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expiationmeme2023-02-27 01:04 am
TEST DRIVE MEME #2
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. Characters already in the game, however, are free to use TDM prompts in their own catch-alls and logs. 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 (with the stated limitations).
You may find the below links helpful in getting to know themes of the world, locations, the people, and so on.
BE OUR GUEST
You may possess any number of questioning thoughts as you traverse the blindingly white room and are dropped into a darkness beneath your feet, but perhaps those same thoughts will be replaced with an awe and curiosity as you come to. Expiation has you now and you have joined the ranks of the Chosen, a seemingly select number of individuals who have arrived with parchment either in-hand or near them, detailing physical and mental statistics in addition to a particular crime to which you have been accused.
How you choose to spend your time here is largely up to you...
IT'S A WINDMILL, NOT A GIANT
As you begin to acquaint yourself with the lay of the land about you, you'll find that not too far from where you've woken there's a rather grandiose tower windmill. Its blades rotate at a casual pace as it faces the ocean and its accompanying shoreline. It appears to be in relatively pristine condition, implying that it is cared for well and often, likely by the locals of the town of Aldrip, which can be easily spied from the elevated level of land upon which the windmill sits.
Outside of the main structure is a collection of wooden crates in various display. Some of these are closed. Some are open. If you observe for long enough, you'll eventually find that a few relatively muscular sorts arrive on the scene to retrieve some of these crates and take them back the distance toward the town that lingers at the base of the mountains. If you choose to inspect the crates, you'll find some of them filled with heavy canvas sacks that contain flour. If you choose to ask the town locals retrieving them about this, they will explain that the windmill companion you have woken near is just one of the many implements that the locals use to provide sustenance to dining tables, festivities, and more.
You have the option to help the locals carry crates back, potentially to curry some favour with them, or simply take some sacks of flour yourself. Crates require more than one person to carry due to the weight, but two able-bodied adults should be able to handle the job quite well. A sack of flour can generally be carried by one, but perhaps you'll find yourself needing some assistance anyway. Maybe ask one of the others who've woken up near you. It certainly seems you're not alone in this new endeavour.
WHERE ONLY THE BRAVE MAY GO
If windmills and manual labour aren't your thing, you may find yourself drawn to the seemingly mysterious cave at the foot of the mountains, not far from the windmill in question.
The locals refer to this cave as Lorentia. Jagged rocks poke out around the entrance and have been sculpted and shaped to resemble what appears to be the massive sharp-toothed mouth of a dragon. It is possible you may be momentarily stopped by one of said locals who will explain that the Lorentia Cave is a passage system that leads through the interior of the mountains, though due to some collapse of the inside, the passageway does not go in far and is currently blocked off for the safety of local citizenry. In other words, proceed with caution.
If you're still feeling brave and care to take a peek inside, by all means. No one's going to stop you.
The interior of Lorentia Cave consists of both narrow passageways and some larger, more cavernous like rooms. There are assorted mining implements scattered along the ground, propped up against the walls, and carts that are filled with various ores, rocks, crystals, and more. The locals of Aldrip use Lorentia Cave for largely mining purposes and many of the things that are retrieved can be used for the smithing forges, the crafting of weaponry, or fashioning into jewellery and other accessories that are sold locally and taken to other towns on the continent.
There are some crudely designed signs that note to take care and depict simple skull drawings, indicating that certain paths may be a little more dangerous to traverse than others. If you are especially lucky (or unlucky, as the case may be), you may even spot some skeletal remains from some less-than-fortunate souls who got caught in a dead-end path and simply never made it out again.
If you listen closely, sometimes you hear the flutter of wings and a distant roar. Maybe it's best not to linger...
NO SOMETHING FOR NOTHING
MAXWELL'S SILVER ROCK-HAMMER
The townsfolk are welcoming to newly-arrived, something that has largely been met with a fair amount of scepticism and wariness from prior arrivals. That said, they continue to be hospitable, eager to share stories and songs about their land, their people, and their traditions.
A jewelcrafter is displaying their work today, putting their various wares out for locals and members of the Chosen to admire, or perhaps to purchase. Part of their demonstration is opening geodes with rock-hammers and showing off the impressive inside of colour and masterful natural works of art gifted to them by the land's bounty. They may choose to speak a little on how they revere the land, the resources they've been given, and how all of this has been bestowed upon them by the very gracious Those Who Were There, a mysterious and seemingly celestial higher power.
For those who are interested, they have the opportunity to offer some assistance to the jewelcrafter by opening some geodes as well. There's plenty of rock-hammers to go around and the most recent retrieval from Lorentia Cave's mining appears to have been very successful. The jewelcrafter is so moved by the offer of help that he's more than happy to let those who aid him keep one opened geode for themselves at no cost.
Congratulations on your new piece of decor!
FORGING BONDS IN THE FIRES OF PASSION
If you were a brave soul who made visit to the Lorentia Cave and came back with some weapon or armour crafting materials (including skeletal remains), you'll find that the smithies of Aldrip are eager to do business and many of them enjoy their craft for the sake of being passionate about what they do.
They'll waste no time in starting the forge and should you have a specific piece in mind you are requesting, as long as they have the materials on hand, they'll even be willing to show you the general process from start to finish on a rough draft of the piece in question. If you're feeling especially keen to help, they may offer to let you work directly on your project, though they will express apprehension and a wary eye for those who fail to have prior experience with such gruelling tasks.
Once your piece is finished, you can either wear it immediately, learn the best way to maintain and keep your equipment, or put it out on public display to show the rest of Aldrip and its residents, new and old alike. If you choose to let the smithies keep your piece, they'll pay you the cost of the materials you've brought them, plus a small percentage markup depending on how much personal effort you put into the craftsmanship personally.
Better yet, you may have just come out of the situation with a permanent bond. The smithies have an appreciation for those who share similar interests and may be willing to provide future discounts to those who purchase their wares.
FEEDING THE MASSES
YOU'RE A REEL CATCH
Aldrip locals always have a need for food and with many Chosen having recently arrived, that need has increased exponentially, for now they have a larger number of mouths to keep fed and stomachs to keep happy. To help inspire this retrieval of food, Aldrip is hosting a fishing competition and anyone who's interested in participating may do so, provided that they follow the guidelines set in place.
All participants must use local fishing equipment and this will be provided by the various merchants in town free of charge, save for those who wish to keep their fishing tackle. All fish caught within the local rivers, ponds, and the nearby ocean are acceptable for submission. Citizens (local or Chosen) are forbidden from using magic or technology as a means to catch their quarry. Anyone found breaking these rules will be disqualified and will be fish'd (that is, they will have raw flopping fish thrown at them).
The winner of the competition is chosen by having caught the largest fish (determined by size and weight) and will be announced at the end of the competition. The applicable winner may keep their fishing tackle free of charge and have their winning fish cooked in the style of their choice by the locals, which can then be shared amongst the people if they so choose (a fantastic way to make friends). The winner will also have a mediocre fish sculpture awarded to them with their name chiselled into the details in honour of their glorious victory.
OOC Notes:
Both TDM participants and characters already in the game may participate in the fishing competition. Please use the designated comment if you wish to partake. On the 13th of March (after applications have closed for the cycle), the winner will be announced and drawn by RNG. We will announce who the winner is on this TDM post (in these notes), the moderator plurk, and the OOC community.
I'M A [X], NOT A FISHER
If you're not a fishing kind of individual yourself, there's still plenty for you to get involved with.
Aldrip has need of people who are capable of preparing meals, especially seafood. It is probable that many participants of the fishing competition will end up fishing up things that are not fish or eligible for submission, but still edible. These include crabs, lobsters, jellyfish, octopuses, clams, and other related sea life. If you have experience with cooking or simply want to help out, the Aldrip locals will welcome you with open arms and may even pay you for your assistance.
If cooking isn't your forte, you'll find that some of the Aldrip citizens enjoy a betting pool from time to time. If you have some coins or something else you don't mind putting up for gamble, you might just come out with the whole pot if you put your currency on the winning fisher. Anyone found to be attempting to rig the betting pool and competition, however, will be returned their bet. We don't take kindly to cheaters here.
At least not openly.
Fishing can be a sometimes dangerous pastime. You may find a fisher who has gotten themselves accidentally hooked on their line or perhaps when they were freeing a fish, the hook got lodged into their thumb. Aldrip welcomes those who have healing abilities to help assist those more unfortunate situations, so fishers can go back to casting out their lines to make the most of the competition. That said, there's nothing in it for potential healers, just the notion that you've done a good deed.
astralin turnont | original character
[Someone must really hate him at this point. This is the second time that he's been kidnapped in the entirety of his life, and the first time was enough for him. Although, he didn't have much of a choice. He was here now, and the parchment in his hand... Well. Second degree murder wasn't far from the truth. He always knew that murdering that man in self-defense would come back to haunt him, and so it did.
Whatever the case, he's here, and finds himself walking through fields to get to the windmill not far from him. He stares up at it, then over at the crates. Cautiously taking a step forward until one of the locals approaches him from behind and informs him of what's inside, and where to bring them.
It wouldn't do any good to upset the locals, and he would never steal to begin with. So, as a sign of good faith, he takes one of the sacks of flour and throws it over his shoulder. One hand resting in his pocket, as he starts to walk toward the area where he was instructed to go.
He may, or may not bump into you, as he's distracted by his surroundings and making sure that he doesn't die in this new place.]
ii. no something for nothing
[After lending a helping hand, he finally makes it to the village that he had been seeking out. A bit surprised that the townsfolk are so welcoming to outsiders, given the situation at hand. Still, he's not one to turn down someone's kindness, despite his more introverted nature. Even if the new situation at hand makes him nervous to boot.
After being dragged by some of the locals here and there, he's finally brought to the crafter. This is where he immediately tries to turn around, now reaching his limit on any social interaction. Astralin trying his best to be polite and skirt beside them, but even at his height at 7'0, they definitely have him cornered in. With kindness, of course.]
iii. wildcard
[Hit me up with anything else! He's a bit of a social hermit at first, but he'll open up if you push hard enough. Feel free to DM or message me at
ii
He's helping...! Yay......!]
What do you think you're doing? Don't you see he's just too goody-goody to tell you to back off?
[There may be some assumptions happening here. There are like a dozen, in fact, one of which is that these locals will escalate to actual bullying if left alone... oops.]
shinji...!! HIS HERO
... Thank you. I did not think they would be this persistent, but I suppose they truly do not know their limits. I thank you again.
[Well, he is too goody goody for his own good, and honestly, he isn't offended at that. He knows it's true, and there's a bit of sheepish look on his face when he manages to make eye contact with Shinji.]
I may need to borrow some of your courage for next time.
a successful assist!! somehow
—Thanking him two whole times is less fine, though, and he looks back and then abruptly Somewhere Else, tugging on the edge of his hat.]
Huh? [can he accept thanks like a normal person— nope, he's still not making eye contact,] They should have known better. Anyone could have seen...
[That there was some obvious trying-to-escape happening here, but if he admits empathy out loud he'll combust, so:] You just need to learn when to speak up.
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Ah, yes. So I am told. But none the less, it does not make me any less thankful. May I know your name?
[Usually he'd be a bit nervous in front of new people, but Shinji openly came and saved the day, so he's a bit more willing to be open-minded and friendly. Less paranoid that he wants something from him, and that Shinji's not actively out to kill him or something. ... Yeah.]
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But ah, that's the third thanks in a row, technically!! Jeez!]
What for? [This could apply to the thanks or the name, honestly. Either way.] .....It's Shinjiro.
[It's at this point that the crafter politely makes a noise behind them, as they are still standing there and Not Buying Anything, and Shinjiro's scowl comes back in full force. He's trying! To have a conversation here! Somehow!! Really, his instinct is to bark something irritated and just bounce, but he came over here to rescue this guy from pushy strangers, so he can't just abandon him now...]
Alright, alright. [......] Let's go somewhere else.
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i
Either way, it was rare for Młynar to experience being shorter than someone, since most races in his world aside from the demonic Sarkaz generally stood at under 6 feet. He now realized he disliked the feeling immensely. The knight slowly pressed the Ori man back with a single hand, establishing distance before staring up into his new companion's lavender eyes.]
I didn’t realize running into people was a local custom around here. Not that I begrudge it, but you’ll live a longer life keeping your eyes ahead.
[The knight’s voice was measured and dry as he fell into the same tone of voice he had used with squires in training once upon a time. But this was no squire, and Mlynar really shouldn’t be treating a fellow stranger in a strange land like this.]
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...!!
[A shaky breath does leave him for a moment, and he has to remember: not everyone is out to hurt him. The man wasn't even being particularly rude; he was right after all. But still, he's frozen with fear for a good moment before he manages to calm down a bit after the mental gymnastics his brain is putting him through.]
... Apologies. I did not mean to run into you... But you are correct.
[He slowly bows his head down as an apology, the corner of his lips slowly curving into a weak, but faux smile.]
Are you hurt?
no subject
I’m sure I’ll survive. I doubt I’ll even need to call for a healer.
[Biting sarcasm seemed to slip easily from the horse-man’s mouth, though he didn’t mean any harm in it. With his retort fired, he takes a moment to size up the giant of a man before him. When he isn’t shrinking away, the man actually seems quite elegant in his speech and movements. A noble, no doubt.]
I’ll admit, I hadn’t expected to see someone with your kind of upbringing dragging around sacks like that. Here, pass me one of those. It will make for a faster and more efficient trip.
[Of course, he could never simply say that he wanted to help. It had to be about efficiency of all things. Even so, a single hand was extended towards the man, in a clumsy attempt to show some goodwill.]
no subject
[Oh no. The sarcasm just flies over his head. He's a bit... Dense, and takes things to the point, but at least he's polite. Well, as polite as he can be, with how much this stranger has shocked him. Still, he's well aware that no one here is out to hurt him, and he tries to keep that mantra in kind as he continues his day here. It was the most he could do right now, despite everything.]
Ah? I may be of noble blood, but my parents... Are humble farmers. I was raised on the land, so I am used to this sort of work. Sacks, crates, cows... The sort.
[Despite their rocky encounter at first, he's a bit surprised that he wanted to do some labor. Still, he wouldn't turn down the help, and the other workers certainly wouldn't want mind the help. So with that being said, he simply nods his head, and shifts a bit closer to him. The sack that was on his shoulder, quickly transferring to Młynar's shoulder with ease.
With that, he takes a step back, and makes his way toward another sack of flour that he can throw on his shoulder.. His free hand in his pocket, as he continues his journey, forward.]
Our destination is not far from here. Perhaps... We could work together to bring crates over next.
no subject
Lead the way- and keep that crate idea in mind too. You’ll find me to be surprisingly strong, so we should be able to make efficient work out of this.
[His words aren’t empty either, as proven by the fact that he barely even seemed to notice the sack when Astralin had passed the heavy item off. The knight’s equine features were accompanied by horse-like strength, which he had used to great effect during long marches in the past. This is simply a different kind of march, with different provisions to carry.]
Though I suppose calling you “you” doesn’t feel right in these circumstances. You can call me Młynar- what should I call you?
[Hopefully that would get the strange man to open up. Something about his reserved nature catches the knight's curiosity.]
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i
Maybe Aerith needs an intervention.
She's not just interested in figuring out where the trickle of new people comes into play, but also in helping with some of the flour escorting as well. She spies Astralin along the way and watching him so easily just carry it over his shoulder, she can't help but be in absolute awe of him.]
Oh...! I was going to offer to help, but it looks like you've got it all taken care of!
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Oh... Yes, for the most part. I work on the farmland back in my world, so I am used to carrying sacks of flour, pushing cows...
[It's almost hilarious to think of him as a farmer. Considering his look, suit and tie, with a cloak on top of his clothes? You wouldn't expect it. Still, he knew the work quite well, and was content to help, even though he didn't have to really help. It seems like the workmen on the fields are appreciative of it.]
Perhaps you could help me with a crate when I am finished here?
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[Honestly, this is the nicest dressed farmer she's ever seen. But it's also not like Aerith has seen a tonne of farmers. Maybe she just doesn't have enough of them for comparison.
He makes mention of a crate and she takes a moment to turn her attention onto them with some thought. Can... she carry one of those? Can she even carry half of one? If it was empty, sure. Not a problem. Maybe with one sack of flour? But she's never been someone who says 'no' easily and rarely does she step down from a challenge...]
I'll do my best!
[Aerith looks. Fiercely determined. She's gonna conquer this crate!]
no subject
[He stops midway, immediately noticing Aerith staring at one of the crates. His eyes widening momentarily, before he actually drops the sack of flour on the ground adjacent to him. Quickly shifting himself toward Aerith and the crate now, where he doesn't hesitate to take one end of the crate in his arms, so that she can easily carry the other side.]
Miss... Perhaps it would be safer and wiser if we were to conquer this crate with two people, rather than one. That... Sounds like a good idea, does it not?
[He's trying so hard to be friendly here, not wanting his usual aloofness to scare off Aerith. He didn't mean to be rude, he just. Was a bit introverted and a bit closed off.]
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Not a very good way to make friends, either!]
Oh, I wasn't going to do it alone. [If that's the impression she's been giving him. Aerith smiles and she shakes her head.] I couldn't lift one of those by myself if I really tried to give it my all.
[Her words are followed up with some slightly sheepish laughter.]
So until we go get the crate, I'm just going to accompany you. Maybe you can tell me how someone with noble blood becomes a farmer? Or... a farmer becomes a prince...
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ii MAMA'S HERE
So imagine her surprise when she spots a very familiar figure being bullied by kindness. Gwen has to stop and stare, but there's no way she could mistake her son for anyone else; so she storms over, planting herself between Astralin and the crowd with her hands on her hips. Maybe it would've been more intimidating if she wasn't over a foot shorter than him... ]
I will need to ask that you give my son some space. You're making him uncomfortable.
[ She knows they mean well, but also leave her baby boy alone! ]
MAMA!!
Mother? What in the world are you doing here?
[He places a hand on her shoulder protectively, pulling her close to him since he had always worried about how small she was compared to everyone else. Luckily, however, there doesn't seem to be anyone crowding around the two of them. His eyes peering around the area, before motioning her toward one of the quieter areas.]
If you are here, then that means that you have that parchment paper.
no subject
I have no idea... I just woke up here. Last thing I remember, I was doing some work around the fields.
[ So she does look a little dishevelled at the moment, beyond the usual shellshock of being dumped somewhere. ]
That's right, I was accused of slander of all things! Any sort of badmouthing I've done is all true!
[ Her parents deserve it, and will always deserve it. But then Gwen hesitates, reaching to squeeze his hand. ]
What about you, Astralin? I assume you had a parchment like that too.
no subject
Slander... Against those people? I do not see the issue with what you say about them, as it is true.
[He's never considered that side of the family, well. Family. They had abandon and abused his mother, so there was no reason for him to interact with them, or even think about them. The fact that she even got something like that made him a bit more irritated, but what can you do.]
Yes. Murder in the second degree... They are not wrong, but I always considered that murder to be justified. That, or perhaps it was the assassins I have killed.
[S H R U G]
Either way, I am glad you are here. I... Was a bit worried that I would be alone, as Hrist and Rivoix are not here.
something for nothing
Ah, excuse me, can I borrow you for a moment? Sorry, I really need this one.
[He apologizes to the jewelcrafter as he moves in to pull Astralin away.]
Only a moment, if you don't mind?
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Still, he manages to take a step forward away from the group of people. Nearly turning red in utter embarrassment, but also from the heat that was accumulating from being flustered from the crowd.]
... Thank you, stranger. I do not know what I would have done if I was stuck in that situation for much longer. I thank you for your help.
[He tends to thank people far too much.]
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[Once they move away, Seimei laughs, looking back at the befuddled jewelcrafter who is still wondering what happened. Stealing the man's potential customer was personally satisfying, if only because he could do it.]
Where are you going? You'll probably keep running into these people until you reach your destination, by the way. They're very eager. Should I walk with you? I've never been a bodyguard!
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Ah...
[He scratches his head, and pauses.]
I am... Unfamiliar with the area. I would prefer somewhere quiet, however. If there is a place that exists.
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I can find such a place for you. Come with me. If you stay close, we can make it.
["Stay close" is probably a good warning since they have to walk through the crowds of other merchants and excited locals out to shop and celebrate. Seimei himself is unfazed by the excitement, but after a few steps he pauses and offers his hand.]
Don't be swept away. You might get lost.
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