futurologists: (Default)
Hathaway. ([personal profile] futurologists) wrote in [community profile] thirstology2018-04-01 12:05 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME

FANTASTIC MR. FOX


Welcome to Azeria, a small single-biome planet covered almost entirely by deep, mossy forests. The natives of Azeria, a sapient foxlike species called Vulphytes, have reached out to Hathaway for help in repelling a planetary invasion. Other Vulphyte tribes have sent word of dangerous aliens descending in silver machines and laying waste to the forest, killing and capturing Vulphytes and animals in their wake.

Hathaway analysts have calculated that the Merging is to blame for this sudden invasion; before, these two nearly identical universes didn't see each other, but now that they are one, these strangers are suddenly planetary neighbors. The aliens, seeing a new planet, must be searching for colonization prospects, while the Vulphytes are helpless against their spacefaring weaponry.
FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS.
After the freshly-recruited volunteers (i.e., newbies) are welcomed into Hathaway and given time to prepare on the spaceship Headquarters, they are sent via controlled interdimensional rift to the planet Azeria. On arrival, their magitek device announces the parameters of the mission: protect the Vulphytes and drive back the invaders.

FOR OPHELIA VETERANS.
Those who have already completed Mission: Hanabira are welcome to continue their leave aboard Headquarters, with Imogen sending them a message about an elective mission opportunity. Ophelia members who are interested need only head to the rifting pad on the upper deck, and they will be brought to the planet Azeria to assist the new recruits on their first mission.
On greeting the Hathaway agents, the Vulphytes will initially be very awkward and surprised, or as awkward and surprised as sapient foxes can appear. The Vulphytes speak telepathically, and eventually a spokesfox explains the cause of their discomfort: the invading aliens are humans, just like most of you.

PROMPTS

Your mission is simple: protect the Vulphytes, forests, and native animals from the invading humans. It's not necessary to kill all the invaders (unless you want to), simply keep them from taking the planet for their own and do a good enough job to persuade them never to come back. Of course, the invaders are a bit... forceful in their methods, so it's up to you.


ONE PREPARATIONS.
The Vulphytes live in a cluster of burrows which are unfortunately not large enough for anything human-sized to visit, but the presence of non-aggressive aliens (that's you!) is enough to get the majority of them to pop out and curiously observe. The Vulphytes are variably black, grey, or red, with fur transitioning to moss along their backs; animals you might see in the forest, including deer, rabbits, and owls, have a similarly moss-covered look.

The Vulphytes will take awhile to warm up to anyone who is human (or those who visibly look human), their telepathic tones suspicious as they ask questions about their loyalties, where they're from, and what their homeworlds are like. Those who are clearly not human will receive a much warmer reception, the Vulphytes asking curious questions and the Vulphyte kits trailing behind in fuzzy little rows.

When the invaders' silver machines -- spaceships -- become visible in the sky, through breaks in the tree canopy, the Vulphytes look skyward and begin to howl. It's a pre-battle ritual, one of them explains, and characters are invited to join in: howl to the sky, to your enemies, and get ready to fight.

TWO THE INVASION.
The silver spaceships of the invaders crash down through the trees, sending animals fleeing in all directions. The Vulphytes stay put, snarling in the direction of the noise and waiting for the invaders to come to them. If you'd like, you can rush forward and head them off -- or stay and fight alongside the foxes.

Just as the Vulphytes claimed, the invaders are human. They are dressed in armored space suits, the visors on their helmets obscuring their faces and reflecting the forest all around. Their weapons are various types of laser guns, though a few are holding axes that have laser blades, which they use to start chopping down trees as their compatriots march toward the Vulphyte dens.

The invaders are surprised to see people here, but they're not interested in talking: they open fire on anyone they see, not recognizing any of the recruits as their people and thus pegging them immediately as enemies. Though they're aggressive, they're not suicidal; if a single invader encounters too much violence or are outnumbered, they'll run back to their compatriots for reinforcements, so it's best to dispatch them quickly (or prevent them for running for help in some other way).

Once the invaders reach the Vulphyte dens, the foxes fight viciously, swarming individuals in a flurry of claws and snarling teeth. Kill the invaders or simply give them enough trouble to make them retreat for good, it's up to you. But either way, look after your furry/mossy hosts; despite their telepathic way of communication, the Vulphytes don't possess any magical abilities, so they'll need to be looked after in the face of laser weapons.

THREE BABYSITTER'S CLUB.
The baby Vulphytes are in the greatest amount of danger from the invading humans, being entirely unable to defend themselves and uncertain of what's actually going on. Hathaway has been tasked with rescuing them from their dens and whisking them away to safer areas away from the fighting where they can be cared for until the fighting is over. The only problem is that baby Vulphytes are... well, babies.

They're quite upset by all the ruckus, yowling in a way that resembles crying, and aren't exactly happy to be taken away by strangers they don't know. In fact, some of them might try to make a great escape, so you'd better be quick! Those who make it to a safe area will need consoling and, once that's done, entertainment. They'll also need their caretakers to make sure no invaders sneak up on them -- since some are hidden in the woods. It's a big job, but you can handle it, right?

FOUR VICTORY CELEBRATIONS.
Once the invaders are finally chased off, everyone gathers together to celebrate. The Vulphytes bow (as well as a fox can) as the team enters and apologize for their uncertainty before; they see now that many of you are nothing like the aliens who threatened them, despite your similar looks. They'd like you all to stay and celebrate, if you have time.

The celebrations are... a bit different than most might be used to; it's definitely not a human party. There are games with handmade balls of packed moss, which the Vulphytes seem to love. In fact, they go crazy for Fetch, a game they were never introduced to before due to their tragic lack of opposable thumbs. They "sing" for the team in howls, a rare example of adults not communicating telepathically.

As for the team, they receive a congratulatory message from Imogen on their magitek suggesting they take the rest of the celebration to meet and greet with the unfamiliar faces. There won't be much time to do so back at Headquarters, I'm afraid, she adds. Drakstaden awaits, darlings!

FIVE CHIT-CHAT.
It's your standard network option. Make battle plans, chat about how cute the foxes are, or share good hiding places. No matter what, you get one username to identify you and one only -- if you don't enter one, it will default to your real name (for example, Voldemort's would be tomriddle.) Choose wisely... or make it assfarts69, if that's your thing. More information on the jewelcomms can be found on the devices guide.

SIX WILDCARD.
Do whatever the heck you want! Go pick wildflowers. Climb a tree. Hunt animals. Loot innocent fox dens, you monster. The world is your oyster.


OOC NOTES

Welcome to the second test drive meme of Futurology Season 2! This test drive will function as an optional mini-mission for both new and current characters, similar in feel to the missions we have in-game but on a much smaller scale. Threads on this test drive are game canon by default unless one of the participants would like to retcon it. Current characters may use TDM threads for non-!plot AC proofs.

Both test drivers and current characters are welcome to top level! While current characters are allowed to tag other current characters, we ask that you please make an effort to be welcoming to test drivers as well!

Since incoming characters currently don't have official specializations, we have no specialized prompts. However, feel free to play as if your character is level 1 of whichever specialization you would like to choose.

Questions about the game in general can be directed to the FAQ.

If you've been with us before, you might notice things look a little different around here. Make sure you check out the welcome page for the basic rundown of how your character joined up with Hathaway. For further information about the game, the full navigation has all the links you'll need.

Upcoming Events (Futurology runs on timezone UTC):
  • 01 April: Reserves open.
  • 07 April: Open apps begin. Apps for new characters will close when all slots are filled or on 15 April.
  • 08 April: The dossier for the next mission, Drakstaden, is released.
  • 12 April: Welcome/CR Meme.
  • 15 April: Mission: Drakstaden begins. Apps close.
tropism: (pic#9530734)

giorno giovanna / jjba: vento aureo

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-01 01:41 am (UTC)(link)
INVASION/HEALING.

[ some of the adult vulphytes are coming back with injuries; giorno, clicking his tongue, is quick to move to their side. looking to another volunteer, he tells them - ]

Hey, can you cover me?

[ not waiting for an answer, he starts a process of healing the animal, shushing it as it makes pained sounds while its bones were put back into place, wounds covered by the earth which turns into their 'skin'. he's only all too relieved that his stand abilities still work as they used to.

when he's done that, giorno glances around the ruckus and murmurs, ]
They don't really know how to fight, and that's a shame. If you see any that's injured, bring them to me.



BABYSITTER'S CLUB.

[ the baby vulphytes have been frolicking around and howling at the sounds of battle and giorno is trying to herd them into their dens. he's holding a rather feisty one in his hands, however, and he's trying not to let the others go, but - ]

Ah - no - get back here!

[ mossbabies tumble out of the dens in a frantic howl, looking for its parents. as giorno tries to soothe the one in his hands, his stand will move beyond him to contain more of the vulphytes. if your character's not careful they'll be faced, suddenly, with a giant tree blocking their way, its branches spreading right across to deter any of the baby vulphytes from leaving. ]



WILDCARD.

[ hit him up. ]
cyberware: supposed to be a thriller, supposed to end in tears (life was supposed to be a film)

babysitter's club!

[personal profile] cyberware 2018-04-01 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
[ Actually, Vanadi isn't very keen on participating in this fight at all, let alone covering anyone. He'd been keeping close to the burrows, hoping that any fighting there would be nothing short of unavoidable and urgent, and he's not very happy that it's come to just that. He, armed with one little cheap defense pistol, is feeling quite underdressed for the occasion. ]

No, I — 

[ But this human, whoever he is, is already at ... whatever he's doing. Vanadi grits his teeth and drops to lean from his cover of a boulder, placing a few well-aimed shots to dissuade anyone from taking advantage of the distraction. He doesn't glance over until Giorno speaks again, and then looks surprised to see the little fox intact. He'd been quite sure that one wouldn't make it. ]

What did you do?

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-01 02:38 am (UTC)(link)
Helped it. I'm a walking hospital, it seems.

[ he glances at the elf's - elf? yes, upon closer inspection, if his books haven't lied to him he'd say that's an elf - pistol, and purses his lips into a thin line. ]

However, that's not an excuse to test the limits of your mortal frame, so don't get excited.
cyberware: (where's my unhappy ending gone)

[personal profile] cyberware 2018-04-01 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ He doesn't at all understand what's just happened. He doesn't see any medical tools, not any kind of tools at all. Giorno is favored with a suspicious study for a few long seconds before he flicks his attention back out toward the still largely unseen attackers. ]

Don't you worry yourself on that count. [ He likes to think he's very good at self-preservation, thanks. ] But considering their weapons seem to be teeth, against lasers, I imagine you'll be seeing quite a few patients today.

[ And determined as Vanadi may be to not make himself one of them, a laser blast at the edge of his cover, a little too close for comfort (no injury, but it does have him flinching back and leave him brushing rock chips from his shaggy hair), seems intent on proving him wrong. ]

Are you armed?

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-01 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ he shrugs. ] Let them come. They have a right to defend their home to whatever they lengths they choose to go to; I'm only here to help.

And I'm armed. [ or as armed as he'll ever be. curiously he doesn't do anything more than to slip his hands into his pockets as he eyes the horizon, scans for their allies. ] We should get going.
cyberware: oh... it's your face (was supposed to end in tears)

[personal profile] cyberware 2018-04-01 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
[ Seeing absolutely no evidence to back this claim, Vanadi's doubtful consideration of the young man goes nowhere. Had he not just seen an example of some kind of ability at work he'd be wondering what he was doing in a warzone like this at all. ]

Going? [ His eyebrows arch upward, and doesn't appreciate the suggestion in the slightest. He's growing attached to this covering rock, and isn't keen on the idea of leaving it behind. ] To where? Let them come, as you said. It was an excellent idea.
tropism: (pic#10360055)

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-01 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
They won't know if they can't find me. Staying in one place makes us an easier target as well.

[ he gives the elf a judgmental glance. that body, and the lack of a fight - he can drag him, if need be. ] Stop cowering behind that rock.

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papilionoidea: (12)

invasion

[personal profile] papilionoidea 2018-04-01 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
Y'know you are way too young to be bossing people around. [despite this jolyne's clearly all about the plan, unravelling some of her arm, enough to let a string dangle from a nearby tree. the purpose is sound, she can hear through it so having some range and height helps.

it definitely gives her the heads up to one of those fuckers making it over, which she deals with, loudly and violently. giorno's probably too busy to see the spectacle but it ends with her yelling after the guy:]
Yeah, you better get your sorry ass out of here! Fucking Jesus, this is some Cruella D'Ville shit.

[she returns, and gives giorno a thumbs up for his work.] Yeah, I'll keep an eye out. [then she's going to sort of stare at the kid because.....

well, something about him seemed familiar? maybe?

she has her birthmark perfectly visible but giorno's only got a boob window like a good boy.]
tropism: (pic#9530726)

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-01 03:22 am (UTC)(link)
Do something nice, maybe I won't have to boss you around then.

[ the vulphyte is released, good as new. it disappears into the bushes not long after, and giorno dusts off his hands. ]

They smell like the earth.

[ he glances at her body, curiously. ] Your powers are interesting. Does it hurt when you do that?
papilionoidea: (10)

[personal profile] papilionoidea 2018-04-01 03:31 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, I watched your back, didn't I? [she makes a very mature face at him before lifting her arm, letting the surface unravel. the string smells faintly like soap.]

No, not unless the string's cut. I'm still getting used to people even being able to see it. [she regards him again for a few moments, long enough it seemed important] I love your hair.

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-01 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, that's ridiculous. It's part of you, isn't it? The string I mean. [ giorno makes a face. ] If it breaks, can you still reattach it?

And thank you. I'm proud of it. Yours is quite excellent as well. [ though not as good as his. ] I take a lot of care -

[ he's about to regale her with his routine when several more of the foxes are dragged into the clearing. ] - well, we'll talk more about it later.
papilionoidea: (2)

[personal profile] papilionoidea 2018-04-01 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
Yup, it's all me, only if I was string I guess. Stands are fucking stupid. [she lets the string reform into her arm, not expecting giorno to know what a stand is and boy, that's always fun to try to explain. like she fucking had any idea, thanks jotaro.

she is more than ready to get into a very deep Hair Conversation when more of their fox buds get pulled in and she goes serious.]
Yeah, make sure they're ok. I've got your back, kid. If you need a hand in the meantime let me know.

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-01 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
Is that what it is? [ he reaches for a small vulphyte in his hands, and starts patching its wounds with gold experience's stand bullshit. ] So I suppose that old proverb - about Stand users always meeting each other - still applies even when we're not in Earth. How curious.

[ he releases the younger vulphite, and it hops out of his lap easily. he motions for the next patient to come - ] There you go. Next in line, please.

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whiteknightling: (explain even if ill forget)

Invasion

[personal profile] whiteknightling 2018-04-01 07:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, thanks! [Zaratras turned at the hip, watching for Giorno so that the young man could keep in cover and treat the injured Vulphyte. He could hear the shriek of lasers striking trees around them, though none had actually come in their immediate direction.

So, Zaratras didn't need to strike anyone down but he could tell it would ruin Giorno's treatment if he had to heal their companion and look out at the same time.]


I've gotten a few to safety but I need to focus to repel their weapons. Young man, do you want to follow behind me? I can defend you and any stragglers who can't move out of danger themselves.
tropism: (pic#9530734)

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-02 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
That's fine.

[ as soon as the vulphyte is healed in his hands, he takes it with him, shushing it in his arms and tries to tell it that they're taking it to safety. ]

They have dens littered in the forest ... we can take this one to whatever's the closest we can find.
whiteknightling: (i can be serious)

[personal profile] whiteknightling 2018-04-02 09:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank goodness. [Zaratras leveled a sigh before forcing a smile on. He wouldn't let pessimism drive him very long, especially when Giorno managed to radiate calm confidence. It was heartening to see him comfort someone who was injured, his chest swelling up with a modicum of pride in his comrades.

He turned the wheel on his smile though as more rifle-toting invaders poured in through the brush. Zaratras hefted his shield and sword, leveling a morose look toward them.]


Ah, of course. Are you ready?
tropism: (pic#10532679)

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-03 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
I am. Let's go.

[ the creature raises its long neck, looking through the forest, and lets them know - telepathically - the general direction as to where the closest den is. somewhere over the copse of trees, near a river. but the path towards it might've been trampled and ruined by now because of the invaders. ]

[ to zaratras - ] The name is Giorno. Despite everything else, I'm glad to see you.
whiteknightling: (commercial)

[personal profile] whiteknightling 2018-04-03 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[Zaratras nodded in response to the vulphyte offering them directions, his eyes scanning the brush and tree-lines, looking for anyone bearing down on them with weapons. The invaders had been dressed fairly similarly, so he assumed it wouldn't be too problematic to spot them if they were coming.]

I'm Zaratras--you could say I feel the same.

[He offered the younger man a smile, his shield hefted at the ready.]

Though, I'm used to it. Battlefields tend to be where you learn of the best and worst of people.
tropism: (pic#10532679)

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-07 04:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ giorno smiles rather sardonically. ] What's that, something that adults say to children, for them to 'learn in the future'? Sounds like a bad habit, Zaratras.

[ he'll pay attention to anyone or anything coming from behind them as they move. ] In the end, a field is just a field. When you say you learn the best and worst of people here, that's just like making a home out of it where leaving is always difficult. Don't be like that.
opensup: (57)

babysitters club

[personal profile] opensup 2018-04-02 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ he hasn't been bothering to work the effort into shepherding the vulphytes himself. the ones he has charged himself with taking care of were quickly dealt with at the beginning with a simple written command: 'will not leave the den.' quick and easy, he has tasked himself with helping others instead since they're falling behind. like the young blond man, who he met once at the end of hanibara. wasn't he transferred? does it matter at the moment? not particularly.

he sees the young thing scamper away and quickly runs to get in its way, aggressively flaunting his larger stature (of about 5'9), but is quickly taken aback when the tree suddenly forms out of the ground and from the thin of air at the same time. he's forced into taking a few steps back and very nearly stumbles down a slightly steep hill, digging his heels into the ground to avoid the tumble.
]

Hey, watch it! Other people are here too you know!
tropism: (pic#9530726)

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-02 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
Just testing your reflexes.

[ neener neener. he glances at rohan to make sure that he's not injured or dying; having been satisfied at his state, he returns to herding the vulphytes back to a corner. he's making conversation with them bordering on conspiratory in hushed tones: i know the other guy is mean, but I'm not, so you guys should listen ... if you do, we'll play a little game .... ]
opensup: (51)

[personal profile] opensup 2018-04-03 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he carefully steps his way up the steep incline and walks back to giorno and the rest of the babies, but only catches the last bit of giorno's whispering. what a brat. why must he work with children to guard children? it's demeaning. ]

We're co-workers in case you've forgotten. Think of others around you, brat.
tropism: (pic#10538116)

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-07 04:24 am (UTC)(link)
I am thinking of you, sir. [ very politely: ] In fact, I am thinking of you very intimately.

[ good lord. anyway one of the kits get excited and decides to play fetch, shyly reaching for a stick that giorno teases it with a few tries. he gets the little group stirring, until three of them calmed down and wanted to play; then giorno tosses the stick over to rohan. ] Catch.
opensup: (49)

[personal profile] opensup 2018-04-10 02:55 am (UTC)(link)
What does that-

[ but as he objects the stick is thrown, and rohan does actually catch it. good hand-eye coordination is important for an artist of any craft. it isn't so good if you want to avoid a pack of tiny little deer children running up to you, bouncing around, trying to get the stick out of your hand. ]

Heel, heel! [ but they don't understand him, obviously. ] You have it!

[ and he tosses the stick right back to giorno, and the children follow along. ]
tropism: (pic#9530725)

[personal profile] tropism 2018-04-10 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
They're not pets, you know. 'Heel' won't make them listen.

[ the stick is caught; giorno waves it a bit among the kits, laughing with childish glee as they try to reach for it; he plays a little game of letting them bite on it before he withdraws the stick firmly and tosses it back to rohan. ]

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