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seasonsgreetings2023-04-14 10:33 am
seasonsmods) wrote in seasonsgreetings2023-04-14 10:33 am
Entry tags:
Test Drive Meme #2
Test Drive Meme #2
LOGS | NETWORK | OOC | MEMES | NAVIGATION
You arrive in an unknown space, dressed in white clothes (player choice what kind of clothes, as long as they cover everything). Whatever was happening to you before no longer happens. It's like everything was put on a pause and you were transferred away from the situation without you realizing it happened.
The space that you find yourself in is one of these four options:
An empty landscape filled with snow and ice, almost like a blank canvas.
A field with cherry blossom trees and spring flowers.
A sunny beach near an ocean that seems never ending.
A quiet forest with falling autumn leaves.
All of the spaces seem to continue endlessly. No matter where or how far you walk it almost seems like you're not moving at all. There are no animals here - just those who happened to wake up there at the same time, in the same place. Everyone is wearing the same kind of plain, white clothes.
Despite the possible rollercoaster of emotions you might be feeling, the place somehow feels familiar. Like somehow you belong there.
And it looks like you're not alone.
After half an hour has passed the surroundings change as everyone is teleported into a room with all the other new arrivals, no matter what space they woke up in. It's a large place with plenty of seats to sit in and beverages to enjoy. Medical attention is offered to those who need it and the doctors here are very prepared for any challenging situations.
Here, in this room, everyone gets an answer to where they are and why. A hologram of a man appears at the center of the room, waiting to be heard. He brings a message on behalf of the leaders of Ellipsa.
The Message [ Click to Expand ]
Hello, my name is Olwen. I'm one of the leaders of Ellipsa as it currently is. I'm also one of the four who summoned you here.
Our world is in trouble and we need your help. I apologize for tearing you away from your world and forcing you to come here but I hope you understand. The magic we used doesn't let us ask in advance, nor does it let us choose who we bring here.
This world is composed of four Seasonal Segments. All of them represent one of the seasons. They were the places we used to get our resources from, but now they're dangerous places no one should go into unless they have the power to fight back. All of them have their own sets of powerful monsters and natural catastrophes.
We used to have plenty of people here who could control the powers of the four Seasons. We called them Seasonal Power Holders. Unfortunately, due to a tragedy you can read about later, we lost almost all of them. Now only four of us remain and the world is in chaos. We have done our best to protect the world, but we need more power holders to do that.
That's where you come in.
All of you have been assigned to one of the seasons. Whatever space you were in just now is what season you represent. You will learn different skills based on the season and those skills are going to help you save this world.
These powers don't interfere with your own natural powers. They use a new energy that has formed inside of you. It's harmless to your health, but it's vital to your seasonal powers. Your own powers should still work, even if the dark energy outside the city might interfere with them.
Unfortunately bringing you here wasn't as simple as it sounds. We couldn't do anything about how to keep you anchored to this world other than making a simple spell that helps with it. That is, you need to touch someone else who is not from this world ideally at least once a day. It will help you stay in control of your powers and boost your magical energy. If you don't, the consequences aren't very good. But as long as you hold someone's hand or give someone a handshake, you should be fine.
That's all I have to say about the situation. The staff of the Research Center will give you more information about housing and other necessary things. I will, however, promise that you will be sent home once the situation becomes better. That's the least we can do.
The hologram can be viewed in private in a separate room later, should someone wish to look at it again. For now, the staff of the Research Center hands everyone their new smartphones with their small flower lucky charms (the flower is anything the player decides). They're also told that the building next door is where everyone can find a room assigned to them with some of their belongings there and possibly even any animal companions. Those concerned about their mount-sizes companions are welcomed to the stables downstairs to see if their friends are there. The mounts are allowed to stay there until you find a place more suitable for them.
Once you get your smartphone and necessary information, you're urged to go out and find your apartment. After that whatever you want to do is up to you.
Part 3
The building next door is where everyone can find their new apartments. As you enter, you're told by a friendly native that for the first two months you can live anywhere rent-free and five meals a day are paid for you. After that they get a monthly payment that helps with some of their living expenses, but otherwise they have to have a job to support themselves.
All of the apartments are comfortable, two bedroom apartments with all necessary utilities. They are also completely soundproof. Sometimes the magic system, however, does glitch and you might find yourself rooming with a stranger. This is not the intention and the staff will immediately prepare you your own room if you ask them. But maybe having a roommate isn't all that bad?
Once you get your smartphone and necessary information, you're urged to go out and find your apartment. After that whatever you want to do is up to you.
The building next door is where everyone can find their new apartments. As you enter, you're told by a friendly native that for the first two months you can live anywhere rent-free and five meals a day are paid for you. After that they get a monthly payment that helps with some of their living expenses, but otherwise they have to have a job to support themselves.
All of the apartments are comfortable, two bedroom apartments with all necessary utilities. They are also completely soundproof. Sometimes the magic system, however, does glitch and you might find yourself rooming with a stranger. This is not the intention and the staff will immediately prepare you your own room if you ask them. But maybe having a roommate isn't all that bad?
April is the time for a strange weather effect that affects all of the districts, save for the one in the middle and Frostreign. It's not weird that it rains, but it's what the rain does that has been dubbed as the Rain of Affection.
Anyone who stands in the rain will feel the need to get close to someone. It starts with a need to gently touch someone gently, but can escalate into needing to hug someone. The ultimate craving of the rain is kissing in the rain but that's the most it can make happen. It's a very Safe For Work Rain Effect.
After a successful kiss in the rain, the cravings slowly become less urgent, but the effect can start all over again at any given time.
Of course, there are individuals who don't get too affected by the rain (at all or not as badly) and it only works if it directly hits someone. So staying in a shelter or being in Nightwake Center or Frostreign is definitely a way to avoid this whole phenomenon. Even avoiding the worst of the effect is easy by just going under a shelter or purchasing a nice, maybe even a color changing, umbrella.
It's raining very often until the end of the month at different times in each districts.
After the rain, a rainbow usually appears. Rainbows formed by the Rain of Affection are special, wish granting ones. The natives will explain that if you hold someone's hands and make a wish that wish will come true in some capacity.
Someone wishing for wealth may win a gift card for a shop while someone wishing to see a loved one they're missing may get pictures sent to their mobile devices (how? magic). Those wishing for world peace may find their very presence be calming to others. But the biggest prize is a free regain of a non-magical item or an animal companion. If someone asks for a magical item it will come as a non-magical item and the magical part of it would have to be purchased by a magical-regain, so it's cheaper to just not.
Be careful what you wish for, as each character only gets one wish, no matter how many rainbows they end up seeing during the rainy season.
Solarpeak has a new way of battling against the hot summer days (you know, when it isn't raining). Many shops along the streets sell ice cream mochis of varying flavors. You have your very normal flavors like different berries, fruit and chocolate, but also some very excotic and weird ones.
There's even a flavor called random mystery that is literally that. A randomized flavor that is a mystery to all. It can even be a flavor that no one has thought of before or even something that definitely should not be in any kind of food. Anyone who buys a pack of two mochis will get a free mystery one if they want it (and sometimes even if they don't).
Other districts also have some treats out for different climates. There are various flavors of hot cocoa in places like Amberfall and Frostreign, and nice light treats like macarons in Blossomcrown. Of course various restaurants have their own menus that fit their own season, so you could definitely have a gourmet journey all over the city of Nightwake if you wished.
One morning, on all of the bridges leading outside into the segments, round gates appear. They're portals that bring in monsters. They look normal from the outside looking in, like portals to a lovely garden. But the gardens are the problem as they are infested with different monsters, waiting to attack the city. This isn't the first time natives have seen these portals and before they had people to deal with them, but now? They need otherworlders.
All of the monsters inside need to be defeated for the portal to disappear. No one knows exactly how many there are, but with the defeat of the last one, the portal will disappear from around anyone inside of it, leaving the characters on the bridge.
The portal can be entered from both the city and the segment side and it looks flat when looked from sideways. Like it's just a random 2D structure in the middle of the world.
Those who explore the portal further will notice that they will loop around. It's very similar to the place they started in, back when they arrived, as it doesn't seem to have an end, no matter how you explore the place.
For noncombatants, natives have set up stations to help with first aid and making food for the fighters so they can occasionally come back from the portals to take a much needed rest.
Anyone helping with the fight, either in the portals or outside, will receive a hefty 5000 Moon Coin reward for their hard work. A good way to earn some starting funds!
Monster List [ Click to Expand ]
All of the Monsters listed here will be in all of the portals and there will be several of each to fight.The danger level is indicated with Stars. The lowest level threat is 0 while the highest is 10. From 7 and above, the likelihood of a beast going for a kill increases significantly.
| Name | Description | Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Bubblefish | Bubblefish are lumbering, two-legged creatures, with fins for arms, a long, muscular, finned tail, and a big fish face. They are fast, dangerous predators while in water, but do not count them out while on land, as regardless of whether they are above water or below it, they can blow large bubbles which capture their targets. Once inside the stretchy bubble, victims begin to go numb, their body feeling like it's on pins and needles as the Dragonfish begins to cast various debuffs on them. The bubbles are tough to escape despite their appearance, but the debuffs are lesser when shared, and can be escaped with the propper application of mint or minty treats! Mint has the effect of weakening the bubble to allow it to pop, although you may then find yourself being charged as the Bubblefish goes wild trying to get that minty goodness. | 5-8 |
| Bugboars | These are really more like rhinocerous beetles, but they are the size of wild boars, and they act similarly, roaming about in family groups together, rooting through the ground to unearth any edible material. They are highly territorial, and charge at anything or anyone who gets close. Their eyesight might be poor, but they make up for it with their antennae and the fact that these massive beetles do have wings, and they possess enough control over wind to lift themselves off of the ground at great speeds, or send powerful gales at those who come too close to their young. | 6 |
| Crockodile | Crocodiles with elemental powers of earth, leading to them being able to travel through dirt and stone as if they were water, these large reptiles often hide beneath the earth with only their eyes and nostrils peeking out, resembling the stone they hide within. They are ambush predators, popping out of the ground, large stony jaws open to crush their prey, but even once dragged out of hiding they are hardly easy to defeat. These crocks are stony in appearance and their hide is just as hard to pierce. In addition, they're a little closer to the size of a small car than your average crocodile. | 6-9 |
| Flurry Flock | White birds acting like a swarm that may deceive you into thinking they are harmless doves at first. Upon closer inspection, they more closely resemble a vengeful murder of crows with pure white feathers that they can use to reflect light so brilliantly that one can be blinded, leaving the flock's victim open to attack as they descend upon their prey like a group of voracious piranhas, claws and beaks as cold as ice as they try to tear their foes apart | 3-6 |
| Lavapotamus | These large hippo-creatures seem to be either made of or covered in molten rock that hardens over time when in the air. Usually they prefer to soak in lava and be left alone. Pulled through portals in an environment far too cool for their liking and with people so nearby has them aggressive and dangerous, charging down anyone who gets too near and leaving a red-hot trail of lava in their wake. | 3-8 |
| Minosaur | This creature seems to be a horrific mash of other creatures, similar to a traditional chimera; it possesses the body and horns of a bull, a head like a Tyrannosaurus, the plates of a stegosaurus all the way down it's powerful back and becoming spikes as they trail down it's tail, which ends in a very angry snake head. There is no end of this creature's body which is not hard, sharp, and completely pissed off. If you manage not to get bitten or gored at it's head, you will still need to contend with the powerful hooved legs attempting to stomp down on you, and take care to dodge as the snake head on it's tail spits fire. | 8-10 |
Even after the defeat of the Portals, there's still a lot of things to do! All of the Guilds are open. There's a good training space outside of them to test our powers and computers where you can learn all about what kind of powers you can unlock.
All guilds also have the same Questboard open! Why not take a look and see what adventures await?
- Ask your questions related to the TDM here.
- The TDM is available only to friends of the mods and their friends. If you're not a friend of the mods and want to play in the TDM, please leave a note here to inform us who invited you over. We will get to you as soon as possible!
- Feel free to visit the EMP/ATP - meme!
- New characters can add TDM on their subject line to indicate they're new! They can also comment HERE to promote their new top levels.
- Test Drive is open for current characters to make a top level as well.
- Current characters cannot access the starting area again to meet new arrivals. They can, however, be at the Research Center when the newbies are teleported in.
- The TDM is game canon so anything in the TDM can happen for your character(s) in the game as well.
- Smut is not allowed on the TDM. You can play situations leading to it, but if the thread is turning into smut, please move it to a private space such a post in your character's journal, or a locked post in the game's log community if you decide to app!
- Check Locations: City to find more areas to explore inside the city. Every place in the districts are open. Similarly, Locations: Segments is useful for outdoors adventures.
- You can find monsters to encounter on Beastiary.
- FAQ has information on characters' smartphones as well as general things about the world that might be handy.
no subject
I don't care which.
[Usually he'd take notice of the fact that he just exposed Rosen to the same rain that got him into this state, but he's not really paying attention to anything outside his need right now. He pulls him down into a kiss... yeah, okay, it's one with tongue. He's been dealing with these increasing urges for way too long!]
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The kiss catches him a little by surprise, especially since he didn’t think Hijikata would take initiative. While the man doesn’t seem passive in the least, Rosen didn’t really expect to be kissed with such fervor. Is Hijikata really that hot and bothered? Seems that way. He lets out a soft hum as Hijikata kisses him, idly chasing the subtle taste of nicotine on his lips. Honestly, Hijikata needs to stop smoking so much. Rosen probably tastes a little spicy with the faint hint of strawberries and alcohol. It was free cocktail night at the local bar and he’s been drinking his weight in spicy strawberry margaritas all evening.
He slides his tongue across Hijikata’s, allowing the man to kiss him however he sees fit. That is until he suddenly bites the man’s tongue in a rebellious streak. It’s not a harsh bite but more like a little nip to remind him who’s in charge here. Rosen might be an easygoing fellow but he’s not going to let anyone take advantage of his good graces. That’s why he bites Hijikata before suddenly kissing passionately with every intention of stealing his breath away.]
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Of course he's not thinking about all that right now; he's just dealing with the kiss. That strawberry flavour sends a flash of annoyance through him - why strawberry, of all things; it reminds him of that annoying odd jobs guy from home with his goddamned sweet tooth -, and the sudden bite only makes him draw back to sharply bite Rosen's lower lip is retaliation. Who said Rosen was in charge?! Hijikata started this! He doesn't even know how not to be in charge, at least not with another man! But when Rosen pulls him back in to deepen the kiss he does start running out of air faster than he expected... he'll need to catch his breath shortly, but he doesn't want to be the first to pull back, so he cheats by grabbing Rosen's hair - whether it's open or in a ponytail - and attempting to pull him back from their lip-locking.]
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He chuckles when Hijikata bites him in return, a little turned on by this feisty little man. While Rosen does indeed tower over Hijikata, it seems that the former Shinsengumi is determined to control the kiss. This won’t do, not in Rosen’s opinion. He playfully flicks his tongue against Hijikata’s kiss-bruised lips before attempting to wrangle control from him again. However, the plan goes awry the second Hijikata starts tugging on his hair. Yeah, his long white hair is pulled back into a ponytail today but it’s loosely braided. He was tempted to wear his hair up because of the rain but couldn’t find anything to keep it in place. Therefore, he braided half way before venturing out for a day of mischief. Sadly, that means Hijikata has more than enough to hold onto as he yanks him back.
Rosen lets out a breathless chuckle, clearly amused that this proud samurai would resort to hair pulling. He gives Hijikata a toothy grin as he snaps his teeth at him.]
What now, big shot? [He mocks.] You started this shit, so finish it.
no subject
...
I'm at work.
[Yes, he's really going to pull this after accosting Rosen.]
Pick your umbrella up, and let me under it too. We've got to stay out of this rain. Walk me to the cornershop; I'll buy myself one, regulations be damned.
[He can't work like this!! He already has so many strikes against him in Harrison's eyes; he can't afford to get side-tracked in such an incriminating manner!]
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[Wait a minute. That's not Hijikata's regular uniform--Oh! He really is on the clock isn't he? Rosen can't help but laugh once he realizes. He was so overwhelmed by the urge to kiss this magnificent bastard that he didn't even notice the clothes. Hijikata really is on the bloody clock, isn't he? He can't help but chuckle as he leans down to fetch his poor forgotten umbrella.
It's a really nice umbrella, too. Completely black on the outside but red on the inside with a beautiful oak handle. The umbrella ironically matches the sleek black and red raincoat he's wearing. Black on the outside and red on the inside. Don't ask how much any of this shit cost.]
Barking orders at me, are you? [He scoffs as he holds the umbrella up over their heads.] Who do you think you are?
My master?
[He rolls his eyes as he walks along with this fussy police officer.]
You're lucky I like you cause those who are fae-touched are known to be quite cruel.
no subject
Why, are you looking for a master?
no subject
Nevertheless, Rosen can’t help but smirk a little at the sassy retort. He expected nothing less from Hijikata but if he thinks that smug little quip is going to shut him up, then he has another thing coming.]
Maybe but we both know you can’t handle me, little man.
[Shots fired! Critical damage.]
no subject
[Of course he isn't going to turn into a Heroic Spirit, because that'd be copyright infringement... unless they just claim it to be a parody, as usual. Regardless, it certainly isn't going to happen here on Ellipsa, his previous death proved as much!
As they arrive at the little shop he sees an opportunity to get out of this whole messy situation - he likes Rosen, he really does, but even verbal interactions with him always feel like a duel of who's wittier and faster and more sharp-tongued, and Hijikata really doesn't want to lose to him. He already lost their actual battle, and while there was no shame in that - it was a good fight, a fair fight - he's determined to hold his own against this cocky Arkana. (In short: Rosen is right, and Hijikata knows it on some level, but he'll be damned if he admits it.)]
Do you need anything? Otherwise I'll see you around!
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[Well, that’s the weirdest flex he has ever heard. That wins a curious glance from the tall Irishman as they enter the shop. Rosen has yet to meet any of these “Heroic Spirits” but if he did, he would probably fold one or two of them. He’s the Arkana of Vainglory, after all. He’s pretty damn hard to defeat even the most skilled combatant.
Blame it on both the alcohol and the faeries.
He glances around the store briefly, his gaze lingering on a box of unmentionables meant for bed room activities. A sly grin spreads across his lips as he snatches a pack of condoms off the rack. Might as well use protection, right? Right. By the time Hijikata is ready to leave, he tosses the condoms on the counter and stares directly at him.]
Who the hell says we’re parting ways?
[Rosen gives him a playful wink.]
no subject
I-- I'm at work. I told you.
[He adjusts his hat again (this sure is becoming a nervous habit fast...). When the cashier calls him up he pays for his umbrella and steps right outside, but Rosen will still find him there a few moments later, umbrella open and ready to head back to his station. Outright running off would have been just too pathetic!]
Listen, have fun, whatever you're up to, but I've got to finish my shift. The traffic won't regulate itself.
no subject
That’s why he buys the condoms with his own money before dashing off after Hijikata with a laugh. The store clerk didn’t give a damn in the very least but they did peek over the top of their newspaper after the pair rushed outside.]
But who cares about work?! [He doesn’t even bother to use his umbrella as he steps out into the rain.] Yeah, sure—you might need the money but don’t you need a good lay first?
[Rosen asks before reaching out and suddenly shoving Hijikata up against the nearest wall. It’s a little jarring since he added a bit more force than necessary but he makes up for it by crushing his lips against Hijikata’s again. Yeah, he’s feeling the effects of the rain again but he lowkey likes it.]
C’mon~! Live a little–
[He kisses him one more time before pulling away to nibble on his ear. Yep, he’s really trying to convince him now. He tongues the outer rim of Hijiaka’s ear slowly before eventually nibbling on his earlobe with his teeth. Meanwhile, Rosen keeps his hands busy by slowly sliding his hands under Hijikata’s shirt.]
/slaps an NSFW warning here just in case
OmegasIrises who'd entrust themselves to him, and they certainly didn't take this approach to it!!He wants to snap back at that remark - tell Rosen to use his goddamn umbrella, and demand to know who the hell he is to presume what he needs -, but before he can get a word out he's pushed against the wall and kissed more forcefully than he anticipated, and it doesn't end there. He lets out a low growl and tries to push Rosen away from his ear by the neck, and not to gently.]
Rosen-- damn it--
[Take control of the situation, Toshirou!! But honestly, how the hell is he supposed to do that?! Summoning a ring of fire as a warning would only draw attention from anyone in the vicinity, and he doesn't need that - he's a policeman on duty doing something he really shouldn't be doing, and at the same time it's not so bad that he needs help! Besides Rosen can't be impressed with fire, not even a little.
He inhales to simply yell in his face and try to cow him, but then he feels Rosen's hands slide under his rain poncho, uniform, and shirt, and his breath hitches in his throat. Shit. Honestly, it's been a long time since he's done anything like this... he jolts a little as Rosen touches a sensitive spot, immediately growls again, aggravated at himself, grabs Rosen's hair, and yanks his head back this time.]
Cut it the hell out, you moron!! "Live a little", my ass; I'm--
[Another hitched breath. Why is this happening to him???]
Die!!
[Congratulations, Rosen, now he's talking to you like he talks to his best and oldest friends back home!]
/smart move~
You’re gonna go back to work sportin’ a fuckin’ hard-on?!
[He laughs as he purposely brushes his hand over the officer’s crotch. Yep, that’s a boner! Poor Hijikata is probably at half-mast already and all they’ve done is a little bit of kissing and fondling. How cute. Rosen needs to take responsibility for that, doesn’t he? He’s quite aware of how sexy his kisses can be at times. Rosenkrantz is a menace in every aspect of the word.]
How can you direct traffic while locked and loaded?
[Rosen teases as he continues to fondle him through his slacks. Yeah, this is bad. So far no one has noticed them here fooling around. Granted, there’s not too many people roaming around. However, they can still be seen off the side of the road there by any onlookers strolling around.]
What’s a matter, officer? Need a little bit of assistance there?
no subject
He suppresses a groan as Rosen strokes and fondles him through his uniform trousers... this asshole!! He's just a sadist, isn't he?! He just wants to see him squirm! But then he seems to enjoy pain (even much, much worse pain than some hair-pulling, if his arena fights are anything to go by) just as much. Hijikata didn't know people could swing both ways this hard on the S/M divide.]
Please-- not here--
[He hates himself for including that "please", but he needs this madman to listen!! If even just one person sees them like this, chances are the rumours may make their way to Harrison, and that's a conversation Hijikata really doesn't want to have with his boss!! Regardless, he regrets the half-formed request as soon as it's spoken, because honestly, the one thing he wants even less than being seen making out with Rosen in public is ending up at one of their apartments, or a love hotel, or some other private space. He can't even fully grasp why that would be worse, but he just knows.]
no subject