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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.
warm welcome
Ah, right?! What do they know about anything! I want to find whoever wrote these and see if breaking their wrists is so funny.
[ Because it's clearly meant to be a jab at them. That's the only explanation. He needs someone to complain with. ]
no subject
As much as I'd like to agree, I think that would only put a bigger sentencing on our heads... But that doesn't mean we can't fume in secret.
[She crumples up the paper that's in her hand, and shoves it into her pocket for the time being. As much as she hates the fact that she's been dragged here, and given some weird paper, she tries her best to chin up now that there's someone to share her misery with.]
What'd your paper say? Any truth to it?
no subject
[He frowns at that, clearly trying to work out the logic of it but somehow falling short.]
Who gave them the authority to give any sentencing in the first place?! If they already know who I am, they should be thankful I didn't break all their bones!
[Because if there's one thing Wen Kexing can do, it's apparently throw a temper tantrum. Not that any of his threats were able to destroy the single piece of offending parchment. When Rin asks about his paper, he scoffs, quieting more to sulk rather than out of decency.]
It had some stupid statement about failing my people. They're treating us like a joke. Whoever is behind this just has a death wish.
no subject
[Still, it's done, and there isn't anything she can possibly do about it but make her case. It would be hard, but... Maybe she'll be lucky and they'll offer some grace. Probably not, of course, but that's just wishful thinking on her end.
She does, however, take into consideration what he says. Rin raising one of her eyebrows, but only for a moment before it drops. 'Failing his people' huh? He might be some sort of leader, and she's rather curious about his background now. Usually one to pry into people's affairs, but he's already sulking as is, and she doesn't want to make it any worse.]
I agree. I can't say I'm particularly fond of slander. Whatever the case, though, seems like we're stuck here for now. Why don't we stick together and find out what we can.
no subject
[Wen Kexing doesn't like authority on his best days. The idea that someone, god or mortal, was issuing decrees and then failing to even show their face was only convincing him it must be some kind of corrupt scheme.]
They're probably too ashamed to face you. If they accuse you of that, you'll be able to prove them guilty. I bet they're afraid of being executed too. Probably trying to hide their crimes by bossing us around.
[At least now that he's had his tantrum he's calmer. Compared to Rin, Wen Kexing is certainly still an embarrassment--all reaction with very little thought to temper it. It's a good thing she suggests a more level-headed, logical option to their whole situation. Otherwise, he'd probably just get himself in trouble.]
Ah... okay. Stick together. That's a good idea.
[Maybe he shouldn't have been tearing around solo this entire time.]
I'm Wen Kexing.
no subject
[However, the fact that they allowed her to keep her katana, and some of her magic, well... Maybe they wouldn't be that easy to take down. But still, she eyes her katana for a moment, before shifting her attention back to her companion. His initial tantrum not at all minded; Rin understanding all too well considering the meltdown she had over her charges.]
I'm Rin! Nice to meet you, Wen.
[She shortens his name to make it easier on the tongue.]
Let's see... There seems to be a town not too far from here. Maybe we should go there and see what we can find?
[Rin points with her finger toward the town in the distance. Her eyes squinting just slightly to get an initial view of the town, which didn't seem to be dangerous.]
no subject
[That makes logical sense, right? Never mind they don't know who is accusing them or where they are, let alone how powerful they must be to have brought so many people to a different world without their knowledge. Wen Kexing is a simple, straightforward person when it comes to plans.]
Same to you. It's nice to meet someone that isn't a servant to whoever made these papers.
[Because the land is probably full of big, bossy sect nobles.]
I guess we don't have a choice. But if anyone tries anything, stab first. I don't trust them.
[Okay, maybe that isn't the best approach for an investigation.]
no subject
[Here is your crown, king. It all makes sense to her in her mind, to be honest. Although, she has a feeling that, even if she were to kill someone here, it wouldn't reflect... Well. Good on her, to say the least. They wouldn't be taken out that easily, that's to be sure. She's seen many things go awry, that she's grown to be a bit more cautious. ... A bit. Not much.]
But of course. Don't you worry! I'll protect you from harm. My katana came with me, and I think some of my magic still works here.
[That was the one thing that she was good at. And she has to admit, she likes how forward Wen Kexing is. It's a nice change, and also similar to her own thinking. ... Which might be a bit bad in the long run but!!]
Are you a fighter of sorts?
[Small conversation, as they make their way toward the village adjacent to them. Luckily, they would only have to walk the field to get to the town, but she takes small steps. Careful to dig her heels into the dirt as they walk, so that she doesn't fall over in front of him.]
no subject
[It's not the same as being a hero trained by some renowned master, but even a man-eating tiger has a reputation, right? Perhaps he isn't a warrior, but Wen Kexing's deeds are certainly feared across the jianghu. He's pretty sure that isn't what she means, though. Instead of worrying about that, he focuses on their gait as they head to town.]
Your steps are heavy. Lady Rin, are you dragging some great treasure with you, or could there be another reason?
[It's not a long walk, but someone born to a healer and raised as a monster gets accustomed to the sound and pace of injury. Wen Kexing slows his walk next to her. Before, he would look forward to those signs of someone hiding a weakness. Now he treads lightly, unsure if she'll want to confide in a stranger.]
If you need to rest, I'm not in a hurry.
my god i love this CR already
[She says that with such honesty, it's almost sad.]
You noticed, huh? To be honest, I'm not wearing the best shoes for this dirt path... The heels of my shoes are digging into the dirt, and it feels like I'm about to fall over. In all honesty, I should probably just take off my shoes.
[A sweet, and gentle laugh leaves her as she turns her gaze to face him once he begins to walk beside her. Thankful that he did slow down a bit, since she comes to a complete, full stop. If only so she can sit on the ground to pull out her heels from underneath the mud. Her fingertips gently prying her shoes off, leaving her just in her stockings.]
I think I'll be alright after I take these off! Thanks for slowing down for me, though. You are a sweetheart!
[She says that truthfully, and with a big smile at that.]
These two are cute already!
Y-you're going to walk around without shoes on? Do you want to injure yourself?
[Scowling, he offers his hand to Rin. After holding that position for a moment, he bends down.]
Come on. I'll carry you until we find you new shoes.
no subject
[She holds her shoes in hand, ready to start walking toward the village again. Only to be completely caught by surprise when he offers to actually carry her. Eyes widening for a moment, before she can't help but laugh for a good moment. Although, she does reach for his hand, taking it within her own, and merely shaking her head.]
I'll be alright. I'm way too tall, and might be a bit heavy for you. I appreciate the offer though. You really are a sweet heart.
[Oh no, she's really going to start walking on the dirt with her stockings. Still, she doesn't want to trouble him just because she was brought here in the wrong shoes.]
no subject
Tsk, there's no need to act tough! Are you saying I look too weak to carry you?
[Trying to prove his point, he tugs her close and crouches down low.]
Get on or I'll just pick you up. I have plenty of martial skill! A walk isn't going to hurt me.
no subject
Alright, alright. You win, I'll get on your back.
[With that, she takes a step forward and positions herself behind him. Her arms wrapping carefully around his shoulders.]
Come on now. Let's get to the village and find me a new pair of shoes.
[If walking wouldn't hurt him, she'd be glad to use him as leverage, as she actually didn't want to get dirty.]
Thanks again for your kindness! I owe you one for this.
no subject
Wen Kexing is pretty happy about carrying her. A little like a dog that found a branch.]
You don't have to thank me. You're a sword master, right? Why did you have those shoes if you can't fight in them?
[He doesn't know much about civilized or orthodox training. Is this a testing method? A way of appearing in public? It's all a mystery to him as he carries Rin to town.]