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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.
Oh noes, the worst fate!
sulkingleaning against a pillar you know.When Rinoa approaches him, Elidibus stops and tilts his head slightly to one side. It may be clear that he's studying her, but he doesn't seem startled or reluctant. Curious? Maybe. It's true he's trying to gauge her intent.
"Do you think so?" His voice is deep but he's nothing if not polite with his words. Elidibus acknowledges that this young mortal is making an effort to not be overbearing and he considers her outstretched hand before looking at the group of twirling revelers.
The look on his face suggests he's giving the suggestion very serious thought; as though determining whether or not engaging in the dancing was a matter of grave importance. He seems the serious sort.
"I fear I'm not overly familiar with dancing. Like as not I would cause trouble for you by participating than is worth the effort to negate any rudeness on my part."
At least she's sparing him the hypnotism.... for now
Having nothing to hide, Rinoa doesn't mind the examination. Dressed in her usual clothes, the only difference is there's a paler streak on her arm where her ribbon once was. Now ensconced on the altar. There's a small mark on the wrist of the hand she's held out to him, proof of her gift.
"I do!" He's probably seen her around, she's been dancing with a variety of people and just generally trying to enjoy the festival as much as possible. Her request is genuine.
"It's okay if you step on my feet or something. I've danced with Zell before. For a martial artist he's great at having two left feet on the dance floor." If he truly doesn't want to dance, she won't push too hard, but if it's just something simple as not knowing how? That can be fixed.
"I'd be more than happy to teach you! I promise, it's a lot less complicated than it looks."
oh no, anything but that
And a brief glance at her wrist indicates it might be worth indulging her for the sake of finding what information she may have already gleaned. Her phrasing and manner have already suggested she's no more from around these parts than he is.
When he offers his hand, the sleeve of his robe slips down enough to reveal he does not have a similar wave mark. At least not yet. In time he will likely place something, if for nothing more than the advantage is gives in gathering information. But that is for a future moment.
"If only for a moment then," Elidibus finally acknowledges as he would allow her to take his hand. "...And I will endeavor not to." Fortunately, he has had ample opportunity to observe the pattern the dance seems to require. As long as Rinoa doesn't pick an entirely different one, he should be able to ease into it with little trouble.
Right? It's very potent. Only to be pulled out in emergencies. u_u
A lack of mark on his wrist isn't worth judgement from her. Maybe he hasn't found the altar. Maybe he doesn't have anything he can give up. Maybe he doesn't want to give something up. There are so many reasons to not have that mark and they're all valid.
Plus, she's far too busy celebrating the fact that he's agreed to dance with her. Her smile widening slightly as her eyes crinkle around the edges.
"Yay! I'll make sure you don't regret it." How she'll keep that promise? No idea. But she'll certainly try. "It's okay if you do. I'm a lot tougher than I look."
She doesn't pick a different dance, instead pulling him into the flow of the dancers around them to ensure that it's easier and they won't stand out too much.
"You're totally not bad at this at all. Are you sure you can't dance?" Because she's not about to just dance in silence, that's not her way.
no subject
If nothing else, it seems he has some pride regarding his potential showing.
Elidibus lets Rinoa lead for the most part. There is not much difference in height; he seems shorter than the average man, though probably still an inch or three on the young lady. But sadly there seems to be no sense of closeness- he seems distant and falls into thought though he's not stiff- or enjoyment in the act of dancing.
It's as though he's politely indulging Rinoa's request.
"I'm not overly familiar with dancing. But I have been observing, and most dances have a pattern which can be followed." Elidibus sounds very matter of fact about it. "Though it seems I've no need to tell you this." It's a nod to her obvious skill.
"Pray indulge me, you are an outside like myself, are you not? One charged with some manner of crime?"
no subject
Honestly? She's pretty used to guys who aren't really in for the dance part. So Rinoa won't take any offense to that. After all, she's a stranger and one who came and bothered him out of nowhere. The fact that he's humoring her at all shows that he's actually pretty nice.
"So what you're saying is, you're smart." Even now, Rinoa is comfortable enough to tease the stranger. Why be intimidated? There's no guarantee she'll ever see him again after this. At his assessment of her dancing, she laughs. "I've had lessons. I'm sure my father would be pleased knowing I didn't waste his money."
There's no teenage bitterness there (there is). While things are improved between her and the General, they're still not as close as most people would expect a father and daughter to be.
"I am." She sees no reason to hide it. As far as she can tell, she looks nothing like a local and it'd become pretty obvious soon enough that she knows only a little about this place. "Guilty as charged." There's a pause, she actually hesitates for a second before adding on. "Of having a charge anyway, though I guess I can't really deny my crime either."
She won't volunteer what that is, at least not without asking. But likewise, she's shrewd enough to not ask him what his own crime is. So far, it seems like a pretty personal thing.
no subject
"Yes, to some extent." It is not said with arrogance. Rather, Elidibus has the air of someone who feels it would be more wrong to dissemble in this particular case. If he was not as intelligent as he is, he would not have been deserving of his seat of office. To be too humble would dismiss his peoples' faith in his ability to lead them.
Elidibus considers the nuance of her words when Rinoa mentions her father. There's a story there but... it's likely not relevant. Still he mentally files it away. They may not meet again but if they do, perhaps it will be useful in some way.
"Yes, I think it would be wise not to confirm or deny whether the charge is relevant." Elidibus notably doesn't ask for the specifics and seems to have no intention of giving details on his. "Given the means we seem to have been brought to this place, it would not be unreasonable to expect they have some means of monitoring us."
The conversation hasn't interrupted his pace in the dance, though he will be watching for signs of tiring on Rinoa's part; who knows how much she's already done and he would be remiss if he wasn't considerate. But until then he won't mind conversation.
"Do you remember aught of your transition?"
It is possible that others might not have been aware of the white space, the short conversation overheard.
no subject
Rinoa listens as he talks, which is something she's actually pretty good at. It might be easy to think her self absorbed with how much she talks and how
pushyoutgoing she is. But that's not really true. She's quite good at listening to people and tries her best to make sure they feel heard.Because she knows what it's like when no one'll listen. Anyways, moving on.
"I thought that seemed like the safest option." And they thought she couldn't learn discretion. Even Rinoa can tell that admitting it could be dangerous right now. So until she knows more about what's going on, she'll act less like normal Rinoa and more like Rinoa if she was actually SeeD.
"Oh ick! I hadn't really thought about it like that." Rinoa doesn't make a big deal out of glancing around, but her eyes do a quick sweep of the area anyway. Just like Irvine showed her, she's got this. Only....the only reason she's not stamping her foot right now is they're dancing. "Well, if they're watching... I hope they're bored!"
So much for acting like a mature SeeD. Didn't last very long.
Conversing while dancing is quite easy. Well, it is for Rinoa anyway. Plus, with everything that's happened recently she's in the best shape of her life. Between that and her age? It's not a problem. She can keep this up for ages!
"You mean before the meadow? The weird white space? Hard to forget, it was really weird." And honestly? She's just grateful it was white. If it had been black.... well, odds are she'd still be a curled up ball of miserable in the meadow trying to pull her pieces back together by her lonesome and failing.
"I've seen reality warping before, but not like this." Still enough that she's cautious of the fact that maybe there's a Sorceress at work somewhere, somehow, but she's going to sit on that until she knows more.
no subject
"Given the vague nature of the charge and knowing nothing of their laws, it is best to expect the unlikely. Their common sense may be at odds with our own. Though in some ways it may also align."
Ages, is it? a bold claim. Though let's face it, Elidibus is likely to bow out first in the end, at least when it comes to using a change in songs as an excuse to take a break. Then the challenge might be to pull him back for a second round of dancing.
But those are issues for future Elidibus and Rinoa.
"Yes. Then your experience was similar to my own." Elidibus pauses a moment to reflect, though her mention of witnessing a warp of reality draws his attention back. A warp of reality? Though she mentions it isn't similar to what she's experienced, it is something to consider.
"I would liken it to a transfer than a warp of reality. Though it may be too soon to tell." After another quiet moment of thought, the man offers more.
"There were few beings of my star who could have performed such a feat. And it is all but certain they are responsible." One did not have the power to waste. The other... the other was no more. And Elidibus is in a unique position to be aware it was most certainly not Him.
"I would be inclined to believe we are in some other realm. Whether another star or some fabrication of reality to hold us until judgement."