♥ June 2019 Test Drive Meme

[hugtopiamods]

June Test Drive Meme

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♥ Premise ♥ Setting ♥ Rules ♥ FAQ ♥ Mod Contact ♥ Full Navigation ♥

❥ PROMPT I: Welcome to Havenwell!

Hello! Welcome! You're the first living, breathing, people here in a long time. Everyone is very excited to meet you. You met the robot when you woke up, right? The one that said you've been brought by the gods to save their world? They're a little more reserved, but you might meet some who aren't.

Once you've had the gist of the situation explained to you, been assigned your tablet, and given a map that circles where the free housing is, you're free to wander the walled city. As you go, any number of robotic citizens approach you in a mixture of excitement and curiosity. Would you like a tour? Do you need help finding your new home? How about a different map? A coupon for a local shop? A hand to hold? There's no end of helpful voices and hands.

Some of the helpful voices and hands are a little too helpful, however, and you might find yourself fending off curious robotic researchers. They ask you questions about how you came to the world, request samples of hair or nail clippings, ask for...autographs? Handshakes?? A hug???

They also seem determined to shove new arrivals together to see how they interact with one another, so you might find yourself pushed together with a stranger and asked to talk while robots look on, nod, and take notes until said robot researchers are satisfied with whatever data they're collecting.

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❥ PROMPT II: Ainea's Street Fair

In celebration of the new arrivals, the temple priests of Ainea have revived an old tradition and set up a lovely little festival by way of welcome. There are tents and games covering the streets with (prerecorded) music trying to liven up the atmosphere playing out over speakers hidden everywhere. Some games are recognizable like corn-hole, ring-toss, or knock the bottle over games. There's even a dunk tank set up on one corner, although there's a dummy on the seat instead. Someone is welcome to volunteer though and a promise of Dora as payment might just be enough to entice some people to take a turn.

There are plenty of other games as well! And most, if not all, have plenty of cheesy and cute prizes to win. Small wooden mice figures, little wooden beaded bracelets painted in different colors, weirdly colorful and stretchy sticky toy hands that you can flip around and stick to things. The big prize seems to be a large plush pink and purple panda mouse stuffed animal.

You can also find food and drinks aplenty, you don't want to go the day without anything right? Right.

...

Or maybe you do. You'll find all the food tastes off. Some foods are spicy instead of sweet, some are completely bland. Soda's are flat and coffee is fizzy. Aellyn's residents have gone without for so long, they've unfortunately forgotten a few key details about food and drink. They won't say no to help if you decide to try fixing a few things.

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❥ PROMPT III: A Night-time Delight

At night, the festival kicks into high gear with the main event. All around the temple grounds and festival stalls are small metallic round platforms big enough for two people to stand. They have railings around them for people to hold onto but are otherwise fairly nondescript slightly raised round discs scattered here and there. Temple priests encourage passersby to step into the platforms with a friend and as the sky darkens, it's clear why.

Fireworks spring into being in the sky over occupied platforms, brilliant colors and intricate designs explode to the sound of applause from the natives. Characters will find that they can create fireworks in the same colors as their god alignment. Adherents to Ainea create shining pink and purple sparks, while Rawna devotees create shimmering iridescent silver. Those aligned with Diacht create brilliant white and red, and those of Ohma make sparkling blue and gold. The designs seem to vary from pair to pair, with those who share more positive interactions on the platform capable of creating far more intricate designs. By entering the platform with someone of a different alignment, the priests explain you can use colors of both gods in your displays.

And the ones with the most beautiful or moving fireworks might find that they have a few extra Dora in their wallets when they step off the platform.

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❥ PROMPT IV: Virtual Reality

With Aellyn's technological advancements, VR entertainment took a drastic step ahead of what most people might be used to. Before their conversion to robots, VR was the height of entertainment and after, it became the only way for many residents to relive their flesh-bodied days.

The VR cafes are still around and heavily trafficked by the residents, and with all of you here now, they've been refurbished to allow the new arrivals to partake! The old headsets haven't advanced with the people (robots don't need VR headsets after all), but they're all still functioning and in good shape, freshly cleaned and touched up. There are all sorts of games available from strategy to action, rpg's and sims. Would you like to go on a grand adventure? Or maybe you'd like to build a farm? Or an amusement park? Are multiplayer games more your speed?

There's no limit to what you can do with the VR systems. Hook up, find a partner, and enjoy a game or two together! You'll notice the image quality isn't great, but if you hold hands with your game partner, there's a sudden clarity that comes in short bursts. Weird, huh?

This month's breakout hit is...!! A petting....zoo...? Well, the natives sure seem to be into it as they plug in by the droves to pet imaginary giant rainbow-colored sheep or floating fluffy cotton candy looking jellyfish creatures with tentacles that give a pleasant buzz rather than a venomous sting. All the animals featured are differently sized than their earth counterparts and strangely colored to boot. Is that a toy poodle sized pink horse with wool instead of fine hair? What about that yellow and brown mouse that's almost 5 feet tall? It's a good thing it's all a simulation, because some of the animals look freaky - like the gaseous ball of soft blue light with the cutest eyes and really long fangs. Thankfully, the animals are all very peaceful and love attention. That freaky gas cloud? It smells like fresh baked cookies and nuzzles people like a cat. In fact, every animal here is sweet - unless you happen to pet the dog-sized chickens the wrong way. Anyone unlucky enough to make them mad will find themselves swarmed by dozens of fat fluffy multicolored birds.

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❥ PROMPT V: Cuddle Weather

When you arrived, Havenwell seemed to have fair weather every day. The summer-like breeze and sunny skies were perfect for going out to explore the city and get to know your new environment.

But today, seemingly at random all over city, the blue skies turn gray and rain or snow starts pelting down. The balmy temperature plummets in these pockets of poor weather and the citizens of Havenwell quickly desert the streets affected. Shops and homes close up, warding off the damp which can mess their gears and here or there, robots can be seen retracting arms into their torso casing or deploying built-in umbrellas over their heads as they leave.

If you've found yourself in one of these bad weather pockets, you better seek shelter! The storm isn't bad enough to hurt, but it certainly isn't pleasant to go from summer to the dead of winter so quickly. Maybe you're lucky enough to find an abandoned antique umbrella big enough for two on the side of the road, or can take refuge on some closed shop's porch for a bit. Wherever you end up, you probably aren't alone in trying to stay dry so be nice and share the (admittedly meager) wealth of body heat and dry space. It shouldn't last long, but you're definitely stuck until it passes.

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❥ PROMPT VI: Wildcard

Have fun however you like with the setting! Or make a network post. Havenwell is your oyster.

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If you have a question, feel free to post it below under the Question thread and a mod will get back to you ASAP. Our first reservation round begins on June 29, 2019 at 10:00PM EST and our first application round will run from July 2, 2019 to July 9, 2019 from 10:00PM EST to 10:00PM EST.

♥ Taken Characters ♥ Reservations ♥ Applications ♥

Comments

Prompto Argentum | FFXV + CRAU

[this_loser]

I

[His first thought is, this is not home. He'd thought for sure he'd be going home, bittersweet as it was. The thought he would return to his world and the people he loved was dampened by the knowledge he would be leaving behind the love of his life.

Maybe his melancholy is obvious as he sets off to explore. The first time a robot offers a hug, he accepts with little trepidation. It's weird, but nice. A few more robot hugs happen, before he finds himself shoved toward someone else.]

Sorry! [He offers a shy grin.] They're awfully affectionate here, huh?

II

[The street fair is an instant draw. If he's not hopping from game to game trying to win prizes, he's got his camera out, snapping pictures of anything even remotely interesting. Maybe that something is you.]

wildcard

[Got a better idea? Go for it.]

I

[farseer_alastirra]

Sorry? For what? [She is...large. Very large, but soft and certainly affectionate, for all that she's 6'9, horned, hooved, and yes those are fangs in her mouth. But Alastirra is used to humans, and so she has absolutely no problem attempting to steady the young man with gentle hands.]

They certainly are, and enthusiastic about it as well! You are unharmed? [Being well aware she's taller than he is, not to mention garbed in chainmail. Surely there are other clothes for them, here, but the Farseer hasn't had a chance to change, yet. Not to mention in her experience, the robots are--rather grabby, when curious.]

They do not seem to realize the tail is off limits, you see. [Offering a sheepish grin, then, silver eyes bright.]

[this_loser]

For getting in your way? [Because yeah. She's tall. Taller than Gladio tall. And definitely not human. She seems nice, though. There were a few non-humans in the fleet. He wasn't too phased by it anymore. He takes a step back and looks up.]

Uh. No, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine! No biggie.

[A tail, too! He chuckles.]

That's probably annoying, huh?

[farseer_alastirra]

You were pushed, that is hardly your fault! [Laughing at that, but it's far too cheerful to be a way to mock him.] If you were in my way, I probably could have moved you, had I chose.

[But he wasn't, so Alastirra didn't. But she gives him a cheeky grin.] Yes, it is to have my tail manhandled without permission!

I am Alastirra, who are you? It is a pleasure! [Because it was, he seemed very sweet at first blush--quite literally, for him!]

[this_loser]

Hah. I guess that's true. [To both it not necessarily being his fault, and that she could probably just move him - as embarrassing as that would have been.]

Oh, right. Prompto! Nice to meet you. [He extends a hand.]

[farseer_alastirra]

[She is certainly very happy, to say the least. She shakes his hand--for all that she's much larger and much more purple, her hands have five fingers, at least. She shakes with both hands, gently. Meanwhile, the robots are enthusiastically pointing at them and whispering among themselves.]

We seem to have an audience.

[this_loser]

[Okay, honest truth, he was a little worried about the handshake. She looks like she could do some damage with her hands alone. He's happy to be proven wrong.

He gives the robots a sidelong glance, smile turning more timid.]

Looks that way. It can't be that interesting, can it?

II

[axi]

[Once, during his picture taking spree, if he looks at his photo, he'll see a very familiar head of short, red hair. Sure, it could belong to... almost anyone, but why not check it out?]

[this_loser]

[He always checks his photos, if he's able. The picture itself isn't very impressive. A little blurry, the subject he'd been trying to capture moved and is only half in-frame.

But it's the red hair that stops him from pressing the delete button. He'd know it anywhere. He looks up, but he doesn't see it in the crowd of people enjoying the fair. He checks the camera again. Maybe it's just his imagination, wishful thinking.

Still, he sets off at a quick pace, searching.]

[axi]

[Around a corner and down the next street, he'll spot her... well, her hair. She's got a dark blue cloak around her shoulders (that's new), blinking as she makes a face at a drink she gets from a stand. It's weird, but she takes it anyway with a nod to the robot tending the place.

Better catch up.]

[this_loser]

[He's more certain the closer he gets. Though, even if it is her, there's a very good chance she's come from some other time, or place. She may not remember him at all. He braces himself for heartbreak, even as he breaks into a run to catch up to her.]

[axi]

[Just as he's running up to her, she turns, visibly taken aback. Most of the surrounding beings are the robots, so it's a safe bet he was aiming for her. A look of trepidation crosses her face.]

Can I help you...?

[this_loser]

[He stops short. It feels like he's run into a wall chest first.]

O-oh.

[It's her. But it seems she doesn't remember. He starts to back away.]

No. Sorry. I, um, I thought... You reminded me of someone. Sorry.

[original_is_best]

[Verstael twirled instantly to see who was invading his space. He'd never been one who showed affection in the way most would and tended to keep a distance.

The passing look of annoyance was immediately replaced with wonder. He'd recognize his own face anywhere even if he had no explanation for the phenomenon. It was far too close, save for a few minor differences - many cosmetic choices.

Personal space bubble forgotten, he was quick to grab Prompto by the chin in order to examine him further. At this time he hadn't even begun cloning himself. It was hard to imagine how this happened, but he wanted to know how this boy could look so much like him.]

Boy, what is your name?

[this_loser]

Uh.

[His brain stalled as he came face-to-face with ... himself? Himself from another world? Another time? It was possible. He'd seen it happen to others. Or maybe... Oh shit! A clone? Were there others like him? He had been under the impression he was the only one that wasn't grown in a tube. The only Verstael he had known - and very briefly at that - was an old man half-consumed by scourge.

He jerked his head away and made to put some distance between them.]

...Prompto Argentum.

[His gaze fell on the other's right wrist. If he were a clone, there would be something there, right?]

[original_is_best]

[His hand hung in the air for a brief moment when Prompto moved away, indicating he planned on holding onto him longer, but he made no move to 'go after' Prompto again. Instead, he let his arm drop down and lifted the tablet he had been using to record information for now.

This Verstael had not yet started making any clones, so this was quite the interesting find. Unfortunately for Prompto, he also wore gloves with the armor he so casually strolled around in, so there was no telling if he had any bar code. His gaze followed Prompto intently, making no attempt to hide examining him.]

Intriguing. [That wasn't any name familiar to him. Nor was it Besithia.] Do you come from here?

[It would seem that their captures might be experimenting with cloning and accelerated growth.]

[this_loser]

[Well, this was quickly becoming uncomfortable. He crossed his arms over his chest, a self-conscious maneuver.

The more Verstael spoke, the stronger his sense of deja vu. But his brain was having trouble fitting that voice to that face. The armor too. That was definitely Imperial.

His brows furrowed at the question.]

No. Of course not. [A pause, then...] Hey, who are you, anyway?

[original_is_best]

Research Chief Verstael Besithia of the Niflheim Imperial Army.

[He had no particular reason to hide his identity. Especially one he was proud of.

His gaze finally broke away from Prompto and scanned their surroundings.]

Though it would seem there is no Niflheim here. [His expression fell for once. He had much to do at home, and if he truly couldn't reach his lab again he had some regrets about the loss. Such thoughts didn't lead to progress, though.] If you aren't from here, then where?

[He had his guesses, but best to let Prompto answer himself rather than jumping to conclusions.]

[this_loser]

[Oh. Oh shit. Oh no.

The voice made sense now. It was disturbing, the resemblance. He knew, of course. Duh. Clone. He didn't think he'd ever be confronted with it though.

He took a step back and checked left and right. Some robots were still milling around, but there were no obstructions that would keep him from heading off in either direction.]

No. No Niflheim here.

[He sounds distracted at first, but then draws himself up.] I'm Lucian. From Insomnia.

II

[kingkingcxiii]

[Prompto has probably snapped shots of many an interesting thing before he comes to the dunk tank and finds something both interesting and peculiar. The raiment, waterlogged as it is should certainly ring a few bells even if the face of the man wearing it is much younger than Prompto will remember.

Regis himself doesn't seem to recognize the blonde, which makes sense considering his own son hasn't been born yet--which also means neither has Prompto--but that doesn't stop him from waving him over with a smile.]

Care to test your aim, young man?

[this_loser]

[The clothes are definitely familiar. The face less so. He chalks it up to coincidence and examines the dunk tank with a crooked grin.]

You sure about that? My aim is pretty good.

[kingkingcxiii]

Well, it would be dreadfully boring if your aim was bad.

[Regis laughs, unconcerned at the prospect of taking another dip into the pool and then motions toward where the balls are on the stand, the Ring of the Lucii catching the light for just a moment as he does.]

Come. Put your aim where your mouth is as they say.

[this_loser]

[He grins, bright and crooked, as if to say "You asked for it". He's bouncing a ball in his hand and considering the target when a glint catches his eye. At first, it's just a quick glance, but he has to look again. The ball drops and rolls away without him even noticing.]

Uh...That's...

[The raiment makes sense now. There's even something much more familiar in the man's face, now that he's looking for it.]

Y-your Majesty?

[It's a squeak. And then he hurriedly bows.

He was going to dunk the king.]

[kingkingcxiii]

[Regis watches the dawning horror that crosses the young man's face and then frowns when the bow comes. The blonde obviously recognizes him, but he has no name to match with the rapidly paling face. Not that this is unusual for many know who the king is without him knowing who they are, but the strength of his reaction makes it seem like this is more than just a case of knowing who someone is after seeing them on TV.]

Yes, if the Majesty you seek is named 'Regis.' I am afraid I don't know your name. Would you do me the honor?

[this_loser]

[Regis is not the Majesty he would have expected. Especially not a Regis who was, like, not old. And alive.

He straightens and tries not to fidget, though his fingers start worrying the frayed edge of his vest.]

Oh, uh, Prompto. Argentum. ...Sir. I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you.