July Test Drive Meme

[tabularasa_mods]

Test Drive Meme #3 Welcome to Tabula Rasa's Test Drive Meme! Our upcoming August app cycle will be for current players only. However, anyone is welcome to use this meme as a way to try out the setting, test out a character for future app cycles, or just for fun. You may also borrow ideas from this meme’s prompts for use in the main game.

Threads from the TDM may be used as samples on your application. TDM samples must be 2 threads with different characters, each with at least 5 comments from your character. You may include your top-level comment if it is a thread you started.

Current players in the game may also claim an AC bonus by tagging other characters on the TDM. Please see the Activity Check page for details.

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Scenario A: This One Blows
With so many winged creatures starting to fill up the world, it was only a matter of time before someone asked: how does flight work? Aerodynamics is a complicated subject, but one cannot hope to fly at all in a world with no air or wind. What, then, would be the point of having wings at all if they can't be used?

All at once the sky becomes filled with air, and the winds begin to move. However, there doesn't seem to be much logic to where and how hard they blow - all the wind knows is that it does blow, and that winged creatures may use it to fly up and away. Unfortunately, the result is something of a chaotic windstorm, and with an infinite supply of snow falling from the mountaintop the world is suddenly whited out in a raging blizzard.

If you're outside when the wind strikes, you'd best grab onto something before you get blown away yourself. If you're indoors at the time you'd think that would be lucky, but the wind hasn't quite figured out where it's coming from, either... so maybe stay away from anything sharp or heavy, in case a sudden indoor tornado starts whipping things around.

Scenario B: Let There Be...?
Light is another tricky subject. Where does it come from? The sky seems like a reasonable answer, but not all places are exposed to it. What of caves and buildings? How does light get there, and what happens when it can't?

The change may come slowly or suddenly as the world itself seems to experiment with the idea. Anything with a roof over it is left in total darkness, while everything outside remains brightly lit. It's as if a bright spotlight were pointing down at the world from above - even windows won't do much to let the light in, as it can only illuminate what it touches. Reflecting light may still be too difficult of a concept for this world.

The idea of there being other light sources is also, unfortunately, a difficult subject. Nothing seems to be able to penetrate this new darkness. Navigating indoors may be difficult for awhile, especially if you're also battling a hurricane.

Scenario C: How To Train Your Dragon
Dragons are dangerous and powerful creatures, but the fluffier, feathery breed has quickly grown in popularity among the people of the new world. Many find the small dragons cute, and some have even adopted them as pets. They're only as big as a house-cat, so what's the harm?

Well, the winged dragons have noticed that people are much more forgiving around them if they play up their cuteness. They've grown more fearless around strangers, and with that they can be quite a nuisance. It's more common now to see them swooping down on people, stealing shiny things, or just getting in the way to beg for food scraps and attention. Though not actively malicious, their claws and beaks are also quite sharp if you're unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end.

Persistence is another strong trait among dragons, as evident from their fishier dragon brethren, so these bad habits might be tough to break.

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code bases by tricklet

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Add (Doom Bringer) | Elsword

[psychokinesia]

[B]

[The darkness comes suddenly, and of course Add is indoors when it decides to happen. This should really be a non-issue, but he isn't used to being in the dark anymore—cybernetic eyes are pretty useful for stuff like that. Except they haven't been working right since he got here, just like pretty much everything else in this stupid place, so he's left stumbling around like an idiot instead.

Actually, no, fuck that. He's stumbling around like a petty asshole who's practically trying to bump into someone just so he can yell at them. Eventually, his dream comes true. He scowls into the darkness, giving the stranger a rough shove.]

Watch where the hell you're going, moron! Are you trying to get in the way?!

[or... he might be talking to a chair, honestly. he can't see shit right now. he's having a rough day.]

[C]

[Alas, an excess of shiny belt buckles and accessories seems to be a common problem, and it's not long after Add steps outside again that he's accosted by tiny bird-cat-rabbit-dragons. The decorative belts dangling off his waist are especially tantalizing. He has a small herd of three or four dragons trailing behind him, viciously clinging to and fighting over his shiny belts, with another one currently attempting to make a nest in the excessively fluffy collar of his coat.

It is... the cutest thing. He can't will himself to chase them off. He has accepted his fate a cat toy/bird nest, so he's just dragging them all along behind him as he makes his way along the mountain road. He might even stop every now and then to give the one on his coat a little head scritch.

... it's a little embarrassing, though, so he might try to play it off like he's totally for sure annoyed about it if someone spots him like this. Even though he's still making no serious effort to remove them. These tiny cat-sized dragons are just too strong for him, okay!!]

C

[comburst]

[ Those dragons are much beloved by all...and several have been adopted as pets by other residents. Katsuki is one of those who has adopted a dragon-cat, partially to spite a friend from home...regardless of his motivation, however, Katsuki is fond of his pet and spoils him rotten.

Which is probably why he has bad enough manners to be one of Add's hangers on... ]

Murderlord! Leave him alone!

[ Yes he did name the dragon Murderlord. ]

[psychokinesia]

... Murderlord?

[That's a weird enough name to distract him from the potential embarrassment here, but also, his taste in names is equally terrible enough to think "Murderlord" would be a cool name for a pet. He looks over his shoulder at the pack of dragons currently mauling his belts (and then lifts up a hand to block the one on his shoulder from pecking at his face).]

Is that thing yours?

[comburst]

[ FINALLY someone else knows that Murderlord is a great name (IT'S NOT, but okay, boys). ]

That one is. Not the rest of them.

[ He holds out his hands again, making a distinct whistle-call to try to get his pet to come over...

Which the dragon does only because he suspects he may gets treats or pets. He does get pets... ]

[psychokinesia]

[Oh no, it's even cuter now. He's definitely staring, silently burning with jealousy over this kid's cute pet... even though he has several of his own dragons hanging off him at this very moment. But it doesn't count when he's trying to play it cool! How dare this kid rub it in his face!!

He scoffs, putting his free hand on his hip. The shoulder-dragon is now trying to bite off the metal studs on his glove.]

If it's yours then keep it under control! I don't need any more of these damn pests following me around. Put a leash on it or something.

[comburst]

[ Look, if he wants to adopt one, he totally can! ]

Oi! He's normally got manners.

[ This...is half a lie, but it's fine...? ]

Besides, it doesn't seem like you're trying that hard to get rid of them.

[psychokinesia]

[Adopting a pet because it's cute would ruin his scary tough guy image! He needs a better excuse first!]

I've been trying to get rid of them, but they keep coming back like it's a game. So sorry for not trying hard enough for you. How about I start by throwing your Murderlord off the nearest cliff, huh? Is that trying hard enough?

[not that he actually would, but is he going to make the threat anyway? yeah why not]

[comburst]

[ Katsuki glares, looking like he'll growl or something...Basically, looking like a feral teenager. Why is he like this! ]

Don't you fucking dare! If you have to shoo them off, fine, but it's not like they're that dangerous.

[psychokinesia]

One of them tried to yank a stud out of my ear! You call that safe?! [and that is EXACTLY why he is still shielding half of his face (though now it's more like giving up his hand as bait since the little guy is trying very hard to remove his glove)]

I'll deal with it when I feel like it, so mind your own business! Anyway, yours definitely had the worst manners so don't act like you're some kind of expert here.

b.

[abeautifulgame]

[so far, everyone here has been politely accommodating in regards to his obvious disability, his brace, the limp. no one save Akechi has asked about it, thankfully, but they play along to not make him feel like an invalid. it's appreciated, and -- ]

[ -- and then there's this asshole, just crashing into people]

[Damien stumbles forward, hissing pain as he catches himself on a chair, and then, once he's feeling steadier, throws a murderous look over his shoulder] Says the the bull in the China shop!

[psychokinesia]

[Add may have been a little more gentle if he was aware—maybe. But alas, none of his babysitters are around right now to keep him in line, so he has to take his frustrations out on something, right?]

If you don't wanna get knocked over, then don't stand in the middle of the room! [middle, side, well out of the way of any walking areas... it's a minor detail, yknow?] Is that a problem for you? You wanna take this outside, tough guy?

[abeautifulgame]

[Damien shoots him a look (this isn't the middle of the room, you moron) that may not translate, all things considered, and then:] And if I did?

[he doesn't, he's not a fighter, but him standing up for himself might make him back down -- for all he knows, Add is all bark and no bite. and if it doesn't, well, most people balk at fighting a disabled man. not to mention the fact that he knows enough people here that, if he starts beating on him, they're likely to step in on his behalf. either way, he wins]

[psychokinesia]

Then I guess I'd have to beat the lesson into you, heheheh!

[accentuated by a nice punch into his open palm... though it lacks the usual spark. But whatever, he's pretty sure he could still take this guy.]

It'll be your funeral, so why don't you make this easier for the both of us and beg for my forgiveness instead? [there is an infuriating amount of smugness to his tone that is almost impressive, considering how dumb and pointless this entire exchange is.]

[abeautifulgame]

[Damien stares at him for a moment, incredulous, then lets out a bark of a laugh] My God. What are you, twelve? [a beat] No. [no, he's not going to beg for forgiveness, thanks]

[maybe he will name the top of Mt Silver as the venue for their fight, however, and then hope the wind pushes him off the fucking cliff -- or push him off the cliff, himself. or maybe he'll just fantasize about it]

[psychokinesia]

[for a split second he almost answers "no" to that

He also considers throwing this asshole (Add you moron you started this) across the room for insulting him, and it probably seems like he's about to do so when he very roughly moves to grab Damien by the arm... but, fortunately, he has some sense. And he has no idea what this guy might be capable of for him to so boldly stand against him, or who else might be around and waiting to intervene. He probably has a plan, right? Add may very well be the disadvantaged one here.

... Hmm. Well, that could be fun too, actually.]

You've either got guts or a death wish. Fine! We'll do it the fun way. [and now he really is going to attempt to drag Damien to the exit, because clearly he has consented to this mountaintop death match.]

[abeautifulgame]

[okay, so, apparently they're actually doing this. wonderful. he's a hacker, not a fighter, the latter always Aiden's job, so -- just great. at least this guy will make himself plenty of enemies, beating the shit out of him, assuming, yeah, the wind doesn't do him a favor and push him off of something high]

[all that in mind, though, he's not going to let Add just drag him off, and that in mind, he tugs against the hold on his arm] Get your hands off of me.

[psychokinesia]

What, and let you run off while I've got my back turned? [also because he can't fucking see (he is being very careful right now not to walk into chairs, at least) and Damien really could just... walk away, probably, and Add would have a hell of a time tracking him down again. he doesn't want to look stupid walking outside alone.]

If you don't like it, then why don't you make me, huh? Don't tell me you're all talk.

C

[thunderwave]

Ah, the Pidgey have found you.

[ warmly enough, as lance watches the little pidgey-dragon things bat about the shiny belts, amused. he seems to be hanging out with a big orange dragon, who is very focused on munching his way through what appears to be some grilled mushrooms.

don't ask too many questions on that front. ]

They are interesting, aren't they?

[psychokinesia]

[He's letting his new shoulder buddy nibble on his hand (well, "nibble" might be something of an understatement, but it's fine, his gloves are pretty thick) when a stranger manages to sneak up on him. He jumps, spinning around to defend himself—] I've been trying to get rid of them, but... I...

[that sure is a fat orange dragon

... okay, it's not like he's never seen a dragon before, so he shakes himself out of that pretty quickly at least. He scoffs, trying to act like he wasn't just staring like an idiot there and that there isn't still a bird-dragon trying to eat one of his fingers. That's not important.]

They're persistent, I guess. [but seriously tho, he's going to point at the big orange dragon in the room] What's that thing supposed to be?

[thunderwave]

They are that.

[ persistent, that is. and lance is about to offer some tips on how to get them to not bite when the young man points at the big orange dragon-type, and asks . . . well, a decent question.

thankfully, it's one lance has gotten used to answering, since winding up in this weird world. ]

His name is Dragonite; he is a Pokemon, much like the creatures you are interacting with.

[ no one has actually told him that they aren't pokemon yet, so. whatever. ]

I assure you that he is friendly.

[ and dragonite lifts a set of claws in greeting, to say hello!! ]

[psychokinesia]

[He's eyeing Dragonite warily... but considering the situation he's in, he doubts he'd have much luck wrestling a dragon if it wasn't friendly. So he's just going to hope this guy isn't lying about that.]

Fine, but he better keep his teeth to himself. [he's got enough pokemon gnawing on him right now thanks

Speaking of which, he would like to ask this guy if he knows how to make these cute little "pidgeys" behave better... but then he might get advice on how to get rid of them, and he'd have to come up with an excuse that isn't "actually I think they're adorable". A risky venture. Maybe if he starts with something specific...?]

... So, what do these things eat, anyway?

[thunderwave]

[ dragonite looks downright insulted, at being told to keep his teeth to himself -- he hasn't bitten anyone since he was a baby, thank you very much!! but lance just looks amused, instead shifting through his pockets. ]

I think they eat much of anything, but I have some mushrooms they might enjoy . . .

[ and he fishes out some mushroom before stooping down a little, to extend his hand toward a pidgey, mushroom in hand with a warm smile. ]

They seem to enjoy these.

[psychokinesia]

[Like crumbs being thrown to the pigeons, Add's small flock of dragons immediately takes notice of the delicious food offering being presented. All of them stop what they're doing, staring, waiting... and then, all at once they descend.

Along with a few extras, who were apparently hiding in the nearby trees this whole time. Eight fluffy dragons are ready to fight to the death for this one mushroom (or at least fight to the whoever grabs it first and then beg for more).]

Damn. Talk about fickle. [his shoulders feel cold now.....]

[thunderwave]

Ah --

[ oh, dear. and lance is quick to toss some mushrooms around in several locations, so the pidgey can scatter and stop fighting each other over scraps of food. what little monsters . . . ]

It appears they're very territorial over their food . . . well -- at any rate, are you alright?

[ to add, with a warm smile. ]

I think they are mostly harmless, if you feed them, anyway.

[psychokinesia]

[The scattering of more delicious mushrooms may have attracted a couple more... but hey, at least they're occupied. Better to have them fighting over mushrooms than trying to yank the metal off of his clothing.

Add sighs, taking this moment to adjust the coat pulled around his shoulders.]

I don't know if I'd call that harmless. They seem like pests. [cute, fluffy pests, but probably a pain if they try to get into your food] Anyway, I'm fine. Not like these small fries could do much to me.