![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
expiationmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
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.
Warm welcome!
[Rin's (rightful) meltdown, for better or for worse, is interrupted. For there is a rather tall, blackrobed man striding toward her, what little can be seen of his features underneath his stark, white facemask taught with concern- his mouth a narrow, terse line.]
Forgive the presumption, yet I believe you are newly arrived? And you have found yourself accused via writ of something reprehensible?
no subject
That mask certainly has her attention, and she tilts her head to the side in curiosity. It's something that she's never seen before, but she instead flashes him with a friendly smile. There wasn't any reason to be unkind to those who were new here, just like herself. Rin priding herself on usually being the friendly one.]
Yep, and yep! I'm assuming that you're also new here, very tall stranger? And that your charges are utter bullshit?
no subject
[He won't use language even half as colourful as Rin- but the sentiment is identical.]
Truth be told, as much as I sympathize, it's somewhat reassuring to know that I'm not the only one. I feel multiple incidences of inaccuracy may prompt our hosts into reassessing their information.
[In Hythlodaeus' mind, as a once-bureaucrat accustomed to such paperwork, it stood to sense. There must be Some kind of office to issue the parchments, staffed with someone to petition, to appeal. One mistake could be addressed in due course. A series of them? ]
I intend to look for the place of which these documents have come from, and lodge an appeal. Would you be interested in joining me?
[Ah, yes. He had quite forgotten. The narrow line of his mouth reshapes itself into a faint smile.]
Do forgive me. I have not even told you my name. It is Hythlodaeus... and despite the circumstances, I must admit, I am glad to see a friendly face.
no subject
[It was hard for Rin to understand the whole process. That was her Dad's specialty, paper work and all. Although, this new stranger seems to understand that same process, and Rin keeps this in mind. The man would make a good ally in the long run for things that she didn't understand about this place.]
I would, actually. I'm not so good with paper work myself, but I am good at protecting people. ... And fighting. So if you run into any trouble, I can at least protect you.
[This was beyond Rin's intelligence to be completely fair, but she wanted to offer the one thing she was at least good at.]
Hytho-- what? You know, why don't I just call you 'Hyth' for short! You can call me Rin.
[The corner of her lips curve into a friendly smile, and she reaches outward to shake his hand. Ever the friendly one, despite the odd situation they both found themselves in.]
I think there's a village not far from here. We can go there, and see what we can find.
no subject
[Oh, he cannot help it, but he is charmed. In respect of Rin's demeanor- most crucially, her candidness strikes him as so very similar to someone deeply important to him. Someone from long ago, so very important.
So he takes the hand, nodding as he shakes it.]
I'm glad I met you. I must confess, were I to be accosted, I imagine I'd fare rather badly. Combat certainly isn't my forte.
[To the subject of the village...]
Yes, I think I saw some buildings in the distance. Likely not anything close to a city, yet I think it will suit for information gathering.
[The hand is let go of, and he moves his gaze to the distance.]
Shall we?
no subject
Really? Not even a hint of magic?
[The tip of her finger ignites into flames, and she can't help but wink at him. Careful not to show off her powers too much, in case it might... Upset the people here. If they were bold enough to give false charges, so who knows what might incite their wrath.]
Hopefully they'll know something! Let's get going, then.
[With that, she finally lets go of his hand and walks right beside him. One hand resting on her katana, while the other idly rests at her side as they walk. His presence quite soothing, and calm, which in turn, makes her quite calm. She can't help but smile unconsciously as she keeps walking in the direction of the village.]
You're pretty tall, Hyth. I'm usually the one looking down, so it's nice to be able to look. Well. Forward, and up. What kind of species are you?
no subject
[And with a great deal of aid, he would add- but instead his gaze is drawn to the flame that appears at Rin's fingertip. And oh, he can't help but be impressed! His expression turns from an even one to something rather impish, and it is clear he has absolutely no reservations about showing his delight at such a trick. In his mind at least, such is impressive- even if Rin rightly has the foresight to keep such mostly concealed.
Yet as they walk along the plains...]
Species? [Yes. Species. One step below genus- the principal natural taxonomic unit. The meaning of the word is not lost upon him, of course not. Yet, the fact that upon other worlds, mankind could be categorized and subcategorized is rather surprising.] ...I must confess, upon the star of which I come from, mankind is a rather singular element.
[Yet clearly, they have evolved differently. The most profound of the differences between them is likely in the eyes. Hythlodaeus' own are luminescent- even in daylight emitting a steady, living glow, not unlike the light that the flame had produced. That, and physiology. Proportions between them are not shared.
The village is approaching- yet they still have some distance to go. And what could be better than learning a little during the trip? He is rather curious after all.]
...Might I ask about your star's people? Really, the thought that people can share environmental stimuli and still be born different is quite fascinating.
no subject
[Rin has only shown a small fraction of what she can do, but she hasn't tried anything more intense then just lighting her hand on fire. Still, better not to show off too much; the last thing she wants to do is incite the wrath of whoever brought them here.]
... Huh. I'm surprised that there hasn't been an evolutionary event of some sort to change that. Oh well.
[She doesn't think much on it; things like that were beyond her intelligence. Still, his height resembled her own species, and she takes note of his features. Her eyes giving him a once over, before turning her head away to face onward.]
Sure! The first species to populate our planet are called "mystics". Mystics have animalistic features on their bodies but look human. They're particularly interesting because all mystics are born from magic, and flowers. They were basically brought here to protect the magic tree that we have back at home.
Then, we have the 'ori' -- that's me! We're a subspecies of mystics, but we don't have animalistic features. Something about mutated genes and all of that. But! We have these ears - [She brushes back some of her stands, revealing her pointed ears.] and we're tallest out of all the species.
Lastly, there's the humans. Another mutation from the ori species. They're... Pretty average, in all honesty. Nothing special about them; don't have animalistic features or the ears. But one common feature between all of us is that we can all use magic.
[Rin stops at the gate of the village, lips curved into a pleasant smile.]
Honestly, I don't really use my brain all that often, but if you ever grow curious about my world, you're free to ask. I just hope you don't mind any questions I have for you in turn, hehe.
no subject
[That is something he has understood, likely, from the first day he found he could retain information. That, and if improving were a matter of focus and dedication, any opportunity he ever would have had to get up to speed is a ship that has well and truly sailed. However. He can appreciate talent where talent is. Take Rin's burning hand, for instance.
While it was a small thing, more playful than anything else, there is something to be said for pyrokinesis. If anything, fire is notoriously hard to control. Creating it- much less controlling it and encouraging it while stifling its will to spread is quite the feat. ...To him, anyway.
Yet. It is difficult to speculate too much when he is treated to such an interesting overview- some of it, like the curiously pointed ears she displays- is a very literal thing.]
How interesting. [He hums an airy note of approval just as they get to the village gates, his eyebrows raised behind his halfmask at such a fantastical sounding world. Truly- were all so wonderous sounding? He had known only death, only pain. Only despair, led to believe that life in itself was suffering, all meaning to be found nothing but a cruel joke. This sounds like nothing of the sort.]
If I may ask, [Already, even when they clearly should get on task and start asking around the locals...] I would know more of this tree. My people dedicate ourselves to the well-being of our star, Eitherys. We dedicate each of ourselves to a singular field in collaborative effort, for the duration of our lives- before we elect to return to it, to be reborn unto it. Are the people you speak of- the mystics- of the same mind?
no subject
[Rin has mastered some magics, and was curious to see what he could do. The fact that he says that he wouldn't be considered even halfway decent sparks her interest more, considering she's always felt that way toward her own magic. There was definitely some solidarity between the two, and she can't help but smile with silent encouragement.]
You wanna know more, huh? I'm not exactly a scholar or anything like that, so my explanation might seem elementary at best. But our tree was granted by the gods when they first inhabited our world. The tree allows the people of Arygian to use magic, and it's kept behind a really large gate on the Island of Kriafor.
While some mystics leave Kriafor to pursue their own life, other mystics stay on Kriafor to protect the tree for the rest of their life. They don't actually retire from what I know, because they're unable to die. You can't even kill mystics, because they'll just be brought to life again by the will of the tree.
[She pauses, realizing that they're at the entrance of the village. However, one thing is particular to her about what he says. They actually work together?]
You guys actually work together? There's no war or anything between your people?
no subject
[Truly different from Rin's experience of society. Yet morals are not the only thing- there was what she said about bloodlines. The idea of capacity being tied, at least partially, to genetics is certainly a compelling one- yet not one that he, at least where he came from, knows to have any merit. Still! He has no reason to say as such. Rin has told him that it has relevance on her world, so he takes it at face value- that somewhere, such is relevant. Instead he chooses to answer her question.]
Well! There are a great many magicks. An individual may have a specialization such as divination, incantation, alchemy, sorcery, or even phantomology- formed by the result of their lifes work in any number of the related fields. I suppose the only constant- really- amongst all of our kind is creation magick. Even I have some skill at that... provided I can find the proper source of which to draw upon.
[He cannot help but smile when he thinks of the last type. His eyes dart to the outskirts of the village- just to assess the likelihood of being noticed. There are a few people. Mostly cats, all told, yet a few human souls- workers, mostly- are about their business, making a demonstration here quite dicey.]
Come. I think you'll enjoy this.
[Pending business or not, he decides to take a few steps away from the village. Should Rin follow him (and he very much hoped that she would) she would find him standing in the shadow of one of the farthest buildings from the center, all alone. And.]
As I do not have the appropriate source [Aetherial rope or a grumpy sorcerer.] to hand, I would use a sliver of your power for the demonstration.
[In short, a little of her magic in order to cement the form of his creation.]
With your permission, of course. All that needs to be done is for you to think of a single object you find dear.
no subject
[For a world to work on harmony to better their star... That's one hell of a concept for her. She's only known war and famine at this point, so she's just a bit envious of his world. I mean, little does she know what happens to it later but -- it's nice to be envious from what she knows so far!!]
Ohhh, all of those sound really familiar... We have most of those back home, but I'm not good at any of those. It's interesting that some of our worlds magic seem to intertwine in some way, even if they're completely different.
[When he mentions creation magic, she raises an eyebrow in curiosity. Rin all too trusting as she follows suit behind him, willingly. More than happy to see his magic at work, as she takes a step forward and into the alleyway where they were hidden now.]
Sure, I can do that.
[Something that she holds dear... While she would think her wedding ring as that object, she already has that on her person. So she thinks of the next best thing, as her eyes flutter close. A necklace that her fathers had prepared for her on her nameday. Unfortunately, it was lost in the war so seeing it again would bring her great joy.]
no subject
On behalf of the hivemind, I thank you. I imagine they would be quite delighted to hear such praise.
[He smiles, though it is somewhat rueful. The usage of the word hivemind is a joke, yet it seems somewhat saddened. Still. Enough of that. He casts one last look around and finding the immediate area deserted, lowers his gaze.]
Allow me to show you something quite spectacular. Creation magick- by far my favourite, actually. Perhaps it shall become yours.
[A little concentration is required. So he pushes the thoughts of present and past tense from his mind. The thought of what exactly made an existence better or more meaningful goes away- lest it colour what aether he can muster, and interfere with her memory.]
....
[Her hand, the one not upon the hilt of her katana anyway, should feel quite warm. It is not an unpleasant warmth. Or one that is that noticable. Yet slowly, eventually, perhaps she should feel something within it as her thoughts on that particular object solidify.
Perhaps she would see fit to open her hand. And perhaps, should something not have gone awry, she would see it within her palm. It would be it of course. Yet it would also not. For her memories, her most private thoughts, would change it somewhat. It would be a subtle change most certainly. Yet depending upon her feeling toward it, it would appear somewhat different. Shinier, perhaps. Or duller, depending on the sentiment she held for the parents which had prepared it.
Such was creation.
Tied wholly to the creator's thoughts and feelings.]