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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.
back to navigation
no subject
She'd been leading the way to the domes, walking a couple paces ahead of him with some skip in her step, but his question prompts her to turn on her heel so she's facing him, moving backwards with just as much ease. Is this a real thing, or is he just pulling her leg? He looks so serious so it's hard to tell, but she plays along anyway.]
Mine, without a doubt!
[Her answer comes immediately without hesitation. Did he honestly think she would say his? He's a boy, and he probably gets smelly feet after a long day of walking! She thinks, anyway. She doesn't actually know.]
Is that a tried and true lesson for life as a SOLDIER?
[She's taught him everything about living on the ground floor of Midgar, so is it her turn to learn about what it was like for him? Sounds... not so glamourous.]
no subject
[ Not that smell would be an issue once the boot comes out of boiling water, but it is hard to picture it as something that can be eaten, even if it's clean. ]
It's true, but not tried. [ It's also kind of not true. While edible, the leather in shoes isn't digestible... this dumb blond is actually thinking of rawhide. ] It's just something I heard from the guys back then. They...
[ ...who exactly did he hear it from? He touches his forehead, feeling some slight pain all of a sudden, although he doesn't show it. Thankfully, it goes away as quick as it surfaced, and he keeps his eyes on the way ahead of them. ]
...nevermind. We should be ready for anything once we're inside. Our Materia doesn't seem to be working, so we'll be fighting at a disadvantage if it comes down to it.
no subject
Instead of that, she tries to maintain the lightheartedness he'd initiated earlier as they finally approach the doors of the round structures where she stops.]
We'll be fine! I haven't seen anything dangerous around here yet, unless that place is filled with... what were they called? Jellyfish bunnies.
[ dear god ]
It looks kinda neat, doesn't it? Like a big shopping centre! Maybe we'll find some food stalls, or some restaurants. Or a few shops?
no subject
[ Captain Optimism here. Although, he's not without hope either. Just because it's abandoned, it wouldn't mean there's nothing to eat in it, provided any other looters didn't already beat them to it.
Yes, he's prepared to loot this building.
Thankfully, there are no jellyrabbits inside! The bad news? There's not much worth looting either, not at first glance anyway. That's not to say there's nothing of interest either. If he had to guess, this is some kind of simulation centre, because as realistic as the ceiling looks, he knows what a real starry night should look like. ]
Been a while... [ He says more to himself than anything. ] You still think we'll find any shops in here?
no subject
When she draws her attention back to the rest of the atrium, she gives it a once-over before commenting on it.]
It's definitely, uh... welcoming? [If not a little too bare for her tastes and not what she was expecting at all, but not all hope is lost!] Don't know if we'll find what we're looking for, but might as well explore a bit. We've got some options.
[She points to the dirt paths heading into the other domes surrounding this one, selecting the one to the right – the one that will take them to the mountainous environment – and leads on, shooting a glimpse over her shoulder to Cloud to make sure he follows close behind.]
no subject
Just be careful, okay?
[ His steps quicken so he's walking at the same speed as her now, right next to her and ready for... well, anything that could happen. ]
I'm not sure how much of this is a simulation and what is real.
no subject
[She doesn't think this is a simulation, but if it is, then it's a pretty damn good one. And if anything were to jump out at them, real or not, she's confident that they'd be able to take care of it. They've fought off worse things than whatever a mountainous terrain can throw at them.
Besides, the landscape is far too beautiful to not take it in and enjoy it to its fullest, with its lush trees, waterfalls, and the sparkling pool that waits for them down below, at the end of the steps carved into the mountainside. That's where she stops at last, hesitating.
... Okay, maybe this part is a little dangerous. If one of them were to slip and fall, they could easily break their backs on the rocks. Or worse, they could end up in the spring of water.]
I'll go first. Let's try not to slip, alright?
no subject
She's right, though, he's a trained SOLDIER now, and he knows that she's not as helpless either. Still, he's tense and ready to act the moment something goes wrong. He can't help that part of himself. Promise or not, he's not worth anything if he can't keep her safe. ]
Well... I trust you more than Barret or Aerith. Just take your time and don't look down.
no subject
Her arms stretch out on either side of her to keep herself balanced as she leads their descent to the water below, and she does wobble a little about halfway down where the coats of water are still wet and fresh on the stone. She manages, but the rest of the climb is more nerve-wracking...
And when she finally reaches the bottom, Tifa spins, beaming, and holds her hands up at Cloud so he can grab them if he needs.]
See? That wasn't so bad.
[... If they ignore the fact that she almost slipped back there!]
no subject
At the end of it, he rolls forward and stands up perfectly in front of her, carefully attaching the blade to his back again. ]
Nothing to it.
[ Except for the part where their noses almost touch when he stands up, not quite realizing how close they were. Quickly, he turns his attention elsewhere again, focusing on the water instead. ]
How do you feel about seafood? We might find some fish in there.
no subject
She's laughing when his face is suddenly in front of hers, and it falls away, eyes going wide as she stands, frozen, hands out with fingers splayed across his chest as if stopping him from coming any closer. Quickly, Tifa takes a step back to give him room and looks out to the water, happy to go along with steering their focus elsewhere.]
I could go for just about anything right now. Maybe we can catch some and bring them back to the bar!
[Walking up to it, she examines the surface as it comes and goes in small waves, almost coming up to splash at her shoes. The spring is clear, and from the waterfall on the other side, there's a mist that coats it. The water is blue, like his eyes, and she can't help but stare, watching as her reflection ripples across it.
Eventually, she'll snap herself out of it and lower herself to kneel with her toes right at the edge.]
I've never been fishing before.