TEST DRIVE MEME ( 013 )

[lifeaftr_mods]

Test Drive Meme #13

Hello, and welcome to LifeAftr! 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 Applications on July 24th!

Two important notes:

1. LifeAftr's test drives take place on the island of Mu, which 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, largely in the form of test drive reward items.

Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat
When you wake, it's to the bucking of tumultuous ocean waves and the heavy sluice of rain. The boat you've found yourself on was probably seaworthy at some point, but it's been wind-battered and weatherbeaten to the point where it's begun, quite steadily, to sink into the choppy waves. Looks like you're all in the same, sinking vessel. To make matters worse, it seems that the storm itself has a nasty sense of humor. It seems almost intuitive in its attempts to toss you from your footing on the deck and into the frothing waters below. Gusts of powerful wind try to tear you from the mast if you climb it, and the boat rocks perilously to try and tip you into the churning waves. Oh, and did we mention the lightning? Because there's lightning, and it seems to have a personal interest in incinerating your pitifully wooden little boat on the spot.

That doesn't mean you're completely helpless. There is an island in sight, one that resembles the waking land of Ensō, albeit somewhat far off, its silhouette fuzzy and indistinct from the curtains of rain. But if you can make it...

Well, anywhere's got to be better than here, right?

Gibbon No Quarter
It's been a year since the first adventurers were initially drawn to Mu's shores, and then, later, to Ensō's. And so, in celebration, the dream-island has cribbed only the best bits of the previous year for prospective explorers to sample on their way in.

Take now, for instance. You'll find yourself in a cage of all things, with the pound of drums and excited hoots of hungry simians to greet you upon waking. This particular breed of monkeys was once unique to Ensō, before travelers were forced to more or less thoroughly exterminate them. Devilishly smart and naturally inventive, gun monkeys are so named for their trademark weaponry - coconut guns, naturally - and their generally cunning capacity to craft tools out of very rudimentary resources. And oh, right - they're also very carnivorous. They've set up a smoking bonfire in the center of the jungle clearing that makes up their temporary home, and if you don't figure out a way to come out of your cage (have you been doing just fine, perhaps?), then you're going to be next on the menu.

Think fast, or work with whoever's nearby, and you might have a chance. Or you could always call for help. That always works out, right?

To Be Continued
Stories, stories, stories. Anyone who's hung around the block for any length of time can tell you, dear newcomers, that those little things are of the utmost importance in this neck of the woods. There's no mistaking the purpose behind this inviting scene - log seats set up around a roaring campfire, and even a packet or two of marshmallows if you're feeling hungry.

It almost might be enough to distract you from the fact that there's no fuel for said fire. And what's more, the darkness surrounding the woodland backdrop is so impenetrable that you may as well be an isolated blot of warmth in an otherwise unforgiving void. And within that void, if you listen close, you might hear something - a snarling, an indistinct rumble of massive jaws parting, hungrily, in search of something alive. If that flame burns out...well, something out there isn't fond of fire, and that's the only thing keeping it from claiming everyone seated here for its own enjoyment. But the good news is that there's a very easy way to keep this fire blazing well through the danger. Can you tell where this is going?

It's stories, of course. Regale us with tales of your past exploits, or with fairytales or nursery rhymes you remember from your childhood. Relay your tales of triumph and of grief, of laughter and of agony, of anything you can possibly imagine. As long as a story of some sort is being told, the fire will burn merrily onward, and the blanket of all-consuming darkness will be kept at bay.

Just try not to embellish too much. If your story is too vague, if it is more lies than it is something genuine, the fire might start to gutter dangerously low as a consequence. And that beast, whatever it is - oh, it's hungry.

---

LOGS ● OOC ● STORIES ● MAIN NAVIGATION

Comments

absolutely so :3c

[deathfindsaway]

[He chuckles with a balled fist in front of his mouth, smile still warm and unsuspecting.]

I mean, if it's a town of puppies, I don't see why the name wouldn't be apropos.

[Like. There it is. No need to get fancy all the time.]

How is it you were travelling to different worlds like that? It sounds like quite the journey.

[shox]

I don't want to hurt anyone, but if it comes to it...

[One being confident about their abilities doesn't mean that they're bloodthirsty. Junko never followed impulses like that out of the water. He's no monster. Instead of focusing on the somber part of everything, he glances at the jackal with a small smile, perhaps one that seems a little less comfortable than his words sound.]

I'll figure it out. Just gotta wait for the right time.

ʕ◉ᴥ◉ʔ

[proficienciesouttheass]

[ A person! Thank fuck, maybe they-]

Yeah--yeah, just- a couple of teeth. Are you--

[ And he stops.

What the sound of the storm made him fail to recognize, a look at her helps him catch up. She's a little different than when he last saw her, certainly a good couple of decades young, but he's seen that face before. He saw it for a whole century.]

Holy shit! Lucretia?

[liveasmyself]

[The term cantrip isn't familiar to her, but she nods nonetheless. Her surprise comes from having never seen a person control magic--as opposed to things just happening out of nowhere--but she supposes she should just accept this twist as well. Lucretia's fire is helping them, so no need to fuss too much about it when they still need to get their bearings.

She shakes her head at the question.]

No. I live on an island, but this doesn't look anything like the one I'm from--there would be buildings and mountains. I thought maybe this was one of the smaller ones off the coast.

[scholiast]

Fair, (Lucretia says, deciding to allow it in interest of the fire, which is flickering threateningly at the lack of interesting additions to her story,) it was, for all intents and purposes, exactly what it said on the tin.

We've been travelling by... ship? Through space. (you know. as you do)

I don't entirely understand the way that the engine is powered, it's... like I said, complicated. It has something to do with emotional energy. (She shrugs.) Honestly, I don't think any of us know why it works the way that it does.

But it's good to travel and see new places. (This is obviously leaving out a large portion of the story but! Lucretia's not gonna get into the grittiness of the Hunger while sitting in front of a campfire.)

[scholiast]

Yes?

(Hey, hold on!

Similarly, once up close Lucretia is also having revelations. This is for all intents and purposes Magnus Burnsides in the flesh, but he's a bit different. He is noticeably older for starters! He has lines on his face. He has scars that she's never seen before. Is this magic? It's Davenport doing illusions again, isn't it. It's the only answer she can think of right now that makes even the slightest bit of sense.

For a long moment she just stares at him, at a complete loss for what to say in return, mind racing.)

[jackal_style]

Um... aren't the monkeys gonna eat us if we don't figure out something soon?

[His tone sounds nervous. Normally he's the one finding smaller critters to attack and eat, he's not used to being the one on the menu.]

[deathfindsaway]

[Honestly, if she dropped that word this conversation would suddenly be far different and maybe a little more frantic. But hey! None of that now! Only fun spaceships and Puppy Town!]

I've met a few people here that used to travel through space. It sounds like an incredible journey. I used to travel through planes myself, but not much for a ship. Wasn't much for sightseeing, though, mostly-- mostly for work.

[The fire flickers, and he looks towards it like he's chastizing a child.]

Oh, shuush. I'm sorry my life isn't exciting enough for you. What, you're fixing for all the times I've busted up necromancers, hm?

[scholiast]

Oh.

(That's... how does that work, exactly? Lucretia's used to appearing in new worlds and having to piece together knowledge about it from the people that live there. Maybe Ray is right in thinking this is an island off the coast of her home. It certainly makes more sense to Lucretia; she'll think of it this way until she can get some more information.)

What is your island like? Aside from the buildings and the mountains, I mean?

[liveasmyself]

[Ray purses her lips and thinks a moment about what might be most relevant to their situation.]

It's off the coast of the Mainland and is much larger than the other surrounding islands. In my region, we usually have typhoons in the summer, which is what I assume this storm is.

If we're on one of the small islands... there probably are some people somewhere around here. But some of the small islands are more vulnerable to bombing attacks from the Communists. Does that help at all?

[She doesn't exactly sound frightened by the last part; she's not convinced anymore that the Communists are more fearsome than some of the Nationalists she lives among.]

[proficienciesouttheass]

[Ha! Making sense. Making sense is entirely too overrated, and entirely ignored in this place. Like, for example, how he's suddenly in a rocking boat in a storm when he's pretty sure he fell asleep in a tent next to his dog!

It's a few seconds of staring before another wave hits the ship and his feet slip, forcing him to tighten his grip around the mast. Okay, maybe they should leave the Talk for later.]

So, hey, what the fuck?! Who's ship is this?? [ Forced to yell over the crashing waves and pouring rain, good thing he's a very loud boy.]

[scholiast]

Yes, thank you.

(Oh, Lucretia really wishes she had a journal on her right now! She doesn't trust herself to remember all of this off the top of her head. She's tracing words on the palm of her hand with her index finger as she listens, as thought that might help.)

Who... are the 'Communists'? (She's obviously not taking the name for face value, but thinking of it like a strange nickname.) Why are they bombing the islands?

[scholiast]

For– what?

(And when he mentions necromancers, Lucretia brightens just like the fire, chinning her hands curiously. It's such a shame that she doesn't have any pen or paper on her right now; she's dying to write all of this down.)

I think we're both fixing for that, so you have to tell us, now. That's how it works.

[scholiast]

(Lucretia's confusion is likewise interrupted by the boat pitching underneath her feet and she slips, hitting the deck on her butt with a startled 'oof' of pain. Not the time to discuss whatever's going on, clearly! One problem at a time.)

I have no idea! I just– uh, opened my eyes and I was here!

(It's the rockiest start to a cycle she's dealt with in a while and she's feeling a little offended about it?? The one she just came from started out with the Starblaster landing in an expansive field, so what's the deal with this one!)

Can you see any land at all out there?

(It's really hard to see anything through the rain on her glasses. She squints helplessly off the side of the ship.)

[liveasmyself]

[Ray carefully considers Lucretia's face for a moment. How honest can she be? This woman has helped her, and she doesn't seem to be familiar with any of the terms Ray's using, so perhaps Ray doesn't have to pay the usual lip services to what she's been taught. She thinks she can trust her.]

According to most people, they're the enemy. They drove the President's forces off of the Mainland, and that's why they attack now. We've been at war for years.

[scholiast]

(Lucretia clicks her tongue in sympathy, rubbing her hands lightly together as she listens.)

I'm sorry to hear that. I– um, I've visited places at war before and it's... (she sighs, and falls silent, shrugging a shoulder.)

Is there an end in sight?

[deathfindsaway]

[He can't help but chuckle in the way she instantly takes interest, and he finds himself grinning and puffing himself up a bit. Yeah, you hear that Lup, people are interested. In stuff he has to say. So hah.]

Well, there's been a lot of stories. It was my job, after all. Uh-- goodness, I don't know if there's been a favorite or anything.

[He stops to consider it, curling his fingers around his jaw as he thinks.]

I did find someone who was trying to turn it into a corner service, that was... odd. Just open up a shop on the street offering to revive corpses. Like-- who thinks they can just do that? Because you most certainly can't.

[proficienciesouttheass]

[ He looks out as well, turning his head and trying to find any sign of land at all, but-- nothing. It's too dark and the rain is too thick. There's nothing but wild waters for miles.]

No! Shit.

[ With an arm wrapped tightly around the mast, he scoots his feet and leans down, holding out an arm to help her up.]

Hey! So, huh, weird question! [ Thank goodness he's naturally loud, because it's hard to hear anything.] Have you seen anyone on the ship? Anyone at all? Maybe a big talking rabbit or a dog or something?

i'm slow but still excited :>

[hellawrath]

In the past, Lucretia's decisiveness and determination would have filled Lup with pride. Watching her grow out of her quiet chronicler role had been a joy, how she'd learned to reach out and live in the world, fill it with a light all her own. The decades of hardship had uncovered a silent strength in Lucretia that Lup had loved and been grateful for, an ability to bend without breaking that was so sorely needed in their trials. She could stand tall on her own two feet and it was beautiful.

Now, it's like ice water in her veins. The tone of somebody who leads an entire secret organisation, is used to being obeyed. Lup would grieve how much that pride has soured, if they weren't literally about to drown unless she gets a move on. So she does, clinging to whatever railing and rope she can grab as she climbs to the back of the ship, because that's where the steering?? is?? right??

"Maybe-- on a different boat!" That sounds right. That's what it was like last time she woke up in the middle of the freaking ocean. And if this is anything like that, then-- hell yes. "Look! Land!!" she calls out, pointing off to the side at some vaguely shore-like shadows behind sheets of rain. It's totally land though, trust her on this. If they can get the sail and rudder pointed that way, they'll be off shitty Fantasy Splash Mountain in no time.

[liveasmyself]

...I don't think so. Neither side will relent, but of course no one wants all-out war to break out either. It's been a stalemate as long as I can remember.

[The party line is that of course the Nationalist government will reclaim the Mainland and bring everyone together, but Ray can't imagine not being at war.

She hugs her knees closer and tilts her head at Lucretia.]

Where have you visited?

[This probably isn't the time or place to ask, but Ray can't help but be curious. This is the first time she's ever left her island.]

[scholiast]

(Lucretia looks shocked for a beat, then laughs, albeit nervously. Her curiousity with regards to necrotic magic certainly toes the line of revulsion. Hard not to be grossed out at the thought of somebody bringing dead people back to life.)

No, I– uh, definitely not.

And you've made a job out of... stitching these people up? If you'll pardon the pun.

[deathfindsaway]

[Yeah it's not the best! He's far from squicked by it at this point, but-- hardly a fan.]

Well, more like the role was given to me, many years ago. But it's still important. Preserving the natural order is vital to the continuation of, well, the universe. So I serve my Lady and keep the balance of the world. It's rather simple, underneath it all.

sorry for being slow, but also i finished detention!! please clap

[scholiast]

(A stalemate, as long as she can remember. It sounds so depressing to Lucretia; almost worst that outright war. Living with that kind of tension... it must be exhausting.)

How old are you? (She realises that she can't really tell that kind of thing any more. She used to be a good judge of age, but considering her own status she tries not to leap to conclusions any more.)

Well... I've visited quite a lot of places. Sixty-three all up, currently. I've been spending a... a year, at each.

sorry for being slow!!

[scholiast]

(With the wind in one ear and Magnus in the other Lucretia is feeling a little overwhelmed, to be sure, but she's grateful for the arm up. She steadies herself, looping an arm back around the mast in order to keep her balance. If Davenport were here he'd be making jokes about them all having to earn their sea legs, something like that. Where is he? She twists her head about at Magnus' question, as if she might spot him on a second or third glance over of the ship, but... they're definitely still the only two on board. No dice there.)

No, (she shouts, her shoulders slumping,) I think it's just the two of us. Unless somebody is hiding– (another wave crashes over the top of the railing and salt water sprays everywhere, making her splutter,) eugh, below deck! And I wouldn't blame them!

But– why would a talking rabbit be here? Aren't you– what about the Captain? Or Lup, or– Merle, the others?

me too on both counts oops (sorry!)

[scholiast]

Lucretia is going to have to take Lup's word for it, because she can't see much past the rain on her glasses. This is why Lup had been advised to go steer! She is delegating. Davenport would be proud.

But wrestling with the sail is something else entirely. The wind and waves have whipped the ropes around and around until hopelessly tangled. Lucretia drops to her knees to set about pulling them apart from each other, and this at least helps to lessen the roar of the wind in her ears. Her hands are so cold though, fingers numb and useless at undoing the larger knots. She has to bring it to her mouth to use her teeth. Hopefully Lup isn't watching.

When it comes time to hoist the sail, she gives the rope a good tug and it immediately billows with air, the wet fabric smacking her hard in the face. She curses and tugs it again, giving her head a little shake as the rest of the sail finally raises to the top of the mast. Ouch. She can feel the skin bruising, but at least the boat is starting to work as intended; Lup seems to have found a rudder, or a wheel or something, because she can feel it starting to turn. Before she's knocked off her feet, Lucretia lurches over to the side and hangs on tight, wiping her glasses, ignoring the painful sting in her cheek.

"How's it going back there?"