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The Mods of LifeAftr ([personal profile] lifeaftr_mods) wrote in [community profile] aftr_ooc2019-01-13 08:43 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME ( 019 )

Test Drive Meme #19
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 January 17th, and Applications on January 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.

Let's Be Heroes
Back in December on the recent island of Maati, the Trial of the Brave was intended to challenge those who approached life with hesitation; the timid, the uncertain, and those who trend too easily toward inaction. Mu, of course, has a habit of neglecting the finer details. And thus...here you are, whether you need the intended lesson or not.

Armed with nothing more than a torch, a short sword, and the clothes on your back, you're sure to enjoy the scenic view of labyrinthine stone walls, low-hanging ceilings, sharp corners hiding all sorts of secrets, and a thick, foreboding darkness. Your light, and the torches of others making their way through the dark, are the only breaks in the seemingly uniform dark.

Those and the lights of the eyes of the other things down here with you, of course.
Hidden throughout the maze are scattered innumerable creatures, all of them happy to take advantage of those wandering about on their own. Nighthooks are fiendish, shadowy monsters that appear in the shape of a long-fingered hand. While they cannot physically hurt anything, they specialize in slinking out of the darkness to snuff out any light source they can find...like your torch, for example. Also abundand are the grimlings, hulking, dog-like creatures composed of a seaweed-like blackness and glowing coals for eyes. Should you come across one, several more are bound to be nearby, as they travel in packs. And they are always hungry.

For those lucky enough not to stumble across these creatures? Enjoy your stumble through the dark. There's an exit around here somewhere, if you look hard enough. Probably.

The Waiting Game
The second trial Mu has appropriated is the Trial of the Patient. This test was named for those who exhibit the very antithesis of patience, initially intended to draw in the brash, the reckless, those easily incited into action, and so on. Instead of a dark and lengthy maze, Mu has instead concocted a brightly lit room to test your patience, and lack thereof.

So you should have no trouble at all seeing the entirety of the expansive, gaping void that stretches between you and the only way out.

Stranded on a singular ledge, the space in which you wake is white and seemingly infinite. No ceilings or walls are visible, and peering over the edge of the small platform reveals no flooring below to catch you. The only distinct characteristics to this room are the door opposite you, positioned some couple hundred feet away. There's nothing for you to grab or cling to in order to make your way over there faster. In fact, nothing else seems to help, either. Flight, teleportation, gadgets, you name it - each attempt will inevitably fail, and give you just enough time to contemplate all the ways you went wrong as you go plummeting down (or is it up?) into that endless void. What a shame.
Luckily for you, this dream is happy to give you a second chance! And a third, and a fourth...and however many it takes, really. Those who fall will, just as the initial adrenaline shock starts to run out, abruptly find themselves standing right back on the platform where they started. Once again, they'll find themselves staring at that infuriating, impossible-to-reach door. Seems like you may be stuck where you are, for the time being.

We say "for the time being," because the other distinct attribute of this loosely defined room is a second platform, drifting steadily from the doorway to your position. Once it reaches you, you'll be able to climb aboard, and be safely ferried across the room to the exit you so greatly desire. Once it reaches you. Once it...well, it seems to be taking some time. A few minutes. An hour. Something in that ballpark, maybe. Got a good book on you? No? Guess you'll have to find some other way to wile away the time.

You, and whoever else you happen to be stuck with.

Water Rising
The island of Ensō is a relatively flat island, aside from a lone, steep mountain to the north. Mu is less so. It tends to mold itself to whatever shape best suits it, and in this case? It has chosen Ensō. And so that is where you find yourself - positioned at the base of its mountain, no less, only several feet up the beginnings of its slope. Unfortunately, there's not much time to take in the new scenery. Stretched out along the island's coast is a beach of glittering white sand. Further inland, the green sprawl of a jungle blots the horizon. But there's also plenty of ocean. And therein lies the problem.

Creeping through the treelines and rapidly pooling about the mountain's base, said ocean levels are rising quickly. Very quickly. Those who wish to stay and enjoy the view of an island underwater are welcome to it. For everyone else, the only other option is the obvious one: to climb.

To climb very, very quickly.
As luck would have it, the rising waters aren't the only danger present. Those too slow to escape its wrath will surely drown, but the higher up you go, the thinner the air becomes, and the more searing the heat. To the west, a crop of dangerous creatures known as lungblossoms claim the wooded thickets that offer reprieve from the intense and unrelenting rays of dream-sun. A confrontation with these living plants may expose you to hallucinogenic spores fit to fill your senses with horrific, nightmarish visions, so tread lightly...but not slowly.

At the mountain's very peak, an empty temple awaits those who can make it to the end of this terrible and impromptu gauntlet. It will provide shade and a space for the exhausted survivors to congregate. Tend to yourself and others, if you like- or head back out to locate those who haven't had such luck in reaching this haven.

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( CODED BY BOOTYCALL )
phantomtrick: (pic#12774100)

[personal profile] phantomtrick 2019-01-16 06:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Well, that seems to work out. Akira's not able to do much so he clenches his fist in irritation. He hates standing by like this. At the very least, he can watch the area and check if there's anything else coming.

So far it's just that one monster. He nods , watching Yusuke cut the foe down. ]


Good work. We should be okay if we keep this up.
exdeus: (what did it lead to)

[personal profile] exdeus 2019-01-16 06:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[Horatio just looks at it, as it holds out one of its little appendages.

What is this tiny robot doing? Is it trying to show him something? Horatio moves to kneel so that they're closer to eye level, but that doesn't make it any more clear what it supposed to be in the little robot's hand.

So... he silently holds out his own. Is that what it wants?]
jagarico: (talent unnoticed and it's terrible)

[personal profile] jagarico 2019-01-16 06:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[Yusuke rests his hand on his arm, frowning.]

You need a strong arm when your blade is so short. I can manage and won't let you down but this is really quite irritating.
mamaterasu: (BAR BRAAAAAAWWWL!!)

:3c

[personal profile] mamaterasu 2019-01-16 06:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[Perking her ears, Ammy blinks, her tail wagging even quicker than before when this nice kappa points out her holy markings. A smile tugs at her lips and she yips happily in response. Most supernatural creatures can see her godly form, so it's not as shocking that Eska can... Still, it's nice to be known and seen, and Ammy idly wonders if they can see her reflector or anything else on her.

That is, until she spots two blazing eyes dot into existence behind her new friend here. It's a wonder that she even saw them at all - Eska is quite wide - but she's, uh...had experience with these creatures over her year or so here.

Taking a fighting statence, she begins to growl and bark at the offending creature, pushing past the tortle to put herself between them and the grimling.]
phantomtrick: (✦jiiii)

[personal profile] phantomtrick 2019-01-16 06:29 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm feeling your irritation strongly right now. What I would give to just bash these things on the head with my own fist...

[But that's not going to work, he's going to let Yusuke jab at it with a sword some more. Akira just takes in a long suffering sigh.]

Think a good old kick will do any damage?
exdeus: (the year 2000)

[personal profile] exdeus 2019-01-16 06:41 pm (UTC)(link)
I've seen the lights and I've heard the noises.

[And that's the only concession he'll make.]

I'm not interested in causing harm to anyone.
errantdetective: (And that's why she flew away)

1

[personal profile] errantdetective 2019-01-16 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[No, that wasn't Toby, but before the other beast sneaking up behind him can get its teeth in Quentin, she's there, throwing her body between Quentin and getting a shoulder full of teeth for her troubles. Ow. She'll be fine. She stabs up with her knife, driving the creature away along with more shoulder flesh than she wants to think about and staggers back.

She's covered in blood, but that's nothing new.]


You okay, kid?
jagarico: (the art world is bloodthirsty)

[personal profile] jagarico 2019-01-16 07:15 pm (UTC)(link)
It would be extremely ill-witted of you if you tried. I understand your frustration but you can depend on me for the time being.

phantomtrick: (✦ its that confident look again)

[personal profile] phantomtrick 2019-01-16 07:26 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so mad I can't take it, but you're right. It's stupid of me to rush in.

[He smiles and then scratches his side.]

You'll be able to fight again if needed.
blindfoster: (fae47)

[personal profile] blindfoster 2019-01-16 07:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[Suddenly there's movement behind him and then everything smells like blood. ...yup that's Toby. Quentin is simultaneously so relieved he could cheer and mortified as he watches his knight wind up thoroughly drenched through with her own blood. YET AGAIN. But there's something oddly comforting about that weird mix too, so relief wins out.]

Toby!

[Relief doesn't win out so much that he lowers his sword, because he did not entirely discourage the grimling he first hit, and he's pretty sure the other one won't content itself with only one bite of Toby. So. Weapons up. Still ready.]

I'm okay! I mean, I'm not the one who just jammed part of my body into a mouth filled with way too many teeth at least. But I'm confused, and it's dark, and this is not where I was supposed to be.
jagarico: (but keep on keeping on)

[personal profile] jagarico 2019-01-16 08:07 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll make certain you remain unhurt. [Yusuke offers him a smile in return.] Shall we venture further?

phantomtrick: (✦ lower your expecations)

[personal profile] phantomtrick 2019-01-16 08:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay, how about we turn left? We came from the right...

[No need to go back to the spot where they just went.]

I think it should be that way.
jagarico: (but remember to hold on)

[personal profile] jagarico 2019-01-16 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
How can you tell? It's so dark. [But he does trust Akira and Akira is their leader for a reason. His instincts are usually right.]
phantomtrick: (✦do it for justice)

[personal profile] phantomtrick 2019-01-16 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm used to walking in the dark like this. It just takes a bit of practice.

[Because Mona put him through phantom thieves training and made him do a bunch of ridiculous things, like walk in the dark and through ventilator systems.]

If we keep going all the way we might end up in another hallway.
jagarico: (would you disagree?)

[personal profile] jagarico 2019-01-16 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmm, maybe I should attempt to make this part of my artistic training. I have heard that if you sacrifice one sense then your other senses strengthen. Could it be...?! This may be what I need?

[SEEMS LIKE A GREAT IDEA.]
phantomtrick: (✦ lower your expecations)

[personal profile] phantomtrick 2019-01-16 09:22 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't think so. If you can't see then what's the point???

[IT'S A TERRIBLE IDEA.]

Can you draw without light, Yusuke?
jagarico: (aesthetics are vital)

[personal profile] jagarico 2019-01-16 09:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course I wouldn't attempt to draw in the darkness. That I am not capable of. But hmm...should I perhaps try to take away my ability to hear? Or smell...?

[Still a terrible idea.]
exdeus: (and we poisoned their asses)

[personal profile] exdeus 2019-01-16 09:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe.

[Not that he plans to be fighting anything. Instead, he looks pointedly at the torch.]

Whatever they are, it seems like they might be attracted to the light.
patternseeker: (the end has come and i am not afraid)

[personal profile] patternseeker 2019-01-16 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Skirts. She's in skirts. What kind of world must she be from if she's in that during all of this.

It must be the same reason her words sound weird sometimes, accented somehow. The... changing terrain, though. That's something, but not enough of a something that Kate will stop and ask about it. Not now, when her soul aches for the Pattern and all its mystery and bliss. Not now, when the waters are still rising.

Kate follows her up the steps, careful to stay away from the edge, up and up as the air thins. Her lungs burn - like after the air strike - but she keeps going. Keeps climbing, even as she slows down a little. They can't die here, not either of them, and Kate will stop to help her up or support her if that's what it takes for them to reach the summit. ]
counterblows: (} and i said i'm wishing i said)

[personal profile] counterblows 2019-01-16 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, I can't see in the dark, so I'm not putting it out, [says Wash, more than a little edgily.] At least this way we know which direction they'd be coming from.

[He's not actually certain what's on this guy's head, but now's about the time to find out in regards to what its capabilities are.]

You have any kind of night vision on that thing?
ninjatortle: (but in my head)

[personal profile] ninjatortle 2019-01-17 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
Only as long as it takes to scale the mountain, actually.

[They stroll along with their new companion amicably. It is worrying, honestly, that their friends are all gone without a trace. No response on the Stone of Far Speech, either, so they must be really far away. But... getting all anxious won't do more than stress this wary friend of theirs out, right? Focus on the good you can do here and now. Don't let worry in, or worry will paralyze you.]

Life sure can be full of surprises, right? Throws new things your way right when you least expect them! Does that mean you're in the same boat, friend, or are you local to scenic, um... damp island?
ninjatortle: (in the real world)

[personal profile] ninjatortle 2019-01-17 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
[Also exclaimed brightly and with enthusiasm:] Nope! Not a soul!

But that's a good thing, right? The less people there are around here, the less people are caught up in this big flood. I wasn't exactly, um, subtle or hard to spot on the way up. The shell tends to kinda clonk a bit when you're rock climbing, you know? So I'm positive if someone needed help, we woulda spotted each other.
lightlessfuture: (👁️‍🗨️ handhold)

[personal profile] lightlessfuture 2019-01-17 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ They'd thought a handshake was pretty universal, but maybe assuming that was slightly a mistake. Oh well, they can make do.

Horatio holds out a hand, and they grasp his as well as they can, giving his hand a little shake before they withdraw it. Nice to meet you, they're trying to say.

They...they really hope this gets across.
]
carrotkeeper: <user name=ponponpon> (ronald mcdonald that's a negative)

[personal profile] carrotkeeper 2019-01-17 01:49 am (UTC)(link)
[This was a mistake. Dreams were a mistake. How did this happen? Honestly? She's done her best on this earth and now she's stuck with some weird guy in the middle of a dark maze filled with Death. This is a nightmare and she knows she's gonna wake up from it, but-

Couldn't Talcott make a loud noise or something?

She instinctively moves forward to keep him from falling, only to pull back the second he opens his mouth. Which is also, coincidentally, around the time he saves himself from splattering on the ground. Looks like this dude can definitely hold his own-especially in a fight.

No question about that.
]

Didn't mean to cramp your style or anything. This isn't my idea of a paradise, you know. I didn't come here by choice.

[She holds the torch so it illuminates more of the ceiling, like that's going to show her a secret path out of here.]

Do you know the way out?
stormblooded: (sheepish)

[personal profile] stormblooded 2019-01-17 02:37 am (UTC)(link)
Huh? Look, I'm flattered, but...

[... wait a sec, that ain't it. She laughs sheepishly.]

Oh, you meant the fire! I mean - of course you did. Silly me...

[Hey how does changing the subject sound? Cause Lyse is really liking the sound of that right now!]

Say, uh. You wouldn't happen to know a way out of here, maybe?

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