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tabularasa_memes2020-05-30 04:11 pm
tabularasa_mods) wrote in tabularasa_memes2020-05-30 04:11 pm
Entry tags:
May Test Drive Meme
Test Drive Meme #1
New Locations ▲ New Species ▼ Scenarios ▲ CommentsPlease note that none of the locations and changes described below will be included in the game when it opens. To help create an accurate impression of the game, we have included several imprints suggested by prospective players from the TDM Imprints Submissions. These prompts and locations are only for the TDM. A new arrangement of imprints will be picked when the game opens, which will likely look completely different from the TDM. Please keep this in mind when applying to the game in the future.
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. Responding to other players on the TDM will also be part of an AC bonus, so we encourage anyone who plans to app to tag out to other players as well.
Full Navigation
Premise ▲ FAQ ▼ State of The World ▲ Locations
Pre-Launch Feedback
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New Location: The Lakeside
Currently the largest defined area within the world, the lakeside is characterized by gray stone cliffs, bright purple trees, and the large body of water situated next to it. Scattered in the clearings between the foliage are the ruins of industrial buildings, though most of them are completely empty on the inside. Fresh graffiti decorates the walls both inside and out, as well as some of the larger cliff faces near to the buildings. Empty dumpsters, metal barrels and broken scaffolding can be found laying around. Barbed fences in various states of disrepair surround most of the buildings, though the gates are all unlocked and open freely to intruders.
On a small island in the middle of the lake is a lighthouse. The lighthouse looks to be in much better shape than the rest of the lakeside's buildings. There's a small dock on the island, but no boats, so you'll need to swim if you want to reach it.
The inside of the lighthouse is packed with Japanese arcade machines. Some of them are stacked on top of each other against the walls, but many more have simply been left in the middle of the entrance and even on the stairs, making it a bit difficult to navigate the building. Colorful banners for popular games and game companies hang from the stairs and ceiling. At the center of the spiral staircase is a giant metal crane, not unlike the kind you'd seen in an arcade crane game. The lamp at the very top of the lighthouse has been replaced by two large TV screens.
Unfortunately, none of the machines in the building seem to have power, so for now they don't do anything.
New Location: The Heart Of Paris
At the edge of the cliffs surrounding the lakeside is a large red tower. From a distance, some newcomers may immediately recognize its shape as the Eiffel Tower, but upon closer inspection it's not like the iron structure one would be familiar with. Instead of iron, the whole tower is made of lengths of solid bone held together with lumps of warm, squishy flesh. The entire structure pulses as if it were alive. The stairs are still in place, allowing visitors to climb the structure, though the sticky fluid coating every surface and the slight swaying of the tower's pulse might make it more difficult.
Hanging from the very center of the tower is a massive blue heart, strung up by a large number of connected veins that weave into the various muscles of the tower. If any of the flesh is cut, it bleeds, and the entire area seems to sway slightly in response.
New Location: The Unforeseen Simulation Joint
On the opposite end of the lakeside area is a large dome-shaped building. The inside of the dome is mostly barren, and a realistic image of a beautiful starry sky filled with constellations decorates the ceiling. There's a small plaza area at the very center, featuring a decorative fountain and some more of the purple trees and plants from the outside. There are dirt pathways that seem like they should be leading to somewhere, but most of them lead to completely empty areas. Two of the paths lead to smaller domes within the main dome, though at this time only one of them contains anything.
The first area of the USJ contains a mountainous environment, featuring gray stone cliffs and luscious green plants. Stairs have been carved into part of the mountainside, leading down to a small spring area at the very bottom. The entire mountain area is set slightly below ground level, however, and what may have once been a small spring is now a large flooded pool with the mountain's peak barely poking up to the surface. A large spiraling water slide has been constructed above the peak, and a second spout of the slide pours a waterfall down to where the base of the spring should be. The water is ice-cold, but calming.
The second area is contained in the smaller red dome, housing the grounds and three-story mansion of a New England estate. The mansion is caught in a massive fiery blaze... although, nothing inside seems to be damaged, and anyone who enters will find that the flames are only uncomfortably warm at worst. Antique furniture, oil paintings and strange figurines can be found in abundance. A large library takes up the center of the building, though the books only seem to contain random nonsense words right now.
New Location: The Heavenly Blanc Bar & Cafe
Near the USJ is a slightly run-down building that's easily recognizable as a bar or restaurant. The large wooden sign over the entrance reads "The Heavenly Blanc Bar & Cafe" in mismatched letters, as if half the words were copied from a completely different source. There are some wooden tables and seating on the outside, as well as several thick pipes jutting in and out of the side of the building.
The inside is clean and cozy, with several conflicting menus on the wall above the counter. None of the lights work, but there's an odd mix of neon signs, classy lamps and plain hanging bulbs. Unlabelled bottles of what one can only assume is alcohol cover the shelves behind the counter, alongside jars of coffee beans and tea leaves. A jukebox, pinball machine and dartboard can also be found in the corner next to the bar, though only the dartboard is playable right now.
At the back of the building is a unisex washroom, as well as the stairs to the second floor attic. Oddly enough, the attic is decorated with thick metal pipes running out from the walls and a large section of metal grating on the floor. The room is stacked haphazardly with boxes and crates, a large TV in one corner, a punching bag, a single-sized bed, and a bench with a computer on it. Much like everything else, unfortunately, none of the electronics work. A large whiteboard takes up one of the walls, and a square table with wooden chairs rests on the grating at the center of the room.
New Species: Fireys
Fireys are lanky, furry humanoids with long ears and beak-like snouts. Fittingly, their pelts are a firey mix of bright reds and golds. Even more fittingly, they can combust their hands and bodies into actual flames. This fire doesn't seem to harm them, though, and they can often be found tossing it among themselves as a sort of game. They have loud, squawking voices and spend much of their time singing together in large groups.
Playful and hedonistic, the fireys are friendly creatures... however, they can be overly persistent in trying to rope others into their games. For whatever reason, the fireys have unusually weak necks and seem to enjoy tearing off each other's heads. This doesn't hurt them at all, though if another creature hangs around them long enough they might try the same thing on them. All in good, harmless fun, of course.
New Species: Jellyrabbits
Jellyrabbits are a jellyfish-like creature covered entirely in short, soft hairs that glow with a faint light. A pair of long ears rest at the top of the umbrella. They have sharp hearing, and their ears are often swiveling about to listen to everything around them. They float like balloons, undulating their bodies to gently drift through the air at a slow and leisurely pace.
Jellyrabbits are incredibly docile. However, they aren't completely defenseless. Touching the tentacles below the umbrella will deliver a painful sting. The fuzzy top is fine to touch, though, and they seem to enjoy a gentle pat or scratch behind the ears.
New Species: Ghowls
The ghowls' natural forms are monstrous creatures roughly the size and shape of a human. They have sharp avian beaks on their faces, vacant white eyes, sickly grey skin with only a handful of feathers still clinging to their bodies, and talon-like fingers and toes with razor-sharp tips. Known for being incredibly violent and relentless, these creatures will attack anything and anyone that isn't one of their own, clawing and biting their victims until they cease moving. There doesn't seem to be any purpose behind these attacks, and the lack of death means that their victims can't be "killed" anyway, but they cannot be reasoned with and will only stop if countered with force.
They have a unique talent, however, that makes them trickier to deal with. Ghowls have the uncanny ability to perfectly mimic any voice they hear. They cannot speak or form their own sentences, but they can copy words and sentences like a parrot. They can also shapeshift their bodies to a limited degree, allowing them to mimic the appearances of humans. While these disguises may not be able to fool someone up close, from a distance they can be easily mistaken for the person they're imitating - and once they're close enough that the disguise fails, they can launch their assault at dizzying speeds.
Scenario A: The Creation Of The World
At first, there is nothing. The endless white of the void stretches out in all directions. For a moment of time that lasts both a millisecond and an eternity, there is nothing but you and the strangers you've found yourself with in this empty, alien world.
In the next moment, there is something. Entire landscapes lift up out of the ground, plants and trees grow to full size in a fraction of a second, water bubbles up from freshly-formed lakebeds, and even buildings spring up from seemingly nowhere to fill the growing space that has just now been defined. The world is suddenly alive, thriving, and expanding at a rapid pace.
The problem is, you're right in the middle of it.
You may have gotten lucky. Maybe you ended up safe and sound on the lakeside, standing under a tree and no worse for wear. Or perhaps a building decided to form itself around where you were standing, and now you're stuck in the middle of it. You might even find yourself at the very tip of the Heart of Paris, clinging to whatever you can grab a hold of to keep yourself from falling.
Wherever it is you are, you're not alone, and you might just need a hand getting your bearings.
Scenario B: Something In The Water
While there is little to eat, people soon find that there is plenty to drink. Every drop of clear, refreshing liquid, no matter whether it be part of the landscape or something found bottled in the bar or cafe, bears the slightest hint of alcoholic heat.
It soon becomes clear that this isn’t quite the alcoholic beverage that its subtle but distinct flavor suggests. No matter how much one drinks, they cannot become drunk. Their judgement remains unclouded and they never become disoriented in the slightest. However, that does not mean it has no effect on those who drink it.
Even under these circumstances, lost in a strange environment that does not know what to do with itself, a drink of water serves to lighten the mood and brighten the spirit. The full effect varies from person to person and from drink to drink - one might simply be more prone to smiling, while another will be filled with such good cheer they cannot help but share it with all who listen. In company, many people become more inclined to talk to their newfound companions, about any and all subjects that come to mind.
If nothing else, it gives people the chance to relax, and with people more inclined to be social it’s a good time to make new friends.
Scenario C: Playing With Fire
An endless blaze rages on within the inner dome of the USJ, and the fireys seem to have taken a liking to it. The furry creatures can be found frolicking within the dome's burning mansion, dancing in the flames and tossing anything they can get their hands on. Every room they touch ends up a mess - the fire may not be able to damage anything, but the fireys sure are making up for it.
They don't seem bothered by people. In fact, they seem quite friendly, though it may be startling at first to have a fireball hurled at your face. If you can keep up with their games, you might even find yourself learning a thing or two about handling fire, tossing it around and picking it up like a natural-born firey.
There isn't much need for the light or warmth of fire right now, but it makes for a fun party trick if you want to surprise someone.
Scenario D: Body Snatchers
The fireys can be a troublesome bunch, but they really don't mean any harm. The same can't be said for every creature here, however...
It might start with a friendly voice, or with a familiar figure waving in the distance. Is it someone you've run into before? But something seems off - didn't you just see them going somewhere else a moment ago? Or is that your own voice calling back, beckoning you to come closer?
Obeying the voice is a mistake, but they won't just stand around waiting, either. The ghowls are faster than they appear to be, and once the gig is up they'll charge forward on all fours, claws out and ready to tear apart anything they can reach. They're bloodthirsty, horrible creatures, and unfortunately for everyone else, they're stuck here too.
You can try to outrun them, or you can try to fight back. Whatever you decide on, you better hope you don't fail. Recovering from disembowelment will be a slow, agonizing process.
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no subject
[ He leans forward on his seat, now more awake and offering her all of his attention. In the short time they've known each other, she had become a trusted friend, meaning he can't exactly complain about the company. He'll probably complain anyway because he has the maturity of a surly teenager.
For now, he looks at her with concern, both for her well-being but also about the state of things. He heard her question, and he'll get to it in a moment, but first-- ]
Did we... cause this?
[ Aerith had warned them that things would not be the same if they crossed that portal, and he has to wonder if this is what she meant. ]
no subject
...Until his question. It's easy to guess what Cloud is referring to, and she allows herself a little sigh as she turns it over in her mind. ]
No. Well, not...in the way that I meant. [ She isn't sure that this has anything to do with the Whispers, because - terrifyingly - she feels disconnected from the Planet for the first time in...well, ever. Aerith swallows, trying to keep that disconcerting fact from showing in her face. ] I gotta wonder if we had something to do with this - [ Here, she gestures briefly to their current surroundings. ] but I don't think we're in this world because of...our choices.
[ It's difficult to say for certain either way. The Planet has given her a few hints in the past, but they're silent, now. She draws another deep breath, exhaling shortly. ]
Only one way to find out. [ She announces, shrugging. ] I think we have to take a look around, see if there's anyone else here, and...if they have any more answers.
no subject
[ It's a lighthearted jab, knowing that Aerith has kept things from them in the past, too. Of course, he also understands her reasons, which is why there's no malice behind his words.
In fact, he thinks he can sense some of her concerns, but she's always been good at putting up a brave front, too. It's possible, he considers, that she really isn't as worried as he is.
Back to her original question, now... ]
I've run into other people here. Nobody we know aside from Tifa.
[ Speaking of whom, she must have gone out while he dozed off. ]
They're just as lost as we are, and it sounds like you haven't met anyone with answers either.
no subject
Tifa? [ She isn't here, though, unless she's in the back, and...asleep, maybe. Aerith tilts her head a little, glancing from Cloud to the front door. ] Should we look for her? It might not be safe out there.
[ If there's anyone capable of handling themselves, it's definitely Tifa, but that doesn't mean there isn't reason for concern. ]
I haven't met anyone at all, besides you. Not yet. [ Maybe if she explores the area beyond this bar, though, that'll change. ] I wish I had more answers, but...Cloud, this isn't what I was expecting at all.
[ This isn't what's supposed to happen. And not even in the enigmatic, Whispers-related way, either. ]
no subject
[ He certainly doesn't hold her responsible for not knowing anything about their situation. Whether or not this was a consequence of their actions, it's a choice they've all made. He has no regrets about that. ]
Tifa and I take turns watching the bar, waiting for anyone else to show up while the other goes out to look. Guess I got lucky.
[ Maybe Tifa will find one of their friends out there, too. It's best to stay put for now anyway. ]
You can get yourself whatever you need from the bar, but I should warn you that things taste... different here.
no subject
Hmm. ]
Guess you did. [ She offers him another smile, relieved to hear that Tifa is both here and safe. ] Well, I haven't run into anyone else yet, but I think it's only a matter of time.
[ Their little group has been split up and reunited more than once, so far. Why should this be the exception? ]
Oh, I'm good. I was just trying to see if anyone was back there. [ There's a beat, and then: ] What do you mean, "things taste different?"
no subject
[ He's not sure if he should be helping himself to any of the alcoholic beverages yet, those things belong to the owner of the place, whether it be Tifa or someone else. As for the other option... ]
...do you know how to make coffee?
[ Because he's certainly too stupid to know. ]
no subject
The question earns a little quirk of her brow, and then a smile. ]
Mm. Why, want some? [ She'll get back on her feet at this point and wander over to the counter, then behind the bar, hunting for coffee materials. There's a pot in a drip machine, and after a little searching she's able to find a can of grounds, as well as a stack of filters. ] We should probably leave them some money for this stuff, for whenever they get back.
no subject
As for the coffee, he follows her up to the counter, except he stays on the opposite side, as a paying customer. ]
Don't worry, I got it. [ He leaves a reasonable amount of gil on the table, not knowing that the owner would probably prefer the currency in yen. ]
If you're making it, doesn't it mean you get a cut, too? Or is this another "depends on the customer" deal?
no subject
[ While he chews on that, she'll scoop grounds in the filter and pour the water, getting everything in place before making a big show of pressing the button. ]
Ta-da! Easy. [ While the machine starts clicking away, water heating up, she stands on her side of the bar and leans forward, propping herself up on her elbows as she peers back at him. ]
I wish we had something to go with it. [ Aerith says wistfully. ] Like...something small, and sweet. But I don't want to go digging through too much of their things...
no subject
[ She seems naturally good at it, so if money's no good then they could always work it off. A coffee doesn't cost that much, he thinks.
Speaking of... he picks up his hot cup very carefully, but realizes he grabbed it too soon when the heat becomes self-evident. Now, he's stuck in that awkward moment of sheepishly putting it back, or actually committing to having a sip, possibly burning his tongue in the process. She'll make fun of him either way, probably...
Damn it!
If only he could get her to look away... ]
Just-- have a look at the cupboards behind you, maybe you'll find something sweet.
no subject
[ He won't be able to accuse her of being cautious for very long, though. At his suggestion, she adopts a thoughtful expression, bobbing her head in a nod before spinning around to rifle through the cabinets. ]
Not seeing anything here...I bet they wouldn't keep food lying around like that, though. It could get pretty buggy if they do. - Oh, [ Aerith pops up again to look back at him with an expression of having just remembered something, and says: ] be careful, 'cause the coffee's pretty hot. Just came out of the pot, and all.
[ Whether she said it because she noticed his dilemma or not, he'll never know; she turns away again to do a last check of the bottom cupboards, face hidden from view.
For a moment. Then, when he's had a hot second to recover, she appears again with a box. ]
I did find some cookies under there! They could be pretty stale, though... [ In a flash, she's produced one from the box: rectangular, nearly sparkling with sugar crystals, and very buttery-looking. ] Dare to try?
no subject
When she turns to face him again, he's pretending to be stretching before he leans towards the counter again, inspecting cookie she's holding in her hand. ]
--I can handle stale. [ He thinks? It's better than nothing, he supposes. ]
Wanna try at the same time?
no subject
Ooh, I don't know. Sounds pretty risky. [ Hopefully, the possibility of a stale cookie is actually the biggest "threat" they encounter today. ] I think I'm up for it. Ready? One, two -
[ On three, she takes a bite out of her own. It's...actually not stale at all, and Aerith hums her approval as she chews. ]
I didn't expect it to be any good! They're not homemade or anything, but they're pretty tasty.
[ She pours herself a little mug of coffee to go along with it, leaving the box on the counter before traveling back around to his side and taking a seat on a neighboring stool before busying herself with enjoying the snack and drink. ]