expiationmeme | TEST DRIVE MEME #1

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TEST DRIVE MEME #1

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.

info | world

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Time and time again, Shionne finds herself returning to the fields outside of Aldrip. Not only do they remind her of Elde Menancia, but they're free of people who could touch her, triggering her curse and making her inflict pain on others for simple actions that everyone takes for granted. If there's no one to touch her, there's no one she can hurt.

If only things were always that simple.

The sound of a familiar voice that she didn't think she'd ever hear again has her standing still for a bit, the wind blowing through her dress and hair like this is some sort of drama filmed for the masses on Lenegis. After a moment she staggers towards him, trying to keep that kernel of hope that Alphen keeps trying to flame into a fire within the thorny confines of her reality. But there's a tiny bit leaking through as she speaks.]

Zephyr? Is that you?

_{[ He has enough time to lie in the grass for a minute, maybe two before he actually hears it shifting and rustling with movement. It takes a few second to do, but Zephyr eventually sits up with a cautious look and furrowed brows as glances to his left first, then his right and—

Well, damn.

His eyes widen and for a good long moment all he can do is stare through the myriad bruises, that nasty shiner delivered by Law included. He really doesn't mean to, it's just a little bit of a shock considering he'd been sitting in a damp, freezing cold cell for the last who-knows-how-many hours. ]}

Shionne? What's...?

_{[ What the actual hell is going on? ]}

[There's no doubt that he is the former leader of the Crimson Crows of Calaglia. She remembers all to well the way that he was taken from life by Ganabelt in the square, in front of the people of Cyslodia, made an example of what the Lord of Light would do to Dahnans that fought against him and the other Renans. She also remembers the screams of protest from Law and Alphen both. And the way that Rinwell also felt like crying.

And the twinge of guilt she harbored as a Renan herself, for the lost of such a good man. He'd been nothing but good to her and she hadn't returned the favor, not really.

And seeing him like this? It makes her feel awful.

When he speaks, she shakes her head and then begins to cast First Aid, her eyes glowing bright blue as she uses her artes to make him look a bit more like himself. If only as a way to soothe her own conscience.]

I'm not sure... Wherever we are, this isn't Dahna. There's a nearby town. [She knows that if either of her friends were here, they'd offer the man a hand to help him stand. She can't. She's too afraid of hurting him after healing his injuries. That would be cruel. There are many things she is, but cruel isn't one of them.] Are you...

[She stops herself. Of course he's not okay. Everyone knows exactly what happened to him. Even Zephyr must know.]

Can you stand?

Edited 2023-01-27 21:28 (UTC)

Well, I'll be damned... It really is...

_{[ It's the first time he's felt the effects of honest-to-gods healing artes and it makes him trail off for a few moments. Between his own blunders as he was learning as a youth and the Calaglian-based Renans, Zephyr's only real experience with such magic had always been variations of fire and electricity. The warmth that radiates within his wrist doesn't hold the same sort of bite and it's actually pleasant if a little similar to that old pins-and-needles feeling whenever a limb would fall asleep. Strange, but overall not terrible. The longer it lingers the more he can feel everything loosening up after having his arms held up over his head or behind his back in that dingy cell, and before he even realizes how much he's bending his wrist this way and that? The stiffness may as well be a memory. Even his shoulder doesn't ache nearly as much by the time it fades.

It doesn't do anything for the dull throb in his head and back, though. But it's a start. A damn fine one. ]}

...Huh. Yeah, gimme a minute.

_{[ Being on the receiving end of that... It's different. Different, but good.

He rolls his shoulder a bit to test it, and when he doesn't feel that bothersome ache and click combination he nods once. Yeah, alright. Okay. It takes him a few seconds to start gathering himself up, but with a few shifts this way and that coupled with a quiet grunt, Zephyr begins to pull himself up to his feet. One, two, three, Up and at 'em. Once he's up, he staggers. Just a half step, but he gets his bearings soon enough. ]}

—Do yourself a favor, Shionne. Don't get old like me. Or better yet, don't get yourself thrown into a freezing cold cell for who-knows-how-long.

_{[ It's hell on the knees. ]}

[She's careful not to try and reach out for Zephyr again, but it does her good to see him breathing. After the events in Cysloden, she'd never thought she'd see him again, but there's a flash of worry about what will happen if Law sees his father alive and well. Or even Alphen. She can't keep this from them, but maybe she can wait until they run into the older resistance fighter on their own before she tells them that she saw him.

This is such an awkward and bizarre situation that she's not even sure that she can really find the words to tell either one of them that not only is Zephyr here, but that he's alive.

She watches him move around, wondering if he needs another healing arte when he's finally on his feet and then he speaks. Her worry disappears, quickly replaced by a flash of hurt, followed by sadness, and then her face goes flat.]

I don't think I'll have to worry about that. Ganabelt is dead and Cyslodia has its light back.

[Besides, if he doesn't think not being touched by anyone for the whole of her life unless hurting them isn't a cold prison, then he hasn't been watching her. Alphen is literally the only person who she hasn't hurt and given her the chance to actually have people in her life.]

_{[ There's something about the look in her eyes that leaves him with a feeling of unease. In the weeks he's known her he can safely say that he hasn't seen such a thing directed at him like that, yet despite his own curiosity there's some hesitance on his part when it comes to asking. For now, Zephyr chalks it up to the bruises and just how haggard he looks, but that's something to be expected after taking a few good hits from Law and everything else the Renans put him through after they'd been forced to go their separate ways at the village.

The news about Ganabelt takes precedence over his own concerns. He'd known the plan was to go after him, but so soon? That can't bode well. ]}

I saw him, but I think that was only a few hours ago after I came to. He... didn't really say anything but I know a Lord when I see one, and he's a completely different beast compared to Balseph. Er, was, I suppose.

_{[ But just as important— ]}

...What about the boy from the village? My son? He's...?

_{[ Is he alright remains unspoken, his gaze shifting into something uncertain as he reaches up to touch the largest bruise around his eye. ]}

Ganabelt didn't know, did he?

The man you met... Did you remember hearing about Meneck? The Ganabelt that was seen was a stand-in. Meneck was the real Lord of Light, finding his enemies in their element.

[It was almost admirable in its cruelty and efficiency. However, it was heartless and led to the deaths of many innocent Dahnans. Besides adding to the terrible atmosphere of Cyslodia in general.

Zephyr's questions confuse her for a moment before she lets out a soft sigh.]

Law's fine. Mostly. [He feels guilty about the way his father died, but that's something that he'll have to come to terms with himself. There's more at stake than just one person's guilt complex in the long run.

Besides, helping the others seems to be helping him deal with his guilt and sadness as well.] He'll be okay. Alphen, Rinwell and I are keeping him in line.

A... Sorry, what?

_{[ He heard her correctly, but it's a bit of a shocker all things considered. His brows pinch and the rest of his face actually screws up like he'd tasted something bitter, trying to fully comprehend it all. He'd seen Ganabelt while they'd had his wrists and arms bound in shackles in that dingy cell, even made eye contact with the man but he never would've... Zephyr shakes his head and presses the backs of his fingers to his lips for a moment. A double. On one hand it'd make sense if it was because of what happened with Balseph, but to actually... Gods.

Another shake of the head and he tries to quash down any anxieties he may or may not have from it. He can't do anything about Ganabelt from here, and from the sounds of it the problem was already taken care of so... It should be fine. Just focus on the good and the present over the bad for now. There'll be time to get more answers later. ]}

Sorry, just... hearing that... Look, about Law? He's... You don't have to keep him in line like that. I know what it looks like given what happened, but I don't think he'd do anything, er...

_{[ Not like that you idiot. See? They're related. Definitely related. ]}

[She doesn't blame him for his disbelief. It had hit them all hard to find out that Meneck was really Ganabelt. It hit the Silver Swords even worse, but that was to be expected, considering how many people had been killed by Ganabelt's forces 'mysteriously'.

Zephyr and his ability to truly trust in others was such a rarity for Shionne, and the fact that Alphen has taken up his role, of a sort, is reassuring for all of Dahna. And, well, Shionne, Rinwell, and Law have made sure that the story of how they took down Balseph and Ganabelt continues to spread.]

Anything what? We're just making sure that he keeps his eye on the prize and if... [She stops, looking at Zephyr for a minute. Perhaps telling a man that if his son gets in the way of her plans that she'd have no problem getting rid of him is a bad idea.

And she's not so sure she'd be able to do it anyway. Not now. She doesn't trust that about herself anymore. But she's also not going to tell anyone else that either.]

Don't worry. He just needs reminders. And, well, he also has helped Rinwell a bit too.

Anything "not like him." He's not a bad kid, just... I worry. It's still my job as his father even if I haven't seen him in years.

_{[ He can't exactly fault him for aligning himself with the Renans to survive if that's what he had to do - it's what he hopes happened rather than willingly joining them for something more nefarious, and if that were the case Zephyr isn't sure if he could bear to hear it. It's not the first time his thoughts have drifted in that direction after seeing him in that uniform, nor is it the first time Zephyr finds his right hand reaching for the back of his left without realizing it.

There was no time to get a good look at Law's hands with those gloves in the way.

On the upside the mention of Rinwell makes him relax even if it's minute - he'd been worried about her just as well, especially after the little talk outside of the village. ]}

That's good to hear though. There's, ah. There's no hard feelings between them, is there? I remember her knocking him flat on his...

_{[ Come to think of it... That wasn't just a regular ass-kicking, so— ]}

Actually, how did she do that?

I know that Law isn't a bad person, Zephyr. He's a little...intense, but he's reliable in a fight.

[How dare she call anyone else intense. She's is the queen of intensity most times. Unless owls or food or clothes are involved and then there's a different sort of Shionne involved.

She watches the had movements and it makes her think back. Law's one of the few Dahnans she's seen that does have a scar or a gem embedded in his hand. Even Kisara has a scar.

Actually, Kisara's the only Dahnan in the party that has one. Hm. That's some food for thought later.]

They bicker, but I think it's because they're starting to care about each other. [And then he brings up her powers and Shionne can't help but actually smile.] Believe it or not, Rinwell is the last of the Dahnan mages. She uses lost Dahnan Astral Artes.

'Course he is. He's my son, isn't he?

_{[ Look, even with the distance and years between himself and Law, Zephyr's still proud of his only son. He always has been, and always will. That little, cautious sliver of pride makes itself known in his words in the moment, and as if realizing it too late Zephyr damn near looks sheepish.

Just a little bit.

He nearly opens his mouth to comment about caring for each other, fully intent on a little Parental Teasing, but not while that next little nugget dangles in front of him. That's. Huh? ]}

Back up a second. A Dahnan... mage?

_{[ He's old. He's old, and that's something he hasn't even heard of given the curious, questioning arch of a brow. ]}

You wanna explain that one to me?

Well, he does seem to make the same leaps in logic, so I'm not sure if that's genetic or just from all the blows to the head.

[Is she giving him a hard time or teasing him? Porque no los dos? She can see how they are definitely father and son without much suspension of disbelief. She knew that he was married, after all.

And then he puts what she said together.]

She's the last of them. Evidently, her parents made her learn magic but didn't let her practice it. Their tribe of mages were wiped out.

[And then her parents were murdered by Almeidrea.]

I think that was the first time she'd actually cast an arte.

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TEST DRIVE MEME #1

Warm Welcome (for Shionne ❣)

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