aftr_ooc | TEST DRIVE MEME ( 001 )

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*test drive meme

TEST DRIVE MEME ( 001 )

Test Drive Meme #1

Hello, and welcome to our very first test drive! We’re pleased that you’re expressing an interest in the game. Here, you can test the waters, gauge how your character may fare in the world of LifeAftr, and even gain some in-game incentives, if you so choose.

Remember that Reserves will open on July 17th and that Applications will open on July 24th, in preparation for the game’s official opening on August 3rd!

But first, two important notes!

1. The island of Mu exists apart from the real world and possesses a dream-like quality that characters are innately aware of from the moment they appear on its shores. No need to panic or fret. Dreams are odd things, after all - and anything can happen in them. Why would anyone question where their mind chooses to wander in its sleep?

2. Due to the nature of Mu, threads in our test drive can not only be accepted as thread samples in your application, but can be accepted as game canon as well. In fact, certain choices your character makes in Mu have the potential to bear in-game consequences.

Shipwrecked
The white sand of the beach ridges the island’s edge, even if the clear water soon becomes murky the further out you look across the horizon until the turquoise gleam of the tide disappears in a coil of surrounding fog. Indeed, your best prospects may very well be to strike out among the trees or the crags looming out over the foam-capped waves. There’s lumber to be found and made from the palm-like trees, potentially fruit or edible tubers of some kind if you forage about some. The further you travel, however, the more of your surroundings will reveal themselves in a steady unspooling of curiosities.

One corner of Mu’s current construct drops away into a sheer cliff, initially too dangerous to brave for all but the more daredevilish, but if one starts to scan the sharp rocks below, you might catch sight of what appears to be sodden planks of wood - a wreckage tossed up against the rocks. And a little further...a bobbing, shattered wreck of a lifeboat’s remains, potentially bearing supplies that might yet be salvageable.

Fashion what you can from the wood and stone around you or scavenge from the ruin of the land, if you like. But you can’t simply stand around and wait forever. It’s going to get dark sometime - and if a creature of unknown terror doesn’t catch you, the elements surely will.

Storytime

There’s a sense of camaraderie in this cove, you think. As the sun hangs low over the horizon, the world cast into orange hues, long shadows dispersed by roaring fires that dot across the beach.

That’s right, folks: it’s storytime.

There’s no one to preside over this meeting of the minds in Mu. Call it a vague recreation of things to come, if you like, some vaguely fatidic dreamlike state where you may find yourself drawn to the heat and company that awaits you by the fire. And from there, compelled to default to that old instinct that most of intelligent civilization has revered since they were advanced enough to paint geometric shapes on cave walls.

You tell a story.

Perhaps it’s a tragedy, a tale of woe and of personal loss. Perhaps it’s the sort of thing you’d break out after a few rounds of your alcoholic beverage of choice, clapping hands to your knees as you try to bite back your mirth long enough to spill the punchline. Perhaps it’s an adventure of some sort, some unbelievable rendition of your past exploits. The only common thread to be had, as those gathered around the fire share their tales, is the fundamental rule of a ritualistic sharing of stories such as this: its truth.

But how one chooses to define "truth" is, in its own way, another story entirely...

Dance, Sucker, Dance!
The beat of your heart in your chest is difficult to ignore. It judders with a pulsing, rhythmic quality. If you’re one of those that lacks a heart, the beat is still omnipresent and all-encompassing, until your entire body is unwittingly bobbing in time to a metronomic tune that seems ingrained into your very soul. It’s inescapable. You can’t seem to move unless it’s in time to the rhythm that’s now singing in every atom of your being.

But rest assured, you’re not alone in this musical curse. Everything, from the swaying trees to the waves against the beach, jumps in time to the music. And so do the monsters approaching you, that - wait a minute.

Monsters?

Oh, yes. Did we mention those?

It seems you’ve encountered the wrath of the Boogieman, who curses you to only dance to his infernal beat. If you wish to best him, you’ll have to either evade or destroy the blobs of greenish slime that serve as his minions, all in time to the hard beat of the tune in your head. Clear the radius of his curse or risk an open confrontation, if you dare. Don’t worry if you look foolish; chances are anyone else caught in the Boogieman’s thrall feels just the same.

Mu isn’t pulling any punches to start with. It is a flighty creation, after all, and seems to revel in displacing people into new and uncomfortable situations.

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )

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[Um yeah so that idyllic moment you're having over there? Gonna be rudely interrupted by a short nerdy looking guy barreling out of the woods towards you on the beach, one arm lifted in a bid for attention, as though his loud, screechy voice is somehow subtle]

Hey--hey, you!

[Well, there goes his peace and tranquility. Guzma frowns at the ocean while his two Pokémon look back towards the source of the noise. Golisopod wares closer to the shore and Ariados lays her head back down against her trainer's leg and begins to doze. If her teammate there is coming to investigate, she can relax a little. But she does chitter indignantly when Guzma moves his body a little and her head falls into the sand. EXCUSE YOU.]

Yeah, what?

[Newt hadn't noticed Golisopad at first, As it moves closer to shore, though, it catches his attention, and Newt's eyes widen, a wide grin splitting his face] Holy shit, you've got two?! [unfortunately, with his attention diverted, Newt hasn't really thought about the fact that running on sand is different from running on solid ground.And between that and his rather obvious enthusiasm..,] Oh my god, is that a-- [the intent was to finish that sentence, but instead makes a very undignified squawk as he trips, arms pinwheeling uselessly as he suddenly gets a face full of sand]

[Two? Two wha--oh, his Pokémon? Yeah, duh, he's got two - five, actually, but he's trying not to think too much about the three that aren't here (it'll just piss him off, and no one wants that) - what the heck kind of trainer does this idiot think he is?! He opens his mouth to respond, but all that comes out is a harsh and loud holler, then a howl of laughter as Newt kisses the sand. He doubles over after a second, holding his stomach in actual pain.

Wow, what a total loser.]

Haha...ha...oh, man, that was sick. I'm gonna be sick... [He sighs, wiping the tears of mirth from the corners of his eyes.]

[HE'S BEAUTY, HE'S GRACE, HE'S GOT SAND ALL OVER HIS FACE.

Anyway, Newt's coughing as he sits up, trying to rub the sand off said face and feel for his glasses. It takes a moment before he manages to at least wipe enough of the sand away from his eyes and shove said glasses back on his face so he can see again. He means to scowl at Guzma's laughter, he really does, but--

--his attention is immediately drawn back to the creatures near him and any and all interest in Guzma himself is totally forgotten]

Holy shit. They're real, aren't they? Real pokemon! [he sounds totally gobsmacked at this point, and less yell-y now that he's closer and can get a better look. That doesn't tamper down any of his excitement, though, as he pushes to his feet, coming closer again] That's uh, uh...Ariados, right? [asldkfhs yep he's getting excited again, voice rising up the octave] And--long name, bug type, crap....[he frowns, trying to remember the name of the other one]...pod-something?? [HE DOESN'T REMEMBER]

[The laughter dies rather quickly, not because Newt's glare actually bothered Guzma in any way, but because he's both being ignored and, uh...observing this wild behavior with a mix of confusion and growing discontent. Has this joker really never seen a pokemon before? I mean, there are those weirdos that don't get out like, ever, and only play simulation battles and stuff, but...really? This is just bordering obscene and creepy levels of poke-maniac.

Ariados perks up when she hears her name, wriggling the two stringers on her rump, curiously moving forward before Guzma snaps his fingers at her to stay put. Sorry, lady, but he's not trusting you near this guy until he has his sorted out completely.]

Golisopod. [It's growled, softly, as Guzma scowls and shares a look with the much larger insect. Golisopod doesn't so much as budge - other than a twitch or two of its antennae - and regards Newt tiredly. Just another human, and it's not showing any sort of threatening signs, though Guzma himself looks rather snarly, but that's normal.] And I appreciate the, uh...interest in my pokemon, buck-o - I can agree they're the best bug types around - but y'all better stop treating 'em like they're exhibits in a zoo or we're gonna have some problems, yeah?

[the reminder of the name makes Newt brighten, and he snaps his fingers-] Right! Evolves from--[except Guzma's continuing, and Newt turns his head to him--though doesn't look particularly perturbed by his growly-ness, and instead huffs, spreading his arms widely] Dude! Can you blame me? Pokemon don't exist in my world! [...wait, pause, frown] ...well, okay, they do, but only in video games.

[YEP NOW BACK TO ENTHUSIASTIC] Meeting real pokemon is literally like my childhood dream just became a reality!

['Wimpod' - the name dies on the man's lips before it forms, as he leans his head back with a baffled and almost shocked expression. For a moment there he actually thought this weirdo said pokemon didn't exist where he was from, but the last bit sells it. Yep, this guy must be a Pokemaniac of the worst kind...one that instead of actually, you know, raising a real pokemon, just plays their video games and the like.

The instant he brings up anything, uh...mature, though, Guzma is decking him. He's made a mental pact with himself; some lines one just does not cross, thank you kindly.]

Yeah? Well, keep dreaming, junior...they need to go back in their balls. [One, they need to rest, and two, Guzma is Uncomfortable with this fanboying over his babies, okok. PLus, he really needs to start looking for the rest of them, too...]

[It's at that point Newt's enthusiastic expression immediately drops into one of a mixture of disappointment, devastation and confusion]

Wha--what, why?? But I just got here! [and then he's wrinkling his nose, mouth twisting] Also, dude, junior? Pretty sure I'm older than you by at least five years, if not more.

Coulda fooled me.

[Guzma looks the nerd up and down - yeah, he could be older, but he was acting like a toddler and a straight up whack-a-doodle a second ago and, um...no siree. He's not allowing his pokemon to be poked and prodded by this creep, especially when he's still missing three. Ariados is returned to her ball, and Guzma only halts in doing the same when Golisopod rumbles at him.]

Bro, but he's whack a heck, yo! ...Though, yeah, you would be able to squash his head like a Grepa Berry. A'ight, fine. [A quick look is shot back to Newt, two fingers pointing at him like a gun, as Guzma scowls.] Don't do nothing funny to my pokemon, yo, or I'll hang you by your heels from a palm tree.

[There's a scowl that starts on Newt's face at that first comment--but he's startling a bit as Ariados returns to her pokeball in a flash of red light and he's momentarily distracted from his disappointment by that because shit that's cool. It's even cooler in real life than it was on the TV show, and he's suddenly having flashbacks to calculations he'd done as a tween, trying to figure out what sort of technology would allow someone to transform a creature of matter into pure light particles. Or, at least, that's what it had looked like. It's what it still looks like, kinda, as Newt's left blinking at the spot where Ariados used to be. Which is, at that point, he realizes that that's one pokemon he won't be able to see any more, and he opens his mouth to start to protest---at which point he realizes this guy's been talking to his other pokemon, and is now addressing Newt, and pointing his fingers at him. Seriously???]

Dude, I wasn't gonna! [Newt's wrinkling his nose, even as he pushes to his feet, dusting off the sand] I just wanted to say hi!

[Newt, you're not allowed to even go near Guzma's pokeballs - he's only got those two on his person, and they're the things that keep his buddies safe and healthy, so giving them up is not an option.

As Ariados' ball is tucked safely away into Guzma's hoodie, he huffs and Golisopod and then at Newt.He knows his buddy, sure, the big guy has been with him since childhood, but its this weirdo he's worried about. Plus, these are his only two pokemon. losing any more would be--...

He's not one to want to think about it.]

Well, knock yourself out. [Guzma steps aside, but still hovers close by. >8C DON HORT HIS CHILDE!!1]

[as Guzma steps back, Newt's attention goes straight back to the pokemon in front of him. He grins up at Golisopod, widely, which warps the scars on his face in a mildly strange way--but it's sincere, at least]

Hey Golisopod! Sorry I forgot your name earlier. There's, like eight or nine hundred pokemon last time I checked, and unfortunately a pokedex isn't something I've ever come in contact with. I'm Newt! [and yep he sure is...holding out his hand l o l]

[Guzma is watching closely, scowling, though he does lift a brow absently at those bizarre scars. He won't mention them - not his place to ask, all people got their own "scars" they don't wanna bring up - but he does note them quietly. Huh, didn't think geek boy here would get into trouble like that...usually basement dwellers like this are mummified in bubble wrap and hand sanitizer.

Golisopod tilts his head from side to side, looking back at Guzma as his attention seems to divert away from Newt, but he's suddenly brought back to attention by the hand, leaning down to sniff at it and grabs at it with the thinner of his legs, turning it over and wriggling his whiskers around the digits, searching for a treat. Finding nothing, he releases the hands and rumbles quietly, looking again at Guzma expectantly.]

Later, I only got a few on me. [Another, higher pitched rumble.] Oh, for--fine. You, Specs, c'mere.

[slkdfhs Newt can't help but laugh as his hand is grabbed and feelers run over it, obviously looking for something--] Hey--that tickles--

[except then his hand is released and Golisopod's attention is on his trainer, and Newt blinks, looking between them both, before his mouth twitches into a slight scowl at the nickname] Dude, it's Newt. [but he is obediently coming closer, curious]

Yeah, whatever. Give him one'a these. Just one. It's what he's looking for.

[Guzma produced a baggy of what appears to be candy - jelly beans, only they're about the size of golf balls. Immediately Golisopod's interest peaks, and he nearly rams his head into Guzma's arm, opening his mouth and rumbling loudly to get a treat.]

Yo, c'mon, step off, Goli--I said, wait a minute!! It's coming! [Guzma shoves Golisopod off his roughly, though the insect is back in a minute, ducking under the man's arm with a gaping wide mouth. NO WAITING GIMME THE THING. >8U] You little--! Any color'll do, just try not to use up them rainbow ones, they're hard as to come by, and I don't got many of those.

Quit you're wriggling! [FASTERRRR!! >8UU]

[Newt is about to be pissy over the name thing, he really is...but it's really hard to be pissy when Golisopod keeps shoving into his trainer in his eagerness for a treat and it's so flipping cute. Newt can't help but grin for a split second--before he's lunging for the jelly bean bag to grab it out of Guzma's hands and fish one out before the guy's pokemon climbs all over him--the one Newt happens to pull out is blue and spotted and kinda huge, and he frowns at this, because he recognizes these but like hell if he can remember the name--] Uh...hey big guy, this what you're looking for? [and yep, he's totally going to hold it out in the palm of his hand for Golisopod to take without any notion of his hand being chomped on by a giant bug because self preservation what's that]

Edited 2017-08-07 18:13 (UTC)

[Jesus Christ, between the eager and hungry pokemon on his left and the nerd boy that's about to vibrate out of his skin, it's a miracle Guzma doesn't lose an arm. The bag of pokebeans is snatched from his hand and Golisopod follows after it with his eyes, the spindly arms that dangle down from its carapace wriggle and twitch, trying to grab for the bag while also being obedient to his trainer's commands.

Once the bean is held out, finally, Golisopod begins to eat, munching the bean up in two bit bites and cleaning up any smaller bits with the feelers on its face. It croons is pleasure, lifting back up to full height as Guzma lays a hand on his head.]

Big brat...y'all is spoiled rotten, you know that? [Nudging Guzma's face and hair, Golisopod rumbles, the vibration skewing the man's sunglasses.] You get your fix yet?

[Newt can't help but smile, wide and open, as the pokemon eats the jellybean thing from his hand, laughing as the feelers tickle his palm. He's a bit disappointed when Golisopod pulls away, but it's easily forgotten as he watches him nudge his trainer, nearly knocking off those weird sunglasses. Newt holds the bag out to Guzma, offering it back] Thanks, dude. I can definitely check "meet a real live pokemon" off my childhood bucketlist.

[his grin widens] Your pokemon's hella cute.

[The baggy is taken again, set into the inner pocket of Guzma's hoodie where it was before, along with the pokeballs that keep his precious bugs safe. Speaking of, Guzma fishes Golisopod's out to return him as well, letting the huge creature finally take his leave to relax and maybe digest in his Ultra Ball.]

Cute? Bro, you ain't seen my boy in a battle - Golisopod's downright scary, yo! He's the strongest one I got, ever since I was a kid. He acts nice right now, yeah, but he'd sooner use them claws to rip open a bus than to give y'all a big smooch. Not one of my pokemon are creampuffs, homie, I just raise 'em right.

[Yep, definitely watching that red light with interest again, but before he can open his mouth to ask about it, Guzma's refuting his (very accurate, thank you) description of Golisopod...at which point Newt's wrinkling his nose]

I didn't say he wasn't badass, dude. Cute and badass aren't mutually exclusive.

[And while Guzma 500% agrees, his buggies are the best, strongest, and most precious little nuggets in all of Alola and beyond, he still snorts and crosses his arms.]

'Scuze me if I don't exactly take kindly to some fanboy calling my partners 'cute'. I 'preciate the, uh...compliment, really, but y'all acting like they're pets, or something what oughta be on display for skeevy jokers like you to snap pictures of and slobber over don't really sit well with me, yeah? They more'n just what y'all seen in them games, bro. So treat 'em with a little respect, if y'don't mind.

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TEST DRIVE MEME ( 001 )

Paradise...ish???

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