♥ August Test Drive Meme

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August Test Drive Meme
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As Achtom and Ohnir flow into each other, the skies are still gorgeously blue and dotted with high fluffy clouds that never seem to threaten rain - so long as the weather stays controlled. Businesses are picking back up, the natives starting to cater once again to flesh-bodied people with varied amounts of success. The VR cafes are featuring more helmets so even more people can play along with the ever expanding selection of games. Overall, it seems like Havenwell is quite the peaceful city.

But there are still some issues to be had...

---

❥ PROMPT I: Where's the Pied Piper?

All Achtom, the residents have been dealing with things in characters' houses seemingly moving of their own volition to other parts of the house and going temporarily missing, returning chewed upon by the mice that have overtaken Havenwell. By the time the new wave of arrivals come, the worst of it is over, but there are still some pesky little temple familiars running about the city!

The noises at night aren't as terrible as they once had been, but the squeaking and chattering in the walls and ceiling is still noticeable. It's still difficult to sleep at night for all the noise throughout the long night hours. Trying to find the source is a surefire way to drive yourself mad, but it seems that sleeping in the same bed with another person makes it a little easier to bear, especially if you hold hands or touch throughout the night.

Pink and purple rodents of various sizes from panda mouse tiny to chihuahua-sized rats are still popping up all over the city. It seems the only place they aren't is where they're supposed to be - Ainea's temple - and that's a big problem. While many have been returned thanks to the offworlders' efforts, Ainea's temple priests are still out in the city, begging residents both robotic and flesh to peacefully and carefully capture the creatures and return them home to the temple. They pass out soft woven reed baskets to any who agree and thank all participants heartily for their help.

❥ PROMPT II: We Didn't Start This Fire

Throughout the month, pockets of the city experience magnificent dry lightning storms. Before each onset of the storm, an immense clap of thunder booms across the entire city like a siren and the natives hold their figurative breaths until the first strike rains down. A peal of lightning, searing hot, strikes the ground or hits the spires of nearby buildings, cracking stone and leaving nasty burn marks behind. Each storm is only 4 to 5 minutes in length before they suddenly disappear again, but in those few minutes chaos reigns. For anyone unlucky enough to get caught amid one of these storms, take cover! Residents throw open doors and push people inside, even shielding the offworlders with their own bodies if necessary to keep them from getting harmed.

When the lightning and its sonorous booms pass, residents scurry out to repair the damage. They'll be asking nearby offworlders to help as well with patching the stonework or removing broken debris. Most importantly, they put out a call for help in putting out fires that spring up after each storm. Their metal bodies can't withstand the heat for long without melting and the water is dangerous to their circuitry. After the fires are put out and the damage repaired, on occasion, residents will ask for the somber help of pulling a native robot unlucky enough to take a direct hit from the lightning to a local repair shop. Strangely, the natives don't seem sad when their friends and family can't be repaired, and instead start gathering up objects from home to take with them to the temples along with the bodies. When asked, they say it's to pray for a rebirth and go on their way.

❥ PROMPT III: Let's Play the Friend Connection

With all the craziness going on, some people might just want a distraction. A lot of Havenwell's natives certainly seem to think so. Despite everything, the Entertainment District is as bustling as ever and this month the offering is to participate with a friend or group of friends to play a game called: Friend Connection. Rather than the usual plug in and sit configuration, this time the VR cafes have been reorganized into 3 meter by 3 meter square pads with no chairs or furniture available. Players plug in or put their helmets on and they're instantly transported to a garish neon-lighted stage with multicolored spotlights that show a floating, legless robot with a rainbow bowtie and a magnificent mustache. The robot's LED face lights up into the approximation of the :D emote and then a disembodied voice comes from speakers overhead:

"Hail, well met, and welcome to the hottest game show around: Friend Connection! As the studio audience already knows, this game is simple! You and your new friends compete to complete more challenges than the other hidden team. The more fabulously you and your team completes each task, the more points you'll be awarded. At the end of the game, the team with the most tasks cleared and the highest point value will be declared the winners and take home some fabulous prizes. On today's team is..."

And the robotic host waves an arm to a scoreboard behind it, showing your names. The heading "Other Team" has ???? underneath it and a list of challenges is revealed along with a burst of applause. The list reads:

1. Play Twister until someone falls! The longer you go, the more points you win!
   
2. Help each other do a handstand! The Wheelbarrow is acceptable too.
   
3. Recreate your favorite scene from a romantic movie. Take, for example, That Scene from the hit movie, Skytanic! Or hum along to this song as you and your friend make some pottery together.
   
4. Create a complicated Best Friend Handshake consisting of more than 5 moves and do it together 3 times without messing up!
   
5. Answer trivia questions about each other and your worlds while holding hands and staring into each other's eyes. The more questions you can answer, the higher your points!
   
6. Do a trust fall into your friend's arms. The higher or further you fall, the more points you'll earn.
   
7. Play two truths and a lie with your friend. If you can guess correctly, you'll earn points for your team!

Are you ready, contestants? You have 20 minutes. Good luck!

At the end of the game, the characters are declared the winners by a slim and, naturally, exciting margin of just one point! And their fabulous prize......? The friendship they earned along the way! Congratulations, players! And don't worry, when the game ends, you'll be in the exact weird position you were last in as the helmets turn off. Hopefully you aren't still in those weird Twister positions because everyone can and has been able to see you. Yup, the entire time.

❥ PROMPT IV: Comic Logic

Although Achtom is waning and Ohnir beginning, Diacht's influence is still going strong. Throughout their day as they go about their daily routines, helping people out or trying to find their missing items, the natives stop looking at them and start looking above their heads. In fact, as characters meet one another, their attention may also be drawn vertically above their companion because floating above every offworlder's head is a faint white cloud. Whenever they move, the cloud moves too. Attempts to dispel it by magic or physical means does nothing and it seems like you can't touch it at all.

It's annoying isn't it? Or maybe you're feeling quite curious about this phenomenon? Or maybe it scares you? Whatever you're feeling or thinking, it shows up in that cloud clear as day. It's not every thought or feeling that shows and attempts to control what appears fails, but you're now broadcasting your innermost self to the world.

For a time at least. Smart characters might notice that after prolonged physical contact with another character, the cloud fades away and stays away for an undetermined amount of time. Sometimes it's an hour, sometimes it's a day, sometimes it's only 5 minutes, and then it begins to reform again. Whatever it is, it's here to stay, so good luck keeping your secret inner workings, well, secret.

❥ PROMPT V: Buddy System

With all the changes going on, it might be hard to be a new arrival to Havenwell. The natives understand! Sort of. When new arrivals begin to appear at the temples, receive the welcome speech, get their communicators and the simple map of the city, they get taken to the front of the temple by a helpful robotic priest. Rather than turn the newcomers loose right away, they pull someone seemingly at random off the street and push the two people together with a cheerful, "Here's your guide to Havenwell! It's dangerous to go alone, so be buddies!" before going back inside. They try to place a new arrival with one of those who previously arrived, but who can keep track of all that, right? Characters may find themselves thrown together with an actual veteran or with another new arrival who only came here a day or even just an hour before them! Good luck helping each other out, offworlders, and don't lose your buddy!

---

Have fun however you like with the setting! Make a network post, make up other prompts based on the general setting, go wild. Havenwell is your oyster.

This TDM is for the September application round. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread below. The reservation round begins on August 30, 2019 at 10:00PM EST and our applications will run from September 2, 2019 to September 9, 2019 from 10:00PM EST to 10:00PM EST.

♥ Taken Characters ♥ Reservations ♥ Applications ♥

Comments

wildcard | lmk if this doesn't work yo

[carbungle]

[Okay, so... he's been trying not to stare like a creeper since he spotted her in the area. He'd just wanted to swing by a cafe for some snacks, not to stalk some poor woman just trying to adapt to the place. But something about her was niggling at the back of his mind every time he let his gaze drift in her direction. She just looks so familiar.

He tries to resist the urge for a while, but he knows, he just knows it's going to drive him crazy if he doesn't find out why. So at last he wanders over to her, brows furrowed in confusion, and lifts a hand to get her attention.]

Hey, sorry to cut in- do I know you from somewhere?

this is a thing of beauty

[indelebilis]

[ It's sort of hard not to notice when someone is staring at you, really. Aera can be called many things; ditzy, a bit of an airhead at times, a baby even... but she isn't stupid and she's seen this poor young soul from the corner of her eye. She's kept a careful eye on him from a distance, mostly because he seems extremely familiar to her as well.

He looks like a very young Somnus, but the clothes don't fit, nor does the hair. Not to mention this young man bears a kindness in his features that Somnus severely lacked. Even with the differences, there's a striking resemblance between the two that simply cannot be denied.

She's busy right now, or trying to be rather, looking up at the fountain and their portrayal of this particular world's gods, but movement from her peripheral catches her attention and she looks over, blinking a few times. ]

Good afternoon... I don't believe so, no, though I feel that I should be asking you the same question. What is your name, dear?

[carbungle]

[And here he thought he was being subtle. Poor guy.

It's a little disconcerting to hear that she shares that feeling, but it's something of a relief at the same time, so he doesn't hesitate in his answer. Maybe he's not just being crazy.]

I'm Noctis. How about you?

[indelebilis]

[ The voice doesn't match up, either. Not to mention that her previous thoughts about his kinder features seem to match up with this young man's sweet personality, too.

When he introduces himself, she offers him a small smile and a little, polite bow of proper greeting. ]

Well, regardless of knowing one another or not, it is a pleasure to meet you, Noctis. My name is Aera.

[carbungle]

[Oh.

Oh, no. Now he understands.

His reaction is immediate, of course; it hits him too quickly to catch and conceal it. Is this what Ardyn feels when looking at him and seeing Somnus instead? As the connection slides into place it's hard to look at her and not see traces of Luna. Subtle, not immediately recognizable, but hinted nonetheless.

It could be a coincidence, sure, but... no, he seriously doubts that. Only one way to be sure, though.]

Are you... the Oracle?

[indelebilis]

[ Her head tips to the side, and she's left blinking again because this is the first time someone has honestly recognized her. Has called her by her title; or rather, what her title was before Somnus decided to foolishly make an attempt at his own brother's life.

And the surprise shows on her face, at least for a few seconds. Unfortunately, as Noctis puts two and two together, Aera is still a little bit... in the dark, so to speak. The only thing she can think of is that yes, this young man is from their star. And perhaps she'd spoken to him or to his family during her travels. ]

I am, yes.

[carbungle]

So that's why... okay. I get it.

[Once he has confirmation, it feels unfair to keep her in the dark, so after a moment's hesitation he ducks his head in a slight bow - something he's not especially used to, given his own position, but feels weird not to return in kind - and looks apologetic.]

It's Noctis... Lucis Caelum. That's my real name.

[indelebilis]

Mm?

[ She's glad one of them gets it, because she's still just a little bit confused. Except he takes the initiative and clears it all up for her, and her eyes widen. ]

Lucis Caelum...? The only people with that name...

[ She knows that Ardyn and Somnus didn't have any other siblings. She'd gotten to know their family pretty well, considering her betrothal to the elder of the two, so this is... this is something new.

She reaches out, gently taking one of Noctis's hands in her own, and gives it an encouraging squeeze. ]

You have a lovely name, Noctis. But... you are related to Ardyn and Somnus, yes? Forgive me, but I am a little confused. I thought I had met everyone in their family.

[carbungle]

[He can't help wondering what she knows- where she's come from- but it's impossible for him to ask that. He doesn't know enough about her life to pinpoint a timeline, aside from the few tidbits he's heard from Ardyn. All he could ask is "do you know when you die?" and... yeah, no way. That's horrible.

She's being so kind, though; it really must run in the family. He feels a pang in his heart and his gaze drops to the ground, though he does quietly accept her hand.]

Time... works weird, here. There's people showing up from all over Eos's history. Somnus was my ancestor- from two thousand years ago.

[indelebilis]

[ This is still a bit of a shock; but as Noctis goes on, it only confirms what she feared: Somnus managed to kill Ardyn and usurped the throne. Granted, she holds no ire towards this sweet young man or the Caelum family. She can't even bring herself to hate Somnus himself, although she's afraid if she were to see him she may or may not be more inclined to greet him with a punch to the face opposed to how she is greeting his young heir, honestly.

She squeezes Noct's hand again, nodding. ]

I see, so this is why you look so familiar. You bear great resemblance to Somnus! Though you are far, far kinder than he ever was.

[ She pauses, however, because she's got a gut feeling, but she needs to know. Needs for it to be confirmed. ]

Do you sit the throne of Lucis, then, dear Noctis? If you are related to Somnus, then that must mean... he is your great something grandfather, yes?

[carbungle]

[A bit of red creeps up his cheeks at that; how much of an asshole must Somnus have been, for this brief interaction to give her an impression of him to be that much kinder than the man. The more he learns about his ancestor, the more concerned he gets about their mysterious family history.]

I... thanks? [what does he even say to that.] But I'm not... I wasn't crowned, not officially. Things are kind of complicated in Lucis these days.

["King of what" is still a very, very relevant question. He struggles with it a moment, then shakes his head.]

Better just stick with prince. But you're right, just with a hundred more "greats" tacked on.

[indelebilis]

[ Somnus was a special breed of asshole, really; but... Aera would be lying if she said she didn't care about him still, that she didn't still love him in the way a younger sister should love an older brother, really. They may not have seen eye to eye, but in the big scheme of things they were going to be family and they all wanted the same thing: what was best for the people of their star. ]

It is a compliment, yes. Somnus is —— was? Yes, was, a handsome man. He had the most beautiful eyes, and I can see that is another resemblance you share with him. [ So, it's true. It hurts, because that's not what she wanted for Ardyn. She wanted so badly for him to live and push forward, to lead the people into a time of peace.

She'd wanted desperately for Somnus to accept that as truth and fact and to act as the backbone of the family, though... in a way, she supposes he did in the long run. ]

Prince Noctis, then. [ She lets his hand go, but she doesn't move far. No, instead she's looping an arm through one of his, and gently tugging him because it's time to walk and talk, she's decided. Sorry if you didn't get a choice in that matter, Noct. ] I see... I am glad to see that the Caelum family remains. Our families were very close... I loved your family like it was my own.

[carbungle]

[Yep, yep, he's just gonna die now. Dig him a hole and bury him, he's gone. Beautiful eyes and all. How embarrassing.

It's becoming increasingly clear how little power he has in this conversation, so he scuffs his free hand through his hair and glances off as they walk, as if the slight angle will somehow save him from her seeing his blushing face.]

They still are, actually... the royal family and the Oracles have worked together for ages, all the way up to me and Luna.

[indelebilis]

[ Noctis should get used to having very little power in their conversations, really. The rest of the men in his earlier lineage certainly have... mostly.

Though she sure wishes Somnus were here, if only so she could point at Noctis and ask him how someone like him managed to make someone as sweet as this. ]

Oh! That's lovely to hear. Hm... I had no immediate family after my demise, so one of my cousins must have taken my place. That is good to know... though it pleases me to know just how close our families still are, I am terribly sorry to hear that the world is still in need of an Oracle. What a shame.

[ Wasn't Somnus supposed to stop the scourge... all talk and nothing to show for it, go figure. At least he made pretty babies. ]

[carbungle]

[Let's be real it's probably thanks to Luna and Ignis more than anything to do with the Caelum lineage. Good influences go a long way.

He's momentarily taken aback by how open she is about her own fate. He hadn't expected to find out if she knew - and certainly not so soon! - without actively seeking out that information.]

Oh... so you know-

[Nope, nope, backpedal. Don't be a jerk and pry about it. It's impressive that she can take it in stride, though; she really is a strong person.]

Um, I mean. Yeah, the scourge kind of made a comeback more recently, but the world's always gonna have problems. I think having an Oracle around just... naturally makes people feel better.

[Case in point: even though she's probably going to kill him by compliments, he still finds something oddly soothing about her presence. Luna was the same, back in the day.]

[indelebilis]

[ The second she meets Ignis and Luna? Yeah, she'll have to agree, okay.

Aera is one and the same with Luna when it comes to fate and destiny: she's never been afraid to die, and long ago she'd accepted that she would not live a long life because of her title. She just hadn't realized that her demise would come quite so soon.

Her unoccupied hand comes to gently pat his forearm in reassurance. ]

Yes. The last thing I can clearly recall from home is dying in Ardyn's arms... it's alright, dear Noctis. You need not skirt around it, I promise.

[ Blunt? Yes. But it's how she rolls, and she doesn't want him to be uncomfortable around her or the subject. ]

That is still a shame. I'm so sorry that you and... everyone else on our star still has to deal with that. But you are right, with or without the scourge there will always be something, though you are very sweet to say such kind words. Tell me though... other than the scourge, how has our star fared?

[carbungle]

[Oh... geez. No beating around that bush, it seems. He can't help his own awkwardness, but he purses his lips and tries to shrug it off. She doesn't deserve him acting weird about it, she clearly has enough to deal with.

He's got half a mind to march her right to his dad's house so she can see Ardyn, but he should at least answer her questions first. The man's been through a lot and is living in the near-modern era himself back home, so it might help both of them to prepare her a bit first.

And if she's not going to pull any punches, he probably shouldn't, either. Any lie he could tell about the state of the world wouldn't be very believable, anyway.]

Honestly? It's not doing great. The scourge is spreading, nights are starting to last longer than ever, which means the daemons are out and attacking people more and more. Lucis has been fighting a war with Niflheim for hundreds of years, and these days there isn't much left. We're still fighting, and we're not giving up, but...

[He gives a vague gesture. It's been hard for a long time now, and he sorely wishes he had a better answer for her.]

[indelebilis]

[ Honesty is the best policy, and she's glad that they can be honest and open like this. It's somewhat amusing, really; thousands of years between them and they are still able to walk and talk as a king, or prince and oracle should. ]

That... sounds exceedingly bad. [ She frowns, looking down as they walk. ] There was a prophecy given unto Eos by the Gods... but I don't recall a war being involved with that prophecy. Niflheim... I'm afraid that name rings no bells in my memory. Forgive me for that.

[ She pauses, though, and places a hand on his cheek. ]

I am sorry that you have had to live through such trying times. I never imagined that things would be drawn out for so long... you poor, sweet dear. Please, you need not elaborate, I do not wish to upset you. Just know that, no matter what, the Oracles of past and present stand with you no matter what. Try not to lose faith amidst the darkness... we may hardly know one another, but already I can tell that yours is a light that shines brightly, Noctis. And our world needs that light... just as this one does.

[carbungle]

[He's about reached his limit on embarrassment heaped upon him within the last few minutes, so by the time she finishes speaking he huffs a breath, mildly exasperated at just how... too much this is. He's used to being roasted more often than not these days, to keep his ego in check. Too much praise and he can't deal.]

Stop, stop, I get it... [His blush is probably betraying him, but he leans away from her hand anyway, scratching shyly at his cheek.] You sound just like Luna. She called me "The King of Light" when we were kids.

[The Chosen gets so many damn titles, it's kind of ridiculous. And yet the one thing he can't even really call himself yet is a real king, still.]

I won't lose faith, though, don't worry about that. I made a promise, to her and everyone else. I'm supposed to rid the world of darkness, and that's what I'm gonna do, whatever it takes.

[indelebilis]

[ This is hilarious, and she'd love to take the time to really just embarrass him more, honestly. Because really, if he is Somnus's great something grandson, that means he is also Ardyn's great something... nephew. Which makes him her great something nephew which means he's family and he is fair game on the embarrassment scale.

But it's that title, 'King of Light', that has her eyes widening, and suddenly... it all makes sense. ]

So you are the Chosen... I see. If the time of reckoning is at hand, then I suppose it does make sense that the nights are growing shorter.

[ To be fair, she doesn't know a whole lot about this prophecy. The last she'd checked, Ardyn was supposed to be sitting on that throne, so she's a little bit out of the loop about this whole thing. ]

I have no doubt in my mind that you can do it. You seem to be strong and you have your heart and mind set in the right path... yes, there is not a doubt in my mind that you will do wonders for our star.

[carbungle]

[Doomed. He is doomed, and he doesn't even know it, and he went right over to introduce himself to his own demise. How tragic.

That aside, it's not like he knows much about the prophecy, either, so she's in good company there.]

Yeah... I won't let you down, either. Eos is gonna be just fine, you'll see.

[Or maybe she won't, but at least she can know. Letting her down would mean letting Luna down, and there's no way in hell that's happening. She's kept faith in him so long, she deserves his best.]

[indelebilis]

[ He has no idea just how he's doomed himself, either. She is going to absolutely dote on this sweet boy, and honestly? His poor father is going to get the same treatment because they are both her nephews and they clearly NEED it. ]

I know you won't. But do you know what else all of this means, dear Noctis?

[ Because she's about to SCHOOL YOU, BOY. But go on, guess first. ]

[carbungle]

[rip the Lucis Caelum family]

Usually when someone says that to me, it means I've got more work to do.

[But Vianca said this was his vacation...]

[indelebilis]

It means we are family~!

[ Do you hear that, Noct? That is the sound of your doom, the sound of a pleased, sing song voice before her arms are absolutely thrown around the poor man in a nice, big hug. ]

I never got to have children of my own, and I never dreamed I would get to meet any of my nieces or nephews! How fortunate I am, especially to have someone as sweet as you as my dearest nephew.

[ Yep. D e a r e s t n e p h e w! ]

[carbungle]

F-family...!

[This is literally the last thing he'd expected- both the answer, and the hug, so all he can really do is stand there, dumbfounded, one foot back to keep them both from wobbling backwards from the sudden embrace. His mind is reeling in confusion for a moment when it clicks that oh, right- she and Ardyn had been engaged. So that means... whoa.

What a strange place this is. He went from having no family at all back home - aside from his "brothers", as Cid had aptly put - to suddenly having a father again, and an... uncle and aunt he never knew existed? While he isn't sure he could ever actually call them that, it's... well, it's different. New, and not in a bad way for the moment.

Tentatively he lifts a hand to touch her back, a shy half-return of the hug.]

You're not really gonna call me that, are you...?