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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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Din Djarin | The Mandalorian | OTA
Warily, he pushes the door to the cafe open, his pistol out. The weapon doesn't actually seem to work, though he can't figure out why, nothing is wrong with it, but it's still a visible weapon and thus a deterrent if anyone decides to start something.
A quick scan of the room reveals no visible threats. He looks down to his companion, the small, green Child. "Stay close." He says. A cantina like this might have supplies that he can scavenge for him and the Kid.
But other people might have gotten the same idea. This needs to be quick.
He crosses the floor to the bar, and rounds it. A few quick examinations of the bottles don't turn up; alcohol and caf aren't what he needs. The Child watches him work curiously, his head turned up quizzically.
Something under the counter catches his attention. Water bottles, it looks like. Full water bottles. "I found something." He tells his small companion, lowering himself under the bar to begin grabbing what he and the Kid can use. No food, but clean drinkable water is a start.
That's where you come in; were you in the attic room or in the bathroom when he came in? Or did you see them enter and followed? Regardless, your entrance is noted by the Child who's attention turns to you with a gurgle, followed by the Mandalorian standing up slowly, carefully, from behind the bar, placing a water bottle on the counter in front of him.
"Something you need?" He asks.
USJ
A small camp has been built in the mountain area, using a rocky outcropping and some materials scavenged from the buildings around the lake; it's not big or fancy, but it's defensible, close to water, and protected from the elements; given the weather systems at play in this installation, he's not about to rule out that it might be possible for adverse conditions to spring up, like a storm.
Around a small firepit that's been dug, currently not being used, he sits, performing what maintenance he can on his pistol. The thing hasn't worked since he got here, and now there's time to try and figure out why. The Child is crouched nearby, apparently having found some fun in stacking small rocks, piles as big big as he is...which isn't very much. But it's keeping him entertained.
He doesn't look up from his gun as he hears you approach. "The water's down past here, if that's what you're looking for." He says. There's a path that runs by where the camp has been set up that lead888s down to the overflowing spring.
Body Snatchers
It's later, at the camp. He's not adverse to sharing it with passersby, letting them get some rest, though you'll find while he's not the most talkative on his own. The Child continues to play. But then movement catches his attention, and he looks up in time to see a small, bearded figure disappearing behind some rocks.
"What the..." He begins to rise. "Kuiil?" The Child noticed it too; he coos curiously, the Ugnaught having left enough of an impression to know that he's safe. "Hey. Old man, that you?" It can't be, not after what happened on Navarro, but...with everything else that's happened...
He gets to his feet, approaching where he saw the Ugnaught vanish. "Kuiil. That you?"
That's when the ghowl leaps out, a storm of claws and teeth. Instinct kicks in, and he manages to land a blow on the creature as it leaps, claws scraping against the beskar chestpiece; at least his armour's integrity is as strong as it ever was. He pulls his knife as the creature is knocked back, slipping into a combat stance and already readying himself for its counterattack...but the ghowl's attention has already turned to easier prey.
The Child, hand outstretched towards it, eyes closed and a look of what appears to be intense concentration...yet nothing is happening. The Child's eyes open, the hand droops down; a noise of confusion.
The ghowl charges as he throws himself at the beast with his dagger. He won't let it get the Kid, but his knife isn't going to be enough. They both need help.
cafe blanc
He opens the door... and is immediately distracted by the Child. He's about to coo over him when the Mandalorian he's followed pops up from the bar. Well, so far so good, since no one's shot at him yet.
"Uh, yeah. Meiloorun juice, if you've got it. On the rocks."
no subject
Another kid, doesn't seem like a real threat. Meiloruun juice is something he's heard of though. "None of that." He shakes his head, but then reaches under the counter and takes another bottle of water. "Here." He places the bottle of water on the counter next to the one he already put up. "There's more under the counter."
He'll take a few more bottles when he leaves to be used as emergency rations; there doesn't appear to be much shortage of water, but it always pays to be prepared.
He grabs a mug and with the bottle for himself begins to walk around the counter. He doesn't stop the Child from interacting with Ezra, but even hidden by the visor it's clear the young man is being watched very closely.
no subject
This is technically the nicest a Mandalorian has ever been to him? Sabine doesn't count. Then again, they usually know he's a Jedi. Not that he's much of one at the moment...
Ezra kneels down to the Child's level and grins, raising his own hand to wave.
"Hi. I'm Ezra. Wait, maybe you already know that? It always felt like Master Yoda knew everything..."
no subject
The Mandalorian is halfway to a table to pour a drink of water for the Kid (he's thirsty too, but present circumstances do not allow for a drink yet), but he stops. "Master Yoda?" He asks. "What are you talking about?"
Ezra doesn't seem to know the Kid personally, but there does seem to be some recognition. Has he met another of the Kid's species?
no subject
His hand still grasped by the Child's, he turns his head to look to the Mandalorian.
"Oh, uh... he was someone I knew." It doesn't feel right to call Yoda just someone, so he gives up on being vague. "A Jedi Master. He's the same species as this little guy."
no subject
"Sit down. We need to talk." He motions over to the Child, who with a coo lowers his hand from Ezra's and begins to waddle over.
no subject
Slightly threatening, but not the most threatening. Either way, Ezra does as he's told and sits down.
"I'm guessing you don't want to talk about meiloorun juice."
no subject
"I just need your help." He explains. "These "Jedi" you mentioned, I'm trying to find them, or I was before we came here. For him." He passes the cup to the Child, who clasps it with both hands and begins to take a sip.
"What do you know about them?" He asks, turning back to Ezra. "You know what planet they come from?"
Maybe it's a con, the kid is trying to pull one over, but it's the first clue he's had since he and the Kid left Navarro. And it's not like there's anything he can do about it right now, given that they're all trapped...wherever this place is. But he'll hear what the Kid has to say; maybe it's something he can follow up one once they've found a way off this world.
no subject
It's strange, having to ask like that. Normally, he'd have been able to sense him and that's what would've drawn him here. Even if he's not cut off completely, what little he can sense isn't very reassuring. It's still like a part of him is gone, a part that he's always taken for granted.
"I'm a Jedi. And we don't come from one specific planet. I'm from Lothal, and I know there've even been Mandalorian Jedi. I don't know what planet Master Yoda's from, though."
no subject
"When the Armourer of my Tribe sent me out to return him to his homeworld all she could tell me was that he belonged to a race of sorcerers that my people once fought, a long time ago."
But a Jedi aren't a race, it seems. They're an order of some sort? But at least he has a name he can check out. "You know where I can find this Yoda?" He asks instead. "When we get out of here, I can go to him directly."
no subject
"Sorry, but it's been over two years since I last spoke to him. And that wasn't even... You see, I don't actually know what planet he's on? Since we spoke through the Force."
Which he now realizes might be a confusing concept for someone who thinks Jedi are a single species and that they're sorcerers. Actually, it's a confusing concept even for Jedi.
"And there's... another thing too. The Empire's been hunting the Jedi for years. I only know of two others left including Master Yoda and even then, they might have gotten to them by now."
Body Snatchers
He lacks his usual strength and reflexes to easily finish the fight, but his priorities are to scoop the little green demonic thing up and deposit it somewhere safer, a small distance away from the main action, before he goes to help the taller armoured guy.
From the debris that's used to set up the camp, Angel pulls out a long piece of driftwood. It's clumsy to hold onto for long and it's a little brittle on the outside, but solid enough in its core that swinging it at the ghowl cracks and splinters the outer layer of old bark. They're surrounded by enough jagged rocks to finish the job, albeit somewhat messily, although it seems disoriented enough that Angel hesitates.
He opts to take another swing at its head to at least try to knock it out. If they were thinking of supper he'd rather not dash that all over the rocks.
USJ ; (& minus the headpiece in the linked image)
At the risk of startling, the woman remains mute for the moment.
Body snatchers
[As the two of them wrestle, there's a loud and solid thunk as Ray swings his pipe wrench down onto the thing's head. It might not be enough to take care of it entirely, but at least it might give Din a chance to get some damage in of his own.]