thirstology | TEST DRIVE MEME

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test drive meme

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

INVASION

[For D, there's always a code. He never fights unless he's attacked first, and, in that case, it doesn't matter who or what you are. Man or woman. Monster or human.

They fired the first shots.

D can hear the humming charge of the guns beginning before the colonizing aliens even have a chance to squeeze the trigger fully. He doesn't wait for them to fire at you, and he doesn't wait to see if you can dodge it.

He comes in like a shadow, swathed from head to toe in black--fast. The pale face and pale fingers the only indication he isn't merely a shadow. The sword is as quick as lightning and bites just as bad; the gun explodes once it's split in half down the center, and the other backfires when its barrel is shaved off the front.

The two aliens, now weaponless, turn and run, but three more mount forward to take their place. The two with the guns won't be nearly as skilled as the one with the axe. Not to him.] Go back, and you will live.

[They decide to fire.]

KITSITTING

[The kits D scooped up and rushed to safety are mostly rambunctious and a handful. He sits on the curved slope of a tree trunk, listening through the fog, and the cloak draping down behind turns out to be quite the plaything for curious mossy foxes.

Two of them spend ample time trying to swat it from the ground.

When you barrel in with more kits, D doesn't move from his perch. His dark eyes slide over to acknowledge you from beneath thick lashes and a brimmed hat. Slowly, finally turns his head.]

There's a den by the tree.

CELEBRATIONS

[Sadly, D is your typical shady-looking wallflower. Parties aren't his forte, and he spends as much time as possible along the edges, silent, as inconspicuous as a six-foot-three, looming pitch of humanoid can.

Though polite, he doesn't make any effort to play or speak with the foxes. Even when one of their balls rolls against his boot, all he does is step back to make room for them to retrieve it.

But it's easier to see him better here than in the woods, rushing after alien colonizers. His eyes are dark, yet strangely luminous when they catch anyone else's, and he's not shy about staring despite the fact he doesn't engage. He's gorgeous by any standard, skin pale and unmarked, lashes to envy, hair too perfect. A solid wedge right between masculine and feminine, and if not for the obvious stature of his body, some people may very well mistake him for a woman.

He doesn't appear to mind any looking. It's easy to turn away and move on, and he won't stop unless someone calls out to him.]

If you don't want to kill, I'm willing to make traps.

[ in contrast, Loki is dressed loudly: ostentatious green jacked lined with fur, a golden diadem in the fashion of horns, and green scale mail that makes him look like some kind of legless lizard. he approaches at an uncaring stroll. ]

The mortals have a saying for this: take a picture, it'll last longer.

i[ t's said with such casual sass that it doesn't even sound like the aggressive comeback in the context that it's usually used. Loki looks smugly pleased about it, anyway. ]

[Luckily, peacocking is something D has dealt with frequently with Nobility. They do love their fashion and their architecture.

But this man doesn't feel very much like a Noble, "the mortals" or not. Curiously, D pauses long enough to again let his eyes linger clinically on Loki. Everything else he can see without pointedly looking: build, stance, clothing. What he really stares at is the face, the eyes.

He takes the sassy idiom with a hilariously ample volume of not giving a fuck.] You say mortal, but you're not a vampire. [It's an observation, open-ended to see if Loki will humor him with clarification.]

[ there's an air of uncaring to him, much like he'd drop a distasteful joke without a second thought. when D stares at him, Loki stares back without any sense of tact. ]

Do you think vampires are the only ones in the multiverse who aren't mortal?

[ there's a hint of light-hearted challenge in his tone, along with a cadence that makes it sound better than it is. ]

I don't turn into a bat, either.

There could be others. [Many of the Frontier's mutants were also "immortal," or at least had good longevity. He doesn't think Loki is really X-Men material. Sorry.] What can you turn into?

There are others.

[ Loki says flippantly with a wide little gesture of his hand. ]

Now—usually those questions don't come until after the introductions. You don't know my name, and you're already asking what I can turn into?

[While D doesn't appear to be bothered much by the initial rejection, he does offer:]

My name is D.

[He may not get a name back, he realizes; however, the fact of the matter is he was polite enough to extend the introduction on his end.]

Like the letter.

[ he says with some interest. ]

I'm L. [ a dramatic pause. ] As in Loki.

[ there's a little smile that tugs on his lips, satisfied with his own private jape. ]

Just D. [It could be just the letter. It could stand for something. Dhampir. Dracula.

Maybe his name was Daniel or Drake. You don't know him, Loki.] Sorry to disappoint you.

[As if to say, he is aware of Loki's probing sass.]

[Somewhere, Alucard lies in the middle; he makes few attempts to hide his noble flavored upbringing. Where his softness can be attributed to his mother, the regal presence is certainly from his father. Though he does not partake in the festivities directly, he watches with a certain fondness as others engage with the endearing canine creatures. Almost as if he is a bit tempted to be involved, but makes the decision not to.

What he doesn't expect is... well, D. It's less the physical appearance and more the scent. Distinctly, it is not unlike himself, which is immensely strange because he has never encountered another -- a dhampir, locked in the middle between monsters and humans, never quite mingling with either.

Alucard gives a slight bow of his head in greeting.]

The guild will not look to you unkindly. Most of them are unusually accepting.

[Though he doesn't know what keeps D to the sidelines, Alucard thinks he may understand. He could be wrong; he admittedly knows nothing of this man.]

[If D notices anything peculiar about the approaching blonde, he makes no indication. Simply, he lifts his head, and the brim of the hat moves, allowing him to look more fully at Alucard's face. There's no modesty or hesitation in the stare, but also no irritation. Only curiosity.

For some time, he pulls on Alucard with his strangely clinic gaze, and then, satisfied, he looks away at the rest of the festivities.] Their apprehension would not bother me. [In fact, he understands he has the aptitude to be dangerous. They should be wary of him.

His eyes return to Alucard again, knowingly this time. His voice is genuine:] But your reassurance is appreciated.

Have you been with them for long?

[Briefly, his eyes close and he nods once upon D's more sincere tone. He can understand any potential remaining fears as well, but Alucard does not regret being forthcoming about what he is to them. They should know what they're dealing with, and he does legitimately think he's gained some trust in the process.

He looks up at the question, then gazes out to the celebrations.]

A little over four months now. The last mission was primarily one of negotiations. Diplomacy is a rare gift for most people.

[And difficult with so many with stubborn natures, but in the end it was successful.]

[Even when Alucard looks out over the rest, D's eyes remain on the other dhampir. Four months is only a drop in the bucket for them, he knows, and yet, four months is also a considerable amount of time to spend in one place.

Or rather, with one group of people. Neither of them are exempt from what arises with their nature, and D would be a liar if he said he wasn't still just as curious.]

How did it end?

Better than I'd anticipated.

Civil war was on the brink for Hanabira, but the guild managed to put together a proposal for two empires to keep the peace. I was ... pleasantly surprised.

[Truthfully, Alucard doesn't want to lack faith in people, but he felt that he should be ready for the worst as well.

He was glad to be wrong.]

Such civility is not always a possibility, such in the case here. [Alucard turns his head to face D once again.]

Many who are afraid end up fighting to survive. [Those from Hanabira, the Vulphytes here, humans.

Humans especially.] You prefer diplomacy. [He's watchful. It isn't necessarily a question. His eyes haven't left Alucard's face yet.]

Not many vampires reason with what they consider lesser beings.

[Just to see what Alucard will say.]

[It's a fair observation. There are times in which his heart is still impulsive if it is not carefully guarded, but ultimately he wishes to reach a reasonable consensus.

Alucard frowns a little at the comment about vampires, but he doesn't look particularly offended.]

And all too many vampires think themselves superior to other people. We are all terribly flawed, and no better than the other.

[Whatever D thinks of the answer, he doesn't say, and there's not much that passes across his face for Alucard to study.]

Some would consider us vampires.

[It at least answers Alucard's unasked question.]

D | Vampire Hunter D

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