.]